Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:31
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
Heat shock protein expression in diabetic nephropathy
Federica Barutta1, Silvia Pinach, Sara Giunti
1Dept. of Internal Medicine, Univ. of Turin, Corso AM Dogliotti 14. Turin, 10126, Italy. federica.barutta@unito.it
American Journal of Physiology. Renal Physiology
|October 17, 2008
Summary
Diabetic nephropathy involves cellular stress. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) like HSP27 are altered, with phosphorylated HSP27 increasing in podocytes, potentially impacting kidney cell protection.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is driven by hyperglycemia and glomerular hypertension, causing cellular stress in renal cells.
- Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are crucial for cytoprotection against cellular stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and phosphorylation of HSP27, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 in diabetic nephropathy.
- To examine HSP modulation in vivo in diabetic rats and in vitro in renal cells under stress.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats, with analysis at 4, 12, and 24 weeks.
- In vitro studies using mesangial cells and podocytes exposed to high glucose or mechanical stretch.
- Immunohistochemistry to assess HSP expression and phosphorylation states.
Main Results:
- HSP25, HSP60, and HSP72 were overexpressed in the outer medulla of diabetic rats, but not in glomeruli.
- High glucose or mechanical stretch did not alter HSP expression in mesangial cells or podocytes.
- Phosphorylated HSP27 was elevated in glomerular podocytes of diabetic animals; stretch induced HSP27 phosphorylation via a P38-dependent pathway in vitro.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes differentially affects HSP27, HSP60, and HSP70 expression and phosphorylation in renal glomeruli and medulla.
- These modulations in HSPs may influence the cytoprotective capacity of renal cells in diabetic nephropathy.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Diabetic Nephropathy
Definition Diabetic nephropathy is a chronic kidney complication that results from prolonged hyperglycemia.Prevalence It is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting up to half of individuals with diabetes.Pathophysiology • Sustained hyperglycemia triggers multiple hemodynamic and metabolic changes in the kidney. • Early in the disease, increased renal blood flow and glomerular hyperfiltration occur due to afferent arteriolar...
01:22Diabetic Neuropathy
DefinitionDiabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by long-standing diabetes mellitus. It results directly from prolonged high blood sugar levels.PathophysiologyThe pathophysiology of diabetic neuropathy involves both metabolic and vascular disturbances triggered by chronic hyperglycemia.Metabolic injury: Elevated glucose levels activate the polyol pathway within nerve cells, leading to the accumulation of sorbitol and fructose. This increases oxidative stress, disrupts normal nerve...
01:24Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.
01:21Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State, or HHS, is a serious and life-threatening complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three main features: severe hyperglycemia, profound dehydration, and elevated serum osmolality, all occurring without significant ketoacidosis.HHS typically develops in older adults or individuals with limited access to fluids. This may result from illness, cognitive impairment, or medications such as diuretics or corticosteroids. These factors reduce...
01:29Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is an abnormally high blood glucose level. It is diagnosed by fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (or OGTT) ≥200 mg/dL, random glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. However, HbA1c results may be unreliable in certain conditions, such as anemia or hemoglobinopathies, and the diagnosis should be confirmed unless classic symptoms are present. Postprandial hyperglycemia is typically considered significant when glucose levels exceed 180 mg/dL two...
01:24Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...