l-Arginine attenuates the ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis in ininephrectomized hypertensive rats: role of KIM-1, NGAL, and NOs

Abstract

Background: Ethylene glycol (EG) exposure caused formation of calcium oxalate crystal that led to renal failure, which is associated with higher prevalence of hypertension. l-Arginine is known to have an antioxidant and nephro-protective potential. Objective: To evaluate the effect of l-arginine against EG-induced urolithiasis in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats. Material and methods: Uninephrectomized male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were used to induce urinary calculi through oral administration of EG (0.75%) in distilled water. Rats were treated with either distilled water (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or telmisartan (10 mg/kg, p.o.) or Cystone (500 mg/kg, p.o.) or l-arginine (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Various hemodynamic, biochemical, molecular, and histological parameters were assessed in kidney and heart. Results: Rats treated with l-arginine (500 and 1000 mg/kg) significantly restored altered relative organ weight, urine output, urine density, urinary pH, and water intake. EG-induced alterations in electrocardiographic (QRS interval, HR, and ST height) and hemodynamic (SBP, DBP, MABP, and LVEDP) abnormalities were significantly restored by l-arginine (500 and 1000 mg/kg) treatment. It also significantly restored alteration in serum and urine biochemical parameters induced by EG. The elevated oxido-nitrosative stress was also significantly decreased by l-arginine (500 and 1000 mg/kg) treatment. It also significantly down-regulated EG-induced up-regulated renal KIM-1, NGAL, eNOS, and iNOs mRNA expressions. Histological aberrations induced in the renal and cardiac tissues were also ameliorated by l-arginine treatment. Conclusion: l-Arginine exerts its nephro- and cardio-protective potential in EG-induced urolithiasis in uninephrectomized hypertensive rats via modulation of KIM-1, NGAL, eNOS, and iNOs mRNA expression.

• Ethylene glycol
• eNOs
• iNOs
• KIM-1
• l-arginine
• NGAL
• uninephrectomy
• urolithiasis

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

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