[The protective effect of low molecular weight heparin on early nephropathy in diabetic rats]

To investigate the protective effect of low molecular heparin on early nephropathy in diabetic rats and to explore its possible mechanism.

The rats were randomly divided into following groups: normal control rats, streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg)-induced diabetic rats and diabetic rats treated with low molecular weight heparin (Fraxiparine, Nadroparin calcium 205 AXaIU/kg). The activity of anti-Xa factor and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APIT) in plasma were assayed, the renal function and profile of kidney hypertrophy were measured, and the renal tissue were observed by light microscopy after 1, 2, 4 weeks of the treatment respectively.

Compared with the untreated diabetic group, except for higher kidney hypertrophy index, LMWH treated diabetic rats presented less urinary albumin excretion, lower creatinine clearance rate (Ccr) and longer APTT than diabetic group without any treatment. Meanwhile, renal pathologic changes in LMWH treated group were improved.

Low molecular weight heparin possesses a renal protective effect on early diabetic nephropathy and its possible mechanism may be associated with the beneficial effect of LMWH on regulating abnormal diabetic renal hemodynamics.