LncRNA Blnc1 expression and its effect on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the commonest microvascular complications of diabetes and has been the major cause of end-stage renal disease in many countries. It is of great clinical significance to further explore more efficacious therapeutic strategies for DN. This study aims to explore the effect of Blnc1 on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: In this study, mRNA level of Blnc1 was examined by RT-PCR. HE staining and Masson staining were adopted to detect kidney damage and renal fibrosis. The renal fibrosis was evaluated by the levels of PTEN, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen IV with immunofluorescence assay and western blot analysis. Oxidative Stress and inflammatory response were detected by ELISA assay. At the same time, western blot was performed to detect the proteins related to NRF2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways. RESULTS: Blnc1 has higher expression in serum of DN patients, STZ-induced DN model and HG-induced HK2 cells. Blnc1 interference significantly attenuated renal fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress via NRF2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways. CONCLUSION: Our present study suggested that Blnc1 can affect inflammation, oxidative stress and renal fibrosis by Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways in DN.