Abstract

Background/aim: To determine the roles of hepcidin and its related genes in a renal ischemia/reperfusion model.

Materials and methods: A total of 20 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 2 groups: Group I was the control group and Group II was the ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) group (60 min of  ischemia + 48 h of reperfusion). I/R was performed on the left kidneys of these rats and then the I/R-treated kidneys were removed. The levels of serum biochemical markers were evaluated afer renal I/R. The expression levels of hepcidin-linked genes [growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6 ), and hemojuvelin (HJV )] were also measured by RT-PCR technique. In addition, the tissues were evaluated histopathologically.

Results: No significant association was found between renal dysfunction and I/R when compared to biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). However, differences in platelet values were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Expression levels of GDF-15, BMP6 , and HJV genes increased, but this increase was not statistically significant. In addition, histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stain. This showed a significant relationship between the control group and I/R group for ischemic and nonischemic kidney scoring.

Conclusion: Hepcidin and BMP6, HJV, and GDF-15 should be taken into account when investigating the process of I/R.