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Rayego-Mateos S, Morgado-Pascual JL, Lavoz C, Rodrigues-Díez RR, Márquez-Expósito L, Tejera-Muñoz A, Tejedor-Santamaría L, Rubio-Soto I, Marchant V, Ruiz-Ortega M. CCN2 Binds to Tubular Epithelial Cells in the Kidney. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020252. [PMID: 35204752 PMCID: PMC8869303 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), is considered a fibrotic biomarker and has been suggested as a potential therapeutic target for kidney pathologies. CCN2 is a matricellular protein with four distinct structural modules that can exert a dual function as a matricellular protein and as a growth factor. Previous experiments using surface plasmon resonance and cultured renal cells have demonstrated that the C-terminal module of CCN2 (CCN2(IV)) interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Moreover, CCN2(IV) activates proinflammatory and profibrotic responses in the mouse kidney. The aim of this paper was to locate the in vivo cellular CCN2/EGFR binding sites in the kidney. To this aim, the C-terminal module CCN2(IV) was labeled with a fluorophore (Cy5), and two different administration routes were employed. Both intraperitoneal and direct intra-renal injection of Cy5-CCN2(IV) in mice demonstrated that CCN2(IV) preferentially binds to the tubular epithelial cells, while no signal was detected in glomeruli. Moreover, co-localization of Cy5-CCN2(IV) binding and activated EGFR was found in tubules. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, live-cell confocal microscopy experiments showed that EGFR gene silencing blocked Cy5-CCN2(IV) binding to tubuloepithelial cells. These data clearly show the existence of CCN2/EGFR binding sites in the kidney, mainly in tubular epithelial cells. In conclusion, these studies show that circulating CCN2(IV) can directly bind and activate tubular cells, supporting the role of CCN2 as a growth factor involved in kidney damage progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - José Luis Morgado-Pascual
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, 14004 Cordoba, Spain;
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral Chile, Valdivia 5090000, Chile;
| | - Raúl R. Rodrigues-Díez
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Translational Immunology Laboratory, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Laura Márquez-Expósito
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Antonio Tejera-Muñoz
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Lucía Tejedor-Santamaría
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Irene Rubio-Soto
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Vanessa Marchant
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Av Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.R.-M.); (L.M.-E.); (A.T.-M.); (L.T.-S.); (I.R.-S.); (V.M.)
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDinREN), Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Correspondence:
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Interplay between extracellular matrix components and cellular and molecular mechanisms in kidney fibrosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:1999-2029. [PMID: 34427291 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in renal structures. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is observed in glomerular diseases as well as in the regeneration failure of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, finding antifibrotic therapies comprises an intensive research field in Nephrology. Nowadays, ECM is not only considered as a cellular scaffold, but also exerts important cellular functions. In this review, we describe the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in kidney fibrosis, paying particular attention to ECM components, profibrotic factors and cell-matrix interactions. In response to kidney damage, activation of glomerular and/or tubular cells may induce aberrant phenotypes characterized by overproduction of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, and thus contribute to CKD progression. Among ECM components, matricellular proteins can regulate cell-ECM interactions, as well as cellular phenotype changes. Regarding kidney fibrosis, one of the most studied matricellular proteins is cellular communication network-2 (CCN2), also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), currently considered as a fibrotic marker and a potential therapeutic target. Integrins connect the ECM proteins to the actin cytoskeleton and several downstream signaling pathways that enable cells to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner and maintain optimal tissue stiffness. In kidney fibrosis, there is an increase in ECM deposition, lower ECM degradation and ECM proteins cross-linking, leading to an alteration in the tissue mechanical properties and their responses to injurious stimuli. A better understanding of these complex cellular and molecular events could help us to improve the antifibrotic therapies for CKD.
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Involvement of FATP2-mediated tubular lipid metabolic reprogramming in renal fibrogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:994. [PMID: 33219209 PMCID: PMC7679409 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03199-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Following a chronic insult, renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) contribute to the development of kidney fibrosis through dysregulated lipid metabolism that lead to lipid accumulation and lipotoxicity. Intracellular lipid metabolism is tightly controlled by fatty acids (FAs) uptake, oxidation, lipogenesis, and lipolysis. Although it is widely accepted that impaired fatty acids oxidation (FAO) play a crucial role in renal fibrosis progression, other lipid metabolic pathways, especially FAs uptake, has not been investigated in fibrotic kidney. In this study, we aim to explore the potential mechanically role of FAs transporter in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In the present study, the unbiased gene expression studies showed that fatty acid transporter 2 (FATP2) was one of the predominant expressed FAs transport in TECs and its expression was tightly associated with the decline of renal function. Treatment of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidneys and TGF-β induced TECs with FATP2 inhibitor (FATP2i) lipofermata restored the FAO activities and alleviated fibrotic responses both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the expression of profibrotic cytokines including TGF-β, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet-derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB) were all decreased in FATP2i-treated UUO kidneys. Mechanically, FATP2i can effectively attenuate cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by TGF-β treatment in cultured TECs. Taking together, these findings reveal that FATP2 elicits a profibrotic response to renal interstitial fibrosis by inducing lipid metabolic reprogramming including abnormal FAs uptake and defective FAO in TECs.
