FIGURE 5.

Microcystin (MC)-RR inhibits the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) and alters the level of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice and the cultured NRK-49F cells were treated as described in Figure 2 and Figure 4, respectively. (A,B) Expression of HIF-1α protein in the kidney tissues was detected by western blot. (C) Level of HIF-1α in NRK-49F cells was determined by western blot. (D,E) Expression levels of MMP-7, MMP-9, and MMP-13 in the kidney tissues of UUO mice were analyzed by western blot. (F) Deposition of collagen and elastic fibers in the kidney tissues of UUO mice with MC-RR treatment was evaluated by Sirius Red staining and Van Gieson staining (scale bar: 40 μm). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01 determined by one-way ANOVA with S–N–K post hoc analysis, n = 5.