Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol on LPS-induced Glomerular Mesangial Cells Proliferation and TGF-β1 Expression via Sphingosine Kinase 1 Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To elucidate the renoprotective effect of resveratrol (RSV) on sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) signaling pathway and expression of its downstream molecules including activator protein 1 (AP-1) and transformation growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs).@*METHODS@#The rat GMCs line (HBZY-1) were cultured and randomly divided into 5 groups, including control, LPS (100 ng/mL), and 5, 10, 20 µmol/L RSV-treated groups. In addition, SphK1 inhibitor (SK-II) was used as positive control. GMCs were pretreated with RSV for 2 h and treated with LPS for another 24 h. GMCs proliferation was determined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The proteins expression of SphK1, p-c-Jun and TGF-β1 in GMCs were detected by Western blot, and DNA-binding activity of AP-1 was performed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The binding activity between RSV and SphK1 protein was detected by AutoDock Vina and visualized by Discovery Studio 2016.@*RESULTS@#LPS could obviously stimulate GMCs proliferation, elevate SphK1, p-c-Jun and TGF-β1 expression levels and increase the DNA-binding activity of AP-1 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), whereas these effects were significantly blocked by RSV pretreatment. It was also suggested that the effect of RSV was similar to SK-II (P>0.05). Moreover, RSV exhibited good binding affinity towards SphK1, with docking scores of -8.1 kcal/moL and formed hydrogen bonds with ASP-178 and LEU-268 in SphK1.@*CONCLUSION@#RSV inhibited LPS-induced GMCs proliferation and TGF-β1 expression, which may be independent of its hypoglycemic effect on preventing the development of mesangial cell fibrosis and closely related to the direct inhibition of SphK1 pathway.

Expression of type 2 complement receptor in kidney tissue of IgA nephropathy patients and the possible mechanism involved in complement C3 deposition / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To explore the expression of type 2 complement receptor (CR2) in mesangial cells of the renal tissue in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and its possible mechanism involved in complement C3 deposition.Methods:The demographic data, samples of plasma and renal tissues of primary IgAN patients diagnosed by renal biopsy in the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from August 2021 to May 2022 were collected. According to the fluorescent intensity of mesangial complement C3 deposition, the patients were divided into complement C3 deposition ≥2+ group and complement C3 deposition <2+ group. The circulating IgA and complement C3 levels were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influencing factors of kidney prognosis, plasma IgA and complement C3 levels were compared between the two groups. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of IgA, complement C3 and CR2 in the renal mesangial cells of IgAN patients and normal renal tissues around renal carcinoma. Human mesangial cells were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control group and experimental group. The experimental group was incubated with IgA protein (2 g/L) for 8 hours. The expressions of CR2 protein and mRNA were measured by Western blotting and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The biological function of differential genes was analyzed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis. Results:A total of 75 patients with IgAN were included in this study, including 50 patients in the complement C3 deposition ≥2+ group and 25 patients in the complement C3 deposition <2+ group. The proportions of patients with urine red blood cell count negative, 1+, 2+ and 3+-4+ in the complement C3 deposition ≥2+ group were 2.0%, 8.0%, 18.0% 72.0%, respectively, which were more serious than those in the complement C3 deposition <2+ group (4.0%, 4.0%, 52.0%, 40.0%) ( Z=-2.320, P=0.020). Meanwhile, the proportion of S1 in Oxford pathological classification in the complement C3 deposition ≥2+ group was higher than that in the complement C3 deposition <2+ group (68.0% vs. 40.0%, χ2=5.389, P=0.020), and there were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, 24-hour urinary protein, serum creatinine, other indicators of Oxford pathological classification between the two groups. ELISA results showed that plasma IgA concentration in the complement C3 deposition ≥2+ group was higher than that in the complement C3 deposition <2+ group [3.62 (2.95, 5.53) g/L vs. 2.72 (2.15, 4.24) g/L, Z=2.405, P=0.016], and the plasma complement C3 concentration was lower than that in the complement C3 deposition <2+ group [199.6 (116.0, 328.0) mg/L vs. 319.2 (158.3, 454.5) mg/L, Z=-2.383, P=0.017]. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the complement C3 deposition intensity was positively correlated with IgA deposition intensity in mesangial area ( rs=0.441, P<0.001). Immunofluorescence results showed that there was colocalization of IgA and complement C3 in the glomeruli of IgAN patients. The expression of CR2 in the kidney was consistent with complement C3 deposition, and CR2 was colocalization with complement C3. In vitro experiments, the expression of CR2 in IgA protein group was higher than that in the control group ( P<0.05). GO and KEGG enrichment analysis found that IgA protein induced active changes in various pathways of mesangial cells. Conclusion:IgA protein induces mesangial cells to express CR2 and participates in complement C3 deposition, which may be an important mechanism of complement C3 activation in IgAN.

Effect of high glucose on intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of high glucose on intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells and the underlying mechanism.Methods:Rat glomerular mesangial cells were cultured in vitro and divided into high glucose culture group (high glucose group, medium glucose concentration of 30 mmol/L) and normal glucose culture group (normal group, medium glucose concentration of 5.5 mmol/L). Lipid content was determined by oil red O staining and spectrophotometer colorimetry at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture. Intracellular protein imprinting was used to detect the expression of low density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) and adenosine triphosphate binding cassette A1 (ABCA1). Results:Oil red O staining showed that the intracellular lipid drops in the high glucose group were less than those in the normal group at 36 h, and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 24 h and 48 h of culture. The total cholesterol (TC) and cholesterol ester (CE) in glomerular mesangial cells of rats in the high glucose group were significantly lower than those in the normal group ( P=0.028, 0.029), while there was no significant difference in the free cholesterol (FC) between the two groups ( P=0.306). There was no significant difference in TC, CE and FC between the two groups at 24 and 48 h of culture (all P>0.05). The expression of LDLR in mesangial cells of rats in high glucose group was significantly lower than that in normal group at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture ( P=0.043, 0.004, 0.028), and the expression of ABCA1 was significantly higher than that in normal group at 24, 36 and 48 h of culture, ( P=0.050, 0.009, 0.006). Conclusions:High glucose may reduce intracellular cholesterol content in rat glomerular mesangial cells by reducing LDLR protein expression and increasing ABCA1 protein expression.

P2X7 receptor-nitric oxide interaction mediates apoptosis in mouse immortalized mesangial cells exposed to high glucose / A interação do receptor P2X7 com o óxido nítrico medeia a apoptose em células mesangiais imortalizadas de camundongos expostas a níveis elevados de glicose

Abstract Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease characterized by hyperglycemia that leads to diabetic nephropathy (DN). We showed that P2X7, a purinergic receptor, was highly expressed in DM; however, when oxidative stress was controlled, renal NO recovered, and the activation of this receptor remained significantly reduced. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of NO on the P2X7 and apoptosis in mouse immortalized mesangial cells (MiMC) cultured in high glucose (HG) medium. Methods: MiMCs were cultured with DMEM and exposed to normal glucose (NG), mannitol (MA), or HG. Cell viability was assessed by an automated counter. Supernatants were collected for NO quantification, and proteins were extracted for analysis of NO synthases (iNOS and eNOS), caspase-3, and P2X7. Results: Cell viability remained above 90% in all groups. There was a significant increase in the proliferation of cells in HG compared to MA and NG. NO, iNOS, caspase-3, and P2X7 were significantly increased in HG compared to NG and MA, with no changes in eNOS. We observed that there was a strong and significant correlation between P2X7 and NO. Discussion: The main finding was that the production of NO by iNOS was positively correlated with the increase of P2X7 in MCs under HG conditions, showing that there is a common stimulus between them and that NO interacts with the P2X7 pathway, contributing to apoptosis in experimental DM. These findings could be relevant to studies of therapeutic targets for the prevention and/or treatment of hyperglycemia-induced kidney damage to delay DN progression.

Resumo Introdução: Diabetes mellitus (DM) é uma doença crônica caracterizada por hiperglicemia levando à nefropatia diabética (ND). Mostramos que P2X7, um receptor purinérgico, foi altamente expresso na DM; entretanto, quando o estresse oxidativo foi controlado, o NO renal recuperou-se, e a ativação deste receptor permaneceu significativamente reduzida. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a influência do NO no P2X7 e a apoptose em células mesangiais imortalizadas de camundongos (CMiC) cultivadas em meio de glicose elevada (GE). Métodos: CMiCs foram cultivadas em meio DMEM e expostas à glicose normal (GN), manitol (MA), ou GE. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada por contador automático. Sobrenadantes foram coletados para quantificação de NO, e foram extraídas proteínas para análise de NO sintases (iNOS e eNOS), caspase-3, e P2X7. Resultados: A viabilidade celular permaneceu acima de 90% em todos os grupos. Houve aumento significativo na proliferação de células na GE comparado com MA e GN. NO, iNOS, caspase-3 e P2X7 foram significativamente aumentados na GE comparados com GN e MA, sem alterações na eNOS. Observamos que houve correlação forte e significativa entre P2X7 e NO. Discussão: O principal achado foi que a produção de NO pela iNOS foi positivamente correlacionada com aumento de P2X7 em CMs sob condições de GE, mostrando que existe um estímulo comum entre eles e que o NO interage com a via do P2X7, contribuindo para apoptose na DM experimental. Estes achados podem ser relevantes para estudos de alvos terapêuticos para a prevenção e/ou tratamento de danos renais induzidos por hiperglicemia para retardar a progressão da ND.

