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Kohan DE, Bedard P, Jenkinson C, Hendry B, Komers R. Mechanism of protective actions of sparsentan in the kidney: lessons from studies in models of chronic kidney disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:645-662. [PMID: 38808486 PMCID: PMC11139641 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Simultaneous inhibition of angiotensin II AT1 and endothelin ETA receptors has emerged as a promising approach for treatment of chronic progressive kidney disease. This therapeutic approach has been advanced by the introduction of sparsentan, the first dual AT1 and ETA receptor antagonist. Sparsentan is a single molecule with high affinity for both receptors. It is US Food and Drug Administration approved for immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and is currently being developed as a treatment for rare kidney diseases, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of sparsentan in these conditions. In parallel with clinical development, studies have been conducted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of sparsentan and its position in the context of published evidence characterizing the nephroprotective effects of dual ETA and AT1 receptor inhibition. This review summarizes this evidence, documenting beneficial anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and hemodynamic actions of sparsentan in the kidney and protective actions in glomerular endothelial cells, mesangial cells, the tubulointerstitium, and podocytes, thus providing the rationale for the use of sparsentan as therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and IgAN and suggesting potential benefits in other renal diseases, such as Alport syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E. Kohan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Bruce Hendry
- Travere Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
| | - Radko Komers
- Travere Therapeutics, Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A
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Trachtman H, Radhakrishnan J, Rheault MN, Alpers CE, Barratt J, Heerspink HJ, Noronha IL, Perkovic V, Rovin B, Trimarchi H, Wong MG, Mercer A, Inrig J, Rote W, Murphy E, Bedard PW, Roth S, Bieler S, Komers R. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Patient Baseline Characteristics in the Sparsentan Phase 3 DUPLEX Study. Kidney Int Rep 2024; 9:1020-1030. [PMID: 38765567 PMCID: PMC11101813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2024.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The phase 3 DUPLEX trial is evaluating sparsentan, a novel, nonimmunosuppressive, single-molecule dual endothelin angiotensin receptor antagonist, in patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Methods DUPLEX (NCT03493685) is a global, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, active-controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of sparsentan 800 mg once daily versus irbesartan 300 mg once daily in patients aged 8 to 75 years (USA/UK) and 18 to 75 years (ex-USA/UK) weighing ≥20 kg with biopsy-proven FSGS or documented genetic mutation in a podocyte protein associated with FSGS, and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP/C) ≥1.5 g/g. Baseline characteristics blinded to treatment allocation are reported descriptively. Results The primary analysis population includes 371 patients (336 adult, 35 pediatric [<18 years]) who were randomized and received study drug (median age, 42 years). Patients were White (73.0%), Asian (13.2%), Black/African American (6.7%), or Other race (7.0%); and from North America (38.8%), Europe (36.1%), South America (12.7%), or Asia Pacific (12.4%). Baseline median UP/C was 3.0 g/g; 42.6% in nephrotic-range (UP/C >3.5 g/g [adults]; >2.0 g/g [pediatrics]). Patients were evenly distributed across estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories corresponding to chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1 to 3b. Thirty-three patients (9.4% of 352 evaluable samples) had pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants of genes essential to podocyte structural integrity and function, 27 (7.7%) had P/LP collagen gene (COL4A3/4/5) variants, and 14 (4.0%) had high-risk APOL1 genotypes. Conclusions Patient enrollment in DUPLEX, the largest interventional study in FSGS to date, will enable important characterization of the treatment effect of sparsentan in a geographically broad and clinically diverse FSGS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Trachtman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jai Radhakrishnan
- Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michelle N. Rheault
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Charles E. Alpers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Hiddo J.L. Heerspink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Irene L. Noronha
- Division of Nephrology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vlado Perkovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brad Rovin
- Division of Nephrology, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Hernán Trimarchi
- Nephrology Service, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Muh Geot Wong
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia
- Concord Clinical School, University of Sydney, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jula Inrig
- Travere Therapeutics Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - William Rote
- Travere Therapeutics Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ed Murphy
- Travere Therapeutics Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Sandra Roth
- Travere Therapeutics Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Radko Komers
- Travere Therapeutics Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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Rendell M. Lessons learned from early-stage clinical trials for diabetic nephropathy. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:287-301. [PMID: 38465470 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2326025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The evolution of treatment for diabetic nephropathy illustrates how basic biochemistry and physiology have led to new agents such as SGLT2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid blockers. Conversely, clinical studies performed with these agents have suggested new concepts for investigational drug development. We reviewed currently available treatments for diabetic nephropathy and then analyzed early clinical trials of new agents to assess the potential for future treatment modalities. AREAS COVERED We searched ClinicalTrials.gov for new agents under study for diabetic nephropathy in the past decade. Once we have identified investigation trials of new agents, we then used search engines and Pubmed.gov to find publications providing insight on these drugs. Current treatments have shown benefit in both cardiac and renal disease. In our review, we found 51 trials and 43 pharmaceuticals in a number of drug classes: mineralocorticoid blockers, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, nitric oxide stimulatory, and podocyte protection, and endothelin inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION It is difficult to predict which early phase treatments will advance to confirmatory clinical trials. Current agents are thought to improve hemodynamic function. However, the coincident benefit of both myocardial function and the glomerulus argues for primary effects at the subcellular level, and we follow the evolution of agents which modify fundamental cellular processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Rendell
- The Association of Diabetes Investigators, Newport Coast, CA, USA
- The Rose Salter Medical Research Foundation, Newport Coast, CA, USA
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4
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Kohan DE, Barratt J, Heerspink HJ, Campbell KN, Camargo M, Ogbaa I, Haile-Meskale R, Rizk DV, King A. Targeting the Endothelin A Receptor in IgA Nephropathy. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:2198-2210. [PMID: 38025243 PMCID: PMC10658204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide and carries a substantial risk of kidney failure. New agency-approved therapies, either specifically for IgAN or for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in general, hold out hope for mitigating renal deterioration in patients with IgAN. The latest addition to this therapeutic armamentarium targets the endothelin-A receptor (ETAR). Activation of ETAR on multiple renal cell types elicits a host of pathophysiological effects, including vasoconstriction, cell proliferation, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Blockade of ETAR is renoprotective in experimental models of IgAN and reduces proteinuria in patients with IgAN. This review discusses the evidence supporting the use of ETAR blockade in IgAN as well as addressing the potential role for this class of agents among the current and emerging therapies for treating this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E. Kohan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jonathan Barratt
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hiddo J.L. Heerspink
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Kirk N. Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Ike Ogbaa
- Chinook Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Dana V. Rizk
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Andrew King
- Chinook Therapeutics, Seattle, Washington, USA
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5
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Saleh MA, Shaaban AA, Talaat IM, Elmougy A, Adra SF, Ahmad F, Qaisar R, Elmoselhi AB, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Huneidi W, Eladl MA, Shehatou G, Kafl HE. RhoA/ROCK inhibition attenuates endothelin-1-induced elevated glomerular permeability to albumin, inflammation, and fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 323:121687. [PMID: 37030613 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to the development of kidney diseases. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is largely undefined. Here we sought to investigate the potential role of ET-1 receptors, ETA and ETB in the regulation of increased glomerular permeability and underlying signaling pathways post-ET-1 infusion. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were infused with ET-1 (2 pmol/kg per minute, i.v.) for four weeks, and the effect on glomerular permeability to albumin (Palb) and albuminuria was measured. The selective ROCK-1/2 inhibitor, Y-27632, was administered to a separate group of rats to determine its effect on ET-1-induced Palb and albuminuria. The role of ETA and ETB receptors in regulating RhoA/ROCK activity was determined by incubating isolated glomeruli from normal rats with ET-1 and with selective ETA and ETB receptor antagonists. ET-1 infusion for four weeks significantly elevated Palb and albuminuria. Y-27632 significantly reduced the elevation of Palb and albuminuria. The activities of both RhoA and ROCK-1/2 were increased by ET-1 infusion. Selective ETB receptor antagonism had no effect on the elevated activity of both RhoA and ROCK-1/2 enzymes. Selective ETA receptor and combined ETA/ETB receptors blockade restored the activity of RhoA and ROCK-1/2 to normal levels. In addition, chronic ET-1 infusion increased the levels of glomerular inflammatory and fibrotic markers. These effects were all attenuated in rats following ROCK-1/2 inhibition. These observations suggest that ET-1 contributes to increased albuminuria, inflammation, and fibrosis by modulating the activity of the ETA-RhoA/ROCK-1/2 pathway. Selective ETA receptor blockade may represent a potential therapeutic strategy to limit glomerular injury and albuminuria in kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Saleh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A Shaaban
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City 35712, Egypt
| | - Iman M Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Atef Elmougy
- Pediatric Nephrology Unit, Mansoura University Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Saryia F Adra
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Firdos Ahmad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rizwan Qaisar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adel B Elmoselhi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed A Eladl
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - George Shehatou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa City 35712, Egypt
| | - Hoda E Kafl
