ACTH4-10 protects the ADR-injured podocytes by stimulating B lymphocytes to secrete interleukin-10

Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to assess whether adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) could protect the podocytes from adriamycin (ADR)-induced injury by stimulating B lymphocytes to secrete the associated cytokines.

Methods: Proliferation assay was used to assess the proliferation and activity of podocytes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to examine the secretion of IL-10 and IL-4. TUNEL Apoptosis detection kit was used to detect the Apoptosis of podocytes. Real-Time PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to examine the expressions of nephrin and podocin at the mRNA and protein levels.

Results: Compared with the normal control group, the podocyte proliferation of ADR group was significantly inhibited. However, compared with the ADR group, the podocyte proliferation of the supernatant (1 µg/L, 10 µg/L or 100 µg/L ACTH_4-10) + ADR groups was generally increased, and the pro-proliferative effect of the supernatant containing 10 µg/L ACTH_4-10 was the highest. Moreover, we found that after B lymphocytes were intervened by 10 µg/L ACTH4-10, the IL-10 level in the cell supernatant was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). When anti-IL-10R was added, the podocyte proliferation of the supernatant (10 µg/L ACTH_4-10) + ADR group was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, the supernatant of B cells stimulated with 10 µg/L ACTH_4-10 could better decrease the Apoptosis rate of injured podocytes and increase the expressions of nephrin and podocin at the mRNA and protein levels by elevating the secretion of IL-10.

Conclusion: Compared with ACTH_4-10, the supernatant of B cells stimulated with ACTH_4-10 could better protect the podocytes from ADR-induced injury by elevating the secretion of IL-10.