Renin-angiotensin System and the Renal Expression of bcl-2 and Fas Genes in Experimental Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction / 대한신장학회잡지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The progression of hydronephrosis due to urinary obstruction is one of major causes of end stage renal failure. The activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and renal cell apoptosis may be involved in this mechanisms. METHODS: In order to investigate the role of RAS in renal injury mechanism and renal expression of TGF-beta, bcl-2 and Fas in experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, 15 CBA strain mice were underwent sham operation (n=5), UUO without treatment (n=5) and UUO with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI, enalapril, n=5) under ethyl ether anesthesia. Each group was sacrificed at 72 hours after surgery. Competitive RT-PCR was performed for the estimation of renin, angiotensin II AT1 receptor (AT1 R), TGF-beta, bcl-2, Fas and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression levels in the kidneys. RESULTS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and renal gene expressions of renin and AT1 R in untreated control UUO group were significantly increased compared to sham operated group at 72 hours after surgery. The level of TGF-beta and bcl-2 gene expressions of ACEI treated UUO group was significantly lower than that of untreated UUO group. On the other hand, Fas gene expression of ACEI treated UUO group was not significantly different from that of ACEI untreated UUO group. CONCLUSION: We speculate that the upregulation of bcl-2 and Fas gene expressions and the early activation of renin-angiotensin system of kidney are important factors of renal injury mechanism in this model. (Korean J Nephrol 2003;22(2) 174-184)