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

Picroliv is a potent antioxidant extracted from the roots and rhizome of Picrorhiza 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 various times after reperfusion. Increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic cell number reflected the oxidative damage following renal IRI. Picroliv-pretreated rats exhibited lower lipid peroxidation, improved antioxidant status, and reduced apoptosis, indicating better viability of renal cells. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that picroliv pretreatment attenuated the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the glomerular region. These results suggested that picroliv pretreatment protects rat kidneys from IRI, perhaps by modulation of free radical damage and adhesion molecules.