Effect of rhein on glucose transporter-1 expression and its function in glomerular mesangial cells

Objective To explore the effect of rhein on the regulation of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) overexpression and the possible molecular mechanism that rhein antagonize the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) in glomerular mesangial cells Methods Cultured mouse mesangial cells were used The expression of GLUT1 mRNA was detected by Northern blotting; the ability of glucose uptake was determined by 2 deoxy [ 3H] D glucose uptake assay Results Rhein had no effect on glucose uptake in mesangial cells cultured in normal glucose concentration TGF β1 could upregulate the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and glucose uptake in mesangial cells This effect was markedly attenuated by the addition of rhein in a dose dependent manner Conclusions TGF β1 could upregulate the expression of GLUT1 mRNA and glucose uptake in mesangial cells, resulting in excessive glucose consumption and extracellular matrix production in diabetic nephropathy Rhein antagonized the effect of TGF β1 in mesangial cells, so it might be a hopeful remedy for the treatment of patients with diabetic nephropathy