Kidney Malondialdehyde Levels Research Articles

Efficacy of ethanolic extract of ginger on kidney lipid metabolic profiles in diabetic rats

The present study was carried out to investigate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effect of ginger in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Forty two male wistar rats were divided into seven groups and treatment was given as stated in experimental protocol. The two doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg bw) of ginger on blood glucose levels in diabetic rats were studied and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and tissue lipids like total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and phospholipids (PL) were estimated in the kidney tissue of diabetic rats. The effects were compared with glibenclamide, a reference standard. Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in kidney MDA, TG, TC and PL levels. Treatment with ginger and glibenclamide resulted in a significant diminution of blood glucose levels. Oral administration of ginger for 30 days to diabetic rats decreased the levels of MDA, TC, TG and PL. The decreased lipid peroxides and tissue lipids clearly showed hypolipidemic effect of ginger apart from its antidiabetic property. Our study suggests that phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds present in ginger may play an important role in suppressing the elevated tissue lipids in diabetic rats. Hence, ginger may be useful in the treatment of diabetes.

Glutamine contributes to ameliorate inflammation after renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glutamine in an in vivo rat model of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Male Wistar rats underwent bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 6 h. Glutamine (1.5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) 15 min prior to reperfusion. Plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine, γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured for the assessment of renal function and reperfusion injury. Markers of oxidative stress, expression of the pro-inflammatory mediators inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), AT-1 expression, and changes in the oxidative stress-sensitive nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway were measured to investigate whether glutamine can reduce the renal dysfunction. Kidney myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured for assessment of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell infiltration and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Renal sections were used for histologic grading of renal injury and for immunohistochemical localization of nitrotyrosine and poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase (PARS). In vivo, glutamine significantly reduced the increase in urea, creatinine, γ-GT, AST, produced by renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), suggesting an improvement in both renal function and injury. Glutamine significantly reduced iNOS and NF-κB, kidney MPO activity and MDA levels, indicating a reduction in PMN infiltration and lipid peroxidation, respectively. Glutamine reduced the histological evidence of renal damage associated with I/R and caused a substantial reduction in the staining for nitrotyrosine and PARS, suggesting reduced nitrosative and oxidative stress. Moreover, glutamine attenuated the reduction of COX-2 expression and prevented the increased AT-1 expression after I/R. Our results suggest that glutamine reduces the renal dysfunction and injury associated with I/R of the kidney.

The effect of N-acetyl cysteine on serum glutathione, TNF-α and tissue malondialdehyde levels in the treatment of sepsis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Nacetyl cysteine (NAC) on the levels of reactive oxygen species in sepsis. In this study, 30 Sprague-Dawley female rats weighing 180- 200 g were used. Rats were randomized into three groups, each containing 10 rats, as follows: Group I: Sham, Group II: Sepsis and Group III: Sepsis+NAC. Group I underwent only laparotomy. In Groups II and III, sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) technique. NAC (20 mg/kg/ day) was administered orally to Group III at 0, 8 and 16 hours. At the 24th hour, tissue and blood samples were taken for erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-? levels, histopathological determination, and lung, liver and kidney tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. Group III was significantly different from the other groups with respect to erythrocyte glutathione, serum TNF-? and kidney MDA levels (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding liver MDA levels and histopathological parameters for lung, liver and kidney (p>0.05). NAC treatment had beneficial effects on erythrocyte GSH, serum TNF-?, lung function, and kidney MDA levels in sepsis-induced rats. However, this beneficial effect was not confirmed as histopathological improvement. Further research is needed to prove the effect of NAC in sepsis treatment.

Protective effects of selenium on methimazole nephrotoxicity in adult rats and their offspring

This study aims to investigate the improving effects of selenium on methimazole-induced kidney impairments in adult rats and their pups. The animals were randomly divided into four groups of six each: group I served as control which received standard diet; group II received only methimazole in drinking water as 250 mg/l; group III received both methimazole (250 mg/l, orally) and selenium (0.5 mg/kg of diet); group IV served as a positive control and received selenium (0.5 mg/kg of diet) as sodium selenite (Na 2SeO 3). Treatments were started from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. In the methimazole-treated group, body and absolute kidney weights decreased in pups and their mothers when compared to control. Daily urine volume, plasma creatinine levels were higher, while urinary levels were lower than in control. Besides, antioxidant enzyme activities, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase decreased. Lipid peroxidation recorded an increase revealed by high kidney malondialdehyde levels, while those of plasma and urinary uric acid showed a significant decline. Methimazole-treated rat kidneys exhibited leucocytic infiltrations, vascular congestion and narrowed Bowman's space. Co-administration of selenium through diet improved all the parameters cited above in adult rats and their progeny. Nevertheless, the distorted histoarchitecture in rat kidney was alleviated by selenium treatment. It can then be concluded that selenium is an important protective element that may be used as a dietary supplement against kidney impairments.

Biochemical and Histological Changes in the Kidney of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rats: Effects of Garlic and Ginger Compared to Aspirin

This study was conducted to determine the biochemical and histological efficacies of garlic and ginger in comparison to aspirin in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. One week diabetic rats (blood glucose &gt; 300 mg/dl) were divided into four groups of which three groups were treated for 8 weeks with daily IP doses of fresh extracts of garlic and ginger (500 mg/kg each) or aspirin (10 mg/kg). Kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), catalase (CAT), protein and total antioxidants were measured. The results showed that kidney MDA and LDH levels of diabetic non‐treated rats were significantly increased as compared to both the normal controls and the garlic‐, ginger‐ and aspirin‐treated animals. Total antioxidants levels of untreated diabetic rats were significantly lower than those of both the normal controls and the three treated groups. CAT and protein levels of untreated diabetic rats were significantly decreased as compared to the normal controls and the garlic‐ and ginger‐treated groups. Aspirin‐treated rats were not statistically different from the diabetic non‐treated rats in regard to CAT and protein and from the garlic‐ and ginger‐treated rats with respect to MDA and total antioxidants. Diabetic renal corpuscles showed general distortion, in particular deterioration in capsular membrane and reduction in capsular space. All treatments attenuated the renal corpuscle modulation with more potency exerted by garlic and ginger. Results suggest that the hypoglycaemic effects of garlic and ginger can help in ameliorating diabetic nephrology, and it is concluded that these two herbs can be administered as a supplementary precaution against diabetes.This work was partially supported by the College of Graduate Studies, Kuwait University.

Effect of calcitonin on lipid peroxidation in ovariectomized rats

Calcitonin is one of the active substances which is recently used effectively in osteoporosis treatment. In literature there is no information whether calcitonin cause oxidative stress or not. In this study, subcutaneous calcitonin is applied to rats having experimental postmenopausal osteoporosis and the effects of calcitonin on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system were investigated. Forty-five healthy adult female Swiss albino Wistar rats were used in this study. The rats were divided into three equal groups as control, ovariectomized (Ovx) and ovariectomized+calcitonin (Ovx-CAL). The rats in Ovx and Ovx-CAL were anaesthetized and underwent a bilateral ovariectomy via ventral incision. Ten weeks after ovariectomy, salmon calcitonin (2 IU/kg body weight) was administered via s.c. at a volume of 1 mL per week for 12 weeks to the Ovx-CAL group. At the end of the drug treatment, livers and kidneys of rats were removed and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase (CAT) activities were determined by biochemical analysis methods. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by the post-hoc LSD multiple test. The liver and kidney MDA levels were increased whereas the activity of CAT enzyme was decreased as a result of ovariectomy compared to values in the control group. Similar results were observed in Ovx-CAL group; however, the decline in the CAT activity in the kidney was not significant. In conclusion, we may suggest that calcitonin treatment increases the oxidative stress in osteoporotic rats.

Protective Effect of Royal Jelly and Green Tea Extracts Effect Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice: A Comparative Study

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of royal jelly (RJ) and green tea (GT) extracts on cisplatin (cDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity in adult albino mice. Albino mice were randomly divided into six groups: Group I (control) received a single intraperitoneal injection of isotonic saline (0.02 mL/g), Group II received a single intraperitoneal injection of cDDP (7 mg/kg of body weight), Group III received RJ (100 mg/kg of body weight), Group IV received GT (100 mg/kg of body weight), Group V received RJ (100 mg/kg of body weight) + cDDP (7 mg/kg of body weight), and Group VI received GT (100 mg/kg of body weight) + cDDP (7 mg/kg of body weight). The concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine were evaluated. In addition, kidney samples were taken for determination of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. In addition, histopathological changes in kidneys were investigated. The results indicated that no significant differences in MDA, GSH, BUN, and creatinine levels were observed among the control group and groups treated with RJ alone and GT alone (P > .05). However, there was a significant increase in BUN and creatinine parameters after cDDP application in Groups II, V, and VI. The mice treated with only cDDP exhibited an increase in serum BUN and creatinine levels when compared to Groups V and VI (P < .05). Moreover, cDDP-induced oxidative damage caused a significant decrease in GSH levels and a significant increase in MDA levels in kidneys (P < .05). RJ and GT supplementation attenuated cDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, which was manifested by stopping the elevation in serum creatinine and BUN levels. Moreover, RJ and GT supplementation restored GSH content and MDA production levels in the kidney tissue following cDDP treatment (P < .05). These products were also effective in protecting against cDDP-induced tissue damage in mouse kidneys. In conclusion, 100 mg/kg of body weight doses of RJ and GT provided protection against cDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, and both products can act as protector agents against cDDP-induced kidney damages.

Effect of 3-(1H-Pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-Indazole on the Antioxidant Status of Rats

The influence of injection periods of 3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-indazole regarding vitamins A, E, C, selenium (Se), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in rats has been investigated. The substance was given by subcutaneous injection at 20 mg/kg every other day for a total of 15 injections. At the end of the treatment, Se levels in serum were determined by fluorimetry, and those of vitamins A, E, C, and malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and kidney were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. GSH-Px activities in erythrocytes were determined spectrophotometrically. Vitamins A, E, C, and Se levels were generally lower than in the controls, while GSH-Px activity at the third injection period was maximally increased, with the activities after the other injection periods being higher than in the control group. In addition, vitamins A, E, and C levels were generally lower than the control groups, while serum, liver, and kidney MDA levels gradually increased depending on injection periods. On the other hand, GSH-Px activity was higher than in the control group. Thus, the results show that while vitamins A, E, C, and Se levels decreased, MDA levels and GSH-Px activities increased after administration of 3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-indazole to the rats. These findings might be related to the increased amount of free radicals caused by 3-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-1H-indazole injection.

Toxic effects of lambda-cyhalothrin, a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide, on the rat kidney: Involvement of oxidative stress and protective role of ascorbic acid

Lambda-cyhalothrin is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used worldwide in agriculture, home pest control, protection of foodstuff and disease vector control. The objective of this study was to investigate the propensity of lambda-cyhalothrin (LTC) to induce oxidative stress, changes in biochemical parameters and enzyme activities in the kidney of male rats and its possible attenuation by Vitamin C (vit C). Renal function, histopathology, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO) levels, antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were evaluated. Exposure of rats to lambda-cyhalothrin, during 3 weeks, caused a significant increase in kidney MDA and protein carbonyl levels ( p<0.01) as compared to controls. Co-administration of vitamin C was effective in reducing MDA and PCO levels. The kidney of LTC-treated rats exhibited severe vacuolations, cells infiltration and widened tubular lumen. The activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione- S-transferase (GST) were significantly decreased due to lambda-cyhalothrin exposure. Co-administration of vitamin C ameliorated the increase in enzymatic activities of aminotransferases (AST and ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine and urea levels and improved the antioxidant status. These data indicated the protective role of ascorbic acid against lambda-cyhalothrin-induced nephrotoxicity and suggested a significant contribution of its antioxidant property to these beneficial effects.

