90-kDa N-domain angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE): possible marker for hypertension in a renal transplant model.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension is nearly universal in kidney transplant and several factors are associated with post transplant hypertension, including immunosuppressive medications and genetic predisposition. OBJECTIVE: The aims were to evaluate the effects of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) kidney transplantation in Wistar rats and the possible transference of 80/90-kDa N-domain ACE. METHODS: To do so, the data from Wistar recipients of kidney from SHR were compared to data from transplanted Wistar submitted to CsA treatment and, to Wistar Sham. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Despite the unaltered blood pressure observed at early stages, 80/90-kDa ACE was found expressed in the urine of rats 7 and 15 days after transplantation, which was intense when rats became hypertensive 30 days post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Our data show that this enzyme is associated with the development of hypertension, and this marker appears in the urine before any substantial blood pressure alteration.

90-kDa N-domain angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE): possible marker for hypertension in a renal transplant model / Enzima conversora de angiotensina I (ECA) N-domínio 90-kDa: possível marcador para hipertensão em modelo de transplante renal

Abstract Introduction: Hypertension is nearly universal in kidney transplant and several factors are associated with post transplant hypertension, including immunosuppressive medications and genetic predisposition. Objective: The aims were to evaluate the effects of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) kidney transplantation in Wistar rats and the possible transference of 80/90-kDa N-domain ACE. Methods: To do so, the data from Wistar recipients of kidney from SHR were compared to data from transplanted Wistar submitted to CsA treatment and, to Wistar Sham. Results and Discussion: Despite the unaltered blood pressure observed at early stages, 80/90-kDa ACE was found expressed in the urine of rats 7 and 15 days after transplantation, which was intense when rats became hypertensive 30 days post-surgery. Conclusion: Our data show that this enzyme is associated with the development of hypertension, and this marker appears in the urine before any substantial blood pressure alteration.

Resumo Introdução: A hipertensão é altamente prevalente pós-transplante renal e vários fatores estão associados incluindo o tratamento com imunossupressores e a predisposição genética. Objetivo: Os objetivos foram avaliar os efeitos do transplante do rim de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) em ratos Wistar, e a possível transferência da ECA N-domínio de 80/90-kDa para os tecidos dos receptores. Métodos: Para isso, os dados dos animais Wistar receptores dos rins de SHR foram comparados aos dados dos Wistar submetidos ao tratamento com CsA e Wistar Sham. Resultados e Discussão: Apesar da pressão arterial permanecer inalterada nos estágios iniciais pós-transplante renal, a expressão da ECA de 80/90-kDa foi identificada na urina de ratos 7 e 15 dias após o transplante, e de forma mais intensa aos 30 dias após a cirurgia, quando os animais tornaram-se hipertensos. Conclusão: Nossos dados mostram que ECA N-domínio está associada ao desenvolvimento da hipertensão, e que este marcador pode ser identificado na urina pós-transplante renal antes mesmo de qualquer alteração da pressão arterial.

Cecropia pachystachya extract attenuated the renal lesion in 5/6 nephrectomized rats by reducing inflammation and renal arginase activity.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Cecropia pachystachya Trécul has been used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat hypertension, bladder and kidney inflammation and renal diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the aqueous fraction from the ethanolic extract of Cecropia pachystachya (FCP) in the management of hypertension, inflammation and progressive renal disease in rats submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty male Wistar rats submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NE) were untreated (NE) or treated (NE+FCP) with the FCP (0.5g/kg/day). The treatment started 15 days after surgery, and the rats were followed for a period of 60 days. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and albuminuria were evaluated from 15-60 days after the surgical procedure. Function and estructural renal changes, TGF-ß (transforming growth factor ß), MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) and nitric oxide (NO) urinary excretion were analyzed. Expression and activity of the renal enzymes arginase (ARG), angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and MAP kinase p-JNK expression also were analyzed. RESULTS: The nephrectomized rats developed progressive albuminuria and increased SBP that was less intense in the treated group. There was a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the nephrectomized rats, which was attenuated by treatment with FCP extract. The treatment with FCP also attenuated the histological changes, reduced the expression and activity of renal arginase, the number of macrophages (ED-1 positive cells) and the p-JNK expression in the renal cortex of the rats submitted to 5/6 NE. The urinary excretion of TGF-ß was less intense in the treated group and was associated with the reduction of the expression and activity of the renal arginase. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the reduction of renal arginase activity, p-JNK and TGF-ß expression can explain the mechanism by which the treatment with C. pachystachya reduced the inflammation and improved renal function. This study presents the potential use of Cecropia pachystachya in the treatment of chronic renal diseases.

Brazilian embauba (Cecropia pachystachya) extract reduces renal lesions in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

INTRODUCTION: Cecropia pachystachya (CP) is a plant rich in polyphenols which inhibits the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro. Angiotensin II (AII) has an important role in the renal lesion provoked by 5/6 nephrectomy (NE). This study evaluated the CP extract effect on renal lesions provoked by 5/6 NE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats submitted to 5/6 NE were treated or not treated with CP extract and followed for 90 days. Systemic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria, renal functional and structural parameters, ACE activity, urinary levels of monocyte chemoattrant protein-1 (MCP-1) and transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) were evaluated. RESULTS: Albuminuria and hypertension were less intense in the treated (NE+CP) group compared to the untreated (NE) group. CP extract treatment reduced the fall in glomerular filtration rate observed in NE rats. Glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial lesions, increase of macrophages and AII positive cells in the renal cortex, as well as increases in renal ACE activity, urinary levels of MCP-1 and TGF-ß were attenuated in NE rats by CP treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment with CP extract reduced the SBP and functional and structural renal changes in 5/6 NE rats. These effects were associated with decreased AII expression, ACE activity and inflammation in the renal cortex.