Background: Cellular senescence may play a role in the development of kidney fibrosis,
but its specific association with apoptosis or proliferation have yet to be determined.
Objectives: This study aims to determine the effects of unilateral ureteral obstruction
(UUO) on proliferation, cellular senescence and apoptosis in kidney fibrosis.
Methods: A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) procedure was performed to induce
kidney fibrosis in 24 Swiss mice (3 months old, 30 g–40 g). Mice were sacrificed on day 3 (UUO3,
n = 6), day 7 (UUO7, n = 6) and day 14 (UUO14, n = 6). Sham operation (SO) procedures were
performed on the control group. The expression of Bcl-2, p16 and Bax mRNA was quantified with
reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining
with anti-Bcl-2 and p53 antibodies was used to determine the localisation of proliferation and
apoptosis. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by a post hoc least significant
difference (LSD) test (P < 0.05)
Results: RT-PCR analysis showed higher mRNA expression of Bcl-2, p16 and Bax in
the UUO groups compared with SO group (P < 0.05). Immunostaining showed that Bcl-2 and
p53 expression in tubular epithelium in the UUO groups, except Bcl-2 expression was found in
interstitial areas of UUO14 group.
Conclusion: Senescence in UUO might be associated with epithelial apoptosis and
myofibroblast proliferation.