Erythropoietin prevented the decreased expression of aquaporin1-3 in ureteral obstructive kidneys in juvenile rats

Background Urinary tract obstruction is associated with impaired renal urinary concentration; even after the release of the obstruction, patients still suffer from polyuria. It has been reported that the decreased expression of aquaporins (AQPs) is associated with postobstructive polyuria, and erythropoietin (EPO) can promote the recovery of decreased AQP2 expression induced by bilateral ureteral obstruction. However, whether EPO can promote the recovery of the expression of AQP1-3 after the release of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) has not yet been reported. Aims To investigate the effects of EPO treatment on the expression of renal AQP1-3 after the release of UUO. Methods UUO was established in rats by 24-h temporary unilateral obstruction of renal ureters. Three days following EPO treatment, the kidneys were removed to determine the expression levels of AQP1-3, NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1 beta via semiquantitative immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Results EPO inhibited the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1 beta; reduced plasma creatinine and urea; and promoted the recovery of AQP1-3 expression in UUO rats. Conclusions EPO treatment prevented the decreased expression of renal AQPs and the development of impaired urinary concentration capacity after the release of UUO, which may partially occur by way of anti-inflammasome effects. Impact EPO treatment could prevent the decreased expression of renal water transporter proteins AQP1-3 and the development of impaired renal functions, which may be associated with its anti-inflammasome effects. EPO regulated the expression of renal water transporter proteins AQP1-3, which could provide the potential for the treatment of postobstructive polyuresis. EPO treatment could be one of the effective methods by participating in multiple dimensions for patients with obstructive nephropathy.