Objective: To investigate the protective effect and the mechanism of baicalein (Bai) in rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI).
Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: sham, IR, and IR+Bai. Bai was administered by tail vein injection (30 mg/kg) 30 min before reperfusion in the IR+Bai group. The IR group and sham group received saline vehicle via the intravenous route.
Results: Rats that underwent RIRI exhibited renal functional impairment, histological changes, significantly increased advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p<0.01), and ICAM-1 and MCP-1 protein and mRNA expression were significantly upregulated (p<0.01). Administration of Bai reduced AOPP and MDA levels, significantly inhibited expression of inflammatory factors (p<0.05), and markedly improved renal function.
Conclusion: Bai promotes the recovery of renal function in established acute RIRI, and alleviates kidney injury in a rat model.
Keywords: Baicalein; inflammatory effects; ischemia–reperfusion injury; kidney injury; oxidative stress.