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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and a Fresh View on Shiga Toxin-Binding Glycosphingolipids of Primary Human Kidney and Colon Epithelial Cells and Their Toxin Susceptibility. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136884. [PMID: 35805890 PMCID: PMC9266556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are the human pathogenic subset of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC). EHEC are responsible for severe colon infections associated with life-threatening extraintestinal complications such as the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) and neurological disturbances. Endothelial cells in various human organs are renowned targets of Stx, whereas the role of epithelial cells of colon and kidneys in the infection process has been and is still a matter of debate. This review shortly addresses the clinical impact of EHEC infections, novel aspects of vesicular package of Stx in the intestine and the blood stream as well as Stx-mediated extraintestinal complications and therapeutic options. Here follows a compilation of the Stx-binding glycosphingolipids (GSLs), globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer) and their various lipoforms present in primary human kidney and colon epithelial cells and their distribution in lipid raft-analog membrane preparations. The last issues are the high and extremely low susceptibility of primary renal and colonic epithelial cells, respectively, suggesting a large resilience of the intestinal epithelium against the human-pathogenic Stx1a- and Stx2a-subtypes due to the low content of the high-affinity Stx-receptor Gb3Cer in colon epithelial cells. The review closes with a brief outlook on future challenges of Stx research.
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Detzner J, Püttmann C, Pohlentz G, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Primary Human Colon Epithelial Cells (pHCoEpiCs) Do Express the Shiga Toxin (Stx) Receptor Glycosphingolipids Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer and Are Largely Refractory but Not Resistant towards Stx. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810002. [PMID: 34576167 PMCID: PMC8472147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) is released by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) into the human intestinal lumen and transferred across the colon epithelium to the circulation. Stx-mediated damage of human kidney and brain endothelial cells and renal epithelial cells is a renowned feature, while the sensitivity of the human colon epithelium towards Stx and the decoration with the Stx receptor glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) is a matter of debate. Structural analysis of the globo-series GSLs of serum-free cultivated primary human colon epithelial cells (pHCoEpiCs) revealed Gb4Cer as the major neutral GSL with Cer (d18:1, C16:0), Cer (d18:1, C22:1/C22:0) and Cer (d18:1, C24:2/C24:1) accompanied by minor Gb3Cer with Cer (d18:1, C16:0) and Cer (d18:1, C24:1) as the dominant lipoforms. Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer co-distributed with cholesterol and sphingomyelin to detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) used as microdomain analogs. Exposure to increasing Stx concentrations indicated only a slight cell-damaging effect at the highest toxin concentration of 1 µg/mL for Stx1a and Stx2a, whereas a significant effect was detected for Stx2e. Considerable Stx refractiveness of pHCoEpiCs that correlated with the rather low cellular content of the high-affinity Stx-receptor Gb3Cer renders the human colon epithelium questionable as a major target of Stx1a and Stx2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Charlotte Püttmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.P.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)251-8355192
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Valid Presumption of Shiga Toxin-Mediated Damage of Developing Erythrocytes in EHEC-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:toxins12060373. [PMID: 32512916 PMCID: PMC7354503 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12060373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The global emergence of clinical diseases caused by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is an issue of great concern. EHEC release Shiga toxins (Stxs) as their key virulence factors, and investigations on the cell-damaging mechanisms toward target cells are inevitable for the development of novel mitigation strategies. Stx-mediated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), characterized by the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal injury, is the most severe outcome of an EHEC infection. Hemolytic anemia during HUS is defined as the loss of erythrocytes by mechanical disruption when passing through narrowed microvessels. The formation of thrombi in the microvasculature is considered an indirect effect of Stx-mediated injury mainly of the renal microvascular endothelial cells, resulting in obstructions of vessels. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent data providing evidence that HUS-associated hemolytic anemia may arise not only from intravascular rupture of erythrocytes, but also from the extravascular impairment of erythropoiesis, the development of red blood cells in the bone marrow, via direct Stx-mediated damage of maturing erythrocytes, leading to “non-hemolytic” anemia.
