Prevention of renal ischemia-reperfusion-induced injury in rats by picroliv

Picroliv is a potent antioxidant extracted from the roots and rhizome of Pi crorhiza kurrooa. It has been shown to impart significant hepatoprotective activities, partly by modulation of free radical-induced lipid peroxidation . Lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species are associated with tissue injury in post-ischemic acute renal failure. The efficacy of picroliv was assessed in an in vivo model of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in rats at a dose of 12 mg/kg orally for 7 days. The animals were killed at va rious times after reperfusion. Increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic c ell number reflected the oxidative damage following renal IRI. Picroliv-pre treated rats exhibited lower lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant statu s, and reduced apoptosis, indicating better viability of renal cells. Immun ohistochemical studies revealed that picroliv pretreatment attenuated the e xpression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the glomerular region. Th ese results suggested that picroliv pretreatment protects rat kidneys from IRI, perhaps by modulation of free radical damage and adhesion molecules. ( C) 2000 Elsevier Science Inc.