Authors: Langer S, Kreutz R, Eisenreich A
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy, which is associated with loss of human (h) podocytes (PC), is a major complication in diabetes mellitus. High-glucose modulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling and cell apoptosis. Metformin has been demonstrated to reduce apoptosis and albuminuria in type 2 diabetes. Here, we examined the effect of metformin on cell apoptosis and on pro-/anti-apoptotic signaling in hPC. Expression analyses were done by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Moreover, a functional apoptosis assay was performed in hPC. Determination of kinase activation by phosphorylation was done via immunodetection analyses and digital quantification. We found that hPC express organic cation transporter 1 which...