The Inhibitory Effect of siRNAs on The High Glucose-Induced Overexpression of TGF-β1 in Mesangial Cells

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by an expansion of the glomerular mesangium, caused by mesangial cell proliferation and an excessive accumulation of extracellar matrix (ECM) proteins, which eventually leading to glomerulosclerosis. TGF-β1 was found to play an important role in the accumulation of ECM in the kidney. In this study, TGF-β1 RNA interference was used as an effective therapeutic strategy. The inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) on the high glucose-induced overexpression of TGF-β1 in rat mesangial ceys (RMCs). A high levels of glucose induces TGF-β1 mRNA and protein, and TGF-β1 siRNAs reduce the ability of high glucose to stimulate their expression. We also examined the inhibitory effect of TGF-β1 siRNAs on the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 and Collagen Type I which are down-regulators of TGF-β1. The expression of TGF-β1, PAI-1 and Collagen Type I was increased in RMCs that were stimulated by 30 mM glucose. TGF-β1 siRNAs reduces high glucose-induced TGF-β1, PAI-1, and Collagen Type I mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that TGF-β1 siRNAs effectively inhibits TGF-β1 mRNA and protein expression in RMCs. These suggest that TGF-β1 siRNAs through RNAi may be a useful tool for developing new therapeutic applications for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.