Atorvastatin protects against contrast-induced acute kidney injury via upregulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide.

BACKGROUND

Contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is the third leading cause of acute renal failure in hospitalized patients. This study was aimed to investigate whether atorvastatin could upregulate the expression of hydrogen sulfide (HS) and hence protect against CIAKI.

METHODS

We treated male rats and NRK-52E cells by iopromide to establish and models of CIAKI. Pretreatment with atorvastatin was given in CIAKI rats to investigate its effect on CIAKI. We collected serum and urine samples to detect renal function. We obtained kidney tissue for histological analysis and detection of protein concentration. We tested the serum concentration of HS and renal expression of two HS synthetases [cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) and cystathionine-β synthase (CBS)]. NaHS was pretreated in NRK-52E cells to testify its underlying effect on contrast-induced injury.

RESULTS

Atorvastatin significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction and morphological changes in CIAKI rats, as well as inflammation, apoptosis, and excessive oxidative stress. Atorvastatin also markedly increased the serum concentration of HS and renal expression of CSE and CBS. Moreover, pretreatment with NaHS in NRK-52E cells considerably attenuated contrast-induced cell death and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Atorvastatin protects against CIAKI  upregulation of endogenous hydrogen sulfide.