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Rossi GP, Barton M, Dhaun N, Rizzoni D, Seccia TM. Challenges in the evaluation of endothelial cell dysfunction: a statement from the European Society of Hypertension Working Group on Endothelin and Endothelial Factors. J Hypertens 2023; 41:369-379. [PMID: 36728915 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cell function is mediated by different mechanisms in different vascular beds. Moreover, in humans, endothelial cell dysfunction triggers and accelerates the progression of cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. Progression of such diseases can be in part mitigated by the control of cardiovascular risk factors and drugs targeting different systems, including endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), renin-angiotensin aldosterone antagonists and agents affecting glucose metabolism, all of which were shown to improve endothelial cell function. In recent years, the microRNAs, which are endogenous regulators of gene expression, have been identified as transmitters of information from endothelial cells to vascular smooth muscle cells, suggesting that they can entail tools to assess the endothelial cell dysfunction in arterial hypertension and target for pharmacologic intervention. This article critically reviews current challenges and limitations of available techniques for the invasive and noninvasive assessment of endothelial cell function, and also discusses therapeutic aspects as well as directions for future research in the areas of endothelial cell biology and pathophysiology in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Paolo Rossi
- Emergency Medicine Unit and European Society of Hypertension Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, and Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Neeraj Dhaun
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia and Division of Medicine, Istituto Clinico Città di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Teresa M Seccia
- Emergency Medicine Unit and European Society of Hypertension Specialized Center of Excellence for Hypertension, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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7
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Martínez-Díaz I, Martos N, Llorens-Cebrià C, Álvarez FJ, Bedard PW, Vergara A, Jacobs-Cachá C, Soler MJ. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists in Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043427. [PMID: 36834836 PMCID: PMC9965540 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelin (ET) is found to be increased in kidney disease secondary to hyperglycaemia, hypertension, acidosis, and the presence of insulin or proinflammatory cytokines. In this context, ET, via the endothelin receptor type A (ETA) activation, causes sustained vasoconstriction of the afferent arterioles that produces deleterious effects such as hyperfiltration, podocyte damage, proteinuria and, eventually, GFR decline. Therefore, endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) have been proposed as a therapeutic strategy to reduce proteinuria and slow the progression of kidney disease. Preclinical and clinical evidence has revealed that the administration of ERAs reduces kidney fibrosis, inflammation and proteinuria. Currently, the efficacy of many ERAs to treat kidney disease is being tested in randomized controlled trials; however, some of these, such as avosentan and atrasentan, were not commercialized due to the adverse events related to their use. Therefore, to take advantage of the protective properties of the ERAs, the use of ETA receptor-specific antagonists and/or combining them with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) has been proposed to prevent oedemas, the main ERAs-related deleterious effect. The use of a dual angiotensin-II type 1/endothelin receptor blocker (sparsentan) is also being evaluated to treat kidney disease. Here, we reviewed the main ERAs developed and the preclinical and clinical evidence of their kidney-protective effects. Additionally, we provided an overview of new strategies that have been proposed to integrate ERAs in kidney disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Martínez-Díaz
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nerea Martos
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Llorens-Cebrià
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Ander Vergara
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (C.J.-C.)
| | - Conxita Jacobs-Cachá
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.V.); (C.J.-C.)
| | - Maria José Soler
- Nephrology and Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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8
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Chung EYM, Badve SV, Heerspink HJL, Wong MG. Endothelin receptor antagonists in kidney protection for diabetic kidney disease and beyond? Nephrology (Carlton) 2023; 28:97-108. [PMID: 36350038 PMCID: PMC10100079 DOI: 10.1111/nep.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The burden of chronic kidney disease is increasing worldwide, largely due to the increasing global prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. While renin angiotensin system inhibitors and sodium-glucose cotransporter two inhibitors are the management cornerstone for reducing kidney and cardiovascular complications in patients with diabetic and non-diabetic kidney disease (DKD), they are partially effective and further treatments are needed to prevent the progression to kidney failure. Endothelin receptor antagonism represent a potential additional therapeutic option due to its beneficial effect on pathophysiological processes involved in progressive kidney disease including proteinuria, which are independently associated with progression of kidney disease. This review discusses the biological mechanisms of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) in kidney protection, the efficacy and safety of ERA in randomised controlled trials reporting on kidney outcomes, and its potential future use in both diabetic and non-DKDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Y M Chung
- Centre for Kidney Research, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sunil V Badve
- Renal and Metabolic Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Renal Medicine, St George Hospital, Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hiddo J L Heerspink
- Renal and Metabolic Division, The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Newtown, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Clinical Pharmacoy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Muh Geot Wong
- Department of Renal Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, University of Sydney, Concord, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Vergara A, Jacobs-Cacha C, Llorens-Cebria C, Ortiz A, Martinez-Diaz I, Martos N, Dominguez-Báez P, Van den Bosch MM, Bermejo S, Pieper MP, Benito B, Soler MJ. Enhanced Cardiorenal Protective Effects of Combining SGLT2 Inhibition, Endothelin Receptor Antagonism and RAS Blockade in Type 2 Diabetic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12823. [PMID: 36361612 PMCID: PMC9656616 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments with sodium-glucose 2 cotransporter inhibitors (SGLT2i) or endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) have shown cardiorenal protective effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the cardiorenal beneficial effects of the combination of SGLT2i and ERA on top of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade. Type 2 diabetic mice (db/db) were treated with different combinations of an SGLT2i (empagliflozin), an ERA (atrasentan), and an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril) for 8 weeks. Vehicle-treated diabetic mice and non-diabetic mice were included as controls. Weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, and kidney and heart function were monitored during the study. Kidneys and heart were collected for histological examination and to study the intrarenal RAS. Treatment with empagliflozin alone or combined significantly decreased blood glucose compared to vehicle-treated db/db. The dual and triple therapies achieved significantly greater reductions in diastolic blood pressure than ramipril alone. Compared to vehicle-treated db/db, empagliflozin combined with ramipril or in triple therapy significantly prevented GFR increase, but only the triple combination exerted greater protection against podocyte loss. In the heart, empagliflozin alone or combined reduced cardiac isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) and left atrium (LA) diameter as compared to vehicle-treated db/db. However, only the triple therapy was able to reduce cardiomyocyte area. Importantly, the add-on triple therapy further enhanced the intrarenal ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas protective arm of the RAS. These data suggest that triple therapy with empagliflozin, atrasentan and ramipril show synergistic cardiorenal protective effects in a type 2 diabetic mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ander Vergara
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Nephrology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Conxita Jacobs-Cacha
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Llorens-Cebria
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- IIS-Fundación Jiménez Diaz, Fundación Renal Iñigo Álvarez de Toledo-IRSIN, REDinREN, Instituto de Investigación Carlos III, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Av. de los Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Irene Martinez-Diaz
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nerea Martos
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pamela Dominguez-Báez
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Molina Van den Bosch
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sheila Bermejo
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Nephrology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Michael Paul Pieper
- Cardio-Metabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Str. 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Begoña Benito
- Cardiology Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Deparment of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Av. de Can Domènech, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Soler
- Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Nephrology Department, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Abstract
Circulating blood is filtered across the glomerular barrier to form an ultrafiltrate of plasma in the Bowman's space. The volume of glomerular filtration adjusted by time is defined as the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and the total GFR is the sum of all single-nephron GFRs. Thus, when the single-nephron GFR is increased in the context of a normal number of functioning nephrons, single glomerular hyperfiltration results in 'absolute' hyperfiltration in the kidney. 'Absolute' hyperfiltration can occur in healthy people after high protein intake, during pregnancy and in patients with diabetes, obesity or autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. When the number of functioning nephrons is reduced, single-nephron glomerular hyperfiltration can result in a GFR that is within or below the normal range. This 'relative' hyperfiltration can occur in patients with a congenitally reduced nephron number or with an acquired reduction in nephron mass consequent to surgery or kidney disease. Improved understanding of the mechanisms that underlie 'absolute' and 'relative' glomerular hyperfiltration in different clinical settings, and of whether and how the single-nephron haemodynamic and related biomechanical forces that underlie glomerular hyperfiltration promote glomerular injury, will pave the way toward the development of novel therapeutic interventions that attenuate glomerular hyperfiltration and potentially prevent or limit consequent progressive kidney injury and loss of function.
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11
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Mitochondrial Pathophysiology on Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031776. [PMID: 35163697 PMCID: PMC8836100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In healthy kidneys, interstitial fibroblasts are responsible for the maintenance of renal architecture. Progressive interstitial fibrosis is thought to be a common pathway for chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Diabetes is one of the boosters of CKD. There is no effective treatment to improve kidney function in CKD patients. The kidney is a highly demanding organ, rich in redox reactions occurring in mitochondria, making it particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress (OS). A dysregulation in OS leads to an impairment of the Electron transport chain (ETC). Gene deficiencies in the ETC are closely related to the development of kidney disease, providing evidence that mitochondria integrity is a key player in the early detection of CKD. The development of novel CKD therapies is needed since current methods of treatment are ineffective. Antioxidant targeted therapies and metabolic approaches revealed promising results to delay the progression of some markers associated with kidney disease. Herein, we discuss the role and possible origin of fibroblasts and the possible potentiators of CKD. We will focus on the important features of mitochondria in renal cell function and discuss their role in kidney disease progression. We also discuss the potential of antioxidants and pharmacologic agents to delay kidney disease progression.
