Antisense GLUT-1 protects mesangial cells from glucose induction of GLUT-1 and fibronectin expression

Potential therapeutic value of melatonin in diabetic nephropathy: improvement beyond anti-oxidative stress

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes, and it is also the main cause of chronic renal failure. Physiological/pathological changes mediated by high glucose are the main factors causing injury of DN, including the enhancement of polyol pathway, the accumulation of advanced glycation products (AGEs), and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signals. In addition, the abnormal activation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and oxidative stress are also involved. Melatonin is a physiological hormone mainly secreted by the pineal gland which has been proved to be related to diabetes. Studies have shown that exogenous melatonin intervention can reduce blood glucose and alleviate high glucose mediated pathological damage. At the same time, melatonin also has a strong antioxidant effect, and can inhibit the activation of RAS. Therefore, it is of great significance to explore the therapeutic effect and value of melatonin on DN.

Inhibition of eIF5A hypusination reprogrammes metabolism and glucose handling in mouse kidney

Inhibition of the eukaryotic initiation factor 5A activation by the spermidine analogue GC7 has been shown to protect proximal cells and whole kidneys against an acute episode of ischaemia. The highlighted mechanism involves a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation toward glycolysis allowing cells to be transiently independent of oxygen supply. Here we show that GC7 decreases protein expression of the renal GLUT1 glucose transporter leading to a decrease in transcellular glucose flux. At the same time, GC7 modifies the native energy source of the proximal cells from glutamine toward glucose use. Thus, GC7 acutely and reversibly reprogrammes function and metabolism of kidney cells to make glucose its single substrate, and thus allowing cells to be oxygen independent through anaerobic glycolysis. The physiological consequences are an increase in the renal excretion of glucose and lactate reflecting a decrease in glucose reabsorption and an increased glycolysis. Such a reversible reprogramming of glucose handling and oxygen dependence of kidney cells by GC7 represents a pharmacological opportunity in ischaemic as well as hyperglycaemia-associated pathologies from renal origin.

Brás N, Mateus N, de Freitas V, Fernandes I. Anthocyanins as Antidiabetic Agents-In Vitro and In Silico Approaches of Preventive and Therapeutic Effects

Many efforts have been made in the past two decades into the search for novel natural and less-toxic anti-diabetic agents. Some clinical trials have assigned this ability to anthocyanins, although different factors like the food source, the amount ingested, the matrix effect and the time of consumption (before or after a meal) seem to result in contradictory conclusions. The possible mechanisms involved in these preventive or therapeutic effects will be discussed-giving emphasis to the latest in vitro and in silico approaches. Therapeutic strategies to counteract metabolic alterations related to hyperglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) may include: (a) Inhibition of carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes; (b) reduction of glucose transporters expression or activity; (c) inhibition of glycogenolysis and (d) modulation of gut microbiota by anthocyanin breakdown products. These strategies may be achieved through administration of individual anthocyanins or by functional foods containing complexes of anthocyanin:carbohydrate:protein.

The contribution of genetic variants of SLC2A1 gene in T2DM and T2DM-nephropathy: association study and meta-analysis

An association study was conducted to investigate the relation between 14 variants of glucose transporter 1 gene (SLC2A1) and the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) leading to nephropathy. We also performed a meta-analysis of 11 studies investigating association between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and SLC2A1 variants. The cohort included 197 cases (T2DM with nephropathy), 155 diseased controls (T2DM without nephropathy) and 246 healthy controls. The association of variants with disease progression was tested using generalized odds ratio (ORG). The risk of type 2 diabetes leading to nephropathy was estimated by the OR of additive and co-dominant models. The mode of inheritance was assessed using the degree of dominance index (h-index). We synthesized results of 11 studies examining association between 5 SLC2A1 variants and DN. ORG was used to assess the association between variants and DN using random effects models. Significant results were derived for co-dominant model of rs12407920 [OR = 2.01 (1.17-3.45)], rs841847 [OR = 1.73 (1.17-2.56)] and rs841853 [OR = 1.74 (1.18-2.55)] and for additive model of rs3729548 [OR = 0.52 (0.29-0.90)]. The mode of inheritance for rs12407920, rs841847 and rs841853 was 'dominance of each minor allele' and for rs3729548 'non-dominance'. Frequency of one haplotype (C-G-G-A-T-C-C-T-G-T-C-C-A-G) differed significantly between cases and healthy controls [p = .014]. Regarding meta-analysis, rs841853 contributed to an increased risk of DN [(ORG = 1.43 (1.09-1.88); ORG = 1.58 (1.01-2.48)] between diseased controls versus cases and healthy controls versus cases, respectively. Further studies confirm the association of rs12407920, rs841847, rs841853, as well as rs3729548 and the risk of T2DM leading to nephropathy.

