Abstract: 【Abstract】 Objective To investigate advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) on the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCS) in vitro, and the regulatory effect of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process. Method The model of AOPP-human serum albumin (HSA) was prepared in vitro. TGF-β1 in cultured primary HPMCS was measured by ELISA, TGF-β1 mRNA was determined by RT-PCR, and intracellular ROS was assessed by flow cytometry. Result AOPP-HSA induced the secretion and gene expression of TGF-β1 and the increase of intracellular ROS production in cultured HPMCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P＜0.01). Pretreatment of HPMCs with antioxidant vitamin E and N-acetyl-cyteine inhibited the AOPP-induced ROS production and the secretion and gene expression of TGF-β1 in the cells in a dose-dependent manner (P＜0.01). Cells treated with 50μmol/L vitamin E and 10mmol/L N-acetyl-cyteine exhibited the strongest inhibition. Conclusion AOPP induces the expression of TGF-β1 in HPMCs in vitro, which may be mediated, at least partially, by the ROS-dependent cell signaling pathway. Vitamin E and N-acetyl-cyteine significantly inhibit the secretion and gene expression of TGF-β1 via scavenging ROS in HPMCs. The results of this study may provide a therapeutic strategy for the prevention of peritoneal fibrosis.

Key words: Peritoneal mesothelial cells, Transforming growth factor-beta 1, Chronic kidney disease