ABSTRACT 277

Abstract

Background and aims: Acute kindey injury (AKI) is often seen in neonates. Incidence of AKI among neonates in the NICU is 8 -24%. Patients with AKI have higher mortality rates and higher risk for development of chronic kidney disease. Aims: The aim was to determine which biomarker of renal injury (KIM-1 or cystatin C) is more sensitive and whether erythropoietin protects kidneys injured by perinatal asphyxia. Methods: Animals were designated in 3 groups: AE - the pups that survived perinatal asphyxia and subsequently received 2.5 μg of darbepoetin-alfa intraperitoneally; A - the pups that survived perinatal asphyxia and received 0.1ml 0.9% NaCl; C – control group. The pups were sacrificed in the different ages of life (6h, 24h, 48h, 7 days and 14 days of age - 10 rats in each subgroup). Immunohistopathological evaluation of kidneys was performed. The experiment was approved by the Ethical Committee on Animal Care and Use of the University of Novi Sad. Results: At 48h, day 7 and day 14, absolute injury scores were significantly lower in group AE as measured by both biomarkers. Cystatin C expression was the most intensive 6h upon hypoxic event (average value of absolute injury score was 2.82) and declined over the time. Expression of KIM-1 was less intensive, average value of absolute injury score at 6h was 2.02, and 2.105 at 24h, with the peak value 48h after hypoxic event (2.155). Conclusions: Erythropoietin has a protective effect on hypoxic kidneys. Cystatin C is more sensitive early biomarker of acute kidney injury in comparaton with KIM-1.