Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Alleviates Chronic Renal Allograft Dysfunction in Rats.

Background: Chronic renal allograft dysfunction (CRAD) is a major condition that impedes the long-term survival of renal allografts. However, the mechanism of CRAD is obscure, and the effective strategies for controlling the progression of CRAD are lacking. The present study used a CRAD rat model to assess the effect of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibition on the development of CRAD.

Methods: A classical F334-to-LEW orthotopic renal transplantation was performed on the CRAD group. The treatment group was treated with the GSK-3β inhibitor 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione for 12 consecutive weeks following renal transplantation. The study included uninephrectomized F344 and Lewis rats as control subjects. Twelve weeks post surgery, the rats were retrieved for analysis of renal function, urine protein levels, histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological parameters.

Results: Administration of 4-benzyl-2-methyl-1,2,4-thiadiazolidine-3,5-dione inactivated GSK-3β and thereby improved renal function, attenuated proteinuria, and reduced renal tissue damage in CRAD rats. Besides, inactivation of GSK-3β inhibited nuclear factor-κB activation, macrophage infiltration, and expression of multiple proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Inhibition of GSK-3β also decreased the levels of malondialdehyde, increased superoxide dismutase levels, upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1, and enhanced nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in the kidneys of CRAD rats.

Conclusions: Inhibition of GSK-3β attenuates the development of CRAD by inhibiting inflammation and oxidant stress. Thus, GSK-3β inhibition may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention and treatment of CRAD.