Continuous erythropoietin receptor activator ameliorates diabetic kidney disease in rats

Abstract

Objective: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is still a significant cause of morbidity in patients with diabetes. In this study, we examined the potential effects of continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) on oxidative stress, inflammation, and the renin-angiotensin system in a rat model of DKD induced by streptozocin. Materials and Methods: A single intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (65 mg/kg) was used in male Sprague Dawley rats to induce diabetes. The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8/group): diabetic (group D), CERA (group CR), CERA-treated diabetic group (group D+CR), and the control group (group C). The oxidative stress biomarkers, renal function parameters, messenger-ribonucleic acid expression of renin-angiotensin system parameters, and kidney histology were investigated. Results: Creatinine clearance was found to be increased and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio decreased in group D+CR compared with that of group D. Serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower, and glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly higher in group D+CR than those of group D. Serum interleukin-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma levels were significantly lower; and monocyte chemoaatractant protein 1 levels were significantly higher in group D+CR than those in group D. Conclusion: CERA can protect against DKD, in part, and is related to the suppression of the renal oxidative and inflammatory response.