Fas-induced apoptosis is a feature of progressive diabetic nephropathy in transgenic (mRen-2)27 rats: Attenuation with renin-angiotensin blockade

Abstract

Background and Aim: Tubular atrophy is a major feature of most renal diseases and is closely associated with the loss of renal function. The present study sought to investigate whether Fas/FasL-induced tubular epithelial cell apoptosis was a feature of experimental diabetic nephropathy. The effects of renoprotective therapy with blockade of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) system were also examined. Method: Six-week-old female Ren-2 rats were injected with streptozotocin and maintained diabetic for 12 weeks. Further groups of diabetic rats were treated with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, perindopril, for 12 weeks. Results: Widespread apoptosis, identified by using mediated Terminal ..