Protective Effect of Prostaglandin E1 on Renal Microvascular Injury in Rats of Acute Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy

Abstract

Background: To investigate the renal microvascular injury in acute aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) and the protective effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) in acute AAN. Methods: Female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. The rats in PGE1 group received Caulis Aristolochia manshuriensis (CAM) decoction by gavage for 5 days, and PGE1 was given by vena caudalis before gavage. The rats in model group were gavaged with CAM for 5 days, and the same dose of 0.9% physiologic saline was given by vena caudalis. The rats in control group only received an equal daily volume of saline solution by gavage. Animals were killed at days 3, 5, and 7. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and urinary protein were monitored before killing. Microvascular density was determined by JG12 immunostaining. The expression of angiogenic factor was assessed by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Tubulointerstitial hypoxia was assessed by hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) expression. Results: CAM induced a significant decrease in VEGF expression and microvascular density in the kidney tissue, accompanied by a significant increase in HIF-1α, which reduced renal function and increased 24-h urinary protein excretion rates. PGE1 lessened the capillary loss, relieved hypoxia, and protected renal function. No significant pathological changes were found in control rats. Conclusion: The renal microvascular injury in acute AAN is severe. PGE1 can significantly ameliorate the renal microvascular injury, relieve hypoxia, and protect renal function.