Over-expression of P21 attenuates cisplatin-induced HK-2 cells injury

AIM:To investigate the effect of P21 on cisplatin-induced renal tubular epithelial cells injury.METHODS:The expression of P21 at mRNA and protein levels in cisplatin treated human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) cells was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot. Over-expression of P21in the HK-2 cells was induced by the transfection of pcDNA3-P21. The cell viability and cell apoptosis were detected by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Furthermore, the protein expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), caspase-3, glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), and phosphorylation level of eucaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Cisplatin increased the mRNA and protein levels of P21 in a time-and concentration-dependent manner in the HK-2 cells. Over-expression of P21 inhibited cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis, and down-regulated the expression of KIM-1 and NGAL. Furthermore, Over-expression of P21 decreased the protein levels of GRP78, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, CHOP and cleaved caspase-3.CONCLUSION:Over-expression of P21 attenuates cisplatin-induced HK-2 cells injury, and the mechanism may be related to the modulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and inhibition of cell apoptosis.