Arbutin protects HK-2 cells against high glucose-induced apoptosis and autophagy by up-regulating microRNA-27a.

Arbutin (ARB) has been widely used in skin pigmentation disorders. Nevertheless, the involvements of ARB in diabetic nephropathy (DN) are still unknown. We investigated the functions of ARB in high glucose (HG)-induced cell apoptosis and autophagy in HK-2 cells.

Silence of lncRNA GAS5 alleviates high glucose toxicity to human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells through regulation of miR-27a.

Renal tubular damage caused by persistent high glucose environment has been found to contribute to diabetic nephropathy. This study explored the effects of lncRNA growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) on high glucose-stimulated human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 damage, as well as the possible internal molecular mechanism. Viability and apoptosis of HK-2 cells were assessed with the help of CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, respectively.