Evaluation of metalloprotease inhibitors on hypertension and diabetic nephropathy

Matrix metalloproteinases in kidney homeostasis and diseases: an update

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases with important roles in kidney homeostasis and pathology. While capable of collectively degrading each component of the extracellular matrix, MMPs also degrade nonmatrix substrates to regulate inflammation, epithelial plasticity, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. More recently, intriguing mechanisms that directly alter podocyte biology have been described. There is now irrefutable evidence for MMP dysregulation in many types of kidney disease including acute kidney injury, diabetic and hypertensive nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and Alport syndrome. This updated review will detail the complex biology of MMPs in kidney disease.

Snakebite drug discovery: high-throughput screening to identify novel snake venom metalloproteinase toxin inhibitors

Snakebite envenoming results in ∼100,000 deaths per year, with close to four times as many victims left with life-long sequelae. Current antivenom therapies have several limitations including high cost, variable cross-snake species efficacy and a requirement for intravenous administration in a clinical setting. Next-generation snakebite therapies are being widely investigated with the aim to improve cost, efficacy, and safety. In recent years several small molecule drugs have shown considerable promise for snakebite indication, with oral bioavailability particularly promising for community delivery rapidly after a snakebite. However, only two such drugs have entered clinical development for snakebite. To offset the risk of attrition during clinical trials and to better explore the chemical space for small molecule venom toxin inhibitors, here we describe the first high throughput drug screen against snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs)-a pathogenic toxin family responsible for causing haemorrhage and coagulopathy. Following validation of a 384-well fluorescent enzymatic assay, we screened a repurposed drug library of 3,547 compounds against five geographically distinct and toxin variable snake venoms. Our drug screen resulted in the identification of 14 compounds with pan-species inhibitory activity. Following secondary potency testing, four SVMP inhibitors were identified with nanomolar EC50s comparable to the previously identified matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor marimastat and superior to the metal chelator dimercaprol, doubling the current global portfolio of SVMP inhibitors. Following analysis of their chemical structure and ADME properties, two hit-to-lead compounds were identified. These clear starting points for the initiation of medicinal chemistry campaigns provide the basis for the first ever designer snakebite specific small molecules.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 regulates afferent arteriolar remodeling and function in hypertension-induced kidney disease

This study tested if matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 promoted microvascular pathology that initiates hypertensive (HT) kidney disease in salt-sensitive (SS) Dahl rats. SS rats lacking Mmp9 (Mmp9-/-) and littermate control SS rats were studied after one week on a normotensive 0.3% sodium chloride (Pre-HT SS and Pre-HT Mmp9-/-) or a hypertension-inducing diet containing 4.0% sodium chloride (HT SS and HT Mmp9-/-). Telemetry-monitored blood pressure of both the HT SS and HT Mmp9-/- rats increased and did not differ. Kidney microvessel transforming growth factor-beta 1 (Tgfb1) mRNA did not differ between Pre-HT SS and Pre-HT Mmp9-/- rats, but with hypertension and expression of Mmp9 and Tgfb1 increased in HT SS rats, along with phospho-Smad2 labeling of nuclei of vascular smooth muscle cells, and with peri-arteriolar fibronectin deposition. Loss of MMP-9 prevented hypertension-induced phenotypic transformation of microvascular smooth muscle cells and the expected increased microvascular expression of pro-inflammatory molecules. Loss of MMP-9 in vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro prevented cyclic strain-induced production of active TGF-β1 and phospho-Smad2/3 stimulation. Afferent arteriolar autoregulation was impaired in HT SS rats but not in HT Mmp9-/- rats or the HT SS rats treated with doxycycline, an MMP inhibitor. HT SS but not HT Mmp9-/- rats showed decreased glomerular Wilms Tumor 1 protein-positive cells (a marker of podocytes) along with increased urinary podocin and nephrin mRNA excretion, all indicative of glomerular damage. Thus, our findings support an active role for MMP-9 in a hypertension-induced kidney microvascular remodeling process that promotes glomerular epithelial cell injury in SS rats.

Association of MMP-2 genes variants with diabetic retinopathy in Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

Few studies investigated the association of genetic difference in metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) gene with diabetic retinopathy but with mixed outcome. To investigate the association between a set of MMP-2 genetic variants and the risk of diabetic retinopathy in an Arab Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study comprising a total of 779 type 2 diabetes patients with or without diabetic retinopathy was conducted. Genotyping was prepared by TaqMan® SNP genotyping qRT-PCR. The variants used were rs243865 (C/T), rs243864 (T/G), rs243866 (G/T) and rs2285053 (C/T).

RESULTS

The minor allele frequency (MAF) of the rs243864 MMP-2 variant was significantly higher among diabetic retinopathy patients. Setting homozygous wild type genotype carrier as reference, the rs243864T/G allele was associated with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy under the dominant, recessive, and additive models which persisted when key covariates were controlled for, while a reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy progression was seen after adjustment between non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic patients. Furthermore, the heterozygous genotype GT of the rs243866 variant is positively associated with the risk of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the additive model. A limited linkage disequilibrium (LD) was revealed between the four-matrix metalloproteinase-2 variants. Four-loci haplotype analysis identified, GCTC, TTTC, and GCTT haplotypes to be positively associated with the risk of diabetic retinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that the MMP-2 variant rs243864 and 243866 are related to the susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy and the progression of the disease in an Arab Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes.

[Challenges in drug discovery research and the effects of SGLT2 inhibitor against diabetic kidney disease]

Diabetic kidney disease is an important diabetic complication as a causative disease for the progression of dialysis. However, the current therapeutic option has not been fully satisfied for completely suppressing the progression of renal injury. One of the reasons is that the model animals are limited that exhibit progressive renal injury similar to those of patients such as advanced urinary protein excretion, glomerular sclerosis, renal interstitial fibrosis and decreased glomerular filtration rate. And also, this is one of the important factors that pathophysiology of diabetic kidney disease has not yet been fully clarified. SGLT2 inhibitors are medicines that promote the excretion of glucose into the urine by suppressing the reabsorption of glucose from the renal proximal tubule and induce a blood glucose lowering effect. In order to verify the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on diabetic complications, we examined the effects of luseogliflozin using two kinds of animal models expressing the progressive renal injury including the advanced features of diabetic kidney disease similar to patients. Luseogliflozin and combination therapy with ACE inhibitor prevented the progression of renal injury in these animal models, and the result suggests that treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors could be a candidate of therapeutic option for diabetic kidney disease.

Key metalloproteinase-mediated pathways in the kidney

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAMs) belong to the metzincin family of zinc-containing multidomain molecules, and can act as soluble or membrane-bound proteases. These enzymes inactivate or activate other soluble or membrane-expressed mediator molecules, which enables them to control developmental processes, tissue remodelling, inflammatory responses and proliferative signalling pathways. The dysregulation of MMPs and ADAMs has long been recognized in acute kidney injury and in chronic kidney disease, and genetic targeting of selected MMPs and ADAMs in different mouse models of kidney disease showed that they can have detrimental and protective roles. In particular, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, ADAM10 and ADAM17 have been shown to have a mainly profibrotic effect and might therefore represent therapeutic targets. Each of these proteases has been associated with a different profibrotic pathway that involves tissue remodelling, Wnt-β-catenin signalling, stem cell factor-c-kit signalling, IL-6 trans-signalling or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. Broad-spectrum metalloproteinase inhibitors have been used to treat fibrotic kidney diseases experimentally but more targeted approaches have since been developed, including inhibitory antibodies, to avoid the toxic side effects initially observed with broad-spectrum inhibitors. These advances not only provide a solid foundation for additional preclinical studies but also encourage further translation into clinical research.

Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype: Potential therapeutic targets for renal fibrosis

Renal fibrosis plays a crucial role in the progression of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. However, because the aetiology of this pathological process is complex and remains unclear, there is still no effective treatment. Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) have been reported to lead to renal fibrosis. This review first discusses the relationships among cellular senescence, the SASP and renal fibrosis. Then, the key role of the SASP in irreversible renal fibrosis, including fibroblast activation and abnormal extracellular matrix accumulation, is discussed, with the results of studies having indicated that inhibiting cellular senescence and the SASP might be a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis. Finally, we summarize promising therapeutic strategies revealed by existing research on senescent cells and the SASP, including emerging interventions targeting the SASP, caloric restriction and mimetics, and novel regeneration therapies with stem cells.

Knockout of γ-Adducin Promotes NG-Nitro-L-Arginine-Methyl-Ester-Induced Hypertensive Renal Injury

Previous studies identified a region on chromosome 1 associated with N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) hypertension-induced renal disease in fawn-hooded hypertensive (FHH) rats. This region contains a mutant γ-adducin (Add3) gene that impairs renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation, but its contribution to renal injury is unknown. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that knockout (KO) of Add3 impairs the renal vasoconstrictor response to the blockade of nitric oxide synthase and enhances hypertension-induced renal injury after chronic administration of L-NAME plus a high-salt diet. The acute hemodynamic effect of L-NAME and its chronic effects on hypertension and renal injury were compared in FHH 1^{Brown Norway} (FHH 1^BN) congenic rats (WT) expressing wild-type Add3 gene versus FHH 1^BN Add3 KO rats. RBF was well autoregulated in WT rats but impaired in Add3 KO rats. Acute administration of L-NAME (10 mg/kg) raised mean arterial pressure (MAP) similarly in both strains, but RBF and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) fell by 38% in WT versus 15% in Add3 KO rats. MAP increased similarly in both strains after chronic administration of L-NAME and a high-salt diet; however, proteinuria and renal injury were greater in Add3 KO rats than in WT rats. Surprisingly, RBF, GFR, and glomerular capillary pressure were 41%, 82%, and 13% higher in L-NAME-treated Add3 KO rats than in WT rats. Hypertensive Add3 KO rats exhibited greater loss of podocytes and glomerular nephrin expression and increased interstitial fibrosis than in WT rats. These findings indicate that loss of ADD3 promotes L-NAME-induced renal injury by altering renal hemodynamics and enhancing the transmission of pressure to glomeruli. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A mutation in the γ-adducin (Add3) gene in fawn-hooded hypertensive rats that impairs autoregulation of renal blood flow is in a region of rat chromosome 1 homologous to a locus on human chromosome 10 associated with diabetic nephropathy. The present results indicate that loss of ADD3 enhanced N^G-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced hypertensive renal injury by altering the transmission of pressure to the glomerulus.

MicroRNA and mRNA analysis of angiotensin II-induced renal artery endothelial cell dysfunction

Continuous activation of angiotensin II (Ang II) induces renal vascular endothelial dysfunction, inflammation and oxidative stress, all of which may contribute to renal damage. MicroRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) play a crucial regulatory role in the pathogenesis of hypertensive nephropathy (HN). The present study aimed to assess the differential expression profiles of potential candidate genes involved in Ang II-induced rat renal artery endothelial cell (RRAEC) dysfunction and explore their possible functions. In the present study, the changes in energy metabolism and autophagy function in RRAECs were evaluated using the Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test and dansylcadaverine/transmission electron microscopy following exposure to Ang II. Subsequently, mRNA-miRNA sequencing experiments were performed to determine the differential expression profiles of mRNAs and miRNAs. Integrated bioinformatics analysis was applied to further explore the molecular mechanisms of Ang II on endothelial injury induced by Ang II. The present data supported the notion that Ang II upregulated glycolysis levels and promoted autophagy activation in RRAECs. The sequencing data demonstrated that 443 mRNAs and 58 miRNAs were differentially expressed (DE) in response to Ang II exposure, where 66 mRNAs and 55 miRNAs were upregulated, while 377 mRNAs and 3 miRNAs were downregulated (fold change >1.5 or <0.67; P<0.05). Functional analysis indicated that DE mRNA and DE miRNA target genes were mainly associated with cell metabolism (metabolic pathways), differentiation (Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation), autophagy (autophagy-animal and autophagy-other) and repair (RNA-repair). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on mRNA-miRNA integrated profiles of Ang II-induced RRAECs. The present results provided evidence suggesting that the miRNA-mediated effect on the ‘mTOR signaling pathway’ might play a role in Ang II-induced RRAEC injury by driving glycolysis and autophagy activation. Targeting miRNAs and their associated pathways may provide valuable insight into the clinical management of HN and may improve patient outcome.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Around the world diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by mesangial expansion, glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. The hallmark of the pathogenesis of DKD is an increased extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation causing thickening of the glomerular and tubular basement membranes, mesangial expansion, sclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) family are composed of zinc-dependent enzymes involved in the degradation and hydrolysis of ECM components. Several MMPs are expressed in the kidney; nephron compartments, vasculature and connective tissue. Given their important role in DKD, several studies have been performed in patients with DKD proposing that the measurement of their activity in serum or in urine may become in the future markers of early DKD. Studies from diabetic nephropathy experimental models suggest that a balance between MMPs levels and their inhibitors is needed to maintain renal homeostasis. This review focuses in the importance of the MMPs within the kidney and their modifications at the circulation, kidney and urine in patients with DKD. We also cover the most important studies performed in experimental models of diabetes in terms of MMPs levels, renal expression and its down-regulation effect.

Progression of diabetic kidney disease in T2DN rats

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the leading pathological causes of decreased renal function and progression to end-stage kidney failure. To explore and characterize age-related changes in DKD and associated glomerular damage, we used a rat model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (T2DN) at 12 wk and older than 48 wk. We compared their disease progression with control nondiabetic Wistar and diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. During the early stages of DKD, T2DN and GK animals revealed significant increases in blood glucose and kidney-to-body weight ratio. Both diabetic groups had significantly altered renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system function. Thereafter, during the later stages of disease progression, T2DN rats demonstrated a remarkable increase in renal damage compared with GK and Wistar rats, as indicated by renal hypertrophy, polyuria accompanied by a decrease in urine osmolarity, high cholesterol, a significant prevalence of medullary protein casts, and severe forms of glomerular injury. Urinary nephrin shedding indicated loss of the glomerular slit diaphragm, which also correlates with the dramatic elevation in albuminuria and loss of podocin staining in aged T2DN rats. Furthermore, we used scanning ion microscopy topographical analyses to detect and quantify the pathological remodeling in podocyte foot projections of isolated glomeruli from T2DN animals. In summary, T2DN rats developed renal and physiological abnormalities similar to clinical observations in human patients with DKD, including progressive glomerular damage and a significant decrease in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plasma levels, indicating these rats are an excellent model for studying the progression of renal damage in type 2 DKD.

Extracellular matrix roles in cardiorenal fibrosis: Potential therapeutic targets for CVD and CKD in the elderly

Whereas hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia are age-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), aging alone is an independent risk factor. With advancing age, the heart and kidney gradually but significantly undergo inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, which eventually results in an irreversible decline in organ physiology. Through cardiorenal network interactions, cardiac dysfunction leads to and responds to renal injury, and both facilitate aging effects. Thus, a comprehensive strategy is needed to evaluate the cardiorenal aging network. Common hallmarks shared across systems include extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, along with upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) including MMP-9. The wide range of MMP-9 substrates, including ECM components and inflammatory cytokines, implicates MMP-9 in a variety of pathological and age-related processes. In particular, there is strong evidence that inflammatory cell-derived MMP-9 exacerbates cardiorenal aging. This review explores the potential therapeutic targets against CVD and CKD in the elderly, focusing on ECM and MMP roles.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Kidney Disease: Role in Pathogenesis and Potential as a Therapeutic Target

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are large family of proteinases. In addition to a fundamental role in the remodeling of the extracellular matrix, they also cleave a number of cell surface proteins and are involved in multiple cellular processes. MMP activity is regulated via numerous mechanisms, including inhibition by endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Similar to MMPs, a role for TIMPs has been established in multiple cell signaling pathways. Aberrant expression of MMPs and TIMPS in renal pathophysiology has long been recognized, and with the generation of specific knockout mice, the mechanistic role of several MMPs and TIMPs is becoming more understood and has revealed both pathogenic and protective roles. This chapter will focus on the expression and localization of MMPs and TIMPs in the kidney, as well as summarizing the current information linking these proteins to acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. In addition, we will summarize studies suggesting that MMPs and TIMPs may be biomarkers of renal dysfunction and represent novel therapeutic targets to attenuate kidney disease.

KMUP-1 attenuates high glucose and transforming growth factor-β1-induced pro-fibrotic proteins in mesangial cells

We have previously demonstrated that KMUP-1, a xanthine-based nitric oxide enhancer, attenuates diabetic glomerulosclerosis, while increasing renal endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression in rats. However, the anti‑fibrotic mechanisms of KMUP‑1 treatment in diabetic nephropathy in terms of cell biology and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF‑β1) remain unclear. Therefore, the present study involved investigating the effects of KMUP‑1 on high glucose (HG) or TGF‑β1‑induced pro‑fibrotic proteins in mouse mesangial (MES13) cells, and the effects of KMUP‑1 on streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetic rats. It was identified that KMUP‑1 (10 µM) attenuated HG (30 mM)‑induced cell hypertrophy while attenuating TGF‑β1 gene transcription and bioactivity in MES13 cells. In addition, KMUP‑1 attenuated TGF‑β1 (5 ng/ml)‑induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation while attenuating HG or TGF‑β1‑induced collagen IV and fibronectin protein expression. Furthermore, KMUP‑1 attenuated HG‑decreased Suv39h1 and H3K9me3 levels. Finally, KMUP‑1 attenuated diabetes-induced collagen IV and fibronectin protein expression in STZ‑diabetic rats at 8 weeks. In conclusion, KMUP‑1 attenuates HG and TGF‑β1‑induced pro‑fibrotic proteins in mesangial cells and attenuation of TGF‑β1‑induced signaling and attenuation of HG‑decreased Suv39h1 expression may be two of the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of KMUP‑1.

Rethinking glomerular basement membrane thickening in diabetic nephropathy: adaptive or pathogenic?

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States and is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and death. DN develops insidiously over a span of years before clinical manifestations, including microalbuminuria and declining glomerular filtration rate (GFR), are evident. During the clinically silent period, structural lesions develop, including glomerular basement membrane (GBM) thickening, mesangial expansion, and glomerulosclerosis. Once microalbuminuria is clinically apparent, structural lesions are often considerably advanced, and GFR decline may then proceed rapidly toward end-stage kidney disease. Given the current lack of sensitive biomarkers for detecting early DN, a shift in focus toward examining the cellular and molecular basis for the earliest structural change in DN, i.e., GBM thickening, may be warranted. Observed within one to two years following the onset of diabetes, GBM thickening precedes clinically evident albuminuria. In the mature glomerulus, the podocyte is likely key in modifying the GBM, synthesizing and assembling matrix components, both in physiological and pathological states. Podocytes also secrete matrix metalloproteinases, crucial mediators in extracellular matrix turnover. Studies have shown that the critical podocyte-GBM interface is disrupted in the diabetic milieu. Just as healthy podocytes are essential for maintaining the normal GBM structure and function, injured podocytes likely have a fundamental role in upsetting the balance between the GBM's synthetic and degradative pathways. This article will explore the biological significance of GBM thickening in DN by reviewing what is known about the GBM's formation, its maintenance during health, and its disruption in DN.

Heightened cleavage of Axl receptor tyrosine kinase by ADAM metalloproteases may contribute to disease pathogenesis in SLE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by antibody-mediated chronic inflammation in the kidney, lung, skin, and other organs to cause inflammation and damage. Several inflammatory pathways are dysregulated in SLE, and understanding these pathways may improve diagnosis and treatment. In one such pathway, Axl tyrosine kinase receptor responds to Gas6 ligand to block inflammation in leukocytes. A soluble form of the Axl receptor ectodomain (sAxl) is elevated in serum from patients with SLE and lupus-prone mice. We hypothesized that sAxl in SLE serum originates from the surface of leukocytes and that the loss of leukocyte Axl contributes to the disease. We determined that macrophages and B cells are a source of sAxl in SLE and in lupus-prone mice. Shedding of the Axl ectodomain from the leukocytes of lupus-prone mice is mediated by the matrix metalloproteases ADAM10 and TACE (ADAM17). Loss of Axl from lupus-prone macrophages renders them unresponsive to Gas6-induced anti-inflammatory signaling in vitro. This phenotype is rescued by combined ADAM10/TACE inhibition. Mice with Axl-deficient macrophages develop worse disease than controls when challenged with anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) sera in an induced model of nephritis. ADAM10 and TACE also mediate human SLE PBMC Axl cleavage. Collectively, these studies indicate that increased metalloprotease-mediated cleavage of leukocyte Axl may contribute to end organ disease in lupus. They further suggest dual ADAM10/TACE inhibition as a potential therapeutic modality in SLE.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Non-Neoplastic Disorders

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent endopeptidases belonging to the metzincin superfamily. There are at least 23 members of MMPs ever reported in human, and they and their substrates are widely expressed in many tissues. Recent growing evidence has established that MMP not only can degrade a variety of components of extracellular matrix, but also can cleave and activate various non-matrix proteins, including cytokines, chemokines and growth factors, contributing to both physiological and pathological processes. In normal conditions, MMP expression and activity are tightly regulated via interactions between their activators and inhibitors. Imbalance among these factors, however, results in dysregulated MMP activity, which causes tissue destruction and functional alteration or local inflammation, leading to the development of diverse diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, arthritis, neurodegenerative disease, as well as cancer. This article focuses on the accumulated evidence supporting a wide range of roles of MMPs in various non-neoplastic diseases and provides an outlook on the therapeutic potential of inhibiting MMP action.

Fluorescence dilution technique for measurement of albumin reflection coefficient in isolated glomeruli

This study describes a high-throughput fluorescence dilution technique to measure the albumin reflection coefficient (σAlb) of isolated glomeruli. Rats were injected with FITC-dextran 250 (75 mg/kg), and the glomeruli were isolated in a 6% BSA solution. Changes in the fluorescence of the glomerulus due to water influx in response to an imposed oncotic gradient was used to determine σAlb. Adjustment of the albumin concentration of the bath from 6 to 5, 4, 3, and 2% produced a 10, 25, 35, and 50% decrease in the fluorescence of the glomeruli. Pretreatment of glomeruli with protamine sulfate (2 mg/ml) or TGF-β1 (10 ng/ml) decreased σAlb from 1 to 0.54 and 0.48, respectively. Water and solute movement were modeled using Kedem-Katchalsky equations, and the measured responses closely fit the predicted behavior, indicating that loss of albumin by solvent drag or diffusion is negligible compared with the movement of water. We also found that σAlb was reduced by 17% in fawn hooded hypertensive rats, 33% in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, 26% in streptozotocin-treated diabetic Dahl SS rats, and 21% in 6-mo old type II diabetic nephropathy rats relative to control Sprague-Dawley rats. The changes in glomerular permeability to albumin were correlated with the degree of proteinuria in these strains. These findings indicate that the fluorescence dilution technique can be used to measure σAlb in populations of isolated glomeruli and provides a means to assess the development of glomerular injury in hypertensive and diabetic models.

