Renoprotective effects of raloxifene on the progression of kidney disease injured by adriamycin-induced proteinuria in rats

Aim To investigate the potential renoprotective effects of raloxifene on the progression of kidney disease injured by adriamycin-induced proteinuria in rats,and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods Rats were assigned to three groups randomly:normal control group(group A,n=5),model group(group B,n=8) and RAL treatment group(group C,n=8).Rats in group B and C were given ARD 4 mg·kg-1 via tail vein at the first day of the 1st and 2nd week,respectively.Group C received RAL treatment 3.0 mg·kg-1·d-1 orally in the 2nd week after the first adriamycin injection.The changes of 24 h urine protein,renal pathology and expression of type I collagen were evaluated in the end of 7th week after the first administration of adriamycin.Results In comparison with group A,in group B,the proliferation of the mesangial cells,the accumulation of the extracellular matrix,the atrophy or extension of renal tubules and infiltration of inflammatory cells in interstitium were obviously observed.The level of GSI,TII,24h urine protein excretion rate and the expression of Collagen I were significantly increased(P0.01).These changes above were ameliorated by treatment with RAL(P0.05) in the end of 7th week after the first administration of adriamycin.Conclusion Raloxifene shows positive effects on the progressive renal disease injured by adriamycin-induced proteinuria.The mechanism may be associated with inhibiting urine protein excretion and ameliorating the changes of pathomorphology.