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12
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Habib YH, Abdelhady SA, Gowayed MA, El-Deeb NM, Darwish IE, El-Mas MM. Prenatal endothelin or thromboxane receptor antagonism surpasses sympathoinhibition in improving cardiorenal malfunctions in preeclamptic rats. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 426:115615. [PMID: 34102242 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Current therapies for preeclampsia (PE) and its complications are limited and defective. Considering the importance of endothelin (ET) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) signaling in PE pathophysiology, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal blockade of endothelin ETA or thromboxane TXA2 receptors favorably reprograms preeclamptic cardiovascular and renal insults. PE was induced by daily oral administration of L-NAME (50 mg/kg) to pregnant rats for 7 consecutive days starting from gestational day 14. The effects of co-exposure to atrasentan (ETA receptor blocker, 10 mg/kg/day) or terutroban (TXA2 receptor blocker, 10 mg/kg/day) on cardiovascular and renal anomalies induced by PE were assessed on gestational day 20 (GD20) and at weaning time and compared with those evoked by the sympatholytic drug α-methyldopa (α-MD, 100 mg/kg/day), a prototypic therapy for PE management. Among all drugs, terutroban was basically the most potent in ameliorating PE-evoked increments in blood pressure and decrements in creatinine clearance. Cardiorenal tissues of PE rats exhibited significant increases in ETA and TXA2 receptor expressions and these effects disappeared after treatment with atrasentan and to a lesser extent by terutroban or α-MD. Atrasentan was also the most effective in reversing the reduced ETB receptor expression in renal tissues of PE rats. Signs of histopathological damage in cardiac and renal tissues of PE rats were mostly improved by all therapies. Together, pharmacologic elimination of ETA or TXA2 receptors offers a relatively better prospect than α-MD in controlling perinatal cardiorenal irregularities sparked by PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasser H Habib
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sherien A Abdelhady
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mennatallah A Gowayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nevine M El-Deeb
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Inas E Darwish
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud M El-Mas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
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13
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Diabetic nephropathy: A twisted thread to unravel. Life Sci 2021; 278:119635. [PMID: 34015285 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), a persistent microvascular problem of diabetes mellitus is described as an elevated level of albumin excretion in urine and impaired renal activity. The morbidity and mortality of type-1 diabetics and type-2 diabetics due to end stage renal disease is also a result of the increased prevalence of DN. DN typically occurs as a consequence of an association among metabolic and hemodynamic variables, activating specific pathways leading to renal injury. According to current interventions, intensive glucose regulation decreases the threat of DN incidence and growth, and also suppressing the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a significant goal for hemodynamic and metabolism-related deformities in DN. However, the pathogenesis of DN is multifactorial so novel approaches other than glucose and blood pressure control are required for treatment. This review briefly summarizes the reported pathogenesis of DN, current interventions for its treatment, and possible novel interventions to unweave the thread of DN.
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14
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Endothelin-targeted new treatments for proteinuric and inflammatory glomerular diseases: focus on the added value to anti-renin-angiotensin system inhibition. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:763-775. [PMID: 32185491 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04518-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide arising as a frequent complication of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Current therapeutic options, mainly based of inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), provide imperfect renoprotection if started at an advanced phase of the disease, and treatments that show or even reverse the progression of CKD are needed. The endothelin (ET) system contributes to the normal renal physiology; however, robust evidence suggests a key role of ET-1 and its cognate receptors, in the progression of CKD. The effectiveness of ET receptor antagonists in ameliorating renal hemodynamics and fibrosis has been largely demonstrated in different experimental models. A significant antiproteinuric effect of ET receptor antagonists has been found in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD patients even on top of RAS blockade, and emerging evidence from ongoing clinical trials highlights their beneficial effects on a wide range of kidney disorders.
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15
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Zhou Y, Chi J, Huang Y, Dong B, Lv W, Wang YG. Efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists in type 2 diabetic kidney disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabet Med 2021; 38:e14411. [PMID: 33000477 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM To analyse the efficacy and safety of endothelin receptor antagonists for people with diabetic kidney disease. METHODS Randomized controlled trials comparing endothelin receptor antagonists with placebo in people with diabetic kidney disease were identified through PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. We used a random-effect model to calculate the mean difference or risk ratio with the 95% CI. RESULTS Seven studies with a total of 4730 participants were included. Overall, endothelin receptor antagonists significantly reduced albuminuria compared with placebo (standardized mean difference -0.48, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.33). Atrasentan, in particular, effectively reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference -0.58, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.17) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.65; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.88), with insignificant change in the rate of congestive heart failure (risk ratio 1.40, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.56) and mortality (risk ratio 1.11, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.61). In contrast, although avosentan reduced albuminuria (standardized mean difference -0.47, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.36) and the risk of composite renal endpoints (risk ratio 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94), it was associated with a significant increase in congestive heart failure risk (risk ratio 2.61, 95% CI 1.36 to 5.00) and an insignificant increase in mortality risk (risk ratio 1.50, 95% CI 0.81, 2.78). No significant change in efficacy or safety outcomes with bosentan was detected. Dose-response analysis indicated that 0.75 mg/day atrasentan is expected to be optimal for renoprotection, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention events. CONCLUSIONS Among the endothelin receptor antagonists, atrasentan and avosentan, but not bosentan, are effective for renoprotection in people with diabetic kidney disease. Compared with other types and doses, atrasentan 0.75 mg/day is the most promising, with maximal albuminuria reduction and minimal fluid retention. Vigilant monitoring of congestive heart failure risk is needed in future clinical practice. (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020169840).
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - J Chi
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Y Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - B Dong
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - W Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Y G Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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16
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Provenzano M, Andreucci M, Garofalo C, Minutolo R, Serra R, De Nicola L. Selective endothelin A receptor antagonism in patients with proteinuric chronic kidney disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 30:253-262. [PMID: 33356648 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1869720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Selective antagonists of Endothelin-1 receptors (ERA) have been tested in diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). The SONAR trial (Study Of diabetic Nephropathy with AtRasentan) was the first randomized, phase 3, study assessing the long-term effect of ERA on CKD progression.Areas covered: We examine the ERA effects in proteinuric CKD. We discuss the results of the main clinical studies on ERA in CKD and offer an opinion on the findings of SONAR study and future perspectives in this field. We searched in PubMed and ISI Web of Science databases for including experimental and clinical studies that evaluated ERA in proteinuric CKD.Expert opinion: The SONAR study demonstrated that ERA confers protection against risk for CKD progression. This trial stimulated clinical research on ERA, to expand the therapeutic opportunities in CKD patients. Two novel phase 3 studies testing ERA in patients with glomerular disease are ongoing. Within the context of personalized medicine, we think it would be relevant to evaluate the effect of multiple treatments, including ERA, in proteinuric CKD patients. Testing ERA in clinical trials of novel design will also help at identifying the patients who would more benefit from these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Provenzano
- Renal Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Grecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michele Andreucci
- Renal Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Magna Grecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carlo Garofalo
- Nephrology Division, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Minutolo
- Nephrology Division, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Serra
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, "Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca De Nicola
- Nephrology Division, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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17
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Motrapu M, Świderska MK, Mesas I, Marschner JA, Lei Y, Martinez Valenzuela L, Fu J, Lee K, Angelotti ML, Antonelli G, Romagnani P, Anders HJ, Anguiano L. Drug Testing for Residual Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease in Mice Beyond Therapy with Metformin, Ramipril, and Empagliflozin. J Am Soc Nephrol 2020; 31:1729-1745. [PMID: 32576600 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2019070703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression of CKD in type 2 diabetes, despite dual inhibition of sodium-glucose transporter-2 and the renin-angiotensin system, remains a concern. Bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO), previously reported to promote podocyte survival and regeneration, is a candidate additional drug to elicit renoprotective effects beyond therapy with metformin, ramipril, and empagliflozin (MRE). Evaluating a drug with standard therapeutics more closely mimics the clinical setting than evaluating the drug alone. METHODS Uninephrectomized BKS-Lepr-/- (db/db) mice treated with or without MRE served as a model of progressive CKD in type 2 diabetes. Mice on or off MRE were randomized to only 4 weeks of add-on BIO or vehicle. The primary end point was slope of GFR (ΔGFR). RESULTS Four weeks of MRE treatment alone did not affect ΔGFR, but significantly attenuated hyperglycemia, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis and increased podocyte filtration slit density, as assessed by STED super-resolution microscopy upon tissue clearing. BIO alone improved albuminuria, podocyte density in superficial and juxtamedullary nephrons, and podocyte filtration slit density. MRE+BIO combination therapy had additive protective effects on ΔGFR, glomerulosclerosis, podocyte density in juxtamedullary nephrons, and filtration slit density. CONCLUSIONS Add-on treatment with BIO for only 4 weeks attenuates progression of CKD beyond MRE therapy in mice with type 2 diabetes. Additional drug combinations may help to further delay ESKD in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manga Motrapu
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Katarzyna Świderska
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Irene Mesas
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julian Aurelio Marschner
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Yutian Lei
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Martinez Valenzuela
- Nephrology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, Hospitalet de Llobregat, de Llobregat, Spain.,IDIBELL Biomedical Research Institute, Hospitalet de Llobregat, de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jia Fu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Kyung Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Maria Lucia Angelotti
- Excellence Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the Development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Antonelli
- Excellence Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the Development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Excellence Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the Development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Lidia Anguiano
- Nephrologisches Zentrum, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Munich, Germany
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18
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Hudkins KL, Wietecha TA, Steegh F, Alpers CE. Beneficial effect on podocyte number in experimental diabetic nephropathy resulting from combined atrasentan and RAAS inhibition therapy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 318:F1295-F1305. [PMID: 32249614 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00498.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Podocyte loss and proteinuria are both key features of human diabetic nephropathy (DN). The leptin-deficient BTBR mouse strain with the ob/ob mutation develops progressive weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and diabetic nephropathy that has many features of advanced human DN, including increased mesangial matrix, mesangiolysis, podocyte loss, and proteinuria. Selective antagonism of the endothelin-1 type A receptor (ETAR) by atrasentan treatment in combination with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition with losartan has been shown to have the therapeutic benefit of lowering proteinuria in patients with DN, but the underlying mechanism for this benefit is not well understood. Using a similar therapeutic approach in diabetic BTBR ob/ob mice, this treatment regimen significantly increased glomerular podocyte number compared with diabetic BTBR ob/ob controls and suggested that parietal epithelial cells were a source for podocyte restoration. Atrasentan treatment alone also increased podocyte number but to a lesser degree. Mice treated with atrasentan demonstrated a reduction in proteinuria, matching the functional improvement reported in humans. This is a first demonstration that treatment with the highly selective ETAR antagonist atrasentan can lead to restoration of the diminished podocyte number characteristic of DN in humans and thereby underlies the reduction in proteinuria in patients with diabetes undergoing similar treatment. The benefit of ETAR antagonism in DN extended to a decrease in mesangial matrix as measured by a reduction in accumulations of collagen type IV in both the atrasentan and atrasentan + losartan-treated groups compared with untreated controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Hudkins
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Tomasz A Wietecha
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Floor Steegh
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Charles E Alpers
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
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19
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Komers R, Diva U, Inrig JK, Loewen A, Trachtman H, Rote WE. Study Design of the Phase 3 Sparsentan Versus Irbesartan (DUPLEX) Study in Patients With Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. Kidney Int Rep 2020; 5:494-502. [PMID: 32274453 PMCID: PMC7136327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2019.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a histologic lesion in the kidney caused by varied pathophysiological processes, leads to end-stage kidney disease in a large proportion of patients. Sparsentan is a first-in-class orally active compound combining endothelin type A (ETA) receptor blockade with angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonism in a single molecule. A Randomized, Multicenter, Double-Blind, Parallel, Active-Control Study of the Effects of Sparsentan, a Dual Endothelin Receptor and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker, on Renal Outcomes in Patients With Primary FSGS (DUPLEX) study evaluates the long-term antiproteinuric efficacy, nephroprotective potential, and safety profile of sparsentan compared with an AT1 receptor blocker alone in patients with FSGS. Methods DUPLEX is a multicenter, international, phase 3, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study of sparsentan in patients with FSGS. Approximately 300 patients aged 8 to 75 years, inclusive (United States), and 18 to 75 years, inclusive (outside United States) will be randomized 1:1 to daily treatment with sparsentan or irbesartan. After renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor washout, treatment will be administered for 108 weeks, with the final assessment at week 112, four weeks after withdrawal of study drug. Results The primary endpoint will be the slope of estimated glomerular filtration rate from week 6 to week 108. A novel surrogate efficacy endpoint, the proportion of patients achieving urinary protein-to-creatinine (UP/C) ratio of ≤1.5 g/g and >40% reduction from baseline in UP/C (FSGS partial remission endpoint: FPRE), will be evaluated at a planned interim analysis at week 36. Safety and tolerability of sparsentan will also be assessed. Conclusion The phase 3 DUPLEX study will characterize the long-term antiproteinuric efficacy and nephroprotective potential of dual ETA and AT1 receptor blockade with sparsentan in patients with FSGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radko Komers
- Nephrology, Retrophin, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Ulysses Diva
- Biometrics, Retrophin, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jula K Inrig
- Therapeutic Science and Strategy Unit, IQVIA, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Andrea Loewen
- Research and Development, Retrophin, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
| | - Howard Trachtman
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - William E Rote
- Research and Development, Retrophin, Inc., San Diego, California, USA
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20
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Abstract
Discovered in 1987 as a potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the predominant member of the endothelin peptide family, is now recognized as a multifunctional peptide with cytokine-like activity contributing to almost all aspects of physiology and cell function. More than 30 000 scientific articles on endothelin were published over the past 3 decades, leading to the development and subsequent regulatory approval of a new class of therapeutics-the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). This article reviews the history of the discovery of endothelin and its role in genetics, physiology, and disease. Here, we summarize the main clinical trials using ERAs and discuss the role of endothelin in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, preecclampsia, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo syndrome, and heart failure. We also discuss how endothelins contributes to diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as cancer, immune disorders, and allograft rejection (which all involve ETA autoantibodies), and neurological diseases. The application of ERAs, dual endothelin receptor/angiotensin receptor antagonists (DARAs), selective ETB agonists, novel biologics such as receptor-targeting antibodies, or immunization against ETA receptors holds the potential to slow the progression or even reverse chronic noncommunicable diseases. Future clinical studies will show whether targeting endothelin receptors can prevent or reduce disability from disease and improve clinical outcome, quality of life, and survival in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- From Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Japan (M.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.Y.)
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21
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Xian Y, Lin Y, Cao C, Li L, Wang J, Niu J, Guo Y, Sun Y, Wang Y, Wang W. Protective effect of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells combined with resveratrol against renal podocyte damage in NOD mice. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019; 156:107755. [PMID: 31150720 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of chronic inflammation initiated by persistent hyperglycemia in podocyte injury has attracted increasing attention. The advanced glycation end products (RAGE) receptor- nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-кB) signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence of inflammation. We speculate that treatment with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) combined with resveratrol can block this signaling pathway and protect podocyte function. METHODS Non obesity diabetes(NOD) mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: NOD-T1DM, Res, hUCMSCs, hUCMSCs + Res and insulin (INS)groups. Mice without diabetes were classified as NOD control group(NOD group). Blood glucose(BG), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), serum creatinine(SCr), 24-h urine albumin excretion rate (UAER) were measured. The expression of nephrin, WT1 and RAGE, MCP-1 in renal tissues were detected by Western blot, expression of NF-кB protein(P65) was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The combined treatment of hUCMSCs and Resveratrol can reduce BG, BUN, SCr, 24-h UAER, and the expression of the inflammatory factors MCP-1, RAGE and NF-кB; increase the number of podocytes and the expression of the podocyte-related proteins nephrin and WT1 in type 1 diabetes mellitus, and improve renal pathological structure. CONCLUSIONS Combining of hUCMSCs and resveratrol can better protect renal podocyte function, and the effects on the reduction of blood glucose and renal injury are better than those obtained by insulin treatment. This indicated that the combination of Res and hUCMSCs may be a novel therapeutic method for the treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Xian
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Caixia Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jiapeng Niu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yunlei Guo
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yanan Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Yangang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China.
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms of kidney fibrosis. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 65:16-36. [PMID: 29909119 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final pathological process common to any ongoing, chronic kidney injury or maladaptive repair. It is considered as the underlying pathological process of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects more than 10% of world population and for which treatment options are limited. Renal fibrosis is defined by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which disrupts and replaces the functional parenchyma that leads to organ failure. Kidney's histological structure can be divided into three main compartments, all of which can be affected by fibrosis, specifically termed glomerulosclerosis in glomeruli, interstitial fibrosis in tubulointerstitium and arteriosclerosis and perivascular fibrosis in vasculature. In this review, we summarized the different appearance, cellular origin and major emerging processes and mediators of fibrosis in each compartment. We also depicted and discussed the challenges in translation of anti-fibrotic treatment to clinical practice and discuss possible solutions and future directions.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite optimal therapy of diabetic nephropathy with agents blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, the residual risk of nephropathy progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential role of endothelin antagonism as a therapeutic tool to reduce residual proteinuria and delay kidney injury progression among patients with diabetic nephropathy. RECENT FINDINGS Preclinical studies have shown that endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) exert proteinuria lowering and nephroprotective actions in experimental models of diabetic nephropathy. ERAs reduce proteinuria in phase 2 trials that included therapy with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockers. Safety of these agents and protection from ESRD needs to be demonstrated in phase 3 trials. Excess risk of fluid retention and heart failure risk remains. SUMMARY The hypothesis that the antiproteinuric effect of endothelin antagonism may be translated into a slower progression of diabetic nephropathy to ESRD is investigated in ongoing randomized trials assessing 'hard' renal endpoints. ERAs may represent a promising tool toward renoprotection in diabetic nephropathy by individualizing therapy and mitigating the risk of heart failure, if these trials are positive.
