Effect of beta carotene on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status following renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat

Abstract

Background. The production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species are important factors contributing to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus scavenging of the excess free radicals can be an important therapeutic approach. Beta carotene, a carotenoid pigment has a potent antioxidant property. The present study examined the effect of beta carotene administration on the level of renal content of antioxidants and lipid peroxidation following ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat kidney. Methods. Male adult Wistar rats (250–300 g) were exposed to 45 min of renal ischemia followed by 4 h of reperfusion. Beta carotene (10, 30 and 100 mg kg⁻¹) or vehicle was administered for 5 days prior to ischemia. Renal content of antioxidants and the level of lipid peroxidation were measured after the reperfusion period. Results. Our results showed that ischemia/reperfusion injury increased lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and decreased antioxidant (p < 0.001) in renal tissue. Pre-administration of beta carotene could attenuate these alterations (p < 0.05–p < 0.001), although not at all doses. Since beta carotene administration improved renal lipid peroxidation and antioxidants, it seems that beta carotene protects renal tissue against ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative damage.

Key Words::

• Superoxide dismutase
• catalase
• glutathione
• malondialdehyde
• oxidative stress

Acknowledgement

This study was financially supported by grant number PRC 21 from Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.