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Wu Y, Zou X, Zhao X, Ma X, Yao X, Wen Y. Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 intervenes in mouse lupus nephritis by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway. Braz J Microbiol 2023; 54:2093-2102. [PMID: 37526890 PMCID: PMC10485216 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-023-01072-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A strain of Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 (LP-CQPC02) isolated from naturally fermented kimchi was utilized in this investigation. In order to construct an animal model of lupus nephritis, pristane was used. We then used a kit to identify markers in mouse blood and tissues and a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to measure the expression of genes associated to nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in mouse kidney tissue. According to the results of the experiments, oral administration of LP-CQPC02 LP-CQPC02 may lessen the lupus nephritis-related rise in urine protein as well as the cytokine levels that were rising in the serum and renal tissues, including IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon. Additionally, in mice with nephritis, LP-CQPC02 can lower serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and raise total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) levels. In mice with nephritis, LP-CQPC02 can also reduce the positive rate of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA). Pathological sections were examined, and it was shown that LP-CQPC02 can lessen tissue damage such incomplete glomerular morphology and inflammatory infiltration brought on by nephritis. In the kidneys of mice with lupus nephritis, LP-CQPC02 can upregulate the expression of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB-α), downregulate the expression of NF-κB, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Lactobacillus plantarum CQPC02 has been confirmed to have an intervention effect on nephritis in mice and has the potential as a probiotic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400700, China
| | - Xiaochuan Zou
- Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Chongqing Collaborative Innovation Center for Functional Food, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, China
| | - Xin Ma
- Thankcome Biological Science and Technology (Su Zhou) Co., Ltd., Suzhou, 215326, China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Nephrology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400700, China.
| | - Yan Wen
- Department of Nephrology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400700, China.
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Ene CD, Nicolae I. The Inflammatory Profile Orchestrated by Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. J Pers Med 2023; 13:934. [PMID: 37373923 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves complicated and multifactorial interactions. Inducible nitric oxide synthase overactivation (iNOS or NOS2) could be involved in SLE pathogenesis and progression. This study explored the relationship between NOS2-associated inflammation profiles and SLE phenotypes. (2) Methods: We developed a prospective, case control study that included a group of 86 SLE subjects, a group of 73 subjects with lupus nephritis, and a control group of 60 people. Laboratory determinations included serum C reactive protein (CRP-mg/L), enzymatic activity of NOS2 (U/L), serum levels of inducible factors of hypoxia 1 and 2 (HIF1a-ng/mL, HIF2a-ng/mL), vascular endothelial growth factor VEGF (pg/mL), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9-ng/mL), thrombospondin 1 (TSP-1-ng/mL), and soluble receptor of VEGF (sVEGFR-ng/mL). (3) Results: CRP, NOS2, HIF-1a, HIF-2a, VEGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were significantly increased, while TSP-1 and sVEGFR were decreased in the SLE and lupus nephritis groups compared with the control group. The variations in these biomarkers were strongly associated with the decrease in eGFR and increase in albuminuria. (4) Conclusions: The inflammatory phenotype of SLE patients, with or without LN, is defined by NOS2 and hypoxia over-expression, angiogenesis stimulation, and inactivation of factors that induce resolution of inflammation in relation with eGFR decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Daniela Ene
- Internal Medicine and Nephrology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Nephrology Department, Carol Davila Clinical Hospital of Nephrology, 010731 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ilinca Nicolae
- Dermatology Department, Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, 030303 Bucharest, Romania
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Li M, Popovic Z, Chu C, Reichetzeder C, Pommer W, Krämer BK, Hocher B. Impact of Angiopoietin-2 on Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 9:0. [PMID: 38306230 PMCID: PMC10826602 DOI: 10.1159/000529774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Background Angiopoietins (Ang) are essential angiogenic factors involved in angiogenesis, vascular maturation, and inflammation. The most studied angiopoietins, angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), behave antagonistically to each other in vivo to sustain vascular endothelium homeostasis. While Ang-1 typically acts as the endothelium-protective mediator, its context-dependent antagonist Ang-2 can promote endothelium permeability and vascular destabilization, hence contributing to a poor outcome in vascular diseases via endothelial injury, vascular dysfunction, and microinflammation. The pathogenesis of kidney diseases is associated with endothelial dysfunction and chronic inflammation in renal diseases. Summary Several preclinical studies report overexpression of Ang-2 in renal tissues of certain kidney disease models; additionally, clinical studies show increased levels of circulating Ang-2 in the course of chronic kidney disease, implying that Ang-2 may serve as a useful biomarker in these patients. However, the exact mechanisms of Ang-2 action in renal diseases remain unclear. Key Messages We summarized the recent findings on Ang-2 in kidney diseases, including preclinical studies and clinical studies, aiming to provide a systematic understanding of the role of Ang-2 in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zoran Popovic
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chang Chu
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Wolfgang Pommer
- Charité University Hospital Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernhard K. Krämer
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Center for Innate Immunoscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Berthold Hocher
- Fifth Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology), University Medical Centre Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Institute of Medical Diagnostics, IMD Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Sousa MS, Meneses GC, van Dam GJ, Corstjens PLAM, Galvão RLDF, Pinheiro MCC, Martins AMC, Daher EDF, Bezerra FSDM. Subclinical signs of podocyte injury associated with Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected patients in Brazil. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2023; 56:e0341. [PMID: 36820657 PMCID: PMC9957141 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0341-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term effects of schistosomiasis on the glomerulus may contribute to the development of chronic kidney disease. This study aimed to investigate baseline Schistosoma mansoni-Circulating Anodic Antigen (CAA) levels and their association with kidney biomarkers related to podocyte injury and inflammation in long-term follow-up after praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. METHODS Schistosoma infection was diagnosed by detecting CAA in urine using a quantitative assay based on lateral flow using luminescent up-converting phosphor reporter particles. A cutoff threshold of 0.1 pg/mL CAA was used to diagnose Schistosoma infection (baseline) in a low-prevalence area in Ceará, Northeast, Brazil. Two groups were included: CAA-positive and CAA-negative individuals, both of which received a single dose of PZQ at baseline. Urinary samples from 55 individuals were evaluated before (baseline) and at 1, 2, and 3 years after PZQ treatment. At all time points, kidney biomarkers were quantified in urine and adjusted for urinary creatinine levels. RESULTS CAA-positive patients had increased baseline albuminuria and proteinuria and showed greater associations between kidney biomarkers. CAA levels correlated only with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) (podocyte injury) levels. Increasing trends were observed for malondialdehyde (oxidative stress), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (inflammation marker), and VEGF. In the follow-up analysis, no relevant differences were observed in kidney biomarkers between the groups and different periods. CONCLUSIONS S. mansoni-infected individuals presented subclinical signs of glomerular damage that may reflect podocyte injury. However, no causal effect on long-term renal function was observed after PZQ treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Silva Sousa
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia e Biologia de Moluscos, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. , Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Ciências Médicas, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Gdayllon Cavalcante Meneses
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Ciências Médicas, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Govert Jan van Dam
- Leiden University Medical Centre, Department of Parasitology, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Rosangela Lima de Freitas Galvão
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia e Biologia de Moluscos, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. , Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Patologia, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Marta Cristhiany Cunha Pinheiro
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia e Biologia de Moluscos, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Alice Maria Costa Martins
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Elizabeth de Francesco Daher
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Ciências Médicas, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
| | - Fernando Schemelzer de Moraes Bezerra
- Universidade Federal do Ceará, Departamento de Análises Clínicas e Toxicológicas, Laboratório de Pesquisa em Parasitologia e Biologia de Moluscos, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. , Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Ciências Médicas, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil. , Universidade Federal do Ceará, Programa de Pós-graduação stricto senso em Patologia, Fortaleza, CE, Brasil.
