Figure 4.

The effects of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU) on the expression of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), receptors of advanced glycation end-product (RAGE), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Glo1 activity. (a) Representative western blots of Glo1 are shown. β-Actin and lamin-B were used as internal controls. Relative band intensities of (b) Glo1; (c) RAGE; and (d) and nuclear Nrf2. The experiments were repeated three times, and one representative blot is shown. (e) GLO-1 activity of STZ-induced diabetic mouse kidney tissue was determined by measuring the formation of S-d-lactoylglutathione; (f) Total AGE levels in mouse kidneys were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of AGEs-protein adducts. Values are means ± standard deviation (SD) of three independent experiments; (* p < 0.05 and *** p < 0.001 vs. normal; # p < 0.05, ## p < 0.01, and ### p < 0.001 vs. control).