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Wang M, Zhou J, Niu Q, Wang H. Mechanism of tacrolimus in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1331800. [PMID: 38774214 PMCID: PMC11106426 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1331800] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disorder, with more than half of the patients developing lupus nephritis (LN), which significantly contributes to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The treatment of lupus nephritis has always been challenging. Tacrolimus (TAC), an effective immunosuppressant, has been increasingly used in the treatment of LN in recent years. This review aims to explore the mechanisms of action of tacrolimus in treating LN. Firstly, we briefly introduce the pharmacological properties of tacrolimus, including its role as a calcineurin (CaN) inhibitor, exerting immunosuppressive effects by inhibiting T cell activation and cytokine production. Subsequently, we focus on various other immunomodulatory mechanisms of tacrolimus in LN therapy, including its effects on T cells, B cells, and immune cells in kidney. Particularly, we emphasize tacrolimus' regulatory effect on inflammatory mediators and its importance in modulating the Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg balance. Additionally, we review its effects on actin cytoskeleton, angiotensin II (Ang II)-specific vascular contraction, and P-glycoprotein activity, summarizing its impacts on non-immune mechanisms. Finally, we summarize the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus in clinical studies and trials. Although some studies have shown significant efficacy of tacrolimus in treating LN, its safety remains a challenge. We outline the potential adverse reactions of long-term tacrolimus use and provide suggestions on effectively monitoring and managing these adverse reactions in clinical practice. In general, tacrolimus, as a novel immunosuppressant, holds promising prospects for treating LN. Of course, further research is needed to better understand its therapeutic mechanisms and ensure its safety and efficacy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hongyue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Nakatani K, Asai O, Konishi N, Iwano M. Role of fibroblast specific protein 1 expression in the progression of adriamycin-induced glomerulosclerosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 567:148-153. [PMID: 34153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.06.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a commonly occurring cause of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and frequently progresses to renal failure. Podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to induce podocyte detachment in glomerular diseases, and severe degeneration and shedding of glomerular podocytes plays a major role in the progression of FSGS. We showed that fibroblast specific protein 1 (FSP1), an EMT marker, is strongly expressed in podocytes of FSGS patients, but the significance of podocyte expression of FSP1 to the pathophysiology of FSGS remained unclear. Here, we investigated FSP1 expression in podocytes from mice with adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy, a murine model of FSGS. The number of FSP1-positive (FSP1+) podocytes was increased in ADR-treated mice and positively correlated with the degree of proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in ADR-treated mice. ADR-induced FSGS and the attendant proteinuria were significantly ameliorated in FSP1 knockout mice as compared to wild type mice. These findings indicate that podocyte expression of FSP1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of FSGS, which makes FSP1 a potential target for treatment of FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimihiko Nakatani
- Department of Nephrology, Yamashiro General Medical Center, Kizugawa, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Osamu Asai
- Department of Nephrology, Yamashiro General Medical Center, Kizugawa, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Noboru Konishi
- Department of Pathology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Masayuki Iwano
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Yoshida-gun, Fukui, Japan.
