Oleuropein, a natural extract from olive leaves, protects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury via AMPK-independent regulation of autophagy and apoptosis

Abstract

Although recent studies have indicated the protective actions of oleuropein (OLE), its effect on autophagy under ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) conditions remains unclear. We aimed to assess whether OLE’s action depends on the modulation of AMPK-mediated autophagy and apoptosis pathway in a rat model of renal I/R injury. OLE pretreatment activated autophagy markers through the phosphorylation of AMPK and its downstream target molecules and reduced apoptosis. However, Ara-A had no influence on these actions. Autophagy and apoptosis regulation by OLE were maintained despite AMPK inhibition. These findings suggest that OLE pretreatment reduces kidney injury following I/R, and this effect is related to the activation of autophagy and the inhibition of apoptosis. Importantly, the protective action of OLE is not dependent on the AMPK pathway.