ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of cordyceps sinensis (CS) extract and losartan (Los) on the expression of Klotho (Kl), P53, P21, and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cell NRK-52E induced by angiotensin II (Ang II), and to elucidate its therapeutical mechanism in Ang II induced renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis.@*METHODS@#NRK-52E cells were incubated with CS with or without Ang II for 24 hours. Experimental groups were divided according to the increasing concentrations of CS:0 (serving as controls), 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L. The optimal concentration of CS was selected and cells were divided into 5 groups: controls, Ang II (1*10(-8) mol/L), Ang II (1*10(-8) mol/L)+CS (40 mg/L), Ang II (1*10(-8) mol/L)+Los (1*10(-5) mol/L), and Ang II (1*10(-8) mol/L)+CS (40 mg/L)+Los (1*10(-5) mol/L). After 24 hours, cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay. The mRNA and protein expression of Kl, P53 and P21 were measured by RT-PCR. Activity of caspase-3 was evaluated by caspase-3 activity assay Kit. Cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining and flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#Certain concentrations of CS promoted the proliferation of NRK-52E cells and increased cells proliferation inhibited by Ang II (P0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#CS can increase the expression of Kl down-regulated by Ang II, decrease P53 and P21 expression and caspase-3 activity, and reduce Ang II induced NRK-52E cell apoptosis, which may be part of its mechanism of the protective effects on hypertensive renal damage.