Effects of LPS-TLR4 signaling pathway on the expression of hBD-2 in human tubular epithelial cells

We aimed to identify whether lipopolysaccharide(LPS) could up-regulate the expression of human beta-defensin-2(hBD-2) in human tubular epithelial cell(HK-2),and further discuss the role of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways in this procedure.HK-2 cells were stimulated with LPS at concentrations of 0.01,0.1,1,10 μg/ml respectively,or pretreated with TLR4 or NF-κB blocker and then stimulated with 1 ug/ml LPS respectively.12 hours later,we detected the expression of hBD-2 mRNA by SYBR using Green fluorescent quantitative real-time PCR in HK-2 cells.And the concentration of hBD-2 in supernatants was measured by ELISA.We found that LPS promoted hBD-2 expression in HK-2 cells in a dose-dependent manner.Otherwise,TLR4 and NF-κB blockers could inhibit the LPS-induced hBD-2 expression in HK-2 cells.We concluded that LPS can induce hBD-2 expression in HK-2 cells by TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways in a dose-dependent manner.This founding will benefit the therapy for urinary tract infection.