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Detzner J, Gloerfeld C, Pohlentz G, Legros N, Humpf HU, Mellmann A, Karch H, Müthing J. Structural Insights into Escherichia coli Shiga Toxin (Stx) Glycosphingolipid Receptors of Porcine Renal Epithelial Cells and Inhibition of Stx-Mediated Cellular Injury Using Neoglycolipid-Spiked Glycovesicles. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7110582. [PMID: 31752441 PMCID: PMC6920957 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7110582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause the edema disease in pigs by releasing the swine-pathogenic Stx2e subtype as the key virulence factor. Stx2e targets endothelial cells of animal organs including the kidney harboring the Stx receptor glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ1-3Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glcβ1-1Cer). Since the involvement of renal epithelial cells in the edema disease is unknown, in this study, we analyzed the porcine kidney epithelial cell lines, LLC-PK1 and PK-15, regarding the presence of Stx-binding GSLs, their sensitivity towards Stx2e, and the inhibitory potential of Gb3- and Gb4-neoglycolipids, carrying phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) as the lipid anchor, towards Stx2e. Immunochemical and mass spectrometric analysis revealed various Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer lipoforms as the dominant Stx-binding GSLs in both LLC-PK1 and PK-15 cells. A dihexosylceramide with proposed Galα1-4Gal-sequence (Gal2Cer) was detected in PK-15 cells, whereas LLC-PK1 cells lacked this compound. Both cell lines were susceptible towards Stx2e with LLC-PK1 representing an extremely Stx2e-sensitive cell line. Gb3-PE and Gb4-PE applied as glycovesicles significantly reduced the cytotoxic activity of Stx2e towards LLC-PK1 cells, whereas only Gb4-PE exhibited some protection against Stx2e for PK-15 cells. This is the first report identifying Stx2e receptors of porcine kidney epithelial cells and providing first data on their Stx2e-mediated damage suggesting possible involvement in the edema disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Detzner
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Caroline Gloerfeld
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Alexander Mellmann
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.D.); (C.G.); (G.P.); (N.L.); (A.M.); (H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)251-8355192
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Legros N, Pohlentz G, Steil D, Müthing J. Shiga toxin-glycosphingolipid interaction: Status quo of research with focus on primary human brain and kidney endothelial cells. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:1073-1084. [PMID: 30224239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin (Stx)-mediated injury of the kidneys and the brain represent the major extraintestinal complications in humans upon infection by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). Damage of renal and cerebral endothelial cells is the key event in the pathogenesis of the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Stxs are AB5 toxins and the B-pentamers of the two clinically important Stx subtypes Stx1a and Stx2a preferentially bind to the glycosphingolipid globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and to less extent to globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ3Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1), which are expected to reside in lipid rafts in the plasma membrane of the human endothelium. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the Stx glycosphingolipid receptors and their lipid membrane ensemble in primary human brain microvascular endothelial cells (pHBMECs) and primary human renal glomerular endothelial cells (pHRGECs). Increasing knowledge on the precise initial molecular mechanisms by which Stxs interact with cellular targets will help to develop specific therapeutics and/or preventive measures to combat EHEC-caused diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | | | - Daniel Steil
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany; Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research (IZKF), University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
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Legros N, Pohlentz G, Runde J, Dusny S, Humpf HU, Karch H, Müthing J. Colocalization of receptors for Shiga toxins with lipid rafts in primary human renal glomerular endothelial cells and influence of D-PDMP on synthesis and distribution of glycosphingolipid receptors. Glycobiology 2018; 27:947-965. [PMID: 28535204 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwx048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Damage of human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs) of the kidney represents the linchpin in the pathogenesis of the hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Shiga toxins of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). We performed a comprehensive structural analysis of the Stx-receptor glycosphingolipids (GSLs) globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer, Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and globotetraosylceramide (Gb4Cer, GalNAcβ3Galα4Galβ4Glcβ1Cer) and their distribution in lipid raft analog detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs) and nonDRMs prepared from primary HRGECs. Predominant receptor lipoforms were Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer with Cer (d18:1, C16:0), Cer (d18:1, C22:0) and Cer (d18:1, C24:1/C24:0). Stx-receptor GSLs co-distribute with sphingomyelin (SM) and cholesterol as well as flotillin-2 in DRMs, representing the liquid-ordered membrane phase and indicating lipid raft association. Lyso-phosphatidylcholine (lyso-PC) was identified as a nonDRM marker phospholipid of the liquid-disordered membrane phase. Exposure of primary HRGECs to the ceramide analogon d-threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (D-PDMP) reduced total Gb3Cer and Gb4Cer content, roughly calculated from two biological replicates, down to half and quarter of its primordial content, respectively, but strengthened their prevalence and cholesterol preponderance in DRMs. At the same time, the distribution of PC, SM and lyso-PC to subcellular membrane fractions remained unaffected by D-PDMP treatment. Defining the GSL composition and precise microdomain structures of primary HRGECs may help to develop novel therapeutic options to combat life-threatening EHEC infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Legros
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Gottfried Pohlentz
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Jana Runde
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Stefanie Dusny
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute for Food Chemistry, University of Münster, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Helge Karch
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes Müthing
- Institute for Hygiene, University of Münster, Robert-Koch-Str. 41, D-48149 Münster, Germany
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Abstract
