The Influence of Peptides on the Morphofunctional State of Kidneys in Old Rats

Abstract

More than a quarter of the elderly and senile age population suffers from kidney pathology. For this reason, a prophylaxis of kidney diseases with safe and effective nephroprotectors is a priority of gerontology. This work studies the influence of the polypeptide kidney complex (PKC) and peptides AED, EDL, and AEDG, on the functional state of kidneys in old rats. The administration of the PKC and peptides AED and EDL increased diuresis by 1.2–1.4 times. The PKC and peptide AED reduced the urine protein level and protein excretion by 1.5–2.8 times. The PKC and peptides AED and EDL increased distal sodium transport by 1.2–1.3 times. The peptides AED and EDL increased sodium excretion by 1.3 and 1.6 times respectively. The renal effects of the peptide AEDG resulted in a 21% reduction of glomerular filtration rate, a 3.1-fold decrease in the urine protein level, and a 2.5-fold decrease in protein excretion. The peptide AEDG reduced absolute sodium reabsorption by 1.3 times and increased distal sodium transport by 1.4 times. The realization of glomerular–tubular and tubular–tubular balances is verified by the correlation between the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and absolute, proximal, and distal sodium reabsorption. In kidney tissue, stimulation of the antioxidant enzyme activity on the background of inhibition of the intensity peroxidation processes was observed, which, together with morphological data, reflects the absence of nephrotoxic effects. PKC and peptides AED, EDL, and AEDG may be considered nephroprotective agents in kidney aging.