Chronic ethanol ingestion induces glomerular filtration barrier proteins genes expression alteration and increases matrix metalloproteinases activity in the kidney of rats

Abstract: Background: Chronic alcohol ingestion-induced kidney structure and function alterations are very well known, but the precise underlying
molecular mediators involved in ethanol-induced kidney abnormalities remain elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic
ethanol exposure on matrix metalloproteinase 2, 9 (MMP), glomerular filtration barrier proteins (nephrin and podocin), as well as vascular endothelial
growth factor receptor 1, 2 (VEGFRs) isoforms gene expression in the kidney of rats. Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats with an initial body weight of
220 ± 10 g were divided into the following two groups: (1) control and (2) ethanol (4.5 g/kg BW). Results: After 6 weeks of treatment, the results
revealed a significant increase in isoforms VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 of VEGFR gene expression, significant increases of MMP2 and MMP9 activities, as
well as significant decrease of nephrin and podocin gene expressions in the ethanol group, compared with that in the control group. Conclusion: These
findings indicate that ethanol-induced kidney abnormalities may be in part associated with alteration in expressions of VEGFRs, nephrin, and podocin
and in increasing activities of MMP2 and MMP9 as key molecular mediators in the kidney function.