Expression of connective tissue growth factor in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rats and its pathogenic role

In order to explore the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the pathogenesis of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group. On the postoperative day 1, 3, 7 and 14, the rats were killed and the kidneys were removed. The renal tubulointerstitial injury index was evaluated according to the MASSON staining. The mRNA levels of CTGF, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), collagen I (col I), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were detected using reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the protein expression of the above factors, and the relations among them were analyzed. Quantitative expression of CTGF protein in the kidneys was also assessed using Western blot. The results showed that TGF-beta1 mRNA level was increased at first day after UUO, followed by a marked elevation of CTGF mRNA level, which began to increase 3 days after UUO (P < 0.01). With the progression of the disease, the mRNA expression of CTGF, col I and PAI-1 was increased progressively. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the CTGF protein expression was significantly increased in fibrotic areas and tubular epithelial cells 3 days after UUO. On the post-UUO day 7, the protein level of CTGF was positively related to the renal tubulointerstitial injury index (r = 0.62, P < 0.01), the expression of TGF-beta1 (r = 0.85, P < 0.01), col I (r = 0.78, P < 0.01), and PAI-1 (r = 0.76, P < 0.01). Upon Western blot analysis, CTGF protein expression began to increase 3 days after UUO, and appeared progressively throughout the time course (P < 0.01, as compared with sham-operated group). It is concluded that CTGF can be induced by TGF-beta and mediate various profibrotic actions of this cytokine, such as increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and decreasing ECM degradation. The increased expression of CTGF may play a crucial role in the development and progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.