Evaluation of renal oxidative stress in the development of DOCA-salt induced hypertension and its renal damage.

To ascertain the onset of renal oxidative stress and its interrelation with the increase in blood pressure (BP) and kidney injury in rats subjected to Deoxycorticosterone (DOCA)-salt treatment, BP, renal antioxidants, renal damage indices, and histological changes were studied weekly. In the two other groups, 200 mg/kg/day vitamin E or C were co-administered with DOCA-salt for 4 weeks. Blood Pressure was increased at week one. Urinary N-acetyl-B-diglucosaminidase (NAG) and proteinuria increased and renal catalase decreased at 2nd week. Histological changes and decreased glothatione (GSH) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were demonstrated at three week. Vitamin therapy increased renal antioxidants and decreased BP, NAG, proteinuria, and histological damage. Thus, elevation in BP precedes the onset of renal oxidative stress in DOCA-salt treated rats. Enhanced renal oxidative stress contributes to kidney damage. In this study, treatment with vitamin C or vitamin E preserved renal antioxidant levels, prevented renal damage, and partially inhibited elevation of BP in the DOCA-salt treatment.