Exercise-induced hypercalcemia and vasopressin-mediated bone resorption

Our human observational study showed that elevated arginine vasopressin levels by heavy exercise, not catecholamines, were associated with elevated serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b). The increase in serum calcium was positively associated with percent changes of TRACP-5b, implying the involvement of bone resorption in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced hypercalcemia.

INTRODUCTION

It remains unclear whether enhanced bone resorption explains exercise-induced hypercalcemia. An experimental study demonstrated that arginine vasopressin (AVP) stimulated osteoclast activity.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective observational study, enrolling 65 trained healthy male officers of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (34 and 31 in waves 1 and 2, respectively). Before and after a 5-h heavy exercise, we collected laboratory data including bone markers, symptoms, and ionized calcium (iCa; wave 2 only). As blood calcium levels change after exercise, we estimated calcium (corrected calcium) levels immediately after the exercise using the correlation between blood calcium and time from the end of exercise in another cohort.

RESULTS

Body weight decreased by 6.9% after the exercise. Corrected post-exercise serum total calcium (tCa) and iCa levels were significantly higher than pre-exercise levels, and 18% of participants showed hypercalcemia defined as corrected tCa >10.4 mg/dL or iCa >1.30 mmol/L. Serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (TRACP-5b), plasma three fractions of catecholamines, and AVP elevated significantly (median 14.3 pg/mL), while procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide and whole parathyroid hormone showed significant decreases. Corrected tCa increase showed a non-linear positive association with percent changes of TRACP-5b (%ΔTRACP-5b) even after adjustment for confounders. In addition, %ΔTRACP-5b was not associated with catecholamines, but with post-exercise AVP levels after adjustment for pre-exercise TRACP-5b. Symptoms of nausea or vomiting (observed in 20%) were positively associated with corrected post-exercise iCa after adjustment for post-exercise blood pH.

CONCLUSION

AVP elevation may explain bone resorption and the following hypercalcemia in the setting of heavy exercise.

THU0236 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NON-MITOGENIC ANTICD3 ANTIBODY ADMINISTRATION IN THE TREATMENT OF LUPUS-PRONE MICE

Background:

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibody and systemic tissue damages including glomerulonephritis. Immune responses mediated by autoreactive T-cells, as well as by autoantibody, is involved in the development and progression of end-organ damages1. Biologic agents which manipulate T-cell function such as CTLA4-Ig and anti-CD40L have been revisited and tried to treat human SLE, however, both of them failed to demonstrate efficacy.

A mouse specific anti-CD3ε mAb, clone 145-2C11 (2C11) is known to be immunosuppressive by down-modulation of TCR and depletion of T-cells2. Administration of Fc-deleted 145-2C11 F(ab’)2to lupus-prone mice was reported to reduce lymphadenopathy and prolong survival, but had no significant effect on anti-DNA antibody titer3. The mechanisms by which 2C11 ameliorates lupus are still unclear.

In this study, we used non-mitogenic Fc-modified silent 145-2c11 (2C11S), which disables interaction between target cells and Fc receptor-bearing cells, abolishes antibody directed cytotoxicity, and has longer half-life than F(ab’)2. 2C11S is expected to exert its effect in safe and stable as compared with functional parent-2C11 (2C11P) antibody.

Objectives:

The purpose of our study is to clarify the difference between 2C11S and 2C11P and to examine their therapeutic effects against murine lupus-prone (NZB/W F1) mice.

Methods:

20 μg of 2C11P (absolute antibody), 2C11S (absolute antibody), or isotype control immunoglobulin G1 κ (IC)(BioLegend) were administered intraperitoneally to C57BL6 mice. The difference of their action on T-cells were evaluated in a time series from peripheral blood. Plasma cytokine levels were measured within 24 hours after antibody administration.

In NZB/W F1 mice from weeks 10 or 20, 2C11P, 2C11S, and IC were administered (100 μg / week, 4 times, intraperitoneally). Plasma anti-dsDNA antibody titer, spleen and kidney blood cell subpopulation, and histology of renal tissue were evaluated before and/or after treatment.

Results:

Duration of reduced TCR expression in 2C11S group was approximately twice as long as that in 2C11P group, and the levels of plasma TNF-α was not increased in 2C11S group while significant increase was observed in 2C11P group (IC; mean 48.3 ± SD 16.7 pg/ml, 2C11S; 57.9 ± 6.12, 2C11P; 168 ± 50.6, IC VS 2C11S; p>0.99, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.03, ANOVA).

In NZB/W F1 mice, the number of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells in spleen significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; median 9.0*104[interquartile range 8.5*104], 2C11S; 1.8*104[1.0*104], 2C11P; 1.0*105[9.4*104], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99, Kruskal-Wallis). The number of germinal center B (GCB) cells in spleen also decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 1.2*105[1.7*105], 2C11S; 9.0*103[2.3*104], 2C11P; 8.0*104[2.3*105], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p>0.99). The number of infiltrating CD4+T-cells in kidney significantly reduced in 2C11S group (IC; 3.4*103[1.0*104], 2C11S; 6.4*102[8.8*102], 2C11P; 1.2*103[4.4*103], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.048, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.23). In addition, the rate of increase in anti-dsDNA IgG titers significantly decreased in 2C11S group (IC; 2.3 [1.3], 2C11S; 0.9 [1.0], 2C11P; 1.3 [1.4], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.03, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.24). Finally, glomerular hypercellularity was markedly alleviated only in 2C11S group (IC; 4.4*10 [8.4], 2C11S; 3.8*10 [1.1], 2C11P; 3.9*10 [8.2], IC VS 2C11S; p=0.02, IC VS 2C11P; p=0.57).

Conclusion:

2C11S did not induce cytokine release with maintaining longer effect on TCR down-modulation. 2C11S reduced autoantibody production by suppressing GCB differentiation, possibly through down-regulation of Tfh cell number. Consequently, 2C11S ameliorated lupus nephritis. On the other hand, 2C11P did not show therapeutic effect.

References:

[1]George C Tsokos. et al. Nat. Rev. Rheum (2016) 12: 716-730.

[2]Kuhn C. et al. Immunotherapy (2016) 8: 889-906.

[3]Henrickson M. et al. Arthritis Rheum (1994) 37: 587-589.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

Platelet Hyperaggregability in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease and Effects of Aspirin

Platelet aggregation was studied in 24 patients in the chronic stage of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (CVD), with cerebral affluent and effluent blood, i.e., carotid arterial and internal jugular venous blood, and also with peripheral venous blood. Aggregation tests were performed at various final concentrations of sodium arachidonate (A.A.) and ADP. In 17 patients, not taking aspirin, platelet aggregability in jugular venous blood was significantly accentuated compared with that in arterial and peripheral venous blood. This tendency was more marked in the patients with cerebral artery stenosis and/or occlusion than in those with normal cerebral angiogram. In 7 patients taking 500 mg or more oral aspirin, aggregation differences across the brain were not observed and A.A. aggregation and the second phase of ADP aggregation were completely suppressed. These results suggest that a prophylactic administration of aspirin may be beneficial for patients in chronic stage of CVD.

Binding of 131I-Labeled Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator on De-Endothelialized Lesions in Rabbits

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) which has a high affinity for fibrin in the clot, was labeled with 131I by the iodogen method, and its binding to de-endothelialized lesions in the rabbit was measured to assess the detectability of thrombi. The de-endothelialized lesion was induced in the abdominal aorta with a Fogarty 4F balloon catheter. Two hours after the de-endothelialization, 131I-labeled t-PA (125 ± 46 μCi) was injected intravenously. The initial half-life of the agent in blood (n = 12) was 2.9 ± 0.4 min. The degree of binding of 131I-labeled t-PA to the de-endothelialized lesion was evaluated at 15 min (n = 6) or at 30 min (n = 6) after injection of the agent. In spite of the retention of the biochemical properties of 131I-labeled t-PA and the presence of fibrin deposition at the de-endothelialized lesion, the binding of t-PA to the lesion was not sufficiently strong. Lesion-to-control ratios (cpm/g/cpm/g) were 1.65 ± 0.40 (at 15 min) and 1.39 ± 1.31 (at 30 min), and lesion-to-blood ratios were 1.39 ± 0.32 (at 15 min) and 1.36 ± 0.23 (at 30 min). These results suggest that radiolabeled t-PA may be inappropriate as a radiopharmaceutical for the scintigraphic detection of a pre-existing thrombotic lesion.

Effects of raloxifene and alendronate on non-enzymatic collagen cross-links and bone strength in ovariectomized rabbits in sequential treatments after daily human parathyroid hormone (1-34) administration

This study investigated the effects of raloxifene and alendronate to follow parathyroid hormone (PTH) on bone collagen and biomechanical properties in ovariectomized rabbits. Sequential treatments of raloxifene and alendronate after hPTH(1-34) treatment improved biomechanical properties with and without bone collagen improvement, respectively.

INTRODUCTION

The standard sequential treatment to follow human parathyroid hormone (hPTH) (1-34) therapy for osteoporosis has yet to be determined. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of raloxifene and alendronate treatments to follow daily hPTH(1-34) treatment on non-enzymatic collagen cross-links, bone mass, and bone strength in ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits.

METHODS

From 3 months after ovariectomy, seven month-old female New Zealand white rabbits were given either vehicle or hPTH(1-34) (8 μg/kg/day), once daily for 5 months. After hPTH(1-34) treatment, the hPTH(1-34)-treated animals were divided into two groups, and given raloxifene (10 mg/kg, daily) orally or alendronate (100 μg/kg, twice weekly) subcutaneously for 5 months. We evaluated bone mineral density (BMD), bone structural parameters, advanced glycation end product (AGE) content in collagen, and bone mechanical parameters including intrinsic parameters in the femur.

RESULTS

Raloxifene (hPTH/RLX) and alendronate (hPTH/ALN) to follow hPTH(1-34) increased cortical thickness, maximum load, and maximum stress and decreased endocortical surface in the diaphysis, in addition to increasing total BMD in the distal metaphysis. Decreased trabecular AGE, pentosidine, and homocysteine contents and increased toughness and breaking energy were noted with hPTH/RLX treatment only. With hPTH/ALN treatment, no effects on non-enzymatic collagen cross-link AGEs were noted although increases in stiffness and elastic modulus were observed.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that sequential treatments with hPTH(1-34) and antiresorptive drugs (raloxifene and alendronate) have a beneficial effect on bone mass and biomechanical properties in OVX rabbits.

Performance of the Japanese glomerular filtration rate equation based on standardized serum cystatin C in potential kidney donors

BACKGROUND

It was reported that the glomerula filtration rate (GFR) equation based on serum creatinine underestimated the GFR in potential kidney donors. Recently, the Japanese GFR equation based on standardized serum cystatin C was reported. Therefore, we assessed the performance of the equation in potential kidney donors.

METHODS

Forty-five potential kidney donors from 2 hospitals were included. GFR was measured (mGFR) using inulin renal clearance. Serum creatinine was measured using the enzymatic method. Serum cystatin C was measured using a nephelometric immunoassay (Siemens) and calibrated to the standardized value traceable to ERM-DA471/IFCC using an equation reported previously. The estimated GFR (eGFR) was calculated using the Japanese GFR equation based on serum creatinine (eGFRcreat) and the Japanese GFR equation based on serum cystatin C (eGFRcys). Bias (mGFR - eGFR) and accuracy (P30) of the equations were evaluated.

RESULTS

Inulin clearance, eGFRcreat, and eGFRcys were 91.0 ± 18.2, 78.5 ± 18.8, and 93.3 ± 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. Bias of eGFRcreat was 12.4 ± 15.8 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and significantly different from zero, indicating underestimation of GFR. Bias of eGFRcys was -2.3 ± 16.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2) and was not significantly different from zero, suggesting better performance. But, the precision (standard deviation [SD] of bias) and accuracy (P30: Percentage of participants with eGFR within 30% of mGFR) of eGFRcys were not better compared with eGFRcreat. Accuracies (P30) of eGFRcreat and eGFRcys were 87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74-94) and 82% (95% CI, 69-91), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Bias of eGFRcys was better compared with eGFRcreat. But, the precision (SD of bias) and accuracy of eGFRcys were not superior compared with eGFRcreat in potential kidney donors.

Identification of novel kynurenine production-inhibiting benzenesulfonamide derivatives in cancer cells

Kynurenine (Kyn), a metabolite of tryptophan (Trp), is known to be a key regulator of human immune responses including cancer immune tolerance. Therefore, abrogation of Kyn production from cancer cells by small molecules may be a promising approach to anticancer therapy. Indeed, several small molecule inhibitors of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a rate-limiting enzyme in the catabolism of Trp to Kyn, exert antitumor effects in animal models. We screened our chemical libraries using a cell-based Kyn production assay to identify a new type of small molecules that regulate Kyn production, and for the first time identified a benzenesulfonamide derivative (compound 1) as a hit with the ability to inhibit Kyn production in interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-stimulated A431 and HeLa cells. Unlike the previously identified S-benzylisothiourea derivative, compound 2, compound 1 had little effect on the enzymatic activity of recombinant human IDO in vitro but suppressed the expression of IDO at the mRNA level in cells. Furthermore, compound 1 suppressed STAT1-dependent transcriptional activity and DNA binding, whereas no decrement in either the expression or phosphorylation level of STAT1 was observed. The inhibition of IDO expression by several benzenesulfonamide derivatives is associated with the suppression of STAT1. Thus, compound 1 and its analogs might be useful for analyzing the regulation of IDO activation, and STAT1-targeting could be an alternative to the IDO-directed approach for the regulation of Kyn levels by small molecules in the tumor microenvironment.

Superagonistic CD28 antibody induces donor-specific tolerance in rat renal allografts

The ultimate goal of organ transplantation is to establish graft tolerance where CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play an important role. We examined whether a superagonistic monoclonal antibody specific for CD28 (CD28 SA), which expands Treg cells in vivo, would prevent acute rejection and induce tolerance using our established rat acute renal allograft model (Wistar to Lewis). In the untreated or mouse IgG-treated recipients, graft function significantly deteriorated with marked destruction of renal tissue, and all rats died by 13 days with severe azotemia. In contrast, 90% of recipients treated with CD28 SA survived over 100 days, and 70% survived with well-preserved graft function until graft recovery at 180 days. Analysis by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that CD28 SA induced marked infiltration of FOXP3+ Treg cells into the allografts. Furthermore, these long-surviving recipients showed donor-specific tolerance, accepting secondary (donor-matched) Wistar cardiac allografts, but acutely rejecting third-party BN allografts. We further demonstrated that adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25+ Treg cells, purified from CD28 SA-treated Lewis rats, significantly prolonged allograft survival and succeeded in inducing donor-specific tolerance. In conclusion, CD28 SA treatment successfully induces donor-specific tolerance with the involvement of Treg cells, and thus the therapeutic value of this approach warrants further investigation and preclinical studies.

Transcription factor Ets-1 is essential for mesangial matrix remodeling

Most advanced glomerular diseases are characterized by abnormal extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in the glomeruli, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a pivotal role in ECM remodeling in various glomerular diseases. The proto-oncogene, ets-1, is a transcription factor regulating the expression of various matrix proteinases, including MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9. The goal of the present study was to characterize the role of Ets-1 in the progression of glomerular diseases. Overexpression of Ets-1 in cultured mesangial cells prevented transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-induced inhibition of DNA-binding activity and TGF-beta-induced type I collagen production. In addition, exogenous Ets-1 abolished TGF-beta-induced collagen gel contraction. The in vivo transfection of the ets-1 gene into nephritic kidney resulted in the increases in glomerular MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 mRNA, decreases in mesangial ECM deposition, and attenuation of fibronectin extradomain A (EDA) and type I collagen expression. In contrast, knockdown of Ets-1 in glomeruli resulted in severe ECM deposition in diseased glomeruli. In conclusion, Ets-1 promotes degradation of ECM proteins and is critical for integral glomerular reorganization.

Exploring RNA interference as a therapeutic strategy for renal disease

The short synthetic interfering RNA duplexes (siRNAs) can selectively suppress gene expression in somatic mammalian cells without nonselective toxic effects of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). However, a selective in vivo delivery of siRNA transfer has not been reported in kidney. Here, we investigated whether injection of synthetic siRNAs via renal artery followed by electroporation could be effective and therapeutic in silencing specific gene in glomerulus. We investigated the effect of siRNA in rat cultured mesangial cells (MCs) and showed that siRNA sequence-specific suppression of transgene expression was over a 1000-fold more potent than that by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ASODN). Transfection of siRNA targeting luciferase into rat kidneys significantly inhibited expression of a cotransfected luciferase expression vector in vivo. The delivery of siRNA targeting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in the transgenic 'green' rat reduced endogenous EGFP expression, mainly in glomerular MCs. Furthermore, RNAi targeting against TGF-beta1 significantly suppressed TGF-beta1 mRNA and protein expression, thereby ameliorated the progression of matrix expansion in experimental glomerulonephritis. In addition, vector-based RNAi also inhibited TGF-beta1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, siRNA-directed TGF-beta1 silencing may be of therapeutic value in the prevention and treatment of fibrotic diseases.

Association between neuroleptic drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms and dopamine D2-receptor polymorphisms in Japanese schizophrenic patients

The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between dopamine D2-receptor gene (DRD2) polymorphisms (Taq1A, Taq1B, -141C Ins/Del) and the risk of extrapyramidal adverse effects (EPS), assessed according to the Drug-Induced Extra-Pyramidal Symptoms Scale (DIEPSS), or the maintenance dose of antipsychotics in schizophrenic patients. The DIEPSS score was significantly higher in patients bearing the -141C Del allele than in those without it. Taq1A and Taq1B restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) did not significantly affect the DIEPSS score. On the other hand, maintenance doses of neuroleptics and antiparkinsonian drugs were significantly higher in patients with the B1 allele of Taq1B RFLP than in those without it, while the Taq1A RFLP and -141C Ins/Del polymorphisms were not significantly related to the maintenance doses. In conclusion, the risk of EPS may be increased in patients with the -141C Del allele of the DRD2 gene. In these patients, antipsychotics should be administered with caution.

Electroporation-mediated HGF gene transfection protected the kidney against graft injury

The annual rate of kidney graft loss caused by chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN) has not improved over the past decade. Recent reports suggest that acute renal ischemia results in development of CAN. The goal of the present study was to assess the renoprotective potential and safety of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene transfer using a porcine kidney transplant warm ischemia injury model. Following left porcine kidney removal, 10 min of warm ischemic injury was intentionally induced. Next, the HGF expression vector or vehicle was infused into the renal artery with the renal vein clamped ex vivo, and electric pulses were discharged using bathtub-type electrodes. Kidney grafts were then transplanted after removing the right kidney. Histopathological examination of vehicle-transfected kidney transplant revealed initial tubular injury followed by tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In contrast, HGF-transfected kidneys showed no initial tubular damage and no interstitial fibrosis at 6 months post-transplant. We conclude that electroporation-mediated ex vivo HGF gene transfection protects the kidney against graft injury in a porcine model.

Introduction of DNA enzyme for Egr-1 into tubulointerstitial fibroblasts by electroporation reduced interstitial alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats

The phenotypic alteration of interstitial fibroblasts into 'myofibroblasts', acquiring characteristics of both fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells is a key event in the formation of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The up-regulation of the early growth response gene 1 (Egr-1) preceded the increased interstitial expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), a marker of phenotypic changes, in obstructed kidney, a model of interstitial fibrosis. To target Egr-1 expression in the interstitium of obstructed kidneys, we introduced a DNA enzyme for Egr-1 (ED5) or scrambled DNA (SCR) into interstitial fibroblasts by electroporation-mediated gene transfer. Northern blot analysis confirmed an increase in the cortical mRNA expression of Egr-1 in the obstructed kidneys from untreated or SCR-treated rats, while ED5 transfection blocked Egr-1 expression with a concomitant reduction in TGF-beta, alphaSMA and type I collagen mRNA expression. Consequently, ED5 inhibited interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, electroporation-mediated retrograde gene transfer can be an ideal vehicle into interstitial fibroblasts, and molecular intervention of Egr-1 in the interstitium may become a new therapeutic strategy for interstitial fibrosis.

A single amino acid change at Leu-188 in the reverse transcriptase of HIV-2 and SIV renders them sensitive to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are selective for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and generally not effective on HIV-2 or simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). Only SIVagm was found to be sensitive to NNRTIs. When the amino acid differences in RT between SIVmac and SIVagm were compared with the known amino acid substitutions of NNRTI-resistance variants of HIV-1, we came to consider that the amino acid residue Leu-188 of HIV-2 and SIVmac might be related to their resistance to NNRTIs. To test this hypothesis, we substituted Leu-188 to Cys or Tyr in HIV-2 and SIVmac, and examined sensitivity of the mutant molecular clones to NNRTIs. The L188Y mutant of HIV-2 became completely sensitive to delavirdine and efavirenz, while that of SIVmac was also significantly sensitive to these NNRTIs. We further isolated NNRTI-resistant variants from these mutant viruses and determined amino acid substitutions in RT. The roles of the observed substitutions in NNRTI-resistance were further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Our study reveals the crucial role of L188 in the natural resistance of HIV-2 and SIVmac to NNRTIs. Furthermore, the observed substitutions in RT of HIV-2 and SIVmac support the common mechanism of action of NNRTIs against HIV-1, HIV-2 and SIV.

Electroporation-mediated PDGF receptor-IgG chimera gene transfer ameliorates experimental glomerulonephritis

BACKGROUND

Mesangial cell proliferation and phenotypic alteration occur in an early phase of glomerular injury and precede increased extracellular matrix accumulation. A critical growth factor responsible for mesangial proliferation is platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which has proved to be a potent mitogen.

METHODS

We generated a chimeric cDNA encoding an extracellular domain of the beta-PDGF receptor fused with IgG-Fc, termed PDGFR/Fc, and examined the feasibility of gene therapy targeting PDGF using PDGFR/Fc.

RESULTS

Chimeric PDGFR/Fc molecule completely inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation of beta-PDGF receptors and cellular proliferation induced by PDGF in vitro. We then introduced the PDGFR/Fc expression vector into the muscle of anti-Thy-1 model of glomerulonephritic rats by electroporation. The plasma concentration of chimeric PDGFR/Fc levels was 244.4 +/- 89.8 ng/mL four days after transfection. On day 5, PDGFR/Fc gene transfer significantly reduced the number of PCNA-positive cells and glomerular cell numbers by 59.6 and 23.2%, respectively. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that glomerular mRNA levels of alpha-smooth muscle action, transforming growth factor-beta 1, and type I collagen were also suppressed on days 5 and 7 by the PDGFR/Fc transfection. There was a significant reduction in the matrix score of the transfected nephritic rats (2.91 +/- 0.75 and 2.06 +/- 0.95; disease control group vs. treated group, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that gene therapy by the manipulation of PDGF action using electroporation-mediated PDGFR/Fc gene transfer to the skeletal muscle might be a useful treatment for mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis.