Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) leaf extract prevents the progression of experimental acute kidney injury

Abstract

• Preserved renal function and hemodynamics. • Reduced reactive oxygen species formation and apoptosis within the kidney. • Increased antioxidant enzymes activity and expression, such as SOD and catalase. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is characterized by a rapid and potentially reversible decline in renal function. We hypothesized that Eugenia uniflora (pitanga) may present a protective effect in AKI due to its antioxidant properties. Extract from pitanga leaves (200 mg/kg, gavage) or vehicle was administered to Wistar rats (28 days) prior to AKI induction by 45-minute bilateral renal ischemia. Renal hemodynamic was quantified after 24 h of reperfusion to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular resistance (RVR). Renal production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis, SOD and catalase expression and activity were determined. Treatment with pitanga prevented AKI-induced decrease in GFR and RBF, as well as the rise in RVR. Pitanga also prevented the increased oxidative stress and apoptosis, probably due to a rise in antioxidant enzymes activity and expression. These results demonstrate a protective effect of pitanga extract on AKI development.