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Cheng L, Yao P, Wang H, Yuan Q, Wang X, Feng W, Sun F, Wang Q. Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 on Lupus Nephritis in Mice by Regulation of the TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:2851-2860. [PMID: 36051155 PMCID: PMC9427121 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s363974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In this study, the Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 (LP-HFY15) strain isolated from naturally fermented yak yogurt was investigated. An animal model of lupus nephritis was established by pristane to verify the interventional effect of LP-HFY15 on mouse lupus nephritis by regulating the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway. Materials and Methods Indexes in mouse serum and tissues were detected by kits, pathological changes in mouse kidney were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect TGF-β 1-related expression in mouse kidney tissue, which further elucidated the mechanism of LP-HFY15. Results LP-HFY15 decreased the elevation of urinary protein and the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interferon γ (IFN-γ) in serum and kidney tissue. LP-HFY15 also reduced serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and raised total protein (TP), and albumin (ALB) levels in mice with nephritis. In addition, LP-HFY15 inhibited the positive rate of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) antibodies in mice with nephritis. The observation of H&E sections showed that LP-HFY15 alleviated the glomerulus morphological incompleteness and inflammatory infiltration caused by nephritis. Further results showed that LP-HFY15 downregulated the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in the kidneys of lupus nephritis mice, and the expression of inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB-α), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn-SOD), and manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) was also upregulated. Conclusion These results indicated that LP-HFY15 plays a significant role in experimental intervention for lupus nephritis. The effect of LP-HFY15 was positively correlated with its concentration, and the effect was similar to that of prednisone at 109 CFU/kg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pu Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongping Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fengjun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Qian Wang; Fengjun Sun, Email ;
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Boron M, Hauzer-Martin T, Keil J, Sun XL. Circulating Thrombomodulin: Release Mechanisms, Measurements, and Levels in Diseases and Medical Procedures. TH OPEN 2022; 6:e194-e212. [PMID: 36046203 PMCID: PMC9273331 DOI: 10.1055/a-1801-2055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thrombomodulin (TM) is a type-I transmembrane protein that is mainly expressed on endothelial cells and plays important roles in many biological processes. Circulating TM of different forms are also present in biofluids, such as blood and urine. Soluble TM (sTM), comprised of several domains of TM, is the major circulating TM which is generated by either enzymatic or chemical cleavage of the intact protein under different conditions. Under normal conditions, sTM is present in low concentrations (<10 ng/mL) in the blood but is elevated in several pathological conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction such as cardiovascular, inflammatory, infection, and metabolic diseases. Therefore, sTM level has been examined for monitoring disease development, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) recently. In addition, microvesicles (MVs) that contain membrane TM (MV-TM) have been found to be released from activated cells which also contribute to levels of circulating TM in certain diseases. Several release mechanisms of sTM and MV-TM have been reported, including enzymatic, chemical, and TM mutation mechanisms. Measurements of sTM and MV-TM have been developed and explored as biomarkers in many diseases. In this review, we summarize all these advances in three categories as follows: (1) release mechanisms of circulating TM, (2) methods for measuring circulating TM in biological samples, and (3) correlation of circulating TM with diseases. Altogether, it provides a whole picture of recent advances on circulating TM in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallorie Boron
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Tiffany Hauzer-Martin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Joseph Keil
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Xue-Long Sun
