休克期大面积切痂对严重烧伤大鼠细胞免疫功能影响的研究

目的 观察休克期大面积切痂对严重烧伤大鼠细胞免疫功能的影响，探索改善烧伤后机体免疫功能紊乱的有效方法。方法 将大鼠分成休克期切痂组（A组）、常规切痂组（B组）和正常对照组（C组）。A、B组造成30％TBSAⅢ度烫伤，C组不烫伤。A组伤后第6h、B组伤后第4d切痂，并于伤后第1、5、9d各活杀10只，取材送检，观察其免疫指标的变化。结果 （1）A、B组与C组比较：A、B组烫伤大鼠各时相点CD3^＋T细胞变化不大（P〉0．05），但CD4^＋T细胞、CD4^＋／CD8^＋比值明显下降、CD8^＋T细胞增高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。NK细胞活性明显下降（P〈0．05或P〈0.01），外周血CD25^＋T淋巴细胞表达及经活化后脾脏CD25^＋T淋巴细胞表达明显下降（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。（2）A组与B组比较：A组CD4^＋T细胞、CD4^＋／CD8^＋比值明显升高、CD8^＋T细胞降低（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），NK细胞活性明显升高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），外周血CD25^＋T淋巴细胞表达及经活化后脾脏CD25^＋T淋巴细胞表达均明显升高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。结论 （1）大鼠烫伤后细胞免疫状况发生了明显变化。（2）休克期切痂可以改善烫伤大鼠T淋巴细胞亚群分布，提高NK细胞活性，增加外周血CD25^＋T淋巴细胞的表达。提高经活化后脾脏CD25^＋T淋巴细胞数。从而改善烫伤大鼠伤后机体的细胞免疫功能。     

复合离子盐对高血压大鼠肾脏皮质AngⅡ、NO的产生及磷酸化ERK1／2表达的影响

目的观察复合离子盐对自发性高血压大鼠（SHR）。肾脏皮质AngⅡ、NO的产生，及对磷酸化ERK1／2（p-ERK1／2）表达的影响，探讨复合离子盐对SHR。肾脏保护作用的可能机制。方法42只8周龄雄性SHR随机分为4组：8％食盐摄入组（HS组）；1％复合离子盐摄入组（CIS组）；1％复合离子盐＋2．25％L-精氨酸摄入组（CIS＋L-Arg组）；1％食盐摄入组（NS组），持续干预12周。干预期间定期观察大鼠血压、尿蛋白的变化；干预结束后处死动物，放射免疫法检测肾皮质中AngⅡ、NO含量；并通过Western-blot法分析SHR肾脏皮质磷酸化ERK1／2蛋白表达的情况。结果12周干预结束后，CIS组与CIS＋L-Arg组血压升高趋势明显低于Ns组（P〈0．01）。CIS组与CIS＋L-Arg组尿蛋白排泄量与实验前相比无差异，但显著低于Ns组（P〈0．01）。与Ns组相比，CIS组与CIS＋L-Arg组可明显促进SHR肾脏组织NO的生成（P〈0．01），抑制组织AngⅡ的产生（P〈0．01），同时p-ERK1的表达在CIS组与CIS＋L—Arg组明显降低（P〈0．05）。结论复合离子盐与普通食盐比较，长期同等量摄入时可通过改变。肾皮质中AngⅡ、NO含量，改善其功能平衡，还可使ERK1／2信号传导通路发生改变，这可能改善盐诱导的靶器官损害作用。     

肾组织中perlecan的表达及其与蛋白尿的关系

目的 观察基膜蛋白多糖（perlecan）在不同病理改变儿童原发性肾病综合征及阿霉素肾病大鼠的肾组织中表达变化,探讨其参与蛋白尿发生的机制。方法 应用免疫组化法检测阿霉素肾病大鼠在阿霉素注射后第7、14、28天时肾组织perlecan的表达变化,并与24h尿蛋白进行相关分析。在69例不同病理类型原发性肾病综合征和血尿患儿的肾组织,应用免疫组化法检测perlecan表达,并分别与尿蛋白肌酐比值及电镜下平均足突宽度（FPW）进行相关分析。结果 在阿霉素肾病大鼠中随着蛋白尿的加重,perlecan在肾小球内染色强度明显减低,且与24h尿蛋白呈显著负相关（P〈0．01）。Perlecan在正常肾组织中沿肾小球血管襻及肾小管基膜分布。肾小球perlecan的表达在MCD、FSGS中分别较正常对照或TBMN显著减低,而在MN中沿增宽的GBM分布,表达显著升高。在IgA肾病中,肾小球内可见perlecan沿血管襻及系膜区分布,蛋白尿组的肾小球中perlecan表达量较单纯血尿组显著减低（P〈0．05）。MCD肾小球中perlecan免疫组化指数与尿蛋白肌酐比值呈负相关,与FPW无显著相关。结论 Perlecan在肾小球内表达减低与阿霉素肾病大鼠及不同病理类型的儿童原发性肾病综合征的蛋白尿的发生有关。     

降钙素基因相关肽和神经生长因子对短暂性全脑缺血后再灌注大鼠纹皮质c-jun mRNA及蛋白表达的影响

目的探讨外源性降钙素基因相关肽（CGRP）和神经生长因子（NGF）对短暂性全脑缺血后再灌注大鼠纹皮质c-jun mRNA及蛋白表达的影响。方法原位杂交和免疫组织化学结合显微图像分析方法。结果假手术组大鼠纹皮质c-jun mRNA表达弱；缺血组较假手术组c-jun mRNA表达显著强（P〈0．01）；CGRP组和NGF组c-jun mRNA表达弱于缺血组（P〈0．05）；CGRP和NGF合用组c-jun mRNA表达明显弱于缺血组（P〈0．01），分别弱于CGRP组和NGF组（P〈0．05）。假手术组大鼠纹皮质未见c-Jun蛋白表达；缺血组较假手术组c-Jun蛋白表达明显强（P〈0．01），缺血后再灌注3h强，1d、3d时弱；CGRP组和NGF组c-Jun蛋白表达较缺血组弱（P〈0．05）；CGRP和NGF合用组较缺血组c-Jun蛋白表达明显弱（P〈0．01），分别弱于CGRP组和NGF组（P〈0．05）；CGRP和NGF合用组缺血后再灌注3h时强，1d、3d时弱。结论CGRP和NGF分别抑制全脑缺血后再灌注大鼠纹皮质c-jun mRNA及蛋白表达，联合应用显著抑制全脑缺血后再灌注大鼠纹皮质c-jun mRNA及蛋白表达，两者对保护缺血神经元可能有协同作用。     

ROCK I及TGF-β1在慢性血栓栓塞性肺动脉高压大鼠肺小动脉的表达

目的：观察Rho激酶（ROCK I）及转化生长因子β1（TGF—β1）在慢性血栓栓塞性肺动脉高压大鼠肺小动脉表达的动态变化。方法：雄性Wistar大鼠64只，随机分为8组，每组8只：初始对照组、栓塞3d组、1周组、2周组、4周组、8周组、12周组、终末对照组。采血制备血栓，颈静脉注入，2周后第2次栓塞，全程腹腔注射氨甲环酸。达实验设定日期后，测各组大鼠平均肺动脉压（mPAP）、肺动脉相对中膜厚度（PAMT）、管壁面积／管总面积（WA／TA）、右室肥厚指数（RVHI），原位杂交检测ROCK I mRNA表达，免疫组化检测TGF—β1蛋白表达。结果：栓塞4周组至12周组大鼠随时间延长mPAP明显增高（均P〈0．01）；PAMT、WA／TA在4周后随时间延长显著增高（4周组P〈0．05，8周、12周组P〈0．01）；8周后RVHI较对照组明显增高（8周组P〈0．05，12周组P〈0．01）；栓塞后ROCK I mRNA原位杂交染色强度随时间延长出现增高趋势（3d组至2周组P〈0．05，4周组至12周组P〈0．01），TGF—β1蛋白免疫组化染色强度随时间延长出现增高趋势（1周组、2周组P〈0．05，4周组至12周组P〈0．01）。相关分析表明，ROCK I mRNA及TGF—β1蛋白与mPAP、RVHI及血管重构指标均呈正相关（均P〈0．01）；ROCKImRNA与TGF—β1蛋白表达呈正相关（r=0．612，P〈0．01）。结论：ROCKI和TGF—β1均可能参与慢性血栓栓塞性肺动脉高压、肺血管重构的病理生理过程，此过程中Rho／Rho激酶信号通路可能是TGF—β1发挥生物学效应的重要途径之一。     

肾舒对阿霉素肾病大鼠系膜基质的影响

为了探讨肾舒对阿霉素肾病（AN）大鼠的保护作用，我们将40只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为正常对照组（N组），阿霉素肾病组（A组），强的松治疗组（P组）和肾舒治疗组（S组），采用一次性尾静脉注射阿霉素建立AN模型，对AN大鼠分别用强的松和肾舒治疗，以自动图象分析仪测定各组肾小球系膜细胞数密度，系膜基质指数，对免疫组织化学反应进行半定量测定肾小球中IV型胶原（ColⅣ），层粘连蛋白（LN）及纤维连接蛋白（FN）含量。结果显示：A组大鼠肾小球系膜基质指数，系膜细胞数密度，ColⅣ，LN和FN均较N组明显增加（P＜0．05），S组大鼠以上五指标均较A组明显减少（P＜0．05），而P组大鼠与A组比较差别不明显（P＞0．05），提示肾舒能明显减少肾小球系膜细胞的增殖和系膜基质的合成，从而对AN大鼠具有明显保护作用，且治疗作用优于传统强的松疗法。     

糖尿病肾病大鼠肾脏Tensin表达的变化

目的 观察tensin在糖尿病肾病（DN）大鼠肾脏中的表达，探讨其在DN肾小球纤维化中的作用。方法 链脲佐菌素（STZ）诱导大鼠DN，间接免疫荧光组织化学方法观察DN大鼠肾脏tensin的表达。结果 糖尿病肾病大鼠的肾脏tensin表达明显增加（与正常对照组相比P〈0．01，有统计学意义），阳性表达主要位于系膜细胞胞浆内。结论 tensin在糖尿病肾病大鼠系膜细胞中高表达可能参与了糖尿病肾病过程中肾小球纤维化的形成。     

局灶性脑缺血大鼠脑细胞超微结构及线粒体呼吸功能变化的研究

目的研究大鼠脑细胞超微结构及脑组织线粒体呼吸链功能在局灶性脑缺血前后的变化。方法采用改良Zea-Longa方法复制大鼠大脑中动脉缺血（middle cerebral anery occlusion MCAO）模型，透射电镜观察缺血后脑组织神经元超微结构的改变；检测线粒体NAD链及FAD链R3、R4、RCR、P／O等评价呼吸功能的指标。结果局灶性脑缺血大鼠脑组织神经元细胞结构严重破坏，线粒体NAD链和FAD链的R3（P〈0．01）、P／O（NAD链P〈0．01，FAD链P〈0．05）、RCR（P〈0．01）明显低于假手术组，R4明显高于假手术组（P〈0．05）。结论脑缺血后线粒体结构破坏，功能受损，通过保护线粒体呼吸链可能对脑缺血损伤有保护作用。     

四氢生物蝶呤对高胆固醇血症所致血管内皮细胞功能异常的转复机制探讨

研究高胆固醇血症兔的血管内皮功能的异常状况及四氢生物喋呤（BH4）的转复机制。方法：18只新西兰兔，随机分为正常饮食组、高胆固醇饮食组、BH4加高胆固醇饮食组。喂养5周后，测定血中总胆固醇、一氧化氮（NO）及丙二醛水平，并取主动脉，进行离体血管舒张功能实验，测定不同条件下，血管条对乙酰胆碱的舒张反应。结果：与正常饮食组比较各胆固醇喂养组血清总胆固醇明显增高，有极显著性差异（P〈0．01）。高胆固醇饮食组与正常饮食组比较血中NO水平明显减低（P〈0．01），丙二醛浓度明显升高（P〈0．01）；BH4加高胆固醇饮食组与高胆固醇饮食组比较NO水平明显升高（P〈0．05），而丙二醛的水平较高胆固醇饮食组明显降低。不同组别的动脉对乙酰胆碱最大舒张功能存在明显差别，高胆固醇饮食组的舒张功能较其他组明显下降；BH4加高胆固醇饮食组的舒张功能，较高胆固醇组明显恢复。结论：高胆固醇血症导致血管内皮细胞舒张功能障碍，BH4对其具有转复作用，其转复机制可能与BH4升高血液中的NO和降低过氧化物的水平有关。     

抗纤灵、丹参、大黄等药物血清对系膜细胞分泌FN和Ⅳ型胶原的影响

目的：探讨抗纤灵及其主要成分丹参、大黄等对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞分泌FN和Ⅳ型胶原的影响。方法：采用ElisA法观察中药抗纤灵方、丹参、大黄等药物血清对大鼠肾小球系膜细胞分泌FN和Ⅳ型胶原的影响。结果：（1）抗纤灵、丹参、大黄等含药血清对系膜细胞分泌FN的影响。慢性肾衰（5／6肾切除法）模型组大鼠的血清可显著促进体外培养的系膜细胞分泌FN，假手术组大鼠的血清也可增加系膜细胞分泌FN。抗纤灵组、丹参组、     

Effects of a therapy with losartan and quinaprilat on the progression of chronic renal failure in rats after a single dose of uranyl nitrate or 5/6 nephrectomy

The renoprotective effect of losartan and quinaprilat was tested in two different animal models of renal failure [female Wistar rats, single administration of 0.5 mg uranyl nitrate (UN)/100 g body wt. or 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NX)]. Losartan (1 mg/100 g body weight [wt.]) and quinaprilat (1mg/100 g body wt.) were administered intraperitoneally, once daily, starting 10 days after UN and one week after 5/6NX till the end of 10 weeks experimental period. Parameters characterizing the therapeutic effect were blood pressure, urinary protein excretion 4 and 10 weeks after the injury, and p-aminohippurate accumulation in renal cortical slices in vitro, hydroxy-proline concentration in renal tissue and morphology at the end of the experiment.

Summarizing our results we state: (1) the angiotensin 1 receptor blocker losartan is more effective in UN-treated than in 5/6 NX rats, and (2) the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor quinaprilat is more effective than losartan because of the amelioration of blood pressure and OH-proline concentration in renal tissue of UN-treated rats.     

The Effects of Olmesartan and Alfacalcidol on Renoprotection and klotho Gene Expression in 5/6 Nephrectomized Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Recently, an angiotensin inhibitor has been shown to upregulate the klotho mRNA level in chronic renal failure. In addition, the administration of vitamin D has been reported to improve the mortality of patients with chronic renal failure. In this study, we examined the effects of an angiotensin inhibitor and/or vitamin D on the progression of chronic renal failure by using male 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) spontaneously hypertensive rats. Male 5/6Nx spontaneously hypertensive rats were assigned to 4 groups as follows: 5/6Nx group, 5/6Nx rats; Alf group, 5/6Nx rats administered alfacalcidol (0.2 μg/kg/day); Olm group, 5/6Nx rats administered olmesartan (15 mg/kg/day); Alf + Olm group, 5/6Nx rats administered alfacalcidol (0.2 μg/kg/day) and olmesartan (15 mg/kg/day). These drugs were administered for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure in the Alf, Olm and Alf + Olm groups were significantly decreased relative to that in the 5/6Nx group during the 12-week experimental period. As a result, all treated groups showed renoprotection based on improvement of the systolic blood pressure, urinary protein excretion and histological renal fibrosis. Combination therapy of alfacalcidol and olmesartan was more effective than either alfacalcidol or olmesartan alone. Expression of klotho mRNA was significantly upregulated in the Alf + Olm group in comparison with in the 5/6Nx group. Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 in the Alf group and the Alf + Olm group were significantly higher than those in the 5/6Nx group and the Olm group. In conclusion, the combination of Olm and Alf inhibited the progression of renal damage in the 5/6Nx group through the strong antihypertensive effect as well as the upregulation of the klotho gene.     

Influence of Olmesartan on Sirtuin 1 mRNA Expression in 5/6 Nephrectomized Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background

Recent studies revealed that sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) has a relation to the mechanism of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) mediated apoptosis in glomerular mesangial cells and plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. It has been suggested that SIRT1 contributes to the renoprotective effect of angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), but this has not yet become clearly recognized. In this study, we examined the relationship between SIRT1 and the therapeutic effect of olmesartan on renal injury in nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs).

Methods

Male Wistar rats and 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6Nx) SHRs were assigned to 5 groups as follows: group A, Wistar rats; group B, Wistar rats administered high-dose olmesartan (15 mg/kg/day); group C, 5/6Nx SHRs; group D, 5/6Nx SHRs administered low-dose (3 mg/kg/day) olmesartan; and group E, 5/6Nx SHRs administered high-dose olmesartan. The drugs were administered for 12 weeks. Blood pressure and urinary protein excretion were measured every 4 weeks. Serum creatinine, glomerular sclerosis, SIRT1 mRNA level, TGF-beta mRNA level and klotho mRNA level were measured at the end of the examination.

Results

Systolic blood pressure, urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine and glomerular sclerosis in Wistar rats were significantly lower than that of 5/6Nx SHRs. Among 5/6Nx SHRs, high doses of olmesartan significantly decreased urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine and glomerular sclerosis compared to the non-treated and low-dose olmesartan groups. Expression of SIRT1 and klotho mRNA were significantly downregulated in 5/6Nx SHRs; however, olmesartan did not attribute to any change in gene expression. Expression of TGF-beta mRNA was significantly increased in 5/6Nx SHRs, and olmesartan did not affect the level of TGF-beta mRNA expression.

Conclusion

Expression of SIRT1 is decreased in 5/6Nx SHRs compared to Wistar rats. Olmesartan suppressed glomerular sclerosis, but did not increase the expression of SIRT1, suggesting that the renoprotective effect of olmesartan is independent of the SIRT1 pathway.     

Renal failure in high altitude: renal functions, renal pathology and bone mineralization in rats with ablation nephropathy at 1200 m altitude

The effect of altitude on renal failure and bone mineralization is not well known. This topic is studied in a 5/6 nephrectomy rat model. After hemoglobin, creatinine clearance and proteinuria were determined in 28 Wistar rats. Two 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx1-Nx2, n=7 each) and two sham (Sh1-Sh2, n=7 each) groups were formed. The Nx1-Sh1 and Nx2-Sh2 groups were kept at sea level and at 1200 m altitude, respectively. The same analyses were performed after 3 months just before sacrifices in order to harvest kidneys and femurs for histopathologic examination. Hemoglobin, creatinine clearance, and proteinuria were similar in all groups at the onset. Final hemoglobin was higher in Nx2-Sh2, but only Sh2 vs. Sh1 was significant (p=0.001). Creatinine clearance decreased (p=0.001 for Nx1) and proteinuria increased (p=0.002 for Nx1 and p=0.005 for Nx2) after 5/6 nephrectomy, but Nx1 vs. Nx2 was similar. Histopathological changes in the remnant kidneys were prominent, but Nx1 vs. Nx2 was not different. Although the relative osteoid volume increased in Nx groups, only Nx1 vs. Sh1 was different (p=0.006). In conclusion, exposure to 1200 m altitude, compared to the sea level, preserved the creatinine clearance better in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. No change was observed in proteinuria, renal histopathology, and bone mineralization.     

Determination of renal porphyrin handling in rats suffering from different kinds of chronic renal failure (CRF): Uranyl nitrate (UN) induced fibrosis or 5/6-nephrectomy (5/6NX)

The renal handling of porphyrins is reported to be a sensitive marker for chronic renal failure (CRF) for two reasons: heme is synthesised in proximal tubules and porphyrins are reabsorbed in the renal proximal tubule by apical peptide transporter PEPT 2. Two different models of CRF in female Wistar rats have been used for investigation of renal porphyrin handling: (1) single administration of uranyl nitrate (UN; 0.5 mg/100 g b.wt.) and (2) 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6NX). Renal clearance experiments were performed at weeks 2 and 10 after the onset of CRF. The concentrations of porphyrin intermediates (uroporphyrin I and III, coproporphyrin I and III, heptaporphyrin, and pentaporphyrin) were measured by HPLC with fluorescence detection.

Both after UN and 5/6NX a significant reduction of body weight occurred. The kidney weight was enhanced 2 weeks after UN compared to controls (+31%). After 5/6NX, the weight of the remnant kidney was 44% (2^nd week) and 140% (10^th week) higher compared to one control kidney.

Urine volumes and GFR were significantly reduced at week 2 and 10 after 5/6NX, but at week 10 after UN values were comparable to controls.

