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[Effect of fenofibrate and metformin on lipotoxicity in OLETF rat kidney]
Wei Wang1, Xiao-hui Guo, Hong-hua Wu
1Department of Endocrinology, Peaking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Objective:
To explore the possible molecular mechanism of abnormal renal lipid metabolism in OLETF rats, and the effects of fenofibrate or metformin on renal local lipid metabolism.
Methods:
OLETF rats were randomly divided into three groups: one treated with fenofibrate, one with metformin and one without treatment. LETO rats were used as age-matched normal controls. The animals were sacrificed and the kidneys were obtained respectively at the age of 17 and 30 weeks. 24-hour urine albumin contents and TG contents in renal cortex were measured.The levels of SREBP-1 protein and mRNA in kidney were measured. FAS mRNA and ACC mRNA expressions were measured with RT-PCR.
Results:
OLETF rats showed characters of obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia. At the end of thirty weeks clinical characters of renal damage appeared in OLETF rats, OLETF rats showed higher levels of 24-hour urine albumin contents than those of LETO rats. 24-hour urine albumin contents were correlated positively with TG contents in kidney. The partial correlation coefficient was 0.870 (P = 0.011) by controlling for body weight, serum lipid, blood glucose and fasting insulin concentration. OLETF rats showed higher levels of SREBP-1 protein (43.2%, P<0.01), FAS mRNA (126.0%, P<0.01), ACC mRNA (72.3%, P<0.01) than those of group LETO. OLETF/F rats showed lower levels of SREBP-1 (15.7%, P = 0.061), FAS mRNA (36.8%, P<0.05), ACC mRNA (40.3%, P<0.05) than those of group OLETF. OLETF/M rats showed lower levels of SREBP-1 (19.3%, P<0.01), FAS mRNA (57.3%, P<0.01), ACC mRNA (22.5%, P<0.05) than those of group OLETF. There was no difference in SREBP-1 mRNA levels for each group.
Conclusion:
Renal damage occurred in OLETF rats at the prediabetes stage. 24-hour urine albumin contents were correlated positively with TG contents in kidney. SREBP-1 might aggravate fat deposition in kidney through some enzyme associated with fat synthesis, which was a possible pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Treatment with fenofibrate or metformin ameliorated renal damage in OLETF rats through SREBP-1 and some enzyme regulated by it reduced fat deposit in kidney directly.
Insights
Obesity-induced kidney damage in OLETF rats is linked to abnormal renal lipid metabolism, specifically increased triglyceride (TG) content. Fenofibrate and metformin treatments reduced kidney damage by lowering SREBP-1, a key protein in fat synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Syndrome
Context:
- Obesity and hyperglycemia in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats lead to renal damage.
- Renal lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of renal lipid accumulation is vital for developing effective treatments.
Purpose:
- To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying abnormal renal lipid metabolism in OLETF rats.
- To evaluate the therapeutic effects of fenofibrate and metformin on renal lipid metabolism and damage in OLETF rats.
Summary:
- OLETF rats exhibited obesity, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, progressing to renal damage characterized by increased 24-hour urine albumin and kidney triglyceride (TG) content.
- Elevated levels of Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein-1 (SREBP-1) protein, Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) mRNA, and Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) mRNA were observed in OLETF rat kidneys.
- Fenofibrate and metformin treatments significantly reduced SREBP-1 protein and FAS/ACC mRNA expression, ameliorating renal damage and TG deposition.
Impact:
- This study elucidates the role of SREBP-1 in renal lipid accumulation and diabetic nephropathy.
- Fenofibrate and metformin demonstrate potential therapeutic benefits in managing kidney complications associated with metabolic disorders.
- The findings provide a molecular basis for targeting lipid metabolism pathways to prevent or treat kidney disease in obese and diabetic individuals.
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