Pericyte activation accompanied by peritubular capillaries dysfunction and pericyte-to-myofibroblast transition is associated with renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tubulointerstitial renal fibrosis is an essential feature of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Pericytes play a critical role in microvascular diseases and renal fibrogenesis. However, the role of pericytes in DN remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to explore the properties and possible mechanisms of pericytes in renal fibrosis in DN.

Methods

We used multiplex immunofluorescence staining to evaluate the location and expression of activated pericytes and to assess capillary dilation and interstitial fibrosis in the kidneys of db/db mice. Pericytes were co-stained for alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) to determine which ones differentiate into myofibroblasts in db/db mice. Expression of CD34 and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β) was assessed in kidney ti

SUBMITTER: Feng Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12611624 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature