Dexmedetomidine Pretreatment Attenuates Kidney Injury and Oxidative Stress during Orthotopic Autologous Liver Transplantation in Rats

• Main Authors: Xiaofang Yu, Xinjin Chi, Shan Wu, Yi Jin, Hui Yao, Yiheng Wang, Zhengyuan Xia, Jun Cai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2016-01-01
• Series: Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/4675817

This paper aims to explore whether pretreatment with dexmedetomidine (Dex) has antioxidative and renal protective effects during orthotopic autologous liver transplantation (OALT) and its impact on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into groups that include sham-operated (group S), model (group M), low dose Dex (group D1), high dose Dex (group D2), atipamezole (a nonspecific α2 receptor blocker) + high dose Dex (group B1), ARC239 (a specific α2B/c receptor blocker) + high dose Dex (group B2), and BRL-44408 (a specific α2A receptor blocker) + high dose Dex (group B3). Then histopathologic examination of the kidneys and measurement of renal function, the renal Nrf2 protein expression, and oxidants and antioxidants were performed 8 hours after OALT. We found that pretreatment with Dex activated Nrf2 in glomerular cells and upregulated antioxidants but reduced oxidants (all P<0.01, group D2 versus group M). Atipamezole and BRL-44408, but not ARC239, reversed these protective effects. In conclusion, pretreatment with Dex activates Nrf2 through α2A receptor, increases the antioxidant levels, and attenuates renal injury during OALT.