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3
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Huang C, Huang YQ. The correlation of circulating miR-29b and inflammatory markers with albuminuria in hypertensive patients. Clin Exp Hypertens 2020; 42:743-747. [PMID: 32631160 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2020.1790585] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Circulating miR-29b and inflammatory process play a vital role in hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of circulating miR-29b and inflammatory markers with albuminuria and assess the predictive value of circulating miR-29b for albuminuria in essential hypertension. METHODS This cross-sectional study was continuously enrolled 150 subjects and were divided into three groups based on random urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR, mg/g), the patients with ACR<30 mg/g were classified as normal albuminuria, the values of 30< ACR<300 was defined as micro-albuminuria while the group with ACR over 300 mg/g are macro-albuminuria. Circulating miR-29b was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Multivariate logistic regression and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used. RESULTS We found miR-29b, C-reactive protein, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in macro-albuminuria group were significantly higher than those in the micro-albuminuria and normal albuminuria group. The level of miR-29b was positively associated with TGF-β1, C-reactive protein, and UACR, while negatively related to glomerular filtration rate. Circulating miR-29b was a significant independent determinant factor for albuminuria. CONCLUSION Our results provided a clinical evidence of a positive association between circulating miR-29b, inflammatory markers, and UACR, and implied miR-29b was a significant independent determinant factor for albuminuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Qing Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Coronary Heart Disease Prevention, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences , Guangzhou, China
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Su SS, Li BP, Li CL, Xiu FR, Wang DY, Zhang FR. Downregulation of MiR-218 can alleviate high-glucose-induced renal proximal tubule injury by targeting GPRC5A. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:1123-1130. [PMID: 32028854 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1717330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore the functional implication of microRNA-218 (miR-218) in diabetic nephropathy (DN) through high-glucose-stimulated renal proximal tubule impairment. Biological function experiments showed that miR-218 and inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β were highly expressed in renal proximal tubule under high-glucose conditions. Inhibiting miR-218 alleviated renal tubular cell injury, which was represented by miR-218 inhibitor facilitating renal tubular cell vitality whilst reducing its apoptosis and levels of inflammation factors. In addition, we confirmed that miR-218 directly targeted GPRC5A and negatively regulated its expression. Co-transfection assay showed that overexpression of GPRC5A accentuated the mitigated action of miR-218 inhibitor on renal proximal tubule cell injury induced by high-glucose. Accordingly, these data indicated that downregulation of miR-218 can assuage high-glucose-resulted renal tubular cell damage, and its ameliorative effect was achieved by negative regulation of GPRC5A, which provides a novel direction for unearthing the pathogenesis and even further biological treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Su
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R.China.,Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Bao-Peng Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Lin Li
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Fang-Rui Xiu
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Yan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
| | - Fa-Rong Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, P.R. China
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Nihalani D, Solanki AK, Arif E, Srivastava P, Rahman B, Zuo X, Dang Y, Fogelgren B, Fermin D, Gillies CE, Sampson MG, Lipschutz JH. Disruption of the exocyst induces podocyte loss and dysfunction. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:10104-10119. [PMID: 31073028 PMCID: PMC6664173 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.008362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the slit diaphragm proteins in podocytes are uniquely organized to maintain glomerular filtration assembly and function, little is known about the underlying mechanisms that participate in trafficking these proteins to the correct location for development and homeostasis. Identifying these mechanisms will likely provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention to preserve podocyte function following glomerular injury. Analysis of structural variation in cases of human nephrotic syndrome identified rare heterozygous deletions of EXOC4 in two patients. This suggested that disruption of the highly-conserved eight-protein exocyst trafficking complex could have a role in podocyte dysfunction. Indeed, mRNA profiling of injured podocytes identified significant exocyst down-regulation. To test the hypothesis that the exocyst is centrally involved in podocyte development/function, we generated homozygous podocyte-specific Exoc5 (a central exocyst component that interacts with Exoc4) knockout mice that showed massive proteinuria and died within 4 weeks of birth. Histological and ultrastructural analysis of these mice showed severe glomerular defects with increased fibrosis, proteinaceous casts, effaced podocytes, and loss of the slit diaphragm. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that Neph1 and Nephrin, major slit diaphragm constituents, were mislocalized and/or lost. mRNA profiling of Exoc5 knockdown podocytes showed that vesicular trafficking was the most affected cellular event. Mapping of signaling pathways and Western blot analysis revealed significant up-regulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase and transforming growth factor-β pathways in Exoc5 knockdown podocytes and in the glomeruli of podocyte-specific Exoc5 KO mice. Based on these data, we propose that exocyst-based mechanisms regulate Neph1 and Nephrin signaling and trafficking, and thus podocyte development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Nihalani