Post-infectious hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is caused by specific pathogens in patients with no identifiable HUS-associated genetic mutation or autoantibody. The majority of episodes is due to infections by Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC). This chapter reviews the epidemiology and pathogenesis of STEC-HUS, including bacterial-derived factors and host responses. STEC disease is characterized by hematological (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia), renal (acute kidney injury) and extrarenal organ involvement. Clinicians should always strive for an etiological diagnosis through the microbiological or molecular identification of Stx-producing bacteria and Stx or, if negative, serological assays. Treatment of STEC-HUS is supportive; more investigations are needed to evaluate the efficacy of putative preventive and therapeutic measures, such as non-phage-inducing antibiotics, volume expansion and anti-complement agents. The outcome of STEC-HUS is generally favorable, but chronic kidney disease, permanent extrarenal, mainly cerebral complication and death (in less than 5 %) occur and long-term follow-up is recommended. The remainder of this chapter highlights rarer forms of (post-infectious) HUS due to S. dysenteriae, S. pneumoniae, influenza A and HIV and discusses potential interactions between these pathogens and the complement system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis F. Geary
- Division of Nephrology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Bourquin F, Capitani G, Grütter MG. PLP-dependent enzymes as entry and exit gates of sphingolipid metabolism. Protein Sci 2012; 20:1492-508. [PMID: 21710479 DOI: 10.1002/pro.679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids are membrane constituents as well as signaling molecules involved in many essential cellular processes. Serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT) and sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase (SPL), both PLP (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate)-dependent enzymes, function as entry and exit gates of the sphingolipid metabolism. SPT catalyzes the condensation of serine and a fatty acid into 3-keto-dihydrosphingosine, whereas SPL degrades sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) into phosphoethanolamine and a long-chain aldehyde. The recently solved X-ray structures of prokaryotic homologs of SPT and SPL combined with functional studies provide insight into the structure-function relationship of the two enzymes. Despite carrying out different reactions, the two enzymes reveal striking similarities in the overall fold, topology, and residues crucial for activity. Unlike their eukaryotic counterparts, bacterial SPT and SPL lack a transmembrane helix, making them targets of choice for biochemical characterization because the use of detergents can be avoided. Both human enzymes are linked to severe diseases or disorders and might therefore serve as targets for the development of therapeutics aiming at the modulation of their activity. This review gives an overview of the sphingolipid metabolism and of the available biochemical studies of prokaryotic SPT and SPL, and discusses the major similarities and differences to the corresponding eukaryotic enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Bourquin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Function of membrane rafts in viral lifecycles and host cellular response. Biochem Res Int 2011; 2011:245090. [PMID: 22191032 PMCID: PMC3235436 DOI: 10.1155/2011/245090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Revised: 08/31/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane rafts are small (10–200 nm) sterol- and sphingolipid-enriched domains that compartmentalize cellular processes. Membrane rafts play an important role in viral infection cycles and viral virulence. Viruses are divided into four main classes, enveloped DNA virus, enveloped RNA virus, nonenveloped DNA virus, and nonenveloped RNA virus. General virus infection cycle is also classified into two sections, the early stage (entry process) and the late stage (assembly, budding, and release processes of virus particles). In the viral cycle, membrane rafts act as a scaffold of many cellular signal transductions, which are associated with symptoms caused by viral infections. In this paper, we describe the functions of membrane rafts in viral lifecycles and host cellular response according to each virus classification, each stage of the virus lifecycle, and each virus-induced signal transduction.
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Ray PE, Hu CAA. Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV-1 associated nephropathy in children. Future Virol 2011; 6:883-894. [PMID: 22162721 DOI: 10.2217/fvl.11.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Childhood HIV-1 associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a clinical and renal histological disease characterized by heavy proteinuria associated with focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis and/or mesangial hyperplasia in combination with microcystic tubular dilatation. These lesions lead to renal enlargement and rapid progression to kidney failure. Children of African ancestry have a unique susceptibility to developing HIVAN. It is estimated that approximately 300,000 HIV-infected children living in the sub-Saharan Africa could develop HIVAN if they do not receive appropriate antiretroviral therapy. This article discusses recent developments and controversies related to the pathogenesis of childhood HIVAN. The role of host genetic factors, including the newly identified variants in the APOL1 gene, is discussed in the context of previous studies that established the pathological paradigm for HIVAN, and our current understanding of the functional genomics analysis. Hopefully, these advances will provide new research opportunities to generate better treatments for children with HIVAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio E Ray
- Children's National Medical Center & Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
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Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. Current world literature. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2010; 13:215-21. [PMID: 20145440 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0b013e32833643b4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ray PE. Taking a hard look at the pathogenesis of childhood HIV-associated nephropathy. Pediatr Nephrol 2009; 24:2109-19. [PMID: 19288142 PMCID: PMC2778297 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-009-1155-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 02/06/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Childhood human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is defined by the presence of proteinuria associated with mesangial hyperplasia and/or global-focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, in combination with the microcystic transformation of renal tubules. This review discusses the pathogenesis of childhood HIVAN and explores how the current pathological paradigm for HIVAN in adults can be applied to children. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) induces renal epithelial injury in African American children with a genetic susceptibility to develop HIVAN. The mechanism is not well understood, since renal epithelial cells harvested from children with HIVAN do not appear to be productively infected. Children with HIVAN show a renal up-regulation of heparan sulphate proteoglycans and a recruitment of circulating heparin-binding growth factors, chemokines, and mononuclear cells. Macrophages appear to establish a renal HIV-reservoir and transfer viral particles to renal epithelial cells. All of these changes seem to trigger an aberrant and persistent renal epithelial proliferative response. The paradigm that viral products produced by infected renal epithelial cells per se induce the proliferation of these cells is not supported by data available in children with HIVAN. More research is needed to elucidate how HIV-1 induces renal epithelial injury and proliferation in HIV-infected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio E Ray
- Children's Research Institute, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C. 20010, USA.
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