The role of hepcidin and its related genes (BMP6, GDF-15, and HJV) in rats exposed to ischemia and reperfusion

Authors: RECEP DOKUYUCU, TUNCER DEMİR, ÖNDER YUMRUTAŞ, AYŞE BİNNUR ERBAĞCI, MUSTAFA ÖRKMEZ, ABDULKADİR YASİR BAHAR, RECEP BAYRAKTAR, İBRAHİM BOZGEYİK, DAVUT SİNAN KAPLAN, BEYHAN CENGİZ, CAHİT BAĞCI

Abstract: To determine the roles of hepcidin and its related genes in a renal ischemia/reperfusion model. Materials and methods: A total of 20 Wistar albino rats were equally divided into 2 groups: Group I was the control group and Group II was the ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) group (60 min of ischemia + 48 h of reperfusion). I/R was performed on the left kidneys of these rats and then the I/R-treated kidneys were removed. The levels of serum biochemical markers were evaluated after renal I/R. The expression levels of hepcidin-linked genes [growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6), and hemojuvelin (HJV)] were also measured by RT-PCR technique. In addition, the tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Results: No significant association was found between renal dysfunction and I/R when compared to biochemical parameters (P > 0.05). However, differences in platelet values were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Expression levels of GDF-15, BMP6, and HJV genes increased, but this increase was not statistically significant. In addition, histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin stain. This showed a significant relationship between the control group and I/R group for ischemic and nonischemic kidney scoring. Conclusion: Hepcidin and BMP6, HJV, and GDF-15 should be taken into account when investigating the process of I/R.

Keywords: Renal ischemia/reperfusion, hepcidin, BMP6, GDF-15, HJV

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