Down-regulation of LINC00667 hinders renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and fibrosis through miR-34c.

Purpose: This study aimed to down-regulate LINC00667 and inhibit apoptosis and fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells through miR-34c. Methods: Altogether, 98 patients with chronic kidney disease treated in our hospital were selected as the study group, and 67 normal people were selected as the control group. Epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules in human renal cortex were purchased. TGF-β1 was used to induce fibrosis of HK-2 renal tubular epithelial cells. The expression of LINC00667, miR-34c, type I collagen (Col 1) and type III collagen (Col 3) were detected by qRT-PCR and WB. Results: LINC00667 was highly expressed in cancer tissues and HK-2, while miR-34c was poorly expressed. Inhibition of LINC00667 and over-expression of miR-34c could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of chronic kidney disease cells, but increase the apoptosis rate. Down-regulation of LINC00667 could significantly reduce of Col 1 and Col 3 in renal interstitial fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1, while up-regulation of miR-34c could also achieve this effect. Double luciferase report confirmed that there was a targeted regulatory relationship between LINC00667 and miR-34c. Conclusion: LINC00667 could reduce the proliferation and invasion of chronic kidney disease cells, increase the apoptosis rate by regulating miR-34c, and improve renal fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]