The effect of irbesartan on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and α-smooth-muscle actin (α-SMA) in the renal tubulointerstitium of diabetic rats was investigated in our study. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ), 60 mg·kg–1 body weight. The rats were then randomized to a diabetic group (DM) and an irbesartan therapy group (DM + Irb). The normal group (non-DM) rats were administered only citrate buffer. At the end of the 16th week, blood glucose, kidney weight/body weight, urine albumin (UAlb) and creatinine clearance rate were determined. The renal histopathology was observed by light microscopy. Further biochemical analysis of CTGF and α-SMA was provided using real-time reverse transcription PCR, immunostaining and Western blotting techniques. Compared with the non-DM group, blood glucose, kidney weight/body weight, UAlb, creatinine clearance and interstitial fibrotic lesions were increased in the DM group (p < 0.01). Treatment with irbesartan improved these parameters except blood glucose. Compared with the non-DM group, expressions of CTGF and α-SMA in the renal tubulointerstitium were highly upregulated in the DM group (p < 0.01). Administration of irbesartan prevented the high expressions of CTGF and α-SMA in renal tissue of diabetic rats. These results indicated that irbesartan can protect the kidney of STZ-diabetic rats by reducing the expression of CTGF and α-SMA in the renal tubulointerstitium.

Keywords:
Connective tissue growth factor, Diabetic nephropathy, Irbesartan, Myofibroblasts, α-Smooth-muscle actin
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© 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel
2008
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