Tranilast ameliorates experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis

Background: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy and its related animal model Thy1.1 nephritis are characterized by mesangial hypercellularity, extracellular matrix expansion and overexpression of the proproliferative and profibrotic growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). Tranilast [n-(3,4-dimethoxycinnamoyl) anthranilic acid] has been shown to block the actions of PDGF and TGF-β. Methods: Experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis was induced in male Wistar rats with a monoclonal anti-rat Thy-1.1 antibody (OX-7) with rats randomized to receive either tranilast 400 mg/kg/day or vehicle control. Collagen synthesis and proliferation of cultured mesangial cells following incubation with PDGF (50 ng/ml) and tranilast (10-100 μM) was determined by ³H-proline and ³H-thymidine incorporation, respectively. Results: Tranilast treatment resulted in a significant reduction in mesangial cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, activated (α-smooth muscle actin positive) mesangial cells, glomerular type IV collagen deposition and proteinuria compared to control rats. Also, PDGF stimulation of mesangial cell ³H-thymidine and ³H-proline incorporation was reduced by tranilast in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: These in vitro data and the amelioration of the pathological findings of experimental mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis by tranilast suggest the potential clinical utility of this approach as a therapeutic strategy in mesangial proliferative conditions such as immunoglobulin A nephropathy.