An insight into the role of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathway in renal ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: Renal ischemia (RI) is a clinical condition that occurs due to marked decrease in renal blood flow. The pathophysiology of RI is interlinked with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, infarction, organ transplantation and sepsis. The mechanism of RI injury depends on various factors such as inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis. In this review, we evaluate the role of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase in modulating the process of ischemic renal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a literature review of articles published on PubMed and Web of Science in English.

RESULTS: RI is characterized by an inflammatory response and oxidative stress, which are further worsened by the metabolites of the arachidonic acid pathway.

CONCLUSIONS: RI results from a vigorous process involving inflammation and some mediators in a multifaceted interaction. Indulgence of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation seems to be major factors which promote the inflammation process during RI.