Release of HMGB1 in Podocytes Exacerbates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) usually occurs during sepsis. Inflammation factors, such as high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), are dramatically upregulated under septic conditions. In our current work, the functions of HMGB1 in AKI were explored.

An AKI model was induced by the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in C57 mice. Podocytes were challenged by LPS for different durations. Subsequently, podocytes transfected with HMGB1 siRNA were exposed to LPS for 24 h. The expressions of supernatant HMGB1 and cellular active caspase-3 were examined by Western blotting analysis. To explore the effect of HMGB1 on tubular epithelial cells (TECs), HK-2 cells were exposed to HMGB1 at various concentrations for 24 h. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HK-2 cells was evaluated by Western blotting analysis. Mitochondrial division and apoptosis of HK-2 cells were assessed by MitoTracker Red and Western blotting analysis, respectively.

Compared with the sham control group, the expression of HMGB1 was increased in the kidney of AKI mice. Moreover, the expression of supernatant HMGB1 was increased in LPS-challenged podocytes compared with the control group. Knockdown of HMGB1 attenuated LPS-induced podocyte injury. Besides, EMT in TECs was triggered by HMGB1. Mitochondrial damage and apoptosis of HK-2 cells exposed to HMGB1 were markedly elevated compared with the control group.

Collectively, HMGB1 release in podocytes was induced by LPS, subsequently leading to exacerbated AKI.