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Piwil 2 gene transfection changes the autophagy status in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy
Weihua Wu1, Maoping Zhang2, Qi Liu1
1Department of Nephropathy, The 1st Affiliated Hospital of Sichuan Medical University Sichuan, China.
Abstract:
This study aims to investigate effects of Piwil2 on autohpagy in a DN rat model. Sixty health SD rats were selected and divided into four group, including normal group, control, DN and Piwil2 therapy group. DN model (DN group) was established by injecting the streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) into rats. Piwil2 therapy group was injected with viral plasmid carrying Piwil2 mRNA to DN rats. The urinary protein concentrations were determined by placing the animals in individual metabolic cages for a timed urine collection every 8 weeks. Blood and soleus muscle samples were collected after animals were sacrificed. Blood glucose was examined by using commercial detection kits. Western blot assay was employed to examine expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 (LC3 I and LC3 II) protein. Results indicated that urinary protein levels were remarkably higher in DN group compared to Normal and Control group (P<0.05). Blood glucose values were also increased in DN group compared to Normal and Control group (P<0.05). Body weights decreased significantly in DN rats compared to Normal group and Control group (P<0.05). Expression of Beclin 1 protein and LC3 proteins was significantly decreased in DN group compared to Normal and Control group (P<0.05). However, Piwil2 transfection could enhance level of Beclin 1 and LC3 protein significantly compared to DN group. In conclusion, the Tiwil 2 mRNA transfection could obviously enhance the autophagy biomarker, including Beclin 1 and LC3 protein, which indicates that the Tiwil 2 treatment has improved the autophagy in diabetic nephropathy rats.
Insights
Piwil2 therapy improved autophagy in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats by enhancing Beclin 1 and LC3 protein levels. This suggests Piwil2 mRNA transfection is a potential treatment for DN-related autophagy dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes, often involving impaired autophagy.
- Autophagy plays a critical role in cellular homeostasis and its dysfunction is linked to DN progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Piwil2 on autophagy in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy.
- To assess whether Piwil2 mRNA transfection can ameliorate autophagy defects in DN.
Main Methods:
- A diabetic nephropathy rat model was established using streptozotocin.
- Rats received Piwil2 mRNA transfection via viral plasmid.
- Urinary protein, blood glucose, body weight, and autophagy markers (Beclin 1, LC3) were analyzed.
Main Results:
- DN rats exhibited significantly higher urinary protein and blood glucose levels, and lower body weights compared to controls.
- Expression of autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3 was significantly decreased in DN rats.
- Piwil2 transfection significantly increased Beclin 1 and LC3 protein levels in DN rats.
Conclusions:
- Piwil2 mRNA transfection effectively enhances autophagy biomarkers (Beclin 1, LC3) in diabetic nephropathy rats.
- Piwil2 treatment shows potential for improving autophagy dysfunction in diabetic nephropathy.
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