Pioglitazone inhibits angiotensin II-induced senescence of endothelial progenitor cell
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Published on: August 23, 2024
Toshio Imanishi1, Katsunobu Kobayashi, Akio Kuroi
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan. t-imani@wakayama-med.ac.jp
Abstract:
We investigated whether a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist would effect the angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced senescence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood and characterized. Both reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to assess gp91phox expression and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) levels. Immunofluorescence of nitrotyrosine provided evidence of peroxynitrite formation. Our data indicate that Ang II increased the expression of gp91phox mRNA, which was significantly diminished by pioglitazone, a PPARgamma agonist. Western blotting revealed that Ang II stimulated an increase in the gp91phox protein, whereas co-treatment with pioglitazone significantly reduced this increase. In addition, pioglitazone also inhibited Ang II-induced peroxynitrite formation. Interestingly, pioglitazone decreased the expressions of AT1R mRNA and protein. The exposure of cultured EPCs to Ang II (100 nmol/L) significantly accelerated the rate of senescence compared to that of the control cells during 14 d in culture, as determined by acidic beta-galactosidase staining. Ang II-induced EPC senescence was significantly inhibited by co-treatment with pioglitazone. Because cellular senescence is critically influenced by telomerase, which elongates telomeres, we also measured telomerase activity by means of PCR-ELISA-based assay. The results showed that Ang II significantly diminished telomerase activity, and this effect was significantly abolished by co-treatment with pioglitazone. In conclusion, pioglitazone inhibited Ang II-induced senescence of EPCs via down-regulation of the expression of AT1R.
Related Concept Videos
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Prostacyclin Receptor Agonists
These agonists bind to the IPR receptor situated on the plasma membrane of the pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. This binding triggers a cascade of reactions known as the GS-AC-cAMP-PKA pathway. This pathway results in the relaxation of smooth muscle...