Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Stem cell factor is a multifunctional cytokine, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE: To detect serum stem cell factor levels in rat models with chronic renal failure, and to study the relationship between serum stem cell factor and the pathogenesis and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.
METHODS: Thirty-six healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into model group (adenine lavage in order to establish the rat model with chronic renal failure) and control group (physiological saline lavage at equal volume). Six rats from both groups were sacrificed respectively at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Some serum and urine indicators were detected. Serum stem cell factor levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The extent of renal interstitial fibrosis was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining, and the renal interstitial fibrosis indices were calculated. Correlation between the serum stem cell factor and renal interstitial fibrosis indices was analyzed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with control group, the blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum stem cell factor and renal interstitial fibrosis indices were significantly higher in model group at different time points (P < 0.01). Moreover, the above indicators were gradually increased with the extension of lavage days, the serum stem cell factor level was positively correlated with blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the degree of renal interstitial fibrosis (P < 0.01). The results suggest that stem cell factor may participate in the pathogenesis and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.