1
|
Wijayarathna R, Hedger MP. New aspects of activin biology in epididymal function and immunopathology. Andrology 2024; 12:964-972. [PMID: 37644728 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13523] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The activins (A and B) and their binding protein, follistatin, play crucial roles in development, immunoregulation and inflammation throughout the body. In the male reproductive tract of the mouse, activin A and B production is largely confined to the initial segment and proximal caput of the epididymis and the efferent ducts, under normal conditions, with very low expression in the corpus, cauda and vas deferens. However, activin A protein is present throughout the epididymis and vas deferens and is largely associated with the epithelium and interstitial macrophages. Conversely, the activin-binding protein follistatin is produced in the distal epididymis, with very high expression in the vas deferens. Activin activity in the distal tract is inhibited by follistatin, and the activin-follistatin balance is important for regulating coiling of the duct during epididymal development. In further experiments, as described in this report, in situ hybridisation was used to localise activin A mRNA principally to cells in the periductal zone and interstitium in the efferent ducts and proximal caput. Activin B mRNA, on the other hand, was localised to periductal cells in the efferent ducts and proximal epididymis and, most notably, to epithelial cells in the initial segment. Activin A is implicated in the regulation of mononuclear phagocyte function and immune responses in the caput and stimulates the expression of the key immunoregulatory protein, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in this region. Activin A production in the corpus and cauda increases dramatically during bacterial epididymitis in mice, promoting inflammation and fibrosis and causing damage to the epithelium and obstruction of the epididymal duct. Consequently, it appears that the activin-follistatin axis is crucial for maintaining normal epididymal structure and function, but disruption of this balance during inflammation has deleterious effects on male fertility. Follistatin has therapeutic potential in ameliorating the proinflammatory and profibrotic effects of activins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rukmali Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nordholm A, Sørensen IMH, Bjergfelt SS, Fuchs A, Kofoed KF, Landler NE, Biering-Sørensen T, Carlson N, Feldt-Rasmussen B, Christoffersen C, Bro S. Plasma activin A rises with declining kidney function and is independently associated with mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease. Clin Kidney J 2023; 16:2712-2720. [PMID: 38046005 PMCID: PMC10689128 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Plasma (p-)activin A is elevated in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Activin A inhibition ameliorates CKD-MBD complications (vascular calcification and bone disease) in rodent CKD models. We examined whether p-activin A was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), all-cause mortality and CKD-MBD complications in CKD patients. Methods The study included 916 participants (741 patients and 175 controls) from the prospective Copenhagen CKD cohort. Comparisons of p-activin A with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), coronary and thoracic aorta Agatston scores, and bone mineral density (BMD) were evaluated by univariable linear regression using Spearman's rank correlation, analysis of covariance and ordinal logistic regression with adjustments. Association of p-activin A with rates of MACE and all-cause mortality was evaluated by the Aalen-Johansen or Kaplan-Meier estimator, with subsequent multiple Cox regression analyses. Results P-activin A was increased by CKD stage 3 (124-225 pg/mL, P < .001) and correlated inversely with eGFR (r = -0.53, P < 0.01). P-activin A was associated with all-cause mortality [97 events, hazard ratio 1.55 (95% confidence interval 1.04; 2.32), P < 0.05] after adjusting for age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM) and eGFR. Median follow-up was 4.36 (interquartile range 3.64-4.75) years. The association with MACE was not significant after eGFR adjustment. Agatston scores and BMD were not associated with p-activin A. Conclusion P-activin A increased with declining kidney function and was associated with all-cause mortality independently of age, sex, DM and eGFR. No association with MACE, vascular calcification or BMD was demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Nordholm
- Department of Nephrology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Nephrology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sasha S Bjergfelt
- Department of Nephrology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Fuchs
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus F Kofoed
- Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nino E Landler
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Bo Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Nephrology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christina Christoffersen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Susanne Bro
- Department of Nephrology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chatterjee E, Rodosthenous RS, Kujala V, Gokulnath P, Spanos M, Lehmann HI, de Oliveira GP, Shi M, Miller-Fleming TW, Li G, Ghiran IC, Karalis K, Lindenfeld J, Mosley JD, Lau ES, Ho JE, Sheng Q, Shah R, Das S. Circulating extracellular vesicles in human cardiorenal syndrome promote renal injury in a kidney-on-chip system. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e165172. [PMID: 37707956 PMCID: PMC10721327 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.165172] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDCardiorenal syndrome (CRS) - renal injury during heart failure (HF) - is linked to high morbidity. Whether circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their RNA cargo directly impact its pathogenesis remains unclear.METHODSWe investigated the role of circulating EVs from patients with CRS on renal epithelial/endothelial cells using a microfluidic kidney-on-chip (KOC) model. The small RNA cargo of circulating EVs was regressed against serum creatinine to prioritize subsets of functionally relevant EV-miRNAs and their mRNA targets investigated using in silico pathway analysis, human genetics, and interrogation of expression in the KOC model and in renal tissue. The functional effects of EV-RNAs on kidney epithelial cells were experimentally validated.RESULTSRenal epithelial and endothelial cells in the KOC model exhibited uptake of EVs from patients with HF. HF-CRS EVs led to higher expression of renal injury markers (IL18, LCN2, HAVCR1) relative to non-CRS EVs. A total of 15 EV-miRNAs were associated with creatinine, targeting 1,143 gene targets specifying pathways relevant to renal injury, including TGF-β and AMPK signaling. We observed directionally consistent changes in the expression of TGF-β pathway members (BMP6, FST, TIMP3) in the KOC model exposed to CRS EVs, which were validated in epithelial cells treated with corresponding inhibitors and mimics of miRNAs. A similar trend was observed in renal tissue with kidney injury. Mendelian randomization suggested a role for FST in renal function.CONCLUSIONPlasma EVs in patients with CRS elicit adverse transcriptional and phenotypic responses in a KOC model by regulating biologically relevant pathways, suggesting a role for EVs in CRS.TRIAL REGISTRATIONClinicalTrials.gov NCT03345446.FUNDINGAmerican Heart Association (AHA) (SFRN16SFRN31280008); National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (1R35HL150807-01); National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (UH3 TR002878); and AHA (23CDA1045944).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emeli Chatterjee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rodosthenis S. Rodosthenous
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Priyanka Gokulnath
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michail Spanos
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helge Immo Lehmann
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ionita Calin Ghiran
- Department of Anesthesia, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katia Karalis
- Emulate, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, New York, USA
| | - JoAnn Lindenfeld
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Mosley
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Emily S. Lau
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer E. Ho
- Cardiovascular Institute, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ravi Shah
- Vanderbilt Translational and Clinical Research Center, Cardiology Division, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Saumya Das
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tsai MT, Ou SM, Lee KH, Lin CC, Li SY. Circulating Activin A, Kidney Fibrosis, and Adverse Events. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 19:01277230-990000000-00298. [PMID: 37983094 PMCID: PMC10861103 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.0000000000000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of reliable biomarkers to assess kidney fibrosis severity is necessary for patients with CKD. Activin A, a member of the TGF- β superfamily, has been suggested as a biomarker for kidney fibrosis. However, its precise utility in this regard remains to be established. METHODS We investigated the correlation between plasma activin A levels, kidney fibrosis severity, and the incidence of major adverse kidney events in patients who underwent native kidney biopsies at a tertiary medical center. We performed RNA sequencing and histological analyses on kidney biopsy specimens to assess activin A expression. In vitro experiments were also conducted to explore the potential attenuation of TGF- β -induced fibroblast activation through activin A inhibition. RESULTS A total of 339 patients with biopsy-confirmed kidney diseases were enrolled. Baseline eGFR was 36 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , and the urine protein/creatinine ratio was 2.9 mg/mg. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between plasma activin A levels and the extent of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Our RNA sequencing data demonstrated a positive correlation between kidney INHBA expression and plasma activin A levels. Furthermore, the histological analysis showed that myofibroblasts were the primary activin A-positive interstitial cells in diseased kidneys. During a median follow-up of 22 months, 113 participants experienced major adverse kidney events. Cox proportional hazards analysis initially found a positive association between plasma activin A levels and kidney event risk, but it became insignificant after adjusting for confounders. In cultured fibroblasts, knockdown of activin A significantly attenuated TGF- β -induced fibroblast-myofibroblast conversion. CONCLUSIONS Plasma activin A levels correlate with kidney fibrosis severity and adverse outcomes in various kidney disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Tsun Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Ming Ou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Hua Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Szu-yuan Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Darwish SF, Mahmoud AMA, Abdel Mageed SS, Sallam AAM, Oraby MA. Dapagliflozin improves early acute kidney injury induced by vancomycin in rats: Insights on activin A/miRNA-21 signaling and FOXO3a expression. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175908. [PMID: 37451422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175908] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a potentially serious disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The presented study investigated the ability of the oral antidiabetic agent, dapagliflozin (DAPA), to preserve the kidneys of rats subjected to vancomycin (VCM)-induced AKI. Rats were injected with VCM (400 mg/kg; i.p daily) for 7 successive days to induce AKI. Rats that received VCM were pretreated with DAPA at 5 or 10 mg/kg; p.o daily for 14 successive days. Vancomycin-treated rats depicted renal tubular damage, decline in renal function, and renal morphological alterations. Impairment of renal antioxidant machinery and propagation of renal cell apoptosis was apparent in the setting of VCM overdose. Pretreatment of VCM rats with DAPA, particularly at 10 mg/kg, effectively attenuated NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4)-induced renal ROS, hampered activin A activation, and repressed miRNA-21/PTEN/pAKT signaling. These events were associated with impeding the expression of renal p-FOXO3a/t-FOXO3a ratio and promoting the nuclear localization of FOXO3a immnoexpression, enhancing renal antioxidant enzymes. At the same time, DAPA pretreatment improved renal function indices and alleviated the kidney injury markers, NGAL, and KIM-1, accompanied by restoring the normal renal histopathological structure. Regarding renal apoptosis, DAPA suppressed the expression of Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3. This study demonstrates that DAPA ameliorates VCM-induced AKI in rats via modulating renal oxidative stress, presumably by interfering with NOX4/activin A/miRNA-21 cascade and augmenting t-FOXO3a expression as well as dampening renal cell apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samar F Darwish
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt.
| | - Abdulla M A Mahmoud
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| | - Al-Aliaa M Sallam
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566, Cairo, Egypt; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt.
| | - Mamdouh A Oraby
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Entertainment Area, Badr City, Cairo, 11829, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nagayama I, Takayanagi K, Hasegawa H, Maeshima A. Tubule-Derived Follistatin Is Increased in the Urine of Rats with Renal Ischemia and Reflects the Severity of Acute Tubular Damage. Cells 2023; 12:801. [PMID: 36899937 PMCID: PMC10000847 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050801] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is a negative regulator of tubular regeneration after renal ischemia. Activin action is controlled by an endogenous antagonist, follistatin. However, the role of follistatin in the kidney is not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the expression and localization of follistatin in normal and ischemic rat kidneys and measured urinary follistatin in rats with renal ischemia to assess whether urinary follistatin could serve as a biomarker for acute kidney injury. Using vascular clamps, renal ischemia was induced for 45 min in 8-week-old male Wistar rats. In normal kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of the cortex. In contrast, in ischemic kidneys, follistatin was localized in distal tubules of both the cortex and outer medulla. Follistatin mRNA was mainly present in the descending limb of Henle of the outer medulla in normal kidneys but was upregulated in the descending limb of Henle of both the outer and inner medulla after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin, which was undetectable in normal rats, was significantly increased in ischemic rats and peaked 24 h after reperfusion. There was no correlation between urinary follistatin and serum follistatin. Urinary follistatin levels were increased according to ischemic duration and were significantly correlated with the follistatin-positive area as well as the acute tubular damage area. These results suggest that follistatin normally produced by renal tubules increases and becomes detectable in urine after renal ischemia. Urinary follistatin might be useful to assess the severity of acute tubular damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe 350-8550, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tang W, Zhang Y, Cui S, Yi F. The Growth Factors: Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 8:368-380. [PMID: 36466071 PMCID: PMC9710479 DOI: 10.1159/000526208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kidney diseases are a prevalent health problem worldwide. Although substantial progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of kidney disease, currently there is no satisfactory clinical treatment available to prevent or treat kidney disease. Therefore, strategies to establish early diagnosis, identify the key molecules, and develop novel therapeutic interventions to slow the progression of kidney diseases and reduce their complications are encouraged. SUMMARY The growth factors play a crucial role in the development of kidney diseases. The altered levels of growth factors are usually detected in circulation and urine in the disease course. A growing body of studies has suggested that growth factors, receptors, and related regulators are promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and/or prognosis and potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of kidney diseases. In this review, we summarize recent advances in the potential applications of growth factors for diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in kidney diseases and highlight their performances in clinical trials. KEY MESSAGES Most diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting growth factors are still far from clinical implementation. The better understanding of growth factor-regulated pathophysiology and the progress of new intervention approaches are expected to facilitate the clinical translation of growth factor-based diagnosis and therapy of kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yufeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Sijia Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fan Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, The Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity of Shandong Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, and The State and Shandong Province Joint Key Laboratory of Translational Cardiovascular Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kobayashi H, Looker HC, Satake E, D’Addio F, Wilson JM, Saulnier PJ, Md Dom ZI, O’Neil K, Ihara K, Krolewski B, Badger HS, Petrazzuolo A, Corradi D, Galecki A, Wilson P, Najafian B, Mauer M, Niewczas MA, Doria A, Humphreys B, Duffin KL, Fiorina P, Nelson RG, Krolewski AS. Neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1 is a circulating protein associated with progression to end-stage kidney disease in diabetes. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabj2109. [PMID: 35947673 PMCID: PMC9531292 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj2109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Circulating proteins associated with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling are implicated in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). It remains to be comprehensively examined which of these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of DKD and its progression to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in humans. Using the SOMAscan proteomic platform, we measured concentrations of 25 TGF-β signaling family proteins in four different cohorts composed in total of 754 Caucasian or Pima Indian individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Of these 25 circulating proteins, we identified neuroblastoma suppressor of tumorigenicity 1 (NBL1, aliases DAN and DAND1), a small secreted protein known to inhibit members of the bone morphogenic protein family, to be most strongly and independently associated with progression to ESKD during 10-year follow-up in all cohorts. The extent of damage to podocytes and other glomerular structures measured morphometrically in 105 research kidney biopsies correlated strongly with circulating NBL1 concentrations. Also, in vitro exposure to NBL1 induced apoptosis in podocytes. In conclusion, circulating NBL1 may be involved in the disease process underlying progression to ESKD, and its concentration in circulation may identify subjects with diabetes at increased risk of progression to ESKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Kobayashi
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Endocrinology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Helen C. Looker
- Chronic Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Eiichiro Satake
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesca D’Addio
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, DIBIC L. Sacco, Università di Milano and Endocrinology Division ASST Sacco-FBF, Milan, Italy
| | - Jonathan M. Wilson
- Diabetes and Complications Department, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Pierre Jean. Saulnier
- Chronic Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- CHU Poitiers, University of Poitiers, Inserm, Clinical Investigation Center CIC1402, Poitiers, France
| | - Zaipul I. Md Dom
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristina O’Neil
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katsuhito Ihara
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bozena Krolewski
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hannah S. Badger
- Diabetes and Complications Department, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Adriana Petrazzuolo
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, DIBIC L. Sacco, Università di Milano and Endocrinology Division ASST Sacco-FBF, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Pathology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrzej Galecki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Parker Wilson
- Division of Anatomic and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Behzad Najafian
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Mauer
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Monika A. Niewczas
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessandro Doria
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin L. Duffin
- Diabetes and Complications Department, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Paolo Fiorina
- Pediatric Clinical Research Center Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi, DIBIC L. Sacco, Università di Milano and Endocrinology Division ASST Sacco-FBF, Milan, Italy
- Nephrology Division, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert G. Nelson
- Chronic Kidney Disease Section, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Andrzej S. Krolewski
- Section on Genetics and Epidemiology, Research Division, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Urinary Activin A: A Novel Biomarker for Human Acute Kidney Injury. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030661. [PMID: 35328214 PMCID: PMC8947696 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Activin is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily that regulates the growth and differentiation of cells in various organs. We previously reported that activin A, which is absent in normal kidneys, was significantly increased in the ischemic kidney, and that the blockade of activin action by follistatin, an activin antagonist, significantly enhanced tubular regeneration after renal ischemia, suggesting that activin A acts as an endogenous inhibitor of tubular repair after kidney injury in rodents. However, the role of activin A in human acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. In this analysis, we measured serum and urinary activin A in human AKI (n = 39) and tested if activin A might serve as a biomarker for AKI. Urinary activin A, which was undetectable in healthy controls, was significantly increased in AKI (0.0 ± 0.0 vs. 173.4 ± 58.8 pg/mL, p < 0.05). The urinary activin A level in patients with AKI stage 3, was significantly higher than that in patients with AKI stages 1 and 2. Patients who required renal replacement therapy (RRT) had a significantly higher urinary activin A level than patients who did not require RRT. Urinary activin A might be a useful non-invasive biomarker for the severity of AKI.
Collapse
|
10
|
Su HH, Yen JC, Liao JM, Wang YH, Liu PH, MacDonald IJ, Tsai CF, Chen YH, Huang SS. In situ slow-release recombinant growth differentiation factor 11 exhibits therapeutic efficacy in ischemic stroke. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112290. [PMID: 34673423 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112290] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) treatment improves the vasculature in the hippocampus and cortex in mice in recent studies. However, systemic application of recombinant GDF11 (rGDF11) cannot cross the brain blood barrier (BBB). Thus, large doses and long-term administration are required, while systemically applied high-dose rGDF11 is associated with deleterious effects, such as severe cachexia. This study tested whether in situ low dosage rGDF11 (1 μg/kg) protects the brain against ischemic stroke and it investigated the underlying mechanisms. Fibrin glue mixed with rGDF11 was applied to the surgical cortex for the slow release of rGDF11 in mice after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In situ rGDF11 improved cerebral infarction and sensorimotor function by upregulating Smad2/3 and downregulating FOXO3 expression. In situ rGDF11 was associated with reductions in protein and lipid oxidation, Wnt5a, iNOS and COX2 expression, at 24 h after injury. In situ rGDF11 protected hippocampal neurons and subventricular neural progenitor cells against MCAO injury, and increased newborn neurogenesis in the peri-infarct cortex. Systematic profiling and qPCR analysis revealed that Pax5, Sox3, Th, and Cdk5rap2, genes associated with neurogenesis, were increased by in situ rGDF11 treatment. In addition, greater numbers of newborn neurons in the peri-infarct cortex were observed with in situ rGDF11 than with systemic application. Our evidence indicates that in situ rGDF11 effectively decreases the extent of damage after ischemic stroke via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and proneurogenic activities. We suggest that in situ slow-release rGDF11 with fibrin glue is a potential therapeutic approach against ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Hui Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiin-Cherng Yen
- Department and Institute of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jiuan-Miaw Liao
- Department of Physiology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Hsin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Hsun Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Iona J MacDonald
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chin-Feng Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yi-Hung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,ROC; Department of Computer Science and Information Engineering, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Shiang-Suo Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; School of Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Pharmacy, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martinez-Vidal L, Murdica V, Venegoni C, Pederzoli F, Bandini M, Necchi A, Salonia A, Alfano M. Causal contributors to tissue stiffness and clinical relevance in urology. Commun Biol 2021; 4:1011. [PMID: 34446834 PMCID: PMC8390675 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02539-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanomedicine is an emerging field focused on characterizing mechanical changes in cells and tissues coupled with a specific disease. Understanding the mechanical cues that drive disease progression, and whether tissue stiffening can precede disease development, is crucial in order to define new mechanical biomarkers to improve and develop diagnostic and prognostic tools. Classically known stromal regulators, such as fibroblasts, and more recently acknowledged factors such as the microbiome and extracellular vesicles, play a crucial role in modifications to the stroma and extracellular matrix (ECM). These modifications ultimately lead to an alteration of the mechanical properties (stiffness) of the tissue, contributing to disease onset and progression. We describe here classic and emerging mediators of ECM remodeling, and discuss state-of-the-art studies characterizing mechanical fingerprints of urological diseases, showing a general trend between increased tissue stiffness and severity of disease. Finally, we point to the clinical potential of tissue stiffness as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in the urological field, as well as a possible target for new innovative drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martinez-Vidal
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Murdica
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Venegoni
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Pederzoli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Bandini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Salonia
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Alfano
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mehta N, Li R, Zhang D, Soomro A, He J, Zhang I, MacDonald M, Gao B, Krepinsky JC. miR299a-5p promotes renal fibrosis by suppressing the antifibrotic actions of follistatin. Sci Rep 2021; 11:88. [PMID: 33420269 PMCID: PMC7794215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80199-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Caveolin-1 (cav-1), an integral protein of the membrane microdomains caveolae, is required for synthesis of matrix proteins by glomerular mesangial cells (MC). Previously, we demonstrated that the antifibrotic protein follistatin (FST) is transcriptionally upregulated in cav-1 knockout MC and that its administration is protective against renal fibrosis. Here, we screened cav-1 wild-type and knockout MC for FST-targeting microRNAs in order to identity novel antifibrotic therapeutic targets. We identified that miR299a-5p was significantly suppressed in cav-1 knockout MC, and this was associated with stabilization of the FST 3'UTR. Overexpression and inhibition studies confirmed the role of miR299a-5p in regulating FST expression. Furthermore, the profibrotic cytokine TGFβ1 was found to stimulate the expression of miR299a-5p and, in turn, downregulate FST. Through inhibition of FST, miR299a-5p overexpression augmented, while miR299a-5p inhibition diminished TGFβ1 profibrotic responses, whereas miR299a-5p overexpression re-enabled cav-1 knockout MC to respond to TGFβ1. In vivo, miR299a-5p was upregulated in the kidneys of mice with chronic kidney disease (CKD). miR299a-5p inhibition protected these mice against renal fibrosis and CKD severity. Our data demonstrate that miR299a-5p is an important post-transcriptional regulator of FST, with its upregulation an important pathogenic contributor to renal fibrosis. Thus, miR299a-5p inhibition offers a potential novel therapeutic approach for CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neel Mehta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Renzhong Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Asfia Soomro
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Juehua He
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Ivan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Melissa MacDonald
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Bo Gao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joan C Krepinsky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
- St. Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Rm T3311, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wound Repair, Scar Formation, and Cancer: Converging on Activin. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:1107-1117. [PMID: 32878730 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wound repair is a highly regulated process that requires the interaction of various cell types. It has been shown that cancers use the mechanisms of wound healing to promote their own growth. Therefore, it is of importance to identify common regulators of wound repair and tumor formation and to unravel their functions and mechanisms of action. An exciting example is activin, which acts on multiple cell types in wounds and tumors, thereby promoting healing, but also scar formation and tumorigenesis. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the role of activin in these processes and highlight the therapeutic potential of activin or activin antagonists for the treatment of impaired healing or excessive scarring and cancer, respectively.
Collapse
|
14
|
Kauerhof AC, Nicolas N, Bhushan S, Wahle E, Loveland KA, Fietz D, Bergmann M, Groome NP, Kliesch S, Schuppe HC, Pilatz A, Meinhardt A, Hedger MP, Fijak M. Investigation of activin A in inflammatory responses of the testis and its role in the development of testicular fibrosis. Hum Reprod 2020; 34:1536-1550. [PMID: 31340036 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dez109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does activin A contribute to testicular fibrosis under inflammatory conditions? SUMMARY ANSWER Our results show that activin A and key fibrotic proteins are increased in human testicular biopsies with leukocytic infiltrates and impaired spermatogenesis and in murine experimental autoimmune orchitis (EAO) and that activin A stimulates fibrotic responses in peritubular cells (PTCs) and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fibrosis is a feature of EAO. Activin A, a regulator of fibrosis, was increased in testes of mice with EAO and its expression correlated with severity of the disease. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of adult mice immunized with testicular homogenate (TH) in adjuvant to induce EAO, collected at 30 (n = 6), 50 (n = 6) and 80 (n = 5) days after first immunization. Age-matched mice injected with adjuvant alone (n = 14) and untreated mice (n = 15) were included as controls. TH-immunized mice with elevated endogenous follistatin, injected with a non-replicative recombinant adeno-associated viral vector carrying a gene cassette of follistatin (rAAV-FST315; n = 3) or vector with an empty cassette (empty vector controls; n = 2) 30 days prior to the first immunization, as well as appropriate adjuvant (n = 2) and untreated (n = 2) controls, were also examined.Human testicular biopsies showing focal inflammatory lesions associated with impaired spermatogenesis (n = 7) were included. Biopsies showing intact spermatogenesis without inflammation, from obstructive azoospermia patients, served as controls (n = 7).Mouse primary PTC and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were stimulated with activin A and follistatin 288 (FST288) to investigate the effect of activin A on the expression of fibrotic markers. Production of activin A by mouse primary Sertoli cells (SCs) was also investigated. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Testicular RNA and protein extracts collected from mice at days 30, 50 and 80 after first immunization were used for analysis of fibrotic marker genes and proteins, respectively. Total collagen was assessed by hydroxyproline assay and fibronectin; collagen I, III and IV, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and phosphorylation of suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) family member 2 were measured by western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect fibronectin. Fibronectin (Fn), αSMA (Acta2), collagen I (Col1a2), III (Col3a1) and IV (Col4a1) mRNA in PTC and NIH 3T3 cells treated with activin A and/or FST288 were measured by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Activin A in SC following tumour necrosis factor (TNF) or FST288 stimulation was measured by ELISA. Human testicular biopsies were analysed by qRT-PCR for PTPRC (CD45) and activin A (INHBA), hydroxyproline assay and immunofluorescence. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Production of activin A by SC was stimulated by 25 and 50 ng/ml TNF (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively) as compared to untreated cells. INHBA mRNA was increased in human testicular biopsies with leukocytic infiltrates and impaired spermatogenesis, compared with control biopsies (P < 0.05), accompanied by increased total collagen (P < 0.01) and fibronectin deposition. Total testicular collagen (P < 0.0001) and fibronectin protein expression (P < 0.05) were also increased in EAO, and fibronectin expression was correlated with the severity of the disease (r = 0.9028). In animals pre-treated with rAAV-FST315 prior to immunization with TH, protein expression of fibronectin was comparable to control. Stimulation of PTC and NIH 3T3 cells with activin A increased fibronectin mRNA (P < 0.05) and the production of collagen I (P < 0.001; P < 0.01) and fibronectin (P < 0.05). Moreover, activin A also increased collagen IV mRNA (P < 0.05) in PTC, while αSMA mRNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.0001) were significantly increased by activin A in NIH 3T3 cells. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION A limited number of human testicular specimens was available for the study. Part of the study was performed in vitro, including NIH 3T3 cells as a surrogate for testicular fibroblasts. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Resident fibroblasts and PTC may contribute to the progression of testicular fibrosis following inflammation, and activin A is implicated as a key mediator of this process. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program and the International Research Training Group between Justus Liebig University (Giessen) and Monash University (Melbourne) (GRK 1871/1-2) on `Molecular pathogenesis on male reproductive disorders' funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and Monash University. The authors declare no competing financial interests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Christine Kauerhof
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Eva Wahle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kate A Loveland
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Martin Bergmann
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Nigel P Groome
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Department of Clinical and Surgical Andrology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Schuppe
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Urology, Paediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Department of Urology, Paediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,Shared last authorship
| | - Monika Fijak
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Hessian Centre of Reproductive Medicine, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany.,Shared last authorship
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hreha TN, Collins CA, Daugherty AL, Griffith JM, Hruska KA, Hunstad DA. Androgen-Influenced Polarization of Activin A-Producing Macrophages Accompanies Post-pyelonephritic Renal Scarring. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1641. [PMID: 32849562 PMCID: PMC7399094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascending bacterial pyelonephritis, a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) that can result in hospitalization, sepsis, and other complications, occurs in ~250,000 US patients annually; uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) cause a large majority of these infections. Although UTIs are primarily a disease of women, acute pyelonephritis in males is associated with increased mortality and morbidity, including renal scarring, and end-stage renal disease. Preclinical models of UTI have only recently allowed investigation of sex and sex-hormone effects on pathogenesis. We previously demonstrated that renal scarring after experimental UPEC pyelonephritis is augmented by androgen exposure; testosterone exposure increases both the severity of pyelonephritis and the degree of renal scarring in both male and female mice. Activin A is an important driver of scarring in non-infectious renal injury, as well as a mediator of macrophage polarization. In this work, we investigated how androgen exposure influences immune cell recruitment to the UPEC-infected kidney and how cell-specific activin A production affects post-pyelonephritic scar formation. Compared with vehicle-treated females, androgenized mice exhibited reduced bacterial clearance from the kidney, despite robust myeloid cell recruitment that continued to increase as infection progressed. Infected kidneys from androgenized mice harbored more alternatively activated (M2) macrophages than vehicle-treated mice, reflecting an earlier shift from a pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype. Androgen exposure also led to a sharp increase in activin A-producing myeloid cells in the infected kidney, as well as decreased levels of follistatin (which normally antagonizes activin action). As a result, infection in androgenized mice featured prolonged polarization of macrophages toward a pro-fibrotic M2a phenotype, accompanied by an increase in M2a-associated cytokines. These data indicate that androgen enhancement of UTI severity and resulting scar formation is related to augmented local activin A production and corresponding promotion of M2a macrophage polarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teri N Hreha
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Christina A Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Allyssa L Daugherty
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jessie M Griffith
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Keith A Hruska
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - David A Hunstad
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Takei Y, Takahashi S, Nakasatomi M, Sakairi T, Ikeuchi H, Kaneko Y, Hiromura K, Nojima Y, Maeshima A. Urinary Activin A is a novel biomarker reflecting renal inflammation and tubular damage in ANCA-associated vasculitis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223703. [PMID: 31613925 PMCID: PMC6793943 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, is a critical modulator of inflammation and plays a key role in controlling the cytokine cascade that drives the inflammatory response. However, the role of activin A in inflammatory kidney diseases remains unknown. To address this issue, we examined here whether activin A can be detected in the kidney and/or urine from patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) -associated vasculitis (AAV). Fifty-one patients who had been diagnosed with AAV and were treated in our department between November 2011 to March 2018 were included in this study. Forty-one patients had renal complications (renal AAV). Serum and urinary activin A levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation of urinary activin A concentration with clinical parameters was analyzed. Urinary activin A was undetectable in healthy volunteers. In contrast, urinary activin A concentration was significantly increased in patients with renal AAV but not in those with non-renal AAV. Urinary activin A concentration decreased rapidly after immunosuppressive treatment. There was a significant correlation of urinary activin A level with urinary protein, L-FABP, and NAG. Histologic evaluation revealed that urinary activin A levels were significantly higher in patients with cellular crescentic glomeruli than in those lacking this damage. In situ hybridization demonstrated that the mRNA encoding the activin A βA subunit was undetectable in normal kidneys but accumulated in the proximal tubules and crescentic glomeruli of the kidneys of patients with renal AAV. Immunostaining showed that activin A protein also was present in the proximal tubules, crescentic glomeruli, and macrophages infiltrating into the interstitium in the kidneys of patients with renal AAV. These data suggested that urinary activin A concentration reflects renal inflammation and tubular damage in AAV and may be a useful biomarker for monitoring renal AAV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Takei
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Takahashi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Masao Nakasatomi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Toru Sakairi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Ikeuchi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoriaki Kaneko
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Keiju Hiromura
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Nojima
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Hospital, Maebashi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mehta N, Gava AL, Zhang D, Gao B, Krepinsky JC. Follistatin Protects Against Glomerular Mesangial Cell Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress to Ameliorate Chronic Kidney Disease. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:551-571. [PMID: 31184201 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Interventions to inhibit oxidative stress and apoptosis, important pathogenic contributors toward the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), are not well established. Here, we investigated the role of a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily neutralizing protein, follistatin (FST), in the regulation of apoptosis and oxidative stress in glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) and in the progression of CKD. Results: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inducer thapsigargin (Tg), known to cause MC apoptosis, led to a post-translational increase in the expression of FST. Recombinant FST protected, whereas FST downregulation augmented, Tg-induced apoptosis without affecting Ca2+ release or ER stress induction. Although activins are the primary ligands neutralized by FST, their inhibition with neutralizing antibodies did not affect Tg-induced apoptosis. Instead, FST protected against Tg-induced apoptosis through neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) independently of its ability to neutralize activins. Importantly, administration of FST to mice with CKD protected against renal cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. This was associated with improved kidney function, reduced albuminuria, and attenuation of fibrosis. Innovation and Conclusion: Independent of its activin neutralizing ability, FST protected against Tg-induced apoptosis through neutralization of ROS and consequent suppression of oxidative stress, seen both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, FST also ameliorated fibrosis and improved kidney function in CKD. FST is, thus, a novel potential therapeutic agent for delaying the progression of CKD. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 31, 551-571.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neel Mehta
- 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Agata L Gava
- 2Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | - Dan Zhang
- 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Bo Gao
- 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joan C Krepinsky
- 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nordholm A, Egstrand S, Gravesen E, Mace ML, Morevati M, Olgaard K, Lewin E. Circadian rhythm of activin A and related parameters of mineral metabolism in normal and uremic rats. Pflugers Arch 2019; 471:1079-1094. [PMID: 31236663 PMCID: PMC6614158 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-019-02291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is a new fascinating player in chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD), which is implicated in progressive renal disease, vascular calcification, and osteodystrophy. Plasma activin A rises early in the progression of renal disease. Disruption of circadian rhythms is related to increased risk of several diseases and circadian rhythms are observed in mineral homeostasis, bone parameters, and plasma levels of phosphate and PTH. Therefore, we examined the circadian rhythm of activin A and CKD-MBD-related parameters (phosphate, PTH, FGF23, and klotho) in healthy controls and CKD rats (5/6 nephrectomy) on high-, standard- and low-dietary phosphate contents as well as during fasting conditions. Plasma activin A exhibited circadian rhythmicity in healthy control rats with fourfold higher values at acrophase compared with nadir. The rhythm was obliterated in CKD. Activin A was higher in CKD rats compared with controls when measured at daytime but not significantly when measured at evening/nighttime, stressing the importance of time-specific reference intervals when interpreting plasma values. Plasma phosphate, PTH, and FGF23 all showed circadian rhythms in control rats, which were abolished or disrupted in CKD. Plasma klotho did not show circadian rhythm. Thus, the present investigation shows, for the first time, circadian rhythm of plasma activin A. The rhythmicity is severely disturbed by CKD and is associated with disturbed rhythms of phosphate and phosphate-regulating hormones PTH and FGF23, indicating that disturbed circadian rhythmicity is an important feature of CKD-MBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anders Nordholm
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Egstrand
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Gravesen
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria L Mace
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark.,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marya Morevati
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Olgaard
- Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Lewin
- Nephrological Department, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, 2730, Herlev, Denmark. .,Nephrological Department, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Activin A: a novel urinary biomarker of renal impairment in multiple myeloma. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190206. [PMID: 31072919 PMCID: PMC6542761 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal impairment (RI) is a common complication of multiple myeloma (MM) that significantly affects treatment efficacy and mortality. However, no useful biomarkers for early detection of renal damage in MM exist. Reports indicate that activin A, a multifunctional cytokine of the TGF-β superfamily, is involved in the development and progression of various kidney diseases. In the present study, we measured urinary activin A levels in patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) (n=41), smoldering MM (SMM) (n=10), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (n=28), including monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS), and assessed the correlation between urinary activin A and several clinical parameters. Urinary activin A, undetectable in healthy volunteers, was significantly increased in NDMM patients but not in patients with SMM and MGUS (97.3, 25.0, and 6.61 mg/gCr, respectively, P<0.05). In all patients with NDMM, urinary activin A levels were significantly reduced after initial treatment regardless of the therapy regimen. There was a significant correlation of urinary activin A with spot urinary protein level (P<0.001) and serum M-protein (P=0.029) but not with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum creatinine (Cr), N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG), and serum activin A level. Histological analysis using renal biopsy samples revealed that activin A, which was absent from normal kidneys, was detected in the renal tubular cells of patients with MGRS. These data suggest that urinary activin A reflects tubular injury in MM and might aid the early detection of RI in plasma cell neoplasms.
Collapse
|
20
|
Mehta N, Zhang D, Li R, Wang T, Gava A, Parthasarathy P, Gao B, Krepinsky JC. Caveolin-1 regulation of Sp1 controls production of the antifibrotic protein follistatin in kidney mesangial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:37. [PMID: 30995923 PMCID: PMC6472091 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0351-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously showed that caveolin-1 (cav-1), an integral membrane protein, is required for the synthesis of matrix proteins by glomerular mesangial cells (MC). In a previous study to understand how cav-1 is involved in regulating matrix production, we had identified significant upregulation of the antifibrotic protein follistatin in cav-1 knockout MC. Follistatin inhibits the profibrotic effects of several members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, in particular the activins. Here, we characterize the molecular mechanism through which cav-1 regulates the expression of follistatin. METHODS Kidneys from cav-1 wild type and knockout (KO) mice were analyzed and primary cultures of MC from cav-1 wild-type and KO mice were utilized. FST promoter deletion constructs were generated to determine the region of the promoter important for mediating FST upregulation in cav-1 KO MC. siRNA-mediated down-regulation and overexpression of Sp1 in conjunction with luciferase activity assays, immunoprecipitation, western blotting and ChiP was used to assess the role of Sp1 in transcriptionally regulating FST expression. Pharmacologic kinase inhibitors and specific siRNA were used to determine the post-translational mechanism through which cav-1 affects Sp1 activity. RESULTS Our results establish that follistatin upregulation occurs at the transcript level. We identified Sp1 as the critical transcription factor regulating activation of the FST promoter in cav-1 KO MC through binding to a region within 123 bp of the transcription start site. We further determined that the lack of cav-1 increases Sp1 nuclear levels and transcriptional activity. This occurred through increased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and downstream protein kinase C (PKC) zeta-mediated phosphorylation and activation of Sp1. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed light on the transcriptional mechanism by which cav-1 represses the expression of a major antifibrotic protein, and can inform the development of novel antifibrotic treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neel Mehta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Renzhong Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Tony Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Agata Gava
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | | | - Bo Gao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joan C Krepinsky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. .,St. Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Rm T3311, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Fahmy-Garcia S, Farrell E, Witte-Bouma J, Robbesom-van den Berge I, Suarez M, Mumcuoglu D, Walles H, Kluijtmans SGJM, van der Eerden BCJ, van Osch GJVM, van Leeuwen JPTM, van Driel M. Follistatin Effects in Migration, Vascularization, and Osteogenesis in vitro and Bone Repair in vivo. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2019; 7:38. [PMID: 30881954 PMCID: PMC6405513 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of biomaterials and signaling molecules to induce bone formation is a promising approach in the field of bone tissue engineering. Follistatin (FST) is a glycoprotein able to bind irreversibly to activin A, a protein that has been reported to inhibit bone formation. We investigated the effect of FST in critical processes for bone repair, such as cell recruitment, osteogenesis and vascularization, and ultimately its use for bone tissue engineering. In vitro, FST promoted mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and endothelial cell (EC) migration as well as essential steps in the formation and expansion of the vasculature such as EC tube-formation and sprouting. FST did not enhance osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, but increased committed osteoblast mineralization. In vivo, FST was loaded in an in situ gelling formulation made by alginate and recombinant collagen-based peptide microspheres and implanted in a rat calvarial defect model. Two FST variants (FST288 and FST315) with major differences in their affinity to cell-surface proteoglycans, which may influence their effect upon in vivo bone repair, were tested. In vitro, most of the loaded FST315 was released over 4 weeks, contrary to FST288, which was mostly retained in the biomaterial. However, none of the FST variants improved in vivo bone healing compared to control. These results demonstrate that FST enhances crucial processes needed for bone repair. Further studies need to investigate the optimal FST carrier for bone regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shorouk Fahmy-Garcia
- Department of Orthopedics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Farrell
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Janneke Witte-Bouma
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Melva Suarez
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Julius-Maximillians University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Didem Mumcuoglu
- Department of Orthopedics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe B.V., Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Heike Walles
- Institute of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Julius-Maximillians University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Bram C J van der Eerden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerjo J V M van Osch
- Department of Orthopedics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Marjolein van Driel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bloise E, Ciarmela P, Dela Cruz C, Luisi S, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Activin A in Mammalian Physiology. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:739-780. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00002.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins are dimeric glycoproteins belonging to the transforming growth factor beta superfamily and resulting from the assembly of two beta subunits, which may also be combined with alpha subunits to form inhibins. Activins were discovered in 1986 following the isolation of inhibins from porcine follicular fluid, and were characterized as ovarian hormones that stimulate follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) release by the pituitary gland. In particular, activin A was shown to be the isoform of greater physiological importance in humans. The current understanding of activin A surpasses the reproductive system and allows its classification as a hormone, a growth factor, and a cytokine. In more than 30 yr of intense research, activin A was localized in female and male reproductive organs but also in other organs and systems as diverse as the brain, liver, lung, bone, and gut. Moreover, its roles include embryonic differentiation, trophoblast invasion of the uterine wall in early pregnancy, and fetal/neonate brain protection in hypoxic conditions. It is now recognized that activin A overexpression may be either cytostatic or mitogenic, depending on the cell type, with important implications for tumor biology. Activin A also regulates bone formation and regeneration, enhances joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, and triggers pathogenic mechanisms in the respiratory system. In this 30-yr review, we analyze the evidence for physiological roles of activin A and the potential use of activin agonists and antagonists as therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Stefano Luisi
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil; Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, Siena, Italy; and Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bian X, Griffin TP, Zhu X, Islam MN, Conley SM, Eirin A, Tang H, O’Shea PM, Palmer AK, McCoy RG, Herrmann SM, Mehta RA, Woollard JR, Rule AD, Kirkland JL, Tchkonia T, Textor SC, Griffin MD, Lerman LO, Hickson LJ. Senescence marker activin A is increased in human diabetic kidney disease: association with kidney function and potential implications for therapy. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2019; 7:e000720. [PMID: 31908790 PMCID: PMC6936543 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2019-000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Activin A, an inflammatory mediator implicated in cellular senescence-induced adipose tissue dysfunction and profibrotic kidney injury, may become a new target for the treatment of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and chronic kidney diseases. We tested the hypothesis that human DKD-related injury leads to upregulation of activin A in blood and urine and in a human kidney cell model. We further hypothesized that circulating activin A parallels kidney injury markers in DKD. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In two adult diabetes cohorts and controls (Minnesota, USA; Galway, Ireland), the relationships between plasma (or urine) activin A, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and DKD injury biomarkers were tested with logistic regression and correlation coefficients. Activin A, inflammatory, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) and senescence markers were assayed in human kidney (HK-2) cells incubated in high glucose plus transforming growth factor-β1 or albumin. RESULTS Plasma activin A levels were elevated in diabetes (n=206) compared with controls (n=76; 418.1 vs 259.3 pg/mL; p<0.001) and correlated inversely with eGFR (rs=-0.61; p<0.001; diabetes). After eGFR adjustment, only albuminuria (OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.09) and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (OR 6.40, 95% CI 1.08 to 38.00) associated with the highest activin tertile. Albuminuria also related to urinary activin (rs=0.65; p<0.001). Following in vitro HK-2 injury, activin, inflammatory, EMT genes and supernatant activin levels were increased. CONCLUSIONS Circulating activin A is increased in human DKD and correlates with reduced kidney function and kidney injury markers. DKD-injured human renal tubule cells develop a profibrotic and inflammatory phenotype with activin A upregulation. These findings underscore the role of inflammation and provide a basis for further exploration of activin A as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in DKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Bian
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tomás P Griffin
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Xiangyang Zhu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Md Nahidul Islam
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sabena M Conley
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Alfonso Eirin
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Hui Tang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Paula M O’Shea
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Allyson K Palmer
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rozalina G McCoy
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sandra M Herrmann
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ramila A Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - John R Woollard
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrew D Rule
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - James L Kirkland
- Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tamar Tchkonia
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Stephen C Textor
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matthew D Griffin
- Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI) at CÚRAM SFI Research Centre, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Nephrology, Saolta University Health Care Group, Galway University Hospitals, Galway, Ireland
| | - Lilach O Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - LaTonya J Hickson
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Kidney diseases including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are among the largest health issues worldwide. Dialysis and kidney transplantation can replace a significant portion of renal function, however these treatments still have limitations. To overcome these shortcomings, a variety of innovative efforts have been introduced, including cell-based therapies. During the past decades, advances have been made in the stem cell and developmental biology, and tissue engineering. As part of such efforts, studies on renal cell therapy and artificial kidney developments have been conducted, and multiple therapeutic interventions have shown promise in the pre-clinical and clinical settings. More recently, therapeutic cell-secreting secretomes have emerged as a potential alternative to cell-based approaches. This approach involves the use of renotropic factors, such as growth factors and cytokines, that are produced by cells and these factors have shown effectiveness in facilitating kidney function recovery. This review focuses on the renotropic functions of bioactive compounds that provide protective and regenerative effects for kidney tissue repair, based on the available data in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Su Cho
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Urology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - In Kap Ko
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James J Yoo
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang Z, Guo Z, Dong J, Sheng S, Wang Y, Yu L, Wang H, Tang L. miR-374a Regulates Inflammatory Response in Diabetic Nephropathy by Targeting MCP-1 Expression. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:900. [PMID: 30147653 PMCID: PMC6095963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The microRNA (mir)-374a has been implicated in several types of human cancer; however, its role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unclear. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 is a chemokine that recruits macrophages to inflammatory sites and is important for the development and progression of DN. However, the relationship between miR-374a and MCP-1 in DN is unknown. We addressed this in the present study by examining the expression of these factors in kidney tissue samples from DN patients and through loss- and gain-of-function experiments using HK2 human renal tubular epithelial cells. We found that miR-374a was downregulated whereas MCP-1 was upregulated in DN tissue. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that MCP-1 is a putative target of miR-374a. To confirm this relationship, HK2 cells treated with normal glucose (5.6 mmol/l D-glucose), high glucose (HG) (30 mmol/l D-glucose), or high osmotic pressure solution (5.6 mmol/l D-glucose + 24.4 mmol/l D-mannitol) were transfected with miR-374a mimic or inhibitor. miR-374a mimic reduced MCP-1 mRNA expression and migration of co-cultured U937 cells, whereas miR-374a inhibition had the opposite effects. Additionally, interleukin-6 and -18 and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were downregulated by transfection of miR-374a mimic. On the other hand, MCP-1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-374a in HK2 cells. Thus, miR-374a suppresses the inflammatory response in DN through negative regulation of MCP-1 expression. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies that target the miR-374a/MCP-1 axis can be an effective treatment for DN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijun Yang
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zuishuang Guo
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji Dong
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shifeng Sheng
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yulin Wang
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongru Wang
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kajita T, Ariyoshi W, Okinaga T, Mitsugi S, Tominaga K, Nishihara T. Mechanisms involved in enhancement of osteoclast formation by activin-A. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:6974-6985. [PMID: 29737562 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several growth factors in bone tissues are reported to be associated with osteoclastogenesis. Activin-A, a member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family is known to be present in bone tissues and an important regulator in osteoclastogenesis with SMAD-mediated signaling being crucial for inducing osteoclast differentiation. In the present study, we examined the effect and underlying mechanisms of activin-A on osteoclast formation in vitro culture systems. Activin-A enhanced osteoclast formation in both mouse bone marrow cells and monocyte/macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) ligand (RANKL) and/or macrophage stimulating factor (M-CSF). We also found that activin-A stimulated bone resorption and actin ring formation induced by RANKL and/or M-CSF. Furthermore, activin-A enhanced RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis, thereby increasing osteoclastogenesis-related marker gene expression, including tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, osteoclast stimulatory transmembrane protein, and cathepsin K. Blockage of receptor binding by follistatin, an activing-binding protein suppressed the activin-A-mediated stimulation of NFATc1. In addition, activin-A increased RANKL-induced c-fos expression without significantly affecting the NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Pre-treatment of the cells with a specific inhibitor of SMAD2/3 attenuated the activin-A-induced expression of NFATc1 and co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed that treatment with activin-A increased physical interaction of phosphorylated-c-fos and phosphorylated-SMAD2 protein induced by RANKL. These results suggest that activin-A enhances RANKL-induced osteoclast formation mediated by interaction of c-fos and smad2/3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonari Kajita
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan.,Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Science and Physical Functions, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Wataru Ariyoshi
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshinori Okinaga
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Sho Mitsugi
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Science and Physical Functions, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tominaga
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Science and Physical Functions, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Nishihara
- Division of Infections and Molecular Biology, Department of Health Promotion, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Identification of Urinary Activin A as a Novel Biomarker Reflecting the Severity of Acute Kidney Injury. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5176. [PMID: 29581558 PMCID: PMC5980079 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23564-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common but complex condition that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In the present study, we examined whether urinary activin A, a member of the TGF-beta superfamily, is present in mice with ischemia-reperfusion injury and in humans with AKI, as well as its potential as a biomarker for AKI. Expression of activin A was markedly increased in ischemic mouse kidneys. In situ hybridization demonstrated that activin mRNA was expressed in tubular cells of ischemic kidneys but not of normal kidneys. Immunoreactive activin A, which was absent in normal kidneys, was detected in the cytoplasm of proximal tubular cells in ischemic kidneys. Activin A was undetectable in the urine of normal mice. In contrast, activin A was significantly increased in the urine of ischemic mice at 3 h after reperfusion. Urinary activin A levels increased according to the period of ischemia. In humans, urinary activin A was almost undetectable in healthy volunteers and in patients with pre-renal AKI, but was significantly increased in patients with renal AKI. There was no significant correlation between urinary activin A and serum activin A. Collectively, urinary activin A might be a useful biomarker reflecting the severity of AKI.
Collapse
|
28
|
Hu J, Wang X, Tang YH, Shan YG, Zou Q, Wang ZQ, Huang CX. Activin A inhibition attenuates sympathetic neural remodeling following myocardial infarction in rats. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5074-5080. [PMID: 29393433 PMCID: PMC5865969 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation serves a critical role in driving sympathetic neural remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI), and activin A has been implicated as an important mediator of the inflammatory response post-MI. However, whether activin A impacts sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI remains unclear. In the present study, the authors assessed the effects of activin A on sympathetic neural remodeling in a rat model of MI. Rats were randomly divided into sham, MI, and MI + follistatin-300 (FS, activin A inhibitor) groups. Cardiac tissues from the peri-infarct zone were assessed for expression of sympathetic neural remodeling and inflammatory factors in rats 4 weeks post-MI by western blotting and immunohistochemical methods. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography. It is demonstrated that FS administration significantly reduced post-MI upregulation of activin A, nerve growth factor protein lever, and the density of nerve fibers with positive and protein expression of sympathetic neural remodeling markers in nerve fibers, which included growth associated protein 43 and tyrosine hydroxylase. In addition, inhibition of activin A reduced cardiac inflammation post-MI based on the reduction of i) interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α protein expression, ii) numbers and/or proportional area of infiltrating macrophages and myofibroblasts and iii) phosphorylated levels of p65 and IκBα. Furthermore, activin A inhibition lessened heart dysfunction post-MI. These results suggested that activin A inhibition reduced sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI in part through inhibition of the inflammatory response. The current study implicates activin A as a potential therapeutic target to circumvent sympathetic neural remodeling post-MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yan-Hong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Guang Shan
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang C, Liu J, Liu K, Du B, Shi K, Ding M, Li B, Yang P. Ghrelin suppresses cardiac fibrosis of post-myocardial infarction heart failure rats by adjusting the activin A-follistatin imbalance. Peptides 2018; 99:27-35. [PMID: 29113826 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin, a growth hormone-releasing peptide, potentially improves cardiac function, but the mechanisms remain unclear. In the study, the rat heart failure (HF) model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and treated with ghrelin (100μg/kg, subcutaneous injection, bid); neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured and stimulated with Ang II (0.1μM) and ghrelin(0.1μM) to explore the underlying mechanism of ghrelin in myocardial remodeling. Hemodynamic changes and serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) concentrations were measured to assess cardiac function. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to evaluate myocardial fibrosis. Interestingly, ghrelin significantly improved cardiac function by inhibiting fibrous tissue proliferation. To further explore the mechanisms by which ghrelin interferes with myocardial fibrosis, the levels of activin A (Act A) and its blocker-follistatin (FS) were examined by immunohistochemistry; Act A levels were significantly increased in the myocardial infarction (MI), and ghrelin administeration downregulated Act A expression. In contrast, FS expression showed no significant change in all experimental groups. Furthermore, ghrelin decreased Ang II-induced Act A expression with no effect on FS expression in primary rat cardiomyocytes in vitro (real-time quantitative PCR and ELISA). Thus, ghrelin corrected the Act A/FS imbalance. Finally, Act A treated cultured primary rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) showed increased proliferation [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay] and enhanced expressions of type I and type III collagen (Col I and Col III) (real-time quantitative PCR). These data suggest that ghrelin inhibits myocardial fibrosis, attenuates left ventricular remodeling, and eventually improves cardiac function by adjusting Act A/FS imbalance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Jinsha Liu
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Kai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Beibei Du
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Kaiyao Shi
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Mei Ding
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, 130033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Activin-A causes Hepatic stellate cell activation via the induction of TNFα and TGFβ in Kupffer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:891-899. [PMID: 29287776 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS TGFβ superfamily member Activin-A is a multifunctional hormone/cytokine expressed in multiple tissues and cells, where it regulates cellular differentiation, proliferation, inflammation and tissue architecture. High activin-A levels have been reported in alcoholic cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our aim was to identify the cell types involved in the fibrotic processes induced by activin-A in liver and verify the liver diseases that this molecule can be found increased. METHODS We studied the effect of activin-A on mouse primary Kupffer cells (KCs) and Hepatic Stellate cells (HSCs) and the levels of activin-A and its inhibitor follistatin in the serum of patients from a large panel of liver diseases. RESULTS Activin-A is expressed by mouse hepatocytes, HSCs and Liver Sinusoid Endothelial cells but not KCs. Each cell type expresses different activin receptor combinations. HSCs are unresponsive to activin-A due to downregulation/desensitization of type-II activin receptors, while KCs respond by increasing the expression/production of TNFα και TGFβ1. In the presence of KCs or conditioned medium from activin-A treated KCs, HSCs switch to a profibrogenic phenotype, including increased collagen and αSMA expression and migratory capacity. Incubation of activin-A treated KC conditioned medium with antibodies against TNFα and TGFβ1 partially blocks its capacity to activate HSCs. Only patients with alcoholic liver diseases and NASH cirrhosis have significantly higher activin-A levels and activin-A/follistatin ratio. CONCLUSIONS Activin-A may induce fibrosis in NASH and alcoholic cirrhosis via activation of KCs to express pro-inflammatory molecules that promote HSC-dependent fibrogenesis and could be a target for future anti-fibrotic therapies.
Collapse
|
31
|
Kadiombo AT, Maeshima A, Kayakabe K, Ikeuchi H, Sakairi T, Kaneko Y, Hiromura K, Nojima Y. Involvement of infiltrating macrophage-derived activin A in the progression of renal damage in MRL-lpr mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2017; 312:F297-F304. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00191.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis is a life-threatening complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines are implicated in the development of SLE. However, the pathophysiological processes involved in the development of lupus nephritis still remain unclear. In this study, we examined the involvement of activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, in the progression of renal damage in lupus-prone MRL- lpr mice. Activin A was not expressed in the kidneys of control MRL-MpJ mice but was detectable in perivascular infiltrating cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68)-positive cells in the kidneys of MRL- lpr mice. Urinary activin A, which was also absent in MRL-MpJ mice, was detectable in MRL- lpr mice from 16 wk onward. Urinary activin A levels were significantly correlated with the number of perivascular inflammatory cell layers, the number of crescentic glomeruli, and the percentage of Elastica van Gieson (EVG)-positive fibrotic areas, but not with urinary protein levels or serum activin A. When activin action was blocked in vivo by the intraperitoneal administration of an activin antagonist, follistatin, the number of crescentic glomeruli, percentage of EVG-positive fibrotic areas, CD68-positive cell infiltration, and proteinuria were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that infiltrating macrophage-derived activin A is involved in the progression of renal damage in MRL- lpr mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Akito Maeshima
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ken Kayakabe
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Ikeuchi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Toru Sakairi
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoriaki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Keiju Hiromura
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Nojima
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Gunma University, Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Palin NK, Savikko J, Pasternack A, Rintala JM, Kalra B, Mistry S, Kumar A, Roth MP, Helin H, Ritvos O. Activin inhibition limits early innate immune response in rat kidney allografts-a pilot study. Transpl Int 2016; 30:96-107. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Niina K. Palin
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Johanna Savikko
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
- Transplantation and Liver Surgery Unit; Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Jukka M. Rintala
- Kidney Transplant Research Group; Transplantation Laboratory; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | | | | | | | | | - Heikki Helin
- Department of Pathology; University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital; Helsinki Finland
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and Department of Physiology; Faculty of Medicine; University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Michel V, Duan Y, Stoschek E, Bhushan S, Middendorff R, Young JM, Loveland KL, Kretser DMD, Hedger MP, Meinhardt A. UropathogenicEscherichia colicauses fibrotic remodelling of the epididymis. J Pathol 2016; 240:15-24. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Michel
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Yonggang Duan
- Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital; People's Republic of China
| | - Elke Stoschek
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Sudhanshu Bhushan
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
| | - Julia M Young
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - David M De Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Mark P Hedger
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Andreas Meinhardt
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology; Justus-Liebig-University Giessen; Germany
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|