Abstract: Objective To explore the protective effect of geranium on renal function in a mouse model of sepsis and to elucidate its underlying mechanism. Methods The sepsis of mice model were established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), the protective effects of geranium on renal function of the model mice were evaluated by determination of indexs of the renal impairment, tissue inflammatory and oxidative stress. Results Compared with the model group, the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, urinary protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), retinol-binding protein (RBP) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) in septic mice were significantly lower than those in the model group. Treatment with geranium also reduced interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels in mouse plasma, reduced lethal rate caused by toxicosis, increased serum lipid peroxidase levels and significantly enhanced the ability of the antioxidant defense system by restoring superoxide dismutase. The levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase significantly enhanced the ability of antioxidant defense system and protected renal function during sepsis. Conclusion The application of geranium in sepsis mouse model can effectively protect the renal function of septic mice and provide an effective theoretical basis for the protection of renal function during sepsis.

Key words: Geranium, Sepsis, Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), Renal protection