Effect of High Glucose on Superoxide in Human Mesangial Cells: Role of Angiotensin II

Abstract

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Reactive oxygen species, and especially superoxide (O<sub>2</sub>·–),have been implicated in diabetic nephropathy. O<sub>2</sub>·– accumulation in cells is dependent on O<sub>2</sub>·– production (by NADH/NADPH oxidase) as well as scavenging by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. This study was designed to investigate the effects of high glucose (HG) on O<sub>2</sub>·– accumulation and SOD activity in human mesangial cells (HMC) and to determine if these effects are mediated by angiotensin II (Ang II). <i>Methods:</i> HMC were incubated in media containing 10 m<i>M</i>glucose (control, C), 30 m<i>M</i> glucose (HG), 10 m<i>M</i> glucose + either 20 m<i>M</i> 2-deoxy-<i>D</i>-glucose (2-DG) or 20 m<i>M</i> mannitol (high mannitol, HM) (osmotic controls), or Ang II (10<sup>–5</sup><i>M</i>). Ang II action was antagonized by employing 10<sup>–4</sup><i>M</i> of Ang II receptor antagonists (losartan or irbesartan) or 10<sup>–4</sup><i>M</i> of NADH/NADPH oxidase inhibitors [diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) or apocynin]. Superoxide and total SOD activity were assayed using chemiluminescence of lucigenin. <i>Results:</i> Incubation of HMC in HG resulted in a 1.6-fold increase in Ang I (p < 0.05) and a 1.4-fold increase in Ang II levels (p < 0.05) in cell lysates. These changes were accompanied by a >2-fold increase in O<sub>2</sub>·– accumulation (p < 0.01), which was inhibited by losartan and irbesartan. Exogenous Ang II increased net O<sub>2</sub>·– accumulation by 2.7-fold (p < 0.01), which was normalized by losartan and irbesartan. DPI and apocynin blocked the HG and Ang II-induced increases in O<sub>2</sub>·– (p < 0.01). HG but not exogenous Ang II inhibited total SOD activity by 30%, which was not affected by losartan. <i>Conclusion:</i> High glucose increases O<sub>2</sub><sup>–</sup>· accumulation in HMC primarily by increasing its production via the Ang II-NADH/NADPH oxidase system.