Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment with flaxseed oil (FSO) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) injuries in rats.

Materials and methods: In this study, 32 Wistar rats were randomly studied in four groups: Co+NS (Control group with normal saline administration), Sh+NS (sham group with normal saline administration), RIR+NS and RIR+FSO. FSO (0.2 ml) was administered orally (gavage) for 14 days (~ 800 mg/kg body weight).  Blood samples were collected for the detection of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels.  Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated in the renal tissue. Tubular damages were examined using histopathological studies.

Results: Significantly elevated MDA (P<0.05) and depressed SOD levels (P<0.05) Comparison between RIR+NS group and Control+NS and Sh+NS groups revealed in the condition of RIR. Treatment with FSO, however, significantly lowered the MDA (P<0.05) and enhanced SOD levels (P<0.05) after RIR injury. Histopathological results confirmed the biochemical studies and tubular necrosis score was reduced in the RIR+FSO group.