AGEs induce epithelial to mesenchymal transformation of human peritoneal mesothelial cells via upregulation of STAT3.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in peritoneum was induced during peritoneal dialysis (PD), which finally caused progressive fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms were not well elucidated. We established advanced glycation end-products (AGEs)-induced EMT model using primary human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). The working concentration and time of AGEs were optimized. Then the expression and activation signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a key factor of EMT in cancer, were detected. The regulation of STAT3 by miRNA was also explored. 50 μg/ml AGEs treatment for 24 h can successfully induce EMT in HPMCs. AGEs treatment upregulated and activated STAT3. miRNA-454, potentially targeting STAT3, was down-regulated in AGEs-treated HPMCs. Overexpression of miRNA-454 prevented AGEs- induced EMT in HPMCs. AGEs induce epithelial to mesenchymal transformation of Human peritoneal mesothelial cells via upregulation of STAT3.