Inherited salt-losing tubulopathies are associated with immunodeficiency due to impaired IL-17 responses

Renal Cystinuria and Immune Cells (T Lymphocytes) Dysfunction: What We Know about?

INTRODUCTION

Cystinuria (CYS) is the most common monogenic kidney stone disease.

METHODS

Starting from an unusual case of CYS associated to primary sclerosing cholangitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and autoimmune hepatitis in a young male, we carefully review the literature and propose here a working hypothesis regarding the potential risk of cystinuric patients to develop conditions due to immune system dysregulation. To corroborate this hypothesis, we retrospectively evaluate the frequency of dysimmunity in a monocentric cohort including 36 cystinuric patients compared to healthy and disease controls.

RESULTS

CYS patients have an increased prevalence of atopic disease compared to disease controls (p = 0.03) and 16.7% of CYS subjects were diagnosed with allergic disease to a variety of antigens.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed to define the relationship between proximal tubular transport defect of CYS and dysregulated immunity.

Salt Sensitivity: Causes, Consequences, and Recent Advances

Salt (sodium chloride) is an essential nutrient required to maintain physiological functions. However, for most people, daily salt intake far exceeds their physiological need and is habitually greater than recommended upper thresholds. Excess salt intake leads to elevation in blood pressure which drives cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Indeed, excessive salt intake is estimated to be responsible for ≈5 million deaths per year globally. For approximately one-third of otherwise healthy individuals (and >50% of those with hypertension), the effect of salt intake on blood pressure elevation is exaggerated; such people are categorized as salt sensitive and salt sensitivity of blood pressure is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and death. The prevalence of salt sensitivity is higher in women than in men and, in both, increases with age. This narrative review considers the foundational concepts of salt sensitivity and the underlying effector systems that cause salt sensitivity. We also consider recent updates in preclinical and clinical research that are revealing new modifying factors that determine the blood pressure response to high salt intake.

Sodium as an Important Regulator of Immunometabolism

Salt sensitivity concerns blood pressure alterations after a change in salt intake (sodium chloride). The heart is a pump, and vessels are tubes; sodium can affect both. A high salt intake increases cardiac output, promotes vascular dysfunction and capillary rarefaction, and chronically leads to increased systemic vascular resistance. More recent findings suggest that sodium also acts as an important second messenger regulating energy metabolism and cellular functions. Besides endothelial cells and fibroblasts, sodium also affects innate and adaptive immunometabolism, immune cell function, and influences certain microbes and microbiota-derived metabolites. We propose the idea that the definition of salt sensitivity should be expanded beyond high blood pressure to cellular and molecular salt sensitivity.

2D sodium MRI of the human calf using half-sinc excitation pulses and compressed sensing

PURPOSE

Sodium MRI can be used to quantify tissue sodium concentration (TSC) in vivo; however, UTE sequences are required to capture the rapidly decaying signal. 2D MRI enables high in-plane resolution but typically has long TEs. Half-sinc excitation may enable UTE; however, twice as many readouts are necessary. Scan time can be minimized by reducing the number of signal averages (NSAs), but at a cost to SNR. We propose using compressed sensing (CS) to accelerate 2D half-sinc acquisitions while maintaining SNR and TSC.

METHODS

Ex vivo and in vivo TSC were compared between 2D spiral sequences with full-sinc (TE = 0.73 ms, scan time ≈ 5 min) and half-sinc excitation (TE = 0.23 ms, scan time ≈ 10 min), with 150 NSAs. Ex vivo, these were compared to a reference 3D sequence (TE = 0.22 ms, scan time ≈ 24 min). To investigate shortening 2D scan times, half-sinc data was retrospectively reconstructed with fewer NSAs, comparing a nonuniform fast Fourier transform to CS. Resultant TSC and image quality were compared to reference 150 NSAs nonuniform fast Fourier transform images.

RESULTS

TSC was significantly higher from half-sinc than from full-sinc acquisitions, ex vivo and in vivo. Ex vivo, half-sinc data more closely matched the reference 3D sequence, indicating improved accuracy. In silico modeling confirmed this was due to shorter TEs minimizing bias caused by relaxation differences between phantoms and tissue. CS was successfully applied to in vivo, half-sinc data, maintaining TSC and image quality (estimated SNR, edge sharpness, and qualitative metrics) with ≥50 NSAs.

CONCLUSION

2D sodium MRI with half-sinc excitation and CS was validated, enabling TSC quantification with 2.25 × 2.25 mm2 resolution and scan times of ≤5 mins.

