Effects of supplementation with L-arginine, vitamins C and E, and ω-3 fatty acids on the development of kidney failure in mice

Kidney failure is a common final stage of several diseases. It is a progressive condition ending in the total absence of renal function. While several factors have been implicated in the development of kidney failure, we have suggested that nitric oxide (NO) plays an essential role in preventing the evolution of damage. Thus, we suggest that absence of NO could be associated with increased renal damage. If such a hypothesis were correct, NO supplementation could prevent the development of kidney failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of NO by examining its absence in knockout mice and the stimulation of NO synthesis by the use of L- arginine supplementation (CORABION) on kidney failure development. Male WTC57 and knockout eNOS mice were employed; kidney failure was produced by renal ablation. We evaluated renal functional by measuring blood pressure and urinary excretion of protein. The administration of the supplement (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) started 24 hr after surgery for 14 days. Renal ablation produced in WTC57 mice increased urinary volume, elevated blood pressure and increased urinary excretion of protein; such effects were exacerbated in eNOS knockout mice and partially prevented with L-arginine supplementation. These data suggest that NO plays a role in kidney function and that supplementation can improve kidney function in the setting of kidney damage.