Changes in glucose transporter expression and nitric oxide production are associated with liver injury in diabetes

In diabetes mellitus (DM), both hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia can initiate accumulation of fat in the liver, which might be further mediated by inducible nitric oxide synthase. We have studied changes in GLUT1, nitric oxide (NO(·)) concentration and liver damage in two rat DM models. STZ model was induced by strepozotocin 50 mg/kg. HS model was induced by high-fat diet and 30 mg/kg streptozotocin. GLUT1 expression was studied by means of real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Production of NO(·) was monitored by means of erythrocyte sedimentation rate spectroscopy of Fe-DETC-NO complex. Liver damage was assessed using histological activity index (HAI). NO(·) concentration was increased in the liver of STZ rats, but it did not change in HS rats (control 36.8 ± 10.3; STZ 142.1 ± 31.1; HS 35.4 ± 9.8 ng/g). Liver HAI was higher in STZ group, 8.6 ± 0.17 versus HS 4.7 ± 0.31, p < 0.05. GLUT1 protein expression was elevated only in STZ group, 16 ± 3 cells/mm(2) versus Control 5 ± 2 cells/mm(2), p = 0.007. Hyperglycaemia sooner causes severe liver damage in rat models of DM, compared with hyperlipidaemia, and is associated with increased NO(·) production. GLUT1 transporter expression might be involved in toxic effects of glucose in the liver. We have obtained novel data about association of GLUT1 expression and NO(·) metabolism in the pathogenesis of liver injury in DM. Increased GLUT1 expression was observed together with overproduction of NO(·) and pronounced liver injury in severely hyperglycaemic rats. On the contrary, moderately hyperglycaemic hyperlipidaemic rats developed only moderate liver steatosis and no increase in GLUT1 and NO(·). GLUT1 overexpression might be implicated in the toxic effects of glucose in the liver. Glycotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress and NO(·) hyperproduction. GLUT1 and NO(·) metabolism might become novel therapeutic targets in liver steatosis.

Pathophysiology of the diabetic kidney

Diabetes mellitus contributes greatly to morbidity, mortality, and overall health care costs. In major part, these outcomes derive from the high incidence of progressive kidney dysfunction in patients with diabetes making diabetic nephropathy a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. A better understanding of the molecular mechanism involved and of the early dysfunctions observed in the diabetic kidney may permit the development of new strategies to prevent diabetic nephropathy. Here we review the pathophysiological changes that occur in the kidney in response to hyperglycemia, including the cellular responses to high glucose and the responses in vascular, glomerular, podocyte, and tubular function. The molecular basis, characteristics, and consequences of the unique growth phenotypes observed in the diabetic kidney, including glomerular structures and tubular segments, are outlined. We delineate mechanisms of early diabetic glomerular hyperfiltration including primary vascular events as well as the primary role of tubular growth, hyperreabsorption, and tubuloglomerular communication as part of a "tubulocentric" concept of early diabetic kidney function. The latter also explains the "salt paradox" of the early diabetic kidney, that is, a unique and inverse relationship between glomerular filtration rate and dietary salt intake. The mechanisms and consequences of the intrarenal activation of the renin-angiotensin system and of diabetes-induced tubular glycogen accumulation are discussed. Moreover, we aim to link the changes that occur early in the diabetic kidney including the growth phenotype, oxidative stress, hypoxia, and formation of advanced glycation end products to mechanisms involved in progressive kidney disease.

Relationship between five GLUT1 gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic nephropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

So far, case-control studies on the association between glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) have generated considerable controversy. To clarify the linkage of GLUT1 SNPs on the risk of DN, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. A comprehensive literature search of electronic databases was conducted to obtain relative studies. Nine case-control studies were included. Significant differences were found between XbaI SNP (rs841853) and increased risk of DN in all genetic models. Subgroup analyses for Caucasians population and DN from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes also revealed positive results. For Enh2-1 SNP (rs841847), Enh2-2 SNP (rs841848) and HaeIII SNP (rs1385129), obvious linkages were demonstrated in recessive model. However, analysis for the association between HpyCH4V SNP (rs710218) and the susceptibility of DN showed no significance. Likewise, negative outcome was also found in the assessment for the influence of XbaI or Enh2-2 SNP on the pathogenesis progress of DN. The evidence currently available shows that XbaI, Enh2 and HaeIII SNPs, but not HpyCH4V SNP, in GLUT1 gene may be genetic susceptibility to DN. However, data does not support the association between either XbaI or Enh2-2 SNP and the severity of DN.

