Agmatine reduces hydrogen peroxide in mesangial cells under high glucose conditions.

Agmatine, an amine and organic cation, reduced H(2)O(2) that was generated by hyperglycemia, and transcription factors such as NF-kappaB and AP-1 activity in the mesangial cells that were exposed to high glucose. However, spermine which shares a strong nucleophilic structure with agmatine decreased the H(2)O(2) levels and AP-1, but not the NF-kappaB activity. Possible roles for agmatine and spermine in decreasing fibronectin are discussed, and the signaling pathway for agmatine-reduced fibronectin accumulation is presented.