Effects of apocynin on kidney oxidative injury in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Effects of Apocynin on Kidney Oxidative Injury in rats with Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Aim: Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is a well-established experimental model of renal injury. We investigated the protective effect of the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (Apo) on renal damage induced by UUO in rats. Material and Method: A total of 37 rats were assigned into four groups as follows: sham group (n=9); UUO group (n=10); UUO+Apo group (n=10), 25 mg/kg Apo was given intraperitoneal (i.p.) for 14 days; UUO+Solvent group (n=8), solvent was given i.p. same volume with Apo for 14 days after surgery. All groups were sacrificed on the 15th day after surgery. Tissue levels of MDA and GSH, and enzyme activities of SOD, CAT and GPx were measured. Additionally BUN and Cre were measured in blood samples. Results: There was no significant change in Cre and BUN levels because the contralateral kidney was intact in UUO group. In spite of the increase of MDA in kidney tissue; the antioxidant activities of SOD, CAT and GPx enzymes, the amount of GSH decreased in UUO group. By inhibiting NADPH oxidase enzyme, which increases SOR production, following the use of Apo, MDA decreased, SOD and GPx enzyme activities were increased in UUO+Apo group. Conclusions: Apo reduces oxidative stress in kidney tissue due to UUO. Key Words: Apocynin, oxidative stress, ureteral obstruction.