Water extract of earthworms mitigates kidney injury triggered by oxidative stress via activating intrarenal Sirt1/Nrf2 cascade and ameliorating mitochondrial damage

Ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury can result in acute renal failure. Oxidative stress is a major factor in IR-induced cell death in the kidneys. According to traditional Chinese medicine, earthworms (Pheretima aspergillum) can be used to treat various kidney diseases.