Ureter, the Guardian Angel of Nephron: The Impact of Pelvicalyceal System on Apoptotic Activity in an Experimental Obstructive Uropathy Model

Objective:

We aimed to assess the impact of obstructive uropathy and its revision on renal apoptotic and inflammatory activity in an experimental model in rabbits

Methods:

Twenty-four rabbits were separated into four different groups. Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction model was performed in Group 1 and 2. Ureterovesical junction (UVJ) obstruction model was performed in Group 3 and 4. Thirty days after the operations, bilateral nephrectomy was performed in Group 1 and 3. Thirty days after the initial surgery, the obstruction was revised in Group 2 and 4. Thirty days after the revision surgeries, bilateral nephrectomy was performed in Group 2 and 4. The apoptotic and inflammatory activity was measured at the protein level and nephrectomy specimens were examined histologically

Results:

Caspase 3 levels were significantly higher in operated left kidneys than the levels obtained in the right counterparts. The increase in procaspase 9 and caspase 3 activities in the UVJ obstruction group was less than those of the UPJ obstruction group (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). After the revision of obstruction, the decrease in procaspase 9 and caspase 3 activities was more significant in Group 4 than in Group 2 (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). Cyclooxygenase-2 expression decreased insignificantly in Group 2 and 4 when compared to Group 1 and 3 (p>0.05, p>0.05, respectively)

Conclusion:

The rabbits with a UVJ obstruction had lower apoptotic indexes as compared to those with a UPJ obstruction. The apoptotic activity decreased to almost normal levels following an adequate revision of the obstruction in both groups, but this improvement was more significant in animals with a UVJ obstruction.