SIRT1 and Klotho expression in the heart and kidneys of rats with acute and chronic renovascular hypertension

AIM: To evaluate Klotho and SIRT1 expression in the heart and kidneys of rats with acute and chronic renovascular hypertension. METHODS: Four and sixteen weeks after the induction of renovascular hypertension by clipping the left renal artery, systemic blood pressure, serum angiotensin II level, and the expression of Klotho and SIRT1 proteins and oxidative stress indices in the heart and kidneys were assessed. RESULTS: SIRT1 level was significantly reduced in the ischemic (left) kidney in acute and chronic phases of hypertension. In the heart, it decreased in the acute phase, but increased in the chronic phase. Klotho levels in the heart and kidneys did not change significantly in either hypertension phase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the heart significantly decreased, and SOD, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde in the ischemic kidney significantly increased during the development of hypertension. Serum angiotensin II level significantly increased in the acute phase of hypertension. CONCLUSION: Development of renovascular hypertension was associated with a reduction of SIRT1 expression in the heart and ischemic kidney. As angiotensin II and SIRT1 counteract each other's expression, a SIRT1 reduction in the heart and kidney, along with the influence of systemic/local angiotensin II, seems to be partly responsible for hypertension development. A combination of SIRT1 agonists and angiotensin II antagonists may be considered for use in the treatment of renovascular hypertension.