Abstract
Background
To investigate the effects of angiotensin 1–7 (Ang-(1–7)) on proximal tubules in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD).
Methods
Mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the control group (mice fed a standard rodent chow diet), HFD group, and HFD group treated with Ang-(1–7). At the end of the experiment, 24-h urine samples and kidney specimens were collected. We evaluated proximal tubule injury with PAS. Renal Oil Red O staining and immunofluorescence staining were used to disclose the expression of lipid deposition. Endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and apoptosis were tested by Western blotting.
Results
Serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary albumin were elevated in HFD mice, while urinary albumin was decreased after Ang-(1–7) treatment. Ang-(1–7) dramatically inhibited the development of vacuolated tubular cells and lipid deposition while decreasing the expression of perilipin-2 and CD36. Ang-(1–7) also ameliorated the increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. Furthermore, increased TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-1β levels in HFD mice were inhibited by Ang-(1–7) treatment.
Conclusions
Ang-(1–7) treatment mediated reno-protection by attenuating lipotoxicity to inhibit inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in HFD mice. These findings may offer a novel therapy for HFD-related renal injury.