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Rayego-Mateos S, Morgado-Pascual JL, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Rodrigues-Diez R, Falke LL, Mezzano S, Ortiz A, Egido J, Goldschmeding R, Ruiz-Ortega M. Connective tissue growth factor induces renal fibrosis via epidermal growth factor receptor activation. J Pathol 2018; 244:227-241. [PMID: 29160908 DOI: 10.1002/path.5007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2/CTGF) is a matricellular protein that is overexpressed in progressive human renal diseases, mainly in fibrotic areas. In vitro studies have demonstrated that CCN2 regulates the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and could therefore contribute to renal fibrosis. CCN2 blockade ameliorates experimental renal damage, including diminution of ECM accumulation. We have reported that CCN2 and its C-terminal degradation product CCN2(IV) bind to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to modulate renal inflammation. However, the receptor involved in CCN2 profibrotic actions has not been described so far. Using a murine model of systemic administration of CCN2(IV), we have unveiled a fibrotic response in the kidney that was diminished by EGFR blockade. Additionally, in conditional CCN2 knockout mice, renal fibrosis elicited by folic acid-induced renal damage was prevented, and this was linked to inhibition of EGFR pathway activation. Our in vitro studies demonstrated a direct effect of CCN2 via the EGFR pathway on ECM production by fibroblasts and the induction of EMT in tubular epithelial cells. Our studies clearly show that the EGFR regulates CCN2 fibrotic signalling in the kidney, and suggest that EGFR pathway blockade could be a potential therapeutic option to block CCN2-mediated profibrotic effects in renal diseases. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luis Morgado-Pascual
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Raquel Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas L Falke
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Egido
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-UAM, School of Medicine, UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roel Goldschmeding
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory. School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Siregar S, Parardya A, Sibarani J, Romdan T, Adi K, Hernowo BS, Yantisetiasti A. AT 1 expression in human urethral stricture tissue. Res Rep Urol 2017; 9:181-186. [PMID: 28979891 PMCID: PMC5602470 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s141327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urethral stricture has a high recurrence rate. There is a common doctrine stating that "once a stricture, always a stricture". This fibrotic disease pathophysiology, pathologically characterized by excessive production, deposition and contraction of extracellular matrix is unknown. Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor primarily induces angiogenesis, cellular proliferation and inflammatory responses. AT1 receptors are also expressed in the fibroblasts of hypertrophic scars, whereas angiotensin II (AngII) regulates DNA synthesis in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts through a negative cross talk between AT1 and angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptors, which might contribute to the formation and maturation of human hypertrophic scars. OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to determine the expression of AT1 receptors in urethral stricture tissues. METHODS Urethral stricture tissues were collected from patients during anastomotic urethroplasty surgery. There were 24 tissue samples collected in this study with 2 samples of normal urethra for the control group. Immunohistochemistry study was performed to detect the presence of AT1 receptor expression. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test, and statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 20. RESULTS This study showed that positive staining of AT1 receptor was found in all urethral stricture tissues (n=24). A total of 8.33% patients had low intensity, 41.67% had moderate intensity and 50% had high intensity of AT1 receptors, while in the control group, 100% patients had no intensity of AT1 receptors. Using the Mann-Whitney U test, it was found that urethral stricture tissue had a higher intensity of AT1 receptors than normal urethral tissue with a p-value = 0.012. CONCLUSION The results showed that AT1 receptor had a higher intensity in the urethral stricture tissue and that AT1 receptor may play an important role in the development of urethral stricture.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bethy S Hernowo
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine University of Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Anglita Yantisetiasti
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Faculty of Medicine University of Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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Gao F, Wang Y, Li S, Wang Z, Liu C, Sun D. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis in a murine unilateral ureteral occlusion model. Life Sci 2016; 167:78-84. [PMID: 27773718 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Cellular hypoxia has been proposed as a major factor contributing to the pathogenesis of chronic renal injury. Much of our understanding of how mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling promotes renal fibrosis has been based on cell culture studies. Therefore, we used the unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) model to further elucidate the role of the p38 MAPK pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis induced by hypoxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, 24 male mice were randomized into the following three groups (n=8 each): Sham group (DMSO solution), UUO group (UUO+DMSO solution) and UP group (UUO+p38 inhibitor). The model of UUO was conducted using an established procedure described previously. Histological changes in renal tubular interstitium were observed with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome. The protein levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)、transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen type I were analyzed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry at 2weeks. KEY FINDINGS Increased expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in UUO mice confirmed the existence of hypoxia in renal interstitial. Hypoxia result in tubulointerstitial fibrosis via the molecular activation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). p38 inhibitor administration markedly downregulates the protein of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen type I expression induced by hypoxia. SIGNIFICANCE An increase in p38 MAPK activation is induced by hypoxia. The hypoxia up-regulates the protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and collagen I expression in a p38-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yanping Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Shulin Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Zhuojun Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Caixia Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Dong Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China; Department of Internal Medicine and Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China.
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Angelini A, Li Z, Mericskay M, Decaux JF. Regulation of Connective Tissue Growth Factor and Cardiac Fibrosis by an SRF/MicroRNA-133a Axis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139858. [PMID: 26440278 PMCID: PMC4595333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial fibrosis contributes to the remodeling of heart and the loss of cardiac function leading to heart failure. SRF is a transcription factor implicated in the regulation of a large variety of genes involved in cardiac structure and function. To investigate the impact of an SRF overexpression in heart, we developed a new cardiac-specific and tamoxifen-inducible SRF overexpression mouse model by the Cre/loxP strategy. Here, we report that a high level overexpression of SRF leads to severe modifications of cardiac cytoarchitecture affecting the balance between cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts and also a profound alteration of cardiac gene expression program. The drastic development of fibrosis was characterized by intense sirius red staining and associated with an increased expression of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin, procollagen type 1α1 and type 3α1 and especially connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). Furthermore miR-133a, one of the most predominant cardiac miRNAs, is strongly downregulated when SRF is overexpressed. By comparison a low level overexpression of SRF has minor impact on these different processes. Investigation with miR-133a, antimiR-133a and AdSRF-VP16 experiments in H9c2 cardiac cells demonstrated that: 1)–miR-133a acts as a repressor of SRF and CTGF expression; 2)–a simultaneous overexpression of SRF by AdSRF-VP16 and inhibition of miR-133a by a specific antimiR increase CTGF expression; 3)–miR-133a overexpression can block the upregulation of CTGF induced by AdSRF-VP16. Taken together, these findings reveal a key role of the SRF/CTGF/miR-133a axis in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Angelini
- Biology of Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), DHU FAST Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8256, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1164, Paris, France
