The Effects of Externally Administered Insulin-like Growth Factor-I on Glomerulosclerosis during Compensatory Renal Hypertrophy in Rats

Yoon, Chang Jun; Cho, Chul Kyu; Park, Tong Choon

Abstract

PURPOSE: Among renotropic agents, a growth hormone (GH) independent insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) improves renal function without inducing glomerulosclerosis and its potential for treating renaldisease is increasing. With this in mind, this study was designed to find out the effects of externallyadministered IGF-I toward preventing glomerulosclerosis after renal volume loss in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sprague-Dawley rats (110-130gm) were divided into four groups in accordance with 3/4 nephrectomyand/or IGF-I administration. The 3/4 nephrectomy was performed at 30 days after birth, and recombinanthuman IGF-I was administered for 60 days after 3/4 nephrectomy. The change of body weight and wet weight of the remnant kidney were determined. The glomerular planar area and percentage of glomerulosclerosiswere measured.
RESULTS
The body weight andthe wet weight of remnant kidney were significantly increased after administration of IGF-I in the3/4 nephrectomy group. The glomerular planar area was significantly increased after administration of IGF-I in the 3/4 nephrectomy group, and significant increase in glomerular planar area was observed in the 3/4 nephrectomy group regardless of IGF-I administration. And the percentage of glomerulosclerosis was significantly decreased.
CONCLUSIONS
Thus it is concluded that this study proved that the externally administered IGF-I prevents lomerulosclerosis after severe renal volume loss in rats. It may have a potential to become a useful medical agent for suppressing glomerular sclerotic change and facilitating renal function in chronic renal failure patients.