Browsing by Author "Yazawa, Koji"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A nonerythropoietic derivative of erythropoietin inhibits tubulointerstitial fibrosis in remnant kidney
    (Springer, 2012) Imamura, Ryoichi; Isaka, Yoshitaka; Sandoval, Ruben M.; Ichimaru, Naotsugu; Abe, Toyofumi; Okumi, Masayoshi; Yazawa, Koji; Kitamura, Harumi; Kaimori, Jyunya; Nonomura, Norio; Rakugi, Hiromi; Molitoris, Bruce A.; Takahara, Shiro; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Background: The tissue-protective effects of erythropoietin (EPO) have been extensively investigated, and EPO administration can raise the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Recently, we reported that carbamylated erythropoietin (CEPO) protected kidneys from ischemia-reperfusion injury as well as EPO. Methods: To investigate the clinical applications of CEPO, we next evaluated the long-term therapeutic effect of CEPO using a tubulointerstitial model rat. We randomized remnant kidney model rats to receive saline, EPO, or CEPO for 8 weeks. Results: CEPO- and EPO-treated rats had improved serum creatinine levels compared with saline-treated remnant kidney model rats, although the Hb level was significantly increased in EPO-treated rats. Two-photon microscopy revealed that EPO/CEPO significantly ameliorated tubular epithelial cell damage assessed by endocytosis. In addition, CEPO or EPO protected endothelial cells with a sustained blood flow rate. EPO or CEPO suppressed the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells with weak αSMA staining. Furthermore, PCR analysis demonstrated that TGF-β and type I collagen expression was attenuated in EPO- or CEPO-treated rats, accompanied by a significant decrease in interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: We established a long-term therapeutic approach to protect tubulointerstitial injury with CEPO, and thus, the therapeutic value of this approach warrants further attention and preclinical studies.