Role of TGF-?_1 and its signaling transduction molecule Smad4 in the development of glomerulosclerosis / 中国病理生理杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To explore the role of TGF-?_1 and signaling transduction molecule, Smad4, in the development of glomerulosclerosis. METHODS: Expression levels of TGF-?_1, Smad4, collagen Ⅰ proteins were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in renal biopsies from 38 cases with a spectrum of glomerulonephritis, and compared with 20 normal kidney tissue with image analysis system. After stimulation with TGF-?_1, expressions of endogenous Smad4 and collagen Ⅰ mRNA and proteins and its modulation by TGF?_1 were evaluated by RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses in cultured human mesangial cells. RESULTS: All types of proliferative and sclerotized glomerulonephritis showed an increased expression of TGF-?_1, Smad4 and collagen Ⅰ ompared with the 20 normal kidney tissue in glomerular (P