MicroRNA-21 orchestrates high glucose-induced signals to TOR complex 1, resulting in renal cell pathology in diabetes

Hyperglycemia induces a wide array of signaling pathways in the kidney that lead to hypertrophy and matrix expansion, eventually culminating in progressive kidney failure. High glucose-induced reduction of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted in chromosome 10 (PTEN) contributes to renal cell hypertrophy and matrix expansion. We identified microRNA-21 (miR-21) as the molecular link between high glucose and PTEN suppression. Renal cortices from OVE26 type 1 diabetic mice showed significantly elevated levels of miR-21 associated with reduced PTEN and increased fibronectin content. In renal mesangial cells, high glucose increased the expression of miR-21, which targeted the 3'-UTR of PTEN mRNA to inhibit PTEN protein expression. Overexpression of miR-21 mimicked the action of high glucose, which included a reduction in PTEN expression and a concomitant increase in Akt phosphorylation. In contrast, expression of miR-21 Sponge, to inhibit endogenous miR-21, prevented down-regulation of PTEN and phosphorylation of Akt induced by high glucose. Interestingly, high glucose-stimulated miR-21 inactivated PRAS40, a negative regulator of TORC1. Finally, miR-21 enhanced high glucose-induced TORC1 activity, resulting in renal cell hypertrophy and fibronectin expression. Thus, our results identify a previously unrecognized function of miR-21 that is the reciprocal regulation of PTEN levels and Akt/TORC1 activity that mediate critical pathologic features of diabetic kidney disease.

GLUT1 enhances mTOR activity independently of TSC2 and AMPK

Enhanced GLUT1 expression in mesangial cells plays an important role in the development of diabetic nephropathy by stimulating signaling through several pathways resulting in increased glomerular matrix accumulation. Similarly, enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation has been implicated in mesangial matrix expansion and glomerular hypertrophy in diabetes. We sought to examine whether enhanced GLUT1 expression increased mTOR activity and, if so, to identify the mechanism. We found that levels of GLUT1 expression and mTOR activation, as evidenced by S6 kinase (S6K) and 4E-BP-1 phosphorylation, changed in tandem in cell lines exposed to elevated levels of extracellular glucose. We then showed that increased GLUT1 expression enhanced S6K phosphorylation by 1.7- to 2.9-fold in cultured mesangial cells and in glomeruli from GLUT1 transgenic mice. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, eliminated the GLUT1 effect on S6K phosphorylation. In cells lacking functional tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) 2, GLUT1 effects on mTOR activity persisted, indicating that GLUT1 effects were not mediated by TSC. Similarly, AMP kinase activity was not altered by enhanced GLUT1 expression. Conversely, enhanced GLUT1 expression led to a 2.4-fold increase in binding of mTOR to its activator, Rheb, and a commensurate 2.1-fold decrease in binding of Rheb to glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) consistent with mediation of GLUT1 effects by a metabolic effect on GAPDH. Thus, GLUT1 expression appears to augment mesangial cell growth and matrix protein accumulation via effects on glycolysis and decreased GAPDH interaction with Rheb.

Transgenic overexpression of GLUT1 in mouse glomeruli produces renal disease resembling diabetic glomerulosclerosis

Previous work identified an important role for hyperglycemia in diabetic nephropathy (The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group. N Engl J Med 329: 977-986, 1993; UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group. Lancet 352: 837-853, 1998), and increased glomerular GLUT1 has been implicated. However, the roles of GLUT1 and intracellular glucose have not been determined. Here, we developed transgenic GLUT1-overexpressing mice (GT1S) to characterize the roles of GLUT1 and intracellular glucose in the development of glomerular disease without diabetes. GLUT1 was overexpressed in glomerular mesangial cells (MC) of C57BL6 mice, a line relatively resistant to diabetic nephropathy. Blood pressure, blood glucose, glomerular morphometry, matrix proteins, cell signaling, transcription factors, and selected growth factors were examined. Kidneys of GT1S mice overexpressed GLUT1 in glomerular MCs and small vessels, rather than renal tubules. GT1S mice were neither diabetic nor hypertensive. Glomerular GLUT1, glucose uptake, mean capillary diameter, and mean glomerular volume were all increased in the GT1S mice. Moderately severe glomerulosclerosis (GS) was established by 26 wk of age in GT1S mice, with increased glomerular type IV collagen and fibronectin. Modest increases in glomerular basement membrane thickness and albuminuria were detected with podocyte foot processes largely preserved, in the absence of podocyte GLUT1 overexpression. Activation of glomerular PKC, along with increased transforming growth factor-beta1, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, and VEGF were all detected in glomeruli of GT1S mice, likely contributing to GS. The transcription factor NF-kappaB was also activated. Overexpression of glomerular GLUT1, mimicking the diabetic GLUT1 response, produced numerous features typical of diabetic glomerular disease, without diabetes or hypertension. This suggested GLUT1 may play an important role in the development of diabetic GS.

Podocyte-specific overexpression of GLUT1 surprisingly reduces mesangial matrix expansion in diabetic nephropathy in mice

Increased expression of the facilitative glucose transporter, GLUT1, leads to glomerulopathy that resembles diabetic nephropathy, whereas prevention of enhanced GLUT1 expression retards nephropathy. While many of the GLUT1-mediated effects are likely due to mesangial cell effects, we hypothesized that increased GLUT1 expression in podocytes also contributes to the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, we generated two podocyte-specific GLUT1 transgenic mouse lines (driven by a podocin promoter) on a db/m C57BLKS background. Progeny of the two founders were used to generate diabetic db/db and control db/m littermate mice. Immunoblots of glomerular lysates showed that transgenic mice had a 3.5-fold (line 1) and 2.1-fold (line 2) increase in GLUT1 content compared with wild-type mice. Both lines showed similar increases in fasting blood glucose and body weights at 24 wk of age compared with wild-type mice. Mesangial index (percent PAS-positive material in the mesangial tuft) increased 88% (line 1) and 75% (line 2) in the wild-type diabetic mice but only 48% (line 1) and 39% (line 2) in the diabetic transgenic mice (P < 0.05, transgenic vs. wild-type mice). This reduction in mesangial expansion was accompanied by a reduction in fibronectin accumulation, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels increased only half as much in the transgenic diabetic mice as in wild-type diabetic mice. Levels of nephrin, neph1, CD2AP, podocin, and GLUT4 were not significantly different in transgenic compared with wild-type mice. Taken together, increased podocyte GLUT1 expression in diabetic mice does not contribute to early diabetic nephropathy; surprisingly, it protects against mesangial expansion and fibronectin accumulation possibly by blunting podocyte VEGF increases.

Inhibition of cell proliferation and glucose uptake in human laryngeal carcinoma cells by antisense oligonucleotides against glucose transporter-1

BACKGROUND

Malignant cells show increased glucose uptake in vitro and in vivo, which is thought to be mediated by glucose transporters. In this study, we investigated the effect of plasmid-derived antisense RNA against the Glut-l gene on proliferation and glucose uptake in laryngeal carcinoma Hep-2 cells.

METHODS

The expression plasmids pcDNA3.1(+)-Glut-1 and pcDNA3.1(+)-anti Glut-1 were constructed. The MTT method was used to assess cell growth inhibition. The expression of Glut-1 mRNA and protein was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively.

RESULTS

After transfection, Glut-1 AS clearly inhibited glucose uptake and cell growth in Hep-2 cells, and we observed a decrease in the expression of Glut-1 mRNA and protein in Hep-2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Glut-1 AS decreases glucose uptake and inhibits the proliferation of Hep-2 cells.

Nephron-deficient Fvb mice develop rapidly progressive renal failure and heavy albuminuria involving excess glomerular GLUT1 and VEGF

Reduced nephron numbers may predispose to renal failure. We hypothesized that glucose transporters (GLUTs) may contribute to progression of the renal disease, as GLUTs have been implicated in diabetic glomerulosclerosis and hypertensive renal disease with mesangial cell (MC) stretch. The Os (oligosyndactyly) allele that typically reduces nephron number by approximately 50%, was repeatedly backcrossed from ROP (Ra/+ (ragged), Os/+ (oligosyndactyly), and Pt/+ (pintail)) Os/+ mice more than six times into the Fvb mouse background to obtain Os/+ and +/+ mice with the Fvb background for study. Glomerular function, GLUT1, signaling, albumin excretion, and structural and ultrastructural changes were assessed. The FvbROP Os/+ mice (Fvb background) exhibited increased glomerular GLUT1, glucose uptake, VEGF, glomerular hypertrophy, hyperfiltration, extensive podocyte foot process effacement, marked albuminuria, severe extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition, and rapidly progressive renal failure leading to their early demise. Glomerular GLUT1 was increased 2.7-fold in the FvbROP Os/+ mice vs controls at 4 weeks of age, and glucose uptake was increased 2.7-fold. These changes were associated with the activation of glomerular PKCbeta1 and NF-kappaB p50 which contribute to ECM accumulation. The cyclic mechanical stretch of MCs in vitro, used as a model for increased MC stretch in vivo, reproduced increased GLUT1 at 48 h, a stimulus for increased VEGF expression which followed at 72 h. VEGF was also shown to act in a positive feedback manner on MC GLUT1, increasing GLUT1 expression, glucose uptake and fibronectin (FN) accumulation in vitro, whereas antisense suppression of GLUT1 largely blocked FN upregulation by VEGF. The FvbROP Os/+ mice exhibited an early increase in glomerular GLUT1 leading to increased glomerular glucose uptake PKCbeta1, and NF-kappaB activation, with excess ECM accumulation. A GLUT1-VEGF-GLUT1 positive feedback loop may play a key role in contributing to renal disease in this model of nondiabetic glomerulosclerosis.

Regulation of glucose uptake in mesangial cells stimulated by high glucose: role of angiotensin II and insulin

Mesangial cells (MCs) play a central role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). MC dysfunction arises from excessive glucose uptake through insulin-independent glucose transporter (GLUT1). The role of the insulin-dependent transporter (GLUT4) remains unknown. This study evaluated the effect of high glucose on GLUT1, GLUT4, and fibronectin expression levels. Glucose uptake was determined in the absence and presence of insulin. Angiotensin II has been implicated as a mediator of MC abnormalities in DN, and its effects on the GLUTs expression were evaluated in the presence of losartan. MCs were exposed to normal (NG, 10 mM) or high (HG, 30 mM) glucose for 1, 4, 12, 24, and 72 hrs. Glucose uptake was elevated from 1 hr up to 24 hrs of HG, but returned to NG levels after 72 hrs. HG induced an early (1-, 4-, and 12-hrs) rise in GLUT1 expression, returning to NG levels after 72 hrs, whereas GLUT4 was overexpressed at later timepoints (24 and 72 hrs). HG during 4 hrs induced a 40% rise in glucose uptake, which was unaffected by insulin. In contrast, after 72 hrs, glucose uptake was increased by 50%, only under insulin stimulus. Losartan blunted the effects of HG on GLUT1, GLUT4, and fibronectin expression and on glucose uptake. Results suggest that MCs can be highly susceptible to the HG environment since they uptake glucose in both an insulin-independent and insulin-dependent manner. The beneficial effects of angiotensin II inhibition in DN may also involve a decrease in the rate of glucose uptake by MCs.

Molecular mechanisms of proteinuria in diabetes

The epidemic of Type 2 diabetes, and the parallel rising incidence of end-stage renal disease, is progressively increasing worldwide. Kidney disease is one of the major chronic microvascular complications of diabetes, and both metabolic and haemodynamic perturbations participate in its development and progression towards end-stage renal disease. Hypertension and poor metabolic control seem to interact in causing the relentless decline in renal function seen in diabetic patients. Both high circulating glucose levels and increased glomerular capillary pressure act in conjunction in stimulating the different cellular pathways leading to kidney disease. It has been suggested that mechanical forces at the glomerular level may aggravate the metabolic insult by stimulating excessive cellular glucose uptake by up-regulating the facilitative GLUT-1 (glucose transporter-1). We propose the existence of a self-maintaining cellular mechanism whereby a haemodynamic stimulus on glomerular cells induces the up-regulation of GLUT-1, an event followed by greater glucose uptake and activation of intracellular metabolic pathways, resulting in excess TGF-beta1 (transforming growth factor-beta1) production. TGF-beta1, one of the major prosclerotic cytokines in diabetic kidney disease, maintains the up-regulation of GLUT-1, perpetuating a series of cellular events that result, as their ultimate effect, in increased extracellular matrix synthesis and altered permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. Mechanical and metabolic coupling could represent an important mechanism of injury in the diabetic kidney.

Rosiglitazone reduces renal and plasma markers of oxidative injury and reverses urinary metabolite abnormalities in the amelioration of diabetic nephropathy

Recent studies suggest that thiazolidinediones ameliorate diabetic nephropathy (DN) independently of their effect on hyperglycemia. In the current study, we confirm and extend these findings by showing that rosiglitazone treatment prevented the development of DN and reversed multiple markers of oxidative injury in DBA/2J mice made diabetic by low-dose streptozotocin. These diabetic mice developed a 14.2-fold increase in albuminuria and a 53% expansion of renal glomerular extracellular matrix after 12 wk of diabetes. These changes were largely abrogated by administration of rosiglitazone beginning 2 wk after the completion of streptozotocin injections. Rosiglitazone had no effect on glycemic control. Rosiglitazone had similar effects on insulin-treated diabetic mice after 24 wk of diabetes. Podocyte loss and glomerular fibronectin accumulation, other markers of early DN, were prevented by rosiglitazone in both 12- and 24-wk diabetic models. Surprisingly, glomerular GLUT1 levels did not increase and nephrin levels did not decrease in the diabetic animals; neither changed with rosiglitazone. Plasma and kidney markers of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated in the 24-wk diabetic animals despite insulin treatment and were reduced to near-normal levels by rosiglitazone. Finally, urinary metabolites were markedly altered by diabetes. Of 1,988 metabolite features identified by electrospray ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, levels of 56 were altered more than twofold in the urine of diabetic mice. Of these, 21 were returned to normal by rosiglitazone. Thus rosiglitazone has direct effects on the renal glomerulus to reduce reactive oxygen species accumulation to prevent type 1 diabetic mice from development of DN.

