Abstract
Background: We recently demonstrated that upregulation of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 inducible gene-h3 (ßig-h3) is associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) in a rat model of chronic cyclosporine A (CsA) nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the association between ßig-h3 expression and TIF during losartan treatment in this model. Methods: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats kept on a salt-depleted diet (0.05% sodium) were treated daily for 4 weeks with vehicle (olive oil, 1 ml/kg), CsA (15 mg/kg) or both CsA and losartan (10 mg/kg in drinking water). The effect of losartan on ßig-h3 expression was evaluated using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Histopathology, expressions of TGF-ß1 and intrarenal angiotensin II were compared across treatment groups. Results: Concurrent administration of losartan significantly attenuated ßig-h3 mRNA and protein expression within the tubulointerstitium of CsA-treated kidneys. This was accompanied by the retardation of TIF (18 ± 5 vs. 39 ± 5%, p < 0.01 vs. CsA) and the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA (336 ± 49 vs. 685 ± 63%, p < 0.01 vs. CsA) and the number of angiotensin II-positive glomeruli (18 ± 5 vs. 38 ± 6, p < 0.05 vs. CsA). Conclusion: Losartan is capable of abrogating the upregulation of TGF-β1 and ßig-h3 expression, and this is associated with attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e9-e16 |
Journal | Nephron - Experimental Nephrology |
Volume | 99 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cyclosporine
- Extracellular matrix
- Fibrosis
- Losartan
- Renin angiotensin system
- TGF-β1-inducible gene-h3
- Transforming growth factor-β1
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Genetics
- Nephrology