Abstract: ［Abstract］ Objective〖HTSS〗〓To investigate the expression of thioesterase superfamily member 4(THEM4) and the relationship between THEM4 and collagen secretion in human embryo kidney epithelial cells(HKC) treated with high glucose.
〖HTH〗〖WTHZ〗Methods〖HTSS〗〓In vitro cultured HKC were respectively treated with high glucose(30 mmol/L) for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h. Then cells were collected for the extractions of RNA and total protein. Subsequently, THEM4 mRNA was detected by the method of Realtime PCR. The THEM4, phosphoAkt(Ser 473), transforming growth factor β1(TGFβ1) and αsmooth muscle actin(αSMA) protein expressions were examined by Western blot. As well, immunofluorescence staining was used to explore the expressions and locations of THEM4. Again, collagenⅠ(ColⅠ) and collagen Ⅲ（Col Ⅲ） were detected using the competitive sandwich ELISA kit.
〖HTH〗〖WTHZ〗Results〖HTSS〗〓①High glucose inhibited THEM4 expression, and induced increased phosphoAkt(Ser 473), TGFβ1, αSMA in HKC. Again, THEM4 was negatively correlated with TGFβ1 and αSMA expression(correlation formula: y=-5.100 9x+1.178, R2=0.971 1; y=-3.803 3x+1.408, R2=0.893 9 respectively); ② High glucose induced secreted ColⅠand secreted Col Ⅲ in HKC.
〖HTH〗〖WTHZ〗Conclusion〖HTSS〗〓High glucose caused increased ColⅠand Col Ⅲ secretions likely by inhibiting THEM4, upregulating phosphoAkt(Ser 473), TGFβ1 and αSMA expressions in HKC.

Key words: kidney tubules； epithelial cells； collagen secretion, thioesterase superfamily member 4