l-Citrulline protects from kidney damage in STZ-diabetic rodents (151.10)

Rationale. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of end-stage renal disease. Hypercatabolic states are a common feature of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (DM), and are accompanied by an increase of circulating inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, amino acid supplementation may be effective in counteracting the metabolic consequences of DM, including DN. Aims. To investigate whether L-citrulline (L-cit) supplementation represents a safe intervention in DN, and to assess the effects of L-cit on the inflammatory profile observed in DM. Methods. STZ-C57BL6 mice and rats received L-cit or vehicle supplemented in the drinking water (50 mg/kg/day). Human glomerular endothelial cells (HGEC) were exposed to high glucose (HG, 25 mM)-supplemented medium. Results. L-cit supplementation markedly reduced urinary albumin excretion (µg/day, C=141.4 ± 23.8; STZ= 807.2 ± 205.1 p<0.001 vs C; L-cit-STZ= 193.4 ± 109.8 p<0.05 vs STZ), tubulo-interstitial collagen deposition, and kidney hypertrophy observed in un...