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Qin MY, Huang SQ, Zou XQ, Zhong XB, Yang YF, Zhang YT, Mi ZC, Zhang YS, Huang ZG. Drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsule inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of HK-2 by downregulating TGF-β1/p38MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114414. [PMID: 34314804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheum palmatum L; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), is referred to as 'Dahuang, Huangqi' in China. As an important medicinal plant, the rhizome of rhubarb and astragalus is traditionally used in the treatment of kidney diseases associated with renal failure, inflammation and tumors. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsules (composed of rhubarb and astragalus) and to elucidate its mechanism in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HK-2 cells was induced by TGF-β1, and rhubarb-astragalus and losartan drug-containing serum from rats, as well as SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK), were used. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to determine the main components of the drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus from rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine the levels of protein expression, and real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to detect the levels of gene expression. RESULTS The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus contained emodin (0.36 μg/ml) and danthraquinone (0.96 μg/ml). Rhubarb-astragalus significantly decreased the protein expression levels of α-SMA, FN, vimentin and N-cadherin in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1, while it significantly increased the E-cadherin protein expression level that was decreased by TGF-β1. Rhubarb-astragalus also significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and p38 MAPK and the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, p38 MAPK, Smad2 and Smad3 in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1. It is worth noting that SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) had similar effects as rhubarb-astragalus in this study. CONCLUSION The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus can inhibit EMT in HK-2 cells by downregulating the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Qin
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Song-Qing Huang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhong
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Fang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zheng-Cheng Mi
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Song Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Huang H, Zhong L, Zhou J, Hou Y, Zhang Z, Xing X, Sun J. Leydig-like cells derived from reprogrammed human foreskin fibroblasts by CRISPR/dCas9 increase the level of serum testosterone in castrated male rats. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:3971-3981. [PMID: 32160419 PMCID: PMC7171312 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, Leydig cell (LC) transplantation has been regarded as an effective strategy for providing physiological patterns of testosterone in vivo. Recently, we have successfully converted human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) into functional Leydig‐like cells (iLCs) in vitro by using the CRISPR/dCas9 system, which shows promising potential for seed cells. However, it is not known whether the reprogrammed iLCs can survive or restore serum testosterone levels in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate whether reprogrammed iLCs can restore the serum testosterone levels of castrated rats when they are transplanted into the fibrous capsule. We first developed the castrated Sprague Dawley rat model through bilateral orchiectomy and subsequently injected extracellular matrix gel containing transplanted cells into the fibrous capsule of castrated rats. Finally, we evaluated dynamic serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH) in castrated rats, the survival of implanted iLCs, and the expression levels of Leydig steroidogenic enzymes by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that implanted iLCs could partially restore the serum testosterone level of castrated rats, weakly mimic the role of adult Leydig cells in the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis for a short period, and survive and secrete testosterone, through 6 weeks after transplantation. Therefore, this study may be valuable for treating male hypogonadism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhong
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Hou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xing
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Hu J, Wang W, Zhang F, Li PL, Boini KM, Yi F, Li N. Hypoxia inducible factor-1α mediates the profibrotic effect of albumin in renal tubular cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15878. [PMID: 29158549 PMCID: PMC5696482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15972-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteinuria is closely associated with the progression of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) by producing renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Over-activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α has been implicated in the progression of CKD. The present study tested the hypothesis that HIF-1α mediates albumin-induced profibrotic effect in cultured renal proximal tubular cells. Incubation of the cells with albumin (40 μg/ml) for 72 hrs significantly increased the protein levels of HIF-1α, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and collagen-I, which were blocked by HIF-1α shRNA. Albumin also stimulated an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as indicated by the decrease in epithelial marker E-cadherin, and the increase in mesenchymal markers α-smooth muscle actin and fibroblast-specific protein 1. HIF-1α shRNA blocked albumin-induced changes in these EMT markers as well. Furthermore, albumin reduced the level of hydroxylated HIF-1α, indicating an inhibition of the activity of prolyl-hydroxylases, enzymes promoting the degradation of HIF-1α. An anti-oxidant ascorbate reversed albumin-induced inhibition of prolyl-hydroxylase activity. Overexpression of prolyl-hydroxylase 2 (PHD2) transgene, a predominant isoform of PHDs in renal tubules, to reduce HIF-1α level significantly attenuated albumin-induced increases in TIMP-1 and collagen-I levels. These results suggest that albumin-induced oxidative stress inhibits PHD activity to accumulate HIF-1α, which mediates albumin-induced profibrotic effects in renal tubular cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Weili Wang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Pin-Lan Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Krishna M Boini
