Isoflavone and the heme oxygenase system in ischemic acute kidney injury in rats

Ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI) is mediated by reactive oxygen species and inflammatory infiltration, among others. The present study was performed to evaluate the interference of isoflavone in ischemic AKI in rats and to determine whether it was mediated by the heme oxygenase (HO) system. The treatment with dry extract of isoflavone, 8 mg/kg/day, resulted in improved renal function reducing oxidative damage. The use of HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP), 50 μmol/kg, exacerbated the rates of oxidative damage, urinary peroxides, malondialdehyde (MDA), thiols and catalyse activity, whereas an HO inducer, Hemin, 1 mg/100 g body weight, demonstrated a protective effect on renal function, with a reduction in the rates of oxidative damage. Isoflavone showed a promising role in the protection against oxidative renal dysfunction and its role is probably mediated by heme-oxygenase.