Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
09:18

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death

Published on: December 27, 2016

Native and oxidized low density lipoproteins modulate mesangial cell apoptosis

P Sharma1, K Reddy, N Franki

  • 1Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.

Kidney International
|November 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can initially increase mesangial cell proliferation but then induce apoptosis, leading to a hypocellular mesangium in glomerulosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cell Biology
  • Cardiovascular Research

Background:

  • Hyperlipidemia is linked to mesangial hypercellularity in glomerulosclerosis.
  • The role of lipids in mesangial cell apoptosis remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if low-density lipoprotein (LDL) can induce mesangial cell apoptosis.
  • To explore the mechanisms behind LDL-induced mesangial cell apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro studies using mouse and human mesangial cells.
  • Assessing cell proliferation and apoptosis via cell counts, DNA fragmentation assays, ELISA, and RSG-2 mRNA expression.
  • Measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) to assess LDL oxidation.
  • Evaluating the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • LDL increased mesangial cell proliferation at lower concentrations and induced apoptosis at higher concentrations.
  • Oxidized LDL (OX-LDL) significantly enhanced mesangial cell apoptosis.
  • LDL-induced apoptosis was mediated by free radical generation, as evidenced by TBARS and attenuation by SOD.
  • Similar effects were observed in human mesangial cells.

Conclusions:

  • LDL has a dual effect on mesangial cells, promoting proliferation and then apoptosis.
  • Oxidation of LDL and free radical generation are key mechanisms in LDL-induced mesangial cell death.
  • These findings suggest LDL contributes to the transition from hypercellular to hypocellular mesangium in glomerulosclerosis.

More Related Videos

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein07:29

Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein

Published on: October 12, 2017

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway07:15

Mechanism of Kemeng Fang's Inhibition of Podocyte Apoptosis in Rats with Membranous Nephropathy through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Published on: August 23, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death01:11

Cellular Injury IlI: Cellular Death

Cell death is the irreversible loss of cellular structure and function, representing the final stage of severe injury. It plays a key role in both normal physiology and disease.Types of Cell DeathThe two main types are necrosis and apoptosis, though others like necroptosis and pyroptosis also exist.Necrosis:Necrosis is an unregulated form of cell death caused by severe injury such as trauma, toxins, or ischemia. It is characterized by cell swelling, membrane loss, rupture, and leakage of...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...