Nanosized copper particles induced mesangial cell toxicity via the autophagy pathway

Nanosized copper particles (nano Cu) have been incorporated into products in multiple industries, although studies have demonstrated that these particles are nephrotoxic. We investigated the cytotoxicity of nanosized copper particles on rat mesangial cells and measured rates of apoptosis, the expression of caspase-3, and generation of reactive oxygen species. We also measured autophagy through the acridine orange (AO) staining and expression of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and p62 to screen the underlying mechanism of toxicity. Nanosized copper particles inhibited mesangial cell viability, up-regulated the activity of caspase-3, and increased the rates of apoptosis and the generation of reactive oxygen species in a concentration-dependent manner. Exposure to nano Cu increased the formation of acidic vesicular organelles and the expression of Beclin-1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, and p62, and treatment with an autophagy inhibitor reduced nephrotoxicity. This indicated that the autophagy pathway is involved in the toxicity induced by nanosized copper particles to mesangial cells. This finding can contribute to the development of safety guidelines for the evaluation of nanomaterials in the future.

Effect of Modified Sanrentang on Lipopolysaccharide-induced Proliferation of Rat Glomerular Mesangial Cells Based on PI3K/Akt/NF-κB Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the intervention of modified Sanrentang on the lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation of rat glomerular mesangial cells， the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（PKB/Akt）/nuclear factor kappa B（NF-κB） signaling pathway， and to investigate its mechanism in improving kidney inflammation in rats with immunoglobulin A nephropathy（IgAN）. MethodThe 18 rats were divided into 3 groups by serum pharmacology method： normal group， high-dose and low-dose （20.70，10.35 g·kg-1·d-1） groups with 6 rats in each group. Modified Sanrentang high- and low-dose groups were intragastric with the corresponding solution of modified Sanrentang， and normal group was intragastric with equal volume of distilled water. After 5 days of intragastric administration， blood samples were collected to prepare drug-containing serum. Rat mesangial （HBZY-1） were divided into five groups of normal group， LPS 10 mg·L-1 in the model group， benazepril（50 μmol·L-1）， modified Sanrentang high- and low-dose group. Preclude the use of methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium（MTT） method detect the proliferation activity of HBZY-1 cells， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） was used to determine the content of each group type Ⅳ collagen（ColⅣ），Western blot and Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） were used to detect protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. ResultAs compared with the normal group， MTT assay showed that exposure to LPS significantly enhanced the proliferative activity， the ColⅣ was increased significantly of HBZY-1 cells（P<0.01）， p-Akt， p-p65 was increased significantly （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the proliferation and ColⅣ of rat chronic glomerulonephritis cells induced by LPS by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway（P<0.01）， and the phosphorylation of Akt was significantly inhibited（P<0.01）， the expression levels of NF-κB p65 was reduced in modified Sanrentang high-dose group（P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Sanrentang could inhibit cell proliferation and the content of ColⅣ in rat mesangial cells induced by LPS， and its mechanism might be related to suppression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Effect of Wuwei Xiaoduyin on NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Rat Mesangial Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Wuwei Xiaoduyin in treating rat renal mesangial cells （HBZY-1） induced by lipopolysaccharide （LPS） through the nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodRat HBZY-1 cells were randomly assigned into the normal group， model group， benazepril （50 μmol·L-1） group， and high- and low-dose （2.75 and 0.69 g·kg-1） Wuwei Xiaoduyin groups. The normal group， model group， and benazepril group were treated with 10% normal rat serum， and the Wuwei Xiaoduyin groups with 10% medicated serum. Except the normal group， the other four groups were treated with LPS （100 ng·mL-1） for modeling in vitro. The changes of cell morphology were observed under optical microscope. The expression of NF-κB p65 was detected by immunofluorescence （IF） method. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） colorimetry was employed to detect cytotoxicity and cell proliferation. The levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， laminin （LN）， and fibronectin （FN） in cell supernatant were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA levels of IL-1β， FN， and NF-κB p65 were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The protein levels of phosphorylated inhibitor of NF-κB kinase β （p-IKKβ）， phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitor （p-IκBα）， and NF-κB p65 were determined by Western blot. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling increased cell proliferation （P<0.01）， elevated the levels of IL-1β， ICAM-1， LN， and FN in cell supernatant （P<0.01）， and up-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β， FN， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01） and the protein levels of p-IKKβ， p-IκBα， and NF-κB p65 （P<0.01）. Such changes were recovered by benazepril and Wuwei Xiaoduyin （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionWuwei Xiaoduyin can mitigate the inflammatory injury of renal mesangial cells induced by LPS by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Morphofunctional study on the effects of passive smoking in kidneys of rats / Estudo morfofuncional sobre os efeitos do tabagismo passivo em rins de ratos

