Adipocytes play an etiological role in renal tubular epithelial cells of db/db mice

Abstract

Abstract Obesity is an independent risk factor for the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and kidney damage interact with each other. Recent studies have shown that adipokines are closely related to the occurrence and development of DN, and are potential targets for treatment and prevention of complications. However, the potential interaction between adipocytokines and renal injury remains unclear. We investigated the mechanisms linking adipose tissue to DN. We assessed fat and renal functions in db/db and wild-type mice, and the effects of adipocyte-conditioned medium on cultured tubular epithelial cells. Mice were used to analyze changes in plasma BUN, creatinine, urine protein, and renal histology. Additionally, tubular epithelial cells were incubated with adipocyte-conditioned medium to investigate the effects on tubular epithelial cell apoptosis.