[Expression of HIF-1alpha in 5/6-nephrectomized rat models of chronic kidney fibrosis]

To determine the expression and effect of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha) in chronic kidney fibrosis, and to observe the effect of perindopril on its expression.The rat models of chronic kidney fibrosis were induced by 5/6 nephrectomy, and 11 successful 5/6-nephrectomized rats were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a surgery group (n=6) and a treatment group (perindopril, n=5). A control group was induced by sham operation. Five weeks later, Picro-Sirius red stained was applied to measure collagen in the kidney, and Western blot was used to test HIF-1alpha protein; The expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in the kidney was analyzed by real-time PCR.Picro-Sirius red stained revealed significant accumulation of collagens in the surgery group than the control group; and lower accumulation of collagens in the treatment group than the surgery group. Western blot showed higher deposit HIF-1alpha in the surgery group than the control group (P0.01) and lower deposit HIF-1alpha in the treatment group than the surgery group (P0.01). Real time PCR showed higher expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in the surgery group than the control group (P0.01)and lower expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF mRNA in kidney of the treatment group compared with the surgery group (P0.01). The expression of CTGF had positive correlation with HIF-1alpha (r=0.68, P0.01).The HIF-1alpha may induce kidney fibrosis through CTGF. Perindopril may decrease the expression of HIF-1alpha and CTGF to ameliorate kidney fibrosis.