The effect of omega 3 fatty acids on apoptotic and antiapoptotic pathways by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat kidneys

The effect of pretreatment with omega 3 fatty acids on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion were evaluated.

Right nephrectomy was completed on 81 male Wistar rats (255-300g). The rats received omega 3 fatty acids (DHA+EPA 200 mg/kg/day) or distilled-water orally for 14 days before ischemia reperfusion(6,24,48 hour reperfusion) (IR) or sham operation. Tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), Bax and Bcl-2 proteins expression, were determined.

Tissue MDA content and Bax expression increased (p<0.05) in IR group.for 6 to 48 hours after ischemia Omega 3 fatty acids decreased tissue MDA levels (p<0.05 vs. IR) increased Bcl-2 After 24 and 48 hours of reperfusion in IR groups the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax significantly increased (p<0.05 vs. sham). In IR group expression of Bax after 24 and 48 hours of reperfusion was significantly more than the expression of this protein after 6 hours of reperfusion (p<0.05). Conversely, in omega 3(200 mg/kg/day)+IR treated rats expression of Bcl-2 protein after 24 and 48 hours was significantly more than the value of 6 hours of reperfusion (p<0.05).

In conclusion, the results suggested that pre-ischemic exposure to omega 3 fatty cids by inhibition of IR induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death could improve the outcome of early graft function.