IL-33/ST2L signaling alleviates diabetic nephropathy by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an important factor in the regulation of pathological processes in DN, and excessive ER stress can lead to apoptosis. Although the IL-33/ST2 axis is known to be involved in diabetic kidney disease or related nephropathy, its role and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood in terms of DN. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of IL-33/ST2 signaling on DN and to characterize the roles that ER stress and apoptosis play in DN.

To investigate this study, mice were randomly assigned into DN (induced by 0.1% STZ) and Control groups. Biochemical indices (FBG, BUN, UPR, UCE) were measured in serum and urine samples to reflect blood glucose and kidney damage. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to assess gene and protein expression of the IL-33/ST2 axis and ER stress relative signaling molecule. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.

IL-33 levels are significantly increased in the kidneys of patients and mice with DN. Double immunofluorescence staining showed that IL-33 colocalized with CD31-positive endothelial cells. Treatment with IL-33 attenuated kidney injury in Streptozotocin (STZ)-treated mice. In vitro, we showed that IL-33 attenuated ER stress and apoptosis in glomerular endothelial cells. However, sST2 treatment significantly reversed these effects of IL-33.

Together, these data suggest that IL-33/ST2 signaling mitigates STZ-induced renal damage, partly at least, by suppressing ER stress and apoptosis. Therefore, IL-33 may be an effective therapeutic target in DN.