Amino acids injure mesangial cells by advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress, and protein kinase C

A profibrotic injury response occurred in mesangial cells exposed to amino acids, with or without high glucose, by formation of AGE, oxidative stress, and activation of the PKC-β and MAP kinase-ERK 1,2 signal pathway. These observations provide new insight into cellular mechanisms of kidney damage produced by excess dietary protein, particularly in diabetes.