Alleviation of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion–Induced Injuries by Anti-Inflammatory Attributes of Thyme Essential Oil in Male Rats: A Biochemical and Stereological Study

Abstract

Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) induces kidney tissue damage by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Objectives: This study investigated the protective effects of thyme essential oil (TEO) in mitigating oxidative stress in the kidney tissue using an RIR model. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 8): (1) Sham, (2) IR, (3) IR+TEO, and (4) TEO. The TEO was administered at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg once daily for seven days before IR surgery. Renal ischemia was induced by clamping the kidney pedicle for 45 minutes, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion. Animals were then anesthetized, and serum samples were collected to measure urea and creatinine levels. Biochemical markers in kidney tissue, including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1), were assessed. Histopathological and stereological examinations of kidney tissue were performed. Additionally, the expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and caspase-3 genes were analyzed. Results: Ischemia-reperfusion significantly increased serum urea and creatinine levels, MDA, MPO, inflammatory cytokine expression, caspase-3 gene expression, kidney tissue damage, and necrosis (P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activity significantly declined after IR (P < 0.05). The TEO administration significantly reduced serum urea and creatinine levels, MDA, MPO, IL-6, and TNF-α in damaged kidney tissue compared to the IR group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, TEO significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity compared to the IR group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The TEO exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the RIR model.