Oxidative stress after uninephrectomy alters heart morphology in the apolipoprotein E −/− mouse

Abstract

We conclude that in the apolipoprotein E -/- mouse, even minor reduction in renal function, for example, by uninephrectomy, causes remodeling of the heart. This was ameliorated to a similar extent by antioxidants and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition.

The calcimimetic R-568 prevents podocyte loss in uninephrectomized ApoE−/−mice

“…In agreement with a previous study (23) in ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ mice, blood pressure did not increase after UNX (23). Similarly, the protection of podocyte damage by the calcimimetic was shown without lowering blood pressure.…”

“…ApoE Ϫ/Ϫ mice develop accelerated atherosclerosis already after uninephrectomy (23). R-568 ameliorated capillary rarefaction in the heart, indirectly suggesting that it might ameliorate atherosclerotic lesions, which have been demonstrated previously in rats (8).…”

“…Blood pressure was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography in conscious mice at wk 12 post-UNX as previously described (23).…”

Cardiovascular Problems on Hemodialysis

“…Such cardiomyopathy occurs very early in the course of impaired renal function, both in experimental studies (10) and in human observations. It is characterized by a composite of inappropriate ventricular hypertrophy, marked interstitial fibrosis, microvessel disease with thickening of intramyocardial arteries, and capillary deficit (11).…”

Effects of Reduced Kidney Function Because of Living Kidney Donation on Left Ventricular Mass

“…[33][34][35] Finally, other potential mechanisms induced by kidney growth itself, [36][37][38] as demonstrated by the increase in kidney volume, may be involved in inducing structural and functional changes in the heart. This includes activation of systemic inflammatory transforming growth factor-β and apoptotic pathways 7,38,39 as observed in rats developing an early increase of myocardial collagen content, LVM increase, and alterations in diastolic function after unilateral nephrectomy. Our study was not designed to detect cardiac fibrosis.…”