Differential expressions of TGF-β1, HIF-1, VEGF, α-SMA and E-cadherin in renal tissues of a neonatal rat model of hydronephrosis

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the differential expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), hypoxia inductive factor-1 (HIF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), α-smooth muscle protein (α-SMA) and E-cadherin in renal tissues of neonatal rat model of hydronephrosis.Methods: The neonatal rats (90) were randomly divided into sham group and model group. The rats in the model group were further divided into two subgroups: week 1 and week 12 after relief of obstruction, with 30 rats in each group. Six rats were taken from each group for the determination of renal histopathological changes. Levels of TGF-β1, HIF-1, VEGF, α-SMA and E-cadherin in renal tissues were compared for different pathological grades and at different time points of obstruction relief.Results: With increase in Elder grade, the concentrations of TGF-β1, HIF-1, VEGF and α-SMA in renal tissues of hydronephrosis neonatal rats were gradually increased, while the expression level of Ecadherin gradually decreased (p < 0.05). However, the concentrations of TGF-β1, HIF-1, VEGF and α-SMA in renal tissues were significantly reduced, while the expression level of E-adherin was upregulated with time after relief of obstruction (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These findings are of great significance in determining the degree of kidney injury and recovery, and for the development of drugs for the treatment of renal injury.