BACKGROUND: To explore the use of hepcidin as a marker of impaired renal function in a rat model for chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four models were developed and 20 models were included in this study, using Fisher (F344) rats (donors) and Lewis rats (recipients). Renal function tests were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Hepcidin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and erythropoietin levels in serum and urine were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To observe pathological changes in the kidneys, 10 rats each were sacrificed at 2 months and 4 months after surgery.

RESULTS: After transplantation, the serum hepcidin and IL-6 levels increased, while urine hepcidin levels decreased. Erythropoietin levels showed a similar trend; all P<0.05. Serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen significantly increased post-operatively, with SCr positively correlating with serum hepcidin. Serum hepcidin positively correlated with IL-6 and negatively correlated with EPO. Histopathological results were consistent with CAN, after transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS: Hepcidin may be considered as a potential marker of impaired renal function.

Keywords: Allografts - metabolism, Biomarkers - metabolism, Hepcidins - metabolism, Kidney Diseases - surgery, Kidney Function Tests, Kidney Transplantation, Rats, Inbred F344, Rats, Inbred Lew