Cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenases metabolize arachidonic acid into epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). which play important and diverse roles in the cardiovascular system. The anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, pro-angiogenic, and anti-hypertensive properties of EETs in the cardiovascular system suggest a beneficial role for EETs in diabetic nephropathy. This study investigated the effects of endothelial specific overexpression of CYP2J2 epoxygenase on diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Endothelial CYP2J2 overexpression attenuated renal damage as measured by urinary microalbumin and glomerulosclerosis. These effects were associated with inhibition of TGF-beta/Smad signaling in the kidney. Indeed, overexpression of CYP2J2 prevented TGF-beta 1-induced renal tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition in vitro. These findings highlight the beneficial roles of the CYP epoxygenase-EET system in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
基金:
National Education Ministration project; Nature Science Foundation Committee [30930039, 30700377]; Wuhan City grant