Hesperitin-Copper(II) Complex Regulates the NLRP3 Pathway and Attenuates Hyperuricemia and Renal Inflammation

Background: Hyperuricaemia (HUA) is a disorder of purine metabolism in the body. We previously synthesized a hesperitin (Hsp)-Cu(II) complex and found that the complex possessed strong uric acid (UA)-reducing activity in vitro. In this study we further explored the complex’s UA-lowering and nephroprotective effects in vivo. Methods: A mouse with HUA was used to investigate the complex’s hypouricemic and nephroprotective effects via biochemical analysis, RT-PCR, and Western blot. Results: Hsp-Cu(II) complex markedly decreased the serum UA level and restored kidney tissue damage to normal in HUA mice. Meanwhile, the complex inhibited liver adenosine deaminase (ADA) and xanthine oxidase (XO) activities to reduce UA synthesis and modulated the protein expression of urate transporters to promote UA excretion. Hsp-Cu(II) treatment significantly suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory in the kidney, reduced the contents of cytokines and inhibited the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory pathway. Conclusions: Hsp-Cu(II) complex reduced serum UA and protected kidneys from renal inflammatory damage and oxidative stress by modulating the NLRP3 pathway. Hsp-Cu(II) complex may be a promising dietary supplement or nutraceutical for the therapy of hyperuricemia.