Critical role of Nox4-based NADPH oxidase in glucose-induced oxidative stress in the kidney: implications in type 2 diabetic nephropathy

Molecular mechanisms underlying renal complications of diabetes remain unclear. We tested whether renal NADPH Oxidase (Nox) 4 contributes to increased Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generation and hyperactivation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways in diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic mice (db/db) (20 wk) and cultured mouse proximal tubule (MPT) cells exposed to high glucose (25 mmol/l, D-glucose) were studied. Expression (gene and protein) of NOX4, p22(phox), and p47(phox), but not NOX1 or NOX2, was increased in kidney cortex, but not medulla, from db/db vs. control mice (db/m) (P < 0.05). ROS generation, p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase phosphorylation, and content of fibronectin and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/2 were increased in db/db vs. db/m (P < 0.01). High glucose increased expression of NOX4, but not other Noxes vs. normal glucose (P < 0.05). This was associated with increased NADPH Oxidase activation and enhanced ROS production. NOX4 downregulation by small-interfering RNA and inhibition of NOX4 activity by GK-136901 (NOX1/4 inhibitor) attenuated d-glucose-induced NADPH oxidase-derived ROS generation. High d-glucose, but not l-glucose, stimulated phosphorylation of p38MAP kinase and increased expression of TGF-β1/2 and fibronectin, effects that were inhibited by SB-203580 (p38MAP kinase inhibitor). GK-136901 inhibited d-glucose-induced actions. Our data indicate that, in diabetic conditions: 1) renal NOX4 is upregulated in a cortex-specific manner, 2) MPT cells possess functionally active Nox4-based NADPH, 3) NOX4 is a major source of renal ROS, and 4) activation of profibrotic processes is mediated via Nox4-sensitive, p38MAP kinase-dependent pathways. These findings implicate Nox4-based NADPH Oxidase in molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis in type 2 diabetic nephropathy.