Induction of systemic inflammation and thickening of subepicardiac arteries in an animal model of uremia.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Although renal dysfunction is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are few experimental studies investigating the cardiovascular consequences of this condition. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the induction of renal dysfunction on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and on the histology of subepicardial vessels. METHODS: This experimental study involved thirty Wistar male rats, which were divided into two groups. One (chronic kidney disease - CKD group) underwent renal ablation, and the other (SHAM group) was submitted to kidney manipulation only. Both groups were followed up for eight weeks. During follow-up, serum levels of urea, phosphorus and TNF-&#x3b1; were measured. Heart tissue was processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: The CKD group had increased levels of urea and phosphorus, in comparison with the SHAM group. The levels of TNF-&#x3b1; were increased in the CKD group and undetectable in the SHAM group (p < 0.05). Thickness of the middle layer of the subepicardial vessels of the CKD group was significantly higher than that of the SHAM group (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Induction of renal dysfunction in rats increased the biomarkers of cardiovascular risk and led to a thickening of the subepicardial vessels when compared with normal controls.