Hypertension-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major mechanism of renal fibrosis. Adiponectin protects against hypertension-induced target organ damage. AdipoRon is an orally active synthetic adiponectin receptor agonist. However, it is unclear whether AdipoRon could attenuate EMT and renal fibrosis in hypertensive mice. C57BJ/6J mice were utilized to induce DOCA-salt-sensitive hypertensive model. Hypertension results in an altered adiponectin expression and promotes EMT in the kidney. In vitro, AdipoRon inhibits aldosterone (Aldo)-induced EMT and promotes autophagic flux in HK-2 epithelial cells. Mechanically, AdipoRon activates AMPK/ULK1 pathway in epithelial cells. Blockade of AMPK activation, as well as inhibition of autophagy, blocks the effects of AdipoRon on Aldo-induced EMT. Moreover, AdipoRon treatment promotes autophagy and improves renal fibrosis in DOCA-salt-hypertensive mice. Our data suggest that AdipoRon could be a potential therapeutic option to prevent renal fibrosis in hypertensive patients. Graphical abstract.
Keywords: AdipoRon; Autophagy; Epithelial-mesenchymal transition; Hypertension; Renal fibrosis.