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Telmisartan attenuates kidney apoptosis and autophagy-related protein expression levels in an intermittent hypoxia

Xiao-Bin Zhang1,2,3,4,5, Jing-Huang Cai1,2, Yu-Yun Yang1,2

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, No.201, Hubin Nan Road, Siming District, Xiamen, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.

Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung
|September 17, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Obstructive sleep apnea causes kidney damage by increasing cell death and autophagy. Telmisartan treatment reduced these effects in a mouse model, suggesting potential renal benefits for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Renal pathology
  • Sleep medicine
  • Cellular biology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to kidney impairment.
  • Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a key feature of OSA, promotes apoptosis and autophagy.
  • Understanding the mechanisms of CIH-induced renal damage is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of telmisartan on CIH-induced kidney apoptosis and autophagy.
  • To evaluate telmisartan as a potential therapeutic agent for OSA-related renal dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A mouse model of OSA was established using chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) for 12 weeks.
  • Mice were divided into normoxia, CIH, and CIH+telmisartan groups.
  • Kidney apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL assay and western blotting for Bax and cleaved caspase-3.
  • Autophagy markers (beclin-1 and LC3) were analyzed via western blotting.

Main Results:

  • CIH significantly increased renal apoptosis and autophagy markers (Bax, cleaved caspase-3, beclin-1, LC3) compared to normoxia (p < 0.05).
  • Telmisartan administration in the CIH+telmisartan group significantly decreased both apoptosis and autophagy levels in kidney tissue compared to the CIH group.

Conclusions:

  • CIH accelerates renal apoptosis and autophagy, contributing to kidney damage in OSA.
  • Telmisartan demonstrated a protective effect by ameliorating CIH-induced renal apoptosis and autophagy.
  • These findings suggest telmisartan may prevent renal impairment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Keywords:
ApoptosisAutophagyIntermittent hypoxiaRenalTelmisartan

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