Abstract
Background/objectives: Oxidative stress is closely associated with aging. Sesamin, a natural ingredient contained in sesame (Sesamum indicum) seed and oil, has potent anti-oxidative activities in mice and humans, and could increases the bioavailability of α-tocopherol (VE). Kidney is an organ susceptible to aging, and often results in the age-related dysfunction. However, the effect of sesamin on aging kidney is unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify the effects of sesamin or sesamin+VE on age-related kidney dysfunction.
Methods: Twenty-months-old male C57BL/6N were divided into three groups. They were fed CRF-1 diet (old control; OC), CRF-1 containing 0.2% sesamin (SE) or 0.2% sesamin plus 0.2% VE (SE+VE) for five months. Six-months-old mice were fed CRF-1 (young control; YC). Blood and kidney samples were collected and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), histopathological changes and lipofuscin deposition were evaluated. Differential expression of genes related to oxidative stress and inflammation was examined.
Results: BUN level was significantly higher in OC (29.4 ± 3.65 mg/dL) compared to YC (19.1 ± 1.08 mg/dL, p<0.01). SE+VE decreased BUN level compared to OC (p<0.05). Lipofuscin deposition, an age-related change of kidney, was significantly reduced in SE or SE+VE. The gene expressions of NAD(P)H oxidase, chemokine and adhesion molecules were significantly elevated in OC and suppressed in SE or SE+VE compared to OC.
Conclusion: These results suggest that sesamin or sesamin combined with α-tocopherol are protective to age-related kidney dysfunction through its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.