Oral supplementation with sulodexide inhibits neo-angiogenesis in a rat model of peritoneal perfusion

Background. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is associated with functional and morphological alterations of the peritoneal membrane (PM). It is hypothesized that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a role in this process. Sulodexideis a glycosaminoglycan with effects on vascular biology. Therefore, the impact of oral sulodexideon PM function and morphology in a rat model of peritoneal perfusion was evaluated. Methods. Rats received 10 mL peritoneal dialysate fluid (PDF) twice daily via a tunnelled PD catheter. The test-PD group (Sul) received 15 mg/kg/day oral sulodexideversus none in the control–PD group (Con). A third group received no PDF (Sham). After 12 weeks, a peritoneal equilibration testwas performed and the PM was sampled. Neo-angiogenesis was evaluated using immunostaining with von Willebrand, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) using co-localization of cytokeratin and a-smooth muscle actin. VEGF was determined in the dialysate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. PD induced loss of ultrafiltration, also in the sulodexidegroup. Creatinine and glucose transport were better preserved, and sodium dip was more pronounced in the sulodexidegroup versus control. Submesothelial thickness, neo-angiogenesis and EMT were more pronounced in the Con versus Sul versus Sham group. VEGF in the dialysate, corrected for diffusion was higher in Con and Sul versus Sham. Conclusion. Oral sulodexideadministration diminishes neo-vascularization, submesothelial thickening and EMT induced by exposure to PDF in a rat model. As there was no difference in VEGF at the protein level in the dialysate, we hypothesize that oral sulodexideinhibits VEGF locally by binding.