Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Mediates the Protective Effect of the Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitor on Renal Fibrosis via Reducing the Phenotypic Conversion of Renal Microvascular Cells in Monocrotaline-Treated Rats

Figure 2

Effects of sitagliptin (SG), exendin-3 (Ex-3), and liraglutide (Li) on the renal glomerulus structure and protein expression of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the kidney during monocrotaline- (MCT-) induced renal injury. (a) Representative renal histological staining with haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). (b) Graphic analysis of the average glomerulus surface area according to the HE staining. (c) Graphic analysis of the degree of glomerular mesangial expansion according to the PAS staining. (d) Representative western blots of DPP-4 and GLP-1. (e, f) Immunoblot analysis of DPP-4 and GLP-1. Data are expressed as the means ± SD; –8 rats in each group; versus control (Con); versus MCT; versus MCT + 40 mg/kg SG.

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