Effects of sevoflurane on NF-кB and TNF-α expression in renal ischemia–reperfusion diabetic rats

Background Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is the main reason of acute renal failure. However, inflammatory response and cell apoptosis are important mechanisms implicated in I/R injury. Recent studies indicated that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) are both involved in these mechanisms. Sevoflurane reduces NF-кB and TNF-α expression in rats’ heart and decreases their renal I/R injury. However, few studies are available regarding the effect of sevoflurane on kidney of diabetic rats. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate sevoflurane effect on NF-кB and TNF-α expression in diabetic rats to decrease renal I/R injury. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Group A, non-diabetic rats underwent sham operation; Group B, non-diabetic rats with renal I/R injury; Group C, diabetic rats underwent sham operation; Group D, diabetic rats with renal I/R injury; Group E, diabetic rats with renal I/R injury after sevoflurane pretreatment. Rats of Group E were exposed to 2.5% sevoflurane for 30 min. After 24 h, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), renal cell apoptosis, and NF-кB and TNF-α expression in kidney were assessed. Results Renal cell apoptosis, NF-кB, and TNF-α expression were significantly higher in diabetic rats with renal I/R injury group compared to diabetic rats that underwent sham operation ( P < 0.01). These changes were significantly reduced by sevoflurane ( P < 0.01). Conclusion Sevoflurane exerted a protective effect against renal injury by lowering the expression of NF-кB and TNF-α in renal I/R diabetic rats. Graphical abstract