Enalapril and losartan attenuate mitochondrial dysfunction in aged rats

EMV De Cavanagh, B Piotrkowski, N Basso… - The FASEB …, 2003 - Wiley Online Library
EMV De Cavanagh, B Piotrkowski, N Basso, I Stella, F Inserra, L Ferder, CG Fraga
The FASEB Journal, 2003Wiley Online Library
Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition can attenuate the effects of aging on renal
function and structure; however, its effect on mitochondrial aging is unknown. To investigate
whether an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) or an angiotensin II receptor
blocker (losartan) could mitigate age‐associated changes in kidney mitochondria, male
Wistar rats (14 mo old) received during 8 mo water containing either enalapril (10
mg/kg/day)(Enal), or losartan (30 mg/kg/day)(Los), or no additions (Old). Four‐month‐old …
Abstract
Renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition can attenuate the effects of aging on renal function and structure; however, its effect on mitochondrial aging is unknown. To investigate whether an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (enalapril) or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (losartan) could mitigate age‐associated changes in kidney mitochondria, male Wistar rats (14 mo old) received during 8 mo water containing either enalapril (10 mg/kg/day) (Enal), or losartan (30 mg/kg/day) (Los), or no additions (Old). Four‐month‐old untreated rats (Young) were also studied. In Old rats mitochondrial respiratory control, ADP/O, nitric oxide synthase activity, and uncoupling protein 2 levels were lower (46, 42, 27, and 76%, respectively), and Mn‐SOD activity was higher (70%) than in Young, Enal, and Los rats. In Old rats mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide production was higher than in both Young (197%) and Enal or Los (40%) rats. In Old rats, kidney GSH/GSSG was lower than in both Young (80%) and Enal (57%) or Los (68%) rats. In Old rats electron microscopy showed effacement of microvilli in tubular epithelial cells, ill‐defined mitochondrial cristae, lower mitochondrial numbers, and enhanced number of osmiophilic bodies relative to Young, Enal, or Los rats. In conclusion, enalapril and losartan can protect against both age‐related mitochondrial dysfunction and ultrastructural alterations, underscoring the role of RAS in the aging process. An association with oxidative stress modulation is suggested.
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