Endostatin, an antiangiogenic protein, is expressed in the unilateral ureteral obstruction mice model.

BACKGROUND: Extracellular matrix accumulation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tubular atrophy and loss of peritubular capillary network are hallmarks of tubulointerstitial injury in progressive renal diseases. In this study, we analyzed endostatin expression in kidneys subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: Collagen XVIII mRNA expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Endostatin and CD31 protein levels were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. In vitro quantification of collagen XVIII and fibrosis-related genes in HK2 cells was performed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: UUO significantly increased collagen XVIII mRNA expression and released a 30-kDa endostatin fragment. Immunohistochemistry revealed endostatin expression increased in injured tissue, mainly on tubular cells. Of interest, expression of CD31 was significantly reduced by UUO. Endostatin administration in vitro did not modify the expression of genes related to fibrosis development. However, in vitro TGF-beta1 administration induced expression of collagen XVIII/endostatin mRNA in human tubular cells. CONCLUSION: Endostatin is expressed during the progression of renal fibrosis in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a role for endostatin in development of tubulointerstitial injury.

Endostatin expression in the murine model of ischaemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure.

BACKGROUND: Renal ischaemia-hypoxia is a leading cause of acute renal failure, a clinical condition associated with rapid loss of renal function and high rates of mortality. Renal proximal tubular cells are the most severely injured during renal ischaemia, caused by the breakdown of the extracellular matrix of the tubular basement membrane. Endostatin is the C-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII generated by proteolytic cleavage and it is well-known as being an inhibitor of angiogenesis. In vitro, endostatin inhibits endothelial cell proliferation and migration, as well as tubule formation. In vivo, it has a potent inhibitory effect on tumour growth. In this study, we analysed endostatin gene expression in C57BL/6 mouse kidneys subjected to ischaemia/reperfusion. METHODS: Ischaemic renal failure was induced via 45 min of bilateral occlusion of the renal artery and vein, followed by 12 h or 24 h of reperfusion. Whole-kidney homogenate and total RNA were extracted for examination by western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The immunohistological examination revealed increased endostatin expression in injured kidney, mainly in the proximal tubule and collecting ducts. RESULTS: Endostatin/collagen XVIII mRNA and protein expression increased during ischaemia and within 12 h of reperfusion. In the western blot assay, we identified increased expression of the 30 kDa endostatin-related fragment and of matrix metalloproteinase-9. CD31 was significantly expressed during reperfusion (P < 0.05). Immunohistological examination revealed glomerular and tubulointerstitial expression of endostatin. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the local synthesis of a 30 kDa endostatin-related fragment following acute renal failure and suggest its role in the modulation of renal capillary density.