Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays a central role in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, in feline CKD, renal expression of TGF-β1 and how it changes as the disease progresses have not been fully studied. In the present study, we immunohistochemically assessed the renal expression levels of TGF-β1 in cats with CKD and statistically analyzed its correlation with CKD severity. Clear immunosignals were detected in the glomerular mesangial cells, Bowman's capsules, proximal tubules, distal nephrons, platelets, and vascular smooth muscles in the kidneys of cats with CKD. Statistically, luminal signals in the distal nephrons showed positive correlations with plasma creatinine levels and glomerulosclerosis, while those in the proximal tubules and platelets showed negative correlations with plasma urea and/or creatinine levels. Therefore, it was suggested that the changes in the renal expression of TGF-β1 could be associated with progression of feline CKD.
Keywords: cat; chronic kidney disease; immunohistochemistry; renal expression; transforming growth factor-β1.