Adverse effects of bilateral lower limb ischemia-reperfusion on inducing kidney injuries in rats could be ameliorated by platonin

Objectives: Bilateral lower limb ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) could cause significant oxidative stress, elicit inflammatory response, and subsequently induce kidney injury in animals. We tested the effects of platonin, a potent antioxidant, on mitigating the kidney injury induced by lower limb I/R in rats. Methods: Adult male rats were allocated to receive I/R or I/R plus platonin (100 μg/kg intravenous injection immediately after reperfusion), and denoted as the I/R or the I/R-P group, respectively (n = 10 in each group). Sham groups were run simultaneously. Bilateral lower limb I/R was achieved by applying rubber-band tourniquets high around each thigh for 3 hours, followed by reperfusion for 6 hours. After sacrifice, the level of kidney injury was assayed. Results: I/R significantly increased the plasma concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). However, this effect could be mitigated by platonin, as the plasma concentrations of BUN and Cr of the I/R-P group were significantly lower than those of the I/R group. Moreover, histological findings revealed moderate injury in kidney tissues of the I/R group and mild injury in those of the I/R-P group. In addition, the leukocyte infiltration and myeloperoxidase activity in kidney tissues as well as the renal concentrations of inflammatory molecules (i.e., cyclooxygenase-2/prostaglandin E 2, interleukin-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2) and malondialdehyde (i.e., the index of lipid peroxidation) of the I/R group were significantly higher than those of the I/R-P group. Conclusion: Platonin attenuates kidney injury induced by bilateral lower limb I/R in rats.