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze whether passive inhalation of cigarette smoke causes morphological, structural, and functional changes in kidneys of rats. Methods Wistar rats, aged eight weeks, weighing on average 260g, were divided into Control Group and Smoking Group. Each group was subdivided into four groups of ten animals for morphofunctional analysis, in a period of seven and 28 days. The Smoking Group was exposed to smoke of 40 cigarettes per day, at certain times and in automated equipment for cigarette burning, called smoking machine (SM-MC-01). After the exposure period, urine and blood samples were collected for the functional analyses, and the kidneys were dissected and submitted to histological procedures for morphoquantitative analyses. Results After exposure of animals of the Smoking Group, the following were observed: lower weight gain; lower water and feed intake; decreased renal weight, diameter, and volume; reduction in cortical thickness and glomerular volume density; decrease in glomerular and capsular diameter; increase in mesangial density; decreased urine volume; increased levels of glucose, serum creatinine and microalbuminuria; decreased urinary creatinine levels and creatinine clearance rate. Conclusion Passive smoking negatively influences renal morphology and glomerular filtration rate, with effects similar to those described in the literature regarding active smoking.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar se a inalação passiva da fumaça do cigarro proporciona alterações morfológicas, estruturais e funcionais nos rins de ratos. Métodos Ratos Wistar, com oito semanas de idade, pesando, em média, 260g, foram divididos em Grupo Controle e Grupo Tabagista. Cada grupo foi subdividido em quatro grupos de dez animais para análise morfofuncional, em um período de sete e 28 dias. O Grupo Tabagista foi exposto à fumaça de 40 cigarros por dia, em horários determinados e equipamento automatizado de queima de cigarros, denominado smoking machine (SM-MC-01). Após o período de exposição, foram coletadas amostras de urina e sangue para as análises funcionais, e os rins foram dissecados e submetidos a procedimentos histológicos para análises morfoquantitativas. Resultados Após a exposição dos animais do Grupo Tabagista, observou-se menor ganho de peso; menor consumo de água e ração; menor peso, diâmetro e volume renal; redução em espessura cortical e densidade de volume glomerular; diminuição no diâmetro glomerular e capsular; aumento na densidade mesangial; volume urinário diminuído; níveis aumentados de glicose, creatinina sérica e microalbuminúria; níveis reduzidos de creatinina urinária e redução da taxa de depuração da creatinina. Conclusão O tabagismo passivo influencia negativamente na morfologia renal e na taxa de filtração glomerular, com efeitos semelhantes aos descritos na literatura em relação ao tabagismo ativo.

Effect of pirfenidone on the proliferation of human glomerular mesangial cells induced by serum IgA1 of IgA nephropathy patients / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of pirfenidone (PFD) on the proliferation of human glomerular mesangial cells (HMC) stimulated by serum IgA1 in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and its possible mechanism.Methods:Serum IgA1 of IgAN patients was purified by Jacalin affinity chromatography combined with Sephacryl S-200 gel filtration, and then heated to aggregated form (aIgA1). CCK8 method was used to confirm the concentration and time of PFD. The cells were divided into blank control group, IgA1 (0.5 mg/ml) group and IgA1 (0.5 mg/ml)+PFD (2 mmol/L) group. The CCK8 method was used to detect proliferation of mesangial cells. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry, and the proliferation index of mesangial cells was calculated. The expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), Smad4, Smad7, fibronectin (FN) and collagen Ⅳ protein and mRNA were detected through Western blotting and real-time PCR.Results:Compared with blank control group, the proliferation of HMC was promoted significantly by aIgA1 ( P<0.05). After PFD treatment, the proliferation of HMC was significantly inhibited ( P<0.01). Compared with the blank control group, the number of G1 phase cells decreased, the number of S phase cells and cell proliferation index increased in IgA1 group (all P<0.05). Compared with IgA1 group, the number of cells in G1 phase increased significantly, the number of cells in S phase and G2/M phase decreased significantly, and the cell proliferation index decreased in IgA1+PFD group (all P<0.05). Western blotting and real-time PCR results showed that compared with the blank control group, the protein and mRNA expressions of collagen Ⅳ, FN and Smad4 in HMC stimulated by aIgA1 were significantly increased, while TGF-β1 protein expression was increased and Smad7 protein expression was decreased (all P<0.05). After PFD treatment, the protein and mRNA expression of collagen Ⅳ, FN and Smad4 in HMC was significantly decreased, while TGF-β1 protein expression was obviously decreased, and Smad7 protein was up-regulated (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and Smad7 in each group before and after PFD treatment (all P>0.05). Conclusions:PFD can increase the arrest of HMC in G1 phase, inhibit the proliferation of HMC induced by aIgA1 of IgAN patients, and reduce the production of extracellular matrix. The mechanism may be related to up-regulation of Smad7 expression and down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad4 pathway.

