Exploring the impact of high-altitude de-acclimatization on renal function: The roles of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rat models

BACKGROUND

High-altitude de-acclimatization (HADA) significantly impacts physiological functions when individuals acclimatize to high altitudes return to lower altitudes. This study investigates HADA's effects on renal function and structure in rats, focusing on oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress as potential mechanisms of renal injury.

OBJECTIVE

To elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of renal damage in HADA and evaluate the efficacy of antioxidants Vitamin C (Vit C) and tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) in mitigating these effects.

METHODS

88 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, a high-altitude (HA) group, a high-altitude de-acclimatization (HADA) group, and a treatment group. The control group was housed in a sea level environment (500 m), while the HA, HADA, and treatment groups were placed in a simulated high-altitude chamber (5000 m) for 90 days. After this period, the HA group completed the modeling phase; the HADA group was further subdivided into four subgroups, each continuing to be housed in a sea level environment for 3, 7, 14, and 30 days, respectively. The treatment group was split into the Vit C group, the TUDCA group, and two placebo groups, receiving medication for 3 consecutive days, once daily upon return to the sea level. The Vit C group received 100 mg/kg Vit C solution via intravenous injection, the TUDCA group received 250 mg/kg TUDCA solution via intraperitoneal injection, and the placebo groups received an equivalent volume of saline similarly. Serum, urine, and kidney tissues were collected immediately after the modeling phase. Renal function and oxidative stress levels were assessed using biochemical and ELISA methods. Renal histopathology was observed with H&E, Masson's trichrome, PAS, and PASM staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of glomeruli and filtration barrier. TUNEL staining assessed cortical apoptosis in the kidneys. Metabolomics was employed for differential metabolite screening and pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

Compared to the control and HA groups, the HADA 3-day group (HADA-3D) exhibited elevated renal function indicators, significant pathological damage, observable ultrastructural alterations including endoplasmic reticulum expansion and apoptosis. TUNEL-positive cells significantly increased, indicating heightened oxidative stress levels. Various differential metabolites were enriched in pathways related to oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Early intervention with Vit C and TUDCA markedly alleviated renal injury in HADA rats, significantly reducing the number of apoptotic cells, mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress, and substantially lowering oxidative stress levels.

CONCLUSION

This study elucidates the pivotal roles of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the early-stage renal injury in rats undergoing HADA. Early intervention with the Vit C and TUDCA significantly mitigates renal damage caused by HADA. These findings provide insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of HADA and suggest potential therapeutic strategies for its future management.