Erschienen in:
01.11.2017 | Nephrology - Original Paper
Allopurinol protects human glomerular endothelial cells from high glucose-induced reactive oxygen species generation, p53 overexpression and endothelial dysfunction
verfasst von:
Theodoros Eleftheriadis, Georgios Pissas, Georgia Antoniadi, Vassilios Liakopoulos, Ioannis Stefanidis
Erschienen in:
International Urology and Nephrology
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Ausgabe 1/2018
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Abstract
Purpose
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction in capillary endothelial cells is a prerequisite for the development of diabetic nephropathy. Inhibition of xanthine oxidase, another ROS generator, ameliorates experimental diabetic nephropathy. To test the hypothesis that the initial high glucose-induced ROS production by the mitochondria activates xanthine oxidase, which afterward remains as the major source of ROS, we cultured primary human glomerular endothelial cells (GEnC) under normal or high-glucose conditions, with or without the xanthine oxidase inhibitor allopurinol.
Methods
ROS generation and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity were assessed by chemiluminescence or colorimetrically. Levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), p53 and phosphorylated p53 (p-p53) were assessed by western blotting.
Results
Allopurinol prevented high glucose-induced ROS generation indicating that xanthine oxidase is the major source of ROS. Allopurinol protected GEnC from endothelial dysfunction since it prevented the high glucose-induced decrease in NOS activity and increase in ICAM-1 expression. Allopurinol reduced p53 and p-p53 levels induced by high glucose suggesting an axis of xanthine oxidase-derived ROS, DNA damage, p53 stabilization and endothelial dysfunction that may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy.
Conclusions
Allopurinol protects GEnC from high glucose-induced ROS generation, p53 overexpression and endothelial dysfunction. These data provide a pathogenetic mechanism that supports the results of experimental and clinical studies about the beneficial effect of xanthine oxidase inhibitors on the development of diabetic nephropathy.