Influence of antioxidant therapy on the ultrastructural changes of renal cell elements in experimental nephrolithiasis

To assess the histopathological changes of renal cell elements, a morphologicaland ultrastructural study of 60 rat kidneys with experimental oxalate nephrolithiasis were conducted. Structural changes were assessed in the kidney medulla, particularly the distribution and size of the calcium deposites. Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of the severity indices of oxidative damage (malondialdehyde) and antioxidant defenses (mitochondrial superoxidedismutase) were determined. On the model of experimental oxalate nephrolithiasis in the rat kidney at the level of light-optical microscopy, signs of histopathological alterations were revealed in the organ, along with the presence of calcium compounds in the kidney tubular system and interstitial cells. Also, the morphological symptoms of activation of the oxidative damage to the tissues and cells, reducing the antioxidant protective mechanisms of the enzymes was noted. Ultrastructural examination of tubular epithelium cells revealed cell membrane and mitochondria injury, presence of apoptotic cells. Usage of a-tocopherol revealed a definite reduction in the severity, in terms of the structural adjustment to renal oxidative damage of the tissues and cells, and preservation of the activity of the antioxidant defense system, as well as a reduction in the number and size of the calcium deposits formed.