Mechanosensitive Cation Channel Piezo1 Is Involved in Renal Fibrosis Induction.

Renal fibrosis, the result of different pathological processes, impairs kidney function and architecture, and usually leads to renal failure development. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel highly expressed in kidneys. Activation of Piezo1 by mechanical stimuli increases cations influx into the cell with slight preference of calcium ions.

Melatonin increases collagen content accumulation and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 secretion in cultured human cardiac fibroblasts.

Background: The extracellular matrix serves as a scaffold for cardiomyocytes, allowing them to work in accord. In rats, collagen metabolism within a myocardial infarction scar is regulated by melatonin. The present study determines whether melatonin influences matrix metabolism within human cardiac fibroblast cultures and examines the underlying mechanism.