Effect of rhein on glucose transporter-1 expression and its function in glomerular mesangial cells

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of rhein on the regulation of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) overexpression and the possible molecular mechanism that rhein antagonize the effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) in glomerular mesangial cells. METHODS: Cultured mouse mesangial cells were used. The expression of GLUT1 mRNA was detected by Northern blotting; the ability of glucose uptake was determined by 2-deoxy-3H]-D-glucose uptake assay. RESULTS: Rhein had no effect on glucose uptake in mesangial cells cultured in normal glucose concentration. TGF-beta 1 could upregulate the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and glucose uptake in mesangial cells. This effect was markedly attenuated by the addition of rhein in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: TGF-beta 1 could upregulate the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and glucose uptake in mesangial cells, resulting in excessive glucose consumption and extracellular matrix production in diabetic nephropathy. Rhein antagonized the effect of TGF-beta 1 in mesangial cells, so it might be a hopeful remedy for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy.