Effects of apelin and leptin on renal functions following renal ischemia/reperfusion: An experimental study

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of apelin and leptin on renal functions following renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). A total of 32 rats were divided into four groups. The control group was not induced with ischemia, but was administered normal saline intraperitoneally. Normal saline, apelin and leptin were administered intraperitoneally to the I/R, ischemia/reperfusion and apelin (I/R+A) and ischemia/reperfusion and leptin (I/R+L) groups, in turn for three days prior to the surgical procedure. Blood and urine samples were obtained after 24 h of reperfusion, and scintigraphic examination was performed. Renal damage was evaluated histopathologically. Urea levels of the I/R+L and I/R+A groups were comparable, but were higher compared to that of the control group. The I/R group had the highest urea levels (control, 27±2; I/R, 120±15; I/R+A, 75±10; I/R+L, 80±11; p<0.001). Creatinine levels were higher in all three ischemic groups compared to the control group. Glomerular filtration rate values of the I/R+A and I/R+L groups were not significantly, but numerically higher compared to that of the I/R group. No pathological damage was observed in any of the animals in the control group. In the I/R group, two animals had moderate and six had severe renal damage, while three had moderate and one had severe renal damage in the I/R+L group. In the I/R+A group, moderate renal damage was found in one animal, while none had severe renal damage. This study demonstrates the functional and histopathological protective effects of leptin and apelin against renal I/R injury.