Valsartan Inhibits Proliferation of Mesangial Cells by Regulating Gene and Protein Expression of Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor activation has been shown to be associated with glomerular injury and glomerular disease. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist valsartan on angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression in cultured rat mesangial cells. Sprague-Dawley rat mesangial cell lines obtained from China Center for Type Culture Collection were used in the study. The viability of rat mesangial cells was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide. The results showed that valsartan inhibited cell proliferation and downregulated messenger ribonucleic acid and protein expression of angiotensin II type 1 receptor in rat mesangial cells. These levels were significantly lower than control group (p<0.01). Because angiotensin II type 1 receptor has a central role in the development and progression of glomerular diseases. Valsartan down-regulation of angiotensin II type 1 receptor expression of mesangial cells may provide beneficial effects to the glomerular injury. These data will be beneficial for understanding the mechanism of valsartan on the glomerular protection.