Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of emodin on the transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cell to mesenchymal induced by human albumin. Methods Human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) was stimulated by human albumin（5mg/ml）in vitro. Morphological changes of the HK-2 cells were observed by an inverted phase contrast microscope. The expressions of α-SMA, E-cadherin, FNmRNA were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). Results Albumin up regulated α-SMA, FN mRNA expression in HK-2 cells in a time-dependent manner and E-cadherin mRNA was down-regulated. Emodin repressed the effect of albumin on them when using a certain concertration emodin. Conclusion Emodin inhibit the transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cell to mesenchymal induced by human albumin., slow down the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis.

Key words: albumin, tubular epithelial- mesanchymal transdifferentiation, emodin