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Updated: Jun 5, 2026
An Immature Murine Model of Reversible Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Published on: April 4, 2025
Therapeutic effect of retinoic acid on unilateral ureteral obstruction model
Kazuya Kishimoto1, Koji Kinoshita, Shoichi Hino
1Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine, Osaka, Japan.
Background:
Retinoic acids, a group of natural and synthetic vitamin A derivatives, have potent anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. We investigated the therapeutic effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model mice.
Methods:
First, to evaluate the prophylactic effect, we administered 0.5 mg of ATRA for 3 days before UUO (UUO ATRA). Then, to evaluate the therapeutic effects, we administered 0.5 mg of ATRA 3 days after UUO (Day 3 ATRA). We compared the histological changes and immunostaining of macrophages, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen I, and mRNA expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β(1) and TGF-β R-II by RT-PCR 7 days after UUO.
Results:
In the UUO ATRA and Day 3 ATRA groups, we observed a significant improvement in histological and immunological findings, including macrophage infiltration and improved expression of MCP-1, TGF-β(1), α-SMA and collagen I compared with the UUO Day 7 group.
Conclusion:
ATRA treatment is not only an effective prophylactic strategy, but also a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of progressive renal fibrosis in diseased kidneys.
Insights
All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) effectively prevents and treats kidney fibrosis in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. ATRA improves histological and immunological markers, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for progressive renal fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Retinoic acids, vitamin A derivatives, possess anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties.
- Investigated the effects of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of ATRA on kidney fibrosis induced by UUO.
- To assess ATRA's impact on histological and immunological changes in UUO mice.
Main Methods:
- Administered ATRA prophylactically (3 days before UUO) and therapeutically (3 days after UUO).
- Assessed histological changes, macrophage infiltration, and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, MCP-1, TGF-β(1), and TGF-β R-II via RT-PCR 7 days post-UUO.
Main Results:
- Both prophylactic and therapeutic ATRA administration significantly improved histological and immunological findings in UUO mice.
- ATRA treatment reduced macrophage infiltration and modulated the expression of key fibrotic markers (MCP-1, TGF-β(1), α-SMA, collagen I).
Conclusions:
- All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) serves as an effective prophylactic and therapeutic agent against progressive renal fibrosis.
- ATRA demonstrates potential as a treatment strategy for kidney fibrosis in diseased kidneys.
