S-allyl cysteine protects against kidney injury induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion in ovariectomized rats

Acute kidney injury secondary to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion is a serious complication driven by oxidative stress and inflammation. Although reperfusion restores oxygenation, it also increases reactive oxygen species generation, worsening renal injury. S-allyl cysteine, a garlic-derived organosulfur compound, exerts antioxidative effects by enhancing endogenous antioxidant defenses. Hence, this study investigates the effects of S-allyl cysteine in ovariectomized rats subjected to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thirty-two female Wistar rats underwent either ovariectomy (n=24) or sham surgery (n=8). After a 3-week recovery, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation followed by 2 h of reperfusion. S-allyl cysteine or propargylglycine was administered via the right carotid artery at reperfusion onset. Kidney tissues were analyzed biochemically and histologically. S-allyl cysteine significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and insignificantly increased both glutathione level and catalase activity in renal tissues. However, no changes were observed in superoxide dismutase activity and hydrogen sulfide levels. Renal histology revealed that S-allyl cysteine preserved renal morphology in ovariectomized rats, likely via reactive oxygen species scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation. This study concludes that S-allyl cysteine attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury in estrogen-deficient rats by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing antioxidant defenses, suggesting potential as a therapeutic supplement to reduce risk of acute kidney injury in menopausal women.