Benazepril hydrochloride improves diabetic nephropathy and decreases proteinuria by decreasing ANGPTL-4 expression

BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the effects of benazepril hydrochloride (BH) on proteinuria and ANGPTL-4 expression in a diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat model. METHODS A total of 72 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control (NC), DN group and BH treatment (BH) groups. The DN model was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). Weight, glucose, proteinuria, biochemical indicators and the kidney weight index were examined at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. In addition, ANGPTL-4 protein and mRNA expressions were assessed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Relationships between ANGPTL-4 and biochemical indicators were investigated using Spearman analysis. RESULTS Weight was significantly lower but glucose levels were significantly higher in both the DN and BH groups than in the NC group (P < 0.05). Compared with the DN group, proteinuria, urea, creatinine, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels were decreased, whereas the albumin level was increased after BH treatment (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, BH diminished kidney volume and ameliorated the pathological changes associated with DN. ANGPTL-4 expression was significantly decreased after BH treatment, and ANGPTL-4 expression was highly correlated with biochemical indicators of DN (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Benazepril hydrochloride improves DN and decreases proteinuria by decreasing ANGPTL-4 expression.