Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate (Art) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, nuclear factor (NF)-κB and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) expressions induced by high glucose in rat renal mesangial cells (HBZY-1), and the mechanism thereof. Methods HBZY-1 cells were cultured and divided into normal glucose group (5.6 mmol/L), high glucose group (25 mmol/L) and high glucose with different concentrations of Art (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L, 30 mg/L) groups. MTT assay was used to detect the cell proliferation after 48 h. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double stains. The protein levels of NF-κB and MCP-1 in the cell culture supernatant were determined using ELISA. Results High glucose induced apoptosis and proliferation in HBZY-1 cells, and the expressions of NF-κB and MCP-1 in the supernatant were also increased (P<0.05). After treatment with Art, the proliferation was obviously abolished, and the apoptosis was increased, and the expressions of NF-κB and MCP-1 in the supernatant were decreased in HBZY-1 cells. The effects of Art showed a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Conclusion Artesunate treatment can reverse the effect of high glucose in HBZY-1 cells in a dose-dependent manner, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy.

Objective To investigate the effects of artesunate (Art) on cell apoptosis, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression induced by high glucose in rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Methods NRK-52E cells were cultured and divided into normal control group, high glucose group, high glucose with different concen?trations of Art (10 mg/L, 20 mg/L and 30 mg/L) groups, and high glucose with Ena (5 mg/L) group. MTT assay was used to de?tect the cell proliferation. The apoptotic rate was evaluated by flow cytometry with AnnexinV-FITC/PI double stains. The pro?tein levels of TNF-αand IL-8 in the cell culture supernatant were determined using ELISA. Results High glucose inhibit?ed NRK-52E proliferation, induced its apoptosis, and the expressions of TNF-αand IL-8 in the supernatant. Application of Art obviously abolished the effects of high glucose, and the effects of Art were showed in dose-dependent manner. Conclu?sion Art can suppress high glucose-stimulated cell apoptosis, enhance TNF-αand IL-8 expression in NRK-52E cells. The anti-inflammatory action and immune regulation of Art could be a novel approach of treating diabetic nephropathy.