Quorum sensing is necessary for the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during urinary tract infection

Quorum sensing is a signaling pathway used by bacteria to monitor their population density by detecting small diffusible molecules. To understand the role of quorum sensing in pathogenesis of urinary tract infections, wild type Pseudomonas aeruginosa, having both functional las and rhl quorum sensing systems, and its isogenic single and double mutants were used in a mouse model of ascending urinary tract infection. Mice were evaluated on the basis of bacteriological and histopathological examinations, detection of acyl homoserine lactone, and the pathologic index factors of renal and bladder tissue. Single as well as double mutant strains were able to reach renal tissue, but they were not able to multiply and cause tissue damage. Reduced rates of infection, mild histopathologic lesions, and decreased production of pathologic index factors like myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, and reactive nitrogen intermediates were found in these groups of mice as compared to mice infected with a standard strain (PAO1) possessing both functional sensing systems. Loss of any one of the quorum-sensing components significantly reduced the in vivo virulence of P. aeruginosa in this mouse model of ascending urinary tract infection. Our results suggests that quorum-sensing signals may act as virulence factors and are essential for P. aeruginosa multiplication and virulence during the course of urinary tract infection.

Kidney Androgen-Regulated Protein Transgenic Mice Show Hypertension and Renal Alterations Mediated by Oxidative Stress

Kidney androgen-regulated protein (KAP), a proximal tubule androgen-regulated gene, codes for a protein of unknown function. To investigate the consequences of KAP overexpression in kidney, we produced KAP transgenic mice and performed microarray expression analyses in kidneys of control and transgenic males. Downregulation of the androgen-sensitive Cyp4A14 monooxygenase gene in KAP transgenic mice prompted us to analyze blood pressure levels, and we observed that transgenic mice were hypertensive. Inhibition of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid synthesis by N-hydroxy-N'-(4-n-butyl-2-methylphenyl) formamidine (HET0016) reduced the increased 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid levels in urine and normalized arterial pressure in transgenic mice, as did the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin. Increased oxidative stress in transgenic mice was demonstrated by (1) enhanced excretion of urinary markers of oxidative stress, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2alpha, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, and thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances; (2) augmented mitochondrial DNA damage and malondialdehyde levels in kidneys; and (3) diminished catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in transgenic kidneys. Mice exhibited renal defects that included focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, proteinuria, glycosuria, and fibrosis. Taken together, these results indicate that KAP expression is critical for cardiovascular-renal homeostasis maintenance and that hypertension is associated with increased oxidative stress. This is the first report showing that overexpression of an androgen-regulated, proximal tubule-specific gene induces hypertension. These observations may shed light on the molecular pathophysiology of gender differences in the prevalence and severity of hypertension and chronic renal disease.

Amelioration of Cyclosporine A‐Induced Renal, Hepatic and Cardiac Damages by Ellagic Acid in Rats*

Treatment with cyclosporine A has significantly improved long-term survival after organ transplantations. Cyclosporine A also causes a dose-related decrease in body functions in experimental animals and human beings. The generation of reactive oxygen species has been implicated in cyclosporine A-induced dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ellagic acid on cyclosporine A-induced alterations in the kidney, liver and heart oxidant/antioxidant system. The control group was treated with placebo and subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml isotonic saline + 0.5 ml slightly alkaline solution for 21 days. The cyclosporine A group received a subcutaneous injection of cyclosporine A (15 mg/kg) + 0.5 ml slightly alkaline solution for 21 days. The ellagic acid group was treated with a subcutaneous injection of 0.5 ml isotonic saline + ellagic acid (10 mg/kg) for 21 days. The cyclosporine A plus ellagic acid group received a subcutaneous injection of cyclosporine A + ellagic acid for 21 days. Ellagic acid and slightly alkaline solution were administered by gavage. The rats were killed at the end of the treatment period. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in kidney, liver and heart tissues. While administration of cyclosporine A increased the MDA levels in kidney, liver and heart tissues, it decreased the GSH, GSH-Px and CAT in these samples when compared to the control group. However, the simultaneously administration of ellagic acid markedly normalized the cyclosporine A-induced liver and heart MDA levels, liver CAT activities and GSH-Px activities of all samples. Cyclosporine A caused marked damages in the histopathological status of kidney, liver and heart tissues, which were partially ameliorated by ellagic acid administration. In conclusion, ellagic acid may be used in combination with cyclosporine A in transplantation treatment to improve the cyclosporine A-induced oxidative stress parameters and other adverse effects.

Influence of N-acetylcysteine on renal toxicity of cadmium in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to prevent cadmium (Cd)-induced renal damage and whether NAC would reverse cadmium damage to the kidney. Fifty adult male rats were divided into five experimental groups: group 1 received tap water for 3 months and 7 days, group 2 received cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) for 3 months, group 3 (NAC cotreatment group) received CdCl(2) and 0.5% NAC in tap water for 3 months, group 4 received CdCl(2) in tap water for 3 months and 3 months later received only tap water for 7 days, and group 5 (NAC posttreatment group) received CdCl(2) in tap water for 3 months and 3 months later received 2% NAC in tap water for 7 days. NAC significantly decreased the elevated kidney malondialdehyde levels, as a marker of lipid peroxidation, in both cotreatment and posttreatment modalities. Cotreatment and posttreatment with NAC significantly increased kidney superoxide dismutase enzyme activity and glutathione level but did not change kidney catalase enzyme activity. NAC decreased fractional excretion of sodium in posttreatment group. Neither Cd nor NAC affected the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Cotreatment and posttreatment with NAC reduced the effects of Cd on proximal tubules. It was found that NAC showed these effects without changing kidney accumulation of cadmium. Exogenously administrated NAC might reduce toxic effects of Cd on the kidney without any reduction in tissue Cd level.

Effect of a number of protein extractors and protein isolated from the fruit of tomato plant Solanaceae at the level of glucose, fat, clotathione and melonadialdehyde in mice with diabetes

This study was included prepare a cold aqueous extract of solanaceae fruit plant. The study also comprised the isolation and study the proteinaceous compounds, seperated by using the gel filtration technique which was isolated two compound A (52251) Dalton and B (6725) Dalton . The effects of these extracts and compounds previously mentioned above were studied on serum glucose , total cholesterol , triglyceride (TG) , low density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( LDL-C ) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( HDL-C ) levels , also glutathione ( GSH ) and malondialdehyde ( MDA ) levels in liver, kidney and heart tissues in diabetic mice- induced alloxan. Extracts were administerated interaperitioneally. After one week from the treatment the results were indicated that the crude aqueous non proteinaceous extract , proteinaceous precipitate and proteinaceous compounds ( A ) and ( B ) which were caused a significat decrease in serum glucose, total cholesterol , TG, LDL-C leves and MDA level in liver , kidney and heart tissues , with an associated significant increase in serum HDL-C level and GSH level in liver , kidney and heart tissues , in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. finally we suggest that most of extracts isolated from fruit plant ( especially compound B ) have anti-diabetic effect in diabetic mice.

STOBADINE PROTECTS RAT KIDNEY AGAINST ISCHAEMIA/REPERFUSION INJURY

1. Ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, one of the main causes of acute renal failure, still needs satisfactory treatment for routine clinical application. Stobadine, a novel synthetic pyridoindole anti-oxidant, has the ability to reduce tissue injury induced by mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species during I/R. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of stobadine on renal I/R injury. 2. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: sham, I/R, stobadine treated and I/R + stobadine treated. Stobadine (2 mg/kg, i.v.) was given intravenously to two groups of rats. The stobadine-treated group was treated with stobadine following sham operation before the abdominal wall was closed, whereas the I/R + stobadine group received stobadine at the beginning of reperfusion. Renal I/R was achieved by occluding the renal arteries bilaterally for 40 min, followed by 6 h reperfusion. Immediately thereafter, blood was drawn and tissue samples were harvested to assess: (i) serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine; (ii) serum and/or tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); (iii) renal morphology; and (iv) immunohistochemical staining for P-selectin. 3. Stobadine was able to significantly attenuate the renal dysfunction as a result of renal I/R injury. Ischaemia-reperfusion resulted in a significant increase in serum and kidney MDA levels and a decrease in serum and kidney GSH. Stobadine treatment at the beginning of reperfusion attenuated both the increased MDA levels and decreased GSH secondary to I/R injury. In addition, the decreased G-6PD activity observed after I/R was significantly attenuated by stobadine treatment. Stobadine did not alter 6-PGD activity after I/R. Neither GR nor GPx activity was significantly changed in the I/R alone or the I/R + stobadine groups compared with the sham group. In addition, stobadine decreased the morphological deterioration and high P-selectin immunoreactivity secondary to renal I/R injury. 4. A pyridoindole anti-oxidant, stobadine exerts a renal protective effect in renal I/R injury, which is probably due to its radical-scavenging and anti-oxidant activities.

