Expression of AT1, AT2 and MAS receptors in renal biopsy tissue from diabetic nephropathy patients and its relationship with pathological injury

Abstract

Objective To observe the expression of AT1, AT2 and MAS receptors in renal biopsy tissue from diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, and to discuss its relationship with renal pathological injury. Methods A total of 124 patients diagnosed as DN by renal biopsy in our hospital from January 2004 to July 2017 were enrolled in our research (15 cases of class I+ IIa, 26 cases of class IIb, 76 cases of class III and 7 cases of class IV). The expression of angiotensin receptors was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and analyzed by mean density. Clinical data, protein expression of AT1, AT2 and MAS receptors in renal biopsy tissue and its relationship with pathological injury were evaluated. Results Glomerular and tubular AT1 receptor expression in patients of class III was significantly stronger than class I+ IIa, IIb and IV. Vascular AT1 receptor expression gradually weakened as the pathological injury was aggravating. Glomerular AT2 receptors expression in patients of class IIb was strongest , glomerular AT2 receptors expression weakened as the pathological injury was aggravating. Tubular AT2 receptors expression in patients of class IIb was significantly stronger than class I+ IIa, III and IV . Glomerular MAS receptor expression in patients of class I+ II was strongest , it was no difference between class IIb and III, glomerular MAS receptor expression in patients of class IV was significantly weaker than class III. Tubule and vascular MAS receptor expression were similar to glomeruli. Conclusions Expression of AT1, AT2 and MAS receptors in renal biopsy tissue is associated with pathologic injury in DN patients, which provides more evidence to elucidate the role of RAS in DN. Key words: Biopsy; Angiotensins; Diabetic Nephropathies