The sympathetic nervous system in acute kidney injury

Levamisole Impairs Vascular Function by Blocking α-Adrenergic Receptors and Reducing NO Bioavailability in Rabbit Renal Artery

Levamisole is an anthelmintic drug restricted to veterinary use but is currently detected as the most widely used cocaine cutting agent in European countries. Levamisole-adulterated cocaine has been linked to acute kidney injury, marked by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, which involves reduced renal blood flow, but data on the alteration of renovascular response produced by levamisole are scarce. Renal arteries were isolated from healthy rabbits and used for isometric tension recording in organ baths and protein analysis. We provide evidence that depending on its concentration, levamisole modulates renovascular tone by acting as a non-selective α-adrenergic receptor blocker and down-regulates α1-adrenoceptor expression. Furthermore, levamisole impairs the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine without modifying endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. However, exposure to superoxide dismutase (SOD) partially prevents the impairment of ACh-induced relaxation by levamisole. This response is consistent with a down-regulation of SOD1 and an up-regulation of NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), suggesting that endothelial NO loss is due to increased local oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrate that levamisole can interfere with renal blood flow and the coordinated response to a vasodilator stimulus, which could worsen the deleterious consequences of cocaine use.

LncTCONS_00058568 is involved in the pathophysiologic processes mediated by P2X7R in the lower thoracic spinal cord after acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a prevalent clinical syndrome, involves the participation of the nervous system in neuroimmune regulation. However, the intricate molecular mechanism that governs renal function regulation by the central nervous system (CNS) is complex and remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we found that the upregulated expression of lncTCONS_00058568 in lower thoracic spinal cord significantly ameliorated AKI-induced renal tissue injury, kidney morphology, inflammation and apoptosis, and suppressed renal sympathetic nerve activity. Mechanistically, the purinergic ionotropic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) was overexpressed in AKI rats, whereas lncTCONS_00058568 was able to suppress the upregulation of P2X7R. In addition, RNA sequencing data revealed differentially expressed genes associated with nervous system inflammatory responses after lncTCONS_00058568 was overexpressed in AKI rats. Finally, the overexpression of lncTCONS_00058568 inhibited the activation of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways in spinal cord. Taken together, the results from the present study show that lncTCONS_00058568 overexpression prevented renal injury probably by inhibiting sympathetic nerve activity mediated by P2X7R in the lower spinal cord subsequent to I/R-AKI.

Molecular insights into P2X signalling cascades in acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical health issue with high mortality and morbidity rates in hospitalized individuals. The complex pathophysiology and underlying health conditions further complicate AKI management. Growing evidence suggests the pivotal role of ion channels in AKI progression, through promoting tubular cell death and altering immune cell functions. Among these channels, P2X purinergic receptors emerge as key players in AKI pathophysiology. P2X receptors gated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP), exhibit increased extracellular levels of ATP during AKI episodes. More importantly, certain P2X receptor subtypes upon activation exacerbate the situation by promoting the release of extracellular ATP. While therapeutic investigations have primarily focused on P2X4 and P2X7 subtypes in the context of AKI, while understanding about other subtypes still remains limited. Whilst some P2X antagonists show promising results against different types of kidney diseases, their role in managing AKI remains unexplored. Henceforth, understanding the intricate interplay between P2X receptors and AKI is crucial for developing targeted interventions. This review elucidates the functional alterations of all P2X receptors during normal kidney function and AKI, offering insights into their involvement in AKI. Notably, we have highlighted the current knowledge of P2X receptor antagonists and the possibilities to use them against AKI in the future. Furthermore, the review delves into the pathways influenced by activated P2X receptors during AKI, presenting potential targets for future therapeutic interventions against this critical condition.

Effects of high-intensity intermittent exercise versus moderate-intensity continuous exercise on renal hemodynamics assessed by ultrasound echo

High-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) has become attractive for presenting a variety of exercise conditions. However, the effects of HIIE on renal function and hemodynamics remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the effects of HIIE and moderate-intensity continuous exercise (MICE) on renal hemodynamics, renal function, and kidney injury biomarkers. Ten adult males participated in this study. We allowed the participants to perform HIIE or MICE to consider the impact of exercise on renal hemodynamics under both conditions. Renal hemodynamic assessment and blood sampling were conducted before the exercise (pre) and immediately (post 0), 30 min (post 30), and 60 min (post 60) after the exercise. Urine sampling was conducted in the pre, post 0, and post 60 phases. There was no condition-by-time interaction (p = 0.614), condition (p = 0.422), or time effect (p = 0.114) regarding renal blood flow. Creatinine-corrected urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin concentrations increased at post 60 (p = 0.017), but none exceeded the cut-off values for defining kidney injury. Moreover, there were no significant changes in other kidney injury biomarkers at any point. These findings suggest that high-intensity exercise can be performed without decreased RBF or increased kidney injury risk when conducted intermittently for short periods.