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Hosoe-Nagai Y, Hidaka T, Sonoda A, Sasaki Y, Yamamoto-Nonaka K, Seki T, Asao R, Tanaka E, Trejo JAO, Kodama F, Takagi M, Tada N, Ueno T, Nishinakamura R, Tomino Y, Asanuma K. Re-expression of Sall1 in podocytes protects against adriamycin-induced nephrosis. J Transl Med 2017; 97:1306-1320. [PMID: 28759006 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The highly conserved spalt (sal) gene family members encode proteins characterized by multiple double zinc finger motifs of the C2H2 type. Humans and mice each have four known Sal-like genes (SALL1-4 in humans and Sall1-4 in mice). Sall1 is known to have a crucial role in kidney development. To explore the significance of Sall1 in differentiated podocytes, we investigated podocyte-specific Sall1-deficient mice (Sall1 KOp°d°/p°d°) using a podocin-Cre/loxP system and siRNA Sall1 knockdown (Sall1 KD) podocytes. Under physiological conditions, Sall1 KOp°d°/p°d° mice exhibited no proteinuria during their lifetime, but foot-process effacement was detected in some of the podocytes. To elucidate the role of Sall1 in injured podocytes, we used an adriamycin (ADR)-induced model of nephrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Surprisingly, the expression of Sall1 was elevated in control mice on day 14 after ADR injection. On day 28 after ADR injection, Sall1 KOp°d°/p°d° mice exhibited significantly higher levels of proteinuria and higher numbers of sclerotic glomeruli. Differentiated Sall1 KD podocytes showed a loss of synaptopodin, suppressed stress fiber formation, and, ultimately, impaired directed cell migration. In addition, the loss of Sall1 increased the number of apoptotic podocytes following ADR treatment. These results indicated that Sall1 has a protective role in podocytes; thus, we investigated the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker GRP78. GRP78 expression was higher in ADR-treated Sall1 KOp°d°/p°d° mice than in control mice. Sall1 appeared to influence the expression of GRP78 in injured podocytes. These results suggest that Sall1 is associated with actin reorganization, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis in injured podocytes. These protective aspects of Sall1 re-expression in injured podocytes may have the potential to reduce apoptosis and possibly glomerulosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Hosoe-Nagai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Teruo Hidaka
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayano Sonoda
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Sasaki
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanae Yamamoto-Nonaka
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Kidney Research (TMK project), Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takuto Seki
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Kidney Research (TMK project), Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Rin Asao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Kidney Research (TMK project), Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eriko Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juan Alejandro Oliva Trejo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Kidney Research (TMK project), Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuropathology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Kodama
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miyuki Takagi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Tada
- Atopy Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueno
- Laboratory of Proteomics and Medical Science, Research Support Center, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Tomino
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Asanuma
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Laboratory for Kidney Research (TMK project), Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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Bruni R, Possenti P, Bordignon C, Li M, Ordanini S, Messa P, Rastaldi MP, Cellesi F. Ultrasmall polymeric nanocarriers for drug delivery to podocytes in kidney glomerulus. J Control Release 2017; 255:94-107. [PMID: 28395969 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We explored the use of new drug-loaded nanocarriers and their targeted delivery to the kidney glomerulus and in particular to podocytes, in order to overcome the failure of current therapeutic regimens in patients with proteinuric (i.e. abnormal amount of proteins in the urine) diseases. Podocytes are glomerular cells which are mainly responsible for glomerular filtration and are primarily or secondarily involved in chronic kidney diseases. Therefore, the possibility to utilise a podocyte-targeted drug delivery could represent a major breakthrough in kidney disease research, particularly in terms of dosage reduction and elimination of systemic side effects of current therapies. Four-arm star-shaped polymers, with/without a hydrophobic poly-ε-caprolactone core and a brush-like polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrophilic shell, were synthesised by controlled/living polymerisation (ROP and ATRP) to allow the formation of stable ultrasmall colloidal nanomaterials of tuneable size (5-30nm), which are able to cross the glomerular filtration barrier (GFB). The effects of these nanomaterials on glomerular cells were evaluated in vitro. Nanomaterial accumulation and permeability in the kidney glomerulus were also assessed in mice under physiological and pathological conditions. Drug (dexamethasone) encapsulation was performed in order to test loading capacity, release kinetics, and podocyte repairing effects. The marked efficacy of these drug-loaded nanocarriers in repairing damaged podocytes may pave the way for developing a cell-targeted administration of new and traditional drugs, increasing efficacy and limiting side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Bruni
- Fondazione CEN - European Centre for Nanomedicine, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy; Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Possenti
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Bordignon
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Min Li
- Fondazione CEN - European Centre for Nanomedicine, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Ordanini
- Fondazione CEN - European Centre for Nanomedicine, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy; Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio Messa
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Rastaldi
- Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cellesi
- Fondazione CEN - European Centre for Nanomedicine, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133 Milan, Italy; Dipartimento di Chimica, Materiali ed Ingegneria Chimica "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, Via Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milan, Italy; Renal Research Laboratory, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Aggarwal N, Kare PK, Varshney P, Kalra OP, Madhu SV, Banerjee BD, Yadav A, Raizada A, Tripathi AK. Role of angiotensin converting enzyme and angiotensinogen gene polymorphisms in angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor-mediated antiproteinuric action in type 2 diabetic nephropathy patients. World J Diabetes 2017; 8:112-119. [PMID: 28344754 PMCID: PMC5348623 DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v8.i3.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Revised: 10/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the role of genetic variants of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensinogen (AGT) genes in the antiproteinuric efficacy of ACE inhibitor therapy in diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. METHODS In the present study, 270 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with nephropathy were enrolled and treated with ACE inhibitor (ramipril) and followed at 6 mo for renal function and albumin excretion by estimating serum creatinine, end stage renal disease, and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) in urine. Genotyping of ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms were performed by using primer specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-RFLP techniques, respectively. RESULTS Forty-eight percent of DN patients (responders) benefited with respect to proteinuria from ACE inhibitor therapy at 6 mo follow-up. A significant reduction in ACR was observed after 6 mo treatment with ACE inhibitor irrespective of whether DN patients were micro-albuminuric (≥ 30 and < 300 mg/g creatinine) or macro-albuminuric (≥ 300 mg/g creatinine) at the time of enrollment. However, macro-albuminuric patients (55%) showed better response to therapy. A reduction in urinary ACR was found independent of genotypes of ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms although macro-albuminuric patients having TT genotype showed statistically insignificant increased response (72%). CONCLUSION ACE inhibitor therapy reduced urinary ACR by ≥ 30% in 50% of DN patients and the response is independent of ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms.
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Efficacy and Safety of Sparsentan Compared With Irbesartan in Patients With Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: Randomized, Controlled Trial Design (DUET). Kidney Int Rep 2017; 2:654-664. [PMID: 29142983 PMCID: PMC5678638 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease. There are no US Food and Drug Administration−approved therapies for FSGS, and treatment often fails to reduce proteinuria. Endothelin is an important factor in the pathophysiology of podocyte disorders, including FSGS. Sparsentan is a first-in-class, orally active, dual-acting angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) and highly selective endothelin Type A receptor antagonist. This study is designed to evaluate whether sparsentan lowers proteinuria compared with an ARB alone and has a favorable safety profile in patients with FSGS. Methods DUET is a phase 2, randomized, active-control, dose-escalation study with an 8-week, fixed-dose, double-blind period followed by 136 weeks of open-label sparsentan treatment. Patients aged 8 to 75 years with primary FSGS will be randomized to treatment with sparsentan or irbesartan for 8 weeks. Results The primary efficacy objective is to test the hypothesis that sparsentan over the dose range (200 mg, 400 mg, or 800 mg daily) is superior to irbesartan (300 mg daily) in decreasing the urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) from baseline to 8 weeks postrandomization. As secondary objectives, the trial will evaluate the proportion of patients who achieve prespecified targets of UPC reduction, changes in laboratory and quality-of-life indices, and detailed safety analysis. Analyses will be conducted at the end of the double-blind (week 8) and open-label (week 144) periods. Discussion This study will provide important evidence on whether dual ARB and endothelin blockade may be an effective therapeutic strategy for FSGS and may provide the rationale for next-phase trials.
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Buelli S, Perico L, Benigni A. Untangling the Knot in Diabetic Nephropathy: The Unanticipated Role of Glycocalyx in the Antiproteinuric Effect of Endothelin Receptor Antagonists. Diabetes 2016; 65:2115-7. [PMID: 27456616 DOI: 10.2337/dbi16-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Buelli
- IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luca Perico
- IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Bergamo, Italy
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29
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Komers R, Plotkin H. Dual inhibition of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and endothelin-1 in treatment of chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R877-84. [PMID: 27009050 PMCID: PMC4896079 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00425.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a pivotal role in treatment of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, reversal of the course of CKD or at least long-term stabilization of renal function are often difficult to achieve, and many patients still progress to end-stage renal disease. New treatments are needed to enhance protective actions of RAAS inhibitors (RAASis), such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and improve prognosis in CKD patients. Inhibition of endothelin (ET) system in combination with established RAASis may represent such an approach. There are complex interactions between both systems and similarities in their renal physiological and pathophysiological actions that provide theoretical rationale for combined inhibition. This view is supported by some experimental studies in models of both diabetic and nondiabetic CKD showing that a combination of RAASis with ET receptor antagonists (ERAs) ameliorate proteinuria, renal structural changes, and molecular markers of glomerulosclerosis, renal fibrosis, or inflammation more effectively than RAASis or ERAs alone. Practically all clinical studies exploring the effects of RAASis and ERAs combination in nephroprotection have thus far applied add-on designs, in which an ERA is added to baseline treatment with ACEIs or ARBs. These studies, conducted mostly in patients with diabetic nephropathy, have shown that ERAs effectively reduce residual proteinuria in patients with baseline RAASis treatment. Long-term studies are currently being conducted to determine whether promising antiproteinuric effects of the dual blockade will be translated in long-term nephroprotection with acceptable safety profile.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The kidney mediates the excretion or conservation of water and electrolytes in the face of changing fluid and salt intake and losses. To ultrafilter and reabsorb the exact quantities of free water and salts to maintain euvolemia a range of endocrine, paracrine, and hormonal signaling systems have evolved linking the tubules, capillaries, glomeruli, arterioles, and other intrinsic cells of the kidney. Our understanding of these systems remains incomplete. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work has provided new insights into the workings of the communication pathways between tubular segments and the glomeruli and vasculature, with novel therapeutic agents in development. Particular progress has also been made in the visualization of tubuloglomerular feedback. SUMMARY The review summarizes our current understanding of pathway functions in health and disease, as well as future therapeutic options to protect the healthy and injured kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Ferenbach
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division and Biomedical Engineering Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joseph V. Bonventre
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division and Biomedical Engineering Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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Zoja C, Zanchi C, Benigni A. Key pathways in renal disease progression of experimental diabetes. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2016. [PMID: 26209738 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfv036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. Both diabetes and chronic kidney disease are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and diabetic patients with renal involvement are three times more likely to eventually die of cardiovascular disease than diabetic patients without signs of renal failure. In type 2 diabetes, microalbuminuria is a marker of renal dysfunction and a crucial predictor of cardiovascular disease. Inhibitors of angiotensin II synthesis/activity, while preventing micro- or macroalbuminuria, also reduced cardiovascular events in diabetic patients. However, the effectiveness of renin angiotensin system blocking agents depends on the time when treatment is started, and imperfect renoprotection may occur if therapy begins at an advanced disease phase. This raises the need to identify novel multidrug approaches that simultaneously inhibit additional pathways other than angiotensin II for those diabetic patients who remain at high risk of both poor renal and cardiovascular outcomes. Studies in animal models of diabetes have contributed to defining relevant cellular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of DN that could represent possible targets for therapies. The pathogenesis of DN is multifactorial, involving a complex series of molecular processes. In this review, we report evidence obtained in experimental models of DN on some specific processes and pathways implicated in DN that may be crucial for managing this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlamaria Zoja
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Cristina Zanchi
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS-Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
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Abstract
The incidence of progressive kidney disease associated with diabetes continues to increase worldwide. Only partial renoprotection is achieved by current standard therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin-receptor blockers, increasing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Experimental studies have provided evidence of a pathogenic role for endothelin-1 (ET-1) and its cognate receptors in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. ET-1, mainly through the activation of ETA receptor, contributes to renal cell injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. In animal models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, ETA-selective antagonists have been shown to provide renoprotective effects, supplying the rationale for clinical trials in patients with diabetic nephropathy with ETA-receptor antagonists administered in addition to renin-angiotensin system blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gagliardini
- Unit of Advanced Microscopy, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology of Experimental Renal Disease and Interaction With Other Organ Systems, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy.
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Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a 21-amino acid peptide with mitogenic and powerful vasoconstricting properties. Under healthy conditions, ET-1 is expressed constitutively in all cells of the glomerulus and participates in homeostasis of glomerular structure and filtration function. Under disease conditions, increases in ET-1 are critically involved in initiating and maintaining glomerular inflammation, glomerular basement membrane hypertrophy, and injury of podocytes (visceral epithelial cells), thereby promoting proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis. Here, we review the role of ET-1 in the function of glomerular endothelial cells, visceral (podocytes) and parietal epithelial cells, mesangial cells, the glomerular basement membrane, stromal cells, inflammatory cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. We also discuss molecular mechanisms by which ET-1, predominantly through activation of the ETA receptor, contributes to injury to glomerular cells, and review preclinical and clinical evidence supporting its pathogenic role in glomerular injury in chronic renal disease. Finally, the therapeutic rationale for endothelin antagonists as a new class of antiproteinuric drugs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Andrey Sorokin
- Department of Medicine, Kidney Disease Center, Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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Vaněčková I, Řezáčová L, Kuneš J, Zicha J. Moderate additive effects of endothelin receptor A blockade in Ren-2 transgenic rats subjected to various types of RAS blockade. Life Sci 2016; 159:127-134. [PMID: 26775568 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Chronic endothelin receptor A (ETA) blockade lowered blood pressure (BP) by decreasing angiotensin-dependent vasoconstriction and attenuating calcium influx. We tested whether the addition of ETA blockade to renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade would have further effects on the principal vasoactive systems contributing to BP maintenance in Ren-2 transgenic rats (TGR). METHODS Four-week-old TGR rats were fed with normal-salt diet and given either different renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers [angiotensin receptor blocker losartan, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor captopril, direct renin inhibitor aliskiren], or ETA blocker (atrasentan) alone, or a combination of atrasentan with RAS blockers for 4weeks. At the end of the study, basal BP and acute BP responses to sequential blockade of renin-angiotensin (RAS), sympathetic nervous (SNS), and nitric oxide (NO) systems were determined in conscious rats. Thereafter, BP responses to acute inhibition of nifedipine-sensitive calcium influx through voltage-dependent calcium channels (L-VDCC) were measured. KEY FINDINGS All RAS blockers similarly decreased BP to normotension, their effects being mediated through substantially attenuated RAS-dependent and moderately decreased SNS-dependent vasoconstriction. Atrasentan alone partially lowered BP, while BP was normalized by combination of atrasentan with either RAS blocker. In combination therapies, BP lowering effects resulted from the attenuation of both RAS- and SNS-dependent vasoconstriction. Moreover, atrasentan-treated groups had substantially reduced NO-dependent vasodilation and significantly decreased calcium influx through L-VDCC. CONCLUSIONS Although the BP-lowering effect of combined ETA and RAS blockades in TGR is predominantly dependent on the effects exerted by RAS blockade, further effects are attributable to decreased calcium influx due to chronic ETA blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Josef Zicha
- Institute of Physiology AS CR, Prague, Czech Republic
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35
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Johnson SA, Spurney RF. Twenty years after ACEIs and ARBs: emerging treatment strategies for diabetic nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 309:F807-20. [PMID: 26336162 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00266.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The disease is now the most common cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in developed countries, and both the incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. Current treatments are directed at controlling hyperglycemia and hypertension, as well as blockade of the renin angiotensin system with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), and angiotensin receptor blockers. Despite these therapies, DN progresses to ESKD in many patients. As a result, much interest is focused on developing new therapies. It has been over two decades since ACEIs were shown to have beneficial effects in DN independent of their blood pressure-lowering actions. Since that time, our understanding of disease mechanisms in DN has evolved. In this review, we summarize major cell signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease, as well as emerging treatment strategies. The goal is to identify promising targets that might be translated into therapies for the treatment of patients with diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy A Johnson
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Robert F Spurney
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham VA Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina
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36
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Clark MR, Trotter K, Chang A. The Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications of Tubulointerstitial Inflammation in Human Lupus Nephritis. Semin Nephrol 2015; 35:455-64. [PMID: 26573548 PMCID: PMC4653081 DOI: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus for which current therapies often prove inadequate. Current lupus nephritis classification systems emphasize glomerular acuity and scarring. However, tubulointerstitial inflammation (TII) and scarring are much better predictors of progression to renal failure. It now is becoming clear that the immunologic features, and probable underlying mechanisms, are very different in lupus glomerulonephritis and TII at the time of biopsy. Although glomerulonephritis is a manifestation of systemic autoimmunity, TII is associated with local in situ adaptive immune cell networks predicted to amplify local inflammation and tissue damage. In addition, poorly defined networks of innate immune cells and effectors likely contribute to the severity of local inflammation. Defining these in situ immune mechanisms should lead to a better understanding of prognostically meaningful lupus nephritis subsets and show novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus R Clark
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL; Gwen Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL.
| | | | - Anthony Chang
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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Gagliardini E, Novelli R, Corna D, Zoja C, Ruggiero B, Benigni A, Remuzzi G. B7-1 Is Not Induced in Podocytes of Human and Experimental Diabetic Nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol 2015; 27:999-1005. [PMID: 26319246 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015030266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of progressive kidney disease associated with diabetes continues to rise worldwide. Current standard therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers achieves only partial renoprotection, increasing the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Previous studies described B7-1 induction in podocytes of patients with proteinuria, including those with FSGS and type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN). These findings sparked great excitement in the renal community, implying that abatacept, a costimulatory inhibitor that targets B7-1, could be a novel therapy for diabetic renal disease. Given previous concerns over the value of B7-1 immunostaining and the efficacy of abatacept in patients with recurrent FSGS after renal transplantation, we investigated B7-1 expression in human and experimental DN before embarking on clinical studies of the use of B7-1 targeting strategies to treat proteinuria in DN. Immunohistochemical analysis of kidney specimens using different antibodies revealed that B7-1 is not induced in podocytes of patients with DN, independent of disease stage, or BTBR ob/obmice, a model of type 2 diabetes. These results do not support the use of abatacept as a therapeutic strategy for targeting podocyte B7-1 for the prevention or treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gagliardini
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Rubina Novelli
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Daniela Corna
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Carlamaria Zoja
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Barbara Ruggiero
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy; Unit of Nephrology and Dialysis, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy; and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and multiple therapeutic agents, primarily targeted at the renin-angiotensin system, have been assessed. Their only partial effectiveness in slowing down progression to end-stage renal disease, points out an evident need for additional effective therapies. In the context of diabetes, endothelin-1 (ET-1) has been implicated in vasoconstriction, renal injury, mesangial proliferation, glomerulosclerosis, fibrosis and inflammation, largely through activation of its endothelin A (ETA) receptor. Therefore, endothelin receptor antagonists have been proposed as potential drug targets. In experimental models of DKD, endothelin receptor antagonists have been described to improve renal injury and fibrosis, whereas clinical trials in DKD patients have shown an antiproteinuric effect. Currently, its renoprotective effect in a long-time clinical trial is being tested. This review focuses on the localization of endothelin receptors (ETA and ETB) within the kidney, as well as the ET-1 functions through them. In addition, we summarize the therapeutic benefit of endothelin receptor antagonists in experimental and human studies and the adverse effects that have been described.
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Boor P, Floege J. Renal allograft fibrosis: biology and therapeutic targets. Am J Transplant 2015; 15:863-86. [PMID: 25691290 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.13180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway of progressive renal diseases. In allografts, it is assessed with tubular atrophy as interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA). IF/TA occurs in about 40% of kidney allografts at 3-6 months after transplantation, increasing to 65% at 2 years. The origin of renal fibrosis in the allograft is complex and includes donor-related factors, in particular in case of expanded criteria donors, ischemia-reperfusion injury, immune-mediated damage, recurrence of underlying diseases, hypertensive damage, nephrotoxicity of immunosuppressants, recurrent graft infections, postrenal obstruction, etc. Based largely on studies in the non-transplant setting, there is a large body of literature on the role of different cell types, be it intrinsic to the kidney or bone marrow derived, in mediating renal fibrosis, and the number of mediator systems contributing to fibrotic changes is growing steadily. Here we review the most important cellular processes and mediators involved in the progress of renal fibrosis, with a focus on the allograft situation, and discuss some of the challenges in translating experimental insights into clinical trials, in particular fibrosis biomarkers or imaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Boor
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pathology, RWTH University of Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Samad MA, Kim UK, Kang JJ, Ke Q, Kang PM. Endothelin A receptor antagonist, atrasentan, attenuates renal and cardiac dysfunction in Dahl salt-hypertensive rats in a blood pressure independent manner. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121664. [PMID: 25775254 PMCID: PMC4361570 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteinuria is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), and a good predictor of clinical outcome. Selective endothelin A (ETA) receptor antagonist used with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors prevents development of proteinuria in CKD. However, whether the improvement in proteinuria would have beneficial effects on CVD, independent of RAS inhibition, is not well understood. In this study, we investigated whether atrasentan, an ETA receptor antagonist, has renal and cardiovascular effects independent of RAS inhibition. Male Dahl salt sensitive (DSS) rats, at six weeks of age, received water with or without different doses of atrasentan and/or enalapril under high salt (HS) diet or normal diet (ND) for 6 weeks. At the end of 12th week, atrasentan at a moderate dose significantly attenuated proteinuria and serum creatinine without reducing mean arterial pressure (MAP), thereby preventing cardiac hypertrophy and improving cardiac function. ACE inhibitor enalapril at a dose that did not significantly lowered BP, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy while moderately improving cardiac function without reducing proteinuria and serum creatinine level. Nonetheless, combined therapy of atrasentan and enalapril that does not altering BP exerted additional cardioprotective effect. Based on these findings, we conclude that BP independent monotherapy of ETA receptor antagonist attenuates the progression of CKD and significantly mitigates CVD independent of RAS inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Samad
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of BIN Fusion Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Ui Kyoung Kim
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Joshua J. Kang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Qingen Ke
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Peter M. Kang
- Cardiovascular Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of BIN Fusion Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
- * E-mail:
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Gentile G, Mastroluca D, Ruggenenti P, Remuzzi G. Novel effective drugs for diabetic kidney disease? or not? Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2014; 19:571-601. [PMID: 25376947 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2014.979151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetes mellitus is increasingly common worldwide and is expected to affect 592 million people by 2035. The kidney is often involved. A key goal in treating diabetes is to reduce the risk of development of kidney disease and, if kidney disease is already present, to delay the progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This represents a social and ethical issue, as a significant proportion of patients reaching ESRD in developing countries do not have access to renal replacement therapy. AREAS COVERED The present review focuses on novel therapeutic approaches for diabetic nephropathy (DN), implemented on the basis of recent insights on its pathophysiology, which might complement the effects of single inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the cornerstone of renoprotective interventions in diabetes, along with glycemic and blood pressure control. EXPERT OPINION Although a plethora of new treatment options has arisen from experimental studies, the number of novel renoprotective molecules successfully implemented in clinical practice over the last two decades is disappointingly low. Thus, new investigational strategies and diagnostic tools - including the appropriate choice of relevant renal end points and the study of urinary proteome of patients - will be as important as new therapeutic interventions to fight DN. Finally, in spite of huge financial interests in replacing the less expensive ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers with newer drugs, any future therapeutic approach has to be tested on top of - rather than instead of - optimal RAAS blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Gentile
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Clinical Research Center for Rare Diseases "Aldo e Cele Daccò" , Villa Camozzi, Via Giambattista Camozzi 3, 24020, Ranica, Bergamo , Italy +39 03545351 ; +39 0354535371 ;
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Schneider MP, Mann JF. Endothelin antagonism for patients with chronic kidney disease: still a hope for the future. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29 Suppl 1:i69-i73. [PMID: 24493872 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin is tightly involved in the regulation of vascular and renal function in health and in disease. In a variety of animal models of kidney disease, endothelin promotes renal injury through effects on inflammation and fibrosis. Furthermore, experimental data strongly suggest that blocking the actions of endothelin should be beneficial in patients with chronic kidney disease. However, despite encouraging pre-clinical and clinical evidence, endothelin antagonists are not yet an established treatment option in patients with chronic kidney disease. This article reviews key physiological and pathophysiological aspects of the endothelin system in the vasculature and the kidney, as well as results of pre-clinical and clinical studies on the use of endothelin antagonists in chronic kidney disease. We will also provide an outlook on the future of endothelin antagonism in this area, and issues to be resolved before endothelin antagonists are to become a reality for patients with chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus P Schneider
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Nuremberg General Hospital, Erlangen, Germany
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Kohan DE, Barton M. Endothelin and endothelin antagonists in chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int 2014; 86:896-904. [PMID: 24805108 PMCID: PMC4216619 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), with diabetes and hypertension accounting for the majority of cases, is on the rise, with up to 160 million individuals worldwide predicted to be affected by 2020. Given that current treatment options, primarily targeted at the renin-angiotensin system, only modestly slow down progression to end-stage renal disease, the urgent need for additional effective therapeutics is evident. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), largely through activation of endothelin A receptors, has been strongly implicated in renal cell injury, proteinuria, inflammation, and fibrosis leading to CKD. Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) have been demonstrated to ameliorate or even reverse renal injury and/or fibrosis in experimental models of CKD, whereas clinical trials indicate a substantial antiproteinuric effect of ERAs in diabetic and nondiabetic CKD patients even on top of maximal renin-angiotensin system blockade. This review summarizes the role of ET in CKD pathogenesis and discusses the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting the ET system in CKD, with attention to the risks and benefits of such an approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E. Kohan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Matthias Barton
- Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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Abstract
Interstitial fibrosis represents the final common pathway of any form of progressive renal disease. The severity of tubular interstitial damage is highly correlated to the degree of decline of renal function, even better than the glomerular lesions do. Angiotensin II (Ang II), the main effector of the renin-angiotensin system, is a critical promoter of fibrogenesis. It represents a nexus among glomerular capillary hypertension, barrier dysfunction, and renal tubular injury caused by abnormally filtered proteins. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the key mediators of the pro-fibrotic effect of Ang II causing apoptosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of the renal tubular epithelium. Recent studies link fibrosis to changes of microRNA (miRNA) modulated by Ang II through TGF-β1, unraveling that antifibrotic action of Ang II antagonism is attributable to epigenetic control of fibrosis-associated genes. Other mechanisms of Ang II-induced fibrosis include ROS-dependent activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1. Finally, Ang II via angiotensin type 1 receptor regulates the activation and transdifferentiation of pericytes and fibrocytes into scar-forming myofibroblasts. Detachment and phenotypic changes of the former can lead to the loss of peritubular capillaries and also contribute to hypoxia-dependent fibrosis.
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Reichetzeder C, Tsuprykov O, Hocher B. Endothelin receptor antagonists in clinical research — Lessons learned from preclinical and clinical kidney studies. Life Sci 2014; 118:141-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Márquez E, Riera M, Pascual J, Soler MJ. Renin-angiotensin system within the diabetic podocyte. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2014; 308:F1-10. [PMID: 25339703 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00531.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Podocytes are differentiated cells necessary for the development and maintenance of the glomerular basement membrane and the capillary tufts, as well as the function of the glomerular filtration barrier. The epithelial glomerular cells express a local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) that varies in different pathological situations such as hyperglycemia or mechanical stress. RAS components have been shown to be altered in diabetic podocytopathy, and their modulation may modify diabetic nephropathy progression. Podocytes are a direct target for angiotensin II-mediated injury by altered expression and distribution of podocyte proteins. Furthermore, angiotensin II promotes podocyte injury indirectly by inducing cellular hypertrophy, increased apoptosis, and changes in the anionic charge of the glomerular basement membrane, among other effects. RAS blockade has been shown to decrease the level of proteinuria and delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. This review summarizes the local intraglomerular RAS and its imbalance in diabetic podocytopathy. A better understanding of the intrapodocyte RAS might provide a new approach for diabetic kidney disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Márquez
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - Marta Riera
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; and Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Julio Pascual
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; and Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Soler
- Department of Nephrology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain; and Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is a significant cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure globally. Much research has been conducted in both basic science and clinical therapeutics, which has enhanced understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy and expanded the potential therapies available. This review will examine the current concepts of diabetic nephropathy management in the context of some of the basic science and pathophysiology aspects relevant to the approaches taken in novel, investigative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Kh Lim
- Department of Nephrology, Monash Medical Center, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia ; Department of General Medicine, Dandenong Hospital, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia ; Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Zhang J, Yanez D, Floege A, Lichtnekert J, Krofft RD, Liu ZH, Pippin JW, Shankland SJ. ACE-inhibition increases podocyte number in experimental glomerular disease independent of proliferation. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2014; 16:234-48. [PMID: 25143333 PMCID: PMC4412792 DOI: 10.1177/1470320314543910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this article is to test the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibition on glomerular epithelial cell number in an inducible experimental model of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Background Although ACE-inhibition has been shown to limit podocyte loss by enhancing survival, little is known about its effect on podocyte number following an abrupt decline in disease. Methods Experimental FSGS was induced with cytotoxic antipodocyte antibody. Following induction, groups were randomized to receive the ACE-inhibitor enalapril, the smooth muscle relaxant hydralazine (blood pressure control) or drinking water. Blood pressure, kidney function and histology were measured seven and 14 days following disease induction. Results Both glomerulosclerosis and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio were less in the ACE-inhibition arm at day 14. At day 7 of disease, mean podocyte numbers were 26% and 29% lower in the enalapril and hydralazine arms, respectively, compared to normal mice in which no antibody was injected. At day 14, the mean podocyte number was only 18% lower in the enalapril arm, but was 39% lower in the hydralazine arm compared to normal mice. Podocyte proliferation did not occur at any time in any group. Compared to water- or hydralazine-treated mice with FSGS, the enalapril arm had a higher mean number of glomerular parietal epithelial cells that co-expressed the podocyte proteins WT-1 and synaptopodin, as well as phospho-ERK. Conclusion The results show following an abrupt decline in podocyte number, the initiation of ACE-inhibition but not hydralazine, was accompanied by higher podocyte number in the absence of proliferation. This was accompanied by a higher number of parietal epithelial cells that co-express podocyte proteins. Increasing podocyte number appears to be accompanied by reduced glomerulosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington Current address: Research Institute of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, China
| | - David Yanez
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Washington
| | - Anna Floege
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington
| | - Julia Lichtnekert
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington
| | - Ronald D Krofft
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington
| | - Zhi-Hong Liu
- Research Institute of Nephrology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jeffrey W Pippin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington
| | - Stuart J Shankland
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Washington
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Gagliardini E, Benigni A. Drugs to foster kidney regeneration in experimental animals and humans. Nephron Clin Pract 2014; 126:91. [PMID: 24854648 DOI: 10.1159/000360675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of kidney diseases is increasing worldwide and they are emerging as a major public health problem. Once mostly considered inexorable, renal disease progression can now be halted and lesions can even regress with drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers, indicating the possibility of kidney repair. SUMMARY The discovery of renal progenitor cells lining the Bowman capsule of adult rat and human kidneys has shed light on the mechanism of repair by ACEi. Parietal progenitors are a reservoir of cells that contribute to podocyte turnover in physiological conditions. In the early phases of renal disease these progenitors migrate chaotically and subsequently proliferate, accumulating in Bowman's space. The abnormal behavior of parietal progenitors is sustained by the activation of CXCR4 receptors in response to an increased production of the chemokine SDF-1 by podocytes activated by the inflammatory environment. Ang II, via the AT1 receptor, also contributes to progenitor cell proliferation. The CXCR4/SDF-1 and Ang II/AT1 receptor pathogenic pathways both pave the way for lesion formation and subsequent sclerosis. ACEi normalize the CXCR4 and AT1 receptor expression on progenitors, limiting their proliferation, concomitant with the regression of hyperplastic lesions in animals, and in a patient with crescentic glomerulopathy. KEY MESSAGE Understanding the molecular and cellular determinants of regeneration triggered by renoprotective drugs will reveal novel pathways that might be challenged or targeted by pharmacological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Gagliardini
- IRCCS - Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche 'Mario Negri', Centro Anna Maria Astori, Science and Technology Park Kilometro Rosso, Bergamo, Italy
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Kohan DE, Pollock DM. Endothelin antagonists for diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2014; 76:573-9. [PMID: 23228194 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous pre-clinical studies have implicated endothelin-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic and non-diabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal endothelin-1 production is almost universally increased in kidney disease. The pathologic effects of endothelin-1, including vasoconstriction, proteinuria, inflammation, cellular injury and fibrosis, are likely mediated by the endothelin A (ETA) receptor. ETA antagonism alone, and/or combined ETA/B blockade, reduces CKD progression. Based on the strong pre-clinical data, several clinical trials using ETA antagonists were conducted. Small trials involving acute intravenous endothelin receptor blockade suggest that ETA, but not ETB, blockade exerts protective renal and vascular effects in CKD patients. A large phase 3 trial (ASCEND) examined the effects of avosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, on renal disease progression in diabetic nephropathy. Proteinuria was reduced after 3-6 months of treatment. However the study was terminated due to increased morbidity and mortality associated with avosentan-induced fluid retention. Several phase 2 trials using avosentan at lower doses than in ASCEND, atrasentan or sitaxsentan (the latter two being highly ETA-selective) showed reductions in proteinuria on top of renin-angiotensin system blockade. Infrequent and clinically insignificant fluid retention was observed at the most effective doses. Additional trials using ETA blockers are ongoing or being planned in patients with diabetic nephropathy or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Moving forward, such studies must be conducted with careful patient selection and attention to dosing in order to minimize adverse side effects. Nonetheless, there is cause for optimism that this class of agents will ultimately prove to be effective for the treatment of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Kohan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT
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