Renoprotective effects of ursolic acid on ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury through oxidative stress, inflammation and the inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB activities

Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene compound with low toxicity and easy availability, has a variety of biological activities, including antitumor, antioxidant, anti-hepatitis, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The present study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of ursolic acid on ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (I/R-IAKI) in rats associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as interference with the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3/nuclear factor (NF)-B signaling pathway. The present study demonstrated that pre-treatment with ursolic acid significantly increased renal functioning and attenuated increases of serum angiotensin II levels in rats subjected to I/R-IAKI. In addition, I/R-IAKI-induced inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly reduced by pre-treatment with ursolic acid. Furthermore, ursolic acid significantly suppressed the upregulation of STAT3, NF-B and caspase-3 activities in rats following I/R-IAKI. These results indicated that ursolic acid may be a potential drug for reducing I/R-IAKI through suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress damage, as well as modulation of STAT3 and NF-B activities.