Fasting reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and fibrosis induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Food deprivation protects against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury through unknown mechanisms. In an experimental rat model of acute IR injury, we found that preoperative fasting for 3 days protects rats from tubular damage and renal functional decline by increasing antioxidant protection independently of the NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and by maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function. In addition, further analysis revealed that fasting protects against tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In summary, our results point out to fasting as a robust nutritional intervention to limit oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in early acute kidney injury and also to promote long-term protection against fibrosis.