Fig. 1

PA reduces cell viability, induces apoptosis, and promotes podocyte injury in MPC5 cells. MPC5 cells were exposed to different concentrations of PA (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 µM) for 24 or 48 h. a, CCK-8 assay was performed to evaluate the impact of PA on cell viability. *** p < 0.001, **** p < 0.0001 vs. the control group. b-c, Oil Red O staining and BODIPY lipid probes were used to assess intracellular lipid accumulation in cells treated with PA at 50, 100, and 150µM. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01 vs. the control group. d, The apoptotic cells were detected by flow cytometry. *** p < 0.001 vs. controls. e, qRT-PCR analysis of podocyte markers (podocin and nephrin) and a glomerular podocyte lesion indicator (desmin) in MPC5 cells. *** p < 0.001 vs. controls. f, The protein expressions of nephrin, podocin, desmin in all groups of podocytes were assessed by Western Blot. ** p < 0.01, *** p < 0.001 vs. the control group. g, The protein expression of adipoR1 in podocytes was assessed by Western blot. *** p < 0.001 vs. the control group. Data are presented as mean ± SEM from three independent experiments. PA: palmitic acid