Fig 1: Immunohistochemical analysis of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and KIM-1 expression after the administration of CP and RA. In (a), dark brown staining represents an increase in the expressions of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and KIM-1 protein as a result of adverse effects of CP in kidney tissue when compared with control group of animals. On the other hand, faint brown color indicates positive anti-inflammatory effect of RA against CP toxicity in CP + RA100 treated group when compared with CP alone group. There was no remarkable change in RA alone treated group of animals when compared with control group of animals. Histograms in (b–e) represent significant differences in the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β and KIM-1 proteins, respectively after CP and RA treatments. The administration of CP caused a significant increase in the expressions of NLRP3 (***p < 0.001) (b), caspase-1 (***p < 0.001) (c), IL-1β (***p < 0.001) (d) and KIM-1 (***p < 0.001) (e) when compared with control group of animals. However, treatment of RA along with CP showed its protection via attenuating these changes significantly in NLRP3 (#p < 0.05), caspase-1 (#p < 0.05), IL-1β (##p < 0.01) and KIM-1 (#p < 0.05) when compared with the CP-treated animals. No significant change was observed in RA only treated animals. Interquartile ranges are shown by a box and the median value is indicated by a line across the box. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis tests (ANOVA on Ranks). Scale bars: 50 μm, original magnification: × 40.