Guiqi Dingnian Prescription Delays Senescence of Mouse Mesangial Cells by Regulating JAK2/STAT Pathway Activity / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of Guiqi Dingnian prescription （GDP） on the expression of related molecules in Janus tyrosine kinase 2 （JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK2/STAT） signaling pathway of <italic>D</italic>-galactose （<italic>D</italic>-gal）-induced senescent mesangial cells. Method:The senescent mouse mesangial cells induced by 10 g·L^-1 <italic>D</italic>-gal were continuously treated with 40 mg·L^-1GDP for three days. The senescence of the treated cells was determined by senescence-associated （SA）-<italic>β</italic>-gal staining. The cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. The cell viability was analyzed using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8）. The mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic> （TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， nuclear transcription factor-<italic>κ</italic>B （NF-<italic>κ</italic>B）， and IL-1<italic>α</italic> were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression levels of STAT1， phosphorylated STAT1 （p-STAT1）， STAT3， and p-STAT3 in the JAK2/STAT signaling pathway were determined by Western blot. Result:CCK-8 results showed that the optimal concentration of GDP was 40 mg·L^-1. Compared with the blank group， the positive rate of SA-<italic>β</italic>-gal in the model group was significantly higher（<italic>P</italic><0.01）， the percentage of cells in G₀/G₁ phase was significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the percentage of cells in G₂/M and S phase was significantly decreased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of TNF-<italic>α</italic>，IL-6，NF-<italic>κ</italic>B and IL-1<italic>α </italic>were significantly increased（<italic>P</italic><0.01）. Compared with the model group， the model + GDP group exhibited significantly decreased SA-<italic>β</italic>-gal-positive cells （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， reduced cells in the G₀/G₁ phase （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， increased cells in the G₂/M and S phases （<italic>P</italic><0.01）， and down-regulated TNF-<italic>α</italic>， IL-6， NF-<italic>κ</italic>B， and IL-1<italic>α </italic>mRNA expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05） and STAT1， p-STAT1， STAT3， and p-STAT3 protein expression （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:GDP delays the senescence of mouse mesangial cells possibly by down-regulating the expression of related molecules in the JAK2/STAT pathway.

Effect of catalpol on ages-stimulated raw264.7 macrophage mediated mouse mesangial cell injury / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of catalpol on the stimulation of macrophage-mediated mouse mesang-ial cells ( MMCs) injury by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Methods MMCs and RAW264.7 macrophages were co-cultured in vitro and divided into control group, model group,catalpol group (0. 1, 1.0, 10. 0 jjimol • L"1 ) , and aminoguanidine group ( 10. 0 fimol • L"1) , which was setas the positive control. After drug administration for 1 h, RAW264. 7 was stimulated by AGEs (100 mg • L_l) for 24 h. MTT assay was employed to detect the proliferation rate of MMCs . Immunofluorescence was used to investigate the expres-sion levels of COL-IV in MMCs. Western blot was applied to assess the expression of FN,COL-IV and TGF-P in MMCs. ELISA was utilized to determine the levels of IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-ot in supernatant liquid of RAW264. 7 macrophages. Results Catalpol could inhibit RAW264.7 macrophage-mediated MMC-induced proliferation stimulated by AGEs ( P < 0. 05, P < 0.01), down-regulate the levels of FN, COL-IV and TGF-0 proteins in MMCs (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01) , and decrease IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-a level (P < 0. 05, P < 0. 01). Conclusions Catalpol has apparent protective effect on AGEs-stimulated macrophage-mediated me-sangial cell injury. It down-regulates FN, COL-IV and TGF-p protein expression in MMCs, down-regulates inflammatory factor levels and reduces inflammation, thereby alleviating diabetic kidney damage.

Melatonin inhibits high glucose-induced cell proliferation and expressions of inflammatory factor via Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway in mouse mesangial cells / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate effects of melatonin (MT) on high glucose-induced cell proliferation,Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway and expressions of inflammatory factor in mouse mesangial cells (SV40).Methods SV40 cells were divided into mannitol control group (30 mmol/L mannitol),normal control group (5 mmol/L glucose),control (5 mmol/L glucose)+ 1000 μmol/LMT group,high glucose group (25 mmogL glucose),high glucose +10,100,1000 μmol/L MT group and high glucose + TLR4 inhibitor (TAK242) group.(1) The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 cytotoxicity kits,and cell proliferation was measured by EdU kits.The expression of TLR4 and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB p65) were observed by immunofluorescence.(2) Realtime quantitative PCR was used to detect TLR4 mRNA expression.Real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA were used to determine the mRNA and protein secretion levels of the downstream inflammatory factors,such as monocyte chemoattractant-1 (MCP-1),interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor of α (TNF-α);Western blotting was used to detect TLR4 pathway proteins,such as TLR4,myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88),β interferon TIR domain adaptor (Trif),phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (p-IRF3) and phosphorylated NF-κB inhibitory protein (p-IκB).Results High glucose stimulated mesangial cell proliferation,promoted TLR4 expression and NF-κB p65 transcription activity.Both MT and TAK242 inhibited the above reactions,and the effects of MT was concentration-dependent.Compared with the normal control group,high glucose group had up-regulated expressions of TLR4,MCP-1,IL-1β and TNF-α mRNA (all P ＜ 0.05),but also significantly increased the protein expressions of MyD88,Trif,p-IRF3 and p-IκB (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with those in the high glucose group,the expression of TLR4 was down-regulated in the high glucose+ 10,100,1000 μmol/L MT group and the high glucose+TAK242 group (all P ＜ 0.05),while the expressions of MyD88,Trif,p-IRF3,p-IκB,MCP-1,IL-1β and TNF-α decreased (all P ＜ 0.05).The effects of MT was concentration-dependent.Conclusions High glucose stimulates the proliferation of SV40,and MT can inhibit the proliferation of mesangial cells and the expressions of inflammatory factors through TLR4 signaling pathway.

