Fig 7. TG2 protein, cross-linking product γ-glutamyl-N^ε-lysine expression in mouse kidneys and kidney function after FA-induced nephropathy, with or without early or late EST peptide treatment.

Immunofluorescence analyses of (A) TG2 and (B) the degree of cross-linking product γ-glutamyl-N^ε-lysine in the extracellular matrix increased significantly in the FA/E-EST group, but was not significantly changed in the FA/L-EST group. Left panel: Representative images at magnification of ×400. Nuclear counterstaining was showed in the merged images. Right panel: Quantification of integrated density using image J. Data are means ± SEM. *P<0.05 compared with Ctrl. #P<0.05 compared with all the other groups. n=3–5 animals per group. (C, D and E) Kidney function as determined by (C) urine albumin/creatinine ratio, (D) serum creatinine and (E) BUN after FA-induced nephropathy, with or without early or late EST peptide treatment. Albuminuria (urine albumin/creatinine ratio), serum creatinine and BUN were measured 12 weeks after FA-induced nephropathy, with or without early or late EST peptide treatment for 4 weeks. Albuminuria, serum creatinine and BUN were significantly elevated in mice of the FA/E-EST group, but changes were marginal in the FA/L-EST group. Data are mean ± SEM. *P<0.05 compared with control. #P<0.05 compared with L-EST group (D), #P<0.05 compared with FA and FA/L-EST group (E). n=3–5 animals per group.