Objective: 

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Smad-1 (TGF super family) and BMP-2 genes in renal Ischemia-Reperfusion (I/R) model in rats. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate the gene levels of Caspase-3 (affected by apoptotic) and Bcl-xL (affected by antiapoptotic) genes to find out the possible apoptotic effects of Smad1 and BMP2 in the kidney.

Methods: 

Forty female rats were allocated into sham, ischemia, ischemia+Ca channel blocker and ischemia+Na channel blocker groups. The ischemia group did not receive any treatment. Other groups received Ca channel blocker or Na⁺ channel blocker before 30 minutes of anesthesia. Then, the abdomen was opened with a midline incision and bilateral renal arters were clamped for 60 minutes. After 48 hour reperfusion, blood samples and kidney tissues were collected. Tissue samples were examined by histopathological and RT-PCR methods for the expression levels of Smad-1, Bmp-2, Bcl-xL and Caspase-3.

Results: 

There was a significant histopathologial difference between the calcium channel blocker group and other groups. On the other hand, Bcl-xL gene was significantly different from Smad-1, Bmp-2 and Caspase-3 genes according to the moleculer analyses.

Conclusions: 

Calcium channel blockers may ameliorate the renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. These agents may be beneficial after controlled clinical studies.