Zinc mitigates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by modulating oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy

Oxidative stress is a major factor involved in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Exogenous zinc (Zn) was suggested as a potent antioxidant; however, the mechanism by which it strengthens the organ resistance against the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is not yet investigated. The present study aims to determine whether acute zinc chloride (ZnCl2) administration could attenuate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and inflammation after renal I/R. Rats were subjected to either sham operation (Sham group, n=6), or 1hr of bilateral ischemia followed by 2hr of reperfusion (I/R groups, n=6), or they received ZnCl2 orally 24hr and 30min before ischemia (ZnCl2 group, n=6). Rats were subjected to 1hr of bilateral renal ischemia followed by 2hr of reperfusion (I/R group, n=6). Our results showed that ZnCl2 enhances renal function and reduces cytolysis (p<0,05). In addition, it increased significantly the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPX) and the level of GSH in comparison to I/R (p<0,05). Interestingly, ZnCl2 treatment resulted in significant decreased ER stress, as reflected by GRP78, ATF-6,p-eIF-2, XPB-1, and CHOP downregulaion. Rats undergoing ZnCl2 treatment demonstrated a low expression of autophagy parameters (Beclin-1 and LAMP-2), which was correlated with low induction of apoptosis (caspase-9, caspase-3, and p-JNK), and reduction of inflammation (IL-1 ss, IL-6, and MCP-1) (p<0,05). In conclusion, we demonstrated the potential effect of Zn supplementation to modulate ER pathway and autophagic process after I/R.