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425,
| | - Ashish K Solanki
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Ehtesham Arif
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Pankaj Srivastava
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Bushra Rahman
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Xiaofeng Zuo
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Yujing Dang
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425
| | - Ben Fogelgren
- the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Physiology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
| | | | | | - Matthew G Sampson
- the Department of Pediatrics-Nephrology and.,Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, and
| | - Joshua H Lipschutz
- From the Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425.,the Department of Medicine, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina 29401
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Fukuda A, Minakawa A, Sato Y, Iwakiri T, Iwatsubo S, Komatsu H, Kikuchi M, Kitamura K, Wiggins RC, Fujimoto S. Urinary podocyte and TGF-β1 mRNA as markers for disease activity and progression in anti-glomerular basement membrane nephritis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2018; 32:1818-1830. [PMID: 28419296 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfx047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Podocyte depletion causes glomerulosclerosis, with persistent podocyte loss being a major factor driving disease progression. Urinary podocyte mRNA is potentially useful for monitoring disease progression in both animal models and in humans. To determine whether the same principles apply to crescentic glomerular injury, a rat model of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) nephritis was studied in parallel with a patient with anti-GBM nephritis. Methods Podocyte loss was measured by Wilms' Tumor 1-positive podocyte nuclear counting and density, glomerular epithelial protein 1 or synaptopodin-positive podocyte tuft area and urinary podocyte mRNA excretion rate. Glomerulosclerosis was evaluated by Azan staining and urinary transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 mRNA excretion rate. Results In the rat model, sequential kidney biopsies revealed that after a threshold of 30% podocyte loss, the degree of glomerulosclerosis was linearly associated with the degree of podocyte depletion, compatible with podocyte depletion driving the sclerotic process. Urinary podocyte mRNA correlated with the rate of glomerular podocyte loss. In treatment studies, steroids prevented glomerulosclerosis in the anti-GBM model in contrast to angiotensin II inhibition, which lacked a protective effect, and urinary podocyte and TGF-β1 mRNA markers more accurately reflected both the amount of podocyte depletion and the degree of glomerulosclerosis compared with proteinuria under both scenarios. In a patient successfully treated for anti-GBM nephritis, urinary podocyte and TGB-β1 mRNA reflected treatment efficacy. Conclusion These results emphasize the role of podocyte depletion in anti-GBM nephritis and suggest that urinary podocyte and TGF-β1 mRNA could serve as markers of disease progression and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Fukuda
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Akihiro Minakawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Yuji Sato
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Takashi Iwakiri
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Shuji Iwatsubo
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Komatsu
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Masao Kikuchi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kitamura
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
| | - Roger C Wiggins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shouichi Fujimoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan.,Department of Hemovascular Medicine and Artificial Organs, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki, Japan
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7
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Ma X, Schwarz A, Sevilla SZ, Levin A, Hultenby K, Wernerson A, Lal M, Patrakka J. Depletion of Gprc5a Promotes Development of Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:1679-1689. [PMID: 29636387 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017101135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Renal glomeruli are the primary target of injury in diabetic nephropathy (DN), and the glomerular podocyte has a key role in disease progression.Methods To identify potential novel therapeutic targets for DN, we performed high-throughput molecular profiling of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) using human glomeruli.Results We identified an orphan GPCR, Gprc5a, as a highly podocyte-specific gene, the expression of which was significantly downregulated in glomeruli of patients with DN compared with those without DN. Inactivation of Gprc5a in mice resulted in thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and activation of mesangial cells, which are two hallmark features of DN in humans. Compared with wild-type mice, Gprc5a-deficient animals demonstrated increased albuminuria and more severe histologic changes after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin. Mechanistically, Gprc5a modulated TGF-β signaling and activation of the EGF receptor in cultured podocytes.Conclusions Gprc5a has an important role in the pathogenesis of DN, and further study of the podocyte-specific signaling activity of this protein is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Ma
