Fibrillogenic amylin evokes the apoptosis of human mesangial cells

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Ai Peng1, Zhi-Hong Liu, Hong Zhou

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China.

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice
|April 10, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fibrillogenic amylin induces apoptosis in human mesangial cells (MCs). This finding may explain mesangial damage and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology
  • Diabetic Complications

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by mesangial cell damage and glomerulosclerosis.
  • The role of amylin in this process is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the apoptotic effects of amylin on human mesangial cells (MCs).

Main Methods:

  • Human MCs were cultured and treated with amylin.
  • Apoptosis was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TUNEL assay, DNA fragmentation, and flow cytometry.
  • Amylin fibrils were visualized using negative staining TEM.

Main Results:

  • Amylin induced characteristic apoptotic changes in MCs, including chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies.
  • TUNEL staining, DNA fragmentation, and flow cytometry confirmed amylin-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Amylin nano-scale fibrils were observed, and no significant lactate dehydrogenase release occurred.

Conclusions:

  • Fibrillogenic amylin triggers apoptosis in human MCs in vitro.
  • This mechanism may contribute to hypocellular mesangial damage and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic nephropathy.

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