Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Protective effect of linalool against morphine-induced renal injury: Modulation of oxidative stress and PI3K/AKT/L-FABP signaling pathway

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Shokouh Shayanpour 1, 2
Maryam Radan 1, 3
Khojasteh Hoseinynejad 1, 3
Seyedeh Parisa Navabi 3
Mohsen Khanlari Piraliloo 3
Parastoo Moradi Choghakabodi 4
1 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Chronic Renal Failure Research Center, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Department of Physiology, Persian Gulf Physiology Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4 Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
10.22038/ijbms.2026.94823.20461
Abstract
Objective(s): Opioid misuse and prolonged therapeutic use are increasingly linked to systemic toxicities, including renal dysfunction. Morphine has been shown to induce oxidative stress and disrupt intracellular signaling pathways implicated in kidney injury. Linalool, a naturally occurring monoterpene with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may protect against drug-induced nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the protective effects of linalool against morphine-induced renal injury in rats, focusing on oxidative stress parameters and modulation of the PI3K/AKT/L-FABP signaling pathway.
Materials and Methods: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8/group): Control, Morphine (10 mg/kg, SC), Linalool (50 mg/kg, IP), and Morphine + Linalool. Treatments were administered for three consecutive days using a conditioned place preference protocol to model morphine exposure. Renal function markers, oxidative stress parameters (MDA, SOD, CAT), histopathological alterations, and renal expression of AKT, PI3K, and L-FABP proteins were evaluated.
Results: Morphine administration significantly elevated serum creatinine, urinary injury markers, and lipid peroxidation (MDA), while decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and CAT). Morphine also down-regulated AKT expression and PI3K, and up-regulated FABP in renal tissue. Co-treatment with linalool significantly improved biochemical parameters, attenuated histopathological damage, reduced oxidative stress, suppressed FABP overexpression, and restored AKT and PI3K expression.
Conclusion: Linalool exerts renoprotective effects against morphine-induced injury by reducing oxidative stress and modulating PI3K/AKT/L-FABP signaling. These findings suggest that linalool has therapeutic potential for preventing opioid-associated renal dysfunction.
Keywords
Acute kidney injury
L-FABP
Linalool
Morphine
Oxidative stress
PI3K/AKT
Subjects
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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 19 August 2026