Nephroprotective role of resveratrol in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: a preclinical study in Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a significant contributor to renal dysfunction, acute kidney injury (AKI), and associated morbidity and mortality. Resveratrol, a polyphenol and phytoalexin, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study investigates the nephroprotective potential of resveratrol in a rat model of renal IRI. Materials and methods: Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Sham, IRI, DMSO, and Resveratrol. The Sham group underwent identical procedures without renal pedicle clamping, while the IRI group experienced 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. The DMSO group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia, and the Resveratrol group received 30 mg/kg resveratrol intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia. Biochemical parameters (Urea, creatinine, IL-1β, NF-κβ, SOD, GSH, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: IRI caused a substantial increase in serum creatinine, Urea, IL-1β, NF-κβ, and caspase-3 levels, while simultaneously decreasing SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 levels. Resveratrol treatment mitigated these effects by lowering inflammatory and apoptotic markers, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and improving histological outcomes. Conclusion: Resveratrol demonstrates significant nephroprotective effects in renal IRI, primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.