A Mouse 5/6th Nephrectomy Model That Induces Experimental Uremic Cardiomyopathy

Xiaoliang Wang1, Muhammad A Chaudhry2, Ying Nie2

  • 1Marshall Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (MIIR), Marshall University.

Insights

A novel 5/6th partial nephrectomy (PNx) mouse model effectively replicates chronic kidney disease (CKD) and uremic cardiomyopathy. This model shows impaired renal function, anemia, and cardiac dysfunction four weeks post-surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Experimental Pathology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) significantly increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality.
  • CKD progression can lead to uremic cardiomyopathy, a specific cardiac phenotype.
  • Existing animal models for studying CKD-induced cardiac dysfunction have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize a novel, efficient surgical mouse model for studying chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • To investigate the development of uremic cardiomyopathy in this new CKD model.
  • To assess renal function, anemia, and cardiac parameters in the established model.

Main Methods:

  • A two-step surgical procedure was employed: 5/6th partial nephrectomy (PNx) involving ligation of both poles of the left kidney, followed by removal of the right kidney 7 days later.
  • Sham surgery was performed as a control, mimicking the surgical steps without kidney manipulation.
  • Mice were analyzed four weeks post-surgery to evaluate physiological and pathological changes.

Main Results:

  • The PNx model exhibited significantly impaired renal function and anemia compared to sham-operated controls.
  • Cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis were observed in the hearts of PNx mice.
  • Significant decreases in both systolic and diastolic cardiac function were detected in the PNx group.

Conclusions:

  • The described 5/6th PNx mouse model provides a viable and relatively straightforward method for inducing CKD and uremic cardiomyopathy.
  • This model recapitulates key features of human uremic cardiomyopathy, including cardiac structural and functional abnormalities.
  • The model is suitable for further research into the mechanisms and potential treatments for CKD-associated cardiovascular complications.

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