Abstract

Reduction of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression plays a crucial role in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In order to clarify a cause of VEGF suppression in CKD, we examined an interaction between proteinuria and VEGF. Rat proximal tubular cells were subjected to hypoxia with or without albumin to mimic proteinuric conditions, and VEGF expression was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Albumin significantly reduced VEGF expression under hypoxia. Luciferase activity controlled by hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) was suppressed by albumin, demonstrating suppression of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)/HRE pathway. Studies utilizing a proteasome inhibitor and a prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor showed that mechanisms of HIF/HRE pathway suppression by albumin load did not involve degradation of HIF protein levels. Further, albumin did not change HIF mRNA levels. Our data, for the first time, suggest a clear ‘link’ between proteinuria and hypoxia, the two principal pathogenic factors for CKD progression.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.