Induction of C1q expression in glomerular endothelium in a rat model with arterial hypertension and albuminuria

Association of Serum Complement C1q and C3 Level with Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Women

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between serum complement components and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 118 AMD patients and age- and sex-matched 106 control subjects were included. Demographic data and the level of serum complement component (C)1q, C3 and C4 were evaluated. Based on sex, the subjects were stratified into male and female subgroups.

RESULTS

The level of C1q (226.31±45.33mg/dL) was significantly higher and C3 (121.14±15.76mg/dL) was significantly lower than that in control group (200.03±38.54mg/dL) (128.42±19.81mg/dL) in the female AMD patients (p = 0.005, p = 0.045). Logistic regression showed that increased C1q (OR = 1.132, p = 0.016) and decreased C3 (OR = 0.960, p = 0.048) were independent risk factors for female AMD patients. No statistical significance was observed in the male.

CONCLUSION

Increased C1q and decreased C3 were associated with increased risk of AMD, suggesting that the complement classical pathway probably be involved in AMD, especially in female.

Genomic Research in Rat Models of Kidney Disease

Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying renal disease in humans is incomplete. Consequently, our ability to prevent the occurrence of renal disease or treat established kidney disease is limited. Investigating kidney disease directly in humans poses objective difficulties, which has led investigators to seek experimental animal models that simulate renal disease in humans. Animal models have thus become a tool of major importance in the study of renal physiology and have been crucial in shedding light on the complex mechanisms involved in kidney function and in our current understanding of the pathophysiology of renal disease. Among animal models, the rat has been the preferred and most commonly used species for the investigation of renal disease. This chapter reviews what has been achieved over the years, using the rat as a tool for the investigation of renal disease in humans, focusing on the contribution of rat genetics and genomics to the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the major types of renal disease, including primary and secondary renal diseases.

Glomerular C4d deposition can precede the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Recent studies suggest that complement plays a role in the pathogenesis of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Moreover, co-localization of IgM and C3 deposits with FSGS lesions has frequently been reported. Here, we investigated whether glomerular complement deposition precedes the development of FSGS and whether it represents local complement activation. Renal biopsies from 40 patients with primary FSGS, 84 patients with minimal change disease, and 10 healthy individuals were stained for C4d, C1q, and mannose-binding lectin. C4d deposits were also measured in renal allograft biopsies from 34 patients with native primary FSGS, 18 of whom subsequently developed recurrent FSGS. Lastly, we measured C4d deposits in the Munich Wistar Frömter rat model of FSGS. The prevalence of C4d-positive glomeruli was significantly higher among patients with FSGS (73%) compared to patients with minimal change disease (21%) and healthy individuals (10%). Moreover, segmental sclerosis was absent in 42% of C4d-positive glomeruli. Glomerular C1q was significantly more prevalent in FSGS compared to minimal change disease or healthy individuals, while mannose-binding lectin was infrequently observed. C4d deposition was significantly more prevalent in recurrent FSGS (72%) before the development of sclerotic lesions compared to control transplant samples (27%). Finally, at the onset of albuminuria but before the development of FSGS lesions, Munich Wistar Frömter rats had a significantly higher percentage of C4d-positive glomeruli (31%) compared to control rats (4%). Thus, glomerular C4d deposition can precede the development of FSGS, suggesting that complement activation may play a pathogenic role in the development of FSGS.

Regulation of podoplanin expression by microRNA-29b associates with its antiapoptotic effect in angiotensin II-induced injury of human podocytes

BACKGROUND

Angiotensin (Ang)II is involved in induction of proteinuria, renal injury, and apoptosis and thus a major contributor to the development of chronic kidney disease. Podocytes are of major importance for the pathogenesis of several kidney diseases. Decrease of podoplanin (PDPN) in podocytes and podocyte loss has been associated with the development of proteinuria. Little is known about the regulation and biological function of PDPN in podocytes and its role in AngII-mediated kidney damage. Here, we determined the influence of AngII on the expression of PDPN, microRNA (miRNA)-29b and miRNA-497 in human podocytes. Further, we analyzed the impact of small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of PDPN on AngII-induced apoptosis and viability. Moreover, we characterized the role of miRNA-29b and miRNA-497 in expression regulation of PDPN.

METHODS

Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by functional assays. Expression analyses were done via Real-Time PCR and western blot analyses. Dual luciferase assay was performed to characterize miRNA-mediated expression control.

RESULTS

AngII increased the expression of miRNA-29b and reduced PDPN. Small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of PDPN increased proapoptotic caspase-3 activation and cytochrome C translocation, whereas cell viability and Akt phosphorylation were reduced in AngII-stimulated podocytes. In contrast to miRNA-497, transfection of cells with miRNA-29b mimics significantly decreased PDPN. Cotransfection of cells with miRNA-29b and a dual luciferase reporter vector decreased the luciferase activity compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

These data demonstrate the posttranscriptional control of PDPN expression by miRNA-29b and support a role of PDPN as an antiapoptotic prosurvival factor in AngII-induced injury of human podocytes.

Alternative functions of the complement protein C1q at embryo implantation site

Complement component C1q is one of the recognition molecules of the complement system which can serve several functions unrelated to complement activation. This molecule is produced at foeto-maternal interface by macrophages as wells as by decidual endothelial cells and invading trophoblast. Foetal trophoblast cells migrating through the decidua in the early stages of pregnancy synthesize and express C1q on their surface, which is actively involved in promoting trophoblast endovascular and interstitial invasion of the decidua. These functions are mediated by two cell surface receptors, gC1qR and α4β1 integrin, which promote trophoblast adhesion and migration through the activation of ERK1/2 MAPKs. C1q^-/- mice manifest increased frequency of foetal resorption, reduced foetal weight, and smaller litter size when compared to their wild-type counterparts, suggesting that defective local production of C1q may be involved in pregnancy disorders, such as pre-eclampsia. C1q acts also as a strong angiogenic factor and promotes neovascularization. These studies suggest novel and unexpected roles of this complement component in physiological and pathological pregnancies.

Whole rat DNA array survey for candidate genes related to hypertension in kidneys from three spontaneously hypertensive rat substrains at two stages of age and with hypotensive induction caused by hydralazine hydrochloride

Clarification of the genetic nature and more effective care for hypertension are required, given the high incidences of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality. Thus, we surveyed candidate genes for hypertension with rat whole gene DNA microarrays using three novel methods. Gene expression analyses were conducted as follows: Method 1, three types of spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) substrains, SHR, stroke-prone SHR (SHRSP) and malignant type of SHRSP (M-SHRSP) were used and compared to normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats; Method 2, the expressed genes between rats of different ages were compared for different blood pressures; and Method 3, genes that were expressed in rats treated with or without an acute hypotensive stimulus, the antihypertensive hydralazine hydrochloride, were compared. This approach identified dozens of genes, including Dusp15, Cyp8b1, Armc 3, Gtpbp4, Mettl2, Mapk14, Prkar2b, frame 12, Anxa13, Ephx2, Myr8 and Pcdh9 by Method 1; Cyp2C and Atp12a by Method 2; and Kcnc3, Vnn1, TC560558 and Gabrq and a number of unknown genes by Methods 2 and 3, as probable candidate genes for hypertension in SHR substrains. Ephx2 was previously reported as a candidate gene in SHRs; however other genes were identified for the first time in this study. Since it was not always possible to completely demonstrate that these genes are responsible for hypertension in SHRs, further research into true candidate genes that participate in the genesis of hypertension in SHR substrains is warranted.

The non-classical functions of the classical complement pathway recognition subcomponent C1q

C1q, the ligand recognition subcomponent of the classical complement pathway has steadily been gaining recognition as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity. C1q has been shown to be involved in the modulation of various immune cells (such as dendritic cells, platelets, microglia cells and lymphocytes), clearance of apoptotic cells, a range of cell processes such as differentiation, chemotaxis, aggregation and adhesion, and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and systemic lupus erythematosus. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of C1q during pregnancy, coagulation process and embryonic development including neurological synapse function. It is intriguing to note that a prototypical defence molecule has so many diverse functions that probably have its origin in its versatility as a potent charge pattern recognition molecule, modularity within the ligand-recognising globular domain, and the redundancy of putative C1q receptors. The range of function that C1q has been shown to perform also provides clues for the undiscovered functions of a number of C1q family members.

Genomic research in rat models of kidney disease

Current understanding of the mechanisms underlying renal disease in humans is incomplete. Consequently, our ability to prevent the occurrence of renal disease or treat kidney disease once it develops is limited. There are objective difficulties in investigating kidney disease directly in humans, leading investigators to resort to experimental animal models that simulate renal disease in humans. Animal models have thus been a tool of major importance in the study of normal renal physiology and have been crucial in shedding light on the complex mechanisms involved in normal kidney function and in our current understanding of and ability to treat renal disease. Among the animal models, rat has been the preferred and most commonly used species for the investigation of renal disease. This chapter reviews what has been achieved over the years, using rat as a tool for the investigation of renal disease in humans, focusing on the contribution of rat genetics and genomics to the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of the major types of renal disease, including primary and secondary renal diseases.