| | - Zhenlin Li
- Biology of Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), DHU FAST Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8256, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1164, Paris, France
| | - Mathias Mericskay
- Biology of Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), DHU FAST Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8256, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1164, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (JD); (MM)
| | - Jean-François Decaux
- Biology of Adaptation and Ageing, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (IBPS), DHU FAST Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Université Paris 06, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8256, Paris, France
- INSERM, U1164, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (JD); (MM)
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Ayasolla KR, Rai P, Rahimipour S, Hussain M, Malhotra A, Singhal PC. Tubular cell phenotype in HIV-associated nephropathy: role of phospholipid lysophosphatidic acid. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:109-15. [PMID: 26079546 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Collapsing glomerulopathy and microcysts are characteristic histological features of HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN). We have previously reported the role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the development of glomerular and tubular cell phenotypes in HIVAN. Since persistent tubular cell activation of NFκB has been reported in HIVAN, we now hypothesize that HIV may be contributing to tubular cell phenotype via lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) mediated downstream signaling. Interestingly, LPA and its receptors have also been implicated in the tubular interstitial cell fibrosis (TIF) and cyst formation in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Primary human proximal tubular cells (HRPTCs) were transduced with either empty vector (EV/HRPTCs), HIV (HIV/HRPTCs) or treated with LPA (LPA/HRPTC). Immunoelectrophoresis of HIV/HRPTCs and LPA/HRPTCs displayed enhanced expression of pro-fibrotic markers: a) fibronectin (2.25 fold), b) connective tissue growth factor (CTGF; 4.8 fold), c) α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA; 12 fold), and d) collagen I (5.7 fold). HIV enhanced tubular cell phosphorylation of ILK-1, FAK, PI3K, Akt, ERKs and P38 MAPK. HIV increased tubular cell transcriptional binding activity of NF-κB; whereas, a LPA biosynthesis inhibitor (AACOCF3), a DAG kinase inhibitor, a LPA receptor blocker (Ki16425), a NF-κB inhibitor (PDTC) and NFκB-siRNA not only displayed downregulation of a NFκB activity but also showed attenuated expression of profibrotic/EMT genes in HIV milieu. These findings suggest that LPA could be contributing to HIV-induced tubular cell phenotype via NFκB activation in HIVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamesh R Ayasolla
- Department of Medicine, Hofstra North-Shore LIJ Medical School, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, NY, United States
| | - Partab Rai
- Department of Medicine, Hofstra North-Shore LIJ Medical School, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, NY, United States
| | - Shai Rahimipour
- Department of Chemistry, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | | | - Ashwani Malhotra
- Department of Medicine, Hofstra North-Shore LIJ Medical School, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, NY, United States
| | - Pravin C Singhal
- Department of Medicine, Hofstra North-Shore LIJ Medical School, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, NY, United States.
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Francis RM, Romeyn CL, Coughlin AM, Nagelkirk PR, Womack CJ, Lemmer JT. Age and aerobic training status effects on plasma and skeletal muscle tPA and PAI-1. Eur J Appl Physiol 2014; 114:1229-38. [PMID: 24604072 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-014-2857-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reductions in fibrinolytic potential occur with both aging and physical inactivity and are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. Plasmin, the enzyme responsible for the enzymatic degradation of fibrin clots, is activated by tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), while plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) inhibits its activation. Currently, fibrinolysis research focuses almost exclusively on changes within the plasma. However, tPA and PAI-1 are expressed by human skeletal muscle (SM). Currently, no studies have focused on changes in SM fibrinolytic activity with regard to aging and aerobic fitness. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to cross-sectionally evaluate effects of age and aerobic fitness on tPA and PAI-1 expressions and activity in SM. METHODS Twenty-six male subjects were categorized into the following groups: (1) young aerobically trained (n = 8); (2) older aerobically trained (n = 6); (3) young aerobically untrained (n = 7); and (4) older aerobically untrained (n = 5). Muscle biopsies were obtained from each subject. SM tPA activity was assessed using gel zymography and SM tPA and PAI-1 expressions were assessed using RT-PCR. RESULTS Trained subjects had higher SM tPA activity compared to untrained (25.3 ± 2.4 × 10(3) vs. 21.5 ± 5.6 × 10(3) pixels, respectively; p = 0.03) with no effect observed for age. VO2 max and SM tPA activity were also significantly correlated (r = 0.42; p < 0.04). SM tPA expression was higher in older participants, but no effect of fitness level was observed. No differences were observed for PAI-1 expression in SM. CONCLUSIONS Higher levels of aerobic fitness are associated with increased fibrinolytic activity in SM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Francis
- Human Energy Research Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
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Ballhause TM, Soldati R, Mertens PR. Sources of myofibroblasts in kidney fibrosis: all answers are correct, however to different extent! Int Urol Nephrol 2013; 46:659-64. [PMID: 24368748 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-013-0626-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 12/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Most inflammatory kidney diseases have the final outcome of fibrosis with the loss of kidney architecture and progressive loss of kidney function. Excess matrix deposition is observed, which may be an inadequate attempt to limit organ damage. The primary sources of matrix synthesis are resident cells that may acquire different activated phenotypes and likely orchestrate matrix deposition. Over the last decades, intense efforts were undertaken to define the origin of myofibroblasts, resulting in four different controversially discussed hypotheses: bone marrow recruitment, vascular pericyte-derived myofibroblasts, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT). In a recent article, LeBleu et al. (Nat Med 19(8):1047-1053, 2013) address this issue and come to the conclusion that most of the different hypotheses are likely true, however to different extents. To arrive at this conclusion, the authors have performed genetic cell tracking and quantification by cell labeling in newly generated knockout mouse models. Quantitative analyses have been made and yield the following estimates: 50% of the myofibroblasts are derived through proliferation from resident fibroblasts, 35% differentiate from bone marrow-derived cells, 10% arise from EndMT, and 5% through EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias M Ballhause
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
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Meng YH, Tian C, Liu L, Wang L, Chang Q. Elevated expression of connective tissue growth factor, osteopontin and increased collagen content in human ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms. Vascular 2013; 22:20-7. [DOI: 10.1177/1708538112472282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the molecular mechanisms of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (ATAAs). Abnormal extracellular matrix changes and variations of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have been implicated in abdominal aortic aneurysm formation. Our objective was to investigate the alterations of collagen, stimulators of collagen synthesis and synthetic VSMCs in patients with ATAA. Surgical samples from ATAA were taken from 20 patients, and 18 control aortas were obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery. All aortic wall specimens were fixed for histology and immunohistochemistry for collagen, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and osteopontin. Realtime polymerase chain reaction was used to determine their mRNA expression. Histology and semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated that protein levels of collagen, CTGF and osteopontin significantly increased by 1.9-, 1.4- and 2.2-fold, respectively ( P < 0.01 for all) in the ATAA group than in the control group. Similar results were shown in mRNA levels of type Iα1and IIIα1 collagen, CTGF and osteopontin. The protein levels of CTGF and osteopontin were positively correlated with aortic diameter ( r = 0.67, r = 0.73; P < 0.01 for both). In conclusion, overexpression of aortic CTGF and synthetic VSMCs marker (osteopontin), which is likely to be responsible for elevated aortic collagen content, may provide a potential mechanism for aneurysmal enlargement.
