Cross-Regulation between Autophagy and Apoptosis Induced by Vitamin E and Lactobacillus Plantarum through Beclin-1 Network.

Autophagy and apoptosis are two important regulatory mechanisms for how the body can respond to diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective actions of vitamin E (Vit-E) and lactobacillus plantarum (Lac-B) against mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 )-induced kidney injury. Thirty albino rats were divided into five groups: group 1 served as the normal group; rats in group 2 received high doses of HgCl 2 ; rats in groups 3, 4 and 5 were given Vit-E, Lac-B and the combination of Vit-E and Lac-B, respectively along with HgCl 2 for two weeks. HgCl 2 provoked renal injury, manifested by elevation in serum urea, urea nitrogen and creatinine. Kidney levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were markedly increased post HgCl 2 administration. Moreover, HgCl 2 significantly elevated the gene expression levels of VCAM-1 and cystatin C , while podocin was downregulated. Additionally, it markedly decreased the protein expression of Beclin-1 and Bcl-2. Histopathological examination revealed massive degeneration with congested blood vessels following HgCl 2 administration. Treatment with Vit-E or/and Lac-B restored the normal levels of the previously mentioned parameters, as well as improved the morphology of kidney tissues. Both Vit-E and Lac-B provided a protective effect against HgCl 2 -induced kidney damage by regulating autophagy and apoptosis.