Effect of fosinopril on chemerin and VEGF expression in diabetic nephropathy rats

As the most common and severe complication of diabetes, diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been known to be related with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), which can reduce proteinuria and protect renal function. This study analyzed the effect of ACEI analog-fosinopril-on the expression of chemerin and vascular epithelial growth factor (VEGF), in an attempt to reveal the mechanism of ACEI analog on renal protection. A total of 45 SD rats were induced by sreptozotocin for diabetes and were given fosinopril via intragastric cannulation for 12 weeks. After sacrifice, serum and renal chemerin and VEGF contents were quantified by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot method, in addition to biochemical laboratory examinations. In diabetic model rats, blood glucose, creatinine, urea nitrogen, 24-hour urinary protein, chemerin and VEGF protein contents were all significantly elevated when compared to those in control group (P<0.05). After fosinopril treatment, blood creatinine, urea nitrogen, 24-hour urinary protein, Chemerin and VEGF protein concentrations were significantly depressed (P<0.05 compared to model group). Positive relationships existed between renal chemerin, VEGF and urea protein levels. Fosinopril may protect renal tissues in diabetes by suppressing chemerin and VEGF protein expression.