Electron donating and withdrawing groups affect the antioxidant activity of 4'-aminochalcones on gentamicin-induced kidney cell injury.

= 5.0 ± 0.7 mmol/L) for 24 h, followed by treatment with 4'-aminochalcones (250-7.81 µM). Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. ROS were quantified by flow cytometry using DCFH-DA, while redox balance was evaluated through glutathione content and superoxide accumulation. The electronic properties of chalcone derivatives were further investigated by density functional theory calculations. The 4'-aminochalcones mitigate GM-induced oxidative stress in renal cells, and their antioxidant and cytoprotective activities are strongly influenced by electronic substituents. Electron-donating groups enhance reactivity, whereas electron-withdrawing groups improve safety, underscoring the importance of structure-effect relationships in the design of chalcone-based nephroprotective agents.