Integrin αvβ3, which is selectively targeted by cyclic
arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD)
peptides, is significantly upregulated in
tumors. Previous studies showed that
small interfering RNA (
siRNA) modified with cRGD (cRGD-
siRNA) could significantly inhibit
tumor growth through RNAi with oncogene expression. However, cRGD-
siRNA is partially reabsorbed and trapped in the kidneys, causing renal injury in an unpredictable manner. This study aimed to investigate the influence of
Gelofusine on tubulointerstitial injury induced by cRGD-
siRNA in vitro and in vivo. The effect of
Gelofusine on the distribution of cRGD-
siRNA in
tumor-bearing nude mice and wild-type mice was also explored. We found that
Gelofusine inhibited apoptosis and activation of the innate immune response of human tubular epithelial cells induced by cRGD-
siRNA in vitro. In addition, co-injection of
Gelofusine efficiently reduced renal retention of cRGD-
siRNA without affecting its
tumor targeting in vivo. Further in vivo studies indicated that
Gelofusine significantly attenuated tubulointerstitial injury induced by cRGD-
siRNA through regulating
Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)-mediated activation of the nuclear factor κ B (NF-κB) and
caspase-3 apoptotic pathway. In conclusion,
Gelofusine, acting as a novel and effective renal
protective agent, could form a compound preparation with
siRNA drugs for future clinical applications.