Suppression of Par-4 Protects Human Renal Proximal Tubule Cells from Apoptosis Induced by Oxidative Stress

Background: Oxidative stress is an important inducer of cell apoptosis and plays a key role in the development of renal inflammation. The prostate apoptosis response factor-4 (Par-4) gene was originally identified in prostate cells undergoing apoptosis. Subsequently, Par-4 was found to possess potent pro-apoptotic activity in various cellular systems. However, it remains unclear whether Par-4 is involved in oxidant injury of renal tubular epithelial cells. Aims: To determine the role of Par-4 in renal proximal tubular cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. Methods: Par-4 gene expression was silenced by small interfering RNA. Renal proximal tubular cells were then exposed to hydrogen peroxide and the effect of Par-4 silencing on apoptosis and expression of phosphorylated Akt and vascular endothelial growth factor was determined. Results: Hydrogen peroxide induced apoptosis and increased Par-4 expression in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. Par-4 silencing significantly protected renal proximal tubular cells from apoptosis via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as Akt phosphorylation was enhanced. Par-4 silencing also ameliorated the downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression induced by oxidative stress. Conclusion: Par-4 gene silencing resulted in PI3K/Akt signaling-dependent inhibition of renal proximal tubular cell apoptosis following oxidative stress.