PM2.5-bound metals and blood metals are associated with pulmonary function and Th17/Treg imbalance: A panel study of asthmatic adults

Growing research has demonstrated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was associated with decreased pulmonary function and obvious inflammatory response. However, few pieces of research focus on the effects of PM2.5-bound metals on people with asthma. Here, we assessed whether PM2.5 and PM2.5-bound metals exposure could worsen pulmonary function in asthmatic patients and further elucidate the possible mechanisms. Thirty-four asthmatic patients were recruited to follow up for one year with eight visits in 2019-2020 in Taiyuan City, China. The index of pulmonary function was detected and blood and nasal epithelial lining fluid (ELF) samples were acquired for biomarkers measurement at each follow-up. Linear mixed-effect (LME) models were used to evaluate the relations between PM2.5, PM2.5-bound metals, and blood metals with lung function and biomarkers of Th17/Treg balance. The individual PM2.5 exposure concentration varied from 37 μg/m3 to 194 μg/m3 (mean: 59.63 μg/m3) in the present study. An interquartile range (IQR) increment of PM2.5 total mass was associated with a faster decline in maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and higher interleukin-23 (IL-23). PM2.5-bound metals [e.g. copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), and zinc (Zn)] were significantly associated with IL-23 (Cu: 5.1126%, 95% CI: 9.3708, 0.8544; Mn: 14.7212%, 95% CI: 27.926, 1.5164; Ni: 1.0269%, 95% CI: 2.0273, 0.0264; Ti: 16.7536%, 95% CI: 31.6203, 1.8869; Zn: 24.5806%, 95% CI: 46.609, 2.5522). Meanwhile, blood lead (Pb) and Cu were associated with significant declines of 0.382-3.895% in MMEF and maximum ventilatory volume (MVV). Blood Pb was associated with descending transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). In conclusion, exposure to PM2.5-bound metals and blood metals is a risk factor for decreased pulmonary function, especially in small airways. These alterations might be partially attributed to the imbalance of Th17/Treg.

Estrogen-sensitive activation of SGK1 induces M2 macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties and a Th2 response at the maternal-fetal interface

BACKGROUND

Decidual macrophages participate in immune regulation at the maternal-fetal interface. Abnormal M1/M2 polarization of decidual macrophages might predispose immune maladaptation in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). However, the mechanism of decidual macrophage polarization is unclear. We explored the role of Estradiol (E₂)-sensitive serum-glucocorticoid regulated kinase (SGK) 1 in promoting macrophage polarization and suppressing inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface.

METHODS

We assessed serum levels of E₂ and progesterone during first trimester of pregnancy in women with or without threatened miscarriages (ended in live birth, n = 448; or early miscarriages, n = 68). For detection of SGK1 in decidual macrophages, we performed immunofluorescence labeling and western blot analysis applying decidual samples from RPL (n = 93) and early normal pregnancy (n = 66). Human monocytic THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages and treated with Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), E₂, inhibitors or siRNA for in vitro analysis. Flow cytometry analysis were conducted to detect macrophages polarization. We also applied ovariectomized (OVX) mice with hormones exploring the mechanisms underlying the regulation of SGK1 activation by E₂ in the decidual macrophages in vivo.

RESULTS

SGK1 expression down regulation in the decidual macrophages of RPL was consistent with the lower concentration and slower increment of serum E₂ from 4 to 12 weeks of gestation seen in these compromised pregnancies. LPS reduced SGK1 activities, but induced the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype of THP-1 monocyte-derived macrophages and T helper (Th) 1 cytokines that favored pregnancy loss. E₂ pretreatment promoted SGK1 activation in the decidual macrophages of OVX mice in vivo. E₂ pretreatment amplified SGK1 activation in TLR4-stimulated THP-1 macrophages in vitro through the estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and PI3K pathway. E₂-sensitive activation of SGK1 increased M2 macrophages and Th2 immune responses, which were beneficial to successful pregnancy, by inducing ARG1 and IRF4 transcription, which are implicated in normal pregnancy. The experiments on OVX mice have shown that pharmacological inhibition of E₂ promoted nuclear translocation of NF-κB in the decidual macrophages. Further more, pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of SGK1 in TLR4-stimulated THP-1 macrophages activated NF-κB by promoting its nuclear translocation, leading to increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in pregnancy loss.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlighted the immunomodulatory roles of E₂-activated SGK1 in Th2 immune responses by priming anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface, resulting in a balanced immune microenvironment during pregnancy. Our results suggest new perspectives on future preventative strategies for RPL.

