Many studies suggest the dominant role of the inflammatory cytokine,
tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the prognosis of hypertension and end
stage renal disease (ESRD). The objective of this study was to investigate the
effects of TNF-α inhibition on renal functions in Nω
-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester
(L-NAME) induced hypertensive rats and the potential underlying mechanisms.
Four groups of rats were used in the study for 3 weeks period; normal control
group, TNF- α inhibitor (etanercept) group, L-NAME-induced hypertensive
group and L-NAME + etanercept group. L-NAME group showed elevated
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, plasma urea, creatinine, plasma renin
activity, angiotensin II, kidney tissue nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, TNF- α and malondialdehyde (MDA) together
with decreased creatinine clearance rate and renal antioxidants. Treatment with
etanercept affords antihypertensive effect and ameliorates L-NAME induced
renal impairment by improving renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and NADPH
oxidase as well as by attenuating oxidative stress.