Mechanical forces in diabetic kidney disease: a trigger for impaired glucose metabolism

Nephropathy is one of the major microvascular complications of diabetes, and both hemodynamic and metabolic stimuli participate in its development and progression toward ESRD. There is now a greater understanding of the molecular pathways that are activated by high glomerular capillary pressure and hyperglycemia and how they interplay to produce kidney pathology. The observation that overexpression of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) in mesangial cells could induce a "diabetic cellular phenotype" has led to the postulation that the expression of GLUT-1 could be upregulated in glomeruli that are exposed to high pressure. This review suggests a mechanism by which mechanical forces may aggravate a metabolic insult by stimulating excessive cellular glucose uptake. Proposed is the existence of a self-maintaining cycle whereby a hemodynamic stimulus on glomerular cells induces GLUT-1 overexpression followed by greater glucose uptake and activation of intracellular glucose metabolic pathways, resulting in excess TGF-beta1 production. TGF-beta1 in turn, maintains overexpression of GLUT-1, perpetuating a signaling sequence that has, as its ultimate effect, increased extracellular matrix synthesis. This mechanical and metabolic coupling suggests a novel pathophysiologic mechanism of injury in the kidney in diabetes and possibly other glomerular diseases.

Increased glucose uptake and metabolism in mesangial cells overexpressing glucose transporter 1 increases interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor production: role of AP-1 and HIF-1alpha

Previous results indicate that enhanced glucose transporter (GLUT)1 expression mediates the deleterious effects of metabolic and hemodynamic perturbations leading to diabetic kidney disease. First screening for altered gene expression in GLUT1 overexpressing cells (GT1) by Affymetrix microarray analysis revealed upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, which was verified by RT-PCR. Subsequently, IL-6 and VEGF protein production was more than 3-fold increased in the GT1 cells. This upregulation was independent from each other. Studies on the underlying transcriptional mechanisms by gelshift assays and siRNA approach implicated activation of AP-1 in the increased expression of both, IL-6 and VEGF. We found also increased nuclear protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and enhanced DNA binding activity to a hypoxia responsible element located in the VEGF promoter. Knock-down of HIF-1alpha reduced the VEGF expression to 50% with an additive effect of AP-1 gene silencing down to 24%. The IL-6 expression was not affected by reducing HIF-1alpha. In conclusion our results link increased GLUT1 levels leading to excess glucose metabolism under normoglycemic conditions and altered gene expression of pathogenetic factors involved in diabetic kidney disease.

Role of TGF-β/GLUT1 axis in susceptibility vs resistance to diabetic glomerulopathy in the Milan rat model

BACKGROUND

GLUT1 upregulation and increased glucose transport activity may contribute to extracellullar matrix (ECM) accumulation characterizing diabetic nephropathy (DN). Rats of the Milan hypertensive strain (MHS) are resistant to both hypertensive and diabetic renal disease, due to a haemodynamic protection. On the contrary, those of the Milan normotensive strain (MNS) develop spontaneous glomerulosclerosis, and when rendered diabetic, show typical morphological and haemodynamic changes.

METHODS

To assess whether susceptibility to diabetic glomerulopathy in MNS rats is associated with higher glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) expression (and glucose transport activity) vs MHS rats, diabetic and nondiabetic MNS and MHS rats were followed for 6 months and mesangial cells derived from these animals were exposed to high glucose (HG) vs normal glucose (NG) conditions.

RESULTS

Glomerular expression of GLUT1 protein and ECM and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) mRNA was significantly upregulated in diabetic vs nondiabetic MNS, but not MHS rats. Upon exposure to HG and/or TGF-beta, mesangial cells from 1- and 8-month-old MNS rats showed higher glucose transport activity and GLUT1 membrane expression than those from age-matched MHS rats. Likewise, ECM and TGF-beta production increased more markedly in response to HG and/or TGF-beta in MNS vs MHS mesangial cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that susceptibility to diabetic glomerulopathy in MNS rats is associated with increased GLUT1-dependent glucose transport activity in response to hyperglycaemia and/or TGF-beta, which may amplify ECM overproduction. Conversely, the haemodynamic protection from glomerulosclerosis in MHS rats is associated with lack of upregulation of TGF-beta/GLUT1 axis, thus supporting the concept that this axis may represent the link between haemodynamic and metabolic mechanisms of injury.

The link between Glut-1 and hypertension in diabetic nephropathy

Nephropathy is a major diabetic microvascular complication; both metabolic and hemodynamic perturbations play critical roles in its occurrence and progression toward end-stage renal disease. Improvements in metabolic and blood pressure control have been shown to confer protection from this diabetic complication. In this article, we review the facilitative glucose transporter Glut-1, its regulation, and its potential role in linking metabolic and hemodynamic perturbations in the pathophysiologic processes that lead to kidney injury in diabetes. We propose that an auto-maintaining mechanism of hemodynamic perturbations and increased tissue angiotensin II may be involved in the initiation and maintenance of a loop in which transforming growth factor beta1 and Glut-1 upregulation play important roles in the pathophysiology of diabetic-induced kidney lesions. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms that link glomerular hypertension and excessive glucose metabolism may provide insight into new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of diabetic renal disease.

Putative roles of kinin receptors in the therapeutic effects of angiotensin 1-converting enzyme inhibitors in diabetes mellitus

The role of endogenous kinins and their receptors in diabetes mellitus is being confirmed with the recent developments of molecular and genetic animal models. Compelling evidence suggests that the kinin B(2) receptor is organ-protective and partakes to the therapeutic effects of angiotensin 1-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin AT(1) receptor antagonists. Benefits derive primarily from vasodilatory, antihypertensive, antiproliferative, antihypertrophic, antifibrotic, antithrombotic and antioxidant properties of kinin B(2) receptor activation. Mechanisms include the formation of nitric oxide and prostacyclin and the inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase activity involving classical and novel signalling pathways. Kinin B(2) receptor also ameliorates insulin resistance by increasing glucose uptake and supply, and by inducing glucose transporter-4 translocation either directly or through phosphorylation of insulin receptor. The kinin B(1) receptor, which is induced by the cytokine network, growth factors and hyperglycaemia, mediates hyperalgesia, vascular hyperpermeability and leukocytes infiltration in diabetic animals. However, emerging data highlight reno- and cardio-protective effects mediated by kinin B(1) receptor under chronic ACEI therapy in diabetes mellitus. Thus, the Janus-faced of kinin receptors needs to be taken into account in future drug development. For instance, locally acting kinin B(1)/B(2) receptor agonists if used in a safe therapeutic window may represent a more rationale strategy in the prevention and management of diabetic complications. Because kinin B(2) receptor antagonists may further increase insulin resistance, the persisting dogma that restricts the development of kinin receptor analogues to antagonists (that is still relevant to abrogate pain and inflammation) needs to be revisited.

GRP78 Compartmentalized Redistribution in Pb-treated Glia: Role of GRP78 in Lead-induced Oxidative Stress

Glucose-regulated protein of 78 kDa (GRP78) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperone functioning in protein folding, assembly and trafficking. GRP78 also plays a role in protection against cytotoxicity and apoptosis induced by environmental insults. Our previous study showed that lead (Pb) directly targets GRP78 by binding to the protein and increasing GRP78 levels. In this study, the effect of Pb on compartmentalized distribution of GRP78 in living cells was examined. A rat GRP78-EGFP fusion protein and EGFP were transiently expressed in astrocytoma cells exposed to 5 microM Pb acetate or 50 microM CuSO4 and fluorescence signals were captured. Control cells expressing EGFP showed a homogeneous distribution of EGFP that was not changed by Pb or Cu treatment. Cells expressing GRP78-EGFP showed a compartmentalized, non-homogeneous distribution of GRP78-EGFP in the cytosol. The redistribution of GRP78-EGFP fluorescent bodies was observed in cells exposed to Pb for 10 h, but not 5 h. Redistribution was also observed in cells exposed to 50 microM Cu for 5 or 10 h. To assess GRP78 function, GRP78 was depleted with dsRNAi oligos in rat C6 glioma cells. GRP78 depletion significantly increased the sensitivity of cells to Pb exposure as indicated by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These data suggest that Pb directly targets GRP78 and induces its compartmentalized redistribution in living cells and that GRP78 plays a protective role in Pb neurotoxicity.

