C/EBP Homologous Protein-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Related Renal Apoptosis Is Involved in Rats With Brain Death

Background. C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) is an important marker in endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-associated cell apoptosis. The role of CHOP-induced renal apoptosis remains unclear in rats with brain death (BD). The present study aims to investigate the possible implication of CHOP-mediated, ERS-related BD-induced apoptosis in rats. Materials and Methods. Forty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided randomly into 4 experimental groups. We examined activation of ERS and apoptosis-related protein expression using Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. In addition, apoptosis is assessed by terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Results. Kidneys harvested after BD show increased ERS- and apoptosis-related protein markers compared with kidneys of non-BD rats. Salubrinal (Sal) significantly increased levels of p-eIF2a and decreased the activity of CHOP at 6 hours after BD compared with vehicle-treated dimethylsulfoxide. Conclusions. Treating the BD donor with Sal influences renal apoptosis compared with vehicle-treated BD rats. Our results indicate that targeting the CHOP pathway provides a promising therapeutic approach for kidney injury associated with donor BD.