Early Growth Response 1 (Egr1) Is a Transcriptional Activator of NOX4 in Oxidative Stress of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Figure 3

Egr1, NOX4, and α-SMA expression in HFD/STZ-induced diabetic mice transfected with pcDNA3-Egr1 plasmid. Diabetic mice were treated with either pcDNA3-Egr1 overexpression plasmid or with a pcDNA3 vector once a week for four weeks (12–16 w) via rapid injection of a large volume of DNA solution through the tail vein. (a) Levels of Egr1, NOX4, and α-SMA mRNA were measured using RT-qPCR. (b and c) Levels of Egr1, NOX4, and α-SMA protein were measured using Western blotting assays. (d) NOX4 concentration, (e) ROS concentration, and (f) α-SMA concentration were measured using ELISAs. The results are expressed as foldchange over baseline (pcDNA3 vector group). Values are mean ± SD. and versus the pcDNA3 vector group. (g) Immunohistochemical staining of Egr1, NOX4, and α-SMA.

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