Glucose transporter-1-deficient mice exhibit impaired development and deformities that are similar to diabetic embryopathy

The hyperglycemia of maternal diabetes suppresses the glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) facilitative glucose transporter 49-66% in preimplantation embryos. Glucose uptake is reduced and apoptosis is activated. We hypothesized that the reduction of embryonic GLUT1 may play a key role in the malformations of diabetic embryopathy. Therefore, we produced GLUT1-deficient transgenic mice [i.e., antisense-GLUT1 (GT1AS)] to determine whether GLUT1 deficiency alone could reproduce the growth defects. Early cell division of fertilized mouse eggs injected with GT1AS was markedly impaired, P < 0.001 vs. controls. Two populations of preimplantation embryos obtained from GT1AS x GT1AS heterozygote matings exhibited reduction of the 2-deoxyglucose uptake rate: one by 50% (presumed heterozygotes, P < 0.001 vs. control) and the other by 95% (presumed homozygotes, P < 0.001 vs. heterozygotes). Embryonic GLUT1 deficiency in the range reported with maternal diabetes was associated with growth retardation and developmental malformations similar to those described in diabetes-exposed embryos: intrauterine growth retardation (31.1%), caudal regression (9.8%), anencephaly with absence of the head (6.6%), microphthalmia (4.9%), and micrognathia (1.6%). Reduced body weight (small embryos, <70% of the nontransgenic body weight) was accompanied by other malformations and a 56% reduction of GLUT1 protein, P < 0.001 vs. nonsmall embryos (body weight >or=70% normal). The heart, brain, and kidneys of embryonic day 18.5 GT1AS embryos exhibited 24-51% reductions of GLUT1 protein. The homozygous GT1AS genotype was lethal during gestation. Reduced embryonic GLUT1 was associated with the appearance of apoptosis. Therefore, GLUT1 deficiency may play a role in producing embryonic malformations resulting from the hyperglycemia of maternal diabetes. Late gestational macrosomia was absent, apparently requiring a different mechanism.

GLUT-1 overexpression: Link between hemodynamic and metabolic factors in glomerular injury?

Mesangial matrix deposition is the hallmark of hypertensive and diabetic glomerulopathy. At similar levels of systemic hypertension, Dahl salt-sensitive but not spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) develop glomerular hypertension, which is accompanied by upregulation of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), mesangial matrix expansion, and sclerosis. GLUT-1 is ubiquitously expressed and is the predominant glucose transporter in mesangial cells. In mesangial cells in vitro, GLUT-1 overexpression increases basal glucose transport, resulting in excess fibronectin and collagen production. TGF-beta1 has been shown to upregulate GLUT-1 expression. We demonstrated that in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (S) rats fed 4% NaCl (systolic blood pressure [SBP]: 236+/-9 mm Hg), but not in similarly hypertensive SHR (SBP: 230+/-10 mm Hg) or their normotensive counterparts (Dahl S fed 0.5% NaCl, SBP: 145+/-5 mm Hg; and Wistar-Kyoto, SBP: 137+/-3 mm Hg), there was an 80% upregulation of glomerular GLUT-1 protein expression (P< or =0.03). This was accompanied by a 2.7-fold upregulation of TGF-beta1 protein expression in glomeruli of DSH compared with DSN rats (P=0.02). TGF-beta1 expression was not upregulated and did not differ in the glomeruli of Wistar-Kyoto and SHR rats. As an in vitro surrogate of the in vivo hemodynamic stress imposed by glomerular hypertension, we used mechanical stretching of human and rat mesangial cells. We found that after 33 hours of stretching, mesangial cells overexpressed GLUT-1 (40%) and showed an increase in basal glucose transport of similar magnitude (both P< or =0.01), which could be blocked with an anti TGF-beta1-neutralizing antibody. These studies suggest a novel link between hemodynamic and metabolic factors that may cooperate in inducing progressive glomerular injury in conditions characterized by glomerular hypertension.

Evidence for a novel TGF-beta1-independent mechanism of fibronectin production in mesangial cells overexpressing glucose transporters

Recent experimental work indicates that the hyperglycemia-induced increase in mesangial matrix production, which is a hallmark in the development of diabetic nephropathy, is mediated by increased expression of GLUT1. Mesangial cells stably transfected with human GLUT1 mimic the effect of hyperglycemia on the production of the extracellular matrix proteins, particularly fibronectin, when cultured under normoglycemic conditions. Our investigation of the molecular mechanism of this effect has revealed that the enhanced fibronectin production was not mediated by the prosclerotic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1. We found markedly increased nuclear content in Jun proteins, leading to enhanced DNA-binding activity of activating protein 1 (AP-1). AP-1 inhibition reduced fibronectin production in a dosage-dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of classic protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms prevented both the activation of AP-1 and the enhanced fibronectin production. In contrast to mesangial cells exposed to high glucose, no activation of the hexosamine biosynthetic, p38, or extracellular signal-related kinase 1 and 2 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways nor any increase in TGF-beta1 synthesis could be detected, which could be explained by the absence of oxidative stress in cells transfected with the human GLUT1 gene. Our data indicate that increased glucose uptake and metabolism induce PKC-dependent AP-1 activation that is sufficient for enhanced fibronectin production, but not for increased TGF-beta1 expression.