Abstract:

Abstract:Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate (Art) on cell apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression induced by high glucose in rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Methods NRK-52E cells were cultured and divided into normal control group, high glucose group, high glucose with different concentrations of Art (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L) groups, and high glucose with Ena (5 mg/L) group. MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double stains. The protein levels of TNF-α and IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant were determined using ELISA. Results High glucose inhibited NRK-52E proliferation, induced its apoptosis, and the expressions of TNF-α and IL-8 in the supernatant. Application of Art obviously abolished the effects of high glucose, and the effects of Art were showed in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Art can suppress high glucose-stimulated cell apoptosis, enhance TNF-α and IL-8 expression in NRK-52E cells. The anti-inflammatory action and immune regulation of Art could be a novel approach of treating diabetic nephropathy.

Key words: diabetic nephropathies, apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, artesunate, renal tubular ep?
ithelial cells