New approaches to delay the progression of chronic renal failure.
BACKGROUND
The molecular cloning of many bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-encoding genes and their identification as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) relatives enhanced the interest in these molecules and allowed expression and functional studies to be performed.


METHODS
Rats with ureteral obstruction were distributed into four groups. Group 1 received vehicle, group 2 received enalapril 12.5 mg/kg body wt/day, group 3 received 50 or 300 microg/kg body wt BMP-7, and group 4 received both enalapril and the high dose of BMP-7. We also studied the effects of BMP-7 administration in a model streptozocin-induced diabetes.


RESULTS
Treatment with BMP-7 in rats with ureteral obstruction of 3 days duration and subsequent release indicated that this compound decreases interstitial volume and accelerates the return of renal function. After 16 weeks of diabetes, the rats were treated with BMP-7. The administration of BMP-7 partially reversed renal hypertrophy, restored GFR to normal, and decreased proteinuria.


CONCLUSIONS
These studies indicate that administration of BMP-7 maintains and restores renal function and structure in animals with ureteral obstruction and diabetic nephropathy.
Klahr
Saulo
S
of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1092, USA. sklahr@im.wustl.edu
Morrissey
Jeremiah
J
Hruska
Keith
K
Wang
Song
S
Chen
Qing
Q
D000818:Animals; D055419:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology
C525821:Bmp7 protein, rat; D055419:Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta