Sample records for ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial

  1. Bmi-1 plays a critical role in protection from renal tubulointerstitial injury by maintaining redox balance

    PubMed Central

    Jin, Jianliang; Lv, Xianhui; Chen, Lulu; Zhang, Wei; Li, Jinbo; Wang, Qian; Wang, Rong; Lu, Xiang; Miao, Dengshun

    2014-01-01

    To determine whether Bmi-1 deficiency could lead to renal tubulointerstitial injury by mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress in the kidney, 3-week-old Bmi-1-/- mice were treated with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 1 mg mL−1) in their drinking water, or pyrro-quinoline quinone (PQQ, 4 mg kg−1 diet) in their diet for 2 weeks, and their renal phenotypes were compared with vehicle-treated Bmi1-/- and wild-type mice. Bmi-1 was knocked down in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK2) cells which were treated with 1 mm NAC for 72 or 96 h, and their phenotypes were compared with control cells. Five-week-old vehicle-treated Bmi-1-/- mice displayed renal interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and severe renal function impairment with decreased renal cell proliferation, increased renal cell apoptosis and senescence, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Impaired mitochondrial structure, decreased mitochondrial numbers, and increased oxidative stress occurred in Bmi-1-/- mice; subsequently, this caused DNA damage, the activation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling, and the imbalance between extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation. Oxidative stress-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of renal tubular epithelial cells was enhanced in Bmi-1 knocked down HK2 cells. All phenotypic alterations caused by Bmi-1 deficiency were ameliorated by antioxidant treatment. These findings indicate that Bmi-1 plays a critical role in protection from renal tubulointerstitial injury by maintaining redox balance and will be a novel therapeutic target for preventing renal tubulointerstitial injury. PMID:24915841

  2. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived microparticles ameliorate peritubular capillary rarefaction via inhibition of endothelial-mesenchymal transition and decrease tubulointerstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hoon Young; Lee, Hyun Gyu; Kim, Beom Seok; Ahn, Sun Hee; Jung, Ara; Lee, Mirae; Lee, Jung Eun; Kim, Hyung Jong; Ha, Sung Kyu; Park, Hyeong Cheon

    2015-03-11

    Microparticles (MPs) derived from kidney-derived mesenchymal stem cells (KMSCs) have recently been reported to ameliorate rarefaction of peritubular capillaries (PTC) in ischemic kidneys via delivery of proangiogenic effectors. This study aimed to investigate whether KMSC-derived MPs show anti-fibrotic effects by ameliorating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and by preserving PTC in kidneys with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo. MPs isolated from the supernatants of KMSC were co-cultured with HUVEC to assess their in vitro biologic effects on endothelial cells. Mice were treated with MPs via the tail vein after UUO injury to assess their anti-fibrotic and PTC sparing effects. Renal tubulointerstitial damage and inflammatory cell infiltration were examined with Masson's trichrome, F4/80 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining and PTC rarefaction index was determined by CD31 staining. KMSC-derived MPs significantly ameliorated EndoMT and improved in vitro proliferation of TGF-β1 treated HUVEC. In vivo administration of KMSC-derived MPs significantly inhibited EndoMT of PTC endothelial cells and improved PTC rarefaction in UUO kidneys. Furthermore, administration of KMSC-derived MPs inhibited inflammatory cell infiltration as well as tubulointerstitial fibrosis in UUO mice as demonstrated by decreased F4/80 and α-SMA-positive cells and Masson's trichrome staining, respectively. Our results suggest that KMSC-derived MPs ameliorate PTC rarefaction via inhibition of EndoMT and protect against progression of renal damage by inhibiting tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

  3. Slit2 ameliorates renal inflammation and fibrosis after hypoxia-and lipopolysaccharide-induced epithelial cells injury in vitro

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhou, Xiangjun; Yao, Qisheng, E-mail: yymcyqs@126.com; Sun, Xinbo

    Hypoxic acute kidney injury (AKI) is often incompletely repaired and leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is characterized by tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis. The Slit2 family of secreted glycoproteins is expressed in the kidney, it has been shown to exert an anti-inflammatory activity and prevent ischemic renal injury in vivo. However, whether Slit2 reduces renal fibrosis and inflammation after hypoxic and inflammatory epithelial cells injury in vitro remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether Slit2 ameliorated fibrosis and inflammation in two renal epithelial cells line challenged with hypoxia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Renal epithelial cells were treatedmore » with hypoxia and LPS to induce cell injury. Hoechst staining and Western blot analysis was conducted to examine epithelial cells injury. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tested the inflammatory factor interleukin (IL)−1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and Western blot analysis determined the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)−1α, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB. Results revealed that hypoxia induced epithelial cells apoptosis, inflammatory factor IL-1β and TNF-α release and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. LPS could exacerbate hypoxia -induced epithelial cells apoptosis, IL-1β and TNF-α release and fibrosis. Slit2 reduced the expression of fibronectin, the rate of epithelial cell apoptosis, and the expression of inflammatory factor. Slit2 could also inhibit the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, but not the expression of HIF-1α. Therefore, Slit2 attenuated inflammation and fibrosis after LPS- and hypoxia-induced epithelial cells injury via the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, but not depending on the HIF-1α signaling pathway. - Highlights: • Slit2 ameliorates inflammation after hypoxia-and LPS-induced epithelial cells

  4. [Yersiniosis as a cause of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and acute renal failure--case report].

    PubMed

    Runowski, Dariusz; Szymoniak, Norbert; Zaniew, Marcin; Piatkowska-Kopczyk, Małgorzata; Wozniak, Aldona; Kroll, Paweł; Zachwieja, Jacek

    2005-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TN) is a heterogenous disease, where disturbances of the interstitial tissue and renal tubules are found. Different immunological and nonimmunological mechanisms initiated by infectious and non-infectious factors may lead to TN. A case of 13-years-old girl with primary diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis is presented. The abdominal pain, headache, pain in lumbar region and intermittent fever with loss of appetite were observed in this girl a few weeks before admission. Microcytic anemia, proteinuria and glucosuria, azotemia and elevated markers of inflammatory response were found. In ultrasound examination heterogenous cortex echogenicity of both kidneys and disturbances in parenchymal blood flow were observed. In renal scintigraphy the discriminated catch index was found. Kidney biopsy revealed the edema of the interstitial space with mononuclear and lymphocyte infiltration. The diagnosis of TN was established upon the history, clinical examination, results of laboratory tests, kidney imaging and biopsy. After steroid and doxycycline treatment an improvement and normalization of the results of laboratory tests were observed. It seems to be justified to consider Yersinia infection as a cause of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.

  5. 5-Lypoxygenase products are involved in renal tubulointerstitial injury induced by albumin overload in proximal tubules in mice.

    PubMed

    Landgraf, Sharon Schilling; Silva, Leandro Souza; Peruchetti, Diogo Barros; Sirtoli, Gabriela Modenesi; Moraes-Santos, Felipe; Portella, Viviane Gomes; Silva-Filho, João Luiz; Pinheiro, Carla Silva; Abreu, Thiago Pereira; Takiya, Christina Maeda; Benjamin, Claudia Farias; Pinheiro, Ana Acacia Sá; Canetti, Claudio; Caruso-Neves, Celso

    2014-01-01

    The role of albumin overload in proximal tubules (PT) in the development of tubulointerstitial injury and, consequently, in the progression of renal disease has become more relevant in recent years. Despite the importance of leukotrienes (LTs) in renal disease, little is known about their role in tubulointerstitial injury. The aim of the present work was to investigate the possible role of LTs on tubulointerstitial injury induced by albumin overload. An animal model of tubulointerstitial injury challenged by bovine serum albumin was developed in SV129 mice (wild-type) and 5-lipoxygenase-deficient mice (5-LO(-/-)). The changes in glomerular morphology and nestin expression observed in wild-type mice subjected to kidney insult were also observed in 5-LO(-/-) mice. The levels of urinary protein observed in the 5-LO(-/-) mice subjected or not to kidney insult were lower than those observed in respective wild-type mice. Furthermore, the increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, a marker of tubule damage, observed in wild-type mice subjected to kidney insult did not occur in 5-LO(-/-) mice. LTB4 and LTD4, 5-LO products, decreased the uptake of albumin in LLC-PK1 cells, a well-characterized porcine PT cell line. This effect correlated with activation of protein kinase C and inhibition of protein kinase B. The level of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6, increased in mice subjected to kidney insult but this effect was not modified in 5-LO(-/-) mice. However, 5-LO(-/-) mice subjected to kidney insult presented lower macrophage infiltration and higher levels of IL-10 than wild-type mice. Our results reveal that LTs have an important role in tubulointerstitial disease induced by albumin overload.

  6. 5-Lypoxygenase Products Are Involved in Renal Tubulointerstitial Injury Induced by Albumin Overload in Proximal Tubules in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Landgraf, Sharon Schilling; Silva, Leandro Souza; Peruchetti, Diogo Barros; Sirtoli, Gabriela Modenesi; Moraes-Santos, Felipe; Portella, Viviane Gomes; Silva-Filho, João Luiz; Pinheiro, Carla Silva; Abreu, Thiago Pereira; Takiya, Christina Maeda; Benjamin, Claudia Farias; Pinheiro, Ana Acacia Sá; Canetti, Claudio; Caruso-Neves, Celso

    2014-01-01

    The role of albumin overload in proximal tubules (PT) in the development of tubulointerstitial injury and, consequently, in the progression of renal disease has become more relevant in recent years. Despite the importance of leukotrienes (LTs) in renal disease, little is known about their role in tubulointerstitial injury. The aim of the present work was to investigate the possible role of LTs on tubulointerstitial injury induced by albumin overload. An animal model of tubulointerstitial injury challenged by bovine serum albumin was developed in SV129 mice (wild-type) and 5-lipoxygenase-deficient mice (5-LO–/–). The changes in glomerular morphology and nestin expression observed in wild-type mice subjected to kidney insult were also observed in 5-LO–/– mice. The levels of urinary protein observed in the 5-LO–/– mice subjected or not to kidney insult were lower than those observed in respective wild-type mice. Furthermore, the increase in lactate dehydrogenase activity, a marker of tubule damage, observed in wild-type mice subjected to kidney insult did not occur in 5-LO–/– mice. LTB4 and LTD4, 5-LO products, decreased the uptake of albumin in LLC-PK1 cells, a well-characterized porcine PT cell line. This effect correlated with activation of protein kinase C and inhibition of protein kinase B. The level of proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin (IL)-6, increased in mice subjected to kidney insult but this effect was not modified in 5-LO–/– mice. However, 5-LO–/– mice subjected to kidney insult presented lower macrophage infiltration and higher levels of IL-10 than wild-type mice. Our results reveal that LTs have an important role in tubulointerstitial disease induced by albumin overload. PMID:25302946

  7. Overexpression of catalase prevents hypertension and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and normalization of renal angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 expression in Akita mice

    PubMed Central

    Shi, Yixuan; Lo, Chao-Sheng; Chenier, Isabelle; Maachi, Hasna; Filep, Janos G.; Ingelfinger, Julie R.; Zhang, Shao-Ling

    2013-01-01

    We investigated the relationship among oxidative stress, hypertension, renal injury, and angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) expression in type 1 diabetic Akita mice. Blood glucose, blood pressure, and albuminuria were monitored for up to 5 mo in adult male Akita and Akita catalase (Cat) transgenic (Tg) mice specifically overexpressing Cat, a key antioxidant enzyme in their renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs). Same-age non-Akita littermates and Cat-Tg mice served as controls. In separate studies, adult male Akita mice (14 wk) were treated with ANG 1–7 (500 μg·kg−1·day−1 sc) ± A-779, an antagonist of the Mas receptor (10 mg·kg−1·day−1 sc), and euthanized at the age of 18 wk. The left kidneys were processed for histology and apoptosis studies. Renal proximal tubules were isolated from the right kidneys to assess protein and gene expression. Urinary angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin II (ANG II), and ANG 1–7 were quantified by specific ELISAs. Overexpression of Cat attenuated renal oxidative stress; prevented hypertension; normalized RPTC ACE2 expression and urinary ANG 1–7 levels (both were low in Akita mice); ameliorated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria, kidney hypertrophy, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and tubular apoptosis; and suppressed profibrotic and proapoptotic gene expression in RPTCs of Akita Cat-Tg mice compared with Akita mice. Furthermore, daily administration of ANG 1–7 normalized systemic hypertension in Akita mice, which was reversed by A-779. These data demonstrate that Cat overexpression prevents hypertension and progression of nephropathy and highlight the importance of intrarenal oxidative stress and ACE2 expression contributing to hypertension and renal injury in diabetes. PMID:23552863

  8. Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome in a Twelve-Year-Old Girl

    PubMed Central

    Paladini, Alessia; Venturoli, Vittorio; Mosconi, Giovanni; Zambianchi, Loretta; Serra, Luigi; Valletta, Enrico

    2013-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disorder defined by the combination of biochemical abnormalities, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and uveitis. We describe a 12-year-old female, presented with a ten-day history of fever, characterized by sudden onset and rapid spontaneous resolution in few hours, accompanied by shivering, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Laboratory values were consistent with renal failure of tubular origin. Renal biopsy confirmed a tubulointerstitial nephritis, with acute tubulitis, polymorphonuclear infiltration, and microabscesses. The renal interstitium was occupied by a dense inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Glomerular structures were preserved. Ophthalmological examination that suggested a previous asymptomatic bilateral uveitis and HLA typing (HLA-DQA1∗0101/0201 and HLA-DQB1∗0303/0503) further supported the suspect of TINU syndrome. TINU syndrome is probably an underdiagnosed disorder, responsible for many cases of idiopathic anterior uveitis in young patients, especially in those who have asymptomatic renal disease and when proper diagnostic tests are not performed at the time of presentation. PMID:23691408

  9. Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome in a twelve-year-old girl.

    PubMed

    Paladini, Alessia; Venturoli, Vittorio; Mosconi, Giovanni; Zambianchi, Loretta; Serra, Luigi; Valletta, Enrico

    2013-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disorder defined by the combination of biochemical abnormalities, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and uveitis. We describe a 12-year-old female, presented with a ten-day history of fever, characterized by sudden onset and rapid spontaneous resolution in few hours, accompanied by shivering, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite. Laboratory values were consistent with renal failure of tubular origin. Renal biopsy confirmed a tubulointerstitial nephritis, with acute tubulitis, polymorphonuclear infiltration, and microabscesses. The renal interstitium was occupied by a dense inflammatory infiltrate, consisting of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils. Glomerular structures were preserved. Ophthalmological examination that suggested a previous asymptomatic bilateral uveitis and HLA typing (HLA-DQA1∗0101/0201 and HLA-DQB1∗0303/0503) further supported the suspect of TINU syndrome. TINU syndrome is probably an underdiagnosed disorder, responsible for many cases of idiopathic anterior uveitis in young patients, especially in those who have asymptomatic renal disease and when proper diagnostic tests are not performed at the time of presentation.

  10. BCL-2 as a Therapeutic Target in Human Tubulointerstitial Inflammation

    PubMed Central

    Ko, Kichul; Wang, Jianing; Perper, Stuart; Jiang, Yulei; Yanez, Denisse; Kaverina, Natalya; Ai, Junting; Liarski, Vladimir M.; Chang, Anthony; Peng, Yahui; Lan, Li; Westmoreland, Susan; Olson, Lisa; Giger, Maryellen L.; Wang, Li Chun; Clark, Marcus R.

    2016-01-01

    Objective In lupus nephritis (LuN), tubulointerstitial inflammation (TII) is associated with in situ adaptive immune cell networks that amplify local tissue damage. As patients with severe TII often fail conventional therapy and develop renal failure, understanding these in situ mechanisms might reveal new therapeutic targets. We hypothesized that in TII, dysregulated apoptotic regulators maintain local adaptive immunity and drive inflammation. Methods We developed novel computational approaches that, when applied to multicolor confocal images, quantified apoptotic regulator protein expression in selected lymphocyte subsets. This approach was validated using laser capture microdissection (LCM) coupled to qPCR. Furthermore, we explored the consequences of dysregulated apoptotic mediator expression in a murine model of LuN. Results Analyses of renal biopsies from LuN and mixed cellular allograft rejection patients revealed that BCL-2 was frequently expressed in infiltrating lymphocytes while expression of MCL-1 was low. In contrast, the reciprocal pattern of expression was observed in tonsil germinal centers. These results were consistent with RNA expression data obtained using LCM and qPCR. BCL-2 was also highly expressed in tubulointerstitial infiltrates of NZB/W F1 mice. Furthermore, treatment of NZB/W F1 mice with ABT-199, a selective oral inhibitor of BCL-2, prolonged survival and prevented proteinuria and development of TII in a prevention model. Interestingly, glomerular immune complexes were partially ameliorated by ABT-199 and serum anti-dsDNA antibody titers were unaffected. Conclusion These data demonstrate BCL-2 as an attractive therapeutic target in LuN manifesting TII. PMID:27159593

  11. Saxagliptin reduces renal tubulointerstitial inflammation, hypertrophy and fibrosis in diabetes.

    PubMed

    Gangadharan Komala, Muralikrishna; Gross, Simon; Zaky, Amgad; Pollock, Carol; Panchapakesan, Usha

    2016-05-01

    In addition to lowering blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors have been shown to be antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory. We have previously shown that DPP4 inhibition in human kidney proximal tubular cells exposed to high glucose reduced fibrotic and inflammatory markers. Hence, we wanted to demonstrate renoprotection in an in vivo model. We used a type 1 diabetic animal model to explore the renoprotective potential of saxagliptin independent of glucose lowering. We induced diabetes in enos -/- mice using streptozotocin and matched glucose levels using insulin. Diabetic mice were treated with saxagliptin and outcomes compared with untreated diabetic mice. We provide novel data that saxagliptin limits renal hypertrophy, transforming growth factor beta-related fibrosis and NF-κBp65-mediated macrophage infiltration. Overall, there was a reduction in histological markers of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. There was no reduction in albuminuria or glomerulosclerosis. Our findings highlight the potential of DPP4 inhibition as additional therapy in addressing the multiple pathways to achieve renoprotection in diabetic nephropathy. © 2015 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.

  12. Early detection of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis in the genesis of Mesoamerican nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Rebecca S B; Vangala, Chandan; Truong, Luan; Mandayam, Sreedhar; Chavarria, Denis; Granera Llanes, Orlando M; Fonseca Laguna, Marcos U; Guerra Baez, Alvaro; Garcia, Felix; García-Trabanino, Ramón; Murray, Kristy O

    2018-03-01

    Mesoamerican nephropathy is a devastating disease of unknown etiology that affects mostly young agricultural workers in Central America. An understanding of the mechanism of injury and the early disease process is urgently needed and will aid in identification of the underlying cause and direct treatment and prevention efforts. We sought to describe the renal pathology in Mesoamerican nephropathy at its earliest clinical appearance in prospectively identified acute case patients in Nicaragua. We considered those with elevated (or increased at least 0.3 mg/dL or 1.5-fold from baseline) serum creatinine, leukocyturia, and either leukocytosis or neutrophilia for inclusion in this biopsy study. Renal tissue was obtained by ultrasound-guided biopsy for examination by light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy. All 11 individuals who underwent renal biopsy showed tubulointerstitial nephritis, with varying degrees of inflammation and chronicity. Interstitial cellular infiltrates (predominantly T lymphocytes and monocytes), mostly in the corticomedullary junction; neutrophilic accumulation in the tubular lumens; largely preserved glomeruli; few mild ischemic changes; and no immune deposits were noted. The acute components of tubulointerstitial nephritis were acute tubular cell injury, interstitial edema, and early fibrosis. Chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis included severe tubular atrophy, thickened tubular basement membrane, and interstitial fibrosis. Thus, renal histopathology in Mesoamerican nephropathy reveals primary interstitial disease with intact glomeruli. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Ensete superbum ameliorates renal dysfunction in experimental diabetes mellitus.

    PubMed

    Sreekutty, M S; Mini, S

    2016-01-01

    Hyperglycemia mediated oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications like nephropathy. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ensete superbum seeds (ESSE) on renal dysfunction and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glucose, HbA1c, total protein, albumin, renal function markers (urea, uric acid and creatinine), and lipid peroxidation levels were evaluated. Renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were examined along with renal histopathological study. ESSE (400 mg/kg BW t) administration reduced glucose and HbA1c, and improved serum total protein and albumin in diabetic rats. ESSE in diabetic rats recorded decrement in renal function markers and renal lipid peroxidation products along with significant increment in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Renal morphological abnormalities of diabetic rats were markedly ameliorated by E. superbum. These results suggest that the antioxidant effect of E. superbum could ameliorate oxidative stress and delay/prevent the progress of diabetic nephropathy in diabetes mellitus.

  14. Lysyl oxidase‑like 2 is expressed in kidney tissue and is associated with the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Choi, Sung-Eun; Jeon, Nara; Choi, Hoon Young; Shin, Jae Il; Jeong, Hyeon Joo; Lim, Beom Jin

    2017-09-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common end point of chronic kidney diseases, and preventing its progression is key to avoiding renal failure. Transforming growth factor‑β (TGF‑β) and associated molecules promote tubulointerstitial fibrosis; however, effective therapies targeting these molecules have yet to be developed. Lysyl oxidase‑like 2 (LOXL2), which is involved in invasive growth and metastasis of malignant neoplasms, has recently been reported to serve a key role in hepatic and pulmonary fibrosis. However, little is currently known regarding LOXL2 expression in the kidney and its involvement in tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The present study evaluated LOXL2 expression in human and mouse kidney tissues, as well as in cultured renal cells. LOXL2 protein expression was detected in glomerular capillary loops and tubular epithelial cells in human and mouse kidneys. Glomerular LOXL2 was localized to the cytoplasm of podocytes, as determined by double immunofluorescence microscopy using a podocyte marker (synaptopodin). This result was supported by western blot analysis, which demonstrated that LOXL2 protein expression is present in cultured human podocytes and HK‑2 human proximal tubular cells. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of LOXL2 were higher in a mouse model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared with in control mice. In addition, immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that LOXL2 is present in the fibrous interstitium and infiltrating mononuclear cells in a mouse model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The present study demonstrated that LOXL2 is expressed in compartments of renal tissue, where it appears to contribute to the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

  15. Mefunidone Attenuates Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis in a Rat Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Chunyan; Mei, Wenjuan; Tang, Juan; Yuan, Qiongjing; Huang, Ling; Lu, Miaomiao; Wu, Lin; Peng, Zhangzhe; Meng, Jie; Yang, Huixiang; Shen, Hong; Lv, Ben; Hu, Gaoyun; Tao, Lijian

    2015-01-01

    Background Inflammation has a crucial role in renal interstitial fibrosis, which is the common pathway of chronic kidney diseases. Mefunidone (MFD) is a new compound which could effectively inhibit the proliferation of renal fibroblasts in vitro. However, the overall effect of Mefunidone in renal fibrosis remains unknown. Methods Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided intro 6 groups: sham operation, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO/Mefunidone (25, 50, 100mg/kg/day) and UUO/PFD (500mg/kg/day). The rats were sacrificed respectively on days 3, 7, and 14 after the operation. Tubulointerstitial injury index, interstitial collagen deposition, expression of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I and III collagen and the number of CD3+ and CD68+ cells were determined. The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, p-ERK, p-IκB, and p-STAT3 were measured in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells of HK-2 or macrophages. Results Mefunidone treatment significantly attenuated tubulointerstitial injury, interstitial collagen deposition, expression of FN, α-SMA, type I and III collagen in the obstructive kidneys, which correlated with significantly reduced the number of T cells and macrophages in the obstructive kidneys. Mechanistically, Mefunidone significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α-) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines. This effect is possibly due to the inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK, IκB, and STAT3. Conclusion Mefunidone treatment attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat model of UUO, at least in part, through inhibition of inflammation. PMID:26042668

  16. Osteopontin deficiency ameliorates Alport pathology by preventing tubular metabolic deficits.

    PubMed

    Ding, Wen; Yousefi, Keyvan; Goncalves, Stefania; Goldstein, Bradley J; Sabater, Alfonso L; Kloosterboer, Amy; Ritter, Portia; Lambert, Guerline; Mendez, Armando J; Shehadeh, Lina A

    2018-03-22

    Alport syndrome is a rare hereditary renal disorder with no etiologic therapy. We found that osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed in the renal tubules of the Alport mouse and plays a causative pathological role. OPN genetic deletion ameliorated albuminuria, hypertension, tubulointerstitial proliferation, renal apoptosis, and hearing and visual deficits in the Alport mouse. In Alport renal tubules we found extensive cholesterol accumulation and increased protein expression of dynamin-3 (DNM3) and LDL receptor (LDLR) in addition to dysmorphic mitochondria with defective bioenergetics. Increased pathological cholesterol influx was confirmed by a remarkably increased uptake of injected DiI-LDL cholesterol by Alport renal tubules, and by the improved lifespan of the Alport mice when crossed with the Ldlr-/- mice with defective cholesterol influx. Moreover, OPN-deficient Alport mice demonstrated significant reduction of DNM3 and LDLR expression. In human renal epithelial cells, overexpressing DNM3 resulted in elevated LDLR protein expression and defective mitochondrial respiration. Our results suggest a potentially new pathway in Alport pathology where tubular OPN causes DNM3- and LDLR-mediated enhanced cholesterol influx and impaired mitochondrial respiration.

  17. Tubular overexpression of Gremlin in transgenic mice aggravates renal damage in diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Marchant, Vanessa; Droguett, Alejandra; Valderrama, Graciela; Burgos, M Eugenia; Carpio, Daniel; Kerr, Bredford; Ruiz-Ortega, Marta; Egido, Jesús; Mezzano, Sergio

    2015-09-15

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is currently a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Gremlin was identified as a gene differentially expressed in mesangial cells exposed to high glucose and in experimental diabetic kidneys. We have described that Gremlin is highly expressed in biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy, predominantly in areas of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetes, Gremlin deletion using Grem1 heterozygous knockout mice or by gene silencing, ameliorates renal damage. To study the in vivo role of Gremlin in renal damage, we developed a diabetic model induced by STZ in transgenic (TG) mice expressing human Gremlin in proximal tubular epithelial cells. The albuminuria/creatinuria ratio, determined at week 20 after treatment, was significantly increased in diabetic mice but with no significant differences between transgenic (TG/STZ) and wild-type mice (WT/STZ). To assess the level of renal damage, kidney tissue was analyzed by light microscopy (periodic acid-Schiff and Masson staining), electron microscopy, and quantitative PCR. TG/STZ mice had significantly greater thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased mesangial matrix, and podocytopenia vs. WT/STZ. At the tubulointerstitial level, TG/STZ showed increased cell infiltration and mild interstitial fibrosis. In addition, we observed a decreased expression of podocin and overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fibrotic-related markers, including transforming growth factor-β1, Col1a1, and α-smooth muscle actin. Together, these results show that TG mice overexpressing Gremlin in renal tubules develop greater glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in response to diabetic-mediated damage and support the involvement of Gremlin in diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  18. Osthole ameliorates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting inflammatory response.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yi; Lu, Min; Ma, Lulin; Zhang, Shudong; Qiu, Min; Ma, Xin

    2013-01-01

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a primary cause of acute renal failure that results in high mortality. This study aimed to investigate the effect of osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, on renal I/R injury in a rat model. Rats were randomly allocated to the sham operation + vehicle, I/R + vehicle, and I/R + osthole groups. Renal I/R injury was induced by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by 12 h of reperfusion and a contralateral nephrectomy. Osthole (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 30 min before inducing I/R. Renal function and histological damage were determined subsequently. Myeloperoxidase activity, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression in kidneys were also assessed. Osthole treatment significantly ameliorated I/R-induced renal functional and morphological injuries. Moreover, osthole treatment attenuated myeloperoxidase activity, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, and activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase expression in kidneys. Osthole treatment ameliorates renal I/R injury by inhibiting inflammatory responses in kidneys. Thus, osthole may represent a novel practical strategy to prevent renal I/R injury. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  19. IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis: A prospective analysis.

    PubMed

    Nada, Ritambhra; Ramachandran, Raja; Kumar, Ashwani; Rathi, Manish; Rawat, Amit; Joshi, Kusum; Kohli, Harbir Singh; Gupta, Krishan Lal

    2016-07-01

    Immunoglobulin-G4 (IgG4)-related tubulo-interstitial nephritis (IgG4TIN) could be the first presentation of IgG4-related systemic disease. Most of the data is from the West or Japan and retrospective, with good patient outcome. This study was carried out from April 2011 to July 2013. We report a prospective follow-up of 11 patients who presented with renal dysfunction and had histological diagnosis of IgG4TIN followed for a minimum period of 1 year or until end-stage renal disease. IgG4TIN constituted 0.28% of total renal biopsies and 6.5% of all tubulointerstitial nephritis. Patient ages ranged between 21 and 71 years with a male predominance. All the patients had renal dysfunction at presentation with a mean serum creatinine of 5.12 mg/dL. Proteinuria was subnephrotic except when there was coexisting membranous glomerulonephritis (36.4%). The mean 24-h urine protien excretion was 1.8 g. Serum IgG4 levels were elevated in 10 (90.9%) patients. Ten (90.9%) patients had renomegaly and one (9.1%) had focal renal mass. Extra-renal manifestations were present in seven (63.6%). Renal histology showed pattern A in five (45.5%), pattern B in four (36.3%) and pattern C in two (18.1%) patients. All but one patient (90.9%) received immunosuppressive therapy. Four (36.3%) achieved complete remission and three (27.2%) progressed to end stage renal disease. Two patients died due to infections while on steroid therapy. One patient with a mass had end stage renal disease for 12 months and did not improve with steroid therapy, and one (pattern C) had progressive chronic kidney disease on follow-up. IgG4TIN in an Indian cohort most often presents with rapidly progressive renal failure and less often has extra-renal organ involvement. On follow-up, patients can experience a more aggressive course with progression to end stage renal disease. © 2015 Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  20. Osteopontin deficiency ameliorates Alport pathology by preventing tubular metabolic deficits

    PubMed Central

    Ding, Wen; Goncalves, Stefania; Goldstein, Bradley J.; Sabater, Alfonso L.; Kloosterboer, Amy; Ritter, Portia; Lambert, Guerline; Mendez, Armando J.

    2018-01-01

    Alport syndrome is a rare hereditary renal disorder with no etiologic therapy. We found that osteopontin (OPN) is highly expressed in the renal tubules of the Alport mouse and plays a causative pathological role. OPN genetic deletion ameliorated albuminuria, hypertension, tubulointerstitial proliferation, renal apoptosis, and hearing and visual deficits in the Alport mouse. In Alport renal tubules we found extensive cholesterol accumulation and increased protein expression of dynamin-3 (DNM3) and LDL receptor (LDLR) in addition to dysmorphic mitochondria with defective bioenergetics. Increased pathological cholesterol influx was confirmed by a remarkably increased uptake of injected DiI-LDL cholesterol by Alport renal tubules, and by the improved lifespan of the Alport mice when crossed with the Ldlr–/– mice with defective cholesterol influx. Moreover, OPN-deficient Alport mice demonstrated significant reduction of DNM3 and LDLR expression. In human renal epithelial cells, overexpressing DNM3 resulted in elevated LDLR protein expression and defective mitochondrial respiration. Our results suggest a potentially new pathway in Alport pathology where tubular OPN causes DNM3- and LDLR-mediated enhanced cholesterol influx and impaired mitochondrial respiration. PMID:29563333

  1. Albumin stimulates renal tubular inflammation through an HSP70-TLR4 axis in mice with early diabetic nephropathy

    PubMed Central

    Jheng, Huei-Fen; Tsai, Pei-Jane; Chuang, Yi-Lun; Shen, Yi-Ting; Tai, Ting-An; Chen, Wen-Chung; Chou, Chuan-Kai; Ho, Li-Chun; Tang, Ming-Jer; Lai, Kuei-Tai A.; Sung, Junne-Ming; Tsai, Yau-Sheng

    2015-01-01

    ABSTRACT Increased urinary albumin excretion is not simply an aftermath of glomerular injury, but is also involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Whereas Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are incriminated in the renal inflammation of DN, whether and how albumin is involved in the TLR-related renal inflammatory response remains to be clarified. Here, we showed that both TLR2 and TLR4, one of their putative endogenous ligands [heat shock protein 70 (HSP70)] and nuclear factor-κB promoter activity were markedly elevated in the kidneys of diabetic mice. A deficiency of TLR4 but not of TLR2 alleviated albuminuria, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation induced by diabetes. The protection against renal injury in diabetic Tlr4−/− mice was associated with reduced tubular injuries and preserved cubilin levels, rather than amelioration of glomerular lesions. In vitro studies revealed that albumin, a stronger inducer than high glucose (HG), induced the release of HSP70 from proximal tubular cells. HSP70 blockade ameliorated albumin-induced inflammatory mediators. HSP70 triggered the production of inflammatory mediators in a TLR4-dependent manner. Moreover, HSP70 inhibition in vivo ameliorated diabetes-induced albuminuria, inflammatory response and tubular injury. Finally, we found that individuals with DN had higher levels of TLR4 and HSP70 in the dilated tubules than non-diabetic controls. Thus, activation of the HSP70-TLR4 axis, stimulated at least in part by albumin, in the tubular cell is a newly identified mechanism associated with induction of tubulointerstitial inflammation and aggravation of pre-existing microalbuminuria in the progression of DN. PMID:26398934

  2. TUBULOINTERSTITIAL NEPHRITIS AND UVEITIS SYNDROME WITH A PRIMARY PRESENTATION OF ACUTE POSTERIOR MULTIFOCAL PLACOID PIGMENT EPITHELIOPATHY.

    PubMed

    Lee, Andrew R; Sharma, Sumit; Mahmoud, Tamer H

    2017-01-01

    To report a case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome with a primary presentation of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy after use of lamotrigine. Retrospective case report with ultra-widefield fundus imaging, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. A 19-year-old woman presented with decreased visual acuity and acute renal failure after starting lamotrigine. Her examination demonstrated 1+ anterior chamber cell and numerous white deep retinal plaque-like lesions predominantly in the macula in both eyes. After extensive ophthalmic and systemic evaluation, the patient was diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome with a primary presentation of acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. She had excellent visual recovery with topical and systemic steroids. Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy is a rare but important clinical presentation of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome. Oral corticosteroid treatment can be considered for tubulointerstitial nephritis but is generally not necessary for acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy.

  3. Chemical chaperon 4-phenylbutyrate protects against the endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro.

    PubMed

    Liu, Shing-Hwa; Yang, Ching-Chin; Chan, Ding-Cheng; Wu, Cheng-Tien; Chen, Li-Ping; Huang, Jenq-Wen; Hung, Kuan-Yu; Chiang, Chih-Kang

    2016-04-19

    Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common and final pathologic change of kidney in end-stage renal disease. Interesting, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is known to contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms during the development of renal fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of chemical chaperon sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) on renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. In a rat unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model, 4-PBA mimicked endogenous ER chaperon in the kidneys and significantly reduced glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP) homologous protein (CHOP), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and phosphorylated JNK protein expressions as well as restored spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1) expressions in the kidneys of UUO rats. 4-PBA also attenuated the increases of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein expressions, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and apoptosis in the kidneys of UUO rats. Moreover, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β markedly increased ER stress-associated molecules, profibrotic factors, and apoptotic markers in the renal tubular cells (NRK-52E), all of which could be significantly counteracted by 4-PBA treatment. 4-PBA also diminished TGF-β-increased CTGF promoter activity and CTGF mRNA expression in NRK-52E cells. Taken together, our results indicated that 4-PBA acts as an ER chaperone to ameliorate ER stress-induced renal tubular cell apoptosis and renal fibrosis.

  4. Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen: an extracellular matrix protein that selectively regulates tubulogenesis vs. glomerulogenesis during mammalian renal development.

    PubMed

    Kanwar, Y S; Kumar, A; Yang, Q; Tian, Y; Wada, J; Kashihara, N; Wallner, E I

    1999-09-28

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen (TIN-ag) is an extracellular matrix protein and is expressed in the renal tubular basement membranes. Its role in metanephric development was investigated. TIN-ag cDNA, isolated from the newborn mouse library, had an ORF of 1,425 nucleotides, a putative signal sequence, and an ATP/GTP-binding site. The translated sequence had approximately 80% identity with rabbit TIN-ag. Among various tissues, TIN-ag mRNA was primarily expressed in the newborn kidney. In the embryonic metanephros, TIN-ag expression was confined to the distal convolution or pole of the S-shaped body, the segment of the nascent nephron that is the progenitor of renal tubules. Treatment with TIN-ag antisense oligodeoxynucleotide induced dysmorphogenesis of the embryonic metanephroi, malformation of the S-shaped body, and a decrease in the tubular population, whereas the glomeruli were unaffected. Treatment also led to a decrease of TIN-Ag mRNA, de novo synthesis of TIN-ag protein, and its antibody reactivity. The mRNA expression of glomerular epithelial protein 1 (a marker for renal podocytes), anti-heparan-sulfate-proteoglycan antibody reactivity, and wheat germ agglutinin lectin staining of the metanephros were unaffected. The anti-TIN-ag antibody treatment also caused deformation of the S-shaped body and a reduction in the tubular population, whereas the glomeruli were unchanged. The data suggest that the TIN-ag, unlike other basement membrane proteins, selectively regulates tubulogenesis, whereas glomerulogenesis is largely unaffected.

  5. An unusual renal manifestation of chronic HBV infection.

    PubMed

    Aravindan, Ananthakrishnapuram; Yong, Jim; Killingsworth, Murray; Strasser, Simone; Suranyi, Michael

    2010-08-01

    Hepatitis B viral infection is usually a self-limiting disease in immunocompetent individuals. Chronic infection can be seen in up to 5% of infected patients. Renal manifestations of chronic HBV infection are usually glomerular. We describe here an uncommon presentation of a patient with chronic HBV infection with very high viral load and rapidly progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy showed features of tubulointerstitial nephritis and tubular epithelial inclusion bodies suggestive of HBV infection. Entecavir treatment slowed down the progression of his renal disease. Tubulointerstitial nephritis should be considered as a part of the differential diagnosis in patients with HBV infection. Early antiviral treatment may halt the progression of renal disease.

  6. An integrated lipidomics and metabolomics reveal nephroprotective effect and biochemical mechanism of Rheum officinale in chronic renal failure

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Zhi-Hao; Vaziri, Nosratola D.; Wei, Feng; Cheng, Xian-Long; Bai, Xu; Zhao, Ying-Yong

    2016-01-01

    Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Earlier studies have revealed salutary effects of rhubarb extracts in CRF. In this study, we employed lipidomic and metabolomic approaches to identify the plasma biomarkers and to determine the effect of treatment with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of rhubarb in a rat model of CRF with adenine-induced chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. In addition, clinical biochemistry, histological evaluation and pro-fibrotic protein expression were analyzed. Significant changes were found between the CRF and control groups representing characteristic phenotypes of rats with CRF. Treatment with the three rhubarb extracts improved renal injury and dysfunction, either fully or partially reversed the plasma metabolites abnormalities and attenuated upregulation of pro-fibrotic proteins including TGF-β1, α-SMA, PAI-1, CTGF, FN and collagen-1. The nephroprotective effect of ethyl acetate extract was better than other extracts. The differential metabolites were closely associated with glycerophospholipid, fatty acid and amino acid metabolisms. The results revealed a strong link between renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glycerophospholipid metabolism and L-carnitine metabolism in the development of CRF. Amelioration of CRF with the three rhubarb extracts was associated with the delayed development and/or reversal the disorders in key metabolites associated with adenine-induced CRF. PMID:26903149

  7. Fluoride potentiates tubulointerstitial nephropathy caused by unilateral ureteral obstruction.

    PubMed

    Kido, Takamasa; Tsunoda, Masashi; Sugaya, Chiemi; Hano, Hiroshi; Yanagisawa, Hiroyuki

    2017-12-01

    The contamination of ground water by fluoride has been reported worldwide. Most fluoride (approximately 70%) is filtered by the kidneys; humans or experimental animals with renal damage therefore may be more affected by fluoride exposure than those with normal kidney function. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which involves macrophage-promoted extracellular matrix production and myofibroblast migration, can be induced in rats by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We examined the effects of fluoride exposure on tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidney of UUO rats. The left ureters of 6-week-old male rats were ligated using silk sutures. Fluoride was then administered for 2 weeks at doses of 0, 75, and 150ppm in the drinking water. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β 1 ) transcription; histological and immunohistochemical staining were used to identify positive areas within the renal cortex and staining-positive cells by image analysis. Significant increases were observed in the obstructed kidneys of UUO rats exposed to 150ppm fluoride (compared to 0ppm) for areas or number of cells that stained with Masson trichrome or with antibodies against collagen type I, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA, a myofibroblast marker), ED1, ED2, and ED3 (macrophage markers), and TGF-β 1 . Taken together, these observations suggested that fluoride exacerbates tuburointerstitial nephropathy resulting from UUO, and that this effect occurs via activation of the M2 macrophage-TGF-β1-fibroblast/myofibroblast-collagen synthesis pathway. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease caused by uromodulin mutations: seek and you will find.

    PubMed

    Raffler, Gabriele; Zitt, Emanuel; Sprenger-Mähr, Hannelore; Nagel, Mato; Lhotta, Karl

    2016-04-01

    Uromodulin (UMOD)-associated kidney disease belongs to the group of autosomal dominant interstitial kidney diseases and is caused by mutations in the UMOD gene. Affected patients present with hyperuricemia, gout, and progressive renal failure. The disease is thought to be very rare but is probably underdiagnosed. Two index patients from two families with tubulointerstitial nephropathy and hyperuricemia were examined, including blood and urine chemistry, ultrasound, and mutation analysis of the UMOD gene. In addition, other available family members were studied. In a 46-year-old female patient with a fractional excretion of uric acid of 3 %, analysis of the UMOD gene revealed a p.W202S missense mutation. The same mutation was found in her 72-year-old father, who suffers from gout and end-stage renal disease. The second index patient was a 47-year-old female with chronic kidney disease and gout for more than 10 years. Her fractional uric acid excretion was 3.5 %. Genetic analysis identified a novel p.H250Q UMOD mutation that was also present in her 12-year-old son, who had normal renal function and uric acid levels. In patients suffering from chronic tubulointerstitial nephropathy, hyperuricemia, and a low fractional excretion of uric acid mutation, analysis of the UMOD gene should be performed to diagnose UMOD-associated kidney disease.

  9. Evaluation of TGF-β1 and MCP-1 expression and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and IgA nephropathy: A clinical correlation.

    PubMed

    Shuiai, Zhao; Huijun, Shen; Weizhong, Gu; Aimin, Liu; Jianhua, Mao

    2017-02-01

    Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and immunoglobulin A nephropathy are two diseases with similar clinical presentations but very different prognoses. Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 have been associated with the development of tissue fibrosis. We examined the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its relationship with Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in these patients. Renal tissue samples were collected by renal biopsy from 50 children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis and 50 children with immunoglobulin A nephropathy. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome-stained tissues were examined using light microscopy. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was graded using the method described by Bohle et al. (1). The immunohistochemical detection of Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression was correlated with the tubulointerstitial fibrosis grade. Clinical Trial registration number: ZJCH-2012-0105. Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in the renal tissues was significantly greater in the patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy than in the patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (both p<0.001). The immunoglobulin A nephropathy patients had a higher tubulointerstitial fibrosis grade than the Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis patients (p<0.001). The tubulointerstitial fibrosis grade was in accordance with the Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression levels in both diseases (both p<0.001). Transforming growth factor β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression was associated with the development of immunoglobulin A nephropathy and Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Further studies are needed to better evaluate this association.

  10. Alteration of the Intestinal Environment by Lubiprostone Is Associated with Amelioration of Adenine-Induced CKD

    PubMed Central

    Mishima, Eikan; Fukuda, Shinji; Shima, Hisato; Hirayama, Akiyoshi; Akiyama, Yasutoshi; Takeuchi, Yoichi; Fukuda, Noriko N.; Suzuki, Takehiro; Suzuki, Chitose; Yuri, Akinori; Kikuchi, Koichi; Tomioka, Yoshihisa; Ito, Sadayoshi; Soga, Tomoyoshi

    2015-01-01

    The accumulation of uremic toxins is involved in the progression of CKD. Various uremic toxins are derived from gut microbiota, and an imbalance of gut microbiota or dysbiosis is related to renal failure. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the relationship between the gut microbiota and renal failure are still obscure. Using an adenine-induced renal failure mouse model, we evaluated the effects of the ClC-2 chloride channel activator lubiprostone (commonly used for the treatment of constipation) on CKD. Oral administration of lubiprostone (500 µg/kg per day) changed the fecal and intestinal properties in mice with renal failure. Additionally, lubiprostone treatment reduced the elevated BUN and protected against tubulointerstitial damage, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. Gut microbiome analysis of 16S rRNA genes in the renal failure mice showed that lubiprostone treatment altered their microbial composition, especially the recovery of the levels of the Lactobacillaceae family and Prevotella genus, which were significantly reduced in the renal failure mice. Furthermore, capillary electrophoresis–mass spectrometry-based metabolome analysis showed that lubiprostone treatment decreased the plasma level of uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and hippurate, which are derived from gut microbiota, and a more recently discovered uremic toxin, trans-aconitate. These results suggest that lubiprostone ameliorates the progression of CKD and the accumulation of uremic toxins by improving the gut microbiota and intestinal environment. PMID:25525179

  11. An atypical pattern of Epstein-Barr virus infection in a case with idiopathic tubulointerstitial nephritis.

    PubMed

    Okada, Hirokazu; Ikeda, Naofumi; Kobayashi, Tatsuya; Inoue, Tsutomu; Kanno, Yoshihiko; Sugahara, Souichi; Nakamoto, Hidetomo; Yamamoto, Takako; Suzuki, Hiromichi

    2002-10-01

    Recently, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) received attention because a latent form of its infection in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells was found to cause idiopathic, chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis. In this report, we describe the case of a patient with a replicative form of EBV infection, chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV), who developed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and minimal change nephrotic syndrome. A renal biopsy revealed papillary infoldings of atypical tubular epithelium and adjacent dense infiltration of lymphocytes. Using in situ polymerase chain reaction methods, we detected the EBV genome in some of the infiltrating lymphocytes, but not in the tubular epithelial cells. EBV-infected T cells are thought to activate other educated T cells, as well as secrete an unrestricted variety of cytokines, thus playing a pivotal role in CAEBV and its end organ disease. Therefore, in our case, the CAEBV activated, educated T cells may have followed the EBV-infected lymphocytes as they infiltrated into the peritubular interstitium, and promoted focal tubular epithelial atypia and minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The long-term observation of such patients is important because CAEBV may progress into lymphoproliferative diseases. Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

  12. Role of bardoxolone methyl, a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activator, in aldosterone- and salt-induced renal injury.

    PubMed

    Hisamichi, Mikako; Kamijo-Ikemori, Atsuko; Sugaya, Takeshi; Hoshino, Seiko; Kimura, Kenjiro; Shibagaki, Yugo

    2018-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effect of bardoxolone methyl (BM), a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator with an antioxidant effect, in a salt-sensitive hypertension model induced by aldosterone (Ald) and salt. Tubulointerstitial damage with urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) was evaluated using human L-FABP chromosomal transgenic (L-FABP +/- ) male mice. The mice in the Ald group (n=7) received systemic Ald infusions via an osmotic minipump and were given 1% NaCl water for 35 days. Those in the Ald-BM group (n=8) were administered BM intraperitoneally in addition to an injection of Ald and salt. The dose of BM was gradually increased every 7 days up to 10 mg kg -1 per day, which was maintained for 14 days. The administration of BM significantly increased renal expression of the Nrf2 target antioxidant gene. Tubulointerstitial damage was significantly ameliorated in the Ald-BM group compared to the Ald group. The increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and upregulation of angiotensinogen expression in the kidneys of the Ald group was significantly prevented in the Ald-BM group. The upregulation of human L-FABP expression induced in the kidneys and increase in urinary L-FABP in the Ald group were significantly suppressed by BM administration. In conclusion, BM ameliorated tubulointerstitial damage in the Ald- and salt-induced hypertension model through suppression of both ROS production and intrarenal renin-angiotensin system activation. Urinary L-FABP may be a useful marker reflecting the therapeutic efficacy of BM.

  13. Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis with severe renal impairment associated with multisystem IgG4-related disease.

    PubMed

    Beltrame, Rafael Coimbra Ferreira; Friderichs, Maurício; Fior, Bárbara Rayanne; Schaefer, Pedro Guilherme; Thomé, Gustavo Gomes; Silva, Dirceu Reis da; Barros, Elvino José Guardão; Seligman, Renato; Veronese, Francisco Veríssimo

    2016-01-01

    The IgG4-related disease has a wide clinical spectrum where multiple organs can be affected, and the diagnosis depends on typical histopathological findings and an elevated IgG4 expression in plasma cells in the affected tissue. We describe the clinical presentation and evolution of a patient with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, severe kidney failure and systemic manifestations such as lymphadenomegaly and chronic pancreatitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by the clinical picture and kidney and lymph node histopathology, in which immunohistochemistry of the lymphoid tissue showed policlonality and increased expression of IgG4, with a IgG4/total IgG ratio > 80%. The patient was treated with prednisone at a dose of 60 mg/day, followed by mycophenolate mofetil, and showed clinical and renal function improvement at 6 months of follow-up. The high index of suspicion of IgG4-related disease with multisystem involvement and the early treatment of this condition are essential to improve the prognosis of affected patients. Resumo A doença relacionada à IgG4 tem um espectro clínico amplo em que múltiplos órgãos podem ser afetados, e o diagnóstico depende de achados histopatológicos típicos e elevada expressão de IgG4 em plasmócitos no tecido afetado. Descrevemos o quadro clínico e a evolução de um paciente com nefrite túbulo-intersticial aguda, insuficiência renal grave e manifestações sistêmicas como linfoadenomegalias e pancreatite crônica. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelas características clínicas e pela histopatologia renal e de linfonodo, na qual a imunohistoquímica mostrou tecido linfoide com policlonalidade e expressão aumentada de IgG4, com uma relação IgG4/IgG total > 80%. O paciente foi tratado com prednisona na dose de 60 mg/dia, seguido de micofenolato mofetil, e apresentou melhora clínica e da função renal depois de 6 meses de tratamento. O alto índice de suspeição da doença relacionada ao IgG4 com comprometimento multissist

  14. Alteration of the Intestinal Environment by Lubiprostone Is Associated with Amelioration of Adenine-Induced CKD.

    PubMed

    Mishima, Eikan; Fukuda, Shinji; Shima, Hisato; Hirayama, Akiyoshi; Akiyama, Yasutoshi; Takeuchi, Yoichi; Fukuda, Noriko N; Suzuki, Takehiro; Suzuki, Chitose; Yuri, Akinori; Kikuchi, Koichi; Tomioka, Yoshihisa; Ito, Sadayoshi; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Abe, Takaaki

    2015-08-01

    The accumulation of uremic toxins is involved in the progression of CKD. Various uremic toxins are derived from gut microbiota, and an imbalance of gut microbiota or dysbiosis is related to renal failure. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the relationship between the gut microbiota and renal failure are still obscure. Using an adenine-induced renal failure mouse model, we evaluated the effects of the ClC-2 chloride channel activator lubiprostone (commonly used for the treatment of constipation) on CKD. Oral administration of lubiprostone (500 µg/kg per day) changed the fecal and intestinal properties in mice with renal failure. Additionally, lubiprostone treatment reduced the elevated BUN and protected against tubulointerstitial damage, renal fibrosis, and inflammation. Gut microbiome analysis of 16S rRNA genes in the renal failure mice showed that lubiprostone treatment altered their microbial composition, especially the recovery of the levels of the Lactobacillaceae family and Prevotella genus, which were significantly reduced in the renal failure mice. Furthermore, capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry-based metabolome analysis showed that lubiprostone treatment decreased the plasma level of uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and hippurate, which are derived from gut microbiota, and a more recently discovered uremic toxin, trans-aconitate. These results suggest that lubiprostone ameliorates the progression of CKD and the accumulation of uremic toxins by improving the gut microbiota and intestinal environment. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  15. Interferon-γ production by tubulointerstitial human CD56bright natural killer cells contributes to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease progression.

    PubMed

    Law, Becker M P; Wilkinson, Ray; Wang, Xiangju; Kildey, Katrina; Lindner, Mae; Rist, Melissa J; Beagley, Kenneth; Healy, Helen; Kassianos, Andrew J

    2017-07-01

    Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of lymphoid cells that play a significant role in mediating innate immune responses. Studies in mice suggest a pathological role for NK cells in models of kidney disease. In this study, we characterized the NK cell subsets present in native kidneys of patients with tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the pathological hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Significantly higher numbers of total NK cells (CD3 - CD56 + ) were detected in renal biopsies with tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared with diseased biopsies without fibrosis and healthy kidney tissue using multi-color flow cytometry. At a subset level, both the CD56 dim NK cell subset and particularly the CD56 bright NK cell subset were elevated in fibrotic kidney tissue. However, only CD56 bright NK cells significantly correlated with the loss of kidney function. Expression of the tissue-retention and -activation molecule CD69 on CD56 bright NK cells was significantly increased in fibrotic biopsy specimens compared with non-fibrotic kidney tissue, indicative of a pathogenic phenotype. Further flow cytometric phenotyping revealed selective co-expression of activating receptor CD335 (NKp46) and differentiation marker CD117 (c-kit) on CD56 bright NK cells. Multi-color immunofluorescent staining of fibrotic kidney tissue localized the accumulation of NK cells within the tubulointerstitium, with CD56 bright NK cells (NKp46 + CD117 + ) identified as the source of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ within the NK cell compartment. Thus, activated interferon-γ-producing CD56 bright NK cells are positioned to play a key role in the fibrotic process and progression to chronic kidney disease. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Less contribution of mast cells to the progression of renal fibrosis in Rat kidneys with chronic renal failure.

    PubMed

    Baba, Asuka; Tachi, Masahiro; Ejima, Yutaka; Endo, Yasuhiro; Toyama, Hiroaki; Saito, Kazutomo; Abe, Nozomu; Yamauchi, Masanori; Miura, Chieko; Kazama, Itsuro

    2017-02-01

    Chronic renal failure (CRF) is histopathologically characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis in addition to glomerulosclerosis. Although mast cells are known to infiltrate into the kidneys with chronic inflammation, we know little about their contribution to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis associated with CRF. The aim of this study was to reveal the involvement of mast cells in the progression of renal fibrosis in CRF. Using a rat model with CRF resulting from 5/6 nephrectomy, we examined the histopathological features of the kidneys and the infiltration of mast cells into the renal interstitium. By treating the rats with a potent mast cell stabilizer, tranilast, we also examined the involvement of mast cells in the progression of renal fibrosis associated with CRF. The CRF rat kidneys were characterized by the wide staining of collagen III and increased number of myofibroblasts, indicating the progression of renal fibrosis. Compared to T-lymphocytes or macrophages, the number of tryptase-positive mast cells was much smaller within the fibrotic kidneys and they did not proliferate in situ. The mRNA expression of mast cell-derived fibroblast-activating factors was not increased in the renal cortex isolated from CRF rat kidneys. Treatment with tranilast did not suppress the progression of renal fibrosis, nor did it ameliorate the progression of glomerulosclerosis and the interstitial proliferation of inflammatory leukocytes. This study demonstrated for the first time that mast cells are neither increased nor activated in the fibrotic kidneys of CRF rats. Compared to T-lymphocytes or macrophages that proliferate in situ within the fibrotic kidneys, mast cells were less likely to contribute to the progression of renal fibrosis associated with CRF. © 2016 Asian Pacific Society of Nephrology.

  17. Local CD34-positive capillaries decrease in mouse models of kidney disease associating with the severity of glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions.

    PubMed

    Masum, Md Abdul; Ichii, Osamu; Elewa, Yaser Hosny Ali; Nakamura, Teppei; Kon, Yasuhiro

    2017-09-04

    The renal vasculature plays important roles in both homeostasis and pathology. In this study, we examined pathological changes in the renal microvascular in mouse models of kidney diseases. Glomerular lesions (GLs) in autoimmune disease-prone male BXSB/MpJ-Yaa (Yaa) mice and tubulointerstitial lesions (TILs) in male C57BL/6 mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) for 7 days were studied. Collected kidneys were examined using histopathological techniques. A nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test (P < 0.05) was performed to compare healthy controls and the experimental mice. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare three or more groups, and multiple comparisons were performed using Scheffe's method when significant differences were observed (P < 0.05). Yaa mice developed severe autoimmune glomerulonephritis, and the number of CD34 + glomerular capillaries decreased significantly in GLs compared to that in control mice. However, UUO-treated mice showed severe TILs only, and CD34 + tubulointerstitial capillaries were decreased significantly in TILs with the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis compared to those in untreated control kidneys. Infiltrations of B-cells, T-cells, and macrophages increased significantly in the respective lesions of both disease models (P < 0.05). In observations of vascular corrosion casts by scanning electron microscopy and of microfil rubber-perfused thick kidney sections by fluorescence microscopy, segmental absences of capillaries were observed in the GLs and TILs of Yaa and UUO-treated mice, respectively. Further, transmission electron microscopy revealed capillary endothelial injury in the respective lesions of both models. The numbers of CD34 + glomerular and tubulointerstitial capillaries were negatively correlated with all examined parameters in GLs (P < 0.05) and TILs (P < 0.01), respectively. From the analysis of mouse models, we identified inverse pathological correlations between the number of

  18. [Tubulointerstitial nephritis with uveitis (TINU) syndrome. A relatively rare rheumatological differential diagnosis with unexplained uveitis].

    PubMed

    Häusler, U; Guminski, B; Helmchen, U; Kisters, K; Heinz, C; Braun, J

    2013-05-01

    The tubulo-interstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome, first described in 1975, is a rare disease most probably of autoimmune origin that is characterized by unilateral or bilateral uveitis and tubulointerstitial nephritis. Most patients are adolescents and it is sometimes associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and hyperthyroidosis. This article reports the case of a 43-year-old female patient who presented with refractory recurrent bilateral uveitis despite therapy with high doses of corticosteroids in combination with cyclosporin. When the patient was referred to this hospital for rheumatological examination after almost 1 year of therapy, mild renal insufficiency and proteinuria were found. The kidney biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis, partly crescent-shaped and partly chronic. A diagnosis of TINU syndrome was made and treatment with adalimumab in combination with methotrexate was started. The favorable clinical outcome indicated that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha may play an important role in the pathogenesis of TINU syndrome.

  19. Roux-en-Y Esophagojejunostomy Ameliorates Renal Function Through Reduction of Renal Inflammatory and Fibrotic Markers in Diabetic Nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Cuifang; He, Bing; Piao, Dongxu; Han, Ping

    2016-07-01

    Roux-en-Y bariatric surgery has been shown to have a remarkable and sustainable improvement in type 2 diabetes. Recent clinical studies have shown that bariatric surgery can improve or halt the development of diabetic microvascular complications such as nephropathy. However, the exact underlying mechanisms of surgical procedures are unknown. Here, we have investigated the effects of Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy (RYEJ) on renal function and inflammation and fibrosis biomarkers for renal injury in type 2 diabetic rats. Sprague-Dawley rats with high fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes were randomly assigned into four groups: diabetic nephropathy (DN), DN treated with food restriction (DN-FR), DN treated with RYEJ surgery (DN-RYEJ), and DN-RYEJ sham (n = 6/group). Age-matched normal rats were assigned as control group. RYEJ and sham surgeries were performed. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with tracer infusion were completed to assess insulin sensitivity. Twenty-four hour urine albumin excretion rate (UAER) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were measured. The renal pathological injury was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Kidney messenger RNA (mRNA) and/or protein content/distribution of phospho-c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 5 (MKP5) were evaluated by real-time PCR and/or Western blotting/immunohistochemistry. Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy improved insulin sensitivity. RYEJ ameliorated renal function by improving UAER and GFR and attenuated glomerular hypertrophy after surgery. RYEJ also significantly downregulated the levels of JNK-mediated inflammatory response and upregulated the level of the anti-inflammatory mediator MKP5. Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy alleviates insulin resistance. RYEJ surgery ameliorated renal function and attenuated glomerular hypertrophy in a DN rat model. The considerable

  20. A case of severe osteomalacia caused by Tubulointerstitial nephritis with Fanconi syndrome in asymptomotic primary biliary cirrhosis.

    PubMed

    Yamaguchi, Shintaro; Maruyama, Tatsuya; Wakino, Shu; Tokuyama, Hirobumi; Hashiguchi, Akinori; Tada, Shinichiro; Homma, Koichiro; Monkawa, Toshiaki; Thomas, James; Miyashita, Kazutoshi; Kurihara, Isao; Yoshida, Tadashi; Konishi, Konosuke; Hayashi, Koichi; Hayashi, Matsuhiko; Itoh, Hiroshi

    2015-11-11

    Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an immune-mediated chronic cholestatic liver disease, characterized by increased concentrations of serum IgM and the presence of circulating anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Although bone diseases such as osteoporosis or osteodystrophy are commonly associated with PBC, osteomalacia which is caused by abnormal vitamin D metabolism, mineralization defects, and phosphate deficiency has not been recognized as a complication of PBC. We report the case of a 49-year-old Japanese woman who complained of multiple fractures. Hypophosphatemic osteomalacia was diagnosed from a low serum phosphorus level, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 level, high levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and the findings of bone scintigraphy, although a bone biopsy was not performed. Twenty four hour urine demonstrated a low renal fractional tubular reabsorption of phosphate, increased fractional excretion of uric acid and generalized aminoaciduria. An intravenous bicarbonate loading test suggested the presence of proximal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). These biochemical data indicated Fanconi syndrome with proximal RTA. A kidney biopsy demonstrated the features of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). The patient was also suspected as having primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) because of high levels of alkaline phosphatase, IgM and the presence of anti-mitochondrial M2 antibody, though biochemical liver function was normal. Sequential liver biopsy was compatible with PBC and the diagnosis of PBC was definite. After administration of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3, neutral potassium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate for osteomalacia and subsequent predonizolone for TIN, symptoms of fractures were relieved and renal function including Fanconi syndrome was ameliorated. In this case, asymptomatic PBC was shown to induce TIN with Fanconi syndrome with dysregulation of electrolytes and vitamin D metabolism, which in turn led to osteomalacia with multiple fractures. Osteomalacia has not

  1. Inhibition of G0/G1 Switch 2 Ameliorates Renal Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Matsunaga, Naoya; Ikeda, Eriko; Kakimoto, Keisuke; Watanabe, Miyako; Shindo, Naoya; Tsuruta, Akito; Ikeyama, Hisako; Hamamura, Kengo; Higashi, Kazuhiro; Yamashita, Tomohiro; Kondo, Hideaki; Yoshida, Yuya; Matsuda, Masaki; Ogino, Takashi; Tokushige, Kazutaka; Itcho, Kazufumi; Furuichi, Yoko; Nakao, Takaharu; Yasuda, Kaori; Doi, Atsushi; Amamoto, Toshiaki; Aramaki, Hironori; Tsuda, Makoto; Inoue, Kazuhide; Ojida, Akio; Koyanagi, Satoru; Ohdo, Shigehiro

    2016-11-01

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem, and novel therapies to treat CKD are urgently needed. Here, we show that inhibition of G 0 /G 1 switch 2 (G0s2) ameliorates renal inflammation in a mouse model of CKD. Renal expression of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (Ccl2) was increased in response to p65 activation in the kidneys of wild-type 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) mice. Moreover, 5/6Nx Clk/Clk mice, which carry homozygous mutations in the gene encoding circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK), did not exhibit aggravation of apoptosis or induction of F4/80-positive cells. The renal expression of G0s2 in wild-type 5/6Nx mice was important for the transactivation of Ccl2 by p65. These pathologies were ameliorated by G0s2 knockdown. Furthermore, a novel small-molecule inhibitor of G0s2 expression was identified by high-throughput chemical screening, and the inhibitor suppressed renal inflammation in 5/6Nx mice. These findings indicated that G0s2 inhibitors may have applications in the treatment of CKD. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Tacrolimus and mycophenolate regimen and subclinical tubulo-interstitial inflammation in low immunological risk renal transplants.

    PubMed

    Torres, Irina B; Reisaeter, Anna V; Moreso, Francesc; Âsberg, Anders; Vidal, Marta; Garcia-Carro, Clara; Midtvedt, Karsten; Reinholt, Finn P; Scott, Helge; Castellà, Eva; Salcedo, Maite; Dörje, Christina; Sellarés, Joana; Azancot, Maria A; Perello, Manel; Holdaas, Hallvard; Serón, Daniel

    2017-11-01

    The aim was to evaluate the relationship between maintenance immunosuppression, subclinical tubulo-interstitial inflammation and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in surveillance biopsies performed in low immunological risk renal transplants at two transplant centers. The Barcelona cohort consisted of 109 early and 66 late biopsies in patients receiving high tacrolimus (TAC-C 0 target at 1-year 6-10 ng/ml) and reduced MMF dose (500 mg bid at 1-year). The Oslo cohort consisted of 262 early and 237 late biopsies performed in patients treated with low TAC-C 0 (target 3-7 ng/ml) and standard MMF dose (750 mg bid). Subclinical inflammation, adjusted for confounders, was associated with low TAC-C 0 in the early (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61-0.92; P = 0.006) and late biopsies (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.50-0.95; P = 0.023) from Barcelona. In the Oslo cohort, it was associated with low MMF in early biopsies (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83-0.98; P = 0.0101) and with low TAC-C 0 in late biopsies (OR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.61-0.97; P = 0.0286). MMF dose was significantly reduced in Oslo between early and late biopsies. IF/TA was not associated with TAC-C 0 or MMF dose in the multivariate analysis. Our data suggest that in TAC- and MMF-based regimens, TAC-C 0 levels are associated with subclinical inflammation in patients receiving reduced MMF dose. © 2017 Steunstichting ESOT.

  3. Lamotrigine-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis-atypical Cogan syndrome.

    PubMed

    Kolomeyer, Anton M; Kodati, Shyam

    2015-12-01

    To report a case of lamotrigine-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU)-atypical Cogan syndrome. Case report. A 16-year-old boy with traumatic brain injury and seizures presented to the emergency department with facial swelling, rash, and back pain several days after increasing lamotrigine dose secondary to a breakthrough seizure. Creatinine, urine β2 microglobulin, and eosinophils were elevated. Antinuclear antibodies, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and complement were normal. Renal biopsy showed acute granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis. Lamotrigine was discontinued, intravenous steroids were initiated, and the patient was discharged on Ativan and prednisone. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with bilateral anterior uveitis (vision 20/30 bilaterally) and started on prednisolone and cyclopentolate. Two months later, he developed a branch retinal artery occlusion in the right eye (vision 20/70) and bilateral ocular hypertension for which timolol-brimonidine and dorzolamide were added. Neuroimaging and hypercoagulability workup was unremarkable. Vision and intraocular pressure improved, while uveitis remained recalcitrant. Several months later, the patient developed central serous retinopathy in the right eye (vision 20/30). Prednisone was stopped but restarted due to methotrexate intolerance. A month later, he reported dizziness and was diagnosed with severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed foci of perivascular, subcortical, and cochlear enhancement. Transtympanic Decadron injections and infliximab infusions were initiated. At the final visit, vision remained at 20/30 with trace anterior chamber reaction bilaterally while on timolol-brimonidine, dorzolamide, and prednisolone. An idiosyncratic drug reaction should be considered in the differential diagnosis of TINU-atypical Cogan syndrome.

  4. Tubulointerstitial damage as the major pathological lesion in endemic chronic kidney disease among farmers in North Central Province of Sri Lanka.

    PubMed

    Nanayakkara, Shanika; Komiya, Toshiyuki; Ratnatunga, Neelakanthi; Senevirathna, S T M L D; Harada, Kouji H; Hitomi, Toshiaki; Gobe, Glenda; Muso, Eri; Abeysekera, Tilak; Koizumi, Akio

    2012-05-01

    Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) in North Central Province of Sri Lanka has become a key public health concern in the agricultural sector due to the dramatic rise in its prevalence and mortality among young farmers. Although cadmium has been suspected as a causative pathogen, there have been controversies. To date, the pathological characteristics of the disease have not been reported. Histopathological observations of 64 renal biopsies obtained at Anuradhapura General Hospital from October 2008 to July 2009 were scored according to Banff 97 Working Classification of Renal Allograft pathology. The correlations between the histological observations and clinical parameters were statistically analyzed. Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy with or without nonspecific interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration was the dominant histopathological observation. Glomerular sclerosis, glomerular collapse, and features of vascular pathology such as fibrous intimal thickening and arteriolar hyalinosis were also common. Although hypertension was identified as one of the common clinical features among the cases, it did not influence the histopathological lesions in all the cases. This study concludes that tubulointerstitial damage is the major pathological lesion in CKDu. Exposure(s) to an environmental pathogen(s) should be systematically investigated to elucidate such tubulointerstitial damage in CKDu.

  5. Sida rhomboidea.Roxb leaf extract ameliorates gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction in rats.

    PubMed

    Thounaojam, Menaka C; Jadeja, Ravirajsinh N; Devkar, Ranjitsinh V; Ramachandran, A V

    2010-10-28

    Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) known as "Mahabala" in Ayurveda and marketed as "Shahadeyi" is used in ethnomedicine to treat ailments such as dysuria and urinary disorders. To evaluate nephroprotective potential of SR against gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction. Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats with GM (100 mg/kg bodyweight (i.p.) for 8 days) and were treated with SR extract (200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight (p.o.) for 8 days) or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (vehicle). Plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants along with lipid peroxidation were evaluated in various experimental groups. GM treatment induced significant elevation (p<0.05) in plasma and urine urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant decrement (p<0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SR treatment to GM treated rats (GM+SR) recorded significant decrement (p<0.05) in plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant increment (p<0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SR leaf extract ameliorates GM induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction and thus validates its ethnomedicinal use. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro by activating autophagy

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Hong; Gu, Liu-bao; Tu, Yue; Hu, Hao; Huang, Yan-ru; Sun, Wei

    2016-01-01

    Aim: A previous report shows that emodin extracted from the Chinese herbs rhubarb and giant knotweed rhizome can ameliorate the anticancer drug cisplatin-induced injury of HEK293 cells. In this study, we investigated whether and how emodin could protect renal tubular epithelial cells against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro. Methods: The viability and apoptosis of normal rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were detected using formazan assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, autophagy maker LC3 I/II, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins were measured with Western blot analysis. The changes of morphology and RFP-LC3 fluorescence were observed under microscopy. Results: Cisplatin (10-50 μmol/L) dose-dependently induced cell damage and apoptosis in NRK-52E cells, whereas emodin (10 and 100 μmol/L) significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced cell damage, apoptosis and caspase-3 cleavage. Emodin dose-dependently increased LC3-II levels and induced RFP-LC3-containing punctate structures in NRK-52E cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of emodin were abolished by bafilomycin A1 (10 nmol/L), and mimicked by rapamycin (100 nmol/L). Moreover, emodin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR. The AMPK inhibitor compound C (10 μmol/L) not only abolished emodin-induced autophagy activation, but also emodin-induced anti-apoptotic effects. Conclusion: Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro through modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways and activating autophagy. Emodin may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. PMID:26775661

  7. Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro by activating autophagy.

    PubMed

    Liu, Hong; Gu, Liu-bao; Tu, Yue; Hu, Hao; Huang, Yan-ru; Sun, Wei

    2016-02-01

    A previous report shows that emodin extracted from the Chinese herbs rhubarb and giant knotweed rhizome can ameliorate the anticancer drug cisplatin-induced injury of HEK293 cells. In this study, we investigated whether and how emodin could protect renal tubular epithelial cells against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro. The viability and apoptosis of normal rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) were detected using formazan assay and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3, autophagy maker LC3 I/II, and AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins were measured with Western blot analysis. The changes of morphology and RFP-LC3 fluorescence were observed under microscopy. Cisplatin (10-50 μmol/L) dose-dependently induced cell damage and apoptosis in NRK-52E cells, whereas emodin (10 and 100 μmol/L) significantly ameliorated cisplatin-induced cell damage, apoptosis and caspase-3 cleavage. Emodin dose-dependently increased LC3-II levels and induced RFP-LC3-containing punctate structures in NRK-52E cells. Furthermore, the protective effects of emodin were abolished by bafilomycin A1 (10 nmol/L), and mimicked by rapamycin (100 nmol/L). Moreover, emodin increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and suppressed the phosphorylation of mTOR. The AMPK inhibitor compound C (10 μmol/L) not only abolished emodin-induced autophagy activation, but also emodin-induced anti-apoptotic effects. Emodin ameliorates cisplatin-induced apoptosis of rat renal tubular cells in vitro through modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathways and activating autophagy. Emodin may have therapeutic potential for the prevention of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.

  8. Resveratrol, an Nrf2 activator, ameliorates aging-related progressive renal injury

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Eun Nim; Lim, Ji Hee; Kim, Min Young; Ban, Tae Hyun; Jang, In-Ae; Yoon, Hye Eun; Park, Cheol Whee; Chang, Yoon Sik

    2018-01-01

    Background. Two important issues in the aging kidney are mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. An Nrf2 activator, resveratrol, is known to have various effects. Resveratrol may prevent inflammation and oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 and SIRT1 signaling. We examined whether resveratrol could potentially ameliorate the cellular condition, such as renal injury due to cellular oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by aging. Methods. Male 18-month-old C57BL/6 mice were used. Resveratrol (40 mg/kg) was administered to aged mice for 6 months. We compared histological changes, oxidative stress, and aging-related protein expression in the kidney between the resveratrol-treated group (RSV) and the control group (cont). We performed experiments using small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for Nrf2 and SIRT1 in cultured HK2 cells. Results. Resveratrol improved renal function, proteinuria, histological changes and inflammation in aging mice. Also, expression of Nrf2-HO-1-NOQ-1 signaling and SIRT1-AMPK-PGC-1α signaling was increased in the RSV group. Transfection with Nrf2 and SIRT1 siRNA prevented resveratrol-induced anti-oxidative effect in HK2 cells in media treated with H2O2. Conclusions. Activation of the Nrf2 and SIRT1 signaling pathways ameliorated oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Pharmacological targeting of Nrf2 signaling molecules may reduce the pathologic changes of aging in the kidney. PMID:29326403

  9. The Leptospira outer membrane protein LipL32 induces tubulointerstitial nephritis-mediated gene expression in mouse proximal tubule cells.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chih-Wei; Wu, Mai-Szu; Pan, Ming-Jeng; Hsieh, Wang-Ju; Vandewalle, Alain; Huang, Chiu-Ching

    2002-08-01

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis is a main renal manifestation caused by pathogenic leptospira that accumulate mostly in the proximal tubules, thereby inducing tubular injury and tubulointerstitial nephritis. To elucidate the role of leptospira outer membrane proteins in tubulointerstitial nephritis, outer membrane proteins from pathogenic Leptospira shermani and nonpathogenic Leptospira patoc extracted by Triton X-114 were administered to cultured mouse proximal tubule cells. A dose-dependent increase of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), RANTES, nitrite, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the culture supernatant was observed 48 h after incubating Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins with mouse proximal tubule cells. RT competitive-PCR experiments showed that Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins (0.2 microg/ml) increased the expression of MCP-1, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), RANTES, and TNF-alpha mRNA by 3.0-, 9.4-, 2.5-, and 2.5-fold, respectively, when compared with untreated cells. Outer membrane proteins extract from avirulent Leptospira patoc did not induce significant effects. The pathogenic outer membrane proteins extract contain a major component of a 32-kD lipoprotein (LipL32), which is absent in the nonpathogenic leptospira outer membrane. An antibody raised against LipL32 prevented the stimulatory effect of Leptospira shermani outer membrane proteins extract on MCP-1 and iNOS mRNA expression in cultured proximal tubule cells, whereas recombinant LipL32 significantly stimulated the expression of MCP-1 and iNOS mRNAs and augmented nuclear binding of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and AP-1 transcription factors in proximal tubule cells. An antibody raised against LipL32 also blunted the effects induced by the recombinant LipL32. This study demonstrates that LipL32 is a major component of pathogenic leptospira outer membrane proteins involved in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial nephritis.

  10. Hypertensive renal disease: susceptibility and resistance in inbred hypertensive rat lines.

    PubMed

    Braun, Michael C; Herring, Stacy M; Gokul, Nisha; Monita, Monique; Bell, Rebecca; Hicks, M John; Wenderfer, Scott E; Doris, Peter A

    2013-10-01

    Spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) lines differ in their susceptibility to hypertensive end-organ disease and may provide an informative model of genetic risk of disease. Lines derived from the original SHR-B and SHR-C clades are highly resistant to hypertensive end-organ disease, whereas lines derived from the SHR-A clade were selected for stroke susceptibility and experience hypertensive renal disease. Here we characterize the temporal development of progressive renal injury in SHR-A3 animals consuming 0.3% sodium in the diet and drinking water. SHR-A3 rats demonstrate albuminuria, glomerular damage, tubulointerstitial injury, and renal fibrosis that emerge at 18 weeks of age and progress. Mortality of SHR-A3 animals was 50% at 40 weeks of age, and animals surviving to this age had reduced renal function. In contrast SHR-B2, which are 87% genetically identical to SHR-A3, are substantially protected from renal injury and demonstrate only moderate changes in albuminuria and renal histological injury over this time period. At 40 weeks of age, electron microscopy of the renal glomerulus revealed severe podocyte effacement in SHR-A3, but slit diaphragm architecture in SHR-B2 at this age was well preserved. Renal injury traits in the F1 and F2 progeny of an intercross between SHR-A3 and SHR-B2 were measured to determine heritability of renal injury in this model. Heritability of albuminuria, glomerular injury, and tubulointerstitial injury were estimated at 48.9, 66.5 and 58.6%, respectively. We assessed the relationship between blood pressure and renal injury measures in the F2 animals and found some correlation between these variables that explain up to 26% of the trait variation. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed using over 200 single nucleotide polymorphism markers distributed across the 13% of the genome that differs between these two closely related lines. Mapping of albuminuria, tubulointerstitial injury, and renal fibrosis failed to

  11. Autoimmune pancreatitis associated with renal lesions mimicking metastatic tumours

    PubMed Central

    Rudmik, Lucas; Trpkov, Kiril; Nash, Carla; Kinnear, Susan; Falck, Vincent; Dushinski, John; Dixon, Elijah

    2006-01-01

    Autoimmune pancreatitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that is often misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. Since autoimmune pancreatitis is benign and responds to steroid management, it is important to diagnose it to avoid unnecessary surgical intervention. We describe a novel case of IgG4-associated autoimmune pancreatitis presenting with tubulointerstitial nephritis as renal lesions mimicking metastatic tumours but with no change in renal function. PMID:16908897

  12. [Pigmentosum retinis and tubulo-interstitial nephronophtisis in Sensenbrenner syndrome: a case report].

    PubMed

    Costet, C; Betis, F; Bérard, E; Tsimaratos, M; Sigaudy, S; Antignac, C; Gastaud, P

    2000-02-01

    Sensenbrenner syndrome or cranio-ectodermal dysplasia is an extremely rare autosomal recessive condition (12 cases reported in literature). Our observation shows the possibility of both ocular and renal involvement associated with cranio-ectodermal abnormalities. and method:We report the case of a girl who presented a typical cranio-ectodermal syndrome with dolicocephaly, short thorax, short limbs, short fingers and teeth abnormalities. At five years, she was found to have pigmentosum retinitis with amblyopy and moderate hyperopia. A chronic renal failure with uncontrollable hypertension underwent a cadaveric-donor transplantation at the age of six years. Two years later, the pigmentosum retinitis was stable. The kidney histology revealed a tubulo-interstitial nephronophtisis. The molecular analysis of the NPH 1 locus, which was associated with nephronophtisis, was negative. Our observation and two recent publications have in common ocular and renal abnormalities associated with cranio-ectodermal dysplasia. The underlying genetic defect would involve not only morphogenesis but also development and maturation of organs as eye and kidney. Sensenbrenner syndrome would thus be similar to certain disorders affecting the eye, kidney, skeleton and ectodermal structures such as the EEM, Senior-Loken, Mainzer-Saldino, and Jeune syndromes. The retinal dystrophy falls within the spectrum of clinical and genetic forms of pigmentosum retinitis. Our observation would confirm possible links between Sensenbrenner syndrome and oculorenal syndromes.

  13. GW501516, a PPARδ agonist, ameliorates tubulointerstitial inflammation in proteinuric kidney disease via inhibition of TAK1-NFκB pathway in mice.

    PubMed

    Yang, Xu; Kume, Shinji; Tanaka, Yuki; Isshiki, Keiji; Araki, Shin-ichi; Chin-Kanasaki, Masami; Sugimoto, Toshiro; Koya, Daisuke; Haneda, Masakazu; Sugaya, Takeshi; Li, Detian; Han, Ping; Nishio, Yoshihiko; Kashiwagi, Atsunori; Maegawa, Hiroshi; Uzu, Takashi

    2011-01-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a nuclear receptor family of ligand-inducible transcription factors, which have three different isoforms: PPARα, δ and γ. It has been demonstrated that PPARα and γ agonists have renoprotective effects in proteinuric kidney diseases; however, the role of PPARδ agonists in kidney diseases remains unclear. Thus, we examined the renoprotective effect of GW501516, a PPARδ agonist, in a protein-overload mouse nephropathy model and identified its molecular mechanism. Mice fed with a control diet or GW501516-containing diet were intraperitoneally injected with free fatty acid (FFA)-bound albumin or PBS(-). In the control group, protein overload caused tubular damages, macrophage infiltration and increased mRNA expression of MCP-1 and TNFα. These effects were prevented by GW501516 treatment. In proteinuric kidney diseases, excess exposure of proximal tubular cells to albumin, FFA bound to albumin or cytokines such as TNFα is detrimental. In vitro studies using cultured proximal tubular cells showed that GW501516 attenuated both TNFα- and FFA (palmitate)-induced, but not albumin-induced, MCP-1 expression via direct inhibition of the TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-NFκB pathway, a common downstream signaling pathway to TNFα receptor and toll-like receptor-4. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GW501516 has an anti-inflammatory effect in renal tubular cells and may serve as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate tubulointerstitial lesions in proteinuric kidney diseases.

  14. GW501516, a PPARδ Agonist, Ameliorates Tubulointerstitial Inflammation in Proteinuric Kidney Disease via Inhibition of TAK1-NFκB Pathway in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Xu; Kume, Shinji; Tanaka, Yuki; Isshiki, Keiji; Araki, Shin-ichi; Chin-Kanasaki, Masami; Sugimoto, Toshiro; Koya, Daisuke; Haneda, Masakazu; Sugaya, Takeshi; Li, Detian; Han, Ping; Nishio, Yoshihiko; Kashiwagi, Atsunori; Maegawa, Hiroshi; Uzu, Takashi

    2011-01-01

    Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a nuclear receptor family of ligand-inducible transcription factors, which have three different isoforms: PPARα, δ and γ. It has been demonstrated that PPARα and γ agonists have renoprotective effects in proteinuric kidney diseases; however, the role of PPARδ agonists in kidney diseases remains unclear. Thus, we examined the renoprotective effect of GW501516, a PPARδ agonist, in a protein-overload mouse nephropathy model and identified its molecular mechanism. Mice fed with a control diet or GW501516-containing diet were intraperitoneally injected with free fatty acid (FFA)-bound albumin or PBS(−). In the control group, protein overload caused tubular damages, macrophage infiltration and increased mRNA expression of MCP-1 and TNFα. These effects were prevented by GW501516 treatment. In proteinuric kidney diseases, excess exposure of proximal tubular cells to albumin, FFA bound to albumin or cytokines such as TNFα is detrimental. In vitro studies using cultured proximal tubular cells showed that GW501516 attenuated both TNFα- and FFA (palmitate)-induced, but not albumin-induced, MCP-1 expression via direct inhibition of the TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1)-NFκB pathway, a common downstream signaling pathway to TNFα receptor and toll-like receptor-4. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GW501516 has an anti-inflammatory effect in renal tubular cells and may serve as a therapeutic candidate to attenuate tubulointerstitial lesions in proteinuric kidney diseases. PMID:21966476

  15. Erhuang Formula ameliorates renal damage in adenine-induced chronic renal failure rats via inhibiting inflammatory and fibrotic responses.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Chun-Yan; Zhu, Jian-Yong; Ye, Ying; Zhang, Miao; Zhang, Li-Jun; Wang, Su-Juan; Song, Ya-Nan; Zhang, Hong

    2017-11-01

    The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Erhuang Formula (EHF) and explore its pharmacological mechanisms on adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF). The compounds in EHF were analyzed by HPLC/MS. Adenine-induced CRF rats were administrated by EHF. The effects were evaluated by renal function examination and histology staining. Immunostaining of some proteins related cell adhesion was performedin renal tissues, including E-cadherin, β-catenin, fibronectin and laminin. The qRT-PCR was carried out determination of gene expression related inflammation and fibrosis including NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-β1, α-SMA and osteopontin (OPN). Ten compounds in EHF were identified including liquiritigenin, farnesene, vaccarin, pachymic acid, cycloastragenol, astilbin, 3,5,6,7,8,3',4'-heptemthoxyflavone, physcion, emodin and curzerene. Abnormal renal function and histology had significant improvements by EHF treatment. The protein expression of β-catenin, fibronectin and laminin were significantly increased and the protein expression of E-cadherin significantly decreased in CRF groups. However, these protein expressions were restored to normal levels in EHF group. Furthermore, low expression of PPARγ and high expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, TGF-β1, α-SMA and OPN were substantially restored by EHF treatment in a dose-dependent manner. EHF ameliorated renal damage in adenine-induced CRF rats, and the mechanisms might involve in the inhibition of inflammatory and fibrotic responses and the regulation of PPARγ, NF-κB and TGF-β signaling pathways. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  16. IL-36α Regulates Tubulointerstitial Inflammation in the Mouse Kidney.

    PubMed

    Ichii, Osamu; Kimura, Junpei; Okamura, Tadashi; Horino, Taro; Nakamura, Teppei; Sasaki, Hayato; Elewa, Yaser Hosny Ali; Kon, Yasuhiro

    2017-01-01

    IL-36α, a member of the IL-1 family, is a crucial mediator of inflammatory responses. We previously found that IL-36α was overexpressed in injured distal tubules (DTs); however, its pathological function remains unclear. Herein, unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) or folic acid (FA) injection was performed in mouse kidneys to assess the role of IL-36α in kidney injury. IL-36α mRNA and protein expression significantly increased in the kidneys within 24 h after UUO. IL-36α localized to dilated DTs. IL-36α expression significantly correlated with the progression of tubulointerstitial cell infiltration and tubular epithelium cell death in UUO kidneys and with renal dysfunction in FA-induced acute kidney injury mice. At 24 h after UUO, IL-36α + DT epithelial cells showed loose intercellular digitations. IL-1RL2, an IL-36α receptor protein, localized to podocytes, proximal tubules, and DTs in the healthy kidney. IL-1RL2 was expressed in interstitial cells and platelets or extended primary cilia of DT epithelial cells in UUO kidneys. IL-36α stimulation promoted the production of IL-6 and Prss35, an inflammatory cytokine and collagen remodeling-associated enzyme, respectively, in cultured NIH3T3 fibroblasts. UUO-treated IL-36α-knockout (KO) mice showed milder kidney injury features than wild-type (WT) mice did. In UUO kidneys from IL-36α-KO mice, the expression of genes associated with inflammatory response and sensory perception was significantly different from that in WT mice. Altogether, our data indicate an association between intrarenal IL-36α overexpression and the progression of tubulointerstitial inflammations and morpho-functional alterations of DT epithelial cells. IL-36α may be a novel kidney injury marker useful for evaluating DT damages.

  17. Lycium chinense leaves extract ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by suppressing hyperglycemia mediated renal oxidative stress and inflammation.

    PubMed

    Olatunji, Opeyemi Joshua; Chen, Hongxia; Zhou, Yifeng

    2018-06-01

    Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most serious and most frequently encountered diabetic complication, accounting for the highest cause of end-stage renal disease. This present study was aimed at exploring the protective/attenuative effect of Lycium chinense leaf extract (MELC) on streptozotocin induced diabetic nephropathy in experimental Sprague Dawley rats. The oral administration of diabetic rats with MELC markedly ameliorated renal dysfunction as observed in the significant reduction in the serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin and TGF-β1 as compared to the untreated diabetic control rats. In addition, the elevated levels of renal oxidative stress markers and pro-inflammatory parameters (GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) were significantly reduced in MELC treated diabetic rats. The results obtained in this study suggests that L. chinense leaf might have the potential as possible pharmacological agent against diabetic nephropathy by suppressing renal oxidative stress and inflammation. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  18. Critical role of renal dipeptidyl peptidase-4 in ameliorating kidney injury induced by saxagliptin in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats.

    PubMed

    Sakai, Mariko; Uchii, Masako; Myojo, Kensuke; Kitayama, Tetsuya; Kunori, Shunji

    2015-08-15

    Saxagliptin, a potent dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, is currently used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it has been reported to exhibit a slower rate of dissociation from DPP-4 compared with another DPP-4 inhibitor, sitagliptin. In this study, we compared the effects of saxagliptin and sitagliptin on hypertension-related renal injury and the plasma and renal DPP-4 activity levels in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive (Dahl-S) rats. The high-salt diet (8% NaCl) significantly increased the blood pressure and quantity of urinary albumin excretion and induced renal glomerular injury in the Dahl-S rats. Treatment with saxagliptin (14mg/kg/day via drinking water) for 4 weeks significantly suppressed the increase in urinary albumin excretion and tended to ameliorate glomerular injury without altering the blood glucose levels and systolic blood pressure. On the other hand, the administration of sitagliptin (140mg/kg/day via drinking water) did not affect urinary albumin excretion and glomerular injury in the Dahl-S rats. Meanwhile, the high-salt diet increased the renal DPP-4 activity but did not affect the plasma DPP-4 activity in the Dahl-S rats. Both saxagliptin and sitagliptin suppressed the plasma DPP-4 activity by 95% or more. Although the renal DPP-4 activity was also inhibited by both drugs, the inhibitory effect of saxagliptin was more potent than that of sitagliptin. These results indicate that saxagliptin has a potent renoprotective effect in the Dahl-S rats, independent of its glucose-lowering actions. The inhibition of the renal DPP-4 activity induced by saxagliptin may contribute to ameliorating renal injury in hypertension-related renal injury. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Quercetin ameliorates kidney injury and fibrosis by modulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization.

    PubMed

    Lu, Hong; Wu, Lianfeng; Liu, Leping; Ruan, Qingqing; Zhang, Xing; Hong, Weilong; Wu, Shijia; Jin, Guihua; Bai, Yongheng

    2018-05-15

    Interstitial inflammation is the main pathological feature in kidneys following injury, and the polarization of macrophages is involved in the process of inflammatory injury. Previous studies have shown that quercetin has a renal anti-inflammatory activity, but the potential molecular mechanism remains unknown. In obstructive kidneys, administration of quercetin inhibited tubulointerstitial injury and reduced the synthesis and release of inflammatory factors. Further study revealed that quercetin inhibited the infiltration of CD68+ macrophages in renal interstitium. Moreover, the decrease in levels of iNOS and IL-12, as well as the proportion of F4/80+/CD11b+/CD86+ macrophages, indicated quercetin-mediated inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization in the injured kidneys. In cultured macrophages, lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory polarization was suppressed by quercetin treatment, resulting in the reduction of the release of inflammatory factors. Notably, quercetin-induced inhibitory effects on inflammatory macrophage polarization were associated with down-regulated activities of NF-κB p65 and IRF5, and thus led to the inactivation of upstream signaling TLR4/Myd88. Interestingly, quercetin also inhibited the polarization of F4/80+/CD11b+/CD206+ M2 macrophages, and reduced excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and interstitial fibrosis by antagonizing the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling. Thus, quercetin ameliorates kidney injury via modulating macrophage polarization, and may have therapeutic potential for patients with kidney injury. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Histological findings in two renal transplants accomplishing operational tolerance criteria.

    PubMed

    Azancot, M A; Moreso, F; Cantarell, C; Torres, I B; Serón, D R

    2011-06-01

    Operational tolerance is defined as stable renal function in transplants without immunosuppression for at least 1 year. We present histological assessments of two patients with operational tolerance. The first withdrew immunosuppression in 2005 and presents stable renal function (creatinine 1.5 mg/dL) without proteinuria. The biopsy showed mild chronic tubulointerstitial changes without inflammation. The second withdrew immunosuppression in 2009 and maintains stable renal function (creatinine 1.6 mg/dL) with mild proteinuria. Histology showed chronic humoural rejection and Class II anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies were detected. These cases suggest that a renal biopsy may be useful to rule out subclinical pathology in patients with operational tolerance.

  1. Does renal ageing affect survival?

    PubMed

    Razzaque, M Shawkat

    2007-10-01

    The effects of ageing on progressive deterioration of renal function, both in human and experimental animals, are described elsewhere, but the effect of renal damage on overall survival and longevity is not yet clearly established. The wild-type animals of various genetic backgrounds, fed with regular diet, overtime develop severe age-associated nephropathy, that include but not limited to inflammatory cell infiltration, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Such renal damage significantly reduces their survival. Reducing renal damage, either by caloric restriction or by suppressing growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) activity could significantly enhance the longevity of these animals. Available survival studies using experimental animals clearly suggest that kidney pathology is one of the important non-neoplastic lesions that could affect overall survival, and that restoration of renal function by preventing kidney damage could significantly extend longevity. Careful long-term studies are needed to determine the human relevance of these experimental studies.

  2. Protein kinase CK2α catalytic subunit ameliorates diabetic renal inflammatory fibrosis via NF-κB signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Huang, Junying; Chen, Zhiquan; Li, Jie; Chen, Qiuhong; Li, Jingyan; Gong, Wenyan; Huang, Jiani; Liu, Peiqing; Huang, Heqing

    2017-05-15

    Activation of casein kinase 2 (CK2) is closely linked to the body disturbance of carbohydrate metabolism and inflammatory reaction. The renal chronic inflammatory reaction in the setting of diabetes is one of the important hallmarks of diabetic renal fibrosis. However, it remains unknown whether CK2 influences the process of diabetic renal fibrosis. The current study is aimed to investigate if CK2α ameliorates renal inflammatory fibrosis in diabetes via NF-κB pathway. To explore potential regulatory mechanism of CK2α, the expression and activity of CK2α, which were studied by plasmid transfection, selective inhibitor, small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and adenovirus infection in vitro or in vivo, were analyzed by means of western blotting (WB), dual luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). The following findings were observed: (1) Expression of CK2α was upregulated in kidneys of db/db and KKAy diabetic mice; (2) Inhibition of CK2α kinase activity or knockdown of CK2α protein expression suppressed high glucose-induced expressions of FN and ICAM-1 in glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs); (3) Inhibition of CK2α kinase activity or knockdown of CK2α protein expression not only restrained IκB degradation, but also suppressed HG-induced nuclear accumulation, transcriptional activity and DNA binding activity of NF-κB in GMCs; (4) Treatment of TBB or CK2α RNAi adenovirus infection ameliorated renal fibrosis in diabetic animals; (5) Treatment of TBB or CK2α RNAi adenovirus infection suppressed IκB degradation and NF-κB nuclear accumulation in glomeruli of diabetic animals. This study indicates the essential role of CK2α in regulating the diabetic renal pathological process of inflammatory fibrosis via NF-κB pathway, and inhibition of CK2α may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Intravital phosphorescence lifetime imaging of the renal cortex accurately measures renal hypoxia.

    PubMed

    Hirakawa, Yosuke; Mizukami, Kiichi; Yoshihara, Toshitada; Takahashi, Ippei; Khulan, Purevsuren; Honda, Tomoko; Mimura, Imari; Tanaka, Tetsuhiro; Tobita, Seiji; Nangaku, Masaomi

    2018-06-01

    Renal tubulointerstitial hypoxia is recognized as a final common pathway of chronic kidney disease and is considered a promising drug target. However, hypoxia in the tubules is not well examined because of limited detection methods. Here, we devised a method to visualize renal tubular oxygen tension with spatial resolution at a cellular level using the cell-penetrating phosphorescent probe, BTPDM1 (an iridium-based cationic lipophilic dye), and confocal phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to precisely assess renal hypoxia. Imaging with BTPDM1 revealed an oxygen gradient between S1 and S2 segments in mouse kidney. We also demonstrated that our microscopy system can detect subtle changes of hypoxemia and reoxygenation, and the acquired phosphorescence lifetime can be converted to partial pressure of oxygen. This new method allows, for the first time, visualization of intravital oxygen gradients at the renal surface with high spatial resolution. Thus, the confocal phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy platform, combined with BTPDM1, will promote an accurate understanding of tissue hypoxia, including renal hypoxia. Copyright © 2018 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Structured DAG oil ameliorates renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats through inhibition of NF-κB and activation of Nrf2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Das, Kankana; Ghosh, Mahua

    2017-02-01

    Accumulating evidence suggested that inflammatory processes are involved in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we have tested the hypothesis that Caprylic Acid (Cy)-diacylglycerol (DAG) oil (Cy-DAG), a novel structurally formulated lipid with high nutritional value, ameliorated DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats through the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Basic hematological, biochemical parameters, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analysis were performed to observe the anti-inflammatory potential of Cy-DAG oil. The data revealed that STZ significantly increased the renal oxidative stress markers and decreased the levels of renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Moreover, renal nitric oxide (NO), tissue necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were also increased in the renal tissue of STZ-treated rats. Further, DAG oil pretreatment produced a significant improvement in renal antioxidant status, reduced the lipid peroxidation and the levels of inflammatory markers in STZ-treated kidney. Similarly, results of protein expression showed that DAG oil pretreatment normalized the renal expression of Nrf2/Keap1 and its downstream regulatory proteins in STZ-treated condition. Immunohistochemical observations provided further evidence that DAG oil effectively protected the kidney from STZ-mediated oxidative damage. These results suggested that the DAG oil ameliorated STZ-induced oxidative renal injury by the activation of AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and the inhibition of ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome associated with hyperthyroidism.

    PubMed

    Ebihara, Itaru; Hirayama, Kouichi; Usui, Joichi; Seki, Masanori; Higuchi, Fujiko; Oteki, Takaaki; Kobayashi, Masaki; Yamagata, Kunihiro

    2006-09-01

    We report a 17-year-old male patient with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) associated with hyperthyroidism. He presented with a 2-month history of fatigue, loss of appetite, low-grade fever, and a 12-kg weight loss when he was admitted to our hospital. He had iritis, which was complicated by fibrin in the anterior chamber, diagnosed by slit-lamp examination. On laboratory examinations, deteriorated renal function (blood urea nitrogen level was 25.9 mg/dl and creatinine level was 2.82 mg/dl) and elevated urinary levels of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (33.1 U/l) and beta2-microglobulin (78,600 microg/l) were observed. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was undetectable, at less than 0.01 microIU/ml, and free triiodothyronine and free thyroxine were elevated, up to 5.23 pg/ml and 2.85 ng/dl, respectively. The titers of antithyroglobulin and antithyroid microsomal and TSH-receptor antibodies were not elevated. Abdominal and thyroidal ultrasonography showed evident bilateral enlargement of the kidneys and diffuse enlargement of the thyroid gland. Iodine-123 scintigraphy showed low uptake in the thyroid gland. The biopsied renal specimen showed mild edema and severe diffuse infiltration of mononuclear cells and few eosinophils in the interstitium, without any glomerular or vascular abnormalities. Based on the clinical features and pathological findings, a diagnosis of TINU syndrome with associated hyperthyroidism was made. Treatment was started with 30 mg/day of prednisolone. The iritis disappeared, and the patient's clinical status improved remarkably. This case suggests the possibility of thyroid dysfunction in some patients with TINU syndrome, and we believe thyroid function should be measured in all TINU patients. Moreover, histopathological diagnosis of the thyroid glands before treatment is necessary for TINU patients with thyroid dysfunction.

  6. Taurine Ameliorates Renal Oxidative Damage and Thyroid Dysfunction in Rats Chronically Exposed to Fluoride.

    PubMed

    Adedara, Isaac A; Ojuade, Temini Jesu D; Olabiyi, Bolanle F; Idris, Umar F; Onibiyo, Esther M; Ajeigbe, Olufunke F; Farombi, Ebenezer O

    2017-02-01

    Excessive exposure to fluoride poses several detrimental effects to human health particularly the kidney which is a major organ involved in its elimination from the body. The influence of taurine on fluoride-induced renal toxicity was investigated in a co-exposure paradigm for 45 days using five groups of eight rats each. Group I rats received normal drinking water alone, group II rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) in drinking water at 15 mg/L alone, group III received taurine alone at a dose of 200 mg/kg group IV rats were co-administered with NaF and taurine (100 mg/kg), while group V rats were co-administered with NaF and taurine (200 mg/kg). Administration of taurine significantly reversed the fluoride-mediated decrease in absolute weight and organo-somatic index of the kidney in the exposed rats. Taurine significantly prevented fluoride-induced elevation in plasma urea and creatinine levels in the exposed rats. Moreover, taurine restored fluoride-mediated decrease in the circulatory concentrations of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and the ratio of triiodothyronine to thyroxine. Taurine ameliorated fluoride-mediated decrease in renal antioxidant status by significantly enhancing the antioxidant enzyme activities as well as glutathione level in the exposed rats. Additionally, taurine inhibited fluoride-induced renal oxidative damage by markedly decreasing the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels as well as improved the kidney architecture in the treated rats. Collectively, taurine protected against fluoride-induced renal toxicity via enhancement of thyroid gland function, renal antioxidant status, and histology in rats.

  7. Histological findings in two renal transplants accomplishing operational tolerance criteria

    PubMed Central

    Azancot, M.A.; Cantarell, C.; Torres, I.B.; Serón, D.R.

    2011-01-01

    Operational tolerance is defined as stable renal function in transplants without immunosuppression for at least 1 year. We present histological assessments of two patients with operational tolerance. The first withdrew immunosuppression in 2005 and presents stable renal function (creatinine 1.5 mg/dL) without proteinuria. The biopsy showed mild chronic tubulointerstitial changes without inflammation. The second withdrew immunosuppression in 2009 and maintains stable renal function (creatinine 1.6 mg/dL) with mild proteinuria. Histology showed chronic humoural rejection and Class II anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies were detected. These cases suggest that a renal biopsy may be useful to rule out subclinical pathology in patients with operational tolerance. PMID:25984157

  8. Bardoxolone methyl (BARD) ameliorates aristolochic acid (AA)-induced acute kidney injury through Nrf2 pathway.

    PubMed

    Wu, Juan; Liu, Xinhui; Fan, Jinjin; Chen, Wenfang; Wang, Juan; Zeng, Youjia; Feng, Xiaorang; Yu, Xueqing; Yang, Xiao

    2014-04-06

    Bardoxolone methyl (BARD) is an antioxidant modulator that acts through induction of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the role of BARD in protecting kidneys from aristolochic acid (AA)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Male C57BL/6 mice received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of aristolochic acid I (AAI) (5mg/kg/day) for 5 days to produce acute AA nephropathy (AAN) model. BARD (10mg/kg/day, i.p.) was applied for 7 consecutive days, starting 2 days prior to AAI administration. The mice in the AA group showed AKI as evidenced by worsening kidney function evaluated by blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels, and severe tubulointerstitial injury marked by massive tubule necrosis in kidney tissues. BARD significantly reduced BUN and SCr levels which were elevated by AAI. Additionally, AAI-induced histopathological renal damage was ameliorated by BARD. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 was reduced, and its repressor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) was increased significantly, whereas heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was upregulated and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) was barely increased in the cytoplasm of tubules in kidneys after treatment with AAI. BARD significantly upregulated renal Nrf2, NQO1 and HO-1 expression and downregulated Keap1 expression compared with those in the AA group. Moreover, it was found that Nrf2 was expressed both in the cytoplasm and nuclear of glomeruli and tubules, whereas NQO1 and HO-1 were localized in the cytoplasm of tubules only. In conclusion, AA-induced acute renal injury was associated with impaired Nrf2 activation and expression of its downstream target genes in renal tissues. BARD prevented renal damage induced by AAI, and this renoprotective effect may be exerted by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and increasing expression of the downstream target genes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Febuxostat ameliorates diabetic renal injury in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hong-Joo; Jeong, Kyung Hwan; Kim, Yang Gyun; Moon, Joo Young; Lee, Sang Ho; Ihm, Chun Gyoo; Sung, Ji Youn; Lee, Tae Won

    2014-01-01

    Oxidative stress and inflammation are known to play central roles in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Febuxostat is a novel non-purine xanthine oxidase (XO)-specific inhibitor developed to treat hyperuricemia. In this study, we investigated whether febuxostat could ameliorate DN via renoprotective mechanisms such as alleviation of oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory actions. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a normal group, a diabetes group (DM group), and a febuxostat-treated diabetes group (DM+Fx group). We administered 5 mg/kg of febuxostat to experimental rats for 7 weeks and evaluated clinical and biochemical parameters and XO and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity in hepatic tissue. The degree of oxidative stress and extent of inflammation were evaluated from urine samples and renal tissue collected from each group. Diabetic rats (DM and DM+Fx groups) had higher blood glucose and kidney weight relative to body weight than normal rats. Albuminuria was significantly reduced in febuxostat-treated diabetic rats compared with untreated diabetic rats. Quantitative analysis showed that hepatic XO and XDH activities were higher in the DM groups, but decreased after treatment with febuxostat. Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations and renal cortical nitrotyrosine also indicated reduced oxidative stress in the DM+Fx group relative to the DM group. The number of ED-1-stained cells in the glomerulus and tubule of diabetic renal tissue decreased in febuxostat-treated diabetic rats relative to that of non-treated diabetic rats. Diabetic rats also expressed higher transcript levels of inflammatory genes (E-selectin and VCAM-1), an inflammation-induced enzyme (COX-2), and inflammatory mediators (ED-1 and NF-κB) than control rats; expression of these genes was significantly reduced by treatment with febuxostat. Febuxostat prevents diabetic renal injury such as albuminuria. This renoprotective effect appears to be due to attenuation of the

  10. Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor A Epigenetically Regulates Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy

    PubMed Central

    Xu, Huihui; Wu, Xiaoyan; Qin, Hao; Tian, Wenfang; Chen, Junliang; Sun, Lina; Fang, Mingming

    2015-01-01

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications associated with diabetes and characterized by renal microvascular injury along with accelerated synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins causing tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Production of type I collagen, the major component of extracellular matrix, is augmented during renal fibrosis after chronic exposure to hyperglycemia. However, the transcriptional modulator responsible for the epigenetic manipulation leading to induction of type I collagen genes is not clearly defined. We show here that tubulointerstitial fibrosis as a result of DN was diminished in myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) -deficient mice. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells and the kidneys of mice with DN, MRTF-A was induced by glucose and synergized with glucose to activate collagen transcription. Notably, MRTF-A silencing led to the disappearance of prominent histone modifications indicative of transcriptional activation, including acetylated histone H3K18/K27 and trimethylated histone H3K4. Detailed analysis revealed that MRTF-A recruited p300, a histone acetyltransferase, and WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5), a key component of the histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex, to the collagen promoters and engaged these proteins in transcriptional activation. Estradiol suppressed collagen production by dampening the expression and binding activity of MRTF-A and interfering with the interaction between p300 and WDR5 in renal epithelial cells. Therefore, targeting the MRTF-A–associated epigenetic machinery might yield interventional strategies against DN-associated renal fibrosis. PMID:25349198

  11. Tongxinluo ameliorates renal structure and function by regulating miR-21-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jin-yang; Gao, Yan-bin; Zhang, Na; Zou, Da-wei; Xu, Li-ping; Zhu, Zhi-yao; Li, Jiao-yang; Zhou, Sheng-nan; Cui, Fang-qiang; Zeng, Xiang-jun; Geng, Jian-guo; Yang, Jin-kui

    2014-03-01

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most important diabetic microangiopathies. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in DN. The physiological role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) was closely linked to EMT. However, it remained elusive whether tongxinluo (TXL) ameliorated renal structure and function by regulating miR-21-induced EMT in DN. This study aimed to determine the effect of TXL on miR-21-induced renal tubular EMT and to explore the relationship between miR-21 and TGF-β1/smads signals. Real-time RT-PCR, cell transfection, in situ hybridization (ISH), and laser confocal microscopy were used, respectively. Here, we revealed that TXL dose dependently lowered miR-21 expression in tissue, serum, and cells. Overexpression of miR-21 can enhance α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and decrease E-cadherin expression by upregulating smad3/p-smad3 expression and downregulating smad7 expression. Interestingly, TXL also increased E-cadherin expression and decreased α-SMA expression by regulating miR-21 expression. More importantly, TXL decreased collagen IV, fibronectin, glomerular basement membrane, glomerular area, and the albumin/creatinine ratio, whereas it increased the creatinine clearance ratio. The results demonstrated that TXL ameliorated renal structure and function by regulating miR-21-induced EMT, which was one of the mechanisms to protect against DN, and that miR-21 may be one of the therapeutic targets for TXL in DN.

  12. The role of T cells in the pathogenesis of primary hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Quiroz, Yasmir; Johnson, Richard J.; Rodríguez-Iturbe, Bernardo

    2012-01-01

    Accumulating evidence indicates that T cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Here we review the investigations that have shown that T cells are infiltrating the kidney in hypertension. Interstitial accumulation of immune cells is associated with increments in oxidative stress and renal angiotensin II activity that result in the impairment in pressure natriuresis. The severity of salt-sensitive hypertension is directly correlated with the intensity of immune cell infiltration in the kidney. Reducing the renal infiltration of T cells prevents or ameliorates hypertension and the induction of tubulointerstitial inflammation results in salt-sensitive hypertension. The potential participation of autoimmune mechanisms in the renal infiltration of immune competent cells is discussed. PMID:23036901

  13. The 6-hydroxychromanol derivative SUL-109 ameliorates renal injury after deep hypothermia and rewarming in rats.

    PubMed

    Vogelaar, Pieter C; Roorda, Maurits; de Vrij, Edwin L; Houwertjes, Martin C; Goris, Maaike; Bouma, Hjalmar; van der Graaf, Adrianus C; Krenning, Guido; Henning, Robert H

    2018-04-11

    Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in kidney damage in various pathologies, including acute and chronic kidney injury and diabetic nephropathy. In addition to the well-studied ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, hypothermia/rewarming (H/R) also inflicts acute kidney injury. Substituted 6-hydroxychromanols are a novel class of mitochondrial medicines that ameliorate mitochondrial oxidative stress and protect the mitochondrial network. To identify a novel 6-hydroxychromanol that protects mitochondrial structure and function in the kidney during H/R, we screened multiple compounds in vitro and subsequently assessed the efficacy of the 6-hydroxychromanol derivatives SUL-109 and SUL-121 in vivo to protect against kidney injury after H/R in rats. Human proximal tubule cell viability was assessed following exposure to H/R for 48/4 h in the presence of various 6-hydroxychromanols. Selected compounds (SUL-109, SUL-121) or vehicle were administered to ketamine-anaesthetized male Wistar rats (IV 135 µg/kg/h) undergoing H/R at 15°C for 3 h followed by rewarming and normothermia for 1 h. Metabolic parameters and body temperature were measured throughout. In addition, renal function, renal injury, histopathology and mitochondrial fitness were assessed. H/R injury in vitro lowered cell viability by 94 ± 1%, which was counteracted dose-dependently by multiple 6-hydroxychomanols derivatives. In vivo, H/R in rats showed kidney injury molecule 1 expression in the kidney and tubular dilation, accompanied by double-strand DNA breaks and protein nitrosylation. SUL-109 and SUL-121 ameliorated tubular kidney damage, preserved mitochondrial mass and maintained cortical adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels, although SUL-121 did not reduce protein nitrosylation. The substituted 6-hydroxychromanols SUL-109 and SUL-121 ameliorate kidney injury during in vivo H/R by preserving mitochondrial mass, function and ATP levels. In addition, both 6-hydroxychromanols

  14. Inhibition of SET Domain–Containing Lysine Methyltransferase 7/9 Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Sasaki, Kensuke; Nakashima, Ayumu; Irifuku, Taisuke; Yamada, Kyoko; Kokoroishi, Keiko; Ueno, Toshinori; Doi, Toshiki; Hida, Eisuke; Arihiro, Koji; Kohno, Nobuoki

    2016-01-01

    TGF-β1 activity results in methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4) through SET domain–containing lysine methyltransferase 7/9 (SET7/9) induction, which is important for the transcriptional activation of fibrotic genes in vitro. However, in vivo studies utilizing an experimental model of renal fibrosis are required to develop therapeutic interventions that target SET7/9. In this study, we investigated the signaling pathway of TGF-β1-induced SET7/9 expression and whether inhibition of SET7/9 suppresses renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice and kidney cell lines. Among the SET family, SET7/9 was upregulated on days 3 and 7 in UUO mice, and the upregulation was suppressed by TGF-β1 neutralizing antibody. TGF-β1 induced SET7/9 expression via Smad3 in normal rat kidney (NRK)-52E cells. In human kidney biopsy specimens from patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy, SET7/9 expression was positively correlated with the degree of interstitial fibrosis (r=0.59, P=0.001 in patients with IgA nephropathy; and r=0.58, P<0.05 in patients with membranous nephropathy). In addition, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of SET7/9 expression significantly attenuated renal fibrosis in UUO mice. Sinefungin, an inhibitor of SET7/9, also suppressed the expression of mesenchymal markers and extracellular matrix proteins and inhibited H3K4 mono-methylation (H3K4me1) in kidneys of UUO mice. Moreover, sinefungin had an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced α-smooth muscle actin expression and H3K4me1 in both NRK-52E and NRK-49F cells. In conclusion, sinefungin, a SET7/9 inhibitor, ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting H3K4me1 and may be a candidate therapeutic agent. PMID:26045091

  15. Blockade of CD354 (TREM-1) Ameliorates Anti-GBM-Induced Nephritis.

    PubMed

    Du, Yong; Wu, Tianfu; Zhou, Xin J; Davis, Laurie S; Mohan, Chandra

    2016-06-01

    CD354, Triggering Receptor of Myeloid Cells-1 (TREM-1), is a potent amplifier of myeloid immune responses. Our goal was to determine the expression and function of TREM-1 in immune-mediated nephritis. An anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody (anti-GBM)-induced nephritis model was employed, where mice were sensitized with rabbit IgG followed by anti-GBM serum to induce disease. Anti-GBM-treated 129x1/svJ mice developed severe nephritis whereas C57BL/6 (B6) mice were resistant to disease. Anti-GBM disease resulted in elevated renal TREM-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels and increased urine TREM-1 levels in 129x1/svJ. TREM-1 blockade with an inhibitory peptide, LP17, inhibited proteinuria and renal disease as measured by glomerulonephritis class, severity of tubulointerstitial disease, crescent formation, and inflammatory cell infiltrates. In sum, TREM-1 is upregulated in renal inflammation and plays a vital role in driving disease. Thus, TREM-1 blockade emerges as a potential therapeutic avenue for immune-mediated renal diseases such as lupus nephritis.

  16. Baicalin ameliorates renal fibrosis via inhibition of transforming growth factor β1 production and downstream signal transduction

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Long; Zhang, Chao; Li, Long; Hu, Chao; Hu, Mushuang; Sidikejiang, Niyazi; Wang, Xuanchuan; Lin, Miao; Rong, Ruiming

    2017-01-01

    Previous studies have demonstrated the potential antifibrotic effects of baicalin in vitro, via examination of 21 compounds isolated from plants. However, its biological activity and underlying mechanisms of action in vivo remain to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of baicalin on renal fibrosis in vivo, and the potential signaling pathways involved. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats. Baicalin was administrated intraperitoneally every 2 days for 10 days. The degree of renal damage and fibrosis was investigated by histological assessment, and detection of fibronectin and collagen I mRNA expression levels. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and downstream phosphorylation of mothers against decapentaplegic 2/3 (Smad2/3) were examined in vivo and in an NRK-52E rat renal tubular cell line in vitro. Baicalin was demonstrated to markedly ameliorate renal fibrosis and suppress EMT, as evidenced by reduced interstitial collagen accumulation, decreased fibronectin and collagen I mRNA expression levels, upregulation of N- and E-cadherin expression levels, and downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin expression. Furthermore, baicalin decreased TGF-β1 expression levels in serum and kidney tissue following UUO, and suppressed Smad2/3 phosphorylation in rat kidney tissue. In vitro studies identified that baicalin may inhibit the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 under the same TGF-β1 concentration. In conclusion, baicalin may protect against renal fibrosis, potentially via inhibition of TGF-β1 production and its downstream signal transduction. PMID:28260014

  17. Renal manifestations of primary mitochondrial disorders

    PubMed Central

    Finsterer, Josef; Scorza, Fulvio

    2017-01-01

    The aim of the present review was to summarize and discuss previous findings concerning renal manifestations of primary mitochondrial disorders (MIDs). A literature review was performed using frequently used databases. The study identified that primary MIDs frequently present as mitochondrial multiorgan disorder syndrome (MIMODS) at onset or in the later course of the MID. Occasionally, the kidneys are affected in MIDs. Renal manifestations of MIDs include renal insufficiency, nephrolithiasis, nephrotic syndrome, renal cysts, renal tubular acidosis, Bartter-like syndrome, Fanconi syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, nephrocalcinosis, and benign or malign neoplasms. Among the syndromic MIDs, renal involvement has been most frequently reported in patients with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes syndrome, Kearns-Sayre syndrome, Leigh syndrome and mitochondrial depletion syndromes. Only in single cases was renal involvement also reported in chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, Pearson syndrome, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, coenzyme-Q deficiency, X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia, myopathy, lactic acidosis, and sideroblastic anemia, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, growth retardation, aminoaciduria, cholestasis, iron overload, lactacidosis, and early death, and hyperuricemia, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure in infancy and alkalosis syndrome. The present study proposes that the frequency of renal involvement in MIDs is probably underestimated. Diagnosis of renal involvement follows general guidelines and treatment is symptomatic. Thus, renal manifestations of primary MIDs require recognition and appropriate management, as they determine the outcome of MID patients. PMID:28515908

  18. Thalidomide ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting renal inflammation in an experimental model.

    PubMed

    Amirshahrokhi, Keyvan; Khalili, Ali-Reza

    2015-04-01

    Cisplatin is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug. However, its chemotherapeutic use is restricted by serious side effects, especially nephrotoxicity. Inflammatory mechanisms have a significant role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory agent and is used for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential nephroprotective effect of thalidomide in a mouse model of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Nephrotoxicity was induced in mice by a single injection of cisplatin (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and treated with thalidomide (50 and 100 mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 days, beginning 24 h prior to the cisplatin injection. Renal toxicity induced by cisplatin was demonstrated by increasing plasma levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Cisplatin increased the renal production of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. In addition, kidney levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) were increased by cisplatin. Biochemical results showed that thalidomide reduced cisplatin-induced increase in plasma creatinine and BUN. Thalidomide treatment also significantly reduced tissue levels of the proinflammatory cytokines, MDA, MPO, and NO and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, histological examination indicated that thalidomide ameliorated renal damage caused by cisplatin. These data suggest that thalidomide attenuates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity possibly by inhibition of inflammatory reactions. Taken together, our findings indicate that thalidomide might be a valuable candidate for the prevention of nephrotoxicity in patients receiving cisplatin.

  19. Renal transplantation induces mitochondrial uncoupling, increased kidney oxygen consumption, and decreased kidney oxygen tension.

    PubMed

    Papazova, Diana A; Friederich-Persson, Malou; Joles, Jaap A; Verhaar, Marianne C

    2015-01-01

    Hypoxia is an acknowledged pathway to renal injury and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and is known to reduce renal oxygen tension (Po2). We hypothesized that renal I/R increases oxidative damage and induces mitochondrial uncoupling, resulting in increased oxygen consumption and hence kidney hypoxia. Lewis rats underwent syngenic renal transplantation (TX) and contralateral nephrectomy. Controls were uninephrectomized (1K-CON) or left untreated (2K-CON). After 7 days, urinary excretion of protein and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured, and after 14 days glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow, whole kidney Qo2, cortical Po2, kidney cortex mitochondrial uncoupling, renal oxidative damage, and tubulointerstitial injury were assessed. TX, compared with 1K-CON, resulted in mitochondrial uncoupling mediated via uncoupling protein-2 (16 ± 3.3 vs. 0.9 ± 0.4 pmol O2 · s(-1)· mg protein(-1), P < 0.05) and increased whole kidney Qo2 (55 ± 16 vs. 33 ± 10 μmol O2/min, P < 0.05). Corticomedullary Po2 was lower in TX compared with 1K-CON (30 ± 13 vs. 47 ± 4 μM, P < 0.05) whereas no significant difference was observed between 2K-CON and 1K-CON rats. Proteinuria, oxidative damage, and the tubulointerstitial injury score were not significantly different in 1K-CON and TX. Treatment of donors for 5 days with mito-TEMPO reduced mitochondrial uncoupling but did not affect renal hemodynamics, Qo2, Po2, or injury. Collectively, our results demonstrate increased mitochondrial uncoupling as an early event after experimental renal transplantation associated with increased oxygen consumption and kidney hypoxia in the absence of increases in markers of damage. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

  20. Heterozygous disruption of activin receptor-like kinase 1 is associated with increased renal fibrosis in a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Muñoz-Félix, José M; López-Novoa, José M; Martínez-Salgado, Carlos

    2014-02-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix in the renal interstitium, myofibroblast activation, cell infiltration, and tubular cell apoptosis, leading to chronic renal failure. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1) is a transforming growth factor-β1 type I receptor with a pivotal role in endothelial proliferation and migration, but its role in the development of renal fibrosis is unknown. To assess this we used the unilateral ureteral obstruction model of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in ALK1 haploinsufficient (ALK1(+/-)) and wild-type mice. After 15 days, there was an increase in extracellular matrix protein expression in the obstructed kidneys from both ALK1(+/+) and ALK1(+/-) mice, but obstructed kidneys from ALK1(+/-) mice showed significantly higher expression of type I collagen than those from wild-type mice. Ureteral obstruction increased kidney myofibroblasts markers (α-smooth muscle actin and S100A4), without differences between mouse genotypes. ALK1 expression was increased after ureteral obstruction, and this increased expression was located in myofibroblasts. Moreover, cultured renal fibroblasts from ALK1(+/-) mice expressed more collagen type I and fibronectin than fibroblasts derived from wild-type mice. Thus, ALK1 modulates obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by increased extracellular matrix synthesis in myofibroblasts, but without differences in myofibroblast number.

  1. Renal flagellate infections in reptiles: 29 cases.

    PubMed

    Juan-Sallés, Caries; Garner, Michael M; Nordhausen, Robert W; Valls, Xavier; Gallego, Miguel; Soto, Sara

    2014-03-01

    Renal infection with flagellated protozoa was retrospectively evaluated in 29 reptiles, including 12 turtles, 7 tortoises, and 6 chameleons; overall, 20 species of reptiles were represented. Most cases presented with nonspecific clinical signs or a combination of several concurrent diseases. Nineteen of 29 reptiles had tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with flagellates, and this lesion was considered contributory to death in 15 cases, although concurrent diseases were frequent. Infection was invasive into the renal interstitium in three reptiles due to tubular rupture and in one chameleon also spread to adjacent tissues, coelomic cavity, and blood vessels due to renal rupture. Cytologic or ultrastructural evaluation of trophozoites in two cases was consistent with diplomonad flagellates. Renal disease was often complicated with soft-tissue mineralization and/or gout. Gastrointestinal and cloacal infection with flagellates and inflammation were frequent in reptiles in which the digestive tract was available for histopathologic examination, and this supports the possibility of infections ascending the urinary tract from the cloaca. Renal disease associated with flagellate protozoa is rare in vertebrates but appears to be relevant in reptiles, particularly chelonians and chameleons.

  2. Rapamycin promotes podocyte autophagy and ameliorates renal injury in diabetic mice.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Tangli; Guan, Xu; Nie, Ling; Wang, Song; Sun, Lei; He, Ting; Huang, Yunjian; Zhang, Jingbo; Yang, Ke; Wang, Junping; Zhao, Jinghong

    2014-09-01

    The aim was to explore the effects of rapamycin on autophagy and injury of podocytes in streptozocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice, and its role in delaying progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, male Balb/c mice were divided into three groups: control (n = 12), STZ-induced diabetic (n = 12), and rapamycin-treated diabetic (DM + Rapa) (n = 12), which received intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin (2 mg/kg/48 h) after induction of DM. Levels of urinary albumin (UA), blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and kidney weight/body weight were measured at week 12. Renal pathologic changes, number of podocytes autophagy, and organelles injury were investigated by PAS staining, transmission electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Western blot was performed to determine the expression of LC3 (a podocyte autophagy marker), phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin, p-p70S6K, bax, and caspase-3 protein. Podocytes count was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Wilms tumor 1 immunohistochemistry, and Western blot of nephrin and podocin. The results indicated that rapamycin could reduce the kidney weight/body weight and UA secretion. It could alleviate podocyte foot process fusion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, and matrix accumulation, and increase the number of autophagosomes, and LC3-expressing podocytes. Down-regulation of bax and caspase-3 protein, and up-regulation of nephrin and podocin protein were observed in the glomeruli of diabetic mice after administration of rapamycin. In conclusion, rapamycin can ameliorate renal injury in diabetic mice by increasing the autophagy activity and inhibition of apoptosis of podocytes.

  3. The complement factor 5a receptor 1 has a pathogenic role in chronic inflammation and renal fibrosis in a murine model of chronic pyelonephritis.

    PubMed

    Choudhry, Naheed; Li, Ke; Zhang, Ting; Wu, Kun-Yi; Song, Yun; Farrar, Conrad A; Wang, Na; Liu, Cheng-Fei; Peng, Qi; Wu, Weiju; Sacks, Steven H; Zhou, Wuding

    2016-09-01

    Complement factor 5a (C5a) interaction with its receptor (C5aR1) contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, including acute kidney injury. However, its role in chronic inflammation, particularly in pathogen-associated disorders, is largely unknown. Here we tested whether the development of chronic inflammation and renal fibrosis is dependent on C5aR1 in a murine model of chronic pyelonephritis. C5aR1-deficient (C5aR1-/-) mice showed a significant reduction in bacterial load, tubule injury and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the kidneys following infection, compared with C5aR1-sufficient mice. This was associated with reduced renal leukocyte infiltration specifically for the population of Ly6Chi proinflammatory monocytes/macrophages and reduced intrarenal gene expression of key proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors in C5aR1-/- mice following infection. Antagonizing C5aR1 decreased renal bacterial load, tissue inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that under infection conditions, C5a/C5aR1 interaction upregulated the production of proinflammatory and profibrogenic factors by renal tubular epithelial cells and monocytes/macrophages, whereas the phagocytic function of monocytes/macrophages was down-regulated. Thus, C5aR1-dependent bacterial colonization of the tubular epithelium, C5a/C5aR1-mediated upregulation of local inflammatory responses to uropathogenic E. coli and impairment of phagocytic function of phagocytes contribute to persistent bacterial colonization of the kidney, chronic renal inflammation and subsequent tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome in adults

    PubMed Central

    Legendre, Mathieu; Devilliers, Hervé; Perard, Laurent; Groh, Matthieu; Nefti, Habdelamid; Dussol, Bertrand; Trad, Salim; Touré, Fatouma; Abad, Sébastien; Boffa, Jean-Jacques; Frimat, Luc; Torner, Stéphane; Seidowsky, Alexandre; Massy, Ziad André; Saadoun, David; Rieu, Virginie; Schoindre, Yoland; Heron, Emmanuel; Frouget, Thierry; Lionet, Arnaud; Glowacki, François; Arnaud, Laurent; Mousson, Christiane; Besancenot, Jean-François; Rebibou, Jean-Michel; Bielefeld, Philip

    2016-01-01

    Abstract Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disease, defined by the association of idiopathic acute TINU. The aim of our work was to determine the characteristics of adult TINU syndrome in France, and to assess factors (including treatment) influencing medium-term prognosis. We conducted a nationwide study including 20 French hospitals. Clinical, laboratory, and renal histopathologic data of 41 biopsy-proven TINU syndromes were retrospectively collected. The patients were diagnosed between January 1, 1999 and December 1, 2015. Twenty-five females and 16 males were included (F/M ratio: 1.6:1). The median age at disease onset was 46.8 years (range 16.8–77.4) with a median serum creatinine level at 207 μmol/L (range 100–1687) and a median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 27 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (range 2–73). Twenty-nine patients (71%) had a bilateral anterior uveitis and 24 (59%) had deterioration in general health at presentation. Moderate proteinuria was found in 32 patients (78%) (median proteinuria 0.52 g/24 h; range 0.10–2.10), aseptic leukocyturia in 25/36 patients (70%). The evaluation of renal biopsies revealed 41 patients (100%) with an acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, 19/39 patients (49%) with light to moderate fibrosis and 5 patients (12%) with an acute tubular necrosis. Thirty-six patients (88%) were treated with oral corticosteroids. After 1 year of follow-up, the median eGFR was 76 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (range 17–119) and 32% of the patients suffered from moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Serum creatinine (P < 0.001, r = −0.54), serum bicarbonate and phosphate levels (respectively, P = 0.01, r = 0.53; and P = 0.04, r = 0.46), and age (P = 0.03, r = −0.37) at the 1st symptoms were associated with eGFR after 1 year. During the 1st year 40% of patients had uveitis relapses. The use of oral corticosteroids was not associated with a better kidney function but was associated

  5. Green Tea Polyphenols Ameliorate the Early Renal Damage Induced by a High-Fat Diet via Ketogenesis/SIRT3 Pathway

    PubMed Central

    Yi, Weijie; Xie, Xiao; Du, Miying; Bu, Yongjun; Wu, Nannan; Yang, Hui; Tian, Chong; Xu, Fangyi; Xiang, Siyun; Zhang, Piwei; Chen, Zhuo

    2017-01-01

    Scope Several reports in the literature have suggested the renoprotective effects of ketone bodies and green tea polyphenols (GTPs). Our previous study found that GTP consumption could elevate the renal expression of the ketogenic rate-limiting enzyme, which was decreased by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. Here, we investigated whether ketogenesis can mediate renoprotection by GTPs against an HFD. Methods and Results Wistar rats were fed a standard or HFD with or without GTPs for 18 weeks. The renal oxidative stress level, kidney function, renal expression, and activity levels of mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) synthase 2 (HMGCS2) and sirtuin 3(SIRT3) were detected. The increased renal oxidative stress and the loss of renal function induced by the HFD were ameliorated by GTPs. Renal ketogenesis and SIRT3 expression and activity levels, which were reduced by the HFD, were restored by GTPs. In vitro, HEK293 cells were transfected with the eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA HMGCS2. GTP treatment could upregulate HMGCS2 and SIRT3 expression. Although SIRT3 expression was not affected by HMGCS2 transfection, the 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) level and the acetyl-MnSOD (K122)/MnSOD ratio were reduced in HMGCS2-transfected cells in the context of H2O2. Conclusion The ketogenesis/SIRT3 pathway mediates the renoprotection of GTPs against the oxidative stress induced by an HFD. PMID:28814987

  6. Renal denervation prevents long-term sequelae of ischemic renal injury

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Jinu; Padanilam, Babu J.

    2014-01-01

    Signals that drive interstitial fibrogenesis after renal ischemia reperfusion injury remain undefined. Sympathetic activation is manifest even in the early clinical stages of chronic kidney disease and is directly related to disease severity. A role for renal nerves in renal interstitial fibrogenesis in the setting of ischemia reperfusion injury has not been studied. In male 129S1/SvImJ mice, ischemia reperfusion injury induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis as indicated by collagen deposition and profibrotic protein expression 4 to 16 days after the injury.. Leukocyte influx, proinflammatory protein expression, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase were enhanced after ischemia reperfusion injury. Renal denervation at the time of injury or up to 1 day post-injury improved histology, decreased proinflammatory/profibrotic responses and apoptosis, and prevented G2/M cell cycle arrest in the kidney. Treatment with afferent nerve-derived calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or efferent nerve-derived norepinephrine in denervated and ischemia reperfusion injury-induced kidneys mimicked innervation, restored inflammation and fibrosis, induced G2/M arrest, and enhanced TGF-β1 activation. Blocking norepinephrine or CGRP function using respective receptor blockers prevented these effects. Consistent with the in vivo study, treatment with either norepinephrine or CGRP induced G2/M cell cycle arrest in HK-2 proximal tubule cells, whereas antagonists against their respective receptors prevented G2/M arrest. Thus, renal nerve stimulation is a primary mechanism and renal nerve-derived factors drive epithelial cell cycle arrest and the inflammatory cascade causing interstitial fibrogenesis after ischemia reperfusion injury. PMID:25207878

  7. Leptospirosis Renal Disease: Emerging Culprit of Chronic Kidney Disease Unknown Etiology.

    PubMed

    Yang, Chih-Wei

    2018-01-01

    Leptospirosis is the most prevalent zoonosis affecting more than 1 million populations worldwide. Interestingly, leptospirosis endemic regions coincide with chronic kidney disease (CKD) hotspots largely due to flooding and agricultural overlaps. Acute leptospirosis induces multiple organ dysfunction including acute kidney injury and may predispose to CKD and end-stage renal disease, if not treated timely. Asymptomatic infection may carry the bacteria in the kidney and CKD progresses insidiously. Histologic finding of leptospirosis renal disease includes tubulointerstitial nephritis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy. Proximal tubule dysfunction and hypokalemia are observed in adult male workers with leptospirosis, a characteristic similarity to CKD unknown etiology (CKDu). CKDu is a form of CKD that is not attributable to traditional risk factors clustering in agricultural communities affecting young male farmers. Kidney pathology shows a chronic tubulointerstitial disease. CKDu is being reported as an endemic nephropathy across the globe. Recent surveys suggest that asymptomatic leptospira renal colonization is an overlooked risk for renal fibrosis and CKDu. Population with anti-leptospira seropositivity is associated with lower estimated glomerular filtration rate in endemic regions and carrier may progress to CKD. Leptospirosis has been considered as a risk factor for CKDu in Sri Lanka and in Mesoamerican area. Sugarcane workers in Nicaragua showed increased anti-leptospira seropositivity and higher urinary biomarkers for kidney injury. Emerging evidence with signs of infection were reported in these endemic population, indicating that leptospira exposure could play a role in CKDu as a cause of primary kidney disease or a susceptible factor when secondary injury such as heat stress or dehydration aggravates kidney disease. Therefore, leptospirosis as an emerging culprit of CKDu deserves further in-depth investigation. © 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  8. Osthole ameliorates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yi; Lu, Min; Ma, Lulin; Zhang, Shudong; Qiu, Min; Wang, Yunpeng

    2013-07-01

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of acute kidney injury. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying I/R injury involve oxidative stress and apoptosis. Osthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been reported to possess antioxidant and antiapoptotic activities. This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of osthole on renal I/R injury in an in vivo rat model. We induced renal I/R injury by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min followed by reperfusion, along with a contralateral nephrectomy. We randomly assigned 54 rats to three groups (18 rats/group): sham-operated, vehicle-treated I/R, and osthole-treated I/R. We treated rats intraperitoneally with osthole (40 mg/kg) or vehicle (40 mg/kg) 30 min before renal ischemia. We harvested serum and kidneys at 1, 6, and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal function and histological changes were assessed. We also determined markers of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis in kidneys. Osthole treatment significantly attenuated renal dysfunction and histologic damage induced by I/R injury. The I/R-induced elevation in kidney malondialdehyde level decreased, whereas reduced kidney superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were markedly increased. Moreover, osthole-treated rats had a dramatic decrease in apoptotic tubular cells, along with a decrease in caspase-3 and an increase in the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Osthole treatment protects murine kidney from renal I/R injury by suppressing oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. Thus, osthole may represent a novel practical strategy to prevent renal I/R injury. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Honey Supplementation in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Elicits Antihypertensive Effect via Amelioration of Renal Oxidative Stress

    PubMed Central

    Erejuwa, Omotayo O.; Sulaiman, Siti A.; Ab Wahab, Mohd S.; Sirajudeen, Kuttulebbai N. S.; Salleh, Salzihan; Gurtu, Sunil

    2012-01-01

    Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of elevated blood pressure in hypertension. This study investigated the effect of honey on elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). It also evaluated the effect of honey on the amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR as a possible mechanism of its antihypertensive effect. SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups and administered distilled water or honey by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. The control SHR had significantly higher SBP and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than did control WKY. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly downregulated while total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of GST and catalase (CAT) were higher in the kidney of control SHR. Honey supplementation significantly reduced SBP and MDA levels in SHR. Honey significantly reduced the activities of GST and CAT while it moderately but insignificantly upregulated the Nrf2 mRNA expression level in the kidney of SHR. These results indicate that Nrf2 expression is impaired in the kidney of SHR. Honey supplementation considerably reduces elevated SBP via amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR. PMID:22315654

  10. Honey supplementation in spontaneously hypertensive rats elicits antihypertensive effect via amelioration of renal oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Erejuwa, Omotayo O; Sulaiman, Siti A; Ab Wahab, Mohd S; Sirajudeen, Kuttulebbai N S; Salleh, Salzihan; Gurtu, Sunil

    2012-01-01

    Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and/or maintenance of elevated blood pressure in hypertension. This study investigated the effect of honey on elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). It also evaluated the effect of honey on the amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR as a possible mechanism of its antihypertensive effect. SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were randomly divided into 2 groups and administered distilled water or honey by oral gavage once daily for 12 weeks. The control SHR had significantly higher SBP and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels than did control WKY. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were significantly downregulated while total antioxidant status (TAS) and activities of GST and catalase (CAT) were higher in the kidney of control SHR. Honey supplementation significantly reduced SBP and MDA levels in SHR. Honey significantly reduced the activities of GST and CAT while it moderately but insignificantly upregulated the Nrf2 mRNA expression level in the kidney of SHR. These results indicate that Nrf2 expression is impaired in the kidney of SHR. Honey supplementation considerably reduces elevated SBP via amelioration of oxidative stress in the kidney of SHR.

  11. High sodium diet converts renal proteoglycans into pro-inflammatory mediators in rats

    PubMed Central

    Shrestha, Pragyi; Sarpong, Kwaku A.; Yazdani, Saleh; el Masri, Rana; de Jong, Wilhelmina H. A.; Navis, Gerjan; Vivès, Romain R.; van den Born, Jacob

    2017-01-01

    Background High dietary sodium aggravates renal disease by affecting blood pressure and by its recently shown pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic effects. Moreover, pro-inflammatory modification of renal heparan sulfate (HS) can induce tissue remodeling. We aim to investigate if high sodium intake in normotensive rats converts renal HS into a pro-inflammatory phenotype, able to bind more sodium and orchestrate inflammation, fibrosis and lymphangiogenesis. Methods Wistar rats received a normal diet for 4 weeks, or 8% NaCl diet for 2 or 4 weeks. Blood pressure was monitored, and plasma, urine and tissue collected. Tissue sodium was measured by flame spectroscopy. Renal HS and tubulo-interstitial remodeling were studied by biochemical, immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR approaches. Results High sodium rats showed a transient increase in blood pressure (week 1; p<0.01) and increased sodium excretion (p<0.05) at 2 and 4 weeks compared to controls. Tubulo-interstitial T-cells, myofibroblasts and mRNA levels of VCAM1, TGF-β1 and collagen type III significantly increased after 4 weeks (all p<0.05). There was a trend for increased macrophage infiltration and lymphangiogenesis (both p = 0.07). Despite increased dermal sodium over time (p<0.05), renal concentrations remained stable. Renal HS of high sodium rats showed increased sulfation (p = 0.05), increased L-selectin binding to HS (p<0,05), and a reduction of sulfation-sensitive anti-HS mAbs JM403 (p<0.001) and 10E4 (p<0.01). Hyaluronan expression increased under high salt conditions (p<0.01) without significant changes in the chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan versican. Statistical analyses showed that sodium-induced tissue remodeling responses partly correlated with observed HS changes. Conclusion We show that high salt intake by healthy normotensive rats convert renal HS into high sulfated pro-inflammatory glycans involved in tissue remodeling events, but not in increased sodium storage. PMID:28594849

  12. Arctigenin suppresses renal interstitial fibrosis in a rat model of obstructive nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Li, Ao; Zhang, Xiaoxun; Shu, Mao; Wu, Mingjun; Wang, Jun; Zhang, Jingyao; Wang, Rui; Li, Peng; Wang, Yitao

    2017-07-01

    Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is commonly the final result of a variety of progressive injuries and leads to end-stage renal disease. There are few therapeutic agents currently available for retarding the development of renal TIF. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the role of arctigenin (ATG), a lignan component derived from dried burdock (Arctium lappa L.) fruits, in protecting the kidney against injury by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. Rats were subjected to UUO and then administered with vehicle, ATG (1 and 3mg/kg/d), or losartan (20mg/kg/d) for 11 consecutive days. The renoprotective effects of ATG were evaluated by histological examination and multiple biochemical assays. Our results suggest that ATG significantly protected the kidney from injury by reducing tubular dilatation, epithelial atrophy, collagen deposition, and tubulointerstitial compartment expansion. ATG administration dramatically decreased macrophage (CD68-positive cell) infiltration. Meanwhile, ATG down-regulated the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), in the obstructed kidneys. This was associated with decreased activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). ATG attenuated UUO-induced oxidative stress by increasing the activity of renal manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), leading to reduced levels of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, ATG inhibited the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubules by reducing the abundance of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and its type I receptor, suppressing Smad2/3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, and up-regulating Smad7 expression. Notably, the efficacy of ATG in renal protection was comparable or even superior to losartan. ATG could protect the kidney from UUO-induced injury and fibrogenesis by suppressing inflammation, oxidative

  13. Effect of Angiotensin II and Small GTPase Ras Signaling Pathway Inhibition on Early Renal Changes in a Murine Model of Obstructive Nephropathy

    PubMed Central

    Rodríguez-Peña, Ana B.; Fuentes-Calvo, Isabel; Docherty, Neil G.; Arévalo, Miguel; Grande, María T.; Eleno, Nélida; Pérez-Barriocanal, Fernando; López-Novoa, José M.

    2014-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a major feature of chronic kidney disease. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rodents leads to the development of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis consistent with histopathological changes observed in advanced chronic kidney disease in humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of inhibiting angiotensin II receptors or Ras activation on early renal fibrotic changes induced by UUO. Animals either received angiotensin II or underwent UUO. UUO animals received either losartan, atorvastatin, and farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) L-744,832, or chaetomellic acid A (ChA). Levels of activated Ras, phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-Akt, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin were subsequently quantified in renal tissue by ELISA, Western blot, and/or immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrate that administration of angiotensin II induces activation of the small GTPase Ras/Erk/Akt signaling system, suggesting an involvement of angiotensin II in the early obstruction-induced activation of renal Ras. Furthermore, upstream inhibition of Ras signalling by blocking either angiotensin AT1 type receptor or by inhibiting Ras prenylation (atorvastatin, FTI o ChA) reduced the activation of the Ras/Erk/Akt signaling system and decreased the early fibrotic response in the obstructed kidney. This study points out that pharmacological inhibition of Ras activation may hold promise as a future strategy in the prevention of renal fibrosis. PMID:25101263

  14. Effect of angiotensin II and small GTPase Ras signaling pathway inhibition on early renal changes in a murine model of obstructive nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Peña, Ana B; Fuentes-Calvo, Isabel; Docherty, Neil G; Arévalo, Miguel; Grande, María T; Eleno, Nélida; Pérez-Barriocanal, Fernando; López-Novoa, José M

    2014-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a major feature of chronic kidney disease. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rodents leads to the development of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis consistent with histopathological changes observed in advanced chronic kidney disease in humans. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of inhibiting angiotensin II receptors or Ras activation on early renal fibrotic changes induced by UUO. Animals either received angiotensin II or underwent UUO. UUO animals received either losartan, atorvastatin, and farnesyl transferase inhibitor (FTI) L-744,832, or chaetomellic acid A (ChA). Levels of activated Ras, phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-Akt, fibronectin, and α-smooth muscle actin were subsequently quantified in renal tissue by ELISA, Western blot, and/or immunohistochemistry. Our results demonstrate that administration of angiotensin II induces activation of the small GTPase Ras/Erk/Akt signaling system, suggesting an involvement of angiotensin II in the early obstruction-induced activation of renal Ras. Furthermore, upstream inhibition of Ras signalling by blocking either angiotensin AT1 type receptor or by inhibiting Ras prenylation (atorvastatin, FTI o ChA) reduced the activation of the Ras/Erk/Akt signaling system and decreased the early fibrotic response in the obstructed kidney. This study points out that pharmacological inhibition of Ras activation may hold promise as a future strategy in the prevention of renal fibrosis.

  15. Renovascular disease, microcirculation, and the progression of renal injury: role of angiogenesis

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Emerging evidence supports the pivotal role of renal microvascular disease as a determinant of tubulo-interstitial and glomerular fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. An intact microcirculation is vital to restore blood flow to the injured tissues, which is a crucial step to achieve a successful repair response. The purpose of this review is to discuss the impact and mechanisms of the functional and structural changes of the renal microvascular network, as well as the role of these changes in the progression and irreversibility of renal injury. Damage of the renal microcirculation and deterioration of the angiogenic response may constitute early steps in the complex pathways involved in progressive renal injury. There is limited but provocative evidence that stimulation of vascular proliferation and repair may stabilize renal function and slow the progression of renal disease. The feasibility of novel potential therapeutic interventions for stabilizing the renal microvasculature is also discussed. Targeted interventions to enhance endogenous renoprotective mechanisms focused on the microcirculation, such as cell-based therapy or the use of angiogenic cytokines have shown promising results in some experimental and clinical settings. PMID:21307362

  16. Renal Tubular Acidosis in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome.

    PubMed

    Jung, Su Woong; Park, Eun Ji; Kim, Jin Sug; Lee, Tae Won; Ihm, Chun Gyoo; Lee, Sang Ho; Moon, Ju-Young; Kim, Yang Gyun; Jeong, Kyung Hwan

    2017-09-01

    Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands resulting in decreased saliva and tear production. It uncommonly involves the kidneys in various forms, including tubulointerstitial nephritis, renal tubular acidosis, Fanconi syndrome, and rarely glomerulonephritis. Its clinical symptoms include muscle weakness, periodic paralysis, and bone pain due to metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalance. Herein, we describe the cases of two women with pSS whose presenting symptoms involve the kidneys. They had hypokalemia and normal anion gap metabolic acidosis due to distal renal tubular acidosis and positive anti-SS-A and anti-SS-B autoantibodies. Since one of them experienced femoral fracture due to osteomalacia secondary to renal tubular acidosis, an earlier diagnosis of pSS is important in preventing serious complications.

  17. Role for transforming growth factor-beta1 in alport renal disease progression.

    PubMed

    Sayers, R; Kalluri, R; Rodgers, K D; Shield, C F; Meehan, D T; Cosgrove, D

    1999-11-01

    Alport syndrome results from mutations in either the alpha3(IV), alpha4(IV), or alpha5(IV) collagen genes. The disease is characterized by a progressive glomerulonephritis usually associated with a high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. A mouse model for an autosomal form of Alport syndrome [collagen alpha3(IV) knockout] was produced and characterized. In this study, the model was exploited to demonstrate a potential role for transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in Alport renal disease pathogenesis. Kidneys from normal and Alport mice, taken at different stages during the course of renal disease progression, were analyzed by Northern blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistology for expression of TGF-beta1 and components of the extracellular matrix. Normal and Alport human kidney was examined for TGF-beta1 expression using RNase protection. The mRNAs encoding TGF-beta1 (in both mouse and human), entactin, fibronectin, and the collagen alpha1(IV) and alpha2(IV) chains were significantly induced in total kidney as a function of Alport renal disease progression. The induction of these specific mRNAs was observed in the glomerular podocytes of animals with advanced disease. Type IV collagen, laminin-1, and fibronectin were markedly elevated in the tubulointerstitium at 10 weeks, but not at 6 weeks, suggesting that elevated expression of specific mRNAs on Northern blots reflects events associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The concomitant accumulation of mRNAs encoding TGF-beta1 and extracellular matrix components in the podocytes of diseased kidneys may reflect key events in Alport renal disease progression. These data suggest a role for TGF-beta1 in both glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage associated with Alport syndrome.

  18. Osteomalacia complicating renal tubular acidosis in association with Sjogren's syndrome.

    PubMed

    El Ati, Zohra; Fatma, Lilia Ben; Boulahya, Ghada; Rais, Lamia; Krid, Madiha; Smaoui, Wided; Maiz, Hedi Ben; Beji, Soumaya; Zouaghi, Karim; Moussa, Fatma Ben

    2014-09-01

    Renal involvement in Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is not uncommon and may precede other complaints. Tubulointerstitial nephritis is the most common renal disease in SS and may lead to renal tubular acidosis (RTA), which in turn may cause osteomalacia. Nevertheless, osteomalacia rarely occurs as the first manifestation of a renal tubule disorder due to SS. We herewith describe a 43-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital