Glomerulosclerosis in the remnant kidney rat is modulated by dietary α- tocopherol

Abstract

Glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury are characteristic features seen in the subtotal (5/6) nephrectomy remnant kidney model in the rat. Oxidative stress from renal mass reduction contributes to the glomerular and tubular injury. Previous studies have clearly demonstrated the prevention or inhibition of such injury by an antioxidant such as α-tocopherol. However, few data are available on the ability of α-tocopherol to modulate or arrest progression of the established disease. This study examines whether α-tocopherol modulates glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury when it is given 2 wk after renal damage has been established. The findings indicate that α-tocopherol has the capacity to modulate both tubulointerstitial injury and glomerulosclerosis, lower the elevated expression of transforming growth factorβ1, and reduce plasma and kidney malondialdehyde concentration, the end product of lipid peroxidation. The results support the potential utility of α-tocopherol in reversing established glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial injury in a remnant kidney model.