Figure 9
CQ and AQ treatment attenuated the renal expression of apoptogenic and EMT-related proteins in diabetic kidneys. (A–C) The expression of the apoptogenic proteins Bax and Cyt. C was markedly increased, while that of the anti-apoptogenic Bcl-2 was reduced in diabetic kidneys. However, CQ or AQ treatment ameliorated the changes in the expression of the apoptosis- and anti-apoptosis-related proteins. Band intensities representing Bcl-2, Bax, Cyt.C and βactin expression levels were converted into densitometry using ImageJ software in the ratios of Bcl-2 to Bax and Tom20 to βactin. Data are means ± SEM (n = 5 per group, *p < 0.05 vs Normal, #p < 0.05, ##p < 0.01, ###p < 0.0001 vs DM control). (D–F) Increased TGF-ß1, α-SMA and fibronectin expression was observed in the kidneys of the diabetic group, whereas diminished TGF-ß1, α-SMA and fibronectin expression was observed in the CQ and AQ groups. The expression of E-cad, the epithelial cell marker protein, was recovered by treatment with CQ and AQ in diabetic kidneys. Band intensities representing TGF-β1, E-cad, α-SMA, fibronectin and βactin expression levels were converted into densitometry using ImageJ software in the ratios of TGF-β1, E-cad, α-SMA, and fibronectin to βactin. Data are means ± SEM (n = 5 per group, *p < 0.05 vs Normal, #p < 0.05 vs DM control).