Effects of Acute Exercise on Cardiac Autonomic Response and Recovery in Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

Purpose: Heart rate variability (HRV) has gained acceptance as a key marker of cardiovascular health. We compared HRV responses after continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CMIE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) matched for intensity and duration in individuals with midspectrum chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Twenty men and women (age 62.0 ± 10 yrs.) diagnosed with CKD stages G3a and G3b participated in a 2 (condition) x 4 (time point) repeated cross-over measures design study. HRV time-domain indices were based on the standard deviation of all NN intervals (SDNN) and the square root of the mean of the sum of the squares of differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) and frequency domain. High-frequency (HF), low-frequency (LF), total power (TP) were examined. CMIE consisted of treadmill walking for 30 minutes at a 2% incline and speed corresponding to 60%-65% of reserve volume of oxygen (VO2R). HIIE included five intervals of 3 minutes at 90% of VO2R and 2 minutes at 20% VO2R intervals. Conditions were designed to be of the same average intensity (60% to 65% of VO2R) and caloric expenditure (~144 kcal). Results: Immediately following exercise SDNN, RMSSD, HF, LF, and TP were significantly lower compared to before exercise (p <.05). HRV responses were not different between conditions and conditions X time (p >.05). Conclusions: Thirty minutes of either CMIE or HIIE decreased HRV indices, pointing to an autonomic imbalance favoring vagal mediation. HRV's responses regarding HIIE were no different from CMIE, therefore, from an autonomic function point of view this similarity may be useful for CKD exercise prescription and programming.

What Promotes Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease-Contrast Media, Hydration Status or Something Else?

Multivessel coronary artery disease (MVCAD) is found in approximately 50% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although we have data showing the benefits of revascularization of significant non-culprit coronary lesions in patients with AMI, the optimal timing of angioplasty remains unclear. The most common reason for postponing subsequent percutaneous treatment is the fear of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in patients with AMI undergoing PCI, and its etiology appears to be complex and incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss the definition, pathophysiology and risk factors of AKI in patients with AMI undergoing PCI. We present the impact of AKI on the course of hospitalization and distant prognosis of patients with AMI. Special attention was paid to the phenomenon of AKI in patients undergoing multivessel revascularization. We analyze the correlation between increased exposure to contrast medium (CM) and the risk of AKI in patients with AMI to provide information useful in the decision-making process about the optimal timing of revascularization of non-culprit lesions. In addition, we present diagnostic tools in the form of new biomarkers of AKI and discuss ways to prevent and mitigate the course of AKI.

Vagus nerve stimulation attenuates acute kidney injury induced by hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, caused by limited blood supply and subsequent blood supply, is a causative factor resulting in morbidity and mortality during liver transplantation and liver resection. Hepatic I/R injury frequently contributes to remote organ injury, such as kidney, lung, and heart. It has been demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is effective in remote organ injury after I/R injury. Here, our aim is to investigate the potential action of VNS on hepatic I/R injury-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and explore its underlying mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three experimental groups: Sham group (sham operation, n = 6); I/R group (hepatic I/R with sham VNS, n = 6); and VNS group (hepatic I/R with VNS, n = 6). VNS was performed during the entire hepatic I/R process. Our results showed that throughout the hepatic I/R process, VNS significantly regulated the expression levels of various iconic factors and greatly enhanced the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the kidneys. These findings suggested that VNS may ameliorate hepatic I/R injury-induced AKI by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis probably through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation Attenuates Acute Kidney Injury Induced by Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Suppressing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in Rats.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1937916/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury, caused by limited blood supply and subsequent blood supply, is a causative factor resulting in morbidity and mortality during liver transplantation (LT) and liver resection. Hepatic I/R injury frequently contributes to remote organ injury, such as kidney, lung, and heart. It has been demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is effective in remote organ injury after ischemia reperfusion injury. Here, our aim is to investigate the potential action of VNS on hepatic I/R injury-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and explore its underlying mechanisms. To test this hypothesis, male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into three experimental groups: Sham group (sham operation, n=6); I/R group (hepatic I/R with sham VNS, n=6); and VNS group (hepatic I/R with VNS, n=6). VNS was performed during the entire hepatic I/R process. Our results showed that throughout the hepatic I/R process, VNS significantly reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, and greatly enhanced the protein expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the kidneys. These findings suggest that VNS may ameliorate hepatic I/R injury-induced AKI by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis probably through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Bone marrow hematopoiesis drives multiple sclerosis progression

