Expression of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 in kidney of type 1 diabetic rats

AIM:To investigate the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1) and sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) in the kidney of type 1 diabetic rats.METHODS:The triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol content in the kidney of experimental rats were measured by the assay kits and oil red O staining.Furthermore, the expressions of SREBP-1 and SREBP-2 protein were detected by the methods of Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.The analysis of SREBP-1 mRNA was performed by in situ hybridization.RESULTS:Renal triglyceride content was markedly higher in diabetic rats than that in normal rats and the result of oil red O showed that lipid deposited in the renal tubular epithelium.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting presented similar results that SREBP-1 protein was up-regulated in renal tubular epithelium in diabetic rats.On the other hand, SREBP-2 protein didnt show difference between diabetic rats and normal control rats.In situ hybridization confirmed the increasing of SREBP-1 mRNA in renal tubular epithelium in diabetic rats.CONCLUSION:Above results suggest that altered SREBP-1 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of renal lipid accumulation in type 1 diabetic rats.