Hyperlipidemic nephropathy induced by adriamycin in ovariectomized rats: role of free radicals and effect of 17-beta-estradiol administration

The present study in rats evaluates the effects of the ovariectomy (OVX) with and without the simultaneous administration of 17beta-estradiol (17betaE(2)) on oxidative stress and hyperlipidemic nephropathy induced by a single high dose of adriamycin (AD). OVX enhances oxidative stress and worsens nephropathy induced by AD. These changes are prevented by simultaneous administration of 17betaE(2). OVX alone induced oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia without biochemical evidence of renal dysfunction. Our results revealed that ovarian hormones, especially estrogens, have a protective effect against oxidative stress and nephropathy induced by AD. Since the reactive oxygen species plays a role in the pathogenesis of renal lesion, it is important to emphasize that estrogens and their hydroxylated compounds function as biological antioxidants.