CD36-Mediated Lipid Accumulation and Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasome Lead to Podocyte Injury in Obesity-Related Glomerulopathy

Figure 6

Effects of inhibiting CD36 by small interfering RNA on leptin-induced podocyte injury and lipid accumulation. (a) Differentiated podocytes were transiently transfected with 50 pmol control siRNA or CD36 siRNA, respectively. After 24 h (for mRNA) or 36 h (for protein), cells were harvested and the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of CD36 were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay. (b) and (c) Differentiated podocytes were transiently transfected with 50 pmol control siRNA or CD36 siRNA, respectively. After 24 h, cells were incubated in medium or medium containing 15 ng/mL leptin as indicated, respectively. Following 24 h (for mRNA) or 36 h (for protein) stimulation by leptin, the relative mRNA and protein expression levels of CD36 and ADRP (b) or nephrin, podocin, and desmin (c) of podocytes were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blot assay. Values are represented as (). vs. control siRNA group (a) or control group (B and C), vs. leptin + control siRNA group.

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