Abstract
Profibrotic cytokines and the formation of advanced-glycation end products (AGE) have both been implicated in the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis in diabetic kidney disease. However, tubulointerstitial pathology is also an important determinant of progressive renal dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy. This study sought to investigate the expression of profibrotic growth factors and matrix deposition in the glomerulus and the tubulointerstitium and to examine the effect of blocking AGE formation in experimental diabetic nephropathy. Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced in 24 rats by streptozotocin. Twelve diabetic rats were further randomized to receive the inhibitor of AGE formation, aminoguanidine (1 g/1 drinking water). At 6 mo, experimental diabetes was associated with a three-fold increase in expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (P < 0.01 versus control) and five-fold increase in platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B gene expression (P < 0.01 versus control) in the tubulointerstitium. In situ hybridization demonstrated a diffuse increase in both TGF-β1 and PDGF-B mRNA in renal tubules. Aminoguanidine attenuated not only the overexpression of TGF-β1 and PDGF-B but also reduced type IV collagen deposition in diabetic rats (P < 0.05). TGF-β1 and PDGF mRNA within glomeruli were also similarly increased with diabetes and attenuated with aminoguanidine. The observed beneficial effects of aminoguanidine on the tubulointerstitium in experimental diabetes suggest that AGE-mediated expression of profibrotic cytokines may contribute to tubulointerstitial injury and the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2098-2107 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of the American Society of Nephrology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 10 |
Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |