ABSTRACT
Objective To explore the role of microRNA-488-3p (miR-488-3p) in podocytes apoptosis induced by homocysteine (Hcy). Methods Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the ratio of podocytes apoptosis after treated with 0 µmol/L Hcy (control group) or 80 µmol/L Hcy (Hcy group) for 48 hours. The expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2), Bcl2-related X protein (BAX), and caspase-3 were measured by Western blot analysis in podocytes, after cells were treated with 80 µmol/L Hcy (Hcy group) for 48 hours, and the expression of miR-488-3p was detected by real-time PCR. The transfection and apoptosis ratio of podocytes were also detected after cells were transfected with miR-488-3p inhibitor. Results The apoptosis rate of podocytes increased in cells treated with Hcy, compared with control group. The expression levels of BAX and caspase-3 increased significantly in Hcy group, while Bcl2 expression was suppressed by Hcy. Furthermore, the expression of miR-488-3p increased in Hcy-induced podocyte. On the contrary, podocyte showed an decreased apoptosis rate, expression levels of BAX and caspase-3 decreased after cells were transfected with miR-488-3p inhibitor. However, Bcl2, which was not in this line, showed an increase when the cells transfected with miR-488-3p inhibitor. Conclusion Hcy promotes apoptosis of podocyte by up-regulating the expression of miR-488-3p.
