Febuxostat inhibits TGF ‑β1‑induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition via downregulation of USAG‑1 expression in Madin‑Darby canine kidney cells in vitro.

Febuxostat inhibits TGF‑β1‑induced epithelial‑mesenchymal transition via downregulation of USAG‑1 expression in Madin‑Darby canine kidney cells in vitro. Mol Med Rep. 2019 Jan 02;: Authors: Lu L, Zhu J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhang S, Xia A Abstract Our previous study demonstrated that febuxostat, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, can alleviate kidney dysfunction and ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Increasing evidence has revealed that epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the key mechanisms mediating the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Uterine sensitization‑associated gene‑1 (USAG‑1), a kidney‑specific bone morphogenetic protein antagonist, is involved in the development of numerous types of CKDs. The present study aimed to investigate the role of febuxostat in the process of EMT in Madin‑Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells in vitro. Western blotting, reverse transcription‑semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 7, USAG‑1, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) and E‑cadherin, respectively. The results demonstrated that the expression of USAG‑1 and α‑SMA increased, and that of E‑cadherin decreased significantly in MDC...
Source: Molecular Medicine Reports - Category: Molecular Biology Tags: Mol Med Rep Source Type: research