Glucose degradation products downregulate ZO-1 expression in human peritoneal mesothelial cells: the role of VEGF

Abstract

We have demonstrated that short-term exposure to GDPs downregulates ZO-1 expression in HPMC through the generation of VEGF. Our study provides evidence that GDPs can directly induce VEGF and TGF-beta production in HPMC through the activation of p42/44 MAPK and PKC signal transduction pathways.