[Cordycepin protects podocytes from injury mediated by complements complex C5b-9].
OBJECTIVE
To explore the protective effect of Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), a bioactive compound of Cordyceps Sinensis, on injury of podocytes.


METHODS
C5b-9-induced podocyte injury was used as a model of membranous nephropathy in vitro. This model was established using mouse podocyte cell line--MPC5. Cordycepin was given as an intervention. Ultra-micro morphological changes were observed by electron microscope. F-actin cytoskeleton and expression of nephrin were observed by fluorescence microscope. The phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) was measured by Western blot.


RESULTS
Stimulated by C5b-9 for 3 h, MPC5 showed secondary foot processes, with cytoskeleton structure damaged, nephrin relocated from the cell surface to the cytoplasm, and cell signal pathway-p38, JNK and ERK activated. Cordycepin protected foot processes and cytoskeleton structures of podocytes, suppressed the redistribution of nephrin, and inhibited p38/JNK action.


CONCLUSIONS
Cordycepin can protect podocyte from C5b-9-induced injury partly through inhibiting the activation of p38/JNK signaling pathway.
Tao
T
Hong
Lu-ke
LK
Cui
Ji
J
Wen
Ming-hua
MH
Zhang
Jun-ming
JM
Fan
D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex / Q000502:physiology*; D003839:Deoxyadenosines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D051379:Mice; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D010766:Phosphorylation; D050199:Podocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology
D015938:Complement Membrane Attack Complex; D003839:Deoxyadenosines; D020011:Protective Agents; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; C058120:cordycepin