Tetramethylpyrazine prevents contrast-induced nephropathy by inhibiting p38 MAPK and FoxO1 signaling pathways

Apoptosis is recognized as an important mechanism in contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). As tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been recently found to be renoprotective and anti-apoptotic in multiple kidney injuries, we hypothesized that TMP would prevent CIN.

An experimental model of CIN was established in rats. Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, plasma cystatin C, urinary N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase, and urinary γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were measured to evaluate kidney function. Apoptosis was assessed by transmission electron microscopy, transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling staining, and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage. Fork-head box O1 transcriptional factor (FoxO1) mRNA expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. Phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.

TMP significantly attenuated the resulting renal dysfunction and renal tubular cell apo-ptosis. Mechanistically, TMP decreased the expression of phospho-p38 MAPK protein and attenuated the increased FoxO1 mRNA and nuclear protein expression. In addition, TMP inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase and Bax protein expression while it upregulated Bcl-2.

In summary, this study demonstrated the protective role of TMP against CIN and indicated the effects of TMP may be mediated by the inhibition of p38 MAPK and FoxO1 pathways. Thus, TMP may be a new potential therapeutic agent to prevent CIN.