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12
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Keller C, Kroening S, Zuehlke J, Kunath F, Krueger B, Goppelt-Struebe M. Distinct mesenchymal alterations in N-cadherin and E-cadherin positive primary renal epithelial cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43584. [PMID: 22912891 PMCID: PMC3422254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Renal tubular epithelial cells of proximal and distal origin differ markedly in their physiological functions. Therefore, we hypothesized that they also differ in their capacity to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal alterations. Results We used cultures of freshly isolated primary human tubular cells. To distinguish cells of different tubular origin we took advantage of the fact that human proximal epithelial cells uniquely express N-cadherin instead of E-cadherin as major cell-cell adhesion molecule. To provoke mesenchymal alteration we treated these cocultures with TGF-β for up to 6 days. Within this time period, the morphology of distal tubular cells was barely altered. In contrast to tubular cell lines, E-cadherin was not down-regulated by TGF-β, even though TGF-β signal transduction was initiated as demonstrated by nuclear localization of Smad2/3. Analysis of transcription factors and miRNAs possibly involved in E-cadherin regulation revealed high levels of miRNAs of the miR200-family, which may contribute to the stability of E-cadherin expression in human distal tubular epithelial cells. By contrast, proximal tubular epithelial cells altered their phenotype when treated with TGF-β. They became elongated and formed three-dimensional structures. Rho-kinases were identified as modulators of TGF-β-induced morphological alterations. Non-specific inhibition of Rho-kinases resulted in stabilization of the epithelial phenotype, while partial effects were observed upon downregulation of Rho-kinase isoforms ROCK1 and ROCK2. The distinct reactivity of proximal and distal cells was retained when the cells were cultured as polarized cells. Conclusions Interference with Rho-kinase signaling provides a target to counteract TGF-β-mediated mesenchymal alterations of epithelial cells, particularly in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Furthermore, primary distal tubular cells differed from cell lines by their high phenotypic stability which included constant expression of E-cadherin. Our cell culture system of primary epithelial cells is thus suitable to understand and modulate cellular remodeling processes of distinct tubular cells relevant for human renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Keller
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Kroening
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jonathan Zuehlke
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frank Kunath
- Department of Urology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bettina Krueger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Margarete Goppelt-Struebe
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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13
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CCN2 is required for the TGF-β induced activation of Smad1-Erk1/2 signaling network. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21911. [PMID: 21760921 PMCID: PMC3132735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is a multifunctional matricellular protein, which is frequently overexpressed during organ fibrosis. CCN2 is a mediator of the pro-fibrotic effects of TGF-β in cultured cells, but the specific function of CCN2 in the fibrotic process has not been elucidated. In this study we characterized the CCN2-dependent signaling pathways that are required for the TGF-β induced fibrogenic response. By depleting endogenous CCN2 we show that CCN2 is indispensable for the TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad1 and Erk1/2, but it is unnecessary for the activation of Smad3. TGF-β stimulation triggered formation of the CCN2/β3 integrin protein complexes and activation of Src signaling. Furthermore, we demonstrated that signaling through the αvβ3 integrin receptor and Src was required for the TGF-β induced Smad1 phosphorylation. Recombinant CCN2 activated Src and Erk1/2 signaling, and induced phosphorylation of Fli1, but was unable to stimulate Smad1 or Smad3 phosphorylation. Additional experiments were performed to investigate the role of CCN2 in collagen production. Consistent with the previous studies, blockade of CCN2 abrogated TGF-β-induced collagen mRNA and protein levels. Recombinant CCN2 potently stimulated collagen mRNA levels and upregulated activity of the COL1A2 promoter, however CCN2 was a weak inducer of collagen protein levels. CCN2 stimulation of collagen was dose-dependent with the lower doses (<50 ng/ml) having a stimulatory effect and higher doses having an inhibitory effect on collagen gene expression. In conclusion, our study defines a novel CCN2/αvβ3 integrin/Src/Smad1 axis that contributes to the pro-fibrotic TGF-β signaling and suggests that blockade of this pathway may be beneficial for the treatment of fibrosis.
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14
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Ingraham SE, Saha M, Carpenter AR, Robinson M, Ismail I, Singh S, Hains D, Robinson ML, Hirselj DA, Koff SA, Bates CM, McHugh KM. Pathogenesis of renal injury in the megabladder mouse: a genetic model of congenital obstructive nephropathy. Pediatr Res 2010; 68:500-7. [PMID: 20736884 PMCID: PMC3121911 DOI: 10.1203/pdr.0b013e3181f82f15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Congenital obstructive nephropathy (CON) is the most common cause of chronic renal failure in children often leading to end-stage renal disease. The megabladder (mgb) mouse exhibits signs of urinary tract obstruction in utero resulting in the development of hydroureteronephrosis and progressive renal failure after birth. This study examined the development of progressive renal injury in homozygous mgb mice (mgb-/-). Renal ultrasound was used to stratify the disease state of mgb-/- mice, whereas surgical rescue was performed using vesicostomy. The progression of renal injury was characterized using a series of pathogenic markers including alpha smooth muscle isoactin (α-SMA), TGF-β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), E-cadherin, F4/80, Wilm's tumor (WT)-1, and paired box gene (Pax) 2. This analysis indicated that mgb-/- mice are born with pathologic changes in kidney development that progressively worsen in direct correlation with the severity of hydronephrosis. The initiation and pattern of fibrotic development observed in mgb-/- kidneys appeared distinctive from previous animal models of obstruction. These observations suggest that the mgb mouse represents a unique small animal model for the study of CON.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Child
- Cystostomy
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Fibrosis
- Humans
- Hydronephrosis/complications
- Hydronephrosis/congenital
- Hydronephrosis/pathology
- Hydronephrosis/surgery
- Kidney/diagnostic imaging
- Kidney/injuries
- Kidney/pathology
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/congenital
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/etiology
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/pathology
- Kidney Failure, Chronic/surgery
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Nephritis, Interstitial/complications
- Nephritis, Interstitial/congenital
- Nephritis, Interstitial/pathology
- Nephritis, Interstitial/surgery
- Ultrasonography
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Ingraham
- Center for Molecular and Human Genetics, Sections of Nephrology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA
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15
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Transplantation of endothelial progenitor cells alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Life Sci 2010; 86:798-807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2010.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2009] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Kroening S, Neubauer E, Wullich B, Aten J, Goppelt-Struebe M. Characterization of connective tissue growth factor expression in primary cultures of human tubular epithelial cells: modulation by hypoxia. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2010; 298:F796-806. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00528.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelial cells secrete connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2), which contributes to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular regulation of CTGF in human primary tubular epithelial cells (hPTECs) is not well defined. Therefore, CTGF expression was characterized in hPTECs isolated from healthy parts of tumor nephrectomies, with special emphasis on the regulation by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and hypoxia, essential factors in the development of fibrosis. CTGF synthesis was strongly dependent on cell density. High CTGF levels were detected in sparse cells, whereas CTGF expression was reduced in confluent cells. Concomitantly, stimulation of CTGF by TGF-β or the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin was prevented in dense cells. Exposure of hPTECs to low oxygen tension (1% O2) or the hypoxia mimetic dimethyl-oxalylglycine for 24 h reduced CTGF gene expression in most of the 17 preparations analyzed. Preincubation of the cells under hypoxic conditions significantly reduced TGF-β-mediated upregulation of CTGF. In line with these data, CTGF mRNA was only induced in interstitial cells, but not in tubular cells in kidneys of mice exposed to hypoxia. Longer exposure to hypoxia or TGF-β (up to 72 h) did not induce hPTECs to adopt a mesenchymal phenotype characterized by upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin, downregulation of E-cadherin, or increased sensitivity of the cells in terms of CTGF expression. Sensitivity was restored by inhibition of DNA methylation. Taken together, our data provide evidence that exposure to hypoxia decreased CTGF gene expression. Furthermore, hypoxia per se was not sufficient to induce a mesenchymal phenotype in primary tubular epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Kroening
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuremberg, and
| | - Emily Neubauer
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Hospital of Erlangen-Nuremberg, and
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Department of Urology, Waldkrankenhaus St. Marien Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; and
| | - Jan Aten
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Doerner AM, Zuraw BL. TGF-beta1 induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human bronchial epithelial cells is enhanced by IL-1beta but not abrogated by corticosteroids. Respir Res 2009; 10:100. [PMID: 19857272 PMCID: PMC2774671 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-10-100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic persistent asthma is characterized by ongoing airway inflammation and airway remodeling. The processes leading to airway remodeling are poorly understood, and there is increasing evidence that even aggressive anti-inflammatory therapy does not completely prevent this process. We sought to investigate whether TGFβ1 stimulates bronchial epithelial cells to undergo transition to a mesenchymal phenotype, and whether this transition can be abrogated by corticosteroid treatment or enhanced by the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Methods BEAS-2B and primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells were stimulated with TGFβ1 and expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy and zymography. In some cases the epithelial cells were also incubated with corticosteroids or IL-1β. Results were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests. Results Treatment of BEAS-2B or primary human bronchial epithelial cells with TGFβ1 significantly reduced the expression level of the epithelial adherence junction protein E-cadherin. TGFβ1 then markedly induced mesenchymal marker proteins such as collagen I, tenascin C, fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin mRNA in a dose dependant manner. The process of mesenchymal transition was accompanied by a morphological change towards a more spindle shaped fibroblast cell type with a more motile and invasive phenotype. Corticosteroid pre-treatment did not significantly alter the TGFβ1 induced transition but IL-1β enhanced the transition. Conclusion Our results indicate, that TGFβ1 can induce mesenchymal transition in the bronchial epithelial cell line and primary cells. Since asthma has been strongly associated with increased expression of TGFβ1 in the airway, epithelial to mesenchymal transition may contribute to the contractile and fibrotic remodeling process that accompanies chronic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid M Doerner
- Veterans Medical Research Foundation, La Jolla, California, USA.
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18
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Yang F, Chung ACK, Huang XR, Lan HY. Angiotensin II induces connective tissue growth factor and collagen I expression via transforming growth factor-beta-dependent and -independent Smad pathways: the role of Smad3. Hypertension 2009; 54:877-84. [PMID: 19667256 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.109.136531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a critical role in angiotensin II (Ang II)-mediated hypertensive nephropathy. The present study investigated the mechanisms and specific roles of individual Smads in Ang II-induced CTGF and collagen I expression in tubular epithelial cells with deletion of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, overexpression of Smad7, or knockdown of Smad2 or Smad3. We found that Ang II-induced tubular CTGF and collagen I mRNA and protein expressions were regulated positively by phosphorylated Smad2/3 but negatively by Smad7 because overexpression of Smad7-abolished Ang II-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation and upregulation of CTGF and collagen I in vitro and in a rat model of remnant kidney disease. Additional studies revealed that, in addition to a late (24-hour) TGF-beta-dependent Smad2/3 activation, Ang II also induced a rapid activation of Smad2/3 at 15 minutes and expression of CTGF and collagen I in tubular epithelial cells lacking the TGF-beta gene, which was blocked by the addition of an Ang II type 1 receptor antagonist (losartan) and inhibitors to extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (PD98059) and p38 (SB203580) but not by inhibitors to Ang II type 2 receptor (PD123319) or c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SP600125), demonstrating a TGF-beta-independent, Ang II type 1 receptor-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase cross-talk pathway in Ang II-mediated CTGF and collagen I expression. Importantly, the ability of knockdown of Smad3, but not Smad2, to inhibit Ang II-induced CTGF and collagen I expression further revealed an essential role for Smad3 in Ang II-mediated renal fibrosis. In conclusion, Ang II induces tubular CTGF expression and renal fibrosis via the TGF-beta-dependent and -independent Smad3 signaling pathways, suggesting that targeting Smad3 may have therapeutic potential for hypertensive nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuye Yang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutic, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
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19
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Sánchez-López E, Rayego S, Rodrigues-Díez R, Rodriguez JS, Rodrigues-Díez R, Rodríguez-Vita J, Carvajal G, Aroeira LS, Selgas R, Mezzano SA, Ortiz A, Egido J, Ruiz-Ortega M. CTGF promotes inflammatory cell infiltration of the renal interstitium by activating NF-kappaB. J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 20:1513-26. [PMID: 19423687 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2008090999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is an important profibrotic factor in kidney diseases. Blockade of endogenous CTGF ameliorates experimental renal damage and inhibits synthesis of extracellular matrix in cultured renal cells. CTGF regulates several cellular responses, including adhesion, migration, proliferation, and synthesis of proinflammatory factors. Here, we investigated whether CTGF participates in the inflammatory process in the kidney by evaluating the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) pathway, a key signaling system that controls inflammation and immune responses. Systemic administration of CTGF to mice for 24 h induced marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in the renal interstitium (T lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages) and led to elevated renal NF-kappaB activity. Administration of CTGF increased renal expression of chemokines (MCP-1 and RANTES) and cytokines (INF-gamma, IL-6, and IL-4) that recruit immune cells and promote inflammation. Treatment with a NF-kappaB inhibitor, parthenolide, inhibited CTGF-induced renal inflammatory responses, including the up-regulation of chemokines and cytokines. In cultured murine tubuloepithelial cells, CTGF rapidly activated the NF-kappaB pathway and the cascade of mitogen-activated protein kinases, demonstrating crosstalk between these signaling pathways. CTGF, via mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-kappaB activation, increased proinflammatory gene expression. These data show that in addition to its profibrotic properties, CTGF contributes to the recruitment of inflammatory cells in the kidney by activating the NF-kappaB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Sánchez-López
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Daniels A, van Bilsen M, Goldschmeding R, van der Vusse GJ, van Nieuwenhoven FA. Connective tissue growth factor and cardiac fibrosis. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2009; 195:321-38. [PMID: 19040711 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2008.01936.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a major pathogenic factor in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and refers to an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components in the heart, which leads to cardiac dysfunction and eventually overt heart failure. Evidence is accumulating for a crucial role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in fibrotic processes in several tissues including the heart. CTGF orchestrates the actions of important local factors evoking cardiac fibrosis. The central role of CTGF as a matricellular protein modulating the fibrotic process in cardiac remodelling makes it a possible biomarker for cardiac fibrosis and a potential candidate for therapeutic intervention to mitigate fibrosis in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Daniels
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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21
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Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a novel fibrotic mediator in the eye. Exp Eye Res 2008; 87:367-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2008.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2008] [Revised: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/01/2008] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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22
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Pharmacological modulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition caused by angiotensin II. Role of ROCK and MAPK pathways. Pharm Res 2008; 25:2447-61. [PMID: 18633694 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-008-9636-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a final common pathway to end-stage chronic kidney diseases, which are characterized by elevated renal angiotensin II (AngII) production. This peptide participates in kidney damage inducing fibrosis and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our aim was to describe potential therapeutic targets in AngII-induced EMT, investigating the blockade of different intracellular pathways. METHODS Studies were done in human tubular epithelial cells (HK2 cell line), evaluating changes in phenotype and EMT markers (Western blot and immunofluorescence). RESULTS Treatment of HK2 cells with AngII for 3 days caused transdifferentiation into myofibroblast-like cells. The blockade of MAPKs cascade, using specific inhibitors of p38 (SB203580), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK; PD98059) and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) (SP600125), diminished AngII-induced EMT. The blockade of RhoA/ROCK pathway, by transfection of a RhoA dominant-negative vector or by ROCK inhibition with Y-27632 or fasudil, inhibited EMT caused by AngII. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a downstream mediator of AngII-induced EMT. MAPKs and ROCK inhibitors blocked CTGF overexpression induced by AngII. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, although blocked AngII-mediated kinases activation, only partially diminished EMT and did not regulate CTGF. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a potential therapeutic use of kinase inhibitors in renal fibrosis.
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Yoshida K, Munakata H. Connective tissue growth factor binds to fibronectin through the type I repeat modules and enhances the affinity of fibronectin to fibrin. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2006; 1770:672-80. [PMID: 17239539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 11/13/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a member of the CCN family of the cysteine-rich proteins and involved in wound healing and fibrosis. We have previously shown a biochemical interaction between the CTGF and fibronectin (FN) using the yeast two-hybrid system. In this study, we confirmed the interaction between the CTGF and FN using the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and solid-phase binding analysis. Our results show that the regions containing the FN type I repeat modules (the N-terminal fibrin, the gelatin-collagen and the C-terminal fibrin binding domains) of FN and the C-terminal domain of CTGF are required for the interaction. We also demonstrated that CTGF enhances the affinity of FN to fibrin. It appears that CTGF contributes to the extracellular matrix accumulation in wound healing and tissue fibrosis by enhancing the affinity of FN to fibrin. Because CTGF is up-regulated during the tissue repair and in coagulation cascade-associated fibrotic disorders, the new function of CTGF found in this study is consistent with its physiological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yoshida
- Department of Biochemistry, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka-Sayama, Osaka 589-8511, Japan.
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24
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Forino M, Torregrossa R, Ceol M, Murer L, Vella MD, Prete DD, D'Angelo A, Anglani F. TGFbeta1 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition, but not myofibroblast transdifferentiation of human kidney tubular epithelial cells in primary culture. Int J Exp Pathol 2006; 87:197-208. [PMID: 16709228 PMCID: PMC2517360 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2613.2006.00479.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The origin and fate of renal interstitial myofibroblasts (MFs), the effector cells of renal fibrosis, are still debated. Experimental evidence suggests that renal MFs derive from tubular epithelial cells throughout the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Primary human tubular epithelial cells (HUTECs) were cultured for 4 and 6 days on plastic or type I collagen-coated plates with 1, 5, 10 and 50 ng/ml of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1). The EMT process was monitored by morphology and immunophenotyping for alphaSMA, cytokeratin 8-18, E-cadherin, vimentin and collagen III. Quantitative comparative RT/PCR and real-time PCR were used to evaluate the expression of collagen III and IV, fibronectin, tenascin, MMP-2, CTGF, E-cadherin and cadherin 11 genes, as well as those of the Smad signalling pathway. TGFbeta1 was found capable of reactivating the mesenchymal programme switched off during tubulogenesis, but it induced no de novo expression of alphaSMA gene or myofibroblast phenotype. We demonstrate that the EMT process is conditioned by the extracellular matrix and characterized by TGFbeta1-driven Smad3 downregulation. Our study results suggest that TGFbeta1 could function as a classic embryonal inducer, initiating a cascade of de-differentiating events that might be further controlled by other factors in the cellular environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Forino
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | - Rossella Torregrossa
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | - Monica Ceol
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | - Luisa Murer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | | | - Dorella Del Prete
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | - Angela D'Angelo
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
| | - Franca Anglani
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of PaduaPadova, Italy
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Zhang C, Zhu Z, Liu J, Yang X, Fu L, Deng A, Meng X. Expression of connective tissue growth factor in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rats and its pathogenic role. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006; 25:519-22. [PMID: 16463662 DOI: 10.1007/bf02896005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the pathogenesis of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, 48 Wistar rats were randomly divided into sham-operated and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group. On the postoperative day 1, 3, 7 and 14, the rats were killed and the kidneys were removed. The renal tubulointerstitial injury index was evaluated according to the MASSON staining. The mRNA levels of CTGF, transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), collagen I (col I), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were detected using reverse transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the protein expression of the above factors, and the relations among them were analyzed. Quantitative expression of CTGF protein in the kidneys was also assessed using Western blot. The results showed that TGF-beta1 mRNA level was increased at first day after UUO, followed by a marked elevation of CTGF mRNA level, which began to increase 3 days after UUO (P < 0.01). With the progression of the disease, the mRNA expression of CTGF, col I and PAI-1 was increased progressively. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the CTGF protein expression was significantly increased in fibrotic areas and tubular epithelial cells 3 days after UUO. On the post-UUO day 7, the protein level of CTGF was positively related to the renal tubulointerstitial injury index (r = 0.62, P < 0.01), the expression of TGF-beta1 (r = 0.85, P < 0.01), col I (r = 0.78, P < 0.01), and PAI-1 (r = 0.76, P < 0.01). Upon Western blot analysis, CTGF protein expression began to increase 3 days after UUO, and appeared progressively throughout the time course (P < 0.01, as compared with sham-operated group). It is concluded that CTGF can be induced by TGF-beta and mediate various profibrotic actions of this cytokine, such as increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and decreasing ECM degradation. The increased expression of CTGF may play a crucial role in the development and progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Cha DR, Kang YS, Han SY, Jee YH, Han KH, Kim HK, Han JY, Kim YS. Role of aldosterone in diabetic nephropathy. Nephrology (Carlton) 2006; 10 Suppl:S37-9. [PMID: 16174286 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1797.2005.00455.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In the last 10 years, many studies have focused on the non-classical action of aldosterone. One of the most important new aspects of aldosterone is its pathogenic role as proinflammatory and profibrotic molecules. It has been reported that aldosterone induces myocardial fibrosis and vascular inflammation through up-regulation of various proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokines. We investigated the effect of aldosterone and spironolactone, which is a non-selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, on monocyte chemoattractant peptide (MCP-1) and collagen synthesis in cultured mesangial and tubular epithelial cells. In addition, to evaluate the effect of spironolactone on diabetic nephropathy, we used Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats which are known type 2 diabetic animal models. Spironolactone treatment did not induce any significant change in blood glucose levels and blood pressure. However, spironolactone therapy significantly inhibited urinary albumin and MCP-1 excretion. Spironolactone treatment also suppressed renal mRNA expression for MCP-1, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as well as intrarenal protein synthesis for ED-1 and MIF. Morphologically, spironolactone treatment significantly prevented glomerulosclerosis, collagen deposition and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression in diabetic rats. In cultured cell experiments, aldosterone directly increased the MCP-1, collagen secretion and spironolactone treatment abolished aldosterone-induced MCP-1 and collagen synthesis. Surprisingly, aldosterone treatment did not induce any significant change in TGFbeta1 gene transcription. Finally, we found that NF-kB activity was increased after stimulation with aldosterone and spironolactone therapy inhibited their activation. In addition, prior treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), which is a NF-KB inhibitor, inhibited aldosterone-induced MCP-1 protein secretion. These results suggest that aldosterone blockade could play a role in preventing the progression of diabetic nephropathy via anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Ryong Cha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University, Ansan City, Kyungki-Do, Korea.
