Silymarin protects the rats against paraquat-induced acute kidney injury via Nrf2

Abstract

Background Paraquat (PQ) poisoning induces severe acute kidney injury and causes extremely high rate of death. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin on PQ-induced acute kidney injury and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods A rat model was established through intraperitoneal injection of PQ. Rats were administrated with saline or silymarin for 3 days. Then, survival rate, physiological parameters, and renal injury score were evaluated. The apoptosis and oxidative stress in kidney tissues were determined through hematoxylin and eosin staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results Silymarin administration could significantly increase the survival rate of PQ-poisoned rats. It was found that silymarin treatment improved renal function, decreased injury score in kidney tissues, and inhibited the apoptosis and oxidative stress in PQ-induced acute kidney injury through the activating the signaling pathway of Nrf2 and promoting its nuclear translocation. Conclusion Silymarin exhibited a protective effect against PQ-induced kidney injury, suggesting that treatment with this flavonoid could be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of acute kidney injury.