ABSTRACT
To evaluate the possible protective effect of pomegranate extract [PE] on rats following renal ischemia-reperfusion [I/R] injury. Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Sham group underwent laparotomy then waited for 45 minutes without ischemia. I/R group were subjected to left renal ischemia for 45 minutes followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion. I/R + PE group were subjected to the same renal I/R as the I/R group were also given 225 mg/kg PE peroral 30 minutes prior to the ischemia. Malondialdehyde [MDA], total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant status [TOS], and oxidative stress index [OSI] were determined on the blood samples and kidney tissues. Histopathological analyses were conducted on the kidney tissues. Serum TAC levels were significantly decreased in I/R group when compared with S group [P = 0.001]. Serum MDA levels were increased in I/R group; however, it was not statistically significant. In rat kidney tissues, TOS levels and OSI index were significantly increased after I/R injury, while TAC levels were decreased. In I/R + PE group, PE reversed the negative effects of I/R injury. PE pretreatment was effective in decreasing tubular necrosis score. PE pretreatment ameliorated the oxidative damage and histopathological changes occurring following renal I/R injury