Effects of Flaxseed oil supplementation on renal dysfunction due to ischemia/reperfusion in rat

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment with flaxseed oil (FSO) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injuries in rats. Materials and methods: In this study, 32 Wistar rats were randomly studied in four groups: Co+NS (Control group with normal saline administration), Sh+NS (sham group with normal saline administration), RIR+NS and RIR+FSO. FSO (0.2 ml) was administered orally (gavage) for 14 days (~ 800 mg/kg body weight).&nbsp; Blood samples were collected for the detection of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels.&nbsp; Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in the renal tissue. Tubular damages were examined using histopathological studies. Results: Significantly elevated MDA (P<0.05) and depressed SOD levels (P<0.05) Comparison between RIR+NS group and Control+NS and Sh+NS groups revealed in the condition of RIR. Treatment with FSO, however, significantly lowered the MDA (P<0.05) and enhanced SOD levels (P<0.05) after RIR injury. Histopathological results confirmed the biochemical studies and tubular necrosis score was reduced in the RIR+FSO group. Conclusion: This study therefore suggests that the aqueous flaxseed oil may be useful agents for the prevention of renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR)-induced oxidative injury in rats.