PPARG agonist pioglitazone influences diurnal kidney medulla mRNA expression of core clock, inflammation‐, and metabolism‐related genes disrupted by reverse feeding in mice

This study examined the influence of PPARG activation by pioglitazone (PG) on the mRNA of core clock, inflammation‐ and metabolism‐related genes in the mouse kidney medulla as well as urinary sodium/potassium excretion rhythms disrupted by reverse feeding. Mice were assigned to daytime feeding and nighttime feeding groups. PG 20 mg/kg was administered at 7 am or 7 pm. On day 8 of the feeding intervention, mice were killed at noon and midnight. Kidney medulla expression of Arntl, Clock, Nr1d1, Cry1, Cry2, Per1, Per2, Nfe2l2, Pparg, and Scnn1g was determined by qRT PCR. We measured urinary K(+), Na(+), urine volume, food, and H(2)O intake. The reverse feeding uncoupled the peripheral clock gene rhythm in mouse kidney tissues. It was accompanied by a decreased expression of Nfe2l2 and Pparg as well as an increased expression of Rela and Scnn1g. These changes in gene expressions concurred with an increase in urinary Na(+), K(+), water excretion, microcirculation disorders, and cell loss, especially in distal tubules. PG induced the restoration of diurnal core clock gene expression as well as Nfe2l2, Pparg, Scnn1g mRNA, and decreased Rela expressions, stimulating Na(+) reabsorption and inhibiting K(+) excretion. PG intake at 7 pm was more effective than at 7 am.