Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Development of Human Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Primary Cultures in Monolayers and Three-Dimensional Conditions
Published on: June 13, 2025
[Alisol B inhibited complement 3a-induced human renal tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition]
Rui-fang Zhang1, Jian-xin Wan, Yan-fang Xu
1Department of Nephrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou.
Objective:
To study whether alisol B could inhibit complement 3a (C3a) induced renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
Methods:
The in vitro cultured human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were intervened with 5 ng/mL transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta), 0.1 micromol C3a, and 0.1 micromol C3a + 10 micromol alisol B, respectively. The mRNA and protein expressions of alpha-SMA, E-cadherin, and C3 were detected using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence, respectively.
Results:
The mRNA and protein expressions of C3 in HK-2 cells were up-regulated after intervention of C3a (P < 0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of alpha-SMA in HK-2 cells were obviously enhanced (P < 0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin obviously decreased (P < 0.01). When compared with the group intervened by exogenous C3a, after intervention of alisol B, the mRNA and protein expressions of alpha-SMA in HK-2 cells were obviously reduced (P < 0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of E-cadherin obviously increased (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
Exogenous C3a could induce renal tubular EMT. Alisol B was capable of suppressing C3a induced EMT.
