Renoprotective effects of atorvastatin in diabetic mice: downregulation of RhoA and upregulation of Akt/GSK3

Bruder-Nascimento, T. et al. (2016) Renoprotective effects of atorvastatin in diabetic mice: downregulation of RhoA and upregulation of Akt/GSK3. PLoS ONE, 11(9), e0162731. (doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162731) (PMID:27649495) (PMCID:PMC5029810)

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Abstract

Potential benefits of statins in the treatment of chronic kidney disease beyond lipid-lowering effects have been described. However, molecular mechanisms involved in renoprotective actions of statins have not been fully elucidated. We questioned whether statins influence development of diabetic nephropathy through reactive oxygen species, RhoA and Akt/GSK3 pathway, known to be important in renal pathology. Diabetic mice (db/db) and their control counterparts (db/+) were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/Kg/day, p.o., for 2 weeks). Diabetes-associated renal injury was characterized by albuminuria (albumin:creatinine ratio, db/+: 3.2 ± 0.6 vs. db/db: 12.5 ± 3.1*; *P<0.05), increased glomerular/mesangial surface area, and kidney hypertrophy. Renal injury was attenuated in atorvastatin-treated db/db mice. Increased ROS generation in the renal cortex of db/db mice was also inhibited by atorvastatin. ERK1/2 phosphorylation was increased in the renal cortex of db/db mice. Increased renal expression of Nox4 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, observed in db/db mice, were abrogated by statin treatment. Atorvastatin also upregulated Akt/GSK3β phosphorylation in the renal cortex of db/db mice. Our findings suggest that atorvastatin attenuates diabetes-associated renal injury by reducing ROS generation, RhoA activity and normalizing Akt/GSK3β signaling pathways. The present study provides some new insights into molecular mechanisms whereby statins may protect against renal injury in diabetes.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Nguyen Dinh Cat, Dr Aurelie and Montezano, Dr Augusto and Touyz, Professor Rhian
Authors: Bruder-Nascimento, T., Callera, G., Montezano, A., Antunes, T. T., He, Y., Nguyen Dinh Cat, A., Ferreira, N. S., Barreto, P. A., Olivon, V. C., Tostes, R. C., and Touyz, R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
Journal Name:PLoS ONE
Publisher:Public Library of Science
ISSN:1932-6203
ISSN (Online):1932-6203
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2016 Bruder-Nascimento et al.
First Published:First published in PLoS One 11(9):e0162731
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
607381Vascular Noxs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in hypertensionRhian TouyzBritish Heart Foundation (BHF)CH/12/4/29762RI CARDIOVASCULAR & MEDICAL SCIENCES
607382Vascular Noxs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in hypertensionRhian TouyzBritish Heart Foundation (BHF)RG/13/7/30099RI CARDIOVASCULAR & MEDICAL SCIENCES