Objective To evaluate the effects of autophagy on oxidative stress induced by contrast media in podocytes.Methods The differentiated mouse podocytes were exposed to contrast media (Iopromide,50 mg/L)、rapamycin (Rap,autophagy enhancer,1 ng/L),3-methyladenine (3-MA,autophagy inhibitor,2 mmol/L) for 2 hours.The expression of autophagy protein LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 as well as oxidative stress-related proteins Catalase,MnSOD were detected by Western blot.The formations of autophagy were observed by MDC staining,and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by CM-H2DCFDA staining.Cell activity was evaluated by CCK8 assay.Results Both the levels of oxidative stress and autophagy in podocytes increased when stimulated by contrast media,the expression of LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1 were enhanced,Catalase and MnSOD were inhibited (all P ＜ 0.05).Rapamycin increased the expression of Catalase,MnSOD and cell activity of podocytes,reduced the generation of ROS (all P ＜ 0.05),but in Rap group,cell activity showed no significant difference (P ＞ 0.05).3-MA decreased the expression of Catalase 、MnSOD and inhibited the cell activity of podocyte,increased the generation of ROS (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Autophagy protects podocyte from contrast media by the means of reducing oxidative stress.