1
|
Katikaneni D, Morel L, Scindia Y. Animal models of lupus nephritis: the past, present and a future outlook. Autoimmunity 2024; 57:2319203. [PMID: 38477884 PMCID: PMC10981450 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2024.2319203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most severe end-organ pathology in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Research has enhanced our understanding of immune effectors and inflammatory pathways in LN. However, even with the best available therapy, the rate of complete remission for proliferative LN remains below 50%. A deeper understanding of the resistance or susceptibility of renal cells to injury during the progression of SLE is critical for identifying new targets and developing effective long-term therapies. The complex and heterogeneous nature of LN, combined with the limitations of clinical research, make it challenging to investigate the aetiology of this disease directly in patients. Hence, multiple murine models resembling SLE-driven nephritis are utilised to dissect LN's cellular and genetic mechanisms, identify therapeutic targets, and screen novel compounds. This review discusses commonly used spontaneous and inducible mouse models that have provided insights into pathogenic mechanisms and long-term maintenance therapies in LN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divya Katikaneni
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Laurence Morel
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, UT Health, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Yogesh Scindia
- Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Zhong X, Yang F. Silencing HE4 alleviates the renal fibrosis in lupus nephritis mice by regulating the C3/MMPs/prss axis. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:4823-4831. [PMID: 38157023 PMCID: PMC11166803 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02883-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
To explore the regulatory effect of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) on renal fibrosis in mice with lupus nephritis (LN) and the underlying mechanism. Ten-week old MRL/LPR mice were injected with HE4 shRNA adenovirus vector through the renal pelvis for 5 days. Renal tissues were extracted for HE and Masson staining to evaluate pathological changes and fibrosis in lupus nephritis mice. The level of urine protein was measured using a biochemical analyzer, while the expression level of HE4 and p-NF-κB p65 in renal tissues was visualized using an immunofluorescence assay. The level of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule 1 (Kim-1) was determined by the immunohistochemical assay. Western blotting was used to determine the levels of C3, HE4, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), MMP9, p-p65, prss23, and prss35 in renal tissues. Compared to wild-type C57BL/6 mice, MRL/LPR mice showed a marked increase in the number of glomeruli, hyperplasic basement membrane, severe infiltration of inflammatory cells in renal tubules and glomeruli, obvious necrosis in glomeruli, elevated fibrosis levels, and increased levels of urine protein, β2-MG, NGAL, Kim-1, C3, HE4, MMP2, MMP9, and p-p65; and decreased levels of prss23 and prss35 were observed in MRL/LPR mice. After the administration of the HE4 shRNA adenovirus vector, the repaired structure of renal tubules and glomeruli improved infiltration of inflammatory cells, reduced collagen fiber and urine protein, suppressed levels of C3, HE4, MMP2, MMP9, and p-P65, and facilitated the expression of prss23 and prss35 which were observed. Silencing HE4 improved renal fibrosis and inhibited inflammation in mice with lupus nephritis, which may play a role in inhibiting C3/MMPs and promoting prss-related protein expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixia Li
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.190, Dadao Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou City, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.190, Dadao Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou City, Fujian, 350004, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Fuzhou First Hospital of Fujian Medical University, No.190, Dadao Road, Taijiang District, Fuzhou City, Fujian, 350004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Goh RCW, Maharajan MK, Gopinath D, Fang CM. The Therapeutic Effects of Probiotic on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Lupus Mice Models: A Systematic Review. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024:10.1007/s12602-024-10297-1. [PMID: 38806966 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-024-10297-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests the beneficial immunomodulatory effects of probiotics can reduce inflammation in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, there is no summary of the existing evidence available. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of probiotics on SLE in a lupus mouse model by examining various markers, including inflammatory cytokines, Treg cells, disease activity, and gut microbiota. A systematic search was conducted using three databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) to identify animal studies that reported the therapeutic benefits of probiotics against SLE. Data extracted from the selected articles were qualitatively synthesized. The SYRCLE risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias. Out of a total of 3205 articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Probiotic strains, quantities, and routes of administration varied among the studies. The treatment ranged from 8 to 47 weeks. Probiotic strains such as L. fermentum CECT5716, L. casei B255, L. reuteri DSM 17509, L. plantarum LP299v, and L. acidophilus can significantly reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-12, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17, and IFN-γ) levels while increasing anti-inflammatory IL-10 and Treg cells. Probiotics also delay the production of autoantibodies, thus prolonging the remission period, decreasing flare frequency, and delaying disease progression. Furthermore, probiotic administration prevents gut dysbiosis, increases intestinal stability, and prevents pathogen colonization. In conclusion, probiotics can be considered a new alternative therapeutic approach for the management of SLE. Further clinical studies are required to investigate and validate the safety and effectiveness of probiotics in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Chaeh-Wen Goh
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Mari Kannan Maharajan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia
| | - Divya Gopinath
- Basic Medical and Dental Sciences Department, College of Dentistry, Ajman University, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Chee-Mun Fang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Jalan Broga, 43500, Semenyih, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
von Hofsten S, Fenton KA, Pedersen HL. Human and Murine Toll-like Receptor-Driven Disease in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5351. [PMID: 38791389 PMCID: PMC11120885 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is linked to the differential roles of toll-like receptors (TLRs), particularly TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. TLR7 overexpression or gene duplication, as seen with the Y-linked autoimmune accelerator (Yaa) locus or TLR7 agonist imiquimod, correlates with increased SLE severity, and specific TLR7 polymorphisms and gain-of-function variants are associated with enhanced SLE susceptibility and severity. In addition, the X-chromosome location of TLR7 and its escape from X-chromosome inactivation provide a genetic basis for female predominance in SLE. The absence of TLR8 and TLR9 have been shown to exacerbate the detrimental effects of TLR7, leading to upregulated TLR7 activity and increased disease severity in mouse models of SLE. The regulatory functions of TLR8 and TLR9 have been proposed to involve competition for the endosomal trafficking chaperone UNC93B1. However, recent evidence implies more direct, regulatory functions of TLR9 on TLR7 activity. The association between age-associated B cells (ABCs) and autoantibody production positions these cells as potential targets for treatment in SLE, but the lack of specific markers necessitates further research for precise therapeutic intervention. Therapeutically, targeting TLRs is a promising strategy for SLE treatment, with drugs like hydroxychloroquine already in clinical use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susannah von Hofsten
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Kristin Andreassen Fenton
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Hege Lynum Pedersen
- Centre of Clinical Research and Education, University Hospital of North Norway, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, 9019 Tromsø, Norway;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Chu YY, Sun MC, Zhang XW, Li YF, Dai CQ, Wang GH. Abnormal presentation of pregnancy and postpartum initial-onset systemic lupus erythematosus combined with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage: A case report. Lupus 2023; 32:1579-1582. [PMID: 37864322 PMCID: PMC10666484 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231210060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that most commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. However, cases of SLE with abnormal pregnancy as the initial manifestation, involving the development of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), have rarely been reported. Herein, we report the case of a young woman who underwent a cesarean section for fetal distress and growth restriction at 35 + 1 weeks' gestation. Following discharge, she experienced progressive worsening of anemia and chest tightness, which was later diagnosed as SLE complicated by DAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-ya Chu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Centre, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Meng-chun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Qianshan Municipal Hospital, Qianshan, China
| | - Xiao-wei Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Center of Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Fifth School of Clinical Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Heifei, China
| | - Yi-fei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Centre, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Chun-qing Dai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Centre, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| | - Gui-hong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Anqing Medical Centre, Anhui Medical University, Anqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tang Z, Wang JM, Qin JM, Wen LM. Analysis of risk factors and development of a nomogram prediction model for lupus nephritis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Lupus 2023:9612033231189904. [PMID: 37480363 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231189904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to explore risk factors for lupus nephritis (LN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and establish a Nomogram prediction model based on LASSO-logistic regression. METHODS The clinical and laboratory data of SLE patients in Meishan People's Hospital from July 2012 to December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. All SLE patients were divided into two groups with or without LN. Risk factors were screened based on LASSO-logistic regression analysis, and a Nomogram prediction model was established. The receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis were adopted to evaluate the performance of the Nomogram model. RESULTS A total of 555 SLE patients were enrolled, including 303 SLE patients with LN and 252 SLE patients without LN. LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that ESR, mucosal ulcer, proteinuria, and hematuria were independent risk factors for LN in SLE patients. The four clinical features were incorporated into the Nomogram prediction model. Results showed that calibration curve was basically close to the diagonal dotted line with slope 1 (ideal prediction case), which proved that the prediction ability of the model was acceptable. In addition, the decision curve analysis showed that the Nomogram prediction model could bring net clinical benefits to patients when the threshold probability was 0.12-0.54. CONCLUSION Four clinical indicators of ESR, mucosal ulcer, proteinuria, and hematuria were independent risk factors for LN in SLE patients. The predictive power of the Nomogram model based on LASSO-logistic regression was acceptable and could be used to guide clinical work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Jia-Min Wang
- Department of Science and Technology, Sichuan Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang, China
- Department of Hospital Infection Management, Meishan People's Hospital, Meishan, China
| | - Jia-Min Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Li-Ming Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Mianyang 404 Hospital, Mianyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen J, Liao S, Xiao Z, Pan Q, Wang X, Shen K, Wang S, Yang L, Guo F, Liu HF, Pan Q. The development and improvement of immunodeficient mice and humanized immune system mouse models. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1007579. [PMID: 36341323 PMCID: PMC9626807 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1007579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models play an indispensable role in the study of human diseases. However, animal models of different diseases do not fully mimic the complex internal environment of humans. Immunodeficient mice are deficient in certain genes and do not express these or show reduced expression in some of their cells, facilitating the establishment of humanized mice and simulation of the human environment in vivo. Here, we summarize the developments in immunodeficient mice, from the initial nude mice lacking T lymphocytes to NOD/SCID rgnull mice lacking T, B, and NK cell populations. We describe existing humanized immune system mouse models based on immunodeficient mice in which human cells or tissues have been transplanted to establish a human immune system, including humanized-peripheral blood mononuclear cells (Hu-PBMCs), humanized hematopoietic stem cells (Hu-HSCs), and humanized bone marrow, liver, thymus (Hu-BLT) mouse models. The different methods for their development involve varying levels of complexity and humanization. Humanized mice are widely used in the study of various diseases to provide a transitional stage for clinical research. However, several challenges persist, including improving the efficiency of reconstructing the human B cell immune response, extending lifespan, improving the survival rate of mice to extend the observation period, and improving the development of standardized commercialized models and as well as their use. Overall, there are many opportunities and challenges in the development of humanized immune system mouse models which can provide novel strategies for understanding the mechanisms and treatments of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingjun Pan
- *Correspondence: Hua-feng Liu, ; Qingjun Pan,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen J, Liao S, Pang W, Guo F, Yang L, Liu HF, Pan Q. Life factors acting on systemic lupus erythematosus. Front Immunol 2022; 13:986239. [PMID: 36189303 PMCID: PMC9521426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.986239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous autoimmune disease that primarily affects women. Currently, in the search for the mechanisms of SLE pathogenesis, the association of lifestyle factors such as diet, cigarette smoking, ultraviolet radiation exposure, alcohol and caffeine-rich beverage consumption with SLE susceptibility has been systematically investigated. The cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating lifestyle effects on SLE occurrence, including interactions between genetic risk loci and environment, epigenetic changes, immune dysfunction, hyper-inflammatory response, and cytotoxicity, have been proposed. In the present review of the reports published in reputable peer-reviewed journals and government websites, we consider the current knowledge about the relationships between lifestyle factors and SLE incidence and outline directions of future research in this area. Formulation of practical measures with regard to the lifestyle in the future will benefit SLE patients and may provide potential therapy strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingjun Pan
- *Correspondence: Hua-feng Liu, ; Qingjun Pan,
| |
Collapse
|