Background: Oxygen-derived free radicals play an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury (IR). Hyperbaric oxygenation (HO) decreases free radical production. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of HO treatment on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.
Methods: Rats were divided into four groups. All groups underwent right nephrectomy. Group I served as the control group; group II had left renal ischemia-reperfusion; group III was pretreated with HO; and group IV, ischemia-reperfusion and HO pretreatment. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured, and histopathologic damage scored.
Results: HO pretreatment significantly decreased tissue MDA levels and histopathologic scores among rats with IR. There was an increased GSH in HO-pretreated rats with IR; however, the difference was not significant.
Conclusion: HO prior to ischemia displayed a beneficial effect on renal IR by reducing oxygen radical peroxidation of lipid membranes.