Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sesamol in preventing the progressive renal damage caused by complete unilateral ureter obstruction (CUUO).

Methods: Twenty four Wistar rats were separated into three groups: In the group 1 rats (the sham-control, n = 8), the ureters were exposed and manipulated, but not ligated. In the group 2 rats (CUUO-untreated, n=8), CUOO was accomplished by double-ligating the left ureter using 5-0 silk ties. In the group 3 rats (CUUO -Sesamol treated, n=8), CUOO was created as in the Group 2 rats, also given sesamol daily, commencing on the day of CUUO surgery. The rats’ left kidneys were examined histologically and biochemically within the 8th day

Results: Histopathological total score, apoptotic index and MDA values in the group 2 show a significant increase when compared to the group 1. These values were significantly decreased in the group 3 rats when compared to the group 2 rats. Tissue GPx value in the group 2 show a significant decrease when compared to Sham-control group. However, these values were significantly increased in the group 3 rats when compared to the rats 2. Polymorph nuclear leukocyte infiltration in peritubular areas was observed in group II, with moderate interstitial fibrosis and tubular dilatation. Despite the presence of dilated tubule structures in group III, this group showed less bleeding, leukocyte infiltration, and fibrosis than group II.

Conclusion: The results of this study have shown that CUOO-induced renal damage can be reduced using sesamol, possibly due to its antioxidant properties. The mechanism by which sesamol causes these effects merits further investigation.

Keywords: Complete unilateral ureteral obstruction, renal damage, sesamol, oxidative stress, rat.