Clodronate-superparamagnetic iron oxide-containing liposomes attenuate renal injury in rats with severe acute

Sheng-chun Dang1, Yan-hua Zeng, Ping-jiang Wang

  • 1Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212001, China.

Abstract

Insights

Clodronate liposomes reduced kidney injury in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) rats by depleting macrophages. Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced MRI effectively detected this renal injury and macrophage migration.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Renal Pathophysiology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Macrophages are implicated in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) pathogenesis and multiple organ failure (MOF).
  • Renal macrophage infiltration contributes to acute kidney injury (AKI) in SAP.
  • Targeted macrophage depletion may mitigate SAP-induced AKI.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of renal macrophage infiltration in SAP-induced AKI in rats.
  • Evaluate superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosing renal injury in SAP.
  • Assess the therapeutic effect of macrophage depletion on SAP-related renal damage.

Main Methods:

  • SAP models were induced in rats using sodium taurocholate injection.
  • Rats were treated with SPIO-liposomes or SPIO-clodronate-liposomes to selectively deplete macrophages.
  • Kidney injury was assessed via T2-weighted MRI, serum biomarkers (BUN, SCr), and histopathology (H&E, TUNEL, CD68 immunohistochemistry).

Main Results:

  • Clodronate-liposome treatment significantly reduced pancreatic and renal pathological damage compared to control SPIO-liposomes.
  • SPIO-enhanced MRI showed significantly lower kidney signal intensity in SAP groups, indicating injury.
  • Serum markers of kidney injury and inflammation (TNF-α) were elevated in SAP rats but reduced by clodronate treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Clodronate-containing liposomes offer protection against renal injury in SAP rats.
  • SPIO-enhanced MRI serves as an effective non-invasive tool for detecting renal injury in SAP.
  • SPIO-aided MRI facilitates monitoring of macrophage migration in SAP-induced renal injury.