PGC1α Activators Mitigate Diabetic Tubulopathy by Improving Mitochondrial Dynamics and Quality Control

Figure 7

Restoration of altered mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy in STZ-induced diabetic mice after treatment of AICAR or metformin. (a) Western blot analysis revealed that AICAR or metformin treatment reverses the changes in the expression of Drp1 and Mfn1 in diabetic kidneys. (b) Electron micrographs of mitochondria in renal tubular cells. The control group displayed elongated mitochondria, whereas the diabetic group displayed short or spherical shaped mitochondria. The administration of AICAR or metformin markedly attenuated mitochondrial fragmentation in the renal tubular cells of diabetic kidneys. (c) The basal level of autophagy, indicated by punctate LC3 staining, was seen in the renal tubules of the control group and was decreased in the tubules of the diabetic group. Notably, autophagic activity was restored in the AICAR and metformin groups ( versus normal; versus diabetic control).

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