Two weeks after UN and 5/6NX the concentrations of heptaporphyrin was moderately decreased in renal tissue whereas after 10 weeks the concentrations of most porphyrins were increased in the kidney. The plasma levels of free porphyrins were only slightly enhanced (week 2). The renal excretion of porphyrins was initially slightly reduced in both models, whereas it increases 10 weeks after UN, but it remained reduced 10 weeks after 5/6NX.

UN induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis including atrophic glomeruli, whereas 5/6NX was characterized by distinct proteinuria, dilated tubules containing hyaline casts. A modulation of porphyrin metabolism in the kidney seems first of all to be responsible for UN effect on renal porphyrin handling. Summing up the 5/6NX results, both reduction in intact renal tissue mass and a modification of enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis by uraemic toxins are responsible for accumulation of porphyrins in renal tissue. After 5/6NX reduced excretion of porphyrins into urine and enhanced porphyrin concentrations in the kidney indicate more a damage of renal porphyrin biosynthesis than changes in their reabsorption.     

Ultrastructural and ultraimmunohistochemical changes upon partial nephrectomy and uranyl intoxication in the rat kidney

We studied kidneys of rats intoxicated with uranylnitrate (UN) or subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy (NX) or after a combination of both procedures (NX–UN). Our observations indicate that UN causes impressive changes of ultrastructure (partial loss of brush border, appearance of intercellular clefts in the epithelial barrier) and altered protein expression (α-SMA, collagen I and III) in proximal tubule cells. Renal parameters (creatinine clearance, proteinuria) seemed to be unaffected. Blood pressure recovered to normal values within 12 months. However ultrastructural and functional restoration of modified proximal tubules was not complete. We conclude that changed proximal tubules may induce progression of interstitial fibrosis causing renal failure. NX animals and more pronounced NX–UN animals showed dramatic changes in renal function. We observed increased levels of proteinuria, blood pressure and decreased creatinine clearance. Progressive glomerular reorganization includes loss of filtration gaps and enhanced thickness of glomerular basement membranes (GBM) with increased immunoreactivity for collagen IV. Cells in vicinity of Bowman's capsule contained high amounts of immunoreactive α-smooth muscle actin. The NX–UN group showed more dramatic changes in ultrastructure of proximal tubules including apoptosis. Enhanced expression and secretion of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM e.g. collagens I, III, fibronectin) indicate progressive epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to permanent impairment of renal function.     

Rutin ameliorates renal fibrosis and proteinuria in 5/6-nephrectomized rats by anti-oxidation and inhibiting activation of TGFβ1-smad signaling

Objectives: Rutin, a polyphenolic flavonoid, was reported to have beneficial effect on drug induced nephropathy. The present study aimed to introduce 5/6 nephrectomized rat model to further evaluate its renal protective effect. Methods: Adult Wistar rats were induced to develop chronic renal failure through 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx). After that, animals were treated orally with saline, rutin at 15 and 45 mg/kg, and losartan (10 mg/kg) daily for 20 weeks; sham-operated animals were also involved as control. After treatment for 8 and 20 weeks, blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical examination; all the kidney remnants were collected for histological examination. The protein levels of TGF-β1, smad2 and phosphorylated-smad2 (p-smad2) in kidney were measured. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of TGF-β1, fibronectin and collagen IV in kidney tissues. Results: Results suggested that rutin could reduce the proteinurea, blood urine nitrogen and blood creatinine in 5/6 Nx animals significantly, as well as oxidation stress in the kidney. By histological examination, rutin administration alleviated glomerular sclerosis scores and tubulointerstitial injuries in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry also suggested rutin could reduce the expression of TGF-β1, fibronectin and collagen IV in kidney tissues. By western blot, we found the rutin could reduce the TGF-β1, p-smad2 expression in the kidney tissues of rats. Conclusions: This study suggests that the rutin can improve renal function in 5/6 Nx rats effectively. Its effect may be due to its anti-oxidation and inhibiting TGFβ1-Smad signaling.     

