Collagen I induction by high glucose levels is mediated by epidermal growth factor receptor and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signalling in mesangial cells

Aims/hypothesisGlomerular matrix accumulation is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy. Recent data have linked the serine/threonine kinase protein kinase B (Akt) to matrix modulation. Here, we studied its role in high glucose-induced collagen elaboration by mesangial cells.MethodsPrimary rat mesangial cells were treated with high glucose levels (30 mmol/l) or mannitol as osmotic control. Western blots, northern blots, ELISA and …