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Angelina Schwarz
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sonia Zambrano Sevilla
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Levin
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, and
| | - Kjell Hultenby
- Clinical Research Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and
| | - Annika Wernerson
- Division of Renal Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, and
| | - Mark Lal
- Bioscience, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Diseases, Innovative Medicines Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jaakko Patrakka
- Karolinska Institutet/AstraZeneca Integrated Cardio Metabolic Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden;
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8
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Gao F, He X, Liang S, Liu S, Liu H, He Q, Chen L, Jiang H, Zhang Y. Quercetin ameliorates podocyte injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in DN rats. RSC Adv 2018; 8:35413-35421. [PMID: 35547920 PMCID: PMC9087986 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra07935h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This is the first study to demonstrate that quercetin ameliorates podocyte injury via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanfan Gao
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Xin He
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Sixiu Liu
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Hua Liu
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Quan He
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Lei Chen
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Hongli Jiang
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Nephrology
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Xi'an 710061
- China
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10
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Weide T, Vollenbröker B, Schulze U, Djuric I, Edeling M, Bonse J, Hochapfel F, Panichkina O, Wennmann DO, George B, Kim S, Daniel C, Seggewiß J, Amann K, Kriz W, Krahn MP, Pavenstädt H. Pals1 Haploinsufficiency Results in Proteinuria and Cyst Formation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2093-2107. [PMID: 28154200 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nephron is the basic physiologic subunit of the mammalian kidney and is made up of several apicobasally polarized epithelial cell types. The process of apicobasal polarization in animal cells is controlled by the evolutionarily conserved Crumbs (CRB), Partitioning-defective, and Scribble protein complexes. Here, we investigated the role of protein associated with LIN-7 1 (Pals1, also known as Mpp5), a core component of the apical membrane-determining CRB complex in the nephron. Pals1 interacting proteins, including Crb3 and Wwtr1/Taz, have been linked to renal cyst formation in mice before. Immunohistologic analysis revealed Pals1 expression in renal tubular cells and podocytes of human kidneys. Mice lacking one Pals1 allele (functionally haploid for Pals1) in nephrons developed a fully penetrant phenotype, characterized by cyst formation and severe defects in renal barrier function, which led to death within 6-8 weeks. In Drosophila nephrocytes, deficiency of the Pals1 ortholog caused alterations in slit-diaphragm-like structures. Additional studies in epithelial cell culture models revealed that Pals1 functions as a dose-dependent upstream regulator of the crosstalk between Hippo- and TGF-β-mediated signaling. Furthermore, Pals1 haploinsufficiency in mouse kidneys associated with the upregulation of Hippo pathway target genes and marker genes of TGF-β signaling, including biomarkers of renal diseases. These findings support a link between apical polarity proteins and renal diseases, especially renal cyst diseases. Further investigation of the Pals1-linked networks is required to decipher the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Weide
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany;
| | | | - Ulf Schulze
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ivona Djuric
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Maria Edeling
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jakob Bonse
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Florian Hochapfel
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Olga Panichkina
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Britta George
- Internal Medicine D, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Seonhee Kim
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christoph Daniel
- Nephropathology Department, Institute of Pathology, Erlangen-Nürnberg University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seggewiß
- Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University of Münster, Munster, Germany; and
| | - Kerstin Amann
- Nephropathology Department, Institute of Pathology, Erlangen-Nürnberg University, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Kriz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael P Krahn
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Zhang Y, Gao X, Chen S, Zhao M, Chen J, Liu R, Cheng S, Qi M, Wang S, Liu W. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 contributes to endoplasmic reticulum stress induced podocyte apoptosis via promoting MEKK1 phosphorylation at Ser280 in diabetic nephropathy. Cell Signal 2016; 31:31-40. [PMID: 28024901 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to be associated with podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy, but the mechanism of ER signaling in podocyte apoptosis hasn't been fully understood. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) was associated with podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy. The present study was designed to examine whether and how Cdk5 activity plays a role in ER stress induced podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy. The results showed that along with induction of Cdk5 and apoptosis, GRP78 and its two sensors as well as CHOP and cleaved caspase-12 were induced in high glucose treated podocytes. These responses were attenuated by treated salubrinal. The ER stress inducer, tunicamycin, also up-regulated the kinase activity and protein expression of Cdk5 in podocytes accompanied with the increasing of GRP78. On the other hand, Cdk5 phosphorylates MEKK1 at Ser280 in tunicamycin treated podocytes, and together, they increase the JNK phosphorylation. Moreover, disruption of this pathway can decrease the podocyte apoptosis induced by tunicamycin. Therefore, our study proved that Cdk5 may play an important role in ER stress induced podocyte apoptosis through MEKK1/JNK pathway in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Diagnostics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Surgery, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Shuanggang Chen
