SYSTEMIC TREATMENT WITH PROTEOLYTIC-ENZYMES IN RAT MODELS OF NONIMMUNE MEDIATED RENAL DISEASES

The potential effect of systemic treatment with proteolytic enzymes on slowing down the progression of renal damage was investigated in two rat models of nonimmune mediated diseases, Subtotal nephrectomy in rat s was used as a model of chronic renal failure, and Goldblatt hyperten sion served as a model of hypertension-induced renal injury: in both m odels administration of proteolytic enzymes resulted in the improvemen t of renal function (serum creatinine concentration, proteinuria), as well as slower development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in compariso n with the placebo treated animals. Moreover in the model of hypertens ion-induced renal injury, the occurrence oi malignant nephrosclerosis was also markedly reduced. These effects were independent of the rise in blood pressure. in conclusion, systemic treatment with proteolytic enzymes ameliorated the course of chronic renal failure, as well as th at of the hypertension-induced renal injury in rats, and retarded the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.