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

Figure 3

AICAR and metformin protect against the decrease in AMPK and PGC1α expression under high-glucose (HG, 30 mM) concentrations in human renal proximal tubular cells. (a) Representative confocal fluorescence images of PGC1α indicate that AICAR or metformin restore PGCα activity in human RPTCs subjected to HG concentrations. (b) Immunoblotting results show that increased AMPK activity and restored PGC1α expression are observed in human RPTCs subjected to high glucose and AICAR or metformin treatment ( versus 5 mM glucose treatment; versus 30 mM glucose treatment; scale bar 10 μm).

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