Normalization of uric acid protects against cyclosporine nephorpathy in rats

Author(s)

Fernanda Cristina Mazali

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Ciências Médicas
• Defense date: 2006-08-21

Examining board members

Marilda Mazzali; Luis Yu; Gentil Alves Filho

• Advisor: Marilda Mazzali

Abstract

Aim: Hyperuricemia frequently complicates cyclosporine (CSA) therapy. Previous studies have shown that hyperuricemia increases the interstitial and vascular lesions in the cyclosporine model. We therefore tested the hypothesis that normalization of uric acid could prevent the development of cyclosporine toxicity. Material and Methods: CSA nephropathy was induced by the administration of CSA (15 mg/kg/day) for 7 weeks to rats on a low salt diet (CSA group). The effect of preventing hyperuricemia on CSA nephropathy was determined by concomitant treatment with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol (CSA-ALP), or with the uricosuric, benzbromarone (CSA-BENZ), in the drinking water. Control groups included rats treated with vehicle (VEH). Histological and functional studies were determined at sacrifice. Results:. CSA treated rats developed mild hyperuricemia with arteriolar hyalinosis, tubular atrophy, striped interstitial fibrosis, increased cell proliferation and decreased VEGF expression. Treatment with either allopurinol (CSA-ALP) or benzbromarone (CSA-BENZ) reduced renal injury. Both treatments reduced interstitial fibrosis, cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, osteopontin expression and arteriolar hyalinosis in association with restoration of VEGF expression. Both drugs provided comparable protection. Conclusions: An increase in uric acid exacerbates CSA nephropathy in the rat. Concomitant treatment with allopurinol or benzbromarone reduced the severity of renal disease. As both drugs promoted similar protection, we can conclude that the protective effect is associated with lowering uric acid levels, more than the antioxidant effect of allopurinol (AU)