ABSTRACT
The current study set out to elucidate the function of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against peritoneal fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Firstly, human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) were pretreated with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 or 100µmol/L EGCG. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) models were induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Untreated-cells were regarded as the blank control group. Changes in proliferation and migration were analyzed by MTT assay and scratch test and levels of HPMC epithelial and interstitial molecular marker proteins were measured by Western blot assay and immunofluorescence, while trans-endothelial resistance was assessed using an epithelial trans membrane cell resistance meter. Inhibition rates of HPMCs, migration numbers and the levels of Snail, E-cadherin, CK and ZO-1 were all decreased, while the levels of α-SMA and FSP1 and trans cellular resistance values were increased in treatment groups (P<0.05). With the increase of EGCG concentrations, HPMCs growth inhibition rates and migration numbers, the levels of α-SMA and FSP1 and TER values were decreased and the levels of Snail, E-cadherin, CK and ZO-1 were enhanced (P<0.05). Overall, the current study highlights that EGCG effectively inhibits the proliferation and migration of HPMCs, increases permeability, suppresses EMT and ultimately delays peritoneal fibrosis.