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical and Biomedical Engineering and Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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Zhan H, Li H, Liu C, Cheng L, Yan S, Li Y. Association of Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels With Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:674343. [PMID: 34122433 PMCID: PMC8191579 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.674343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by immune-mediated tissue damage, in which angiogenesis is a prominent pathogenic mechanism. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), an angiogenesis modulator, is significantly elevated in several ADs including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic sclerosis (SSc), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We determined whether circulating VEGF levels were associated with ADs based on pooled evidence. Methods The analyses included 165 studies from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases and fulfilled the study criteria. Comparisons of circulating VEGF levels between patients with ADs and healthy controls were performed by determining pooled standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in a random-effect model using STATA 16.0. Subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses were performed to determine heterogeneity and to test robustness. Results Compared with healthy subjects, circulating VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients with SLE (SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.25-1.44, P = 0.0056), RA (SMD 1.48, 95% CI 0.82-2.15, P <0.0001), SSc (SMD 0.56, 95% CI 0.36-0.75, P <0.0001), Behcet's disease (SMD 1.65, 95% CI 0.88-2.41, P <0.0001), Kawasaki disease (SMD 2.41, 95% CI 0.10-4.72, P = 0.0406), ankylosing spondylitis (SMD 0.78, 95% CI 0.23-1.33, P = 0.0052), inflammatory bowel disease (SMD 0.57, 95% CI 0.43-0.71, P <0.0001), psoriasis (SMD 0.98, 95% CI 0.62-1.34, P <0.0001), and Graves' disease (SMD 0.69, 95% CI 0.20-1.19, P = 0.0056). Circulating VEGF levels correlated with disease activity and hematological parameters in ADs. Conclusion Circulating VEGF levels were associated with ADs and could predict disease manifestations, severity and activity in patients with ADs. Systematic Review Registration PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021227843.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoting Zhan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haolong Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chenxi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Songxin Yan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yongzhe Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department, State Key Laboratory of Complex, Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Yuan ZC, Xu WD, Wang JM, Wu Q, Zhou J, Huang AF. Gene polymorphisms and serum levels of sVEGFR-1 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15031. [PMID: 32929141 PMCID: PMC7490265 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Correlation between soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGFR-1) concentration, VEGFR1 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk remains unclear. The present case–control study comprised 254 SLE patients, 385 other rheumatic diseases patients and 390 healthy controls. Serum levels of sVEGFR-1 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seven VEGFR1 genetic variants (rs2296188, rs9943922, rs2296283, rs7324510, rs9554322, rs9582036, rs9554320) were genotyped by KASP. Serum levels of sVEGFR-1 were up-regulated in SLE and positively correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, serum sVEGFR-1 presented a distinctive elevation in SLE in comparison with other rheumatic diseases. Frequencies of allele T of rs2296283 and allele G of rs9554322 were significant lower in SLE patients (P = 0.003, P = 0.004). Frequencies of genotypes TT of rs2296188 and rs2296283 were declined in patients compared with healthy controls (P = 0.039, P = 0.033). CC genotype of rs7324510 and rs9582036 was negatively correlated with SLE risk (OR = 0.538, OR = 0.508). Distribution of GG, GC, GG + GC genotypes of rs9554322 were different between SLE patients and healthy controls (P = 0.027, P = 0.036, P = 0.010). Moreover, frequency of TC genotype of rs7324510 was higher in SLE patients with lupus headache (χ2 = 9.924, P = 0.039) and frequency of TC genotype of rs9943922 was lower in patients with cylindruriain (χ2 = 7.589, P = 0.026). Frequencies of allele C of rs7324510 and allele T of rs9943922 were decreased in SLE patients with cylindruria and hypocomplementemia, respectively (χ2 = 4.195, P = 0.041, χ2 = 3.971, P = 0.046). However, frequency of allele C of rs9554322 was increased in SLE patients with pyuria (χ2 = 11.702, P = 0.001). In addition, SLE patients carrying GG, GC, CC genotypes for rs9554322 had higher levels of serum sVEGFR-1. In conclusion, serum sVEGFR-1 was elevated in SLE patients and may be a disease marker. VEGFR1 gene polymorphisms related to risk of SLE in a Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Chao Yuan
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang-Dong Xu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jia-Min Wang
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Department of Evidence-Based Medicine, School of Public Health, Southwest Medical University, 1 Xianglin Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Fang Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 25 Taiping Road, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Aragón CC, Tafúr RA, Suárez-Avellaneda A, Martínez MDT, Salas ADL, Tobón GJ. Urinary biomarkers in lupus nephritis. J Transl Autoimmun 2020; 3:100042. [PMID: 32743523 PMCID: PMC7388339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2020.100042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypical autoimmune disease that can affect any organ of the body. Multiple mechanisms may contribute to the pathophysiology of systemic lupus, including failure to remove apoptotic bodies, hyperactivity of self-reactive B and T lymphocytes, abnormal exposure to autoantigens, and increased levels of B-cell stimulatory cytokines. The involvement of the kidney, called