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Chen C, Ding Y, Huang Q, Zhang C, Zhao Z, Zhou H, Li D, Zhou G. Relationship between arginine methylation and vascular calcification. Cell Signal 2024; 119:111189. [PMID: 38670475 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
In patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), vascular calcification (VC) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the primary cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main component of VC in CKD is the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). VC is an ordered, dynamic activity. Under the stresses of oxidative stress and calcium-‑phosphorus imbalance, VSMCs undergo osteogenic phenotypic transdifferentiation, which promotes the formation of VC. In addition to traditional epigenetics like RNA and DNA control, post-translational modifications have been discovered to be involved in the regulation of VC in recent years. It has been reported that the process of osteoblast differentiation is impacted by catalytic histone or non-histone arginine methylation. Its function in the osteogenic process is comparable to that of VC. Thus, we propose that arginine methylation regulates VC via many signaling pathways, including as NF-B, WNT, AKT/PI3K, TGF-/BMP/SMAD, and IL-6/STAT3. It might also regulate the VC-related calcification regulatory factors, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Consequently, we propose that arginine methylation regulates the calcification of the arteries and outline the regulatory mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ding
- Department of Pain Management, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Qun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Zixia Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Detian Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China
| | - Guangyu Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, China.
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Kang JH, Kawano T, Murata M, Toita R. Vascular calcification and cellular signaling pathways as potential therapeutic targets. Life Sci 2024; 336:122309. [PMID: 38042282 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122309] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Increased vascular calcification (VC) is observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. VC is divided into three types according to its location: intimal, medial, and valvular. Various cellular signaling pathways are associated with VC, including the Wnt, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase C, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, Ras homologous GTPase, apoptosis, Notch, and cytokine signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the literature concerning the key cellular signaling pathways associated with VC and their role as potential therapeutic targets. Inhibitors to these pathways represent good candidates for use as potential therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of VC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hun Kang
- National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 6-1 Shinmachi, Kishibe, Suita, Osaka 564-8565, Japan.
| | - Takahito Kawano
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaharu Murata
- Center for Advanced Medical Innovation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Riki Toita
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-8-31 Midorigaoka, Ikeda, Osaka, 563-8577, Japan; AIST-Osaka University Advanced Photonics and Biosensing Open Innovation Laboratory, AIST, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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3
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Schwarz A, Hernandez L, Arefin S, Sartirana E, Witasp A, Wernerson A, Stenvinkel P, Kublickiene K. Sweet, bloody consumption - what we eat and how it affects vascular ageing, the BBB and kidney health in CKD. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2341449. [PMID: 38686499 PMCID: PMC11062370 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2341449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
In today's industrialized society food consumption has changed immensely toward heightened red meat intake and use of artificial sweeteners instead of grains and vegetables or sugar, respectively. These dietary changes affect public health in general through an increased incidence of metabolic diseases like diabetes and obesity, with a further elevated risk for cardiorenal complications. Research shows that high red meat intake and artificial sweeteners ingestion can alter the microbial composition and further intestinal wall barrier permeability allowing increased transmission of uremic toxins like p-cresyl sulfate, indoxyl sulfate, trimethylamine n-oxide and phenylacetylglutamine into the blood stream causing an array of pathophysiological effects especially as a strain on the kidneys, since they are responsible for clearing out the toxins. In this review, we address how the burden of the Western diet affects the gut microbiome in altering the microbial composition and increasing the gut permeability for uremic toxins and the detrimental effects thereof on early vascular aging, the kidney per se and the blood-brain barrier, in addition to the potential implications for dietary changes/interventions to preserve the health issues related to chronic diseases in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Schwarz
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leah Hernandez
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Samsul Arefin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elisa Sartirana
- Department of Translational Medicine, Nephrology and Kidney Transplantation Unit, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Anna Witasp
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Wernerson
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Stenvinkel
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Renal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolina Kublickiene
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang W, Chen J, Tan X, Zhang P, Xu X, Ding X, Zhao S, Jin S. Emodin Inhibits the Indoxyl Sulfate-Induced trans-Differentiation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells through Upregulating Thrombospondin-1. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:193-203. [PMID: 37669629 PMCID: PMC10614470 DOI: 10.1159/000532028] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is a protein-bound uremic toxin with vascular toxicity. The primary cause of death in uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis is vascular disease, and it had been reported that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) trans-differentiation (VT) plays a vital role in the context of vascular diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) participates in vascular calcification by keeping the balance of extracellular matrix, but its role in IS-induced VT is unclear. METHODS In this study, clinical specimens, animal models, and in vitro VSMCs were used to investigate the role of TSP-1 in IS induced VT and the potential therapeutic methods. RESULTS We found that TSP-1 was significantly decreased in arterial samples from uremic patients, animal models, and in VSMCs after IS treatment. Downregulation of TSP-1 sufficiently induced the trans-differentiation genotypes of VSMCs. CONCLUSION Emodin, the main monomer extracted from rhubarb, could alleviate IS-induced VT in vitro by upregulating TSP-1. Taken together, IS induces VT by downregulating TSP-1. Emodin might be a candidate drug to alleviate VT under IS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Tan
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xialian Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuan Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
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Abstract
Homeostasis is a prerequisite for health. When homeostasis becomes disrupted, dysfunction occurs. This is especially the case for the gut microbiota, which under normal conditions lives in symbiosis with the host. As there are as many microbial cells in and on our body as human cells, it is unlikely they would not contribute to health or disease. The gut bacterial metabolism generates numerous beneficial metabolites but also uremic toxins and their precursors, which are transported into the circulation. Barrier function in the intestine, the heart, and the kidneys regulates metabolite transport and concentration and plays a role in inter-organ and inter-organism communication via small molecules. This communication is analyzed from the perspective of the remote sensing and signaling theory, which emphasizes the role of a large network of multispecific, oligospecific, and monospecific transporters and enzymes in regulating small-molecule homeostasis. The theory provides a systems biology framework for understanding organ cross talk and microbe-host communication involving metabolites, signaling molecules, nutrients, antioxidants, and uremic toxins. This remote small-molecule communication is critical for maintenance of homeostasis along the gut-heart-kidney axis and for responding to homeostatic perturbations. Chronic kidney disease is characterized by gut dysbiosis and accumulation of toxic metabolites. This slowly impacts the body, affecting the cardiovascular system and contributing to the progression of kidney dysfunction, which in its turn influences the gut microbiota. Preserving gut homeostasis and barrier functions or restoring gut dysbiosis and dysfunction could be a minimally invasive way to improve patient outcomes and quality of life in many diseases, including cardiovascular and kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Griet Glorieux
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
| | - Sanjay K Nigam
- Department of Pediatrics (S.K.N.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine (S.K.N.), University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Raymond Vanholder
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
| | - Francis Verbeke
- Nephrology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium (G.G., R.V., F.V.)
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Chen Y, Mao C, Gu R, Zhao R, Li W, Ma Z, Jia Y, Yu F, Luo J, Fu Y, Sun J, Kong W. Nidogen-2 is a Novel Endogenous Ligand of LGR4 to Inhibit Vascular Calcification. Circ Res 2022; 131:1037-1054. [PMID: 36354004 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vascular calcification is closely related to the all-cause mortality of cardiovascular events. Basement membrane protein nidogen-2 is a key component of the vascular extracellular matrix microenvironment and we recently found it is pivotal for the maintenance of contractile phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). However, whether nidogen-2 is involved in VSMCs osteochondrogenic transition and vascular calcification remains unclear. METHODS VSMCs was treated with high-phosphate to study VSMC calcification in vitro. Three different mice models (5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure, cholecalciferol-overload, and periadventitially administered with CaCl2) were used to study vascular calcification in vivo. Membrane protein interactome, coimmunoprecipitation, flow cytometric binding assay, surface plasmon resonance, G protein signaling, VSMCs calcium assays were performed to clarify the phenotype and elucidate the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Nidogen-2 protein levels were significantly reduced in calcified VSMCs and aortas from mice in different vascular calcification model. Nidogen-2 deficiency exacerbated high-phosphate-induced VSMC calcification, whereas the addition of purified nidogen-2 protein markedly alleviated VSMC calcification in vitro. Nidogen-2-/- mice exhibited aggravated aorta calcification compared to wild-type (WT) mice in response to 5/6 nephrectomy, cholecalciferol-overload, and CaCl2 administration. Further unbiased coimmunoprecipitation and interactome analysis of purified nidogen-2 and membrane protein in VSMCs revealed that nidogen-2 directly binds to LGR4 (leucine-rich repeat G-protein-coupled receptor 4) with KD value 26.77 nM. LGR4 deficiency in VSMCs in vitro or in vivo abolished the protective effect of nidogen-2 on vascular calcification. Of interest, nidogen-2 biased activated LGR4-Gαq-PKCα (protein kinase Cα)-AMPKα1 (AMP-activated protein kinase α1) signaling to counteract VSMCs osteogenic transition and mineralization. CONCLUSIONS Nidogen-2 is a novel endogenous ligand of LGR4 that biased activated Gαq- PKCα-AMPKα1 signaling and inhibited vascular calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Chenfeng Mao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, China (C.M.)
| | - Rui Gu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, China (C.M.)
| | - Rujia Zhao
- Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China (R.Z., J.S.)
| | - Weihao Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China (W.L.)
| | - Zihan Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Yiting Jia
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Fang Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Jian Luo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China (J.L.)
| | - Yi Fu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
| | - Jinpeng Sun
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, China (R.Z., J.S.)
| | - Wei Kong
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China (Y.C., C.M., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., J.S., W.K.).,Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Science, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China (Y.C., R.G., Z.M., Y.J., F.Y., Y.F., W.K.)
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Indoxyl Sulfate Activates NLRP3 Inflammasome to Induce Cardiac Contractile Dysfunction Accompanied by Myocardial Fibrosis and Hypertrophy. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2022; 22:365-377. [PMID: 35088197 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09718-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD), high serum indoxyl sulfate (IS) levels correlate with cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy and thus a critical risk factor for heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of IS on cardiac function and inflammasome pathway in a rat model of CKD. We assessed the physiological and pathological changes and measured biomarkers of fibrosis and hypertrophy in the hearts of Dahl salt-sensitive (DS), DS hypertensive (DH), and DH IS-treated rats (DH + IS). Low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV dilatation, and advanced myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy were observed in DH + IS, which resemble changes found in uremic cardiomyopathy. These changes were independent of renal function and blood pressure. RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed upregulation of fibrosis and hypertrophy-related biomarkers and adhesion molecules in the hearts of DH + IS rats. IS activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway, nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), and inflammasome in the myocardium of DH + IS rat. Moreover, IS upregulated the expression of critical NLRP3 inflammasome components (NLRP3, ASC, and procaspase-1) and increased production of IL-1β and IL-18. Finally, IS upregulated various inflammatory cytokines, such as MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, and TGFβ1, in the myocardium. Our results suggested that IS induced cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy and impaired LV function through activation of cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome via the AHR/NF-κB pathway.
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Role of the microbiota in hypertension and antihypertensive drug metabolism. Hypertens Res 2021; 45:246-253. [PMID: 34887530 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00804-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays an important role in the development and pathogenesis of hypertension. Dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition and function of the gut microbiota, was shown to be associated with hypertension in both animal models and humans. In this review, we provide insights into host-microbiota interactions and summarize the evidence supporting the importance of the microbiota in blood pressure (BP) regulation. Metabolites produced by the gut microbiota, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), modulate BP and vascular responses. Harmful gut-derived metabolites, such as trimethylamine N-oxide and several uremic toxins, exert proatherosclerotic, prothrombotic, and proinflammatory effects. High-salt intake alters the composition of the microbiota, and this microbial alteration contributes to the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension. In addition, the microbiota may impact the metabolism of drugs and steroid hormones in the host. The drug-metabolizing activities of the microbiota affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of antihypertensive drugs and contribute to the pathogenesis of licorice-induced pseudohyperaldosteronism. Furthermore, the oral microbiota plays a role in BP regulation by producing nitric oxide, which lowers BP via its vasodilatory effects. Thus, antihypertensive intervention strategies targeting the microbiota, such as the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics (e.g., SCFAs), are considered new therapeutic options for the treatment of hypertension.
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Chao CT, Lin SH. Uremic Toxins and Frailty in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Molecular Insight. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126270. [PMID: 34200937 PMCID: PMC8230495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of uremic toxins (UTs) is a prototypical manifestation of uremic milieu that follows renal function decline (chronic kidney disease, CKD). Frailty as a potential outcome-relevant indicator is also prevalent in CKD. The intertwined relationship between uremic toxins, including small/large solutes (phosphate, asymmetric dimethylarginine) and protein-bound ones like indoxyl sulfate (IS) and p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), and frailty pathogenesis has been documented recently. Uremic toxins were shown in vitro and in vivo to induce noxious effects on many organ systems and likely influenced frailty development through their effects on multiple preceding events and companions of frailty, such as sarcopenia/muscle wasting, cognitive impairment/cognitive frailty, osteoporosis/osteodystrophy, vascular calcification, and cardiopulmonary deconditioning. These organ-specific effects may be mediated through different molecular mechanisms or signal pathways such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP2), osterix, Notch signaling, autophagy effectors, microRNAs, and reactive oxygen species induction. Anecdotal clinical studies also suggest that frailty may further accelerate renal function decline, thereby augmenting the accumulation of UTs in affected individuals. Judging from these threads of evidence, management strategies aiming for uremic toxin reduction may be a promising approach for frailty amelioration in patients with CKD. Uremic toxin lowering strategies may bear the potential of improving patients’ outcomes and restoring their quality of life, through frailty attenuation. Pathogenic molecule-targeted therapeutics potentially disconnect the association between uremic toxins and frailty, additionally serving as an outcome-modifying approach in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Ter Chao
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital BeiHu Branch, Taipei 10845, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100255, Taiwan
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 100233, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hua Lin
- Nephrology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Correspondence: or
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