Significance of apoptosis and Caspaseª²3 expression in chronic obstructive kidneys

    Xie Qingxiang, Lin Xiacong, Han Congxiang

    (Department of Urology, the 175th Hospital of PLA, Zhangzhou 363000, China)

    ABSTRACT: Objective To investigate the roles and mechanisms of apoptosis and its effector molecule Caspaseª²3 in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive kidney. Methods Caspaseª²3 expressions in 43 obstructive renal tissues and 10 normal renal tissues were examined by immunohistochemistry, and apoptosis was examined by TUNEL methods. The relationships between Caspaseª²3 expression of obstructive renal tissues and degree of hydronephrosis and renal fibrosis were evaluated. Results Both Caspaseª²3 expressions and apoptosis indexes in tubular and interstitial cells of obstructive kidneys were significantly higher than those in normal kidneys (P<0.05). Caspaseª²3 expressions in obstructive kidneys were in close association with apoptosis and hydronephrosis (P<0.05). Caspaseª²3 expressions in interstitial cells of obstructive kidneys were closely related to the degree of renal fibrosis (P<0.05). Conclusion Increased Caspaseª²3 activity plays an important role in renal cell apoptosis associated with urinary obstruction. ......