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Shengyang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Mengyuan Qi
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases of Hebei Province, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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12
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Leierer J, Mayer G, Kronbichler A. Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: miRNAs and targeted therapies. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:954-964. [PMID: 27651302 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome. AIMS The pathogenic steps leading to primary FSGS are still obscure, although evidence suggests that circulatory factor(s) are involved in the onset of disease. RESULTS Recent technical advances allow the analysis of miRNA expression in tissues and body fluids, leading to reports of miRNAs involved in the molecular mechanisms of FSGS-aetiopathogenesis. Moreover, investigations have also highlighted miRNAs that might serve as biomarkers for primary FSGS. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The aim of this review was to summarize reports showing a direct relation between miRNAs and primary FSGS. In addition, the impact of identified miRNAs on treatment response, prediction of the disease onset as well as the regulation in different disease activities is summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Leierer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Gert Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Kronbichler
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Zhang Q, Lu Y, Ma Z, Li Y, Guo J, Meng Q, Bian H. A novel formula from mulberry leaf ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats via inhibiting the TGF-β1 pathway. Food Funct 2016; 6:3307-15. [PMID: 26242486 DOI: 10.1039/c5fo00711a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on the hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia of mulberry leaf and its extracts, we investigated the effect of a novel formula, Sang Tong Jian (STJ), from mulberry leaf on rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS The DN rats were induced by a long-term high-fat diet and a single streptozotocin injection. STJ was introduced for 12 weeks from the presence of hyperglycemia. The fasting blood glucose of DN rats was determined at weeks 5, 7, 9, and 11 respectively. The serum GSP, GHb and lipid profiles were analyzed by using a colorimetric method and ELISA kits. The kidney function of DN rats was demonstrated through the analysis of urine creatinine, urine albumin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the creatinine clearance rate. The H-E (haematoxylin and eosin) and PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) staining were adopted to exhibit the morphology of the kidney. The TGF-β1 and p-smad2/3, smad2/3, collagen IV, connexin 43 and E-cadherin were assayed via immunohistochemistry and western blot. RESULTS STJ significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose (p < 0.01) and the glycation end product (p < 0.05), and regulated dyslipidemia. Inhibition of the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and amelioration of the kidney function were shown in STJ-treated DN rats. Moreover, STJ decreased the levels of TGF-β1, collagen IV, connexin 43 and activation of smad2/3 (p < 0.01), and enhanced E-cadherin (p < 0.01) in the kidney of DN rats. CONCLUSION 12 week administration of STJ improved the metabolic parameters associated with blood glucose and lipid and inhibited the TGF-β1 signaling pathway, which positively contributed to the amelioration of chronic diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichun Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Keir LS, Firth R, May C, Ni L, Welsh GI, Saleem MA. Generating conditionally immortalised podocyte cell lines from wild-type mice. Nephron Clin Pract 2015; 129:128-36. [PMID: 25720381 DOI: 10.1159/000369816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding podocyte biology is key to deciphering the pathogenesis of numerous glomerular diseases. However, cultivation of primary podocytes results in dedifferentiation with loss of specialised architecture. Human conditionally immortalised podocytes partly overcome this problem, utilising a temperature-sensitive transgene. Conditionally immortalised murine podocytes exist, but are derived from the Immortomouse. METHODS Using retroviral temperature-sensitive SV40 transfection, we created a conditionally immortalised podocyte cell line from wild-type mice. RESULTS These cells develop characteristic mature podocyte morphology and robustly express slit diaphragm proteins. Functionally, these cells demonstrate comparable responses in motility and glucose uptake to human conditionally immortalised podocytes. CONCLUSION Podocyte-specific transgenic mice are extensively used to study glomerular disease and this technique could be used to make podocyte cell lines from any mouse, allowing study at the cellular level. This will help characterise these disease models and add to the laboratory resources used to study podocytopathies and glomerular disease.