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA
| | - Fan Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Ningjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
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Zhu BB, Wang H, Chi YF, Wang YM, Yao XM, Liu S, Qiu H, Fang J, Yin PH, Zhang XM, Peng W. Protective effects of probucol on Ox-LDL-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells via LOX‑1/ROS/MAPK signaling. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:1289-1296. [PMID: 29115480 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), as a strong oxidant, results in renal injury through multiple mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to determine the injury effects of Ox‑LDL and the potential protective effects of the antioxidant reagent probucol on epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‑2) and to further explore the role and interrelation of lectin‑like oxidized low‑density lipoprotein receptor‑1 (LOX‑1), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In the present study, concentrations of 0‑100 µg/ml Ox‑LDL were used to induce HK‑2 cell EMT. Then, probucol (20 µmol/l) and the LOX‑1 inhibitor, polyinosinic acid (250 µg/ml), were also used to pretreat HK‑2 cells. Intracellular ROS activity was evaluated using the specific probe 2',7'‑dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH‑DA). Concentration of nitric oxide (NO) was determined using a biochemical colorimetric method. Expression of E‑cadherin, α‑smooth muscle actin (SMA), LOX‑1, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), cytochrome b‑245 α chain (p22phox), extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 MAPK protein levels were examined by western blotting. The results revealed that Ox‑LDL induced the expression of LOX‑1 and α‑SMA and reduced the expression of E‑cadherin in a dose‑dependent manner, and these effects were inhibited by polyinosinic acid or probucol pretreatment. Stimulation with 50 µg/ml Ox‑LDL induced the expression of NOX4 and p22phox and increased intracellular ROS activity, but NO production in the cell supernatants was not affected. The Ox‑LDL‑mediated increases in Nox4 and p22phox expression and in ROS activity were inhibited by probucol pretreatment. Further investigations into the underlying molecular pathways demonstrated that ERK and p38 MAPK were activated by Ox‑LDL stimulation and then inhibited by probucol pretreatment. The findings of the present study therefore suggest that Ox‑LDL induced EMT in HK‑2 cells, the mechanism of which may be associated with LOX‑1‑related oxidative stress via the ERK and p38 MAPK pathways. Notably, pretreatment with probucol inhibited the Ox‑LDL‑induced oxidative stress by reducing the expression of LOX‑1, and blocked the progression of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Bing Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Yang Feng Chi
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Yun Man Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Xing Mei Yao
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Huiling Qiu
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Ji Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Pei Hao Yin
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
| | - Xue Mei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, P.R. China
| | - Wen Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, P.R. China
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Zhang A, Wang B, Yang M, Shi H, Gan W. β2-microglobulin induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells in vitro. BMC Nephrol 2015; 16:60. [PMID: 25899529 PMCID: PMC4430907 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-015-0057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of β2-microglobulin (β2-M) on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods A human kidney proximal tubular cell line (HK-2) was used as the proximal tubular cell model. HK-2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of β2-M (5, 10, 25, and 50 μM) for up to 24, 48 and 72 h. The effects of β2-M on cell morphology were observed by phase contrast microscopy, and the possible associated mechanisms were assessed by immunofluorescence staining, western blot, RNA interference, immunoprecipitation, and induced coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Results β2-M induced marked morphological alterations in the HK-2 cells, accompanied by the increased expression of extracellular matrix components and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and fibronectin and the reduced expression of E-cadherin. Our results also revealed that β2-M could induce the EMT in the HK-2 cells without significant affecting cell viability. Excess β2-M in the HK-2 cells led to a decrease in iron and an increase in hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which induced EMT in the HK-2 cells. Additionally, disrupting the function of the β2-M/hemochromatosis (HFE) complex by HFE knockdown was sufficient to reverse β2-M-mediated EMT in the HK-2 cells. Conclusion These findings demonstrate that the activity of β2-M is mediated by the β2-M/HFE complex, which regulates intracellular iron homeostasis and HIF-1α and ultimately induces EMT in HK2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqing Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, P. R. China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital and Institute of Nephrology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China.
