Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors attenuate renal tubular apoptosis after partial unilateral ureteral obstruction: An experimental study

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors on renal tubular apoptosis and also on expressions of endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (eNOS and iNOS) in the ipsilateral kidney after partial unilateral ureteral obstruction (PUUO) in a rat model. Forty Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. In Groups 1-4, left experimental PUUO was created. Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil were administrated to the rats of Groups 2-4, respectively. The pills were orally given to the rats for 30 days. Group 5 was defined as sham. After 30 days, all rats were sacrificed, and nephrectomy was performed. The renal specimens were examined histopathologically. Left hydroureteronephrosis was observed in Groups 1-4. Mean apoptotic cell count and eNOS and iNOS levels were significantly increased in Group 1 when compared with the other groups. The rats in Groups 2-4 showed significantly decreased apoptotic cell count and eNOS and iNOS values in the renal tubular tissue in accordance with Group 1 (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in apoptotic cell counts between sildenafil group and the other two study groups. The sildenafil group demonstrated lesser apoptotic cell count than the vardenafil (p = 0.021) and tadalafil (p = 0.009) groups. PUUO increases the renal tubular apoptosis and elevates NOS concentrations in renal tubular tissue after PUUO. Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have a protective effect against the tubular apoptosis.