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Mason WJ, Vasilopoulou E. The Pathophysiological Role of Thymosin β4 in the Kidney Glomerulus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097684. [PMID: 37175390 PMCID: PMC10177875 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Diseases affecting the glomerulus, the filtration unit of the kidney, are a major cause of chronic kidney disease. Glomerular disease is characterised by injury of glomerular cells and is often accompanied by an inflammatory response that drives disease progression. New strategies are needed to slow the progression to end-stage kidney disease, which requires dialysis or transplantation. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4), an endogenous peptide that sequesters G-actin, has shown potent anti-inflammatory function in experimental models of heart, kidney, liver, lung, and eye injury. In this review, we discuss the role of endogenous and exogenous Tβ4 in glomerular disease progression and the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Mason
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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2
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Thymus transplantation regulates blood pressure and alleviates hypertension-associated heart and kidney damage via transcription factors FoxN1 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109798. [PMID: 36738681 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109798] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have found that thymus is involved in the process of hypertension. However, whether thymus transplantation alleviates target organ damage in hypertensive mice remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of thymus transplantation on blood pressure and target organ changes in mice with hypertension. Mice were randomly divided into normal control group (Con), hypertensive group (HTN) and thymus transplantation group (HTN + Trans). Thymus of neonatal mice was transplanted into the renal capsule of the transplantation group. After transplantation, the mouse tail noninvasive pressure was measured and heart function was evaluated weekly. Then mice were euthanized and organs or tissues were harvested at 4 weeks post-transplantation. The blood pressure of HTN + Trans group was lower than that in the HTN group. The expression of FoxN1, Aire, ATRAP, thymosin β4 and the content of sjTREC in thymus of HTN group was decreased and the number of naïve T cells in HTN group was lower compared with other two groups. The ratio of cTEC/mTEC in HTN group was higher than that in Con group and lower than that in HTN + Trans group. Cardiac pathology showed cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in HTN group whereas thymus transplantation improved heart function and structure. Altogether, our findings demonstrated thymus transplantation could improve thymus function of hypertensive mice, which increased the expression of thymus transcription factor FoxN1, affected the proportion of T cell subsets, and increased thymosin β4 thereby reducing blood pressure and reversing the progression of target organ damage.
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Cantero-Navarro E, Fernández-Fernández B, Ramos AM, Rayego-Mateos S, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Sánchez-Niño MD, Sanz AB, Ruiz-Ortega M, Ortiz A. Renin-angiotensin system and inflammation update. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 529:111254. [PMID: 33798633 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The most classical view of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) emphasizes its role as an endocrine regulator of sodium balance and blood pressure. However, it has long become clear that the RAS has pleiotropic actions that contribute to organ damage, including modulation of inflammation. Angiotensin II (Ang II) activates angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1R) to promote an inflammatory response and organ damage. This represents the pathophysiological basis for the successful use of RAS blockers to prevent and treat kidney and heart disease. However, other RAS components could have a built-in capacity to brake proinflammatory responses. Angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) activation can oppose AT1R actions, such as vasodilatation, but its involvement in modulation of inflammation has not been conclusively proven. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can process Ang II to generate angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), that activates the Mas receptor to exert predominantly anti-inflammatory responses depending on the context. We now review recent advances in the understanding of the interaction of the RAS with inflammation. Specific topics in which novel information became available recently include intracellular angiotensin receptors; AT1R posttranslational modifications by tissue transglutaminase (TG2) and anti-AT1R autoimmunity; RAS modulation of lymphoid vessels and T lymphocyte responses, especially of Th17 and Treg responses; interactions with toll-like receptors (TLRs), programmed necrosis, and regulation of epigenetic modulators (e.g. microRNAs and bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins). We additionally discuss an often overlooked effect of the RAS on inflammation which is the downregulation of anti-inflammatory factors such as klotho, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1α (PGC-1α), transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), SNF-related serine/threonine-protein kinase (SNRK), serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 6 catalytic subunit (Ppp6C) and n-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP). Both transcription factors, such as nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and epigenetic regulators, such as miRNAs are involved in downmodulation of anti-inflammatory responses. A detailed analysis of pathways and targets for downmodulation of anti-inflammatory responses constitutes a novel frontier in RAS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cantero-Navarro
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Fernández
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain; Unidad de Diálisis. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrian M Ramos
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain; Unidad de Diálisis. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain
| | - Raúl R Rodrigues-Diez
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain
| | - María Dolores Sánchez-Niño
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain; Unidad de Diálisis. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Sanz
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain; Unidad de Diálisis. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Molecular and Cellular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain; Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain.
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Spain; Unidad de Diálisis. IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz-Universidad Autónoma, Madrid, Spain.
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Mizunuma Y, Kanasaki K, Nitta K, Nakamura Y, Ishigaki Y, Takagaki Y, Kitada M, Li S, Liu H, Li J, Usui I, Aso Y, Koya D. CD-1 db/db mice: A novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney fibrosis. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:1470-1481. [PMID: 32472621 PMCID: PMC7610117 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction To establish novel therapies to combat diabetic kidney disease, a human disease‐relevant animal model is essential. However, a type 2 diabetic mouse model presenting progressive kidney fibrosis has not yet been established. Kidneys of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic CD‐1 mice showed severe fibrosis compared with other backgrounds of mice associated with the suppression of antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline. The BKS background (BKSdb/db) is often utilized for diabetic kidney disease research; the kidney fibrosis in the BKSdb/db phenotype is minimal. Materials and Methods We generated CD‐1db/db mice by backcrossing the db gene into the CD‐1 background, and analyzed phenotypic differences compared with BKSdb/db and CD‐1db/m mice. Results Male CD‐1db/db mice appeared to have elevated blood glucose levels compared with those of BKSdb/db mice. Fasting insulin levels declined in CD‐1db/db mice. Plasma cystatin C levels tended to be elevated in CD‐1db/db mice from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age. Male CD‐1db/db mice showed significantly progressive kidney and heart fibrosis from 16 to 24 weeks‐of‐age when compared with that of age‐matched BKSdb/db mice. The gene expression profile showed fibrogenic program‐associated genes in male CD‐1db/db mice. Male CD‐1db/db mice displayed significantly lower urine antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline when compared to that of BKSdb/db at 24 weeks‐of‐age. The gene expression of prolyl oligopeptidase, the enzyme essential for antifibrotic peptide N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline production from thymosin β4, was significantly lower in the CD‐1 mice. Thymosin β4 levels were also lower in CD‐1 mice. Conclusions These results suggest that CD‐1db/db mice are a novel type 2 diabetic mouse model with progressive kidney and heart fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuiko Mizunuma
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Internal Medicine 1, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuka Nakamura
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yuta Takagaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Shaolan Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Haijie Liu
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Isao Usui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Aso
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
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Srivastava SP, Goodwin JE, Kanasaki K, Koya D. Metabolic reprogramming by N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline protects against diabetic kidney disease. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3691-3711. [PMID: 32352559 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) and AT1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) are first-line drugs that are believed to reduce the progression of end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients. Differences in the effects of ACEIs and ARBs are not well studied and the mechanisms responsible are not well understood. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male diabetic CD-1 mice were treated with ACEI, ARB, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), ACEI + AcSDKP, ARB + AcSDKP, glycolysis inhibitors or non-treatment. Moreover, prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor (POPi)-injected male diabetic C57Bl6 mice were treated with ACEI, AcSDKP and ARB or non-treatment. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining were used to examine key enzymes and regulators of central metabolism. KEY RESULTS The antifibrotic action of ACEI imidapril is due to an AcSDKP-mediated antifibrotic mechanism, which reprograms the central metabolism including restoring SIRT3 protein and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and suppression of abnormal glucose metabolism in the diabetic kidney. Moreover, the POPi S17092 significantly blocked the AcSDKP synthesis, accelerated kidney fibrosis and disrupted the central metabolism. ACEI partly restored the kidney fibrosis and elevated the AcSDKP level, whereas the ARB (TA-606) did not show such effects in the POPi-injected mice. ACE inhibition and AcSDKP suppressed defective metabolism-linked mesenchymal transformations and reduced collagen-I and fibronectin accumulation in the diabetic kidneys. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The study envisages that AcSDKP is the endogenous antifibrotic mediator that controls the metabolic switch between glucose and fatty acid metabolism and that suppression of AcSDKP leads to disruption of kidney cell metabolism and activates mesenchymal transformations leading to severe fibrosis in the diabetic kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash Srivastava
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julie E Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Division of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
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Kanasaki K. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a valuable endogenous antifibrotic peptide for kidney fibrosis in diabetes: An update and translational aspects. J Diabetes Investig 2020; 11:516-526. [PMID: 31997585 PMCID: PMC7232267 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous peptide that has been confirmed to show excellent organ-protective effects. Even though originally discovered as a modulator of hemotopoietic stem cells, during the recent two decades, AcSDKP has been recognized as valuable antifibrotic peptide. The antifibrotic mechanism of AcSDKP is not yet clear; we have established that AcSDKP could target endothelial-mesenchymal transition program through the induction of the endothelial fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Also, recent reports suggested the clinical significance of AcSDKP. The aim of this review was to update recent advances of the mechanistic action of AcSDKP and discuss translational research aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Internal Medicine 1Faculty of MedicineShimane UniversityIzumoJapan
- Department of Diabetology and EndocrinologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and TechnologyKanazawa Medical UniversityUchinadaJapan
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7
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Srivastava SP, Goodwin JE, Kanasaki K, Koya D. Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis by Mitigating DPP-4 Level and Restoring Antifibrotic MicroRNAs. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11020211. [PMID: 32085655 PMCID: PMC7074526 DOI: 10.3390/genes11020211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Two class of drugs 1) angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) and 2) angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are well-known conventional drugs that can retard the progression of chronic nephropathies to end-stage renal disease. However, there is a lack of comparative studies on the effects of ACEi versus ARB on renal fibrosis. Here, we observed that ACEi ameliorated renal fibrosis by mitigating DPP-4 and TGFβ signaling, whereas, ARB did not show. Moreover, the combination of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), one of the substrates of ACE, with ACEi slightly enhanced the inhibitory effects of ACEi on DPP-4 and associated-TGFβ signaling. Further, the comprehensive miRome analysis in kidneys of ACEi+AcSDKP (combination) treatment revealed the emergence of miR-29s and miR-let-7s as key antifibrotic players. Treatment of cultured cells with ACEi alone or in combination with AcSDKP prevented the downregulated expression of miR-29s and miR-let-7s induced by TGFβ stimulation. Interestingly, ACEi also restored miR-29 and miR-let-7 family cross-talk in endothelial cells, an effect that is shared by AcSDKP suggesting that AcSDKP may be partially involved in the anti-mesenchymal action of ACEi. The results of the present study promise to advance our understanding of how ACEi regulates antifibrotic microRNAs crosstalk and DPP-4 associated-fibrogenic processes which is a critical event in the development of diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash Srivastava
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (S.P.S.); (D.K.)
- Department of Pediatrics Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Julie E. Goodwin
- Department of Pediatrics Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (S.P.S.); (D.K.)
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
- Shimane University Faculty of M2dicine, Internal Medicine 1, Enya-cho, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-76-286-2211(Ex3305); Fax: 81-76-286-6927
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan; (S.P.S.); (D.K.)
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
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Pejman S, Kamarehei M, Riazi G, Pooyan S, Balalaie S. Ac-SDKP ameliorates the progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis via inhibition of ER stress and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice. Brain Res Bull 2019; 154:21-31. [PMID: 31589901 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the attention given to the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), still no certain cure is available. The main purpose of MS drugs is acting against neuroinflammation which underlies the pathology of MS. Neuroinflammation is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that mediates neural apoptosis. In the present study, we hypothesized that the tetrapeptide N-acetyl-ser-asp-lys-pro (Ac-SDKP) with the previously described anti-fibrotic effects might have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-ER stress roles in the hippocampus. We used myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a widely-accepted animal model of MS, in C57BL/6 mice. The protein levels of ER stress-related molecules including caspase-12, C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) in the hippocampus were examined by immunoblotting. Hence, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of the hippocampus were studied. Moreover, hippocampal morphology changes, leukocytes infiltration, and the levels of IL-6 and IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. Our results displayed that Ac-SDKP down regulates caspase-12 and CHOP expression in the hippocampus-resident oligodendrocytes of EAE mice. Further, treatment with Ac-SDKP decreased oxidative stress markers and caspase-3 activation in the hippocampus of EAE mice. According to our findings, Ac-SDKP showed beneficial effects against ER stress and oxidative stress in addition to inflammation in the hippocampus of EAE mice. The present study provides the basis for further research on the therapeutic applications of Ac-SDKP to reduce ER stress and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Pejman
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Kamarehei
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahriar Pooyan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Rooyan Darou Pharmaceutical Company, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeed Balalaie
- Peptide Chemistry Research Center, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
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Kassem KM, Vaid S, Peng H, Sarkar S, Rhaleb NE. Tβ4-Ac-SDKP pathway: Any relevance for the cardiovascular system? Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2019; 97:589-599. [PMID: 30854877 PMCID: PMC6824425 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2018-0570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The last 20 years witnessed the emergence of the thymosin β4 (Tβ4)-N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) pathway as a new source of future therapeutic tools to treat cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this review article, we attempted to shed light on the numerous experimental findings pertaining to the many promising cardiovascular therapeutic avenues for Tβ4 and (or) its N-terminal derivative, Ac-SDKP. Specifically, Ac-SDKP is endogenously produced from the 43-amino acid Tβ4 by 2 successive enzymes, meprin α and prolyl oligopeptidase. We also discussed the possible mechanisms involved in the Tβ4-Ac-SDKP-associated cardiovascular biological effects. In infarcted myocardium, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP facilitate cardiac repair after infarction by promoting endothelial cell migration and myocyte survival. Additionally, Tβ4 and Ac-SDKP have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties in the arteries, heart, lungs, and kidneys, and stimulate both in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis. The effects of Tβ4 can be mediated directly through a putative receptor (Ku80) or via its enzymatically released N-terminal derivative Ac-SDKP. Despite the localization and characterization of Ac-SDKP binding sites in myocardium, more studies are needed to fully identify and clone Ac-SDKP receptors. It remains promising that Ac-SDKP or its degradation-resistant analogs could serve as new therapeutic tools to treat cardiac, vascular, and renal injury and dysfunction to be used alone or in combination with the already established pharmacotherapy for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal M Kassem
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- b Internal Medicine Department, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45219, USA
| | - Sonal Vaid
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- c Internal Medicine Department, St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital, Indianapolis, IN 46260, USA
| | - Hongmei Peng
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Sarah Sarkar
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Nour-Eddine Rhaleb
- a Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- d Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Sugahara S, Kume S, Chin-Kanasaki M, Tomita I, Yasuda-Yamahara M, Yamahara K, Takeda N, Osawa N, Yanagita M, Araki SI, Maegawa H. Protein O-GlcNAcylation Is Essential for the Maintenance of Renal Energy Homeostasis and Function via Lipolysis during Fasting and Diabetes. J Am Soc Nephrol 2019; 30:962-978. [PMID: 31043434 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018090950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Energy metabolism in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) is unique, because ATP production largely depends on lipolysis in both the fed and fasting states. Furthermore, disruption of renal lipolysis is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic tubulopathy. Emerging evidence suggests that protein O-GlcNAcylation, an intracellular nutrient-sensing system, may regulate a number of metabolic pathways according to changes in nutritional status. Although O-GlcNAcylation in PTECs has been demonstrated experimentally, its precise role in lipolysis in PTECs is unclear. METHODS To investigate the mechanism of renal lipolysis in PTECs-specifically, the role played by protein O-GlcNAcylation-we generated mice with PTECs deficient in O-GlcNAc transferase (Ogt). We analyzed their renal phenotypes during ad libitum feeding, after prolonged fasting, and after mice were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to induce obesity and diabetes. RESULTS Although PTEC-specific Ogt-deficient mice lacked a marked renal phenotype during ad libitum feeding, after fasting 48 hours, they developed Fanconi syndrome-like abnormalities, PTEC apoptosis, and lower rates of renal lipolysis and ATP production. Proteomic analysis suggested that farnesoid X receptor-dependent upregulation of carboxylesterase-1 is involved in O-GlcNAcylation's regulation of lipolysis in fasted PTECs. PTEC-specific Ogt-deficient mice with diabetes induced by a high-fat diet developed severe tubular cell damage and enhanced lipotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Protein O-GlcNAcylation is essential for renal lipolysis during prolonged fasting and offers PTECs significant protection against lipotoxicity in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sugahara
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinji Kume
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan;
| | - Masami Chin-Kanasaki
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.,Division of Blood Purification, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Shiga, Japan; and
| | - Issei Tomita
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | | | - Kosuke Yamahara
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Naoko Takeda
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Norihisa Osawa
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan
| | - Motoko Yanagita
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Araki
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan.,Division of Blood Purification, Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Shiga, Japan; and
| | - Hiroshi Maegawa
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Shiga, Japan;
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11
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Gao R, Kanasaki K, Li J, Kitada M, Okazaki T, Koya D. βklotho is essential for the anti-endothelial mesenchymal transition effects of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:1029-1038. [PMID: 30972974 PMCID: PMC6487725 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12638] [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: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has emerged as an essential bioprocess responsible for the development of organ fibrosis. We have previously reported that fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) is involved in the anti‐EndMT effect of N‐acetyl‐seryl‐aspartyl‐lysyl‐proline (AcSDKP). FGFR1 is expressed on the cell membrane and performs its biological function through interaction with co‐receptors, including βklotho (KLB). However, it remains unknown whether KLB is involved in the anti‐EndMT effects of AcSDKP. Here, we demonstrated that AcSDKP increased KLB expression in an FGFR1‐dependent manner and that KLB deficiency induced AcSDKP‐resistant EndMT via the induction of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In cultured endothelial cells, AcSDKP increased KLB protein level in an FGFR1‐dependent manner through induction of the FGFR1–KLB complex. KLB suppression by small interfering RNA transfection did not affect FGFR1 levels and resulted in the induction of EndMT. In contrast to the EndMT observed under FGFR1 deficiency, the EndMT induced by KLB suppression was not accompanied by the induction of Smad3 phosphorylation; instead, KLB‐deficient cells exhibited induced activation of the MAPK/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) kinase (MEK) and ERK pathways. Treatment with the specific MEK inhibitor U0126 diminished KLB deficiency‐induced EndMT. Consistent with this finding, AcSDKP did not suppress either EndMT or MEK/ERK activation induced by KLB deficiency. Application of either FGF19 or FGF21 synergistically augmented the anti‐EndMT effects of AcSDKP. Taken together, these results indicate that endogenous peptide AcSDKP exerts its activity through induction of the FGFR1–KLB complex in vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongfen Gao
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.,Department of Hematology & Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Jinpeng Li
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Toshiro Okazaki
- Department of Hematology & Immunology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology & Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Japan
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12
