Transgenic rat with ubiquitous expression of angiotensin-(1-7)-producing fusion protein: a new tool to study the role of protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system in the pathophysiology of cardio-renal diseases
2024

New Transgenic Rat Model for Studying Cardio-Renal Diseases

Sample size: 12 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Červenka Luděk, Husková Zuzana, Kikerlová Soňa, Gawrys Olga, Vacková Šárka, Škaroupková Petra, Sadowski Janusz, Miklovič Matúš, Molnár Matej, Táborský Miloš, Melenovský Vojtěch, Bader Michael

Primary Institution: Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic

Hypothesis

The study aims to assess the systemic and tissue activities of the renin-angiotensin system in a new transgenic rat line that produces angiotensin-(1-7).

Conclusion

The TG7371 transgene-positive rats show increased levels of angiotensin-(1-7) and lower blood pressure compared to control rats, indicating a shift towards the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system.

Supporting Evidence

  • Male TG7371 transgene-positive rats had significantly higher plasma ANG 1-7 levels compared to control rats.
  • Blood pressure was lower in male TG7371 transgene-positive rats than in control rats.
  • Kidney ANG 1-7 concentrations were significantly higher in TG7371 transgene-positive rats.
  • Female TG7371 transgene-positive rats did not show significant differences in ANG 1-7 levels compared to controls.

Takeaway

Scientists created a special rat that makes a helpful protein to study heart and kidney diseases better. This rat has lower blood pressure and more of the good protein.

Methodology

The study involved measuring plasma and tissue concentrations of angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1-7) in different groups of male and female TG7371 and control rats.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of female representation in the study and reliance on non-invasive blood pressure measurement methods.

Limitations

The study did not include female TG7371 rats and relied on tail-cuff measurements for blood pressure, which may not be fully reliable.

Participant Demographics

The study included male and female TG7371 transgene-positive and transgene-negative rats, as well as control Hannover Sprague-Dawley rats.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/s41440-024-01995-y

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