Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in high glucose induced rat mesangial cells

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) on the expression of pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in high glucose induced rat mesangial cells (MCs). Methods 35 SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal serum group (Saline, n=18), low dose CS feeding group (5 g·kg-1·d-1, n=8), and high dose CS feeding group (10 g·kg-1·d-1,n=9). The three groups were given saline and different dosage of CS by gavage for 8 days, then venous blood samples were taken to prepare experimental serum. Rat mesangial cells(MCs, HBZY-1 line) were divided into four groups: the normal glucose control group (NC group, 5.6 mmol/L Glucose+ 10%Fetal bovine serum(FBS)+ 1%normal serum) , the high glucose group ( HG group, 30.0 mmol/L Glucose+ 10% FBS+ 1% normal serum), the Low dose-CS group (LD Group, 30.0 mmol/L Glucose+ 10% FBS+ 1% low dose CS serum), and the High dose-CS group (HD Group, 30.0 mmol/L Glucose+ 10% FBS+ 1%high dose CS serum). The VEGF and PEDF mRNA expression in the MCs were determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the level of PEDF and VEGF in MCs supernatants were examined by ELISA. Results Compared with the NC group, the mRNA expression of PEDF was significantly lower(24 h: 0.375±0.011 vs 0.507±0.008, t=16.828, P 0.05). Conclusion Renoprotection of CS on MCs may be mediated through reducing the expression of VEGF and increasing the expression of PEDF. Key words: Cordyceps sinensis; Diabetes; Diabetic nephropathy; Pigment epithelium-derived factor; Vascular endothelial growth factor