ABSTRACT
Objective Methylglyoxal can cause the injury of human proximal tubular epithelial cell line(HK-2 cells),but the exact mechanism is still unclear. The present study aimed to explore the influence of oxidative stress and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in HK-2 cells induced by methylglyoxal. Methods HK-2 cells at logarithmic phase were divided into six groups:control group and 100,200,400,800,1600 μmol/L methylglyoxal groups (cells were cultured in 100,200,400,800,1600 μmol/L methylg-lyoxal concentration for 24 h). Superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were assayed by thibabituric acid method. Release of lactate dehydro-genase(LDH)activity was detected by assay kit.ROS production was measured by DCFH-DA staining. The expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β and NF-κB were evaluated by western blot. Results Compared with control group,different methylglyoxal concen-trations could enhance ROS level and LDH activity in HK-2 cells(P<0.05)and reduce SOD level significantly(P<0.05). The results of western blot showed the protein levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,IL-1β and NF-κB were significant up-regulated after the addition of methylglyoxal(P<0.05). Conclusion Methylglyoxal may induce the injury of HK-2 cells by oxidant stress and activating of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling.