Possible role of nitric oxide in the protective effect of resveratrol in 5/6th nephrectomized rats

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the modulation of glomerular disease. The renal protective effect of resveratrol (RVT), a polyphenolic phytoalexin, was investigated in the 5/6th nephrectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Resveratrol (5 mg/kg, PO) was administered for 12 weeks to 5/6th nephrectomized (NX) rats together with and without nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (10 mg/kg, IP). We evaluated the effect of these agents on proteinuria, hypertension, renal function, glomerulosclerosis, and urinary excretion of nitric oxide metabolites. RESULTS: 5/6th NX resulted in elevation in systolic blood pressure (SBP), reduced the urinary excretion of NO metabolites, increased urinary protein excretion, and deranged renal function and glomerulosclerosis. Treatment of animals with resveratrol significantly attenuated the increase in SBP, preserved the normal renal function, reduced the urinary protein excretion, increased the urinary excretion of NO metabolites, and prevented the glomerulosclerosis. Co-administration of animals with L-NAME along with resveratrol prevented the protection observed with resveratrol. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that resveratrol exerts its protective effect in 5/6 NX rats through a nitric oxide pathway.