Protective Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat: Gender‑related Difference

Zinc (Zn) knows as essential microelement which prevents oxidative stress. The effect of Zn supplement on renal function parameters in rats subjected to renal ischemia‑reperfusion (IR) injury was investigated. Male and female rats were subjected to renal IR with and without Zn sulfate (10 mg/kg/day for 5 days) supplementation. The kidney function markers and histology fndings in Zn‑treated group were compared with sham and control groups. The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr) and kidney tissue damage score were increased signifcantly after renal injury (P < 0.05) gender dependently, but no alterations were observed for these markers in Zn‑treated animals after renal IR injury. Cr clearance was signifcantly different between genders (P < 0.05); however, Zn supplementation increased the Cr clearance and kidney nitrite level signifcantly in male rats (P < 0.05). Zn also increased urine flow in female (P < 0.05), but it did not alter urine load of Na (UNaV) and percentage of Na excretion (ENa%). Zn may improve renal function after IR injury gender dependently