Effect of salvianolic acid B on high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and extracellular matrix secretion in human glomerular mesangial cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion in human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs) and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:HGMCs were randomly divided into control group, high glucose group and high glucose plus high dose, medium dose and low dose of Sal B groups.The HGMCs except those in control group were exposed to high glucose (33.3 mmol/L) for 72 h, while those in Sal B groups were co-incubated with indicated concentrations of Sal B.The protein levels ofα-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) , transforming growth () and phosphorylated Smad2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by Western blot.The secretion levels of collagen type I (Col I) , collagen type III (Col III) , fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LN) were measured by ELISA.RESULTS:Exposure to high glucose markedly increased the protein expression ofI, Col III, FN and LN in the HG-MCs (P<0.01).The phosphorylation levels of Smad2 and p38 MAPK were also significantly increased (P<0.01).Coincubation with Sal B evidently decreased the protein expression ofI, Col III, FN and LN in the HGMCs induced by high glucose (P<0.05 or P<0.01).The phosphorylated levels of Smad2 and p38 MAPK were also reduced noticeably (P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Sal B significantly suppresses high glucose-induced phenotypic transition and ECM secretion in the HGMCs, which might be attributed, at least partly, to inhibition ofSmad signaling pathway and p38 MAPK activation.

Role of periostin in PDGF-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation of mouse mesangial cells / 中国药理学通报

;Aim To investigate the role of periostin in PDGF-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation of mouse mesangial cells. Methods The effects of PDGF on periostin protein, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation were detected. The cells were collected at 0, 2,4, 6, 12 h after stimulation with PDGF(10 (ig • L " 1 ) to detect the expression of periostin, PCNA, FN and TGF-ßl by Western blot. The silencing effect of sh-periostin vector on periostin protein in mouse mesangial cells was identified by Western blot. Cells were randomly divided into control group, PDGF group, PDGF + sh-nc group and PDGF + sh-periostin group to detect the role of periostin in PDGF-induced proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation of mouse mesangial cells. Results PDGF could elevate periostin protein expression. Western blot result showed that periostin protein expression in PDGF-stimulated groups was significantly higher than that in Oh group, which was consistent with the result of immunofluorescence. Positive expression of periostin was located in cytoplasm. Western blot result showed that PCNA, FN and TGF-ßl protein in PDGF-stimulated groups increased as compared with Oh group. shRNA vector aimed at periostin (sh-periostin vector) could partially reverse PDGF-induced mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix expression. PCNA, Fn and TGF-ßl expressions were attenuated significantly. Conclusions PDGF can enhance periostin protein expression and increase mouse mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation. Periostin shRNA vector can partially reverse PDGF-induced mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix generation.

Effects of pirfenidone on renal fibrosis in mice with diabetic nephropathy and its mechanisms / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate effects of pirfenidone (PFD) on diabetic nephropathy model in db/db mice and to explore its possible mechanisms.Methods (1) Wild-type mice were as the normal control group,and db/db mice were divided into model group and PFD group,with 6 mice in each group.In the PFD group mice were administered continuously by 250 mg· kg-1· d-1 PFD for 18 weeks,and mice in the other two groups were administered by 0.5％ sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.Blood glucose and 24 h urinary albumin were measured.The pathological changes of renal tissue were evaluated by PAS staining,PASM staining,Masson staining and Sirius red staining.The expression of collagen type Ⅳ in kidney tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry.(2) Mouse mesangial cells (SV40 MES-13 cells) were cultured as research objects.They were divided into control group,hyperosmolar group,high glucose (HG) group,and 50,100,200,400,800,1600 mg/L PFD+HG group.BrdU cell proliferation test was used to evaluate cell proliferation rate.Cells were divided into control group,hyperosmolar group,HG group and PFD+HG group.The mRNA expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA),collagen type Ⅰ,collagen type Ⅳ,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1),interleukin (IL)-1β,IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) were detected by real-time PCR.Results (1) Compared with normal control group,the model mice had higher weight,blood glucose and 24 h urinary albumin,accompanied with glomerular hypertrophy,mesangial area expansion,tubulointerstitial fibrosis and deposition of collagen type Ⅳ (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with those in model group,in PFD group 24 h urinary albumin decreased,glomerular hypertrophy,mesangial area expansion and tubulointerstitial fibrosis alleviated,and the protein expression of collagen type Ⅳ inhibited (all P＜0.05).(2) Compared with those in HG group,MES-13 cell proliferation rates of 100,200,400,800,1600 mg/L PFD+HG groups decreased (all P ＜ 0.05),and the mRNA expressions of α-SMA,collagen type Ⅰ,collagen type Ⅳ,TGF-β1,IL-1β,IL-6 and MCP-1 reduced in 400 mg/L PFD+HG group (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions PFD can inhibit high glucose-induced proliferation and activation of glomerular mesangial cells,decrease the expression of TGF-β1 and proinflammatory factors,as well as reduce the synthesis of collagen,which improve renal fibrosis of db/db mice.

MicroRNA-377 knockdown suppresses high glucose-induced proliferation and inflammation in human mesangial cells / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate the effect and potential mechanism of microRNA (miRNA)-377 on high glucose-induced proliferation and inflammation in human mesangial cells.Methods Cells were randomly divided into six groups:control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose),high glucose group (30.0 mmol/L glucose),negtive miRNA inhibitor transfection+high glucose group,negtive miRNA mimic transfection+high glucose group,miRNA-377 inhibitor transfection+high glucose group (miR-377i+high glucose group),miRNA-377 mimic transfection+high glucose group (miR-377m+high glucose group),miRNA-377 expression was detected by real-time PCR.Cell proliferation and cell cycle were detected by BrdU assay and flow cytometry,respectively.The release of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α),interleukin (IL)-18,IL-6 and macrophages chemotaxis protein-1 (MCP-1) were evaluated by ELISA.The activations of NF-κB pathway,including the expressions of phosporylated (p)-IκBα,p-P65 and nuclear P65,were measured by Western blotting.Results Compared with those in control group,in high glucose group cell viability,miRNA-377 expression and cell proliferation rate increased (all P ＜ 0.05),proportions of S phase cell and G2/M phase cell in cell cycle increased (all P ＜ 0.05),the levels of TNF-o,IL-18,IL-6 and MCP-1 were higher (all P ＜ 0.05),as well as the expressions of p-IKBα/IκBα,p-P65/P65 and nuclear P65 were increased (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with high glucose group,cell proliferation rate was restrained (P ＜ 0.05),proportions of S phase cell and G2/M phase cell in cell cycle was descreased (all P ＜ 0.05),the levels of TNF-α,IL-18,IL-6 and MCP-1 were lower (all P ＜ 0.05),as well as the expressions of p-IκBα/IκBα,p-P65/P65 and nuclear P65 were reduced (all P ＜ 0.05) in miR-377i+high glucose group.However,miR-377m+high glucose group presented opposite results (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions miRNA-377 knockdown can partially suppress high glucose-induced human mesangial cell proliferation and cell cycle transition,and restrain inflammatory molecules release.Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of NF-κB pathway.

Advanced glycation end products induce mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in glomerular mesangial cells / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective To investigate whether advanced glycation end products (AGEs) can induce the expression of Ros,JC-1 and its apoptosis-related proteins in glomerular mesangial cells under high glucose environment,induce apoptosis and injury of glomerular mesangial cells.Methods Rat glomerular mesangial cell line HBZY-1 was cultured in vitro.The cells were cultured with different concentrations of AGEs for 0,12,24 and 48 hours respectively.MTT assay was used to observe the cell proliferation ability.After the optimal time and concentration of AGEs were selected,the caspase enzyme inhibitor Z-VAD-fmk and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) were cultured and the apoptosis rate was detected by cell death detection apoptosis ELISA plus and Annexin V-FITC/PI kit.JC-1 staining was used to detect the changes of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).Cell ROX deep red flow cytometry was used to detect the total ROS level.The expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,pro-apoptotic protein BAX,caspase-9,caspase-3 and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP)-activated fragments was detected by Western blotting.Results AGEs could decrease the activity of glomerular mesangial cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner,and induce cell death.The percentage of apoptotic cells in glomerular mesangial cells was significantly increased after treatment with 250 mg/L AGEs for 24 h (P ＜ 0.01),and Z-VAD-fmk could significantly alleviate AGEs-induced glomerular mesangial cell apoptosis (P ＜ 0.01).Compared with the control group,AGEs increased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species and decreased MMP in a time-dependent manner,and the two time points that AGEs significantly caused the change were 1 h and 2 h (all P ＜ 0.01).AGEs also reduced the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax,cleaved caspase-9,cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP (all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with AGEs group,NAC could significantly stabilize MMP (P ＜ 0.01),increase Bcl-2 expression (P ＜ 0.01),and decrease the expression of BAX,cleaved caspase-9,cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP (all P ＜ 0.01).Conclusion AGEs induce mitochondrial pathway apoptosis in glomerular mesangial cells by increasing intracellular ROS level and destroying MMP.

Expression of mitofusin 2 in IgA1-induced glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and association with a valsartan-induced inhibitory effect on hyperplasia / 中国医师杂志

Objective To observe glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) proliferation induced by IgA1 and the association with the expression of apoptosis-related proteins-B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2),cysteine aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3),cysteine aspartic acid protease-9 (Caspase-9) and with mitofusin 2 (Mfn2) in rat GMCs,to study the possible mechanism of valsartan inhibiting rat GMCs proliferation,and to provide a new direction for the mechanism of GMCs proliferation and intervention research in IgA nephrology (IgAN).Methods GMCs stimulated with IgA1 were cultured in vitro to detect cellproliferation with the cell counting kit-8 cell activity assay (CCK8).GMCs were divided into three groups:CG,TG and VG.The GMCs proliferation level was detected by the CCK8,using real-time PCR to detect Mfn2 expression and Western blotting to detect protein levels of Mfn2,Bcl-2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.Results Rat GMCs proliferated significantly after stimulation with IgA1,and IgA1 could obviously stimulate high expression of Bcl-2 in GMCs and down regulate the expression of Mfn2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.Valsartan could inhibit the proliferation of GMCs induced by IgA1 significantly,downregulate the expression of Bcl-2,and upregulate the expression of Mfn2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.Conclusions These results showed that the mechanism of action of valsartan in the treatment of lgAN is inhibiting the proliferation of GMCs.This mechanism may be associated with the regulation of apoptosis-related proteins,such as Mfn2,Bcl-2,Caspase-3,and Caspase-9.These findings may provide a new direction for the mechanism of GMCs proliferation and intervention research in IgAN.

Expression and function of Orai1-BK Ca complex in high glucose treatment rat glomerular mesangial cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate whether Orai1 and BKCa form a physical and functional signal complex in glomerular mesangial cells ( GMCs) and reveal the role of high glucose treatment on Orai1-BKCa complex and SOCE-induced hyperpolarization. Methods The in-teraction of Orai1 and BKCa was evaluated by co-immu-noprecipitation ( co-IP ) . Western blot method was used to detect the expression levels of Orai1 and BKCa . SOCE was activated by Ca2+ depletion evoked by TG in normal glucose and high glucose. The DiBAC4(3) was employed as fluorescence indicator to measure the potential change of membrane. . Results The co-IP experiment results showed that Orai1 interacted with BKCa in GMCs. SOCE induced the hyperpolarization of GMCs. SOCE and SOCE-induced membrane hyperpol-orizaiton were enhanced by high glucose treatment for three days. In addition, the expression levels of Orai1 and BKCa were enhanced significantly in the high glu-cose-cultured cells. Conclusions Orai1 can form a signaling complex with BKCa , which participates in the regulation of hyperpolarization in GMCs and may be in-volved in the hyperpolarization in high glucose cultured GMCs.

Paeonol up-regulates CKIP-1 to resist high glucose-induced fibrosis in glomerular mesangial cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To observe whether paeonol can in-hibit fibronectin (FN) and intercellular cell adhension molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expressions in high glucose (HG)-induced glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs) via up-regulating CKIP-1 and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Methods The effects of paeonol on the ex-pressions of CKIP-1,Nrf2,FN and ICAM-1 were eval-uated in GMCs treated with HG. Small interfering RNA was used to deplete CKIP-1 protein expression, and Western bolt was used to detect the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and SOD1. DHE fluorescent probe tech-nique was used to determine intracellular superoxide level. Results The protein levels of CKIP-1 and Nrf2 were elevated by paeonol in HG-treated GMCs. In the meanwhile,the expressions of Nrf2 downstream antiox-idant enzymes, i.e. HO-1 and SOD1, were also up-regulated by paeonol, which was accompanied by re-ductions of superoxide and H2O2levels. Importantly, paeonol reversed the excessive accumulation of FN and ICAM-1 in HG-induced GMCs. si-CKIP-1 decreased the up-regulation of Nrf2,HO-1 and SOD1 expressions during paeonol treatment, which was accompanied by increased superoxide and H2O2levels. Furthermore, si-CKIP-1 reversed the down-regulated levels of FN and ICAM-1 induced by paeonol. Conclusion Pae-onol inhibits the expressions of FN and ICAM-1 in HG-treated GMCs possibly by up-regulating CKIP-1 and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway.