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Updated: Jun 11, 2026

Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Whole Kidney, Medulla, and Cortical Tubules in Diabetic Pathogenesis of Kidney Injury in Mice
Published on: May 2, 2025
p38 MAPK pathway is involved in high glucose-induced thioredoxin interacting protein induction in mouse mesangial
Yunzhuo Ren1, Yonghong Shi, Yuehua Wang
1Department of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, and Department of Nephrology, Third Hospital, No. 361 East Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
Abstract:
Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. The thioredoxin (TRX) system, a major thiol antioxidant system, regulates the reduction of intracellular ROS. Here we show that high glucose (HG) inhibits TRX ROS-scavenging function through p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated induction of thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) in mouse mesangial cells (MMCs). Knockdown of TXNIP in MMCs reversed HG-induced reduction of TRX activity and inhibited HG-induced activation of p38 MAPK and increased synthesis of TGF-beta1 and fibronectin. These data suggest that HG-induced overexpression of TXNIP in MMCs, which may be via the p38 MAPK pathway.
Insights
High glucose impairs the thioredoxin (TRX) system
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy involves excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- The thioredoxin (TRX) system is a key intracellular antioxidant regulator.
- Understanding ROS regulation in kidney disease is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the mechanism by which high glucose affects TRX function in kidney cells.
- Identify key molecular players in high glucose-induced oxidative stress in diabetic nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized mouse mesangial cells (MMCs) cultured under high glucose conditions.
- Employed gene knockdown techniques to study thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP).
- Assessed TRX activity, p38 MAPK activation, and synthesis of fibronectin and TGF-beta1.
Main Results:
- High glucose inhibited TRX ROS-scavenging activity in MMCs.
- This inhibition was mediated by p38 MAPK-induced TXNIP.
- TXNIP knockdown reversed TRX inhibition and reduced markers of kidney damage.
Conclusions:
- High glucose-induced TXNIP overexpression, potentially via p38 MAPK, impairs TRX function.
- Targeting TXNIP may offer a therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy.
- The p38 MAPK/TXNIP/TRX pathway is critical in high glucose-induced kidney cell damage.
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