Effect of a lipid-lowering agent or a high-cholesterol diet on focal glomerulosclerosis in hyperlipidemic rats

Hyperlipidemic rats given a diet supplemented with 1% probucol (4,4'-isopropylidenedithiobis [2,6-di-tert-butylphenol]) or 4% cholesterol with 1% cholic acid from 4 to 20 weeks of age were evaluated for the effect of a lipid-lowering agent or a high-cholesterol diet on focal glomerulosclerosis. Although mean cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations in hyperlipidemic rats given probucol were lower than those in control hyperlipidemic rats, there was no difference in urinary protein content or renal histologic findings when the two groups were compared. Mean cholesterol, phospholipid, urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations in hyperlipidemic rats given a high-cholesterol diet were greater than those in hyperlipidemic rats given a normal diet, and the glomerular sclerotic lesions became more severe.