Glycine increases glyoxalase‐1 function by promoting nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 translocation into the nucleus of kidney cells of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: We have previously reported that glycine suppresses the advanced glycation end‐products signaling pathway and mitigates subsequent oxidative stress in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In the present study, we investigated whether this beneficial effect was associated with upregulation of glyoxalase‐1 (Glo1) and activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both healthy rats and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats were administrated with glycine (1% added to the drinking water) for 12 weeks. The function of Glo1, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expressions of Nrf2, and markers of oxidative status were measured in the kidneys. The mRNA expressions of other downstream signaling molecules of the Nrf2 pathway were also determined. RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions, as well as the activity of Glo1, were decreased in the kidneys of diabetic rats, accompanied by diminished glutathione levels. After glycine treatment, these parameters of Glo1 function were markedly increased. Compared with the control group, the levels of Nrf2 mRNA and protein in the total kidney lysis were both markedly elevated in the diabetic group and glycine‐treated group. However, the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was significantly increased in the glycine‐treated group than in the diabetic group. In addition, the anti‐oxidant capacity and the expressions of other downstream molecules of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were significantly increased after glycine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that glycine might enhance the function of Glo1 and restore anti‐oxidant defense by promoting the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, thus inhibiting advanced glycation end‐products formation and protecting against renal oxidative stress.