Aim: To investigate the relationship between costimulatory molecule VSIG4 expression in macrophage and mice renal interstitial fibrosis.
Methods: A total of 40 healthy male C57B6 mice (VSIG4(-/-); and VSIG4(+/+);) were divided into two groups, VSIG4(-/-); tubulointerstitial Nephritis (n=20) and VSIG4(+/+); tubulointerstitial Nephritis (n=20), mice received left urethral obstruction operation(UUO) then were killed at 7 d before operation, 3 d, 7 d and 14 d post operation for both groups.Blood SCr and BUN were detected. Renal interstitial fibrosis was measured by HE stain. The expression of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, in UUO mice(VSIG4(-/-); and VSIG4(+/+);) were detected by immunohistochemistry.
Results: SCr and BUN levels in the two groups have no significantly different. TGF-beta1 was significantly increased in the VSIG4(-/-); UUO mice group in comparison with the other group, while MMP-2 was reduced.
Conclusion: The interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration and tubular lesion of VSIG4(-/-); UUO mice were increased, with the expression of TGF-beta1 increased and MMP-2 reduced. VSIG4 may play a role in inhibiting interstitial fibrosis.