Effects of calcitriol on peripheral endothelial progenitor cells and renal renovation in rats with chronic renal failure

Background: The role of calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D-3 or 1,25-(OH)(2)D-3) in physiological processes, such as anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation, and immunoregulation is known; however, its role in the remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) remains unclear. Methods: Here, we analyzed the role/number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), renal function, and pathological alterations in rats with CRF, and compared the results before and after supplementation with calcitriol in vivo. Results: Amongst the three experimental groups (sham group, CRF group, and calcitriol-treated group (0.03 mu g/kg/d), we observed substantially elevated cell adhesion and vasculogenesis in vivo in the calcitriol-treated group. Additionally, lower levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was recorded in the calcitriol-treated group than the CRF group (p > 0.05). Calcitriol treatment also resulted in an improvement in renal pathological injury. Conclusions: Thus, calcitriol could ameliorate the damage of glomerular arterial structural and renal tubules vascular network integrity, maybe through regulating the number and function of EPCs in the peripheral blood of CRF rats. Treatment with it may improve outcomes in patients with renal insufficiency or combined cardiac insufficiency. Calcitriol could ameliorate CRF-induced renal pathological injury and renal dysfunction by remodeling of the glomerular capillary endothelium, thus, improving the function of glomerular endothelial cells.

Automated summary

The study indicated that calcitriol could ameliorate kidney structure and function in rats with chronic renal failure by regulating the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells. Treatment with calcitriol may improve outcomes in patients with renal insufficiency or combined cardiac insufficiency.