The Effects of Genistein on Renal Oxidative Stress and Inflammation of Ovariectomized Rats

This study aimed at determining whether an 8-week genistein treatment induced anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress effects in the uterine of Ovariectomized (OVX) Wistar rats.

Three groups were formed including 10 female Wistar rats each: control (sham), ovariectomy group (OVX); OVX + genistein (1 mg/kg, daily SC for eight weeks). The genistein treatment was initiated 10 days after surgery and continued for two months. Renal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase activity, tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α), and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were measured with Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western blot.

Higher amounts of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured in the OVX group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), however, the amount of SOD, GPX, and catalase were significantly lower. The level of MDA, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly lower, and SOD, GPX, and catalase activity were on a higher level in OVX + genistein in comparison with the OVX group (P < 0.05). Also, histological observation showed some abnormality in kidney architecture, which was improved by genistein administration.

Genistein is an appropriate treatment in attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys of ovariectomized rats.