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) rapidly sense immune activation, yet their potential interplay with autoreactive T cells in MS is unknown. Here, we report that bone marrow HSPCs are skewed toward myeloid lineage concomitant with the clonal expansion of T cells in MS patients. Lineage tracing in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of MS, reveals remarkable bone marrow myelopoiesis with an augmented output of neutrophils and Ly6C^high monocytes that invade the CNS. We found that myelin-reactive T cells preferentially migrate into the bone marrow compartment in a CXCR4-dependent manner. This aberrant bone marrow myelopoiesis involves the CCL5-CCR5 axis and augments CNS inflammation and demyelination. Our study suggests that targeting the bone marrow niche presents an avenue to treat MS and other autoimmune disorders.

The potential protective effects of estradiol and 2-methoxyestradiol in ischemia reperfusion-induced kidney injury in ovariectomized female rats

AIMS

Investigating the impact of 17β estradiol (E2) and its endogenous non-hormonal metabolite 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) on renal ischemia-reperfusion (RIR) induced kidney injury in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and the role of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) in their effects.

MAIN METHODS

Eighty female rats were allocated into eight groups. Control group, Sham group, OVX group, OVX and RIR group, OVX + RIR + E2 group, OVX + RIR + 2ME group, OVX + RIR + E2 + Entacapone group and OVX + RIR + 2ME + Entacapone group, respectively. Twenty-four hours post RIR, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were determined in serum, while malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), Glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the expressions of COMT, hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were assessed in the kidney tissues.

KEY FINDINGS

Serum Cr, BUN, MPO, as well as HIF-1α and TH expressions were significantly higher with concomitant decrease in COMT expression, SOD and CAT activities and GSH content observed in OVX and RIR group compared to sham group. E2 and 2ME treatment significantly ameliorated all parameters measured in OVX and RIR rats. On the other hand, Entacapone significantly decreased the effect of E2, with no effect on 2ME treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

E2 ameliorates RIR-induced kidney injury and this effect is mediated, at least in part, via its COMT-mediated conversion to 2ME. Thus, 2ME by the virtue of its pleiotropic pharmacological effects can be used as a safe and effective treatment of RIR injury.

The Role of the Superior Cervical Sympathetic Ganglion in Ischemia Reperfusion-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Rats

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been found to be a serious clinical problem with high morbidity and mortality, and is associated with acute inflammatory response and sympathetic activation that subsequently play an important role in the development of AKI. It is well known that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and immune system intensely interact and mutually control each other in order to maintain homeostasis in response to stress or injury. Evidence has shown that the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion (SCG) participates in the bidirectional network between the immune and the SNS, and that the superior cervical ganglionectomy has protective effect on myocardial infarction, however, the role of the SCG in the setting of renal ischemic reperfusion injury has not been studied. Here, we sought to determine whether or not the SCG modulates renal ischemic reperfusion (IR) injury in rats. Our results showed that bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGx) 14 days before IR injury markedly reduced the norepinephrine (NE) in plasma, and down-regulated the increased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the kidney and hypothalamus. Sympathetic denervation by SCGx in the AKI group increased the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and exacerbated renal pathological damage. Sympathetic denervation by SCGx in the AKI group enhanced the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in plasma, kidney and hypothalamus, and increased levels of Bax in denervated rats with IR injury. In addition, the levels of purinergic receptors, P2X3R and P2X7R, in the spinal cord were up-regulated in the denervated rats of the IR group. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the sympathetic denervation by SCGx aggravated IR-induced AKI in rats via enhancing the inflammatory response, thus, the activated purinergic signaling in the spinal cord might be the potential mechanism in the aggravated renal injury.

The Interaction of Central Nervous System and Acute Kidney Injury: Pathophysiology and Clinical Perspectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disorder in critically ill hospitalized patients. Its main pathological feature is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This disease shows a high fatality rate. The reason is that only renal replacement therapy and supportive care can reduce the impact of the disease, but those measures cannot significantly improve the mortality. This review focused on a generalization of the interaction between acute kidney injury and the central nervous system (CNS). It was found that the CNS further contributes to kidney injury by regulating sympathetic outflow and oxidative stress in response to activation of the RAS and increased pro-inflammatory factors. Experimental studies suggested that inhibiting sympathetic activity and RAS activation in the CNS and blocking oxidative stress could effectively reduce the damage caused by AKI. Therefore, it is of significant interest to specify the mechanism on how the CNS affects AKI, as we could use such mechanism as a target for clinical interventions to further reduce the mortality and improve the complications of AKI.

Systematic Review Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [registration number].

Brain injury instructs bone marrow cellular lineage destination to reduce neuroinflammation

Acute brain injury mobilizes circulating leukocytes to transmigrate into the perivascular space and brain parenchyma. This process amplifies neural injury. Bone marrow hematopoiesis replenishes the exhausted peripheral leukocyte pools. However, it is not known whether brain injury influences the development of bone marrow lineages and how altered hematopoietic cell lineages affect neurological outcome. Here, we showed that bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can be swiftly skewed toward the myeloid lineage in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and experimental ICH models. Lineage tracing revealed a predominantly augmented hematopoiesis of Ly6C^low monocytes infiltrating the ICH brain, where they generated alternatively activated macrophages and suppressed neuroinflammation and brain injury. The ICH brain uses β3-adrenergic innervation that involves cell division cycle 42 to promote bone marrow hematopoiesis of Ly6C^low monocytes, which could be further potentiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved β3-adrenergic agonist mirabegron. Our results suggest that brain injury modulates HSC lineage development to curb distal brain inflammation, implicating the bone marrow as a unique niche for self-protective neuroimmune interaction that might be exploited to obtain therapeutic effects.

Sympathetic activation: a potential link between comorbidities and COVID-19

In coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), higher morbidity and mortality are associated with age, male gender, and comorbidities, such as chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular pathologies, hypertension, kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. All of the above conditions are characterized by increased sympathetic discharge, which may exert significant detrimental effects on COVID-19 patients, through actions on the lungs, heart, blood vessels, kidneys, metabolism, and/or immune system. Furthermore, COVID-19 may also increase sympathetic discharge, through changes in blood gases (chronic intermittent hypoxia, hyperpnea), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)1/ACE2 imbalance, immune/inflammatory factors, or emotional distress. Nevertheless, the potential role of the sympathetic nervous system has not yet been considered in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. In our opinion, sympathetic overactivation could represent a so-far undervalued mechanism for a vicious circle between COVID-19 and comorbidities.

Impact of Glomerular Filtration Rate on the Incidence and Prognosis of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a frequent complication of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and is associated with a worse prognosis. Patients with chronic kidney disease are more likely to develop AF. Whether the association between AF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is also true in AMI has never been investigated. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 2445 AMI patients. New-onset AF was recorded during hospitalization. Estimated GFR was estimated at admission, and patients were grouped according to their GFR (group 1 (n = 1887): GFR >60; group 2 (n = 492): GFR 60–30; group 3 (n = 66): GFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²). The primary endpoint was AF incidence. In-hospital and long-term (median 5 years) mortality were secondary endpoints. Results: The AF incidence in the population was 10%, and it was 8%, 16%, 24% in groups 1, 2, 3, respectively (p < 0.0001). In the overall population, AF was associated with a higher in-hospital (5% vs. 1%; p < 0.0001) and long-term (34% vs. 13%; p < 0.0001) mortality. In each study group, in-hospital mortality was higher in AF patients (3.5% vs. 0.5%, 6.5% vs. 3.0%, 19% vs. 8%, respectively; p < 0.0001). A similar trend was observed for long-term mortality in three groups (20% vs. 9%, 51% vs. 24%, 81% vs. 50%; p < 0.0001). The higher risk of in-hospital and long-term mortality associated with AF in each group was confirmed after adjustment for major confounders. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that new-onset AF incidence during AMI, as well as the associated in-hospital and long-term mortality, increases in parallel with GFR reduction assessed at admission.