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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
Using 2-Photon Microscopy to Quantify the Effects of Chronic Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction on Glomerular Processes
Published on: March 4, 2022
Beneficial effects of Oltipraz, nuclear factor - erythroid - 2 - related factor 2 (Nrf2), on renal damage in
Emre Can Polat1, Huseyin Besiroglu2, Levent Ozcan3
1Department of Urology, Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
Introduction:
We investigated whether Oltipraz (OPZ) attenuated renal fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model.
Materials And Methods:
We randomly divided 32 rats into four groups, each consisting of eight animals as follows: Rats in group 1 underwent a sham operation and received no treatment. Rats in group 2 underwent a sham operation and received OPZ. Rats in group 3 underwent unilateral ureteral ligation and received no treatment. Group 4 rats were subjected to unilateral ureteral ligation plus OPZ administration. Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), E-cadherin, nitric oxide (NO) and hydroxyproline levels were measured. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were carried out.
Results:
TGF-β1, NO and E-cadherin levels in the UUO group were significantly higher than the sham group and these values were significantly different in treated groups compared to the UUO group. In rats treated with UUO + OPZ, despite the presence of mild tubular degeneration and less severe tubular necrosis, glomeruli maintained a better morphology when compared to the UUO group. Expressions of α-SMA in immunohistochemistry showed that the staining positivity decreased in the tubules of the OPZ-treated group.
Conclusions:
While the precise mechanism of action remains unknown, our results demonstrated that OPZ exerted a protective role in the UUO-mediated renal fibrosis rat model highlighting a promising therapeutic potency of Nrf2-activators for alleviating the detrimental effects of unilateral obstruction in kidneys.
Insights
Oltipraz (OPZ) demonstrated a protective effect against kidney fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). This suggests Nrf2-activators like OPZ may be beneficial for treating kidney obstruction.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Background:
- Investigated the potential of Oltipraz (OPZ) to mitigate renal fibrosis.
- Utilized a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model to simulate kidney damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of OPZ in preventing or reducing renal fibrosis induced by UUO.
- To assess the impact of OPZ on key molecular and histological markers of kidney injury and fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- 32 rats were divided into four groups: sham operation, sham operation with OPZ, UUO, and UUO with OPZ.
- Measured levels of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), E-cadherin, nitric oxide (NO), and hydroxyproline.
- Performed histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses, including α-SMA staining.
Main Results:
- UUO significantly increased TGF-β1, NO, and E-cadherin levels compared to sham.
- OPZ treatment in UUO rats led to significant reductions in these markers.
- Histological examination showed improved glomerular morphology and reduced tubular damage in OPZ-treated UUO rats, with decreased α-SMA expression.
Conclusions:
- Oltipraz (OPZ) demonstrated a protective role against UUO-induced renal fibrosis in rats.
- Results highlight the therapeutic potential of Nrf2-activators for kidney conditions involving obstruction.
- Further research into the precise mechanisms of OPZ action is warranted.
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