Aloin improves TGF-β induced renal tubular epithelial cell fibrosis by activating Nrf2北大核心CSCD

Aim To investigate the effect of aloin, an aloe extract,on fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) induced by TGF-β and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The experiment included a control group,TGF-β induced group,TGF-β + Aloin 50 or 100 μmol ? L-1group. The effect of aloin on cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The expression of fibrosis and antioxidant-related proteins was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence. The ROS was detected by flow cytometry. The related indexes of oxidative stress were detected by SOD activity kit and MDA lipid oxidation kit. The inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA. Results Aloin did not affect the viability of HK-2 cells. Aloin decreased the expression of α-SMA, E-Cadherin, collagen I and fibronectin in HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β. Aloin up-regulated the expression of antioxidant molecules of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQOl, but reduced the levels of ROS and MDA, and restored the activity of SOD. Meanwhile, aloin also inhibited the release of IL-1β and IL-6 inflammatory factors. Conclusions Aloin can improve the oxidative stress and fibrogenesis of HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β through up-regulating Nrf2, and inhibit releasing inflammatory factors. © 2023 Publication Centre of Anhui Medical University. All rights reserved.