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Nasrallah R, Hébert RL. Prostacyclin signaling in the kidney: implications for health and disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2005; 289:F235-46. [PMID: 16006589 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00454.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between vasodilator and vasoconstrictor pathways is key to the maintenance of homeostasis and the outcome of disease. In the kidney, prostaglandins (PGs) uphold this balance and regulate renal function: hemodynamics, renin secretion, growth responses, tubular transport processes, and cell fate. With the advent of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2-selective inhibitors, targeted deletions in mice (COX knockouts, PG receptor knockouts), and the discovery of intracrine signaling options for PGs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and perinuclear PGE2receptors: EP1,3,4), many advances have been made in the study of arachidonic acid metabolites. Although prostacyclin (PGI2) is a major product of the COX pathway, there is very little emphasis on its importance to the kidney. This review will discuss PGI2biology and its relevance to different aspects of renal disease (growth, fibrosis, apoptosis), highlighting the most significant research from the past decade of PGI2literature, what we have learned from other organ systems, while stressing the significance of cross talk between various PGI2signaling pathways and its implications for renal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Nasrallah
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Canada
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Lin SL, Chen RH, Chen YM, Chiang WC, Lai CF, Wu KD, Tsai TJ. Pentoxifylline Attenuates Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis by Blocking Smad3/4-Activated Transcription and Profibrogenic Effects of Connective Tissue Growth Factor. J Am Soc Nephrol 2005; 16:2702-13. [PMID: 15987746 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2005040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a potent inhibitor of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), but its underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, it was demonstrated that PTX inhibited not only TGF-beta1-induced CTGF expression but also CTGF-induced collagen I (alpha1) [Col I (alpha1)] expression in normal rat kidney fibroblasts (NRK-49F) and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression in normal rat kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E). Furthermore, PTX attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis, myofibroblasts accumulation, and expression of CTGF and Col I (alpha1) in unilateral ureteral obstruction kidneys. The mechanism by which PTX reduced CTGF in NRK-49F and NRK-52E was investigated. Activation of Smad3/4 was essential for TGF-beta1-induced CTGF transcription, but PTX did not interfere with TGF-beta1 signaling to Smad2/3 activation and association with Smad4 and their nuclear translocation. However, PTX was capable of blocking activation of TGF-beta1-induced Smad3/4-dependent reporter as well as CTGF promoter, suggesting that PTX affects a factor that acts cooperatively with Smad3/4 to execute transcriptional activation. It was found that PTX increased intracellular cAMP and caused cAMP response element binding protein phosphorylation. The protein kinase A antagonist H89 abolished the inhibitory effect of PTX on Smad3/4-dependent CTGF transcription, whereas dibutyryl cAMP and forskolin recapitulated the inhibitory effect. In conclusion, these results indicate that PTX inhibits CTGF expression by interfering with Smad3/4-dependent CTGF transcription through protein kinase A and blocks the profibrogenic effects of CTGF on renal cells. Because of the dual blockade, PTX potently attenuates the tubulointerstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuei-Liong Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
Extensive studies have demonstrated that transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) plays an important role in the progression of renal diseases. TGF-beta exerts its biological functions mainly through its downstream signalling molecules, Smad2 and Smad3. It is now clear that Smad3 is critical for TGF-beta's pro-fibrotic effect, whereas the functions of Smad2 in fibrosis in response to TGF-beta still need to be determined. Our recent studies have demonstrated that Smad signalling is also a critical pathway for renal fibrosis induced by other pro-fibrotic factors, such as angiotensin II and advanced glycation end products (AGE). These pro-fibrotic factors can activate Smads directly and independently of TGF-beta. They can also cause renal fibrosis via the ERK/p38 MAP kinase-Smad signalling cross-talk pathway. In contrast, blockade of Smad2/3 activation by overexpression of an inhibitory Smad7 prevents collagen matrix production induced by TGF-beta, angiotensin II, high glucose and AGE and attenuates renal fibrosis in various animal models including rat obstructive kidney, remnant kidney and diabetic kidney diseases. Results from these studies indicate that Smad signalling is a key and final common pathway of renal fibrosis. In addition, TGF-beta has anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory properties. Our most recent studies demonstrated that TGF-beta transgenic mice are protected against renal inflammation in mouse obstructive and diabetic models. Upregulation of renal Smad7, thereby blocking NF.kappaB activation via induction of IkappaBalpha, is a central mechanism by which TGF-beta inhibits renal inflammation. In conclusion, TGF-beta signals through Smad2/3 to mediate renal fibrosis, whereas induction of Smad7 inhibits renal fibrosis and inflammation. Thus, targeting Smad signalling by overexpression of Smad7 may have great therapeutic potential for kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansheng Wang
- Department of Medicine-Nephrology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Spolidorio LC, Spolidorio DMP, Holzhausen M, Nassar PO, Nassar CA. Effects of long-term cyclosporin therapy on gingiva of rats: analysis by stereological and biochemical estimation. Braz Oral Res 2005; 19:112-8. [PMID: 16292443 DOI: 10.1590/s1806-83242005000200007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclosporin A (CsA) is used as an immunosuppressive agent and its prominent side effect is the induction of gingival overgrowth, which remains a significant problem. The risk factors appraised include the duration of treatment. However, there are no stereological and biochemical studies exploring the effects of long-term CsA therapy on gingival tissue. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the level of TGF-beta1 in saliva and describe the densities of fibroblasts and collagen fibers in the gingival tissue of rats treated with CsA for long periods. Rats were treated for 60, 120, 180 and 240 days with a daily subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of body weight of CsA. At the end of the experimental periods, saliva was collected for the determination of TGF-beta1 levels. After histological processing, the oral epithelium and the connective tissue area were measured as well as the volume densities of fibroblasts (Vf) and collagen fibers (Vcf). After 60 and 120 days of CsA treatment, there was a significant increase in Vf and Vcf as well as a significant increase in TGF-beta1 levels. After 180 and 240 days, reduction in the gingival overgrowth associated with significant decreases in the level of TGF-beta1, and also decreased Vf and Vcf, were observed. The data presented here suggest that after long-term therapy, a decrease in TGF-beta1 levels occurs, which might contribute to an increase in the proteolytic activity of fibroblasts in the gingiva, favoring the normality of extracellular matrix synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carlos Spolidorio
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry of Araraquara, São Paulo State University
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Davila HH, Magee TR, Zuniga FI, Rajfer J, Gonzalez-Cadavid NF. Peyronie’s disease associated with increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor in fibrotic plaque. Urology 2005; 65:645-8. [PMID: 15833499 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2005.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2004] [Revised: 01/05/2005] [Accepted: 01/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether tissue expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is increased in the fibrotic plaque of human Peyronie's disease (PD). Increased tissue levels of PAI-1, an inhibitor of both fibrinolysis and collagenolysis, have been found in a variety of fibrotic conditions. Recently, it was reported that PAI-1 expression was also increased in the fibrotic plaque of an animal model of PD induced by the injection of fibrin into the tunica albuginea (TA) of the penis. METHODS Tissue (n = 10/group) and cells (n = 4/group) obtained from the penile TA plaque of patients with PD or from normal TA were subjected to RNA extraction and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Tissues were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry (n = 8/group) for the detection of PAI-1 expression at the transcription and protein levels. RESULTS A significant 3.5-fold to 16-fold increase was found in both PAI-1 mRNA and protein levels in the human PD plaque and the respective fibroblast cultures compared with the normal non-PD TA. CONCLUSIONS The observed increase in PAI-1 in the human PD plaque agrees with what has been observed in the rat and suggests that PAI-1 may be a key pro-fibrotic factor in the development of human PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo H Davila
- Department of Urology, University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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