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Liao R, Liu Q, Zheng Z, Fan J, Peng W, Kong Q, He H, Yang S, Chen W, Tang X, Yu X. Tacrolimus Protects Podocytes from Injury in Lupus Nephritis Partly by Stabilizing the Cytoskeleton and Inhibiting Podocyte Apoptosis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132724. [PMID: 26161538 PMCID: PMC4498640 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Several studies have reported that tacrolimus (TAC) significantly reduced proteinuria in lupus nephritis (LN) patients and mouse models. However, the mechanism for this effect remains undetermined. This study explored the mechanism of how TAC protects podocytes from injury to identify new targets for protecting renal function. Methods MRL/lpr mice were given TAC at a dosage of 0.1 mg/kg per day by intragastric administration for 8 weeks. Urine and blood samples were collected. Kidney sections (2μm) were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff base (PAS) and Masson's trichrome stain. Mouse podocyte cells (MPC5) were treated with TAC and/or TGF-β1 for 48h. The mRNA levels and protein expression of synaptopodin and Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) were determined by real-time PCR, Western blotting and/or immunofluorescence, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell apoptosis with annexin V. Podocyte foot processes were observed under transmission electron microscopy. IgG and C3 deposition were assessed with immunofluorescence assays and confocal microscopy. Results Synaptopodin expression significantly decreased in MRL/lpr disease control mice, accompanied by increases in 24-h proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine. TAC, however, reduced proteinuria, improved renal function, attenuated renal pathology, restored synaptopodin expression and preserved podocyte numbers. In MPC5 cells, TGF-β1 enhanced F-actin damage in podocytes and TAC stabilized it. TAC also decreased TGF-β1-induced podocyte apoptosis in vitro and inhibited foot process fusion in MRL/lpr mice. In addition, our results also showed TAC inhibited glomerular deposition of IgG and C3. Conclusion This study demonstrated that TAC reduced proteinuria and preserved renal function in LN through protecting podocytes from injury partly by stabilizing podocyte actin cytoskeleton and inhibiting podocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyi Liao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinjin Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxing Peng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingyu Kong
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijuan He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shicong Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenfang Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Ministry of Health, Guangzhou, China
- * E-mail:
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling and podocyte dysfunction in proteinuric kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2015; 11:535-45. [PMID: 26055352 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2015.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Podocytes are unique, highly specialized, terminally differentiated cells that are integral components of the kidney glomerular filtration barrier. Podocytes are vulnerable to a variety of injuries and in response they undergo a series of changes ranging from hypertrophy, autophagy, dedifferentiation, mesenchymal transition and detachment to apoptosis, depending on the nature and extent of the insult. Emerging evidence indicates that Wnt/β-catenin signalling has a central role in mediating podocyte dysfunction and proteinuria. Wnts are induced and β-catenin is activated in podocytes in various proteinuric kidney diseases. Genetic or pharmacologic activation of β-catenin is sufficient to impair podocyte integrity and causes proteinuria in healthy mice, whereas podocyte-specific ablation of β-catenin protects against proteinuria after kidney injury. Mechanistically, Wnt/β-catenin controls the expression of several key mediators implicated in podocytopathies, including Snail1, the renin-angiotensin system and matrix metalloproteinase 7. Wnt/β-catenin also negatively regulates Wilms tumour protein, a crucial transcription factor that safeguards podocyte integrity. Targeted inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signalling preserves podocyte integrity and ameliorates proteinuria in animal models. This Review highlights advances in our understanding of the pathomechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in mediating podocyte injury, and describes the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway for the treatment of proteinuric kidney disease.
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Li Y, Shen Y, Li M, Su D, Xu W, Liang X, Li R. Inhibitory effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonists on collagen IV production in podocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 405:233-41. [PMID: 25920446 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2414-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonists have beneficial effects on the kidney diseases through preventing microalbuminuria and glomerulosclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain to be fully understood. In this study, we investigate the effects of PPAR-γ agonist, rosiglitazone (Rosi) and pioglitazone (Pio), on collagen IV production in mouse podocytes. The endogenous expression of PPAR-γ was found in the primary podocytes and can be upregulated by Rosi and Pio, respectively, detected by RT-PCR and Western blot. PPAR-γ agonist markedly blunted the increasing of collagen IV expression and extraction in podocytes induced by TGF-β. In contrast, adding PPAR-γ antagonist, GW9662, to podocytes largely prevented the inhibition of collagen IV expression from Pio treatment. Our data also showed that phosphorylation of Smad2/3 enhanced by TGF-β in a time-dependent manner was significantly attenuated by adding Pio. The promoter region of collagen IV gene contains one putative consensus sequence of Smad-binding element (SBE) by promoter analysis, Rosi and Pio significantly ameliorated TGF-β-induced SBE4-luciferase activity. In conclusion, PPAR-γ activation by its agonist, Rosi or Pio, in vitro directly inhibits collagen IV expression and synthesis in primary mouse podocytes. The suppression of collagen IV production was related to the inhibition of TGF-β-driven phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and decreased response activity of SBEs of collagen IV in PPAR-γ agonist-treated mouse podocytes. This represents a novel mechanistic support regarding PPAR-γ agonists as podocyte protective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjiao Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, Shanxi, China
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Ma Y, Li W, Yin Y, Li W. AST IV inhibits H₂O₂-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell apoptosis by suppressing Nox4 expression through the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:1667-74. [PMID: 25891879 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial cell apoptosis plays an important role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4)-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) aggregation is the main cause of vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2 signaling pathway is involved in the apoptosis of several types of cells. However, the association between vascular endothelial cell apoptosis and Nox4, and the involvement of the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway in vascular endothelial cell apoptosis remain unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of Nox4-dependent ROS production and to determine the involvement of the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway in endothelial cell apoptosis induced by oxidative stress which causes vascular injury in DM. We demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) increased Nox4-dependent-ROS aggregation, as well as the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Bax and caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2 expression and increased the apoptosis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Treatment with diphenyliodonium (DPI), a specific inhibitor of Nox4 or astragaloside IV (AST IV), a monomer located in an extract of astragaloside, decreased Nox4 expression and the levels of ROS, decreased TGF-β1 and Smad2 expression, altered the expression of apoptosis-related genes and decreased the apoptosis of HUVECs. Treatment with LY2109761, a selective inhibitor of the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway, produced results similar to those of DPI; however, LY2109761 had no effect on Nox4 expression and ROS levels. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggest that H2O2 contributes to HUVEC apoptosis by inducing Nox4-dependent ROS aggregation and activating the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Our data indicate that the protective effects of AST IV against vascular endothelial cell apoptosis in DM are mainly associated with the decrease in Nox4 expression through the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the inhibition of the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway may be another potential therapeutic strategy in the treatment of DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Weizu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Yin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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Tian J, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Xiao J, Li S, Chen Y, Qiao Z, Niu J, Gu Y. Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates damage to podocytes induced by preeclamptic serum through MAPK pathways. Int J Mol Med 2014; 34:1057-64. [PMID: 25092178 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The underlying mechanisms of proteinuria, a main characteristic of preeclampsia (PE), have not yet been fully elucidated. Evidence indicates that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the pathogenesis of this disease, including decreased angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] levels in the circulation and urine. In the present study, we examined the damage to podocytes induced by preeclamptic serum and the effects of Ang-(1-7) on podocytes treated with preeclamptic serum, as well as the underlying mechanisms. The podocytes were incubated with serum obtained from women with PE or with serum from women with normal pregnancies for different periods of time. Cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. The cells were treated with various concentrations of Ang-(1-7) and A779 [an (Ang-(1-7) antagonist]. The effects of Ang-(1-7) on the expression of podocyte-specific proteins [nephrin, Wilms tumor‑1 (WT-1) and podocin] and the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were investigated by western blot analysis. Changes in F-actin rearrangement were determined by immunofluorescence. Podocyte apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The results revealed that in the cultured podocytes incubated with preeclamptic serum, there was a decrease in the expression of podocyte-specific proteins (nephrin and WT-1 but not podocin), a rearrangement of F-actin and apoptosis compared with the control group. However, treatment with Ang-(1-7) attenuated podocyte injury in the preeclamptic group, which may be mediated through the downregulation of MAPK (p38, ERK1/2 and JNK) phosphorylation. Thus, our data suggest that Ang-(1-7) plays a protective role in PE through the downregulation of MAPK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimei Tian
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yunjiao Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Sheran Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yaping Chen
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhongdong Qiao
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianying Niu
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yong Gu
- Division of Nephrology, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Antiproteinuric effect of pirfenidone in a rat model of anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 737:106-16. [PMID: 24858365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
While pirfenidone has been established as an effective anti-fibrosis remedy, whether or not its antifibrotic effect contributes to a reduction of proteinuria remains unclear. We investigated the renoprotective properties of pirfenidone in an anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) glomerulonephritis model both prophylactically and therapeutically to determine its profile against proteinuria. In the prophylactic regimen, pirfenidone was treated immediately after anti-serum injection. We observed a significant reduction in the progression of proteinuria (P<0.05) and decline in renal function (P<0.01) and also noted histological improvement in renal injury. These effects appeared to be due to the maintained expression of nephrin and podocin on podocytes as well as the reduced expression of profibrotic factors like transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The expression of nephrin mRNA was strongly negatively correlated with the amount of urinary protein excretion (R=-0.84, P<0.001), implicating podocyte damage in the outcome of proteinuria (R(2)=0.70). These results suggest that preservation of podocytes with the pirfenidone treatment may have resulted in the decrease of proteinuria. In contrast, when the therapeutic regimen was initiated 2 weeks after nephritis induction, pirfenidone had little effect on the progression of proteinuria, although the decline of renal function and fibrosis were suppressed. Taken together, present findings suggested that pirfenidone prevented the progression of proteinuria only when administered prophylactically but was still able to ameliorate the decline of renal function independent of proteinuria. In conclusion, pirfenidone as a prophylactic regimen reduces proteinuria in anti-GBM nephritis via preservation of podocytes with markedly reduced efficacy when administered as a therapeutic regimen.
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Chen XP, Lei FY, Qin YH, Zhou TB, Jiang L, Zhao YJ, Huang WF, Peng QL. The role of retinoic acid receptors in the signal pathway of all-trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation in adriamycin-induced podocyte injury. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2014; 34:484-92. [PMID: 24846581 DOI: 10.3109/10799893.2014.920394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Zhang YJ, Tian ZL, Yu XY, Zhao XX, Yao L. Activation of integrin β1-focal adhesion kinase-RasGTP pathway plays a critical role in TGF beta1-induced podocyte injury. Cell Signal 2013; 25:2769-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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