15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 Exerts Antioxidant Effects While Exacerbating Inflammation in Mice Subjected to Ureteral Obstruction

Urinary obstruction is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to renal dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, we examined the effects of 15d-PGJ2 on oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney. Mice were subjected to UUO for 3 days and treated with 15d-PGJ2. Protein and RNA expression were examined using immunoblotting and qPCR. 15d-PGJ2 increased NF-E2-related nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) protein expression in response to UUO, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), a downstream target of Nrf2, was induced by 15d-PGJ2. Additionally, 15d-PGJ2 prevented protein carbonylation, a UUO-induced oxidative stress marker. Inflammation, measured by nuclear NF-κB, F4/80, and MCP-1, was increased in response to UUO and further increased by 15d-PGJ2. Renal injury was aggravated by 15d-PGJ2 treatment as measured by kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and cortical caspase 3 content. No effect of 15d-PGJ2 was observed on renal function in mice subjected to UUO. This study illustrates differentiated functioning of 15d-PGJ2 on inflammation and oxidative stress in response to obstructive nephropathy. High concentrations of 15d-PGJ2 protects against oxidative stress during 3-day UUO in mice; however, it aggravates the associated inflammation.