Conclusions
MFG-E8 can be developed as novel treatment for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. This protective effect appears to be mediated through the enhancement of apoptotic cell clearance and improvement of capillary functions in the kidneys.
Results
MFG-E8 levels, organ injury variables, inflammatory responses, histology, apoptosis, and capillary functions were assessed at 1.5 and 20 hrs after reperfusion. A 60-hr survival study was conducted in MFG-E8 and recombinant murine MFG-E8-treated wild-type mice. After renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, MFG-E8 mRNA and protein expressions were significantly decreased in the kidneys and spleen. Treatment with recombinant murine MFG-E8 recovered renal dysfunction, significantly suppressed inflammatory responses, apoptosis, necrosis, and improved capillary functions in the kidneys. In the survival study, MFG-E8 mice showed a significant deterioration and, in contrast, recombinant murine MFG-E8-treated wild-type mice showed a significant improvement of survival compared with vehicle-treated wild-type mice. Conclusions: MFG-E8 can be developed as novel treatment for renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. This protective effect appears to be mediated through the enhancement of apoptotic cell clearance and improvement of capillary functions in the kidneys.