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Nephrology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 210003, China.
| | - Huimin Shi
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, P. R. China.
| | - Weihua Gan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, P. R. China.
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Hu J, Zhu Q, Li PL, Wang W, Yi F, Li N. Stem cell conditioned culture media attenuated albumin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal tubular cells. Cell Physiol Biochem 2015; 35:1719-28. [PMID: 25832005 PMCID: PMC4401473 DOI: 10.1159/000373984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Proteinuria-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in progressive renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic renal disease. Stem cell therapy has been used for different diseases. Stem cell conditioned culture media (SCM) exhibits similar beneficial effects as stem cell therapy. The present study tested the hypothesis that SCM inhibits albumin-induced EMT in cultured renal tubular cells. Methods Rat renal tubular cells were treated with/without albumin (20 μmg/ml) plus SCM or control cell media (CCM). EMT markers and inflammatory factors were measured by Western blot and fluorescent images. Results Albumin induced EMT as shown by significant decreases in levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin, increases in mesenchymal markers fibroblast-specific protein 1 and α-smooth muscle actin, and elevations in collagen I. SCM inhibited all these changes. Meanwhile, albumin induced NF-κB translocation from cytosol into nucleus and that SCM blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Albumin also increased the levels of pro-inflammatory factor monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1 by nearly 30 fold compared with control. SCM almost abolished albumin-induced increase of MCP-1. Conclusion These results suggest that SCM attenuated albumin-induced EMT in renal tubular cells via inhibiting activation of inflammatory factors, which may serve as a new therapeutic approach for chronic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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Bob F, Gluhovschi G, Herman D, Petrica L, Bozdog G, Gluhovschi C, Velciov S, Gadalean F, Timar R, Potencz E, Dema A, Schiller A. Immunohistochemical study of tubular epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells in glomerulonephritis. Ren Fail 2014; 36:1208-14. [DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2014.929525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ultrastructural and ultraimmunohistochemical changes upon partial nephrectomy and uranyl intoxication in the rat kidney. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 65:441-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2012.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Wanic K, Krolewski B, Ju W, Placha G, Niewczas MA, Walker W, Warram JH, Kretzler M, Krolewski AS. Transcriptome analysis of proximal tubular cells (HK-2) exposed to urines of type 1 diabetes patients at risk of early progressive renal function decline. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57751. [PMID: 23505438 PMCID: PMC3591403 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In patients with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who develop microalbuminuria, progressive decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) may be initiated by leakage into the urine of toxic proteins (txUPs). This study tested this hypothesis. Methods After archiving baseline urine, we followed T1D patients with microalbuminuria for 8–12 years to distinguish those in whom GFR declined (Decliners) and those in whom it remained stable (Non-decliners). Human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells) were grown in serum-free medium enriched with pooled urines from Decliners or Non-decliners. We determined genome-wide expression profiles in extracted mRNA. Results The two pooled urines induced differential expression of 312 genes. In terms of gene ontology, molecular functions of the 119 up-regulated genes were enriched for protein binding and peptidase inhibitor activities. Their biologic processes were enriched for defense response, responses to other organisms, regulation of cellular processes, or response to stress or stimulus, and programmed cell death. The 195 down-regulated genes were disproportionately represented in molecular functions of cation binding, hydrolase activity, and DNA binding. They were disproportionately represented in biological processes for regulation of metabolic processes, nucleic acid metabolic processes, cellular response to stress and macromolecule biosynthesis. The set of up-regulated genes in HK-2 cells overlaps significantly with sets of over-expressed genes in tubular and interstitial compartments of kidney biopsies from patients with advanced DN (33 genes in one study and 25 in the other compared with 10.3 expected by chance, p<10−9 and p<10−4, respectively). The overlap included genes encoding chemokines and cytokines. Overlap of down-regulated genes was no more than expected by chance. Conclusions Molecular processes in tubules and interstitium seen in advanced diabetic nephropathy can be induced in vitro by exposure to urine from patients with minimal microalbuminuria who subsequently developed progressive renal function decline, presumably due to putative txUPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Wanic
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Metabolic Diseases, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bozena Krolewski
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Wenjun Ju
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Grzegorz Placha
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Hypertension, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika A. Niewczas
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - William Walker
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James H. Warram
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Matthias Kretzler
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrzej S. Krolewski
- Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lee JH, Kim JH, Kim JS, Chang JW, Kim SB, Park JS, Lee SK. AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits TGF-β-, angiotensin II-, aldosterone-, high glucose-, and albumin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2013; 304:F686-97. [PMID: 23324179 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00148.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a novel mechanism that promotes renal fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), angiotensin II, aldosterone, high glucose, and urinary albumin are well-known causes of EMT and renal fibrosis. We examined whether and how activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) suppressed EMT induced by the above agents in tubular epithelial cells. All experiments were performed using HK-2 cells. Protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Exposure of tubular cells to TGF-β (10 ng/ml), angiotensin II (1 μM), aldosterone (100 nM), high glucose (30 mM), and albumin (5 mg/ml) for 5 days induced EMT, as shown by upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and downregulation of E-cadherin. ROS and NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression were increased, and antioxidants such as tiron and N-acetylcysteine inhibited EMT induction. Metformin (the best known clinical activator of AMPK) suppressed EMT induction through inhibition of ROS via induction of heme oxygenase-1 and endogenous antioxidant thioredoxin. An AMPK inhibitor (compound C) and AMPK small interfering RNA blocked the effect of metformin, and another AMPK activator [5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1β riboside (AICAR)] exerted the same effects as metformin. In conclusion, AMPK activation might be beneficial in attenuating the tubulointerstitial fibrosis induced by TGF-β, angiotensin II, aldosterone, high glucose, and urinary albumin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang Han Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
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Serum microRNAs levels in primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Pediatr Nephrol 2013; 28:1797-801. [PMID: 23463342 PMCID: PMC3722457 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in most physiological, developmental, and pathological processes. miR-192 and miR-205 are expressed preferentially in the renal cortex and closely relevant to the renal cell biology. In the present study, we aim to measure the serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 and their correlation with clinicopathological data in patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and minimal change disease (MCD). METHODS Fifty-six patients (35 male, 21 female) with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (FSGS 30, MCD 26) and 20 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. We quantified the serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 in patients with FSGS and MCD by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Patients with FSGS had higher serum levels of miR-192 and miR-205 than those with MCD (324.49 ± 42.74 fmol/l versus 90.19 ± 27.14 fmol/l, p < 0.01, 2.25 ± 0.69 fmol/l versus 0.60 ± 0.51 fmol/l, p < 0.01, respectively). The level of miR-192 was positively correlated with the proteinuria in patients with FSGS and MCD (r = 0.62, p < 0.001, r = 0.84, p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, the level of miR-205 was positively correlated with the proteinuria in patients with FSGS (r = 0.54, p = 0.002). In addition, the serum level of miR-192 was significantly correlated with the degree of interstitial fibrosis in patients with FSGS (r = 0.342, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS miR-192 and miR-205 have the potential as markers to differentiate FSGS from MCD.
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Sawada T, Nagai J, Okada Y, Yumoto R, Takano M. Gadolinium modulates gentamicin uptake via an endocytosis-independent pathway in HK-2 human renal proximal tubular cell line. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 684:146-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 03/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation of renal tubular epithelial cells induced by urinary proteins requires the activation of PKC-α and βI isozymes. Cell Biol Int 2012; 35:953-9. [PMID: 21323641 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Proteinuria is a common feature for almost all glomerular diseases and reflects the severity of the glomerular lesion. The presence of a large amount of proteins in tubular fluid, however, may also contribute to the development of RIF (renal interstitial fibrosis). Endocytosis of albumin in proximal tubular cells triggers PKC (protein kinase C)-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species and secretion of chemokines. As a family including 12 isozymes, which PKC isozymes participate in RIF is still unclear. EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation) of RTECs (renal tubular epithelial cells) plays a crucial role in the progress of RIF induced by proteinuria. In the present study, we investigated the role of classical PKC isozymes in the proteinuria-induced EMT of RTECs. Employing immunochemical staining, we found that PKC-α, -βI and -βII were expressed in glomerulus and in RTECs in both normal and diseased renal tissues, while PKC-γ was only expressed in podocytes in the glomerulus. Treatment of HK-2 cells with extracted urinary proteins resulted in EMT, as evidenced by morphological changes, decreased E-cadherin expression, increased α-SMA (α-smooth muscle actin) expression, as well as production of type I collagen and fibronectin. Western blot analysis of PKC isozymes in the cytosolic compared with membrane fraction revealed translocation of PKC-α and -βI, but not PKC-βII, in HK-2 cells undergoing EMT. Pretreatment with selective PKC-α inhibitor G-6976 or PKC-β inhibitor significantly attenuated EMT induced by urinary proteins. In summary, the present study suggested that PKC-α and -βI play critical roles in the EMT of RTECs in response to urinary proteins.
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Xiao L, Ge Y, Sun L, Xu X, Xie P, Zhan M, Wang M, Dong Z, Li J, Duan S, Liu F, Xiao P. Cordycepin inhibits albumin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells by reducing reactive oxygen species production. Free Radic Res 2012; 46:174-83. [PMID: 22149621 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2011.647688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Albumin induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells through reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway plays an important role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Cordycepin (3 -deoxyadenosine), a potential antioxidant, was demonstrated to have various pharmacological effects and could inhibit EMT of some cells. However, the role of cordycepin on albumin-induced EMT in renal tubular cells (HK2) is unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of cordycepin on albumin-induced EMT of HK2 cells and its mechanisms. HK-2 cells were exposed to bovine serum albumin with or without pretreatment with cordycepin. Results showed that albumin significantly induced EMT formation of HK-2 which associated with NADPH oxidase activation and intracellular ROS overproduction through increased Rac1 activity and expression of NOX4, p22phox and p47phox, while these effects were abolished in that pretreated with cordycepin. In conclusion, cordycepin could ameliorate albumin-induced EMT of HK2 cells by decreasing NADPH oxidase activity and inhibiting ROS production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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Lee JY, Chang JW, Yang WS, Kim SB, Park SK, Park JS, Lee SK. Albumin-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ER stress are regulated through a common ROS-c-Src kinase-mTOR pathway: effect of imatinib mesylate. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2011; 300:F1214-22. [PMID: 21367918 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00710.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by urinary protein, particularly albumin, play an important role in tubulointerstitial injury. However, signaling pathways regulating both albumin-induced EMT and ER stress are not precisely known. We postulated that reactive oxygen species (ROS), c-Src kinase, and mammalian target of rapamysin (mTOR) would act as upstream signaling molecules. We further examined the effect of imatinib mesylate on these processes. All experiments were performed using HK-2 cells, a human proximal tubular cell line. Protein and mRNA expression were measured by Western blot analysis and real-time PCR, respectively. Exposure of tubular cells to albumin (5 mg/ml) for up to 5 days induced EMT in a time-dependent manner, as shown by conversion to the spindle-like morphology, loss of E-cadherin protein, and upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin mRNA and protein. Albumin also induced ER stress as evidenced by phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2α and increased expression of GRP78 mRNA and protein. Albumin induced ROS, c-Src kinase, and mTOR as well. Antioxidants, c-Src kinase inhibitor (PP2), and mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin) suppressed the albumin-induced EMT and ER stress. Antioxidants and PP2 inhibited the albumin-induced c-Src kinase and mTOR, respectively. Imatinib suppressed the albumin-induced EMT and ER stress via inhibition of ROS and c-Src kinase. Imatinib also inhibited the albumin-induced mRNA expression of MCP-1, VCAM-1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and collagen I (α1). In conclusion, the ROS-c-Src kinase-mTOR pathway played a central role in the signaling pathway that linked albumin to EMT and ER stress. Imatinib might be beneficial in attenuating the albumin-induced tubular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Korea
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