Effect of Naringin on Apelin and Nrf-2 expressions in L-NAME hypertensive rats

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Naringin on Apelin and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) expressions in the experimental hypertension model created with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). In the study, 28 adult Spraque-Dawley male rats were randomly selected, 7 in each group, and divided into a total of 4 groups. Control group; 0.5 ml of olive oil was given daily by oral gavage for 14 days. L-NAME group; L-NAME was given by oral gavage together with olive oil at a daily dose of 40 mg/kg/BW for 14 days. L-NAME+NAR group; L-NAME at a daily dose of 40 mg/kg/BW and then Naringin (NAR) at a dose of 80 mg/kg/BW were given by oral gavage together with olive oil for 14 days. NAR group; Naringin was administered by oral gavage together with olive oil at a daily dose of 80 mg/kg/BW for 14 days. A statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of blood pressure values of all rats measured on the 0th, 7th and 14th days of the study (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the systolic blood pressure (SBP) values of the L-NAME group rats compared to the control group. It was determined that there was a significant decrease in SBP values in the L-NAME+NAR group compared to the L-NAME group (p<0.05). While significant histopathological changes were detected in the kidney tissues of L-NAME group rats compared to the control group, these changes were found to be attenuated in the L-NAME+NAR group compared to the L-NAME group. While decreased Apelin receptor (APLNR) and Nrf-2 immunoreactivity was detected in the kidney tissue of L-NAME group rats compared to the control group (p<0.05), increased APLNR and Nrf-2 immunoreactivity was noted in the L-NAME+NAR group compared to the L-NAME group (p<0.05). As a result, it was concluded that Naringin had regulatory effects on Apelin and Nrf-2 immunoreactivities in the experimental hypertension model.