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Nitta K, Nagai T, Mizunuma Y, Kitada M, Nakagawa A, Sakurai M, Toyoda M, Haneda M, Kanasaki K, Koya D. N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline is a potential biomarker of renal function in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients with eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m 2. Clin Exp Nephrol 2019; 23:1004-1012. [PMID: 30949886 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-019-01733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A biomarker, by which we can predict alterations of renal function in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients, is not available. Here, we report that endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) represents a potential biomarker to predict alterations in eGFR in normoalbuminuric diabetic patients. METHODS We analyzed 21 normoalbuminuric diabetic patients with eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and measured AcSDKP levels in first morning void urine. We divided patients into two groups based on the median values: low or high urinary AcSDKP groups (uAcSDKP/Crlow or uAcSDKP/Crhigh). At baseline, no significant differences in sex, age, HbA1c, BMI, serum creatinine levels, etc., were observed between the two groups. RESULTS During ~ 4 years, the alteration in eGFR [ΔeGFRop (ΔeGFR observational periods)] was significantly stable in uAcSDKP/Crhigh group compared with uAcSDKP/Crlow group over time (P = 0.003, χ2 = 8.58). We also evaluated urine kidney injury molecule-1 (uKim-1) levels and found that ΔeGFRop was also stable in low uKim-1 group compared with high uKim-1 group over time (P = 0.004, χ2 = 8.38). Patients who fulfilled the criteria for both uAcSDKP/Crhigh and uKim-1low exhibited stable ΔeGFRop (P < 0.001, χ2 = 30.4) when compared to the remaining patients. Plasma AcSDKP (P = 0.015, χ2 = 5.94) and urine β2-microglobulin (P = 0.038, χ2 = 4.31) also display weak but significant predictor of ΔeGFRop as well. CONCLUSION AcSDKP represents a potentially useful biomarker to predict alterations in the renal function of patients with diabetes presenting normoalbuminuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yuiko Mizunuma
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.,Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakagawa
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Masaru Sakurai
- Department of Social and Environmental Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
| | - Masao Toyoda
- Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Metabolism, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, 259-1193, Japan
| | - Masakazu Haneda
- Nishiumeda Clinic for Asian Medical Collaboration near JR Osaka Station, Maruito Nishi Umeda Building 3F, 3-3-45, Umeda Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan. .,Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan.,Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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13
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Eriguchi M, Bernstein EA, Veiras LC, Khan Z, Cao DY, Fuchs S, McDonough AA, Toblli JE, Gonzalez-Villalobos RA, Bernstein KE, Giani JF. The Absence of the ACE N-Domain Decreases Renal Inflammation and Facilitates Sodium Excretion during Diabetic Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:2546-2561. [PMID: 30185469 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2018030323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence emphasizes the critical role of inflammation in the development of diabetic nephropathy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays an active role in regulating the renal inflammatory response associated with diabetes. Studies have also shown that ACE has roles in inflammation and the immune response that are independent of angiotensin II. ACE's two catalytically independent domains, the N- and C-domains, can process a variety of substrates other than angiotensin I. METHODS To examine the relative contributions of each ACE domain to the sodium retentive state, renal inflammation, and renal injury associated with diabetic kidney disease, we used streptozotocin to induce diabetes in wild-type mice and in genetic mouse models lacking either a functional ACE N-domain (NKO mice) or C-domain (CKO mice). RESULTS In response to a saline challenge, diabetic NKO mice excreted 32% more urinary sodium compared with diabetic wild-type or CKO mice. Diabetic NKO mice also exhibited 55% less renal epithelial sodium channel cleavage (a marker of channel activity), 55% less renal IL-1β, 53% less renal TNF-α, and 53% less albuminuria than diabetic wild-type mice. This protective phenotype was not associated with changes in renal angiotensin II levels. Further, we present evidence that the anti-inflammatory tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-asparyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), an ACE N-domain-specific substrate that accumulates in the urine of NKO mice, mediates the beneficial effects observed in the NKO. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that increasing AcSDKP by blocking the ACE N-domain facilitates sodium excretion and ameliorates diabetic kidney disease independent of intrarenal angiotensin II regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sebastien Fuchs
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California
| | - Alicia A McDonough
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jorge E Toblli
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Hospital Alemán, University of Buenos Aires, National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Buenos Aires, Argentina; and
| | - Romer A Gonzalez-Villalobos
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and.,Cardiovascular and Metabolism Discovery, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Kenneth E Bernstein
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and.,Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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14
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The anti-inflammatory peptide Ac-SDKP: Synthesis, role in ACE inhibition, and its therapeutic potential in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:268-279. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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15
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Maheshwari M, Romero CA, Monu SR, Kumar N, Liao TD, Peterson EL, Carretero OA. Renal Protective Effects of N-Acetyl-Seryl-Aspartyl-Lysyl-Proline (Ac-SDKP) in Obese Rats on a High-Salt Diet. Am J Hypertens 2018; 31:902-909. [PMID: 29722788 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpy052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is a public health problem, associated with salt sensitive hypertension, kidney inflammation, and fibrosis. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a tetra peptide with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. However, its effect on preventing kidney damage in obesity is unknown. We hypothesized that Zucker obese (ZO) rats on a high-salt (HS) diet develop renal damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and this is prevented with Ac-SDKP treatment. METHODS Zucker lean (ZL) and ZO rats (8 weeks old) were treated with Ac-SDKP (1.6 mg/kg/day) while maintained on either a normal-salt (NS; 0.4%) or HS (4%) diet for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria, renal inflammation, and fibrosis were evaluated. RESULTS HS diet increased macrophage infiltration in the kidneys of both ZL and ZO rats but was significantly higher in ZO rats receiving the HS diet (ZL + NS, 13.9 ± 1.3 vs. ZL + HS, 19.14 ± 1.5 and ZO + NS, 25.5 ± 1.4 vs. ZO + HS, 87.8 ± 10.8 cells/mm2; P < 0.05). Ac-SDKP prevented macrophage infiltration in ZO rats (ZO + HS + Ac-SDKP, 32.18 ± 2.4 cells/mm2; P < 0.05). Similarly, glomerulosclerosis, cortical, and medullary interstitial fibrosis were increased in ZO rats fed the HS diet, and Ac-SDKP attenuated these alterations (P < 0.05). SBP was increased in ZO rats fed the HS diet (ZO + NS, 121.3 ± 8.9 vs. ZO + HS, 164 ± 6.9 mm Hg; P < 0.05), and it was significantly decreased with Ac-SDKP treatment (ZO + HS + Ac-SDKP, 144.05 ± 14.1 mm Hg; P = 0.004). Albuminuria was higher in ZO rats than in ZL rats; however, neither HS nor Ac-SDKP treatment affected it. CONCLUSIONS Ac-SDKP treatment in ZO rats fed a HS diet prevented renal damage by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and SBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mani Maheshwari
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Toxicology, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA
| | - Cesar A Romero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sumit R Monu
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Nitin Kumar
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Tang-Dong Liao
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Edward L Peterson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Oscar A Carretero
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
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16
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Dai X, Hua L, Chen Y, Wang J, Li J, Wu F, Zhang Y, Su J, Wu Z, Liang C. Mechanisms in hypertension and target organ damage: Is the role of the thymus key? (Review). Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3-12. [PMID: 29620247 PMCID: PMC5979885 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A variety of cells and cytokines have been shown to be involved in the whole process of hypertension. Data from experimental and clinical studies on hypertension have confirmed the key roles of immune cells and inflammation in the process. Dysfunction of the thymus, which modulates the development and maturation of lymphocytes, has been shown to be associated with the severity of hypertension. Furthermore, gradual atrophy, functional decline or loss of the thymus has been revealed to be associated with aging. The restoration or enhancement of thymus function via upregulation in the expression of thymus transcription factors forkhead box N1 or thymus transplantation may provide an option to halt or reverse the pathological process of hypertension. Therefore, the thymus may be key in hypertension and associated target organ damage, and may provide a novel treatment strategy for the clinical management of patients with hypertension in addition to different commercial drugs. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the advances in our understanding of the impact of thymus function on hypertension from data from animal and human studies, and the potential mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jiamei Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jingyi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Yanda Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Jiyuan Su
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Zonggui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Chun Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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17
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Vasilopoulou E, Riley PR, Long DA. Thymosin-β4: A key modifier of renal disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2018; 18:185-192. [DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1473371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elisavet Vasilopoulou
- Medway School of Pharmacy, University of Kent, Chatham Maritime, UK
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Paul R. Riley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David A. Long
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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18
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Chan GC, Wu HJ, Chan KW, Yiu WH, Zou A, Huang XR, Lan HY, Lai KN, Tang SC. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline mediates the anti-fibrotic properties of captopril in unilateral ureteric obstructed BALB/C mice. Nephrology (Carlton) 2018; 23:297-307. [DOI: 10.1111/nep.13000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gary C.W. Chan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Hao Jia Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Kam Wa Chan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Wai Han Yiu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Ailis Zou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Xiao Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences; The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Hui Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences; The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - Kar Neng Lai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
| | - Sydney C.W. Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine; The University of Hong Kong
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19
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Li J, Shi S, Srivastava SP, Kitada M, Nagai T, Nitta K, Kohno M, Kanasaki K, Koya D. FGFR1 is critical for the anti-endothelial mesenchymal transition effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline via induction of the MAP4K4 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2965. [PMID: 28771231 PMCID: PMC5596544 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been shown to contribute to organ fibrogenesis, and we have reported that the anti-EndMT effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is associated with restoring expression of diabetes-suppressed fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), the key anti-EndMT molecule. FGFR1 is the key inhibitor of EndMT via the suppression of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway, and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP4K4) inhibits integrin β1, a key factor in activating TGFβ signaling and EndMT. Here, we showed that the close proximity between AcSDKP and FGFR1 was essential for the suppression of TGFβ/smad signaling and EndMT associated with MAP4K4 phosphorylation (P-MAP4K4) in endothelial cells. In cultured human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs), the anti-EndMT and anti-TGFβ/smad effects of AcSDKP were lost following treatment with a neutralizing FGFR1 antibody (N-FGFR1) or transfection of FRS2 siRNA. The physical interaction between FGFR1 and P-MAP4K4 in HMVECs was confirmed by proximity ligation analysis and an immunoprecipitation assay. AcSDKP induced P-MAP4K4 in HMVECs, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with either N-FGFR1 or FRS2 siRNA. Furthermore, MAP4K4 knockdown using specific siRNAs induced smad3 phosphorylation and EndMT in HMVECs, which was not suppressed by AcSDKP. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic CD-1 mice exhibited suppression of both FGFR1 and P-MAP4K4 expression levels associated with the induction of TGFβ/smad3 signaling and EndMT in their hearts and kidneys; those were restored by AcSDKP treatment. These data demonstrate that the AcSDKP-FGFR1-MAP4K4 axis has an important role in combating EndMT-associated fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpeng Li
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Sen Shi
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | | | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kohno
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
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20
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Li HY, Oh YS, Choi JW, Jung JY, Jun HS. Blocking lysophosphatidic acid receptor 1 signaling inhibits diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. Kidney Int 2017; 91:1362-1373. [PMID: 28111010 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is known to regulate various biological responses by binding to LPA receptors. The serum level of LPA is elevated in diabetes, but the involvement of LPA in the development of diabetes and its complications remains unknown. Therefore, we studied LPA signaling in diabetic nephropathy and the molecular mechanisms involved. The expression of autotaxin, an LPA synthesis enzyme, and LPA receptor 1 was significantly increased in both mesangial cells (SV40 MES13) maintained in high-glucose media and the kidney cortex of diabetic db/db mice. Increased urinary albumin excretion, increased glomerular tuft area and volume, and mesangial matrix expansion were observed in db/db mice and reduced by treatment with ki16425, a LPA receptor 1/3 antagonist. Transforming growth factor (TGF)β expression and Smad-2/3 phosphorylation were upregulated in SV40 MES13 cells by LPA stimulation or in the kidney cortex of db/db mice, and this was blocked by ki16425 treatment. LPA receptor 1 siRNA treatment inhibited LPA-induced TGFβ expression, whereas cells overexpressing LPA receptor 1 showed enhanced LPA-induced TGFβ expression. LPA treatment of SV40 MES13 cells increased phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β at Ser9 and induced translocation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)1 into the nucleus. Blocking GSK3β phosphorylation inhibited SREBP1 activation and consequently blocked LPA-induced TGFβ expression in SV40 MES13 cells. Phosphorylated GSK3β and nuclear SREBP1 accumulation were increased in the kidney cortex of db/db mice and ki16425 treatment blocked these pathways. Thus, LPA receptor 1 signaling increased TGFβ expression via GSK3β phosphorylation and SREBP1 activation, contributing to the development of diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ying Li
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea; Department of Internal Medicine, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, Jilin Province, China
| | - Yoon Sin Oh
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea; Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea.
| | - Ji-Woong Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ji Yong Jung
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea; Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Hee-Sook Jun
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea; Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea; College of Pharmacy, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.
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21
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Srivastava SP, Shi S, Kanasaki M, Nagai T, Kitada M, He J, Nakamura Y, Ishigaki Y, Kanasaki K, Koya D. Effect of Antifibrotic MicroRNAs Crosstalk on the Action of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in Diabetes-related Kidney Fibrosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29884. [PMID: 27425816 PMCID: PMC4947922 DOI: 10.1038/srep29884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an endogenous antifibrotic peptide. We found that suppression of AcSDKP and induction of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), which is associated with insufficient levels of antifibrotic microRNA (miR)s in kidneys, were imperative to understand the mechanisms of fibrosis in the diabetic kidneys. Analyzing streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse strains, diabetic CD-1 mice with fibrotic kidneys could be differentiated from less-fibrotic diabetic 129Sv mice by suppressing AcSDKP and antifibrotic miRs (miR-29s and miR-let-7s), as well as by the prominent induction of DPP-4 protein expression/activity and endothelial to mesenchymal transition. In diabetic CD-1 mice, these alterations were all reversed by AcSDKP treatment. Transfection studies in culture endothelial cells demonstrated crosstalk regulation of miR-29s and miR-let-7s against mesenchymal activation program; such bidirectional regulation could play an essential role in maintaining the antifibrotic program of AcSDKP. Finally, we observed that AcSDKP suppression in fibrotic mice was associated with induction of both interferon-γ and transforming growth factor-β signaling, crucial molecular pathways that disrupt antifibrotic miRs crosstalk. The present study provides insight into the physiologically relevant antifibrotic actions of AcSDKP via antifibrotic miRs; restoring such antifibrotic programs could demonstrate potential utility in combating kidney fibrosis in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash Srivastava
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Sen Shi
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Megumi Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Jianhua He
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yuka Nakamura
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Ishigaki
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology &Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan.,Division of Anticipatory Molecular Food Science and Technology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa 920-0293, Japan
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22
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Zhang Y, Zhang ZG, Chopp M, Meng Y, Zhang L, Mahmood A, Xiong Y. Treatment of traumatic brain injury in rats with N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline. J Neurosurg 2016; 126:782-795. [PMID: 28245754 DOI: 10.3171/2016.3.jns152699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The authors' previous studies have suggested that thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, improves functional recovery after neural injury. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is an active peptide fragment of Tβ4. Its effect as a treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been investigated. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether AcSDKP treatment improves functional recovery in rats after TBI. METHODS Young adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following groups: 1) sham group (no injury); 2) TBI + vehicle group (0.01 N acetic acid); and 3) TBI + AcSDKP (0.8 mg/kg/day). TBI was induced by controlled cortical impact over the left parietal cortex. AcSDKP or vehicle was administered subcutaneously starting 1 hour postinjury and continuously for 3 days using an osmotic minipump. Sensorimotor function and spatial learning were assessed using a modified Neurological Severity Score and Morris water maze tests, respectively. Some of the animals were euthanized 1 day after injury, and their brains were processed for measurement of fibrin accumulation and neuroinflammation signaling pathways. The remaining animals were euthanized 35 days after injury, and brain sections were processed for measurement of lesion volume, hippocampal cell loss, angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and dendritic spine remodeling. RESULTS Compared with vehicle treatment, AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury significantly improved sensorimotor functional recovery (Days 7-35, p < 0.05) and spatial learning (Days 33-35, p < 0.05), reduced cortical lesion volume, and hippocampal neuronal cell loss, reduced fibrin accumulation and activation of microglia/macrophages, enhanced angiogenesis and neurogenesis, and increased the number of dendritic spines in the injured brain (p < 0.05). AcSDKP treatment also significantly inhibited the transforming growth factor-β1/nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS AcSDKP treatment initiated 1 hour postinjury provides neuroprotection and neurorestoration after TBI, indicating that this small tetrapeptide has promising therapeutic potential for treatment of TBI. Further investigation of the optimal dose and therapeutic window of AcSDKP treatment for TBI and the associated underlying mechanisms is therefore warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michael Chopp
- Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; and.,Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan
| | | | - Li Zhang
- Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; and
| | | | - Ye Xiong
- Departments of 1 Neurosurgery and
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23
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Oral Administration of N-Acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline Ameliorates Kidney Disease in Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetic Mice via a Therapeutic Regimen. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:9172157. [PMID: 27088094 PMCID: PMC4818806 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9172157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the final common pathway of progressive kidney diseases including diabetic nephropathy. Here, we report that the endogenous antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), the substrate of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), is an orally available peptide drug used to cure kidney fibrosis in diabetic mice. We utilized two mouse models of diabetic nephropathy, streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced type 1 diabetic CD-1 mice and type 2 diabetic nephropathy model db/db mice. Intervention with the ACE inhibitor imidapril, oral AcSDKP, or imidapril + oral AcSDKP combination therapy increased urine AcSDKP levels. AcSDKP levels were significantly higher in the combination group compared to those of the other groups. AcSDKP oral administration, either AcSDKP alone or in addition to imidapril, ameliorated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Plasma cystatin C levels were higher in both models, at euthanasia, and were restored by all the treatment groups. The levels of antifibrotic miRs, such as miR-29 or let-7, were suppressed in the kidneys of both models; all treatments, especially the combination of imidapril + oral AcSDKP, restored the antifibrotic miR levels to a normal value or even higher. AcSDKP may be an oral antifibrotic peptide drug that would be relevant to combating fibroproliferative kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy.
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24
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Vasilopoulou E, Winyard PJD, Riley PR, Long DA. The role of thymosin-β4 in kidney disease. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2015; 15 Suppl 1:S187-90. [DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2015.1009891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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Thakur S, Viswanadhapalli S, Kopp JB, Shi Q, Barnes JL, Block K, Gorin Y, Abboud HE. Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase prevents TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and myofibroblast activation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2015; 185:2168-80. [PMID: 26071397 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β contributes to tubulointerstitial fibrosis. We investigated the mechanism by which TGF-β exerts its profibrotic effects and specifically the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in kidney tubular epithelial cells and interstitial fibroblasts. In proximal tubular epithelial cells, TGF-β1 treatment causes a decrease in AMPK phosphorylation and activation together with increased fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin expression and decreased in E-cadherin. TGF-β1 causes similar changes in interstitial fibroblasts. Activation of AMPK with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide 1-β-d-ribofuranoside, metformin, or overexpression of constitutively active AMPK markedly attenuated TGF-β1 functions. Conversely, inhibition of AMPK with adenine 9-β-d-arabinofuranoside or siRNA-mediated knockdown of AMPK (official name PRKAA1) mimicked the effect of TGF-β1 and enhanced basal and TGF-β1-induced phenotypic changes. Importantly, we found that tuberin contributed to the protective effects of AMPK and that TGF-β1 promoted cell injury by blocking AMPK-mediated tuberin phosphorylation and activation. In the kidney cortex of TGF-β transgenic mice, the significant decrease in AMPK phosphorylation and tuberin phosphorylation on its AMPK-dependent activating site was associated with an increase in mesenchymal markers and a decrease in E-cadherin. Collectively, the data indicate that TGF-β exerts its profibrotic action in vitro and in vivo via inactivation of AMPK. AMPK and tuberin activation prevent tubulointerstitial injury induced by TGF-β. Activators of AMPK provide potential therapeutic strategy to prevent kidney fibrosis and progressive kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Thakur
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | | | - Jeffrey B Kopp
- Kidney Disease Section, Kidney Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qian Shi
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jeffrey L Barnes
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Karen Block
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas; Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Yves Gorin
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Hanna E Abboud
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas; Audie L. Murphy Memorial Hospital Division, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, San Antonio, Texas
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Cucak H, Nielsen Fink L, Højgaard Pedersen M, Rosendahl A. Enalapril treatment increases T cell number and promotes polarization towards M1-like macrophages locally in diabetic nephropathy. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 25:30-42. [PMID: 25598292 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious complication of longstanding diabetes affecting up to 30% of all diabetes patients and is the main cause of end-stage kidney disease globally. Current standard treatment e.g. ACE-inhibitors like enalapril merely offers a delay in the progression leading to DN. Herein, we describe in two preclinical models evidence to local effects on the inflammatory signatures after intervention treatment with enalapril which provides enhanced understanding of the mechanism of ACE inhibitors. Enalapril transiently reduced albuminuria in both the db/db and the STZ-induced DN models with established disease, without modulating the HbA1c%. Albuminuria was strongly associated with loss of leukocytes, particularly B cells, but also of sub-populations of macrophages and CD4(+) T cells. The remaining kidney macrophages were polarized into a M2-like sub-population with reduced surface expression of the M1-like macrophage marker CD11c and enhanced expression of galectin-3. Enalapril treatment counteracted the reduction of leukocytes in the diabetic kidney towards levels noted in the non-diabetic kidney. Particularly, a subset of macrophages was increased and a clear expansion of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells was observed. However, enalapril failed to modulate the B cell compartment. Interestingly, enalapril treatment resulted in a re-polarization of the macrophages towards a M1-like phenotype characterized by elevated levels of CD11c with moderate down-regulation of the M2 marker galectin-3. The data demonstrate that ACE inhibition in pre-clinical models of DN shows a transient beneficial effect on albuminuria which is unexpectedly associated with restoration of T cells and M1-like macrophages in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cucak
- Diabetic Complications Biology, Novo Nordisk Park, DK-2720 Måløv, Denmark
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27
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Nagai T, Nitta K, Kanasaki M, Koya D, Kanasaki K. The biological significance of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition to combat kidney fibrosis. Clin Exp Nephrol 2014; 19:65-74. [PMID: 24975544 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-014-1000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Both angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) and angiotensin II receptor blocker have been recognized as renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. These two RAS inhibitors are rarely recognized as drugs with distinct pharmacological effects in the clinic or most clinical trials. Some preclinical basic research and clinical trials indicate that ACE-I might display superior organ-protective effects, especially anti-fibrotic effects. Such anti-fibrotic effects of ACE-I could be associated with an endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP). In this review, we focused on the anti-fibrotic effects of RAS inhibition and the endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide AcSDKP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University, Uchinada, Ishikawa, 920-0293, Japan
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Kanasaki K, Nagai T, Nitta K, Kitada M, Koya D. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline: a valuable endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide for combating kidney fibrosis in diabetes. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:70. [PMID: 24782774 PMCID: PMC3995071 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroproliferative diseases are responsible for 45% of deaths in the developed world. Curing organ fibrosis is essential for fibroproliferative diseases. Diabetic nephropathy is a common fibroproliferative disease of the kidney and is associated with multiorgan dysfunction. However, therapy to combat diabetic nephropathy has not yet been established. In this review, we discuss the novel therapeutic possibilities for kidney fibrosis in diabetes focusing on the endogenous anti-fibrotic peptide, N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), which is the substrate for angiotensin-converting enzyme and exhibits meaningful anti-fibrotic effects in various experimental models of fibrotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keizo Kanasaki
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Takako Nagai
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nitta
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Munehiro Kitada
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koya
- Department of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Kanazawa Medical University Uchinada, Ishikawa, Japan
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29
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N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline inhibits diabetes-associated kidney fibrosis and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:696475. [PMID: 24783220 PMCID: PMC3982268 DOI: 10.1155/2014/696475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) emerges as an important source of fibroblasts. MicroRNA let-7 exhibits anti-EndMT effects and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor has been shown to be an important in microRNA let-7 expression. The endogenous antifibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP) is a substrate of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Here, we found that AcSDKP inhibited the EndMT and exhibited fibrotic effects that were associated with FGF receptor-mediated anti-fibrotic program. Conventional ACE inhibitor plus AcSDKP ameliorated kidney fibrosis and inhibited EndMT compared to therapy with the ACE inhibitor alone in diabetic CD-1 mice. The endogenous AcSDKP levels were suppressed in diabetic animals. Cytokines induced cultured endothelial cells into EndMT; coincubation with AcSDKP inhibited EndMT. Expression of microRNA let-7 family was suppressed in the diabetic kidney; antifibrotic and anti-EndMT effects of AcSDKP were associated with the restoration of microRNA let-7 levels. AcSDKP restored diabetes- or cytokines-suppressed FGF receptor expression/phosphorylation into normal levels both in vivo and in vitro. These results suggest that AcSDKP is an endogenous antifibrotic molecule that has the potential to cure diabetic kidney fibrosis via an inhibition of the EndMT associated with the restoration of FGF receptor and microRNA let-7.
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30
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Danilov SM, Wade MS, Schwager SL, Douglas RG, Nesterovitch AB, Popova IA, Hogarth KD, Bhardwaj N, Schwartz DE, Sturrock ED, Garcia JGN. A novel angiotensin I-converting enzyme mutation (S333W) impairs N-domain enzymatic cleavage of the anti-fibrotic peptide, AcSDKP. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88001. [PMID: 24505347 PMCID: PMC3913711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) has two functional N- and C-domain active centers that display differences in the metabolism of biologically-active peptides including the hemoregulatory tetrapeptide, Ac-SDKP, hydrolysed preferentially by the N domain active center. Elevated Ac-SDKP concentrations are associated with reduced tissue fibrosis. RESULTS We identified a patient of African descent exhibiting unusual blood ACE kinetics with reduced relative hydrolysis of two synthetic ACE substrates (ZPHL/HHL ratio) suggestive of the ACE N domain center inactivation. Inhibition of blood ACE activity by anti-catalytic mAbs and ACE inhibitors and conformational fingerprint of blood ACE suggested overall conformational changes in the ACE molecule and sequencing identified Ser333Trp substitution in the N domain of ACE. In silico analysis demonstrated S333W localized in the S1 pocket of the active site of the N domain with the bulky Trp adversely affecting binding of ACE substrates due to steric hindrance. Expression of mutant ACE (S333W) in CHO cells confirmed altered kinetic properties of mutant ACE and conformational changes in the N domain. Further, the S333W mutant displayed decreased ability (5-fold) to cleave the physiological substrate AcSDKP compared to wild-type ACE. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE A novel Ser333Trp ACE mutation results in dramatic changes in ACE kinetic properties and lowered clearance of Ac-SDKP. Individuals with this mutation (likely with significantly increased levels of the hemoregulatory tetrapeptide in blood and tissues), may confer protection against fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei M. Danilov
- Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Michael S. Wade
- Institute for Personalized Respiratory Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sylva L. Schwager
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ross G. Douglas
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Isolda A. Popova
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Kyle D. Hogarth
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Nakul Bhardwaj
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - David E. Schwartz
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Edward D. Sturrock
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine and Division of Medical Biochemistry, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Joe G. N. Garcia
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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Gao C, Aqie K, Zhu J, Chen G, Xu L, Jiang L, Xu Y. MG132 ameliorates kidney lesions by inhibiting the degradation of Smad7 in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy. J Diabetes Res 2014; 2014:918396. [PMID: 24511554 PMCID: PMC3913347 DOI: 10.1155/2014/918396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smad7 is the main negative regulatory protein in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) downstream signaling pathway, which plays an important role in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and may be related to the ubiquitin proteasome pathway (UPP). AIM We investigated the role of UPP in regulating TGF-β/SMAD signaling and explored the therapeutic effect of the ubiquitin proteasome inhibitor MG132 on DN. METHODS Wistar rats were randomly divided into a diabetes group and a normal control group. Rats in the diabetes group were injected intraperitoneally with streptozotocin. Diabetic rats were then randomly divided into a diabetic nephropathy group (DN group), an MG132 high concentration (MH) group, and an MG132 low concentration (ML) group. After 8 weeks of treatment, 24-hour urinary microalbumin (UAlb), urinary protein/urinary creatinine (Up/Ucr) values, ALT, AST, Bcr, kidney damage, TGF-β, Smad7, fibronectin (FN), and Smurf2 were detected. RESULTS The body mass and Smad7 protein expression decreased in DN group, but kidney weight, kidney weight index, UAlb, Up/Ucr, FN and Smurf2 mRNA expression, and TGF-β protein expression increased. However, these changes diminished following treatment with MG132, and a more pronounced effect was evident in MH group compared to ML group. CONCLUSION MG132 alleviates kidney damage by inhibiting Smad7 ubiquitin degradation and TGF-β activation in DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Keri Aqie
- Department of Endocrinology, First People's Hospital of Liangshan, Xichang, Sichuan 615000, China
| | - Jianhua Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Guo Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Luzhou Medical College, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- *Yong Xu:
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Sodium restriction on top of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system blockade increases circulating levels of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in chronic kidney disease patients. J Hypertens 2013; 31:2425-32. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328364f5de] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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The angiopoietin:Tie 2 interaction: a potential target for future therapies in human vascular disease. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2013; 24:579-92. [PMID: 23838360 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 05/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiopoietin-1 and -2 are endogenous ligands for the vascular endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2. Signalling by angiopoietin-1 promotes vascular endothelial cell survival and the sprouting and reorganisation of blood vessels, as well as inhibiting activation of the vascular endothelial barrier to reduce leakage and leucocyte migration into tissues. Angiopoietin-2 generally has an opposing action, and is released naturally at times of vascular growth and inflammation. There is a significant body of emerging evidence that promoting the actions of angiopoietin-1 through Tie2 is of benefit in pathologies of vascular activation, such as sepsis, stroke, diabetic retinopathy and asthma. Similarly, methods to inhibit the actions of angiopoietin-2 are emerging and have been demonstrated to be of preclinical and clinical benefit in reducing tumour angiogenesis. Here the author reviews the evidence for potential benefits of modulation of the interaction of angiopoietins with Tie2, and the potential applications. Additionally, methods for delivery of the complex protein angiopoietin-1 are discussed, as well as potentially deleterious consequences of administering angiopoietin-1.
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Motawi TK, El-Maraghy SA, Senousy MA. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Angiotensin AT1 Receptor Blockade Downregulate Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Expression and Attenuate Renal Injury in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2013; 27:378-87. [DOI: 10.1002/jbt.21500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tarek K. Motawi
- Biochemistry Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; Cairo University; Cairo; Egypt
| | | | - Mahmoud A. Senousy
- Biochemistry Department; Faculty of Pharmacy; Cairo University; Cairo; Egypt
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35
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Castoldi G, di Gioia CRT, Bombardi C, Preziuso C, Leopizzi M, Maestroni S, Corradi B, Zerbini G, Stella A. Renal antifibrotic effect of N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline in diabetic rats. Am J Nephrol 2013; 37:65-73. [PMID: 23327833 DOI: 10.1159/000346116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of end-stage renal disease. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), a physiological tetrapeptide hydrolyzed by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), has antifibrotic effects in the cardiovascular system and in the kidney in experimental models of hypertension, heart failure and renal disease. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ac-SDKP in diabetic nephropathy and the potential additive effect of Ac-SDKP, when compared to ACE inhibitors alone, on the development of renal fibrosis. METHOD Diabetes was induced in 28 Sprague-Dawley rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Control rats (n = 10) received only buffer solution. An ACE inhibitor (ramipril, 3 mg/kg/day) was administered to 11 diabetic rats. After 2 months, Ac-SDKP (1 mg/kg/day) was administered by osmotic minipumps for 8 weeks to 7 diabetic rats and to 6 diabetic rats treated with ramipril. Osmotic minipumps delivered saline solution in the corresponding sham-treated rats (diabetic rats, n = 10, and ramipril-treated diabetic rats, n = 5). RESULTS Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in blood glucose level, urinary albumin excretion and renal fibrosis, and a reduction of glomerular nephrin expression with respect to control rats. Ac-SDKP administration significantly reduced renal fibrosis in diabetic rats, without significantly reducing urinary albumin excretion. Ramipril treatment caused a significant decrease in albuminuria and renal fibrosis and restored glomerular nephrin expression. Administration of Ac-SDKP, in addition to ramipril, further reduced renal fibrosis with respect to ramipril alone, while it did not improve the antiproteinuric effect of ramipril. CONCLUSION Ac-SDKP administration reduces renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. Addition of Ac-SDKP to ACE inhibition therapy improves the reduction of renal fibrosis with respect to ACE inhibition alone, suggesting a beneficial effect of this pharmacological association in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Castoldi
- Clinica Nefrologica, Az. Ospedaliera San Gerardo, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.
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Lee AS, Lee YJ, Lee SM, Yoon JJ, Kim JS, Kang DG, Lee HS. An aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through suppression of renal fibrosis and inflammation in diabetic db/db mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:495-510. [PMID: 22745066 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. In the present study, we investigated the renoprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea (AP) on diabetic nephropathy accelerated by renal fibrosis and inflammation in type 2 diabetic db/db mice. The mice were treated with AP (300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for ten weeks to examine the long-term effects on diabetic nephropathy and renal dysfunction. We found that AP treatment markedly lowered blood glucose to 412 ± 11.4 mg/dl and plasma creatinine level to 2.3 ± 0.8 mg/dl compared to db/db mice (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). This study also showed that treatment with AP significantly decreased water intake and urine volume in diabetic db/db mice (p < 0.05). In immunohistological study, the renal expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), advanced glycation end products (AGE), and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 markedly increased in the renal cortex of untreated db/db mice (p < 0.01). In contrast, AP treatment significantly reduced these expressions to 50 ± 2.1%, 48 ± 2.8%, 61 ± 1.1%, respectively (p < 0.01). Furthermore, NF-κB p65 activation in renal tissues markedly increased in untreated db/db mice, which was significantly suppressed by AP treatment. Taken together, these findings suggest that AP attenuates diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of renal fibrosis and inflammation in db/db mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Sook Lee
- College of Oriental Medicine and Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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Nishida H, Sohara E, Nomura N, Chiga M, Alessi DR, Rai T, Sasaki S, Uchida S. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in hyperinsulinemic db/db mice. Hypertension 2012; 60:981-90. [PMID: 22949526 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.112.201509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome patients have insulin resistance, which causes hyperinsulinemia, which in turn causes aberrant increased renal sodium reabsorption. The precise mechanisms underlying this greater salt sensitivity of hyperinsulinemic patients remain unclear. Abnormal activation of the recently identified with-no-lysine kinase (WNK)-oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1)/STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)-NaCl cotransporter (NCC) phosphorylation cascade results in the salt-sensitive hypertension of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II. Here, we report a study of renal WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC cascade activation in the db/db mouse model of hyperinsulinemic metabolic syndrome. Thiazide sensitivity was increased, suggesting greater activity of NCC in db/db mice. In fact, increased phosphorylation of OSR1/SPAK and NCC was observed. In both SpakT243A/+ and Osr1T185A/+ knock-in db/db mice, which carry mutations that disrupt the signal from WNK kinases, increased phosphorylation of NCC and elevated blood pressure were completely corrected, indicating that phosphorylation of SPAK and OSR1 by WNK kinases is required for the increased activation and phosphorylation of NCC in this model. Renal phosphorylated Akt was increased in db/db mice, suggesting that increased NCC phosphorylation is regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade in the kidney in response to hyperinsulinemia. A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235) corrected the increased OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation. Another more specific phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor (GDC-0941) and an Akt inhibitor (MK-2206) also inhibited increased NCC phosphorylation. These results indicate that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway activates the WNK-OSR1/SPAK-NCC phosphorylation cascade in db/db mice. This mechanism may play a role in the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension in human hyperinsulinemic conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Nishida
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan
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Renal protective effects of N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt hypertensive mice. J Hypertens 2011; 29:330-8. [PMID: 21052020 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e32834103ee] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypertension-induced renal injury is characterized by inflammation, fibrosis and proteinuria. Previous studies have demonstrated that N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (Ac-SDKP) inhibits renal damage following diabetes mellitus and antiglomerular basement membrane nephritis. However, its effects on low-renin hypertensive nephropathy are not known. Thus, we hypothesized that Ac-SDKP has renal protective effects on deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive mice, decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration, matrix deposition and albuminuria. METHOD We uninephrectomized 16-week-old C57BL/6J mice and treated them with either placebo, DCOA (10 mg/10 g body weight subcutaneous) and 1% sodium chloride with 0.2% potassium chloride in drinking water (DOCA-salt) or DOCA-salt with Ac-SDKP (800 μg/kg per day) for 12 weeks. We measured blood pressure, urine albumin, glomerular matrix, renal collagen content, monocyte/macrophage infiltration and glomerular nephrin expression. RESULTS Treatment with DOCA-salt significantly increased blood pressure (P < 0.01), which remained unaltered by Ac-SDKP. Ac-SDKP decreased DOCA-salt-induced renal collagen deposition, glomerular matrix expansion and monocyte/macrophage infiltration. Moreover, DOCA-salt-induced increase in albuminuria was normalized by Ac-SDKP (controls, 10.8 ± 1.7; DOCA-salt, 41 ± 5; DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP, 13 ± 3 μg/10 g body weight per 24 h; P < 0.001, DOCA-salt vs. DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP). Loss of nephrin reportedly causes excess urinary protein excretion; therefore, we determined whether Ac-SDKP inhibits proteinuria by restoring nephrin expression in the glomerulus of hypertensive mice. DOCA-salt significantly downregulated glomerular nephrin expression (controls, 37 ± 8; DOCA-salt, 10 ± 1.5% of glomerular area; P < 0.01), which was partially reversed by Ac-SDKP (23 ± 4.0% of glomerular area; P = 0.065, DOCA-salt vs. DOCA-salt + Ac-SDKP). CONCLUSION We concluded that Ac-SDKP prevents hypertension-induced inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen deposition, nephrin downregulation and albuminuria, which could lead to renoprotection in hypertensive mice.
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Tesch GH, Lim AKH. Recent insights into diabetic renal injury from the db/db mouse model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2010; 300:F301-10. [PMID: 21147843 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00607.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The db/db mouse is the most widely used animal model of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Recent studies have utilized genetic backcrossing with transgenic mouse strains to create novel db/db strains that either lack or overexpress specific genes. These novel strains [ICAM-1-/-, CCL2-/-, MKK3-/-, osteopontin-/-, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)-/-, endothelial nitric oxide synthase-/-, SOD-Tg, rCAT-Tg] have provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms which promote diabetic renal injury. In addition, surgical removal of one kidney has been shown to accelerate injury in the remaining kidney of diabetic db/db mice. A number of novel therapeutic agents have also been tested in db/db mice, including inhibitors of inflammation (chemokine receptor antagonists, anti-CCL2 RNA aptamer, anti-c-fms antibody); oxidative stress (oxykine, biliverdin); the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (aliskiren, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, eplerenone); advanced glycation end products (AGE; pyridoxamine, alagebrium, soluble AGE receptor); angiogenesis (NM-3, anti-CXCL12 RNA aptamer, soluble Flt-1); lipid accumulation (statins, farnesoid X receptor agonists, Omacor); intracellular signaling pathways (PKC-β or JNK inhibitors); and fibrosis [transforming growth factor (TGF)-β antibody, TGF-βR kinase inhibitor, soluble betaglycan, SMP-534, CTGF-antisense oligonucleotide, mutant PAI-1, pirfenidone], which have identified potential therapeutic targets for clinical translation. This review summarizes the advances in knowledge gained from studies in genetically modified db/db mice and treatment of db/db mice with novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- G H Tesch
- Department of Nephrology, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Li P, Xiao HD, Xu J, Ong FS, Kwon M, Roman J, Gal A, Bernstein KE, Fuchs S. Angiotensin-converting enzyme N-terminal inactivation alleviates bleomycin-induced lung injury. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2010; 177:1113-21. [PMID: 20651228 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2010.081127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Bleomycin has potent anti-oncogenic properties for several neoplasms, but drug administration is limited by bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system has been suggested to decrease bleomycin toxicity, but the efficacy of such strategies remains uncertain and somewhat contradictory. Our hypothesis is that, besides angiotensin II, other substrates of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), such as the tetrapeptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (AcSDKP), play a significant role in controlling fibrosis. We studied bleomycin-induced lung injury in normotensive mice, termed N-KO and C-KO, which have point mutations inactivating either the N- or C-terminal catalytic sites of ACE, respectively. N-KO, but not C-KO mice, have a marked resistance to bleomycin lung injury as assessed by lung histology and hydroxyproline content. To determine the importance of the ACE N-terminal peptide substrate AcSDKP in the resistance to bleomycin injury, N-KO mice were treated with S-17092, a prolyl-oligopeptidase inhibitor that inhibits the formation of AcSDKP. In response to bleomycin injection, S-17092-treated N-KO mice developed lung fibrosis similar to wild-type mice. In contrast, the administration of AcSDKP to wild-type mice reduced lung fibrosis due to bleomycin administration. This study shows that the inactivation of the N-terminal catalytic site of ACE significantly reduced bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis and implicates AcSDKP in the mechanism of protection. These data suggest a possible means to increase tolerance to bleomycin and to treat fibrosing lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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Sosne G, Qiu P, Goldstein AL, Wheater M. Biological activities of thymosin ß
4
defined by active sites in short peptide sequences. FASEB J 2010; 24:2144-51. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.09-142307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Sosne
- Department of Opthalmology and Anatomy/Cell BiologyWayne State University School of MedicineDetroitMichiganUSA
| | - Ping Qiu
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Allan L. Goldstein
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health SciencesWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Michelle Wheater
- University of Detroit Mercy School of DentistryDetroitMichiganUSA
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Liao TD, Yang XP, D'Ambrosio M, Zhang Y, Rhaleb NE, Carretero OA. N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline attenuates renal injury and dysfunction in hypertensive rats with reduced renal mass: council for high blood pressure research. Hypertension 2009; 55:459-67. [PMID: 20026760 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.109.144568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP) is a naturally occurring peptide of which the plasma concentration is increased 4- to 5-fold by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. We reported previously that, in models of both hypertension and postmyocardial infarction, Ac-SDKP reduces cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. However, it is unknown whether Ac-SDKP can prevent or reverse renal injury and dysfunction in hypertension. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that, in rats with 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx)-induced hypertension, Ac-SDKP reduces renal damage, albuminuria, and dysfunction by decreasing inflammatory cell infiltration and renal fibrosis and by increasing nephrin protein. Ac-SDKP (800 microg/kg per day, SC via osmotic minipump) or vehicle was either started 7 days before 5/6Nx (prevention) and continued for 3 weeks or started 3 weeks after 5/6Nx (reversal) and continued for another 3 weeks. Rats with 5/6Nx developed high blood pressure, left ventricular hypertrophy, albuminuria, decreased glomerular filtration rate, and increased macrophage infiltration (inflammation) and renal collagen content (fibrosis). Ac-SDKP did not affect blood pressure or left ventricular hypertrophy in either group; however, it significantly reduced albuminuria, renal inflammation, and fibrosis and improved glomerular filtration rate in both prevention and reversal groups. Moreover, slit diaphragm nephrin protein expression in the glomerular filtration barrier was significantly decreased in hypertensive rats. This effect was partially prevented or reversed by Ac-SDKP. We concluded that Ac-SDKP greatly attenuates albuminuria and renal fibrosis and improves renal function in rats with 5/6Nx. These effects may be related to decreased inflammation (macrophages) and increased nephrin protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang-Dong Liao
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Mich 48202-2689, USA
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Hirata K, Kume S, Araki SI, Sakaguchi M, Chin-Kanasaki M, Isshiki K, Sugimoto T, Nishiyama A, Koya D, Haneda M, Kashiwagi A, Uzu T. Exendin-4 has an anti-hypertensive effect in salt-sensitive mice model. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 380:44-9. [PMID: 19150338 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2008] [Accepted: 01/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The improvement of salt-sensitive hypertension is a therapeutic target for various vascular diseases. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), an incretin peptide, has been reported to have natriuretic effect as well as blood glucose lowering effect, although its exact mechanism and clinical usefulness remain unclear. Here, we examined anti-hypertensive effect of exendin-4, a GLP-1 analog, in salt-sensitive obese db/db mice and angiotensin II (angII)-infused C57BLK6/J mice. The treatment of exendin-4 for 12 weeks inhibited the development of hypertension in db/db mice. In db/db mice, the urinary sodium excretion was delayed and blood pressure was elevated in response to a high-salt load, whereas these were attenuated by exendin-4. In db/db mice, intra-renal angII concentration was increased. Furthermore, exendin-4 prevented angII-induced hypertension in non-diabetic mice and inhibited angII-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in cultured renal cells. Considered together, our results indicate that exendin-4 has anti-hypertensive effects through the attenuation of angII-induced high-salt sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Hirata
- Department of Medicine, Shiga University of Medical Science, Tsukinowa-cho, Seta, Otsu, Shiga 520-2192, Japan
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Abstract
Substantial evidence demonstrates a link of increased plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and glomerulosclerosis and kidney fibrosis, providing a novel therapeutic option for prevention and treatment of chronic kidney diseases. Several mechanisms contributing to increased PAI-1 will be addressed, including classic key profibrotic factors such as the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b???and novel molecules identified by proteomic analysis, such as thymosin- b4. The fibrotic sequelae caused by increased PAI-1 in kidney depend not only on its classic inhibition of tissue-type and urokinase-type plasminogen activators (tPA and uPA), but also its influence on cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Ma
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Pathology, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Goh SY, Jasik M, Cooper ME. Agents in development for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2008; 13:447-63. [PMID: 18764722 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.13.3.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nephropathy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Current treatments include optimization of glycemic and blood pressure control, but more innovative strategies are needed for the prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy. OBJECTIVES To review emerging therapies for diabetic nephropathy. METHODS This paper discusses the molecular mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy and the potential therapeutic interventions. RESULTS/CONCLUSION New therapies, including those targeting the accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, are likely to feature in future treatment regimens. Other approaches that at this stage do not appear to be progressing include the glycosaminoglycan sulodexide and the protein kinase C-beta (PKC-beta) inhibitor, ruboxistaurin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Yen Goh
- Albert Einstein Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Centre for Diabetes Complications, Diabetes and Metabolism Division, Baker Medical Research Institute, PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Melbourne, Victoria, 8008, Australia
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Xia L, Wang H, Munk S, Kwan J, Goldberg HJ, Fantus IG, Whiteside CI. High glucose activates PKC-zeta and NADPH oxidase through autocrine TGF-beta1 signaling in mesangial cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2008; 295:F1705-14. [PMID: 18815221 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00043.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Conversion of normally quiescent mesangial cells into extracellular matrix-overproducing myofibroblasts in response to high ambient glucose and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) is central to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Previously, we reported that mesangial cells respond to high glucose by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) from NADPH oxidase dependent on protein kinase C (PKC) -zeta activation. We investigated the role of TGF-beta(1) in this action of high glucose on primary rat mesangial cells within 1-48 h. Both high glucose and exogenous TGF-beta(1) stimulated PKC-zeta kinase activity, as measured by an immune complex kinase assay and immunofluorescence confocal cellular imaging. In high glucose, Akt Ser473 phosphorylation appeared within 1 h and Smad2/3 nuclear translocation was prevented with neutralizing TGF-beta(1) antibodies. Neutralizing TGF-beta(1) antibodies, or a TGF-beta receptor kinase inhibitor (LY364947), or a phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PI3) kinase inhibitor (wortmannin), prevented PKC-zeta activation by high glucose. TGF-beta(1) also stimulated cellular membrane translocation of PKC-alpha, -beta(1), -delta, and -epsilon, similar to high glucose. High glucose and TGF-beta(1) enhanced ROS generation by mesangial cell NADPH oxidase, as detected by 2,7-dichlorofluorescein immunofluorescence. This response was abrogated by neutralizing TGF-beta(1) antibodies, LY364947, or a specific PKC-zeta pseudosubstrate peptide inhibitor. Expression of constitutively active PKC-zeta in normal glucose caused upregulation of p22(phox), a likely mechanism of NADPH oxidase activation. We conclude that very early responses of mesangial cells to high glucose include autocrine TGF-beta(1) stimulation of PKC isozymes including PI3 kinase activation of PKC-zeta and consequent generation of ROS by NADPH oxidase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xia
- University Health Network, Univ. of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 1A8
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Ma LJ, Fogo AB. Modulation of glomerulosclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2007; 29:385-95. [PMID: 17828397 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-007-0087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Regardless of the initial injury, the long-term consequence for the patient depends upon the ensuing balance of profibrotic vs reparative modulators activated. The glomerulus has some capacity for repair. Even when sclerosis has developed with accumulation of extracellular matrix, this lesion may be remodeled, with a change in balance between profibrotic and antifibrotic and collagen synthesis vs proteolytic mediators. We will focus here on the interplay between mediators of fibrosis and reparative mechanisms and potential regression of fibrosis. Based on the clinical efficacy of interventions that inhibit angiotensin, we will focus on factors related to the renin-angiotensin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Ma
- MCN C3310, Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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Abstract
Blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and AT1-receptor (AT1R) blockers has become one of the most successful therapeutic approaches in medicine. The question is no longer whether RAS inhibition helps, but rather how we can optimize inhibition to achieve optimal cardiovascular and renal protection. Indeed, numerous data have shown that the RAS is not blocked fully over 24 hours with current doses of RAS blockers because they trigger a counter-regulatory renin release that can offset pharmacologic inhibition of the RAS. This absence of full blockade may have clinical implications. Combination therapy with ACE inhibitors and AT1R antagonists thus has been proposed to inhibit the biological effects of the reactive renin release triggered by single-site RAS inhibition. By using this approach, numerous experimental and clinical studies have suggested that this combination therapy has additive or synergistic effects on blood pressure and on the prevention of cardiovascular and renal lesions. Although similar intensity of RAS blockade can be achieved by either combination therapy or by using high doses of an AT1-receptor antagonist given alone, the ACE inhibitor present in the combination interferes with the bradykinin-nitric oxide pathway and the N-acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro metabolism, which both may have additional biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Azizi
- Université Paris Descartes, Faculté de Médecine, and Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, and INSERM, CIC 9201, Paris, France
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