lupus nephritis (LN), during the course of the disease affects between 30% and 60% of adult SLE patients, and up to 70% of children. LN is an immune-mediated glomerulonephritis that is a common and serious finding in patients with SLE. Nowadays, renal biopsy is considered the gold standard for classifying LN, besides its degree of activity or chronicity. Nevertheless, renal biopsy lacks the ability to predict which patients will respond to immunosuppressive therapy and is a costly and risky procedure that is not practical in the monitoring of LN because serial repetitions would be necessary. Consequently, many serum and urinary biomarkers have been studied in SLE patients for the complementary study of LN, existing conventional biomarkers like proteinuria, protein/creatinine ratio in spot urine, 24 h urine proteinuria, creatinine clearance, among others and non-conventional biomarkers, like Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), have been correlated with the histological findings of the different types of LN. In this article, we review the advances in lupus nephritis urinary biomarkers. Such markers ideally should be capable of predicting early sub-clinical flares and could be used to follow response to therapy. In addition, some of these markers have been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian C. Aragón
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - Raúl-Alejandro Tafúr
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Medical School, Cali, Colombia
| | - Ana Suárez-Avellaneda
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
| | - MD. Tatiana Martínez
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Medical School, Cali, Colombia
| | - Alejandra de las Salas
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
- Universidad Icesi, Medical School, Cali, Colombia
| | - Gabriel J. Tobón
- GIRAT: Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología, Autoinmunidad y Medicina Traslacional, Fundación Valle Del Lili and Universidad Icesi, Cali, Colombia
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10
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Tang W, Zhou T, Zhong Z, Zhong H. Meta-analysis of associations of vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels and -634G/C polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 20:46. [PMID: 30902069 PMCID: PMC6431013 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-019-0783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to detect the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk. METHODS Associated studies were extracted from the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM), and PubMed on June 10, 2018, and applicable investigations were pooled and analyzed by meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS VEGF levels was associated with SLE risk (mean differences (MD) =196.02, 95% CI: 135.29-256.75, P < 0.00001), and VEGF levels was associated with active SLE risk (MD =77.51, 95% CI: 10.98-144.05, P = 0.02). We also found that VEGF levels was associated with SLE developing into lupus nephritis (LN) risk (MD =223.16, 95% CI: 144.38-301.93, P < 0.00001). However, VEGF -634G/C gene polymorphism (rs2010963) was not associated with SLE risk. CONCLUSIONS VEGF levels was associated with SLE risk, active SLE risk and SLE developing into LN risk. However, there was no an association between VEGF -634G/C gene polymorphism and SLE risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhuang Tang
- Department of Blood Purification, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical College, Haikou, China
| | - Tianbiao Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 Dongsha Road, Shantou, 515041 China
| | - Zhiqing Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 Dongsha Road, Shantou, 515041 China
| | - Hongzhen Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, No. 69 Dongsha Road, Shantou, 515041 China
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11
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Endogenous Antiangiogenic Factors in Chronic Kidney Disease: Potential Biomarkers of Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071859. [PMID: 29937525 PMCID: PMC6073618 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global health problem. Unless intensive intervention is initiated, some patients can rapidly progress to end-stage kidney disease. However, it is often difficult to predict renal outcomes using conventional laboratory tests in individuals with CKD. Therefore, many researchers have been searching for novel biomarkers to predict the progression of CKD. Angiogenesis is involved in physiological and pathological processes in the kidney and is regulated by the balance between a proangiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and various endogenous antiangiogenic factors. In recent reports using genetically engineered mice, the roles of these antiangiogenic factors in the pathogenesis of kidney disease have become increasingly clear. In addition, recent clinical studies have demonstrated associations between circulating levels of antiangiogenic factors and renal dysfunction in CKD patients. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the study of representative endogenous antiangiogenic factors, including soluble fms-related tyrosine kinase 1, soluble endoglin, pigment epithelium-derived factor, VEGF-A165b, endostatin, and vasohibin-1, in associations with kidney diseases and discuss their predictive potentials as biomarkers of progression of CKD.
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12
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Elphinstone RE, Conroy AL, Hawkes M, Hermann L, Namasopo S, Warren HS, John CC, Liles WC, Kain KC. Alterations in Systemic Extracellular Heme and Hemopexin Are Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes in Ugandan Children With Severe Malaria. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:1268-75. [PMID: 27515862 PMCID: PMC5034960 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Malaria remains a major cause of global mortality. Extracellular heme, released during malaria-induced hemolysis, mediates a number of pathogenic processes associated with vascular and organ injury. Hemopexin (hpx) facilitates the degradation of extracellular heme. In this study, we explore the hypothesis that dysregulation of the heme-hpx axis is associated with disease severity, acute kidney injury (AKI), and outcome. Methods. Plasma levels of hemin and hpx (at admission, day 3, and day 14) were assessed in children with severe malaria in Jinja, Uganda. Results. The ratio of heme to hpx was higher at admission and decreased with recovery (median, 0.043 [interquartile range {IQR}, 0.007–0.239] on day 1, 0.024 [IQR, 0.005–0.126] on day 3, and 0.008 [IQR, 0.002–0.022] on day 14; P < .001). Ratios of heme to hpx at admission were higher in children with as compared to those without severe anemia (median, 0.124 [IQR, 0.024–0.431] vs 0.016 [IQR, 0.003–0.073]; P < .0001), children with as compared to those without respiratory distress (median, 0.063 [IQR, 0.017–0.413] vs 0.020 [IQR, 0.004–0.124]; P < .01), and children with as opposed to those without stage 3 AKI (median, 0.354 [IQR, 0.123–2.481] vs 0.037 [IQR, 0.005–0.172], P < .01). The heme to hpx ratio at admission was associated with 6-month mortality (median, 0.148 [IQR, 0.042–0.500] vs 0.039 [IQR, 0.007–0.172]; P = .012). Conclusions. The ratio of heme to hpx is associated with disease severity and adverse clinical outcomes in Ugandan children, and dysregulation of the heme axis may contribute to malaria pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn E Elphinstone
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology
| | - Andrea L Conroy
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - Michael Hawkes
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Laura Hermann
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital
| | - Sophie Namasopo
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
| | - H Shaw Warren
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
| | - Chandy C John
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, Indianapolis
| | - W Conrad Liles
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Kevin C Kain
- Sandra Rotman Centre for Global Health, University Health Network-Toronto General Hospital Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Tropical Disease Unit, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto
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13
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Allipour Birgani S, Mailänder M, Wasle I, Dietrich H, Gruber J, Distler O, Sgonc R. Efficient therapy of ischaemic lesions with VEGF121-fibrin in an animal model of systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2015; 75:1399-406. [PMID: 26362758 PMCID: PMC4766736 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-207548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background In systemic sclerosis (SSc), chronic and uncontrolled overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) results in chaotic vessels, and intractable fingertip ulcers. Vice versa, VEGF is a potent mediator of angiogenesis if temporally and spatially controlled. We have addressed this therapeutic dilemma in SSc by a novel approach using a VEGF121 variant that covalently binds to fibrin and gets released on demand by cellular enzymatic activity. Using University of California at Davis (UCD)-206 chickens, we tested the hypothesis that cell-demanded release of fibrin-bound VEGF121 leads to the formation of stable blood vessels, and clinical improvement of ischaemic lesions. Methods Ninety-one early and late ischaemic comb and neck skin lesions of UCD-206 chickens were treated locally with VEGF121-fibrin, fibrin alone, or left untreated. After 1 week of treatment the clinical outcome was assessed. Angiogenesis was studied by immunofluorescence staining of vascular markers quantitatively analysed using TissueQuest. Results Overall, 79.3% of the lesions treated with VEGF121-fibrin showed clinical improvement, whereas 71.0% of fibrin treated controls, and 93.1% of untreated lesions deteriorated. This was accompanied by significantly increased growth of stable microvessels, upregulation of the proangiogenic VEGFR-2 and its regulator TAL-1, and increase of endogenous endothelial VEGF expression. Conclusions Our findings in the avian model of SSc suggest that cell-demanded release of VEGF121 from fibrin matrix induces controlled angiogenesis by differential regulation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 expression, shifting the balance towards the proangiogenic VEGFR-2. The study shows the potential of covalently conjugated VEGF-fibrin matrices for the therapy of ischaemic lesions such as fingertip ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadab Allipour Birgani
- Division of Experimental Pathophysiology and Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marion Mailänder
- Division of Experimental Pathophysiology and Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ines Wasle