Effects of antihypertensive agents on blood pressure and the progress of renal failure in partially nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of antihypertensive agents on blood pressure and the development of glomerular changes in salt-loaded, 5/6 nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thirty-two spontaneously hypertensive rats with 5/6 nephrectomy were divided into 4 groups: a control group (N = 8), and group treated with 10 mg/kg/day trichlormethiazide. (N = 8), 30 mg/kg/day captopril (N = 8), and 200 mg/kg/day nicardipine (N = 8). Each of these antihypertensive drugs was added to the drinking water for 10 weeks and the rats were given the drugs and a high-salt diet (5% NaCl). During the experiment, body weight and systolic blood pressure were measured every 2 weeks. At the end of the study, blood was collected for determination of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, serum protein, serum sodium and potassium, and plasma renin activity and aldosterone concentration. Also renal tissues were obtained for light and electron microscopic examination at the end of the study. Systolic blood pressure in 5/6 nephrectomized SHR loaded with a high salt was significantly reduced by administration of trichlormethiazide (155 +/- 12 versus 204 +/- 12 mm Hg), but not by administration of either captopril or nicardipine. However, levels of serum creatinine were not significantly elevated in rats treated with captopril and nicardipine (control: 0.93 +/- 0.11 mg/dl, captopril: 0.62 +/- 0.01 mg/dl, nicardipine: 0.55 +/- 0.05 mg/dl). In contrast to changes in blood pressure, marked glomerular sclerosis with hyalinosis, which was found in the control group was not ameliorated by treatment with trichlormethiazide. However, these changes were not observed in rats treated with either captopril or nicardipine in spite of the absence of a prominent fall in blood pressure. These data suggest that captopril and nicardipine ameliorated glomerular injury regardless of the level of systolic blood pressure through the direct and/or indirect actions on the glomerulus.     

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula ameliorates chronic kidney disease: involvement of mitochondrial quality control network

Background

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen Formula (JPYSF), a Chinese herbal decoction with the efficacies of ‘fortify the spleen and tonify the kidney’ and ‘activate blood and resolve stasis’, is effective for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in clinic. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of JPYSF on retarding chronic kidney disease progression in 5/6 nephrectomized (5/6 Nx) rats.

Methods

Perindopril (4?mg/kg/d) and JPYSF (2.72?g/kg/d) were administrated by gavage to 5/6 Nx rats daily for 6?weeks. The therapeutic effects of JPYSF were evaluated by renal function, pathological injury, and fibrosis. The protein levels associated with mitochondrial quality control network were measured by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

Results

5/6 Nx rats showed obvious decline in renal function as evidenced by increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein excretion, and significant injury in kidney structure as evidenced by glomerular hypertrophy, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Administration of JPYSF for 6 weeks could improve renal function and ameliorate kidney structure injury in 5/6 Nx rats. Furthermore, the remnant kidneys of 5/6 Nx rats showed unbalanced mitochondrial quality control network manifested as decreased mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and mitophagy, and increased mitochondrial fission. Treatment of JPYSF could restore aforesaid aspects of mitochondrial quality control network.

Conclusions

These results indicate that JPYSF can notably ameliorate 5/6 Nx-induced chronic kidney disease, which may be related with modulation of mitochondrial quality control network.

     

全反式维甲酸对大鼠残余肾功能的保护作用及其机制

目的：研究全反式维甲酸(atRA)能否延缓大鼠残余肾功能的丧失，并探讨其可能机制。 方法： Wistar大鼠40只，采用5/6肾大部切除大鼠模型，分别给予5 mg·kg-1·d-1（A1组，n=8）、10 mg·kg-1·d-1（A2组，n=8）、20 mg·kg-1·d-1（A3组，n=8）的atRA灌胃，单纯肾大部切除非干预组（NX组，n=8）和假手术组（sham组，n=8）为对照。采用反相高效液相色谱检测大鼠血浆atRA浓度；肾脏病理切片采用PAS染色，计算肾小球硬化指数；应用免疫组化和Western blotting等方法观察转化生长因子β1（TGFβ1）在残余肾组织上的分布水平。 结果： 3个不同剂量的atRA组血药浓度高出NX和sham组10倍以上，并呈现出同给药剂量相吻合的浓度梯度。肾小球硬化评分结果表明，atRA 干预的大鼠肾小球硬化明显轻于NX组，其中A3组硬化程度明显轻于A1组和A2组，P<0.05；A1组和A2组无显著差异，sham组无硬化表现； NX组肾小球TGFβ1表达量最多，atRA干预的3个组明显少于sham组，但A1、A2、A3组间无差异。 结论： atRA能减轻5/6肾大部切除大鼠残余肾硬化，可能是通过抑制TGFβ1起作用。