Oxygen free radicals in acute renal failure.

Renal ischemia injures the renal tubular cell by disrupting the vital cellular metabolic machinery. Further cell damage is caused by restoration of blood flow when oxygen free radicals are produced. Cellular sources of oxygen free radicals include the electron transport chain, the microsomal electron transport chain, oxidant enzymes (xanthine oxidase, cyclo-oxygenase), phagocytes, and cellular auto-oxidation of Fe2+ and epinephrine. Oxygen radicals cause lipid peroxidation of cell and organelle membranes, disrupting the structural integrity and capacity for cell transport and energy production. Studies in models of acute renal failure have yielded convincing evidence that oxygen free radical production occurs during ischemia/reperfusion. More than a dozen reports have demonstrated the ability of exogenous antioxidants to ameliorate renal injury in vivo. Direct demonstration of increased oxygen free radical production during reoxygenation following hypoxia has been shown in cultured renal epithelial cells. Oxygen free radicals also play a role in toxic acute renal failure. The therapeutic usefulness of free radical scavengers remains to be tested.