Publication:

Impact of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel on microscopic structure and immunohistochemical expression of transforming growth factor-β1 in the renal cortex of rat diabetic nephropathy

Background Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes. A low dose of paclitaxel drug ameliorates fibrosis in different diseases. Nano-particle albumin–bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel) is a novel formula of paclitaxel approved in many countries.

Methods This study aimed to investigate the effect of nab-paclitaxel on microscopic structure and immunohistochemical expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (as a fibrogenic mediator) in the renal cortex of rat diabetic nephropathy. Forty five adult rats were divided into; group I (control), group II (receiving nab-paclitaxel), group III (diabetic) and group IV (diabetic rats receiving nab-paclitaxel). After 4 weeks, kidneys were prepared for light microscopy and TGF- β1 immunohistochemical study.

Results Renal cortex in group II had a microscopic structure similar to group I. TGF- β1 immune-reaction was negative in group I and II. Group III showed microscopic diabetic changes as hypertrophied renal corpuscles, expanded mesangial matrix, degenerated tubules, interstitial inflammatory cells infiltration, and glomerular and tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. A positive TGF- β1 immune-reaction was detected in renal corpuscles and tubules. In group IV, diabetic changes were relatively ameliorated with decreased TGF-β1immune-expression.

Conclusions Nab-paclitaxel partially ameliorated microscopic structural changes in renal cortex of rats with diabetic nephropathy and decreased TGF-β1 immune-expression, suggesting a partial reno-protective effect of nab-paclitaxel in diabetic nephropathy.