- Division of Experimental Pathophysiology and Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hermann Dietrich
- Central Laboratory Animal Facilities, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johann Gruber
- Department of Internal Medicine VI, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, Center of Experimental Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roswitha Sgonc
- Division of Experimental Pathophysiology and Immunology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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de Jesus GR, de Jesus NR, Levy RA, Klumb EM. The use of angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in the differential diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, antiphospholipid syndrome nephropathy and lupus nephritis. Lupus 2014; 23:1299-301. [DOI: 10.1177/0961203314529172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity, perinatal deaths, preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction. Differential diagnosis with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) nephropathy and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) nephritis during pregnancy is difficult, if not sometimes impossible, as all three diseases may present hypertension and proteinuria. Improvement in diagnosis of PE has also offered new paths for differential diagnosis with other conditions and the analysis of angiogenic (vascular endothelial growth factor, placental growth factor) and antiangiogenic factors (serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1, soluble endoglin) is promising for differentiation between PE, APS nephropathy and SLE nephritis. This article reviews published studies about those factors in non-pregnant and pregnant patients with APS and SLE, comparing with patterns described in PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- GR de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - NR de Jesus
- Department of Obstetrics, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - RA Levy
- Department of Rheumatology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - EM Klumb
- Department of Rheumatology, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) system is a multifarious network and an exemplar of an intraglomerular signalling pathway. Here, we review recent advances that highlight the subtle nature of the renal VEGF system and its influencers. RECENT FINDINGS The VEGF system is no longer considered as a simple paracrine, ligand-receptor interaction under the regulatory control of a soluble 'decoy', soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1). Rather, the abundantly expressed, podocyte-derived VEGF isoform, VEGF-A, is now recognized to mediate both paracrine effects across the filtration barrier and autocrine actions, functioning to preserve the integrity of the cells from which it arises. Autocrine actions of the podocyte VEGF system extend beyond those of the VEGF-A isoform, however, with sFLT1 itself now appreciated as regulating podocyte morphology by binding to lipid microdomains. These and other functions of the VEGF system are profoundly affected by the presence, nature and abundance of influencers both intrinsic and extrinsic to the pathway, the latter most readily exemplified by the role of the cytokine in the diabetic kidney. SUMMARY The glomerular VEGF system plays a delicate, yet critical, role in preserving renal homeostasis. It may be intricate, but 'in all things of nature there is something of the marvellous'.
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Watson L, Beresford MW. Urine biomarkers in juvenile-onset SLE nephritis. Pediatr Nephrol 2013; 28:363-74. [PMID: 22588674 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-012-2184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2011] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Over 80 % of patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus will have renal involvement compared to 40 % with adult-onset disease. Up to 44 % of children who do have lupus nephritis (LN) progress to renal failure in early adulthood. Improved methods of detecting onset of LN would allow earlier treatment, which may prevent irreversible renal scarring and a decline in renal function. Current conventional markers of disease activity fail to adequately predict renal lupus flares and include proteinuria, complement levels, anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies and serum creatinine concentrations. Standardized histological classification is currently the gold standard for diagnosing and classifying LN, but its invasive nature limits routine use for monitoring, especially in a childhood population. Novel biomarkers need to be sensitive and specific-and preferably non-invasive and cost-effective. The most promising biomarkers in juvenile-onset LN include urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and transforming growth factor-beta, although many others have been identified and are under investigation. No one biomarker yet discovered is unique to LN, indicating an overlap in disease pathophysiology. It is likely that a combination of biomarkers will be required for assessing disease flare detection, response to treatment and prognostic information. Potential biomarkers require longitudinal validation in large paediatric, prospective cohorts to assess their ability to act as clinically useful adjuncts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Watson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Eaton Road, Liverpool L12 2AP, UK.
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