Protective Effects of Phoenixin-14 Administration Against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Phoenixin (PNX), identified in the rat hypothalamus in 2013, has two bioactive isoforms with 14 and 20 amino acids. Initially studied for its role in reproductive regulation, research has since shown that PNX also prevents visceral pain, enhances memory, and aids heart tissue recovery. However, its role in kidney tissue remains unclear. Due to its antioxidant properties, PNX may help reduce oxidative stress and cellular damage in organs. This study was designed to determine the potential protective effects of Phoenixin-14 (PNX-14) against renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury in rats. 40 male Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, I/R, PNX-14 (50 µg/kg), and PNX-14 (100 µg/kg) (n = 10). All groups except the control group underwent 45 min of bilateral ischemia followed by 24 h of reperfusion. PNX-14 (50 and 100 μg/kg, intraperitoneally) was administered 1 h before induction of ischemia. Both doses of PNX-14 reduced the levels of acute kidney injury markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) in blood tissue (p < 0.05). PNX-14 increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and the levels of glutathione, while reducing malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation of the I/R group revealed significant histopathological findings, and it was found that PNX-14 administration improved these histological damages (p < 0.05). These results suggest that PNX-14 provides protection against renal injury induced by I/R. After further studies, PNX-14 may be a new therapeutic strategy to prevent renal I/R injury.