scholarly journals Blocking Angiotensin II Synthesis/Activity Preserves Glomerular Nephrin in Rats with Severe Nephrosis

2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 941-948 ◽  
Author(s):  
ARIELA BENIGNI ◽  
SUSANNA TOMASONI ◽  
ELENA GAGLIARDINI ◽  
CARLA ZOJA ◽  
JAMES A. GRUNKEMEYER ◽  
...  

Abstract. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors restore size-selective dysfunction of the glomerular barrier in experimental animals and humans with proteinuric nephropathies, although the structural and molecular determinants of such an effect are not completely understood. This study used an accelerated model of experimental nephrosis to assess nephrin gene and protein expression in the kidney and the possible modulating effect of drugs that block angiotensin II (AII) synthesis/activity. Passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) and control animals were studied at day 7, month 4, and month 8. Additional PHN rats were treated with lisinopril or AII receptor blocker L-158,809 and studied at 8 mo. Lisinopril and L-158,809 controlled BP, prevented proteinuria, and protected PHN animals from renal injury. An intense signal of nephrin mRNA was detected in glomeruli of control animals mainly restricted to podocytes. In PHN rats, nephrin staining progressively and remarkably decreased with time. Lisinopril and L-158,809 fully prevented the decrease in nephrin transcripts to levels comparable to those of control rats. Consistent with nephrin mRNA expression, immunostaining of the protein showed a progressive decrease in kidneys from PHN rats that was completely abolished by lisinopril and L-158,809. In summary, progressive renal injury was associated with downregulation of nephrin gene that was totally prevented by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and AII receptor blocker, suggesting that renoprotection afforded by drugs that interfere with AII synthesis/activity was related to an effect on nephrin assembly.

2021 ◽  
pp. 109352662110189
Author(s):  
Jessica Saunders ◽  
Allison Marie Callejas Salgado ◽  
Joseph Y Ting ◽  
Cherry Mammen ◽  
Jefferson Terry ◽  
...  

Introduction Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (AAs) are used for several indications, with cessation recommended in pregnancy due to toxic effects. AA fetopathy phenotype is similar to renal tubular dysgenesis including reduced proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs). Our study aimed to quantify the reduction of PCTs in fetuses and infants with prenatal exposure to AAs. Materials and methods We identified 5 fetal AA exposure cases that underwent autopsy at our institution between 2011 and 2018 and compared with 5 gestational age-matched controls. Immunohistochemistry with CD10 and epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) was utilized. Results CD10 and EMA identified a median PCT density of 19.0% ± 12.3% in AA fetopathy patients, significantly less than controls (52.8% ± 4.4%; p < 0.0001). One case with in utero cessation had a PCT density of 34.2% ± 0.2%. Among other AA fetopathy findings, 1 case demonstrated unilateral renal vein thrombosis and 4 had hypocalvaria. Conclusions We have quantified the reduction in AA fetopathy PCT density, and demonstrated in utero cessation may recover PCT differentiation. Future studies may benefit from calculating PCT percentage as a potential biomarker to correlate with post-natal renal function and maternal factors including medication type, dosage, duration, and time from medication cessation.


Author(s):  
Azza S. Jabbar ◽  
Nadheera F. Neamah ◽  
Ahmed H. Al-Darraji

Abstract Objectives Hypertension is a very common cardiovascular disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are widely used to treat hypertension. Many patients with hypertension are vulnerable to the antihypertensive adverse effects, which potentially reduces the adherence rate. Therefore, we conducted this study in order to evaluate the safety profile of both classes (ACEi and ARBs) on respiratory functions. Methods Two main groups of subjects were studied: first group is healthy control subjects and the second group is hypertensive patients, which was subdivided into subgroups in order to investigate the effect of all tested medications (captopril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, and valsartan). Respiratory efficiency was evaluated by measuring pulmonary function tests: FEV1, FVC, and FEV1%. Measurements were done using micromedical spirometer. Results We found that ARBs do not impair normal respiratory functions as measured by FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC in hypertensive patients. While ACEi treatments significantly reduced FEV1, FEV1%, and FVC compared to the other groups. Conclusions ARBs are not associated with any harmful effects on respiratory functions in hypertensive patients, unlike ACEi. As such, they could represent a first-choice treatment for hypertensive patients who are at high risk to the respiratory adverse effects.


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