碱性亮氨酸拉链转录因子ATF样蛋白在狼疮小鼠肾脏组织中的表达及意义

Objective To investigate the expression of BATF, a member of the activator protein-1 family, in the renal tissues of mice with lupus nephritis. Methods The renal tissues from 24-week-old female MRL/lpr mice and age- and sex-matched C57BL/6 mice were examined for BATF protein expressions using Western blotting and for expressions of BATF, RORt and IL-17A mRNA using quantitative real-time PCR. The results of laboratory examinations were analyzed in relation with the histopathology of the mice. Results The urinary protein and ds-DNA levels were significantly higher in MRL/lpr mice than in the control mice (P<0.05). Compared to normal control mice, MRL/lpr mice showed obvious glomerular fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrating with significantly increased BATF protein and mRNA expressions (P<0.05) and RORt and IL-17 mRNA expressions in the renal tissues (P<0.05). In MRL/lpr mice, the expression of BATF mRNA was positively correlated with the RORt and IL-17A mRNA expressions in the renal tissues. Conclusion The renal expressions of BATF protein and mRNA is increased in MRL/lpr mice. BATF may participate in the immunopathogenesis of lupus nephritis by enhancing Thl7 cell response.