Expressions of AP-1 and TGF-β_1 in renal tissues in diabetic rats and effect of atorvastatin on them

OBJECTIVE To observe the expressions of AP-1 and TGF-β1 in renal tissues in diabetic rats and the effect of atorvastatin on them. METHODS SD male rats were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group(C),diabetic group(DM), atorvastatin treated group(DA).The expressions of AP-1(c-jun)、TGF-β1 and FN in renal tissues were measured by Immuno-histochemstry. The levels of glucose(Glu) triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),creatinine(Cr), and 24-hour urine protein excretion were measured by Biochemistry. RESULTS The expressions of AP-1, TGF-β1 and FN in glomeruli increased in the diabetic group and were inhibited by atorvastatin treatment. The levels of 24-hour urine protein(P0.05), TG,TC and Cr decreased in the atorvastatin-treated group (P0.01). The renal histology changes were markedly improved in the atorvastatin-treated group as compared with the diabetic group.CONCLUSION These results suggest that the activated AP-1 plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Through inhibition of activation of AP-1, atorvastatin possess therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy, independent of its lipid-lowering properties.