Using serum from uremic pigs with chronic renal insufficiency, our results show that KLF2 expression is suppressed by the uremic milieu and individual uremic solutes in vitro. Specifically, KLF2 expression is significantly decreased in human umbilical vein endothelial cells after treatment with uremic porcine serum or carboxymethyllysine-modified albumin, an advanced glycation end product (AGE) known to induce endothelial dysfunction. AGE-mediated suppression of KLF2 is dependent on activation of the receptor for AGE, as measured by small interfering RNA knockdown of the receptor for AGE. Furthermore, KLF2 suppression promotes endothelial dysfunction, because adenoviral overexpression of KLF2 inhibits reactive oxygen species production and leukocyte adhesion in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In addition, the application of hemodynamic shear stress, prolonged serum dialysis, or treatment with the receptor for AGE antagonist azeliragon (TTP488) is sufficient to prevent KLF2 suppression in vitro. To decipher the mechanism by which uremic AGEs suppress KLF2 expression, we assessed the role of the receptor for AGE in activation of nuclear factor-¿B signaling, a hallmark of endothelial cell activation. Using a constitutively active form of I¿Ba, we show that translocation of p65 to the nucleus is necessary for KLF2 suppression after treatment with uremic AGEs.

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