Effects of beta-glucan on protection of young and aged rats from renal ischemia and reperfusion injury

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ischemia reperfusion injury is one of the leading causes of acute renal failure which is a common clinical event leading to development of chronic kidney disease and a high mortality; especially in elderly people. beta-glucans are glucose polymer groups with free-radical scavenger, macrophage activator, and immune defense inducer functions. We designed this study to determine the possible protective effects of beta-glucan against renal ischemia reperfusion injury comparatively in young and aged rats.