Reduction of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Liver Side Effects in Rats through Antioxidative Properties of Narigenin

Background & Objective: Pathophysiology of Ischemia/Reperfusion (Isc/R) can cause renal and hepatic damages. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant properties. In the present study, the effects of NAR on the liver after the renal Isc/R procedure were investigated. Materials & Methods: Sixty-four Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. The animals in the control group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Group 2 as the Isc/R group went under the Isc/R procedure. Groups 3, 4, and 5 as the NAR groups received 20, 50, and 100 mg/kg of NAR, respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 were the Isc/R+NAR groups. The NAR was administrated for four consecutive weeks orally. Levels of the expression of p53, Bcl2, and Bax genes were assessed. The histomorphometric features, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory cytokines, and hepatic enzymes were analyzed. Results: We observed that Isc/R increased inflammatory cytokines, NO level, histomorphometric parameters, the expression of p53 and Bax genes, and enzymes, compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, the latter intervention decreased TAC and Bcl2 gene expression significantly (P<0.05), in comparison with the control group. All values significantly (P<0.05) diminished in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups, compared to the Isc/R group. However, the TAC level and Bcl2 were higher in the NAR and NAR+Isc/R groups than the Isc/R group. Conclusion: The NAR could recover the liver damage resulting from Isc/R. This impact could be attributed to the antioxidant effects.