The effects of angiotensin II on the synthesis of albumin and type I collagen in human hepatic cells

Objective To investigate the effects of angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ) on the expression of albumin and the synthesis of type Ⅰ collagen in human normal hepatic cells. Methods HL-7702 cells (human normal hepatocyte) were cultured and divided into control group, Ang Ⅱ treated group, an AngⅡ+irbesartan (co-stimulated) group. The expressions of albumin and type Ⅰ collagen were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting, respectively. The mRNA level of type Ⅰ collagen was measured by real time-PCR(qRT-PCR). Results After stimulated with 10-7 mol/L Ang Ⅱ for 72 hours, the expression of albumin significantly decreased in Ang Ⅱ treated group compared with control group (0.85±0.11 vs 1. 41±0.23,P=0.000), while the mRNA expression increased in AngⅡ treated group compared with control group (1.00±0.08 vs 3.72±0.19,P=0.000). In costimulated group, however, the expression of albumin significantly increased (0.85 ± 0.11 vs 1.38 ±0.32,P=0.000),and mRNA expression (3. 72±0.19 vs 2.86±0.13,P=0.000) and synthesis of type Ⅰ collagen were reduced when compared with Ang Ⅱ treated group. Conclusions The reduction of albumin and elevated systhesis of type Ⅰ collagen in HL-7702 cells are induced via Ang Ⅱ AT1 receptor. Key words: Angiotensin Ⅱ ;  Irbesartan;  Albumin;  Collagen type Ⅰ