Effect of fetuin-A on adenine-induced chronic kidney disease model in male rats

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of fetuin-A on an adenine-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD) model in male rats.

Materials and methods: Rats were divided into three groups: group A included rats fed a normal diet; group B included rats fed a normal diet with 220 mg/kg adenine daily for 21 days; group C included rats fed a normal diet with 220 mg/kg adenine daily for 21 days and intraperitoneally administered with 5 mg\kg fetuin-A every other day for 2 weeks. Serum samples were assayed for serum creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and immunohistochemical staining was performed.

Results: Group B showed a significant increase in serum creatinine, urea, phosphorus, potassium, TNF, and IL-6 and a significant decrease in serum sodium, calcium, and eGFR compared with group A. Regarding immunohistochemistry, group B showed increased apoptosis. In group C, fetuin-A reduced the urea, creatinine, and phosphorus levels, and in group C, fetuin-A decreased inflammation and apoptosis by reduction of caspase-3 staining.

Conclusion: Fetuin-A improved kidney function in CKD due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic role.

Keywords: Adenine; Chronic renal failure; Fetuin-A; Inflammation; Kidney function tests.

Figure 1

Histogram illustrates serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in all groups of rats

Figure 2

Histogram illustrates serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in all groups of rats

Figure 3

Immunohistochemical (IHC) study of rat kidney. (A) Cortical sections of the kidney tissue of group A with caspase-3 IHC showed mild cytoplasmic staining (400× magnification). (B) Cortical sections of the kidney tissue of group B with caspase-3 IHC showed marked diffuse cytoplasmic staining (400× magnification). (C) Cortical sections of the kidney tissue of group C with caspase-3 IHC showed moderate cytoplasmic staining (400× magnification)