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Zou Y, Wang D, Sun W, Wu Q, Liu S, Ren Z, Li Y, Zhao T, Li Z, Li X, Cao W, Han J, Guo X, Ren G. Fibroblast growth factor 21 mitigates lupus nephritis progression via the FGF21/Irgm 1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111875. [PMID: 38508095 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
As an endocrine cytokine, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. With the development of lupus nephritis (LN), which is tightly related to pathogenic factors, including inflammation and immune cell dysregulation, we explored the impact of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) as well as its underlying mechanism. We induced an in vivo LN model using pristane in both wild-type C57BL/6 and FGF21 knockout (FGF21-/-) mice. LN serum obtained from 32-week-old wild-type LN mice was used to stimulate RAW264.7 and human renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells to mimic an in vitro LN model. Moreover, our findings revealed that FGF21-/- mice showed more severe kidney injury compared to wild-type mice, as evidenced by increased levels of renal function markers, inflammatory factors, and fibrosis markers. Notably, exogenous administration of FGF21 to wild-type LN mice markedly mitigated these adverse effects. Additionally, we used tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative proteomics to detect differentially expressed proteins following FGF21 treatment. Results indicated that 121 differentially expressed proteins influenced by FGF21 were involved in biological processes such as immune response and complement activation. Significantly upregulated protein Irgm 1, coupled with modulated inflammatory response, appeared to contribute to the beneficial effects of FGF21. Furthermore, Western blot analysis demonstrated that FGF21 upregulated Irgm 1 while inhibiting nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors family pyrin domain including 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression. Silencing Irgm 1, in turn, reversed FGF21's inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome. In summary, FGF21 can potentially alleviate pristane-induced lupus nephritis in mice, possibly through the FGF21/Irgm 1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Zou
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Wenying Sun
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Qing Wu
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Shijie Liu
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zeheng Ren
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Tianqi Zhao
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Zhitong Li
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Weiyue Cao
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Jiachi Han
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Xiaochen Guo
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China
| | - Guiping Ren
- Biopharmaceutical Lab, College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Research Center of Genetic Engineering of Pharmaceuticals of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China; Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biological Functional Gene, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, China.
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Chen P, Ye C, Huang Y, Xu B, Wu T, Dong Y, Jin Y, Zhao L, Hu C, Mao J, Wu R. Glutaminolysis regulates endometrial fibrosis in intrauterine adhesion via modulating mitochondrial function. Biol Res 2024; 57:13. [PMID: 38561846 PMCID: PMC10983700 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-024-00492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial fibrosis, a significant characteristic of intrauterine adhesion (IUA), is caused by the excessive differentiation and activation of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). Glutaminolysis is the metabolic process of glutamine (Gln), which has been implicated in multiple types of organ fibrosis. So far, little is known about whether glutaminolysis plays a role in endometrial fibrosis. METHODS The activation model of ESCs was constructed by TGF-β1, followed by RNA-sequencing analysis. Changes in glutaminase1 (GLS1) expression at RNA and protein levels in activated ESCs were verified experimentally. Human IUA samples were collected to verify GLS1 expression in endometrial fibrosis. GLS1 inhibitor and glutamine deprivation were applied to ESCs models to investigate the biological functions and mechanisms of glutaminolysis in ESCs activation. The IUA mice model was established to explore the effect of glutaminolysis inhibition on endometrial fibrosis. RESULTS We found that GLS1 expression was significantly increased in activated ESCs models and fibrotic endometrium. Glutaminolysis inhibition by GLS1 inhibitor bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl) ethyl sulfide (BPTES or glutamine deprivation treatment suppressed the expression of two fibrotic markers, α-SMA and collagen I, as well as the mitochondrial function and mTORC1 signaling in ESCs. Furthermore, inhibition of the mTORC1 signaling pathway by rapamycin suppressed ESCs activation. In IUA mice models, BPTES treatment significantly ameliorated endometrial fibrosis and improved pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION Glutaminolysis and glutaminolysis-associated mTOR signaling play a role in the activation of ESCs and the pathogenesis of endometrial fibrosis through regulating mitochondrial function. Glutaminolysis inhibition suppresses the activation of ESCs, which might be a novel therapeutic strategy for IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaoshuang Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunke Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingning Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuanhang Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Jin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Changchang Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingxia Mao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruijin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China.
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Wang D, Zhang F, He J, Li C, Liu X, Zhang M, Huang H, Xiong Z, Duan H, Huang X, Wang M. Phosphorylated vimentin at Ser72 is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition in lupus nephritis. Int J Rheum Dis 2024; 27:e14990. [PMID: 38078507 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.14990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure the expression of vimentin and its phosphorylated forms in lupus nephritis (LN) and explore their potential role in LN development. METHODS Lupus renal biopsies from LN patients and normal renal biopsies from kidney transplant donors were collected. The expression of vimentin and its phosphorylated forms (p-vimentin (Ser39, Ser56, Ser72, Ser83, and Tyr117)) were measured by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. To construct stable cell line that overexpress vimentin and its phosphorylated forms, an immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cell line (HK-2 cells) was utilized. The roles of vimentin and its phosphorylated forms on the migration of HK-2 cells were examined by transwell migration assay and wound healing analysis. RESULTS We first observed a significant upregulation of vimentin protein in TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. This finding was further confirmed in renal tissues obtained from LN patients and animal model. Interestingly, among the five phosphorylated forms of vimentin, only vimentin phosphorylated at Ser72 was upregulated in LN. Through the establishment of stable vimentin and its phosphorylated forms overexpression in HK-2 cells, we found that the overexpression of vimentin and its phosphorylated forms at Ser72 significantly enhances the cell migration. CONCLUSIONS Vimentin phosphorylated on Ser72 is important for renal epithelial cell migration, which would enhance the progression of vimentin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition during LN development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daji Wang
- Key Laboratory of Quantitative Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuyi Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xingjiao Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haihui Huang
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zuying Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- Key Laboratory of Protein and Peptide Pharmaceutical, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Meiying Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Sarrand J, Soyfoo MS. Involvement of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14481. [PMID: 37833928 PMCID: PMC10572663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex reversible biological process characterized by the loss of epithelial features and the acquisition of mesenchymal features. EMT was initially described in developmental processes and was further associated with pathological conditions including metastatic cascade arising in neoplastic progression and organ fibrosis. Fibrosis is delineated by an excessive number of myofibroblasts, resulting in exuberant production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, thereby compromising organ function and ultimately leading to its failure. It is now well acknowledged that a significant number of myofibroblasts result from the conversion of epithelial cells via EMT. Over the past two decades, evidence has accrued linking fibrosis to many chronic autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In addition, chronic inflammatory states observed in most autoimmune and inflammatory diseases can act as a potent trigger of EMT, leading to the development of a pathological fibrotic state. In the present review, we aim to describe the current state of knowledge regarding the contribution of EMT to the pathophysiological processes of various rheumatic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Sarrand
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Muhammad S. Soyfoo
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpital Erasme, Université Libre de Bruxelles, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Iwata S, Hajime Sumikawa M, Tanaka Y. B cell activation via immunometabolism in systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155421. [PMID: 37256149 PMCID: PMC10225689 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease involving multiple organs in which B cells perform important functions such as antibody and cytokine production and antigen presentation. B cells are activated and differentiated by the primary B cell receptor, co-stimulatory molecule signals-such as CD40/CD40L-, the Toll-like receptors 7,9, and various cytokine signals. The importance of immunometabolism in the activation, differentiation, and exerting functions of B cells and other immune cells has been widely reported in recent years. However, the regulatory mechanism of immunometabolism in B cells and its involvement in SLE pathogenesis remain elusive. Similarly, the importance of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, glycolytic system, and oxidative phosphorylation has been demonstrated in the mechanisms of B cell immunometabolic activation, mainly in mouse studies. However, the activation of the mTOR pathway in B cells in patients with SLE, the induction of plasmablast differentiation through metabolic and transcription factor regulation by mTOR, and the involvement of this phenomenon in SLE pathogenesis are unclear. In our studies using activated B cells derived from healthy donors and from patients with SLE, we observed that methionine, an essential amino acid, is important for mTORC1 activation. Further, we observed that splenic tyrosine kinase and mTORC1 activation synergistically induce EZH2 expression and plasmablasts by suppressing BACH2 expression through epigenomic modification. Additionally, we identified another mechanism by which the glutaminolysis-induced enhancement of mitochondrial function promotes plasmablast differentiation in SLE. In this review, we focused on the SLE exacerbation mechanisms related to the activation of immune cells-especially B cells-and immunometabolism and reported the latest findings in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Iwata
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Maiko Hajime Sumikawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Chen Y, Li X, Fan X. Integrated proteomics and metabolomics reveal variations in pulmonary fibrosis development and the potential therapeutic effect of Shuangshen Pingfei formula. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115894. [PMID: 36356715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shuangshen Pingfei formula (SSPF), a Chinese medicine prescription, has been prescribed to alleviate PF. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying PF progression and the regulatory mechanism in SSPF. AIMS OF THE STUDY To discriminate the molecular alterations underlying the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and reveal the regulatory mechanism of Shuangshen Pingfei formula (SSPF). MATERIALS AND METHODS An integrated analysis of a time-course pathology combined with proteomics and metabolomics was performed to investigate changes in body weight, survival rate, lung coefficient, histopathology, proteins, and metabolites of lung tissues at different time points upon bleomycin (BLM) exposure and SSPF treatment. RESULTS The results showed that PF progression was characterized by gradually aggravated fibrosis accompanied by inflammation with extended exposure (7, 14, and 21 days). SSPF significantly attenuated lung fibrosis, as evidenced by increased weight, and reduced lung coefficients and fibrosis scores. Moreover, 368 common differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, and 102 DEPs were continuously and monotonically upregulated via proteomics among the three BLM treatments. The DEPs were principally involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and arginine and proline (AP) metabolic reprogramming. Additionally, metabolomics analyses revealed that BLM exposure mainly affected six metabolism pathways, including 34 differentially regulated metabolites (DRMs). Furthermore, correlation analysis found that several DEPs and DRMs, including L-ornithine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, ARG, and AOC1, were associated with arginine and proline metabolism, and 8,9-EET, 8,9-DHET, CYP2B, etc., were involved in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, suggesting that these two pathways play a critical role in the development of fibrosis. After SSPF treatment, the related protein expression and metabolic disorders were regulated, implying that SSPF provides potential solutions to target these pathways for benefit in the treatment of PF. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that ECM remodeling, and metabolic reprogramming of AP and AA are distinctive features of PF development. Simultaneously, we confirmed that SSPF could effectively regulate metabolic disorders, indicating its potential clinical application for PF therapy. Our findings using multiple approaches provide a molecular-scale perspective on the mechanisms of PF progression and the amelioration of SSPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Chen
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaolin Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Xinsheng Fan
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Lichtnekert J, Anders HJ, Lech M. Lupus Nephritis: Current Perspectives and Moving Forward. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:6533-6552. [PMID: 36483271 PMCID: PMC9726217 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s363722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is a severe organ manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and its pathogenesis involves complex etiology and mechanisms. Despite significant knowledge gains and extensive efforts put into understanding the development and relapsing disease activity, lupus nephritis remains a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in lupus patients. Current therapies retain a significant unmet medical need regarding rates of complete response, preventing relapse of lupus nephritis, progression of chronic kidney disease to kidney failure, drug toxicity, and pill burden-related drug non-adherence. Connected to progression of chronic kidney disease are the associated risks for disabling or even lethal cardiovascular events, as well as chronic kidney disease-related secondary immunodeficiency and serious infections. In this regard, biomarkers are needed that can predict treatment response to specific drugs to enable personalized precision medicine. A series of clinical trials with innovative immunomodulatory drugs are ongoing and raise expectations for improvements in the management of lupus nephritis. Here, we review how new developments in pathogenesis connect with current and future perspectives for the management of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lichtnekert
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Maciej Lech
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
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Renal Fibrosis in Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214317. [PMID: 36430794 PMCID: PMC9699516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis can be defined as a pathological process in which deposition of connective tissue replaces normal parenchyma. The kidney, like any organ or tissue, can be impacted by this maladaptive reaction, resulting in persistent inflammation or long-lasting injury. While glomerular injury has traditionally been regarded as the primary focus for classification and prognosis of lupus nephritis (LN), increasing attention has been placed on interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy as markers of injury severity, predictors of therapeutic response, and prognostic factors of renal outcome in recent years. This review will discuss the fibrogenesis in LN and known mechanisms of renal fibrosis. The importance of the chronicity index, which was recently added to the histological categorization of LN, and its role in predicting treatment response and renal prognosis for patients with LN, will be explored. A better understanding of cellular and molecular pathways involved in fibrosis in LN could enable the identification of individuals at higher risk of progression to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease, and the development of new therapeutic strategies for lupus patients.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lupus nephritis (LN) is a key predictor for kidney failure and death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While conventional immunosuppressive treatments have improved the outcome of LN, novel therapies continue to emerge. These new agents target specific immune-reactive cells (B cell repertoire or T lymphocytes) and crucial cytokines/signalling pathways in LN pathogenesis. AREAS COVERED New therapeutic approaches that target specific immune-reactive cells (B cell repertoire or T lymphocytes), crucial cytokines and their signalling pathways in LN pathogenesis. EXPERT OPINION Although earlier studies of rituximab fail to show benefit, a newer generation anti-CD20 biologic, obinutuzumab, is promising in LN. Inhibition of B-cell activating factor by belimumab confers superior renal response when added to the standard of care (SOC) regimens, leading to its recent approval for LN. Therapies targeting plasma cells (proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38) in LN are being developed. A newer generation calcineurin inhibitor, voclosporin, when combined with SOC, results in better renal responses in LN. Other innovative strategies include targeting type I interferon, co-stimulatory signals, complement cascade (anti-C5b) and intracellular proliferation signals (e.g. mTOR, JAK1/2, BTK). While these novel agents improve the short-term renal responses without increased toxicities, long-term data on disease progression and safety remain to be established. Patient stratification by clinical phenotypes, biomarkers and molecular profiles helps enhance the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of novel therapies of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine and Geriatrics, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong
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Mao Z, Tan Y, Tao J, Li L, Yu F, Zhao M. mTORC1 activation induced proximal tubular damage via the pentose phosphate pathway in lupus nephritis. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 189:91-101. [PMID: 35863688 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
More recent studies suggested that metabolic disorders could contribute to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). The present work aimed at identifying metabolic reprogramming in the kidney of lupus nephritis via proteomics and investigating the potential regulatory mechanism. The proteomic studies on the renal biopsies revealed that the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) was significantly enriched in the kidneys of LN patients compared with normal controls (NCs). Immunohistochemical stanning of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the key rate-limiting enzyme of PPP, verify the results of proteomics. We found that G6PD was highly expressed in the kidneys of LN patients and correlated with several clinicopathological indices. The univariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 95%CI, 1.877 (1.059-3.328), P = 0.031) and Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis (P = 0.028) suggested that high G6PD expression in the tubulointerstitial area was a risk factor for worse prognosis. Moreover, the Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway ranked first in the kidneys of LN patients with high G6PD expression and G6PD was co-localized with mTORC1 activation in the tubule. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from LN patients significantly activated the mTORC1 pathway and increased G6PD expression, G6PD activity, NADPH production, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) expression, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and cell apoptosis in tubule cells in vitro. The above phenotypes were partially rescued after the addition of rapamycin or knock-down of G6PD. Overall, our study suggested that renal G6PD expression was associated with the overall enhanced disease activity and worse renal prognosis. mTORC1 activation might be involved in IgG-LN-induced tubular damage via PPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomin Mao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, PR China
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China
| | - Juan Tao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China
| | - Linlin Li
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China
| | - Feng Yu
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China; Department of Nephrology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, 102206, PR China.
| | - Minghui Zhao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Peking University Institute of Nephrology, Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, PR China
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Gao YF, Lu YY, Fan XZ, Wang YH, Tian JH, Saed YA, Li RS, Zhou XS. Blockage of TIM-3 relieves lupus nephritis by expanding Treg cells and promoting their suppressive capacity in MRL/lpr mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108971. [PMID: 35777268 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Containing Protein-3 (TIM-3) is an important immune checkpoint protein that is expressed in Tregs and affects their function. However, the expression and role of TIM-3 in modulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lupus nephritis (LN) are still unknown. In this study, we found that the percentage of TIM-3+ cells among spleen lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells and Tregs was higher in MRL/lpr mice than in MpJ mice. TIM-3high CD4+ T cells and TIM-3high Tregs were mainly responsible for the increase. The percentage of Tregs in TIM-3high CD4+ T cells was lower than that in TIM-3low CD4+ T cells, and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 was lower in TIM-3high Tregs than in the TIM-3low Tregs in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 in vivo significantly increased the Treg population and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 in Tregs, thus relieving the LN symptoms and pathology in MRL/lpr mice. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that TIM-3 regulates Treg cells in LN mainly through cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation and the FoxO signaling pathway. Together, our study has demonstrated that TIM-3 regulates Tregs in LN and that overexpression of TIM-3 in CD4+ T cells and Tregs leads to Treg quantity and quality deficiency in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 protects against LN by expanding Tregs and enhancing their suppressive capacity. Finally, TIM-3 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuan-Yue Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiu-Zhao Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ji-Hua Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yasin-Abdi Saed
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong-Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiao-Shuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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12
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Zhang C, Tam TW, Chau MK, García Córdoba CA, Yung S, Chan TM. Effect of Combined Mycophenolate and Rapamycin Treatment on Kidney Fibrosis in Murine Lupus Nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:866077. [PMID: 35571122 PMCID: PMC9095843 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.866077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A significant proportion of lupus nephritis patients develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progressive kidney fibrosis, for which there is no specific treatment. We previously reported that mycophenolate or rapamycin monotherapy showed comparable efficacy in suppressing kidney fibrosis in a murine model of lupus nephritis through their direct action on mesangial cells. We extended our study to investigate the effect of combined mycophenolate and rapamycin treatment (MR) on kidney fibrosis in NZBWF1/J mice. Methods: Female NZBWF1/J mice with active nephritis were randomized to receive vehicle or treatment with mycophenolate (50 mg/kg/day) and rapamycin (1.5 mg/kg/day) (MR) for up to 12 weeks, and the effect of treatment on clinical parameters, kidney histology, and fibrotic processes was investigated. Results: Progression of nephritis in untreated mice was accompanied by mesangial proliferation, glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, protein cast formation, increased mTOR and ERK phosphorylation, and induction of TGF-β1, IL-6, α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, and collagen expression. Combined MR treatment prolonged survival, improved kidney function, decreased anti-dsDNA antibody level, and ameliorated histopathological changes. The effect of combined MR treatment on kidney histology and function was comparable to that of mycophenolate or rapamycin monotherapy. In vitro studies in human mesangial cells showed that exogenous TGF-β1 and IL-6 both induced mTOR and ERK phosphorylation and downstream fibrotic processes. Both mycophenolic acid and rapamycin inhibited inflammatory and fibrotic processes induced by TGF-β1 or IL-6 by downregulating mTOR and ERK phosphorylation. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that combined mycophenolate and rapamycin, at reduced dose, improves kidney fibrosis in murine lupus nephritis through their distinct effect on mTOR and ERK signaling in mesangial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenzhu Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tsz Wai Tam
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mel Km Chau
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Susan Yung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tak Mao Chan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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13
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Mao Z, Tan Y, Tao J, Li L, Wang H, Yu F, Perl A, Zhao M. Renal mTORC1 activation is associated with disease activity and prognosis in lupus nephritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:3830-3840. [PMID: 35040950 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was initiated to evaluate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation in renal tissue of lupus nephritis (LN) patients. METHODS This retrospective study included 187 LN patients, 20 diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients, 10 minimal change disease (MCD) patients, and 10 normal controls (NCs). 7 of 187 LN patients had repeated renal biopsies. mTORC1/2 activation was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and multiplexed immunofluorescence. The association of mTORC1/2 activation with the clinicopathologic indices and prognostic outcomes was analysed among 187 LN patients. Proteomics was performed in renal biopsies of 20 LN patients. Proteomics was employed to comprehensively evaluate the impact of mTOR activation on intrarenal gene expression. RESULTS mTORC1/2 was significantly activated in podocytes, mesangial cells, endothelial cells and tubular epithelial cells of LN patients as compared with those with MCD or NC. The glomerular mTORC1 activation was higher in LN patients compared with DN patients. mTORC1, but not mTORC2, activation strongly correlated with serum albumin, complement C3, proteinuria, and the following pathological biomarkers of LN: crescent formation, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, mTORC1 activation was identified as a prognostic marker in LN patients. Bioinformatic analyses of proteomics and immunohistochemical data unveiled increased complement activation, antigen presentation, and phagocytosis in LN patients with mTORC1 activation. CONCLUSION Renal mTORC1 activation could be a biomarker to reveal disease activity and predict clinical prognosis in LN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomin Mao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, PR. China
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China
| | - Juan Tao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China
| | - Linlin Li
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Feng Yu
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China.,Department of Nephrology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, 102206, PR. China
| | - Andras Perl
- Departments of Medicine, Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, New York, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Minghui Zhao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital; Peking University Institute of Nephrology; Key laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China; Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Ministry of Education of China, Beijing, 100034, PR. China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100034, PR. China
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14
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Mao Z, Tan Y, Yu F, Zhao M. Discovery of NEU1 as a candidatedone. renal biomarker for proliferative lupus nephritis chronicity. Lupus Sci Med 2021; 8:8/1/e000569. [PMID: 34872988 PMCID: PMC8650488 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2021-000569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proteomic approach was applied to identify candidate biomarkers of chronicity in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis (LN), and their clinicopathological significance and prognostic values were investigated. METHODS This study recruited 10 patients with proliferative LN and 6 normal controls (NCs) with proteomic data to compare protein expression profiles, 58 patients with proliferative LN and 10 NCs to verify proteomic data by immunohistochemistry, and 14 patients with proliferative LN with urine samples to evaluate the urinary expression of the biomarker by western blot assay. The composite endpoints included end-stage renal disease and ≥50% reduction from baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). RESULTS Proteomics detected 48 proteins upregulated in the group with chronicity index (CI) ≥1 compared with the CI=0 and NC groups. Further pathway analysis was enriched in 'other glycan degradation'. Neuraminidase 1 (NEU1), the most predominant protein in the pathway of other glycan degradation, was highly expressed in the kidney of patients with proliferative LN and could co-localise with podocyte, mesangial cells, endothelial cells and tubule cells. NEU1 expression in the tubulointerstitium area was significantly higher in the CI ≥1 group compared with the CI=0 and NC groups. Moreover, NEU1 expression was significantly correlated with serum creatinine value, eGFR and CI scores, respectively. Urinary NEU1 excretion in the CI ≥1 group was higher than in the CI=0 group and was also positively correlated with CI scores. Furthermore, the high expression of renal NEU1 was identified as an independent risk factor for renal prognosis by multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 6.462 (95% CI 1.025 to 40.732), p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS Renal NEU1 expression was associated with pathological CI scores and renal outcomes in patients with proliferative LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaomin Mao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Yu
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Department of Nephrology, Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghui Zhao
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Nephrology, Peking University Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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15
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Simon M, Lücht C, Hosp I, Zhao H, Wu D, Heidecke H, Witowski J, Budde K, Riemekasten G, Catar R. Autoantibodies from Patients with Scleroderma Renal Crisis Promote PAR-1 Receptor Activation and IL-6 Production in Endothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11793. [PMID: 34769227 PMCID: PMC8584031 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is a life-threatening complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Autoantibodies (Abs) against endothelial cell antigens have been implicated in SSc and SRC. However, their detailed roles remain poorly defined. Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been found to be increased in SSc, but its role in SRC is unclear. Here, we aimed to determine how the autoantibodies from patients with SSc and SRC affect IL-6 secretion by micro-vascular endothelial cells (HMECs). METHODS Serum IgG fractions were isolated from either SSc patients with SRC (n = 4) or healthy individuals (n = 4) and then each experiment with HMECs was performed with SSc-IgG from a separate patient or separate healthy control. IL-6 expression and release by HMECs was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription and quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunoassays, respectively. The mechanisms underlying the production of IL-6 were analyzed by transient HMEC transfections with IL-6 promoter constructs, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, Western blots and flow cytometry. RESULTS Exposure of HMECs to IgG from SSc patients, but not from healthy controls, resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in IL-6 secretion, which was associated with increased AKT, p70S6K, and ERK1/2 signalling, as well as increased c-FOS/AP-1 transcriptional activity. All these effects could be reduced by the blockade of the endothelial PAR-1 receptor and/or c-FOS/AP-1silencing. CONCLUSIONS Autoantibodies against PAR-1 found in patients with SSc and SRC induce IL-6 production by endothelial cells through signalling pathways controlled by the AP-1 transcription factor. These observations offer a greater understanding of adverse endothelial cell responses to autoantibodies present in patients with SRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle Simon
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Christian Lücht
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Isa Hosp
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Hongfan Zhao
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Dashan Wu
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Janusz Witowski
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
- Department of Pathophysiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Clinic for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, 23538 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Rusan Catar
- Department of Nephrology and Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (M.S.); (C.L.); (I.H.); (H.Z.); (D.W.); (J.W.); (K.B.)
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16
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Iwata S, Tanaka Y. Therapeutic perspectives on the metabolism of lymphocytes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:1121-1130. [PMID: 34351835 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1964957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The activation of autoreactive T- and B-cells and production of autoantibodies by B cells are involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recently, the concept of 'immunometabolism' has attracted significant attention. Immune cells produce large amounts of energy in the form of ATP and biosynthesize biological components such as nucleic acids and lipids via metabolic reprogramming to activate, differentiate, and exert their functions. AREAS COVERED While the mechanisms underlying the metabolism of CD4+ T cells in SLE have been extensively studied, the metabolic changes underlying B cell activation, differentiation, and function remain unclear. Drugs targeting mTOR and AMPK, such as sirolimus, rapamycin, and metformin, have shown some efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials on patients with SLE, but have not led to breakthroughs. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the immunometabolic mechanisms involved in SLE and RA and discuss the potential novel therapeutic drugs. EXPERT OPINION The intensity of activation of different immune cells and their metabolic kinetics vary in different autoimmune diseases; thus, understanding the disease- and cell-specific metabolic mechanisms may help in the development of clinically effective immunometabolism-targeting drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeru Iwata
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, Assistant Professor, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, Professor and Chairman, Deputy Director, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, the University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu, Japan
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17
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Zhu K, Xu A, Xia W, Li P, Han R, Wang E, Zhou S, Wang R. Integrated analysis of the molecular mechanisms in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:3412-3424. [PMID: 34522168 PMCID: PMC8436110 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.61309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is one of the most aggressive forms of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia. Some miRNAs may be associated with IPF and may affect the occurrence and development of IPF in various pathways. Many miRNAs and genes that may be involved in the development of IPF have been discovered using chip and high throughput technologies. Methods: We analyzed one miRNA and four mRNA databases. We identified hub genes and pathways related to IPF using GO, KEGG enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis (GSVA), PPI network construction, and hub gene analysis. A comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs), predicted miRNA target genes, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) led to the creation of a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in IPF. Results: We found 203 DEGs and 165 DEMs that were associated with IPF. The findings of enrichment analyses showed that these DEGs were mainly involved in antimicrobial humoral response, antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by antimicrobial peptide, extracellular matrix organization, cell killing, and organ or tissue specific immune response. The VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A genes overlapped between hub genes and the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. The miRNAs including miR-199b-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-125A-5p, and miR-107 that we predicted would regulate the VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A genes, which were also associated with IPF or other fibrosis-related diseases. GSVA indicated that metabolic processes of UTP and IMP, immune response, regulation of Th2 cell cytokine production, and positive regulation of NK cell-mediated immunity are associated with the pathogenesis and treatment of IPF. These pathways also interact with VEGFA, CDH5, and WNT3A. Conclusion: These findings provide a new research direction for the diagnosis and treatment of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Aiqun Xu
- Department of General Medicine, Hefei Second People's Hospital, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Wanli Xia
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the first affiliated hospital of Anhui medical university, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Pulin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Enze Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Sijing Zhou
- Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.,Hefei Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Ran Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
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18
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Romo-Tena J, Kaplan MJ. Immunometabolism in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus: an update. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2020; 32:562-571. [PMID: 32826478 PMCID: PMC10463177 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To provide an update on state-of-the-art evidence on the role of immunometabolism reprogramming in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). RECENT FINDINGS Mitochondrial dysfunction and enhanced oxidative stress, along with specific defects in other metabolic pathways, can promote dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses in SLE. These abnormalities appear to be driven by genetic and epigenetic factors, modulated by stochastic events. In addition to extensive descriptions of abnormalities in immunometabolism of lupus lymphocytes, recent studies support the critical role of dysregulation of metabolic pathways in innate immune cells including neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells, in SLE pathogenesis. Recent abnormalities described in lipid metabolism have been associated with SLE disease activity and related damage. Promising therapeutic strategies that target these metabolic abnormalities have recently been described in SLE. SUMMARY Fundamental new insights regarding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in innate immune dysregulation in SLE pathogenesis have recently emerged. Defects in specific molecular pathways pertinent to immunometabolism in SLE have been described. New insights in translational medicine and promising therapeutic targets have been proposed based on these recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Romo-Tena
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Medical Science PhD Program, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mariana J. Kaplan
- Systemic Autoimmunity Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Yung S, Yap DYH, Chan TM. A review of advances in the understanding of lupus nephritis pathogenesis as a basis for emerging therapies. F1000Res 2020; 9:F1000 Faculty Rev-905. [PMID: 32789005 PMCID: PMC7405261 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.22438.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is an important cause of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease that can result in end-stage renal disease. Its pathogenic mechanisms are characterized by aberrant activation of both innate and adaptive immune responses, dysregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, and increased cytokine production. Treatment of lupus nephritis remains a challenging issue in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus since the clinical presentation, response to treatment, and prognosis all vary considerably between patients and are influenced by ethnicity, gender, the degree of chronic kidney damage, pharmacogenomics, and non-immunological modulating factors. Elucidation of the various immunopathogenic pathways in lupus nephritis has resulted in the development of novel therapies, including biologics that target specific antigens on B lymphocytes to achieve B cell depletion, agents that modulate B cell proliferation and development, drugs that block co-stimulatory pathways, drugs that target T lymphocytes primarily, and therapies that target complement activation, signaling pathways, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and neutrophil extracellular traps. This review will discuss recent advances in the understanding of disease pathogenesis in lupus nephritis in the context of potential emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Desmond YH Yap
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Tak Mao Chan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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20
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Qi H, Cao Q, Liu Q. MicroRNA-183 exerts a protective role in lupus nephritis through blunting the activation of TGF-β/Smad/TLR3 pathway via reducing Tgfbr1. Exp Cell Res 2020; 394:112138. [PMID: 32535034 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of microRNA (miR)-183 has been elucidated in systemic lupus erythematosus, while whether it is also engaged in the lupus nephritis (LN) development remains opaque. The intention of this study is to examine the relevance of miR-183 downregulation in the pathogenesis of LN. METHODS The expression of miR-183 was first detected in MRL/lpr mice at weeks 8 and 12, followed by the assessment the effects of miR-183 on renal fibrosis and inflammatory response after overexpression or silencing of miR-183 in mice with LN. We further overexpressed or knocked-down miR-183 in human renal glomerular endothelial cells (HRGECs), and detected the expression patterns of inflammatory factors and Vimentin and α-SMA in the cells. Differentially expressed genes in HRGECs overexpressing miR-183 by microarrays were intersected with targeting mRNAs of miR-183 predicted by bioinformatics websites. The effects of transforming growth factor beta receptor 1 (Tgfbr1) and TGF-β/Smad/TLR3 pathway on renal damage in mice were verified by rescue experiments. RESULTS miR-183 expression was notably lower in MRL/lpr mice, and increased miR-183 expression inhibited renal fibrosis and inflammatory response in mice with LN. Moreover, miR-183 inhibitor in HRGECs remarkably promoted the expression of Vimentin and α-SMA and the secretion of inflammatory factors. miR-183 protected the mouse kidney from pathological damages by targeting and inhibiting Tgfbr1 expression. CONCLUSION miR-183 inhibited the expression of Tgfbr1 by direct targeting to disrupt the TGF-β/Smad/TLR3 pathway, thus repressing renal fibrosis and the secretion of inflammatory factors in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimeng Qi
- Department of General Practice, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Qin Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, PR China.
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Protecting the kidney in systemic lupus erythematosus: from diagnosis to therapy. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020; 16:255-267. [PMID: 32203285 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-020-0401-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a common manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus that can lead to irreversible renal impairment. Although the prognosis of LN has improved substantially over the past 50 years, outcomes have plateaued in the USA in the past 20 years as immunosuppressive therapies have failed to reverse disease in more than half of treated patients. This failure might reflect disease complexity and heterogeneity, as well as social and economic barriers to health-care access that can delay intervention until after damage has already occurred. LN progression is still poorly understood and involves multiple cell types and both immune and non-immune mechanisms. Single-cell analysis of intrinsic renal cells and infiltrating cells from patients with LN is a new approach that will help to define the pathways of renal injury at a cellular level. Although many new immune-modulating therapies are being tested in the clinic, the development of therapies to improve regeneration of the injured kidney and to prevent fibrosis requires a better understanding of the mechanisms of LN progression. This mechanistic understanding, together with the development of clinical measures to evaluate risk and detect early disease and better access to expert health-care providers, should improve outcomes for patients with LN.
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