Experimental heat stress nephropathy and liver injury are improved by allopurinol

Background: An epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been observed in Central America among workers in the sugarcane fields. One hypothesis is that the CKD may be caused by recurrent heat stress and dehydration, and potentially by hyperuricemia. Accordingly, we developed a murine model of kidney injury associated with recurrent heat stress. In the current experiment, we tested whether treatment with allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces serum urate) provides renal protection against recurrent heat stress and dehydration. Methods: Eight week old male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to recurrent heat stress (39.5{degree sign}C for 30 min, 7 times daily, for 5 weeks) with or without allopurinol treatment were compared to control animals with or without allopurinol treatment. Mice were allowed ad libitum access to normal laboratory chow (Harlan Teklad). Kidney histology, liver histology, and renal function were examined. Results: Heat stress conferred both kidney and liver injury. Kidneys ...