Does Anti-Oxidant Prophylaxis with Melatonin Prevent Adverse Outcomes Related to Increased Oxidative Stress Caused by Laparoscopy in Experimental Rat Model?

We hypothesized that prophylaxis with an anti-oxidant should prevent potential adverse outcomes of laparoscopy related to increased oxidative stress in splanchnic organs, including small intestine, liver, and kidneys, and melatonin is the most appropriate agent for this purpose. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 300 to 350 g were allocated randomly into three groups consisting of eight in each as follows: Group I: gasless (control); group II: 15 mmHg intraabdominal pressure (IAP) with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min; group III: 15 mmHg IAP with CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 60 min, and melatonin (10 mg/kg) was administered at two occasions, 5 min before insufflation and immediately before the desufflation. In group II and III, rats left resting for 30 min after abdominal deflation, the small intestine (terminal ileum), liver and kidney examples were excised from same locations. The specimens were also obtained using the same time points in group I rats, comprising the control group. The specimens were immediately placed at -80 degrees C for the malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements. In addition, segments of terminal ileum were taken from the similar places in all of the animals for the histological examinations. Comparisons among the groups revealed that highest mean MDA levels in liver, small intestine and kidney were in the group II, followed by the group III and control group. There was significant difference between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver and kidney of group II and III (P < 0.0005). However, no significant difference was found between mean MDA levels in small intestine, liver, and kidney of the group III and control group. Mucosa and submucosa were affected significantly in 15 mmHg IAP group (no prophylaxis) when compared with the control and melatonin prophylaxis groups (P = 0.002). However, there was not a significant difference in mean damage score of mucosa, submucosa, and muscular layers in control group when compared to melatonin prophylaxis group. This experimental study indicated that melatonin prophylaxis, with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, may have an important role in the prevention of potential complications related to oxidative stress injury on splanchnic organs induced by laparoscopy.

Iloprost for the attenuation of ischaemia/reperfusion injury in a distant organ

The objective of this study was to investigate antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of iloprost in a distant organ after ischaemia reperfusion injury. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups. After application of anesthaesia both hindlimbs were occluded. A 2-h reperfusion procedure was carried out after 60 min of ischemia. Study group (STU) rats (n=10) received 10 microg kg(-1) iloprost in 1 ml of saline from the tail vein 10 min before reperfusion. Control (CON) group rats (n=10) received an equal amount of saline. The rats were sacrificed by injection of a high dose of thiopentone sodium. Blood and tissue samples (right kidneys) were taken for analysis. Differences in malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), Na+-K+ ATPase and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) between the groups were analysed. MPO, MDA and TAC levels in the sera of CON and STU groups were 1.60+/-0.26 U l(-1), 11.42+/-5.23 nmol ml(-1), 8.30 x 10(-2)+/- 3.93 x 10(-2) nmol ml(-1) h(-1) and 1.07+/-0.11 U l(-1), 7.60+/-1.81 nmol ml(-1) and 0.15+/-3.23 x 10(-2) nmol ml(-1) h(-1) (p=0.0001, p=0.043 and p=0.0001 respectively). MPO, ATPase and MDA levels in kidneys for CON and STU groups were 1.24+/-0.58 U g(-1), 85.70+/-52.05 nmol mg(-1), 17.90+/-7.40 nmol ml(-1) and 0.78+/-0.31 U g(-1), 195.90+/-56.13 nmol mg(-1) and 10.10+/-0.99 nmol ml(-1) (p=0.046, p=0.0001 and p=0.009 respectively). When given prior to reperfusion, the positive effect of iloprost in the attenuation of distant organ reperfusion injury has been demonstrated.

Pinealectomy increases oxidant damage in kidney and testis caused by hyperthyroidism in rats

Thyroid hormones regulate energy metabolism and act on mitochondria which are an important source of free radicals in the cell. The pineal gland activates antioxidant systems via melatonin secretion and thus has a protective function in body tissues. The present study was conducted to determine the oxidative damage caused by hyperthyroidism in kidney and testis tissues of pinealectomized rats. Experimental animals were allocated to three groups: 1, control group; 2, sham pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group; and 3, pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group. Hyperthyroidism was induced by A 3-week intraperitoneal administration of thyroxin after sham pinealectomy or pinealectomy. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined in kidney and testis tissues. MDA levels of the kidney and testis tissue in the pinealectomy and hyperthyroidic groups were significantly higher than those in the sham pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group and the control group (p < 0.001). GSH levels of both kidney and testis tissues were significantly higher in the sham-pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group when compared to the other two groups (p < 0.001). This increase in GSH levels was more evident in the pinealectomy-hyperthyroidic group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The results of our study demonstrate that MDA and GSH levels in kidney and testis tissues increased due to hyperthyroidism and that pinealectomy made the increase in MDA levels more apparent, while decreasing GSH levels.

Protective effect of lycopene on gentamicin-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats

A potential therapeutic approach to protect or reverse gentamicin-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity would have more importance for clinical consequences. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the possible protective effects of lycopene against gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of six rats in each one; first group served as control. The other groups were treated intraperitoneally with gentamicin alone (100 mg kg −1 per day) for six successive days, gentamicin for 6 days following 10 days of orally lycopene (4 mg kg −1 per day) pre-treatment and 6-days of simultaneous lycopene and gentamicin. Biochemical and histopathological examinations were utilized for evaluation of the oxidative stress and renal nephrotoxicity. Creatinine, urea, Na + and K + levels in plasma and malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined in kidney tissue. Administration of gentamicin to rats induced a marked renal failure, characterized by a significant increase in plasma creatinine and urea concentrations. The animals treated with gentamicin alone showed a significantly higher kidney MDA and lower GSH-Px and CAT activities but unaffected GSH concentrations when compared with the control group. Pre-treatment with lycopene produced amelioration in biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in plasma. However, little changes were observed in the kidney MDA and GSH levels and GSH-Px and CAT activities when compared with the gentamicin treated group. The histological structures of the renal proximal tubules showed similar patterns. On the other hand, administration of simultaneous lycopene to rats produced amelioration in MDA and GSH levels and GSH-Px and CAT activities when compared with gentamicin group. In addition, simultaneous lycopene was found to reduce the degree of kidney tissue damage in histopathological findings. These results indicate that specially simultaneous treatment of lycopene might have produced amelioration in biochemical indices and oxidative stress parameters against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, but pre-treatments with lycopene had no beneficial effects on these parameters. It was concluded that lycopene as a novel natural antioxidant might have protective effects against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects kidneys against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rats

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis produced by honeybees, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of CAPE on carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced renal damage in rats. A total of 24 animals were divided into three equal groups: the control rats received pure olive oil subcutaneously, rats in the second group were injected with CCl 4 (0.5 ml/kg, s.c. in olive oil) and rats in the third group were injected with CCl 4 (0.5 ml/kg) plus CAPE (10 μmol/kg, i.p.) every other day for one month. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum urea and creatinine levels and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. Histopathological examination of the kidney was also performed using light microscopic methods. It was found that kidney MDA levels were increased significantly following CCl 4 exposure and this increase was significantly inhibited by CAPE treatment, while no significant changes were observed in serum urea and creatinine levels. CCl 4 administration alone also caused histopathologically prominent damage in the kidney compared to the control group. Glomerular and tubular degeneration, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, and vascular congestion in the peritubular blood vessels were observed in the renal cortex. With exception of rare vascular congestions, these histopathological changes were disappeared in rats treated with CCl 4 plus CAPE. In view of the present findings, it is suggested that CAPE protects kidneys against CCl 4 toxicity.