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Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression modulates response to high glucose.
Leighton R James1, Catherine Le, Heather Doherty
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Leighton.James@jax.ufl.edu
Plos One
|August 17, 2013
Summary
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a key role in diabetic kidney disease. Reducing CTGF levels in mice lessens kidney damage, suggesting CTGF as a therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is implicated in fibrosis and diabetic kidney disease.
- Evidence suggests a link between CTGF levels and kidney complications in diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CTGF in high glucose-induced kidney damage.
- To assess the impact of genetic variations in CTGF on diabetic nephropathy.
Main Methods:
- Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in wild-type and CTGF heterozygous mice.
- Analysis of plasma, urinary, and kidney tissue markers.
- In vitro studies using mouse embryonic fibroblasts exposed to high glucose.
Main Results:
- Diabetic CTGF heterozygous mice showed reduced albuminuria and mesangial expansion.
- CTGF heterozygous mice exhibited attenuated increases in CTGF and TSP1 expression in kidney cortices.
- High glucose-induced expression of extracellular matrix proteins was reduced in CTGF heterozygous cells.
Conclusions:
- CTGF induction mediates extracellular matrix protein expression in the diabetic kidney.
- Genetic variation in CTGF influences the severity of diabetic nephropathy, highlighting CTGF as a potential therapeutic target.
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