Effects of pioglitazone on the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in renal tissues of diabetic rats / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

ABSTRACT

The effects of pioglitazone on the expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in renal tissues of diabetic rats were observed. Diabetic rat model was established by feeding high-carbonhydrate-fat diet and injecting streptozotocin. After the treatment with pioglitazone, the kidney index, 24 h urinary albumin, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol,triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol of diabetic rats were significantly lower than those of untreated ones, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased, the expressions of HIF-1α and VEGF in renal tissue were decreased ( all P＜0. 01 ). It suggested that pioglitazone may improve renal function and the balance of glucose-lipid metabolism in diabetic rats via down-regulating HIF-1/VEGF pathway.