Overexpression of SGLT2 in the kidney of a P. gingivalis LPS-induced diabetic nephropathy mouse model

Background: The overexpression of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) in diabetic kidneys has been reported. It has also been established that the diabetic glomerular endothelium expresses the toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4. The present study aims to examine the renal SGLT2 induction by the TLR2/4 ligand Porphyromonas (P.) gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) in mouse diabetic nephropathy.

Methods: Immunohistochemical study and tissue RT-PCR analyses were performed on mouse kidneys in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic ICR mice (STZ-ICR), in healthy ICR mice administered Pg-LPS (LPS-ICR), and in diabetic ICR mouse kidneys with Pg-LPS-induced nephropathy (LPS-STZ).

Results: In the quantitative analysis of blood sugar levels, the mean time to reach 600 mg/dl was shorter in the LPS-STZ than in the STZ-ICR kidneys. The rise in blood glucose levels was significantly steeper in the LPS-STZ than in the STZ-ICR kidneys. According to these data the LPS-STZ model suggests a marked glucose intolerance. The expression of SGLT2 was significantly stronger in the whole of the renal parenchyma of the LPS-STZ than in the LPS-ICR or in the STZ-ICR. The expression of SGLT2 was observed both in the renal tubules and around the renal tubules, and in the glomeruli of the LPS-STZ kidneys. In the analysis by tissue real-time PCR and cell ELISA, the expression of the SGLT2 gene and protein was significantly stronger in the LPS-STZ than in the LPS-ICR or in the STZ-ICR. There were no differences in the renal SGLT2 production in the LPS-ICR and the STZ-ICR kidneys.

Conclusions: Abnormally high renal expression of SGLT2 occurs in diabetic kidneys with P. gingivalis LPS. Periodontitis may be an exacerbating factor in diabetic nephropathy as well as in diabetes.