Sodium and Growth in Preterm Infants: A Review

Aim

This article is intended to review the relationship between sodium homeostasis and growth, outline reasons why preterm infants may become sodium deficient, and share data from our group and others regarding the potential benefits of dietary sodium supplementation.

Background

Despite tremendous efforts over the past 20 years to optimize neonatal nutrition, postnatal growth failure in preterm infants remains a significant problem. Compelling associations have been identified between in-hospital growth failure and cardiometabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders, heightening the need to further identify the optimal nutritional needs of preterm infants.

Results

The impact of sodium deficiency may have on somatic growth is poorly studied and reported upon within the human literature. In contrast, animal studies dating back almost 100 years highlight the nutritional importance of dietary sodium. Sodium homeostasis during early postnatal life is understudied and underappreciated by neonatologists.

Conclusion

Insufficient sodium intake during early life is likely a critical yet underappreciated contributor to growth failure. Total body sodium depletion may be an important risk factor driving complications of premature birth.

Clinical significance

Increased awareness of sodium homeostasis in preterm infants may improve outcomes in this population. Sodium intake recommendations are provided based on the interpretation of currently available literature.

Novel Concepts in Nephron Sodium Transport: A Physiological and Clinical Perspective

The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining total body sodium (Na⁺) balance across a wide range of dietary intake, accomplished by a concerted effort involving multiple Na⁺ transporters along the nephron. Furthermore, nephron Na⁺ reabsorption and urinary Na⁺ excretion are closely linked to renal blood flow and glomerular filtration such that perturbations in either of them can modify Na⁺ transport along the nephron, ultimately resulting in hypertension and other Na⁺-retentive states. In this article, we provide a brief physiological overview of nephron Na⁺ transport and illustrate clinical syndromes and therapeutic agents that affect Na⁺ transporter function. We highlight recent advances in kidney Na⁺ transport, particularly the role of immune cells, lymphatics, and interstitial Na⁺ in regulating Na⁺ reabsorption, the emergence of potassium (K⁺) as a regulator of Na⁺ transport, and the evolution of the nephron to modulate Na⁺ transport.

Integrated analysis of Helicobacter pylori-related prognostic gene modification patterns in the tumour microenvironment of gastric cancer

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the leading causes of gastric cancer (GC). However, the interaction between HP and the TME, and its carcinogenic mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

The HP-related prognostic genes were identified based on HP infection-related gene markers and HP infection sample datasets by risk method and NMF algorithm. Principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was used to constructed the HPscore system. The “limma” R package was employed to determine differentially expressed genes. In addition, the R packages, such as “xCell” and “GSVA”, was used to analyze the relationship between the HPscore and tumor microenvironment. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to verify the expression levels of 28 HP-related prognostic genes in tissues.

Results

We successfully identified 28 HP-related prognostic genes that accurately classified the GC population. There are significant differences in survival between different subgroups (high-, low-risk and cluster_1,2). Thereafter, the HPscore system was constructed to evaluate the signatures of the 28 HP-related prognostic genes. The overall survival rate in the high-HPscore group was poor and immunological surveillance was reduced, whereas the low-HPscore group had a survival advantage and was related to the inflammatory response. HPscore was also strongly correlated with the tumour stage, TME cell infiltration and stemness. The qRT-PCR results showed that DOCK4 expression level of 28 HP-related prognostic genes was higher in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues.

Conclusions

HP signatures play a crucial role in the TME and tumourigenesis. HPscore evaluation of a single tumour sample can help identify the TME characteristics and the carcinogenic mechanism of GC patients infected with HP, based on which personalized treatment can be administered.

The genetic spectrum of Gitelman(-like) syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Gitelman syndrome is a recessive salt-wasting disorder characterized by hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypocalciuria. The majority of patients are explained by mutations and deletions in the SLC12A3 gene, encoding the Na+-Cl--co-transporter (NCC). Recently, additional genetic causes of Gitelman-like syndromes have been identified that should be considered in genetic screening. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical, genetic and mechanistic aspects of Gitelman(-like) syndromes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Disturbed Na+ reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT) is associated with hypomagnesemia and hypokalemic alkalosis. In Gitelman syndrome, loss-of-function mutations in SLC12A3 cause impaired NCC-mediated Na+ reabsorption. In addition, patients with mutations in CLCKNB, KCNJ10, FXYD2 or HNF1B may present with a similar phenotype, as these mutations indirectly reduce NCC activity. Furthermore, genetic investigations of patients with Na+-wasting tubulopathy have resulted in the identification of pathogenic variants in MT-TI, MT-TF, KCNJ16 and ATP1A1. These novel findings highlight the importance of cell metabolism and basolateral membrane potential for Na+ reabsorption in the DCT.

SUMMARY

Altogether, these findings extend the genetic spectrum of Gitelman-like electrolyte alterations. Genetic testing of patients with hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia should cover a panel of genes involved in Gitelman-like syndromes, including the mitochondrial genome.

Microenvironmental influences on T cell immunity in cancer and inflammation

T cell metabolism is dynamic and highly regulated. While the intrinsic metabolic programs of T cell subsets are integral to their distinct differentiation and functional patterns, the ability of cells to acquire nutrients and cope with hostile microenvironments can limit these pathways. T cells must function in a wide variety of tissue settings, and how T cells interpret these signals to maintain an appropriate metabolic program for their demands or if metabolic mechanisms of immune suppression restrain immunity is an area of growing importance. Both in inflamed and cancer tissues, a wide range of changes in physical conditions and nutrient availability are now acknowledged to shape immunity. These include fever and increased temperatures, depletion of critical micro and macro-nutrients, and accumulation of inhibitory waste products. Here we review several of these factors and how the tissue microenvironment both shapes and constrains immunity.

Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Blacks and Women: A Role of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Epithelial Na+ Channel

Significance: Salt sensitivity of blood pressure (SSBP) is an independent risk factor for mortality and morbidity due to cardiovascular disease, and disproportionately affects blacks and women. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including exaggerated activation of sodium transporters in the kidney leading to salt retention and water. Recent Advances: Recent studies have found that in addition to the renal epithelium, myeloid immune cells can sense sodium via the epithelial Na⁺ channel (ENaC), which leads to activation of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase enzyme complex, increased fatty acid oxidation, and production of isolevuglandins (IsoLGs). IsoLGs are immunogenic and contribute to salt-induced hypertension. In addition, aldosterone-mediated activation of ENaC has been attributed to the increased SSBP in women. The goal of this review is to highlight mechanisms contributing to SSBP in blacks and women, including, but not limited to increased activation of ENaC, fatty acid oxidation, and inflammation. Critical Issues: A critical barrier to progress in management of SSBP is that its diagnosis is not feasible in the clinic and is limited to expensive and laborious research protocols, which makes it difficult to investigate. Yet without understanding the underlying mechanisms, this important risk factor remains without treatment. Future Directions: Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that contribute to differential blood pressure responses to dietary salt and find feasible diagnostic tools. This is extremely important and may go a long way in mitigating the racial and sex disparities in cardiovascular outcomes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 1477-1493.

Human immune diversity: from evolution to modernity

The extreme diversity of the human immune system, forged and maintained throughout evolutionary history, provides a potent defense against opportunistic pathogens. At the same time, this immune variation is the substrate upon which a plethora of immune-associated diseases develop. Genetic analysis suggests that thousands of individually weak loci together drive up to half of the observed immune variation. Intense selection maintains this genetic diversity, even selecting for the introgressed Neanderthal or Denisovan alleles that have reintroduced variation lost during the out-of-Africa migration. Variations in age, sex, diet, environmental exposure, and microbiome each potentially explain the residual variation, with proof-of-concept studies demonstrating both plausible mechanisms and correlative associations. The confounding interaction of many of these variables currently makes it difficult to assign definitive contributions. Here, we review the current state of play in the field, identify the key unknowns in the causality of immune variation, and identify the multidisciplinary pathways toward an improved understanding.

Molecular Basis, Diagnostic Challenges and Therapeutic Approaches of Bartter and Gitelman Syndromes: A Primer for Clinicians

Gitelman and Bartter syndromes are rare inherited diseases that belong to the category of renal tubulopathies. The genes associated with these pathologies encode electrolyte transport proteins located in the nephron, particularly in the Distal Convoluted Tubule and Ascending Loop of Henle. Therefore, both syndromes are characterized by alterations in the secretion and reabsorption processes that occur in these regions. Patients suffer from deficiencies in the concentration of electrolytes in the blood and urine, which leads to different systemic consequences related to these salt-wasting processes. The main clinical features of both syndromes are hypokalemia, hypochloremia, metabolic alkalosis, hyperreninemia and hyperaldosteronism. Despite having a different molecular etiology, Gitelman and Bartter syndromes share a relevant number of clinical symptoms, and they have similar therapeutic approaches. The main basis of their treatment consists of electrolytes supplements accompanied by dietary changes. Specifically for Bartter syndrome, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is also strongly supported. This review aims to address the latest diagnostic challenges and therapeutic approaches, as well as relevant recent research on the biology of the proteins involved in disease. Finally, we highlight several objectives to continue advancing in the characterization of both etiologies.

Sodium and its manifold impact on our immune system

The Western diet is rich in salt, and a high salt diet (HSD) is suspected to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. It is now widely accepted that an experimental HSD can stimulate components of the immune system, potentially exacerbating certain autoimmune diseases, or alternatively, improving defenses against certain infections, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, recent findings show that an experimental HSD may also aggravate other infections (e.g., pyelonephritis or systemic listeriosis). Here, we discuss the modulatory effects of a HSD on the microbiota, metabolic signaling, hormonal responses, local sodium concentrations, and their effects on various immune cell types in different tissues. We describe how these factors are integrated, resulting either in immune stimulation or suppression in various tissues and disease settings.

T helper 17 cells in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic kidney disease

Both acute and chronic kidney disease have a strong underlying inflammatory component. This review focuses primarily on T helper 17 (Th17) cells as mediators of inflammation and their potential to modulate acute and chronic kidney disease. We provide updated information on factors and signaling pathways that promote Th17 cell differentiation with specific reference to kidney disease. We highlight numerous clinical studies that have investigated Th17 cells in the setting of human kidney disease and provide updated summaries from various experimental animal models of kidney disease indicating an important role for Th17 cells in renal fibrosis and hypertension. We focus on the pleiotropic effects of Th17 cells in different renal cell types as potentially relevant to the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Finally, we highlight studies that present contrasting roles for Th17 cells in kidney disease progression.

Contribution of Th17 cells to tissue injury in hypertension

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertension has been demonstrated to be a chief contributor to morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Although the cause of hypertension is multifactorial, emerging evidence, obtained in experimental studies, as well as observational studies in humans, points to the role of inflammation and immunity. Many aspects of immune function have now been implicated in hypertension and end-organ injury; this review will focus upon the recently-described role of Th17 cells in this pathophysiological response.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies in animal models and human genetic studies point to a role in the adaptive immune system as playing a contributory role in hypertension and renal tissue damage. Th17 cells, which produce the cytokine IL17, are strongly pro-inflammatory cells, which may contribute to tissue damage if expressed in chronic disease conditions. The activity of these cells may be enhanced by physiological factors associated with hypertension such as dietary salt or Ang II. This activity may culminate in the increased sodium retaining activity and exacerbation of inflammation and renal fibrosis via multiple cellular mechanisms.

SUMMARY

Th17 cells are a distinct component of the adaptive immune system that may strongly enhance pathways leading to increased sodium reabsorption, elevated vascular tone and end-organ damage. Moreover, this pathway may lend itself towards specific targeting for treatment of kidney disease and hypertension.

Salt-sensitive hypertension in chronic kidney disease: distal tubular mechanisms

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes salt-sensitive hypertension that is often resistant to treatment and contributes to the progression of kidney injury and cardiovascular disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms contributing to salt-sensitive hypertension in CKD is essential to improve these outcomes. This review critically explores these mechanisms by focusing on how CKD affects distal nephron Na+ reabsorption. CKD causes glomerulotubular imbalance with reduced proximal Na+ reabsorption and increased distal Na+ delivery and reabsorption. Aldosterone secretion further contributes to distal Na+ reabsorption in CKD and is not only mediated by renin and K+ but also by metabolic acidosis, endothelin-1, and vasopressin. CKD also activates the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system, generating intratubular angiotensin II to promote distal Na+ reabsorption. High dietary Na+ intake in CKD contributes to Na+ retention by aldosterone-independent activation of the mineralocorticoid receptor mediated through Rac1. High dietary Na+ also produces an inflammatory response mediated by T helper 17 cells and cytokines increasing distal Na+ transport. CKD is often accompanied by proteinuria, which contains plasmin capable of activating the epithelial Na+ channel. Thus, CKD causes both local and systemic changes that together promote distal nephron Na+ reabsorption and salt-sensitive hypertension. Future studies should address remaining knowledge gaps, including the relative contribution of each mechanism, the influence of sex, differences between stages and etiologies of CKD, and the clinical relevance of experimentally identified mechanisms. Several pathways offer opportunities for intervention, including with dietary Na+ reduction, distal diuretics, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and K+ or H+ binders.