Present and future in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Albuminuria is recognized as the most important prognostic factor for chronic kidney disease progression. For this reason, blockade of renin-angiotensin system remains the main recommended strategy, with either angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. However, other antiproteinuric treatments have begun to be studied, such as direct renin inhibitors or aldosterone blockers. Beyond antiproteinuric treatments, other drugs such as pentoxifylline or bardoxolone have yielded conflicting results. Finally, alternative pathogenic pathways are being explored, and emerging therapies including antifibrotic agents, endothelin receptor antagonists, or transcription factors show promising results. The aim of this review is to explain the advances in newer agents to treat diabetic kidney disease, along with the background of the renin-angiotensin system blockade.

Reduction of mouse atherosclerosis by urokinase inhibition or with a limited-spectrum matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor

AIMS

Elevated activity of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and MMPs in human arteries is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, aneurysms, and plaque rupture. We used Apoe-null mice with macrophage-specific uPA overexpression (SR-uPA mice; a well-characterized model of protease-accelerated atherosclerosis) to investigate whether systemic inhibition of proteolytic activity of uPA or a subset of MMPs can reduce protease-induced atherosclerosis and aortic dilation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

SR-uPA mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks and treated either with an antibody inhibiting mouse uPA (mU1) or a control antibody. mU1-treated mice were also compared with PBS-treated non-uPA-overexpressing Apoe-null mice. Other SR-uPA mice were treated with one of three doses of a limited-spectrum synthetic MMP inhibitor (XL784) or vehicle. mU1 reduced aortic root intimal lesion area (20%; P = 0.05) and aortic root circumference (12%; P = 0.01). All XL784 doses reduced aortic root intimal lesion area (22-29%) and oil-red-O-positive lesion area (36-42%; P < 0.05 for all doses and both end points), with trends towards reduced aortic root circumference (6-10%). Neither mU1 nor XL784 significantly altered percent aortic surface lesion coverage. Several lines of evidence identified MMP-13 as a mediator of uPA-induced aortic MMP activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacological inhibition of either uPA or selected MMPs decreased atherosclerosis in SR-uPA mice. uPA inhibition decreased aortic dilation. Differential effects of both agents on aortic root vs. distal aortic atherosclerosis suggest prevention of atherosclerosis progression vs. initiation. Systemic inhibition of uPA or a subset of MMPs shows promise for treating atherosclerosis.

Emerging targets in neuroinflammation-driven chronic pain

Current analgesics predominately modulate pain transduction and transmission in neurons and have limited success in controlling disease progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, which is characterized by infiltration of immune cells, activation of glial cells and production of inflammatory mediators in the peripheral and central nervous system, has an important role in the induction and maintenance of chronic pain. This Review focuses on emerging targets - such as chemokines, proteases and the WNT pathway - that promote spinal cord neuroinflammation and chronic pain. It also highlights the anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution lipid mediators that act on immune cells, glial cells and neurons to resolve neuroinflammation, synaptic plasticity and pain. Targeting excessive neuroinflammation could offer new therapeutic opportunities for chronic pain and related neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Therapeutic approaches to diabetic nephropathy--beyond the RAS

Despite improvements in glycaemic and blood pressure control, and the efficacy of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade for proteinuria reduction, diabetic nephropathy is the most frequent cause of end-stage renal disease in developed countries. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that key pathogenetic mechanisms leading to progression of renal disease are not modified or inactivated by current therapeutic approaches. Although extensive research has elucidated molecular signalling mechanisms that are involved in progression of diabetic kidney disease, a number of high-profile clinical trials of potentially nephroprotective agents have failed, highlighting an insufficient understanding of pathogenic pathways. These include trials of paricalcitol in early diabetic kidney disease and bardoxolone methyl in advanced-stage disease. Various strategies based on encouraging data from preclinical studies that showed renoprotective effects of receptor antagonists, neutralizing antibodies, kinase inhibitors, small compounds and peptide-based technologies are currently been tested in randomized controlled trials. Phase II clinical trials are investigating approaches targeting inflammation, fibrosis and signalling pathways. However, only one trial that aims to provide evidence for marketing approval of a potentially renoprotective drug (atrasentan) is underway-further research into the potential nephroprotective effects of novel glucose-lowering agents is required.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 deficiency attenuates diabetic nephropathy by modulation of podocyte functions and dedifferentiation

Diabetic nephropathy is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix protein and disruption of the glomerular filtration barrier. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) affect the breakdown and turnover of extracellular matrix protein, suggesting that altered expression of MMPs may contribute to diabetic nephropathy. Here we used an MMP-9 gene knockout mouse model, with in vitro experiments and clinical samples, to determine the possible role of MMP-9 in diabetic nephropathy. After 6 months of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, mice developed markedly increased albuminuria, glomerular and kidney hypertrophy, and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Gelatin zymographic analysis and western blotting showed that there was enhanced MMP-9 protein production and activity in the glomeruli. However, MMP-9 knockout in diabetic mice significantly attenuated these nephropathy changes. In cultured podocytes, various cytokines related to diabetic nephropathy including TGF-β1, TNF-α, and VEGF stimulated MMP-9 secretion. Overexpression of endogenous MMP-9 induced podocyte dedifferentiation. MMP-9 also interrupted podocyte cell integrity, promoted podocyte monolayer permeability to albumin, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis. In diabetic patients, the upregulation of urinary MMP-9 concentrations occurred earlier than the onset of microalbuminuria. Thus, MMP-9 seems to play a role in the development of diabetic nephropathy.

Differential effects of Smad3 targeting in a murine model of chronic kidney disease

Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 has a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of progressive kidney diseases that are characterized by fibrosis. The main intracellular signaling pathway of TGF‐β1 is the Smad system, where Smad2 and Smad3 play a central role in transcriptional regulation of target genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) metabolism. This study analyzes the hypothesis that blockade of Smad3 attenuates the development of TGF‐β1‐driven renal fibrosis. This was examined in vivo in a transgenic model of TGF‐β1‐induced chronic kidney disease with Smad3 or without Smad3 expression and in vitro in mesangial cells and glomerular endothelial cells with Smad2/3 inhibitors or Smad3‐knockdown. Electron microscopy was used for evaluation of morphological changes, real‐time polymerase chain reaction for detection of RNA expression, and immunohistochemistry for localization of ECM components. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) level was assessed by gelatin zymography electrophoresis and located by in situ zymography. The results show TGF‐β1‐induced mesangial matrix expansion, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and tubular basement membrane thickening that are attenuated by Smad3 deletion, whereas TGF‐β1‐induced glomerular basement membrane thickening is not shown. The amount and distribution profile of MMP‐2 may suggest a role of the enzyme herein. We conclude that Smad3 targeting is not exclusively beneficial as Smad3 has diverse transcriptional regulatory effects in different cell types in the kidney.

Deletion of Smad3 protects the kidney from developing transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, mesangial matrix expansion, and tubular basement membrane thickening, but not glomerular basement membrane thickening. The favorable effects of Smad3 deficiency can be explained by reduced deposition of collagen subtypes. The cell‐specific changes of matrix metalloproteinase expression can be a result of altered TGF‐β1 signaling.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibition Mitigates Renovascular Remodeling in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is the hallmark of hypertensive nephropathy. Uncontrolled proteolytic activity due to an imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (MMPs/TIMPs) has been implicated in renovascular fibrosis. We hypothesized that inhibition of MMPs will reduce excess ECM deposition and modulate autophagy to attenuate hypertension. Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl/SS) and Lewis rats were fed on high salt diet and treated without or with 1.2 mg/kg b.w. of GM6001 (MMP inhibitor) by intraperitoneal injection on alternate days for 4 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), renal cortical blood flow, vascular density, collagen, elastin, and MMPs/TIMPs were measured. GM6001 treatment significantly reduced mean BP in hypertensive Dahl/SS rats. Renal resistive index (RI) was increased in hypertensive Dahl/SS rats and Doppler flowmetry showed reduced cortical perfusion. Barium angiography demonstrated a reduction in terminal branches of renal vasculature. Inhibition of MMPs by GM6001 resulted in a significant improvement in all the parameters including renal function. In hypertensive Dahl/SS rats, protein levels of MMP-9, -2, and -13 were increased including the activity of MMP-9 and -2; TIMP-1 and -2 levels were increased whereas TIMP-3 levels were similar to Lewis controls. Administration of GM6001 reduced the activity of MMPs and increased the levels of TIMP-1, -2, and -3. MMP inhibition reduced type 1 collagen deposition and increased elastin in the intrarenal vessels indicating reduced fibrosis. Autophagy markers were decreased in hypertensive Dahl/SS rats and GM6001 treatment enhanced their levels. We conclude that MMP inhibition (GM6001) reduces adverse renovascular remodeling in hypertension by modulating ECM turnover and stimulating autophagy.

Epidermal growth factors in the kidney and relationship to hypertension

Members of the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-family bind to ErbB (EGFR)-family receptors that play an important role in the regulation of various fundamental cell processes in many organs including the kidney. In this field, most of the research efforts are focused on the role of EGF-ErbB axis in cancer biology. However, many studies indicate that abnormal ErbB-mediated signaling pathways are critical in the development of renal and cardiovascular pathologies. The kidney is a major site of the EGF-family ligands synthesis, and it has been shown to express all four members of the ErbB receptor family. The study of kidney disease regulation by ErbB receptor ligands has expanded considerably in recent years. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided direct evidence of the role of ErbB signaling in the kidney. Recent advances in the understanding of how the proteins in the EGF-family regulate sodium transport and development of hypertension are specifically discussed here. Collectively, these results suggest that EGF-ErbB signaling pathways could be major determinants in the progress of renal lesions, including its effects on the regulation of sodium reabsorption in collecting ducts.

Implications of treatment that target protective mechanisms against diabetic nephropathy

Diabetes results in vascular changes and dysfunction, and vascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. There has been a continual increase in the number of diabetic nephropathy patients and epidemic increases in the number of patients progressing to end-stage renal diseases. To identify targets for therapeutic intervention, most studies have focused on understanding how abnormal levels of glucose metabolites cause diabetic nephropathy, which is of paramount importance in devising strategies to combat the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. However, less studied than the systemic toxic mechanisms, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia might inhibit the endogenous vascular protective factors such as insulin, vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor. In this review, we highlight the importance of enhancing endogenous protective factors to prevent or delay diabetic nephropathy.

Effects of a new SGLT2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, on diabetic nephropathy in T2DN rats

This study examined the effect of long-term control of hyperglycemia with a new sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, luseogliflozin, given alone or in combination with lisinopril on the progression of renal injury in the T2DN rat model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Chronic treatment with luseogliflozin (10 mg/kg/day) produced a sustained increase in glucose excretion and normalized blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels to the same level as seen in the rats treated with insulin. It had no effect on blood pressure. In contrast, lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day) reduced mean blood pressure from 140 to 113 mmHg. Combination therapy significantly reduced blood pressure more than that seen in the rats treated with lisinopril. T2DN rats treated with vehicle exhibited progressive proteinuria, a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), focal glomerulosclerosis, renal fibrosis, and tubular necrosis. Control of hyperglycemia with luseogliflozin prevented the fall in GFR and reduced the degree of glomerular injury, renal fibrosis, and tubular necrosis. In contrast, control of hyperglycemia with insulin had no effect on the progression of renal disease in T2DN rats. Reducing blood pressure with lisinopril prevented the fall in GFR and reduced proteinuria and the degree of glomerular injury and tubular necrosis. Combination therapy reduced the degree of glomerular injury, renal fibrosis, and tubular necrosis to a greater extent than administration of either drug alone. These results suggest that control of hyperglycemia with luseogliflozin slows the progression of diabetic nephropathy more than that seen with insulin, and combination therapy is more renoprotective than administration of either compound alone.

Emerging drugs for managing kidney disease in patients with diabetes

INTRODUCTION

The need for new approaches to manage the increasing numbers of patients with diabetes and their burden of complications is urgent. Of these, chronic kidney disease imposes some of the highest costs, both in dollars and in terms of human suffering. In individuals with diabetes, the presence and severity of kidney disease adversely affects their well-being, contributes to disease morbidity and increases their risk of a premature death.

AREAS COVERED

To collect information for the strategies previously or currently under investigation for managing kidney disease in patients with diabetes, a literature search was performed through the search engines PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov.

EXPERT OPINION

Despite advancing knowledge on the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, and promising effects in experimental models, at present there are no new drugs that come close to providing the solutions we desire for our patients. Even when used in combination with standard care, renal complications are at best only modestly reduced, at the considerable expense of additional pill burden and exposure to serious off-target effects. Some of the most exciting advances over the last decade, including thiazolidinediones, direct renin inhibitors, endothelin antagonists and most recently bardoxolone methyl have all fallen at this last hurdle. Better targeted ('smarter') drugs appear to be the best hope for renoprotective therapy.

Comparison of the Development Diabetic Induced Renal Disease in Strains of Goto-Kakizaki Rats

This study compared temporal changes in renal hemodynamics, proteinuria and the development of renal disease in Goto-Kakizaki (GK) type II diabetic rats that are resistant to the development of diabetic nephropathy and a genetically modified GK substrain (T2DN) carrying the mitochondrial genome and other alleles from Fawn hooded-hypertensive (FHH) rats is more susceptible to the development of renal injury. Both GK and T2DN rats were diabetic (>250 mg/ dL) and blood glucose levels were not significantly different at 3, 6 and 18 months of age. Blood pressure was also similar in both strains at all 3 ages. Renal blood flow (RBF) was 45% higher in 3 month old T2DN rats than GK rats but glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was similar. T2DN rats exhibited a progressive increase in proteinuria from 41 ± 2 to 524 ± 50 mg/day and 57% fall in GFR as they aged from 3 to 18 months of age. In contrast, proteinuria only increased to 162 ± 31 mg/day in GK rats and GFR remained unaltered. The kidneys from 18 month old T2DN rats exhibited severe glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis and tubular necrosis while kidneys from GK rats did not. Plasma creatinine levels were 2.4 fold higher in 18 month old T2DN than in GK rats. These data demonstrate that T2DN rats develop most of the features of diabetic nephropathy including progressive proteinuria and chronic kidney disease whereas the closely related GK strain does not, even though blood pressure and the level of hyperglycemia are similar.

Heterozygous knockout of transforming growth factor-β1 protects Dahl S rats against high salt-induced renal injury

The present study employed a zinc-finger nuclease strategy to create heterozygous knockout (KO) rats for the transforming growth factor-β1 (Tgfb1) gene on the Dahl SS/Jr genetic background (TGF-β1(+/-) Dahl S). Intercrossing TGF-β1(+/-) rats did not produce any homozygous KO rats (66.4% +/-, 33.6% +/+), indicating that the mutation is embryonic lethal. Six-week-old wild-type (WT) littermates and TGF-β1(+/-) Dahl S rats were fed a 0.4% (low salt, LS) or 8% NaCl (high salt, HS) diet for 5 wk. Renal cortical expression of TGF-β1, urinary TGF-β1 excretion, proteinuria, glomerular injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and systolic blood pressure were similar in WT and TGF-β1(+/-) Dahl S rats maintained on the LS diet. The expression and urinary excretion of TGF-β1 increased to a greater extent in WT than in TGF-β1(+/-)Dahl S rats fed an HS diet for 1 wk. Systolic blood pressure rose by the same extent to 235 ± 2 mmHg in WT and 239 ± 4 mmHg in TGF-β1(+/-) Dahl S rats fed a HS diet for 5 wk. However, urinary protein excretion was significantly lower in TGF-β1(+/-) Dahl S than in the WT animals. The degree of glomerular injury and renal cortical and outer medullary fibrosis was markedly less in TGF-β1(+/-) than in WT rats. These findings suggest that the loss of one copy of the TGF-β1 gene blunts the increase in renal TGF-β1 protein expression and slows the progression of proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and renal interstitial fibrosis in Dahl S rats fed an HS diet independently of changes in blood pressure.

Effect of novel limited-spectrum MMP inhibitor XL784 in abdominal aortic aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Inhibiting the growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is a clinically valuable goal and fills an important therapeutic void. Based on studies in animals and humans, inhibition of the activity of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has the potential to slow AAA expansion and limit morbidity and the need for surgery. Previous attempts to make use of the synthetic MMP inhibitors in the treatment of chronic conditions have been limited by intolerable side effects. The limited-spectrum synthetic MMP inhibitor, XL784, was well tolerated and devoid of side-effects associated with other nonspecific MMP inhibitors in phase I studies. We hypothesized that clinically relevant doses of XL784 would be effective at inhibiting aneurysm development in a mouse model.

METHODS

The 14-day elastase-perfusion model of AAA in mice was used. An initial screening study of XL784 (50 [n = 17], 125 [n = 17], and 250 mg/kg [n = 18]) administered via gavage daily until harvest. Controls received diluent alone (n = 18) or doxycycline in drinking water (n = 19). Aortic diameter was measured pre-perfusion (AD(pre)) and at harvest (AD(har)). A second study used XL784 (250 [n = 9]; 375 [n = 9], and 500 mg/kg [n = 14]) and diluent alone (n = 9) administered via gavage. The percentage dilatation [%ΔAD = [(AD(har) - AD(pre))/AD(pre)] ×100] was calculated and elastin and inflammatory content was scored.

RESULTS

All mice tolerated the treatments similarly. Control mice all developed aneurysms with a mean %ΔAD of 158.5% ± 4.3%. Treatment with all doses of XL784 and doxycycline were effective in inhibiting aortic dilatation. There was a clear dose-response relationship between XL784 and reductions in aortic dilatation at harvest (50 mg/kg 140.4% ± 3.2%; 125 mg/kg 129.3% ± 5.1%; 250 mg/kg 119.2% ± 3.5%; all Ps < .01 compared to control). This continued with the higher doses (375 mg/kg 88.6% ± 4.4%; 500 mg/kg 76.0% ± 3.5%). The highest 2 doses of XL784 tested were more effective than doxycycline (112.2% ± 2.0%, P < .05) in inhibiting maximal dilatation of the aorta after elastase perfusion.

Loss of TIMP3 selectively exacerbates diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease. Polymorphism in the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP3) gene, and the ECM-bound inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), has been linked to diabetic nephropathy in humans. To elucidate the mechanism, we generated double mutant mice in which the TIMP3 gene was deleted in the genetic diabetic Akita mouse background. The aggravation of diabetic injury occurred in the absence of worsening of hypertension or hyperglycemia. In fact, myocardial TIMP3 levels were not affected in Akita hearts, and cardiac diastolic and systolic function remained unchanged in the double mutant mice. However, TIMP3 levels increased in Akita kidneys and deletion of TIMP3 exacerbated the diabetic renal injury in the Akita mouse, characterized by increased albuminuria, mesangial matrix expansion, and kidney hypertrophy. The progression of diabetic renal injury was accompanied by the upregulation of fibrotic and inflammatory markers, increased production of reactive oxygen species and NADPH oxidase activity, and elevated activity of TNF-α-converting enzyme (TACE) in the TIMP3(-/-)/Akita kidneys. Moreover, while the elevated phospho-Akt (S473 and T308) and phospho-ERK1/2 in the Akita mice was not detected in the TIMP3(-/-)/Akita kidneys, PKCβ1 (but not PKCα) was markedly elevated in the double mutant kidneys. Our data provide definitive evidence for a critical and selective role of TIMP3 in diabetic renal injury consistent with gene expression findings from human diabetic kidneys.

Matrix metalloproteinases in diabetic retinopathy: potential role of MMP-9

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic retinopathy remains one of the most feared complications of diabetes. Despite extensive research in the field, the molecular mechanism responsible for the development of this slow progressing disease remains unclear. In the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, mitochondria are damaged and inflammatory mediators are elevated before the histopathology associated with the disease can be observed. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) regulate a variety of cellular functions including apoptosis and angiogenesis. Diabetic environment stimulates the secretion of several MMPs that are considered to participate in complications, including retinopathy, nephropathy and cardiomyopathy. Patients with diabetic retinopathy and also animal models have shown increased MMP-9 and MMP-2 in their retina and vitreous. Recent research has shown that MMPs have dual role in the development of diabetic retinopathy; in the early stages of the disease (pre-neovascularization), MMP-2 and MMP-9 facilitate the apoptosis of retinal capillary cells, possibly via damaging the mitochondria, and in the later phase, they help in neovascularization.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the literature to evaluate the role of MMPs, especially MMP-9, in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and presents existing evidence that the inhibitors targeted toward MMP-9, depending on the duration of diabetes at the times their administration could have potential to prevent the progression of this blinding disease, and protect the vision loss.

EXPERT OPINION

Inhibitors of MMPs could have dual role: in the early stages of the diseases, inhibit capillary cell apoptosis, and if the disease has progressed to the angiogenic stage, inhibit the growth of new vessels.

Matrix metalloproteinases in kidney homeostasis and diseases

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that have been increasingly linked to both normal physiology and abnormal pathology in the kidney. Collectively able to degrade all components of the extracellular matrix, MMPs were originally thought to antagonize the development of fibrotic diseases solely through digestion of excessive matrix. However, increasing evidence has shown that MMPs play a wide variety of roles in regulating inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. We now have robust evidence for MMP dysregulation in a multitude of renal diseases including acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, glomerulonephritis, inherited kidney disease, and chronic allograft nephropathy. The goal of this review is to summarize current findings regarding the role of MMPs in kidney diseases as well as the mechanisms of action of this family of proteases.

Imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases in cardiovascular complications of end-stage kidney disease: a potential pharmacological target

End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is a major health problem associated with very high morbidity and mortality secondary to cardiovascular complications, especially in ESKD patients on dialysis. Therefore, exploring key mechanisms underlying cardiovascular alterations associated with ESKD may offer reasonable pharmacological targets that may benefit these patients. Imbalanced matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) activities have been implicated in many cardiovascular diseases, and growing evidence now indicates that excessive MMP activities contribute to cardiovascular complications in ESKD patients. However, there is no study on the effects of MMP inhibitors (MMPIs) in such patients. MMPIs may prevent against the vascular and cardiac changes associated with ESKD. In this MiniReview, we aimed at reviewing current evidence supporting the idea that pharmacological inhibition of imbalanced MMP activities in ESKD may decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular complications in ESKD patients. However, MMPs have variable effects during different phases of kidney disease, and therefore optimal timing for MMP inhibition during a disease process may vary significantly and is largely undetermined. While current research shows that MMPs play a role in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular alterations found in ESKD patients, clinical studies are required to validate the idea of using MMPIs in ESKD.