Enhanced expression of ANGPTL2 in the microvascular lesions of diabetic glomerulopathy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We studied the expression characteristics of angiopoietin-like 2 (ANGPTL2), a novel DN-associated growth factor identified in our previous gene chip screening.

METHODS:

Glomeruli were microdissected from renal biopsies from 24 patients with DN and 8 donor controls. The expression of ANGPTL2 was assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, and then correlated with clinical and pathological indices of glomerular injury.

RESULTS:

Consistent with the results of the gene chip experiment, abundant expression of ANGPTL2 was found more frequently in diabetic glomeruli as compared to donor controls (95 vs. 38%, chi(2) = 15.9, p < 0.01). ANGPTL2 mRNA upregulation was more prominent in glomeruli with less microaneurysm (22 vs. 66%, p < 0.05), inflammatory influx (6 vs. 50%, p < 0.05) or endothelial foam cell formation (11 vs. 53%, p < 0.05). Immunostaining revealed an upregulation of ANGPTL2 protein in hypertrophied diabetic glomeruli, mainly distributed in podocytes, which were supposed to be the origin of ANGPTL2.

CONCLUSION:

The upregulation of ANGPTL2 in diabetic glomerulopathy shows a close relationship to abnormal microvasculature and endothelial inflammation. ANGPTL2 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerulopathy.

• Authors: Hua Sun, Jing-min Zheng, Shan Chen, Cai-hong Zeng, Zhi-hong Liu, Lei-shi Li
• Journal: Nephron. Experimental nephrology (Nephron Exp Nephrol) Vol. 105 Issue 4 Pg. e117-23 ( 2007) ISSN: 1660-2129 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 17347581 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• ANGPTL2 protein, human
• Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2
• Angiopoietin-like Proteins
• Angiopoietins
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins

Topics

• Angiopoietin-Like Protein 2
• Angiopoietin-like Proteins
• Angiopoietins
• Diabetic Nephropathies (genetics, metabolism)
• Female
• Gene Expression Profiling
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease (genetics)
• Humans
• In Vitro Techniques
• Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins (genetics, metabolism)
• Kidney Glomerulus (blood supply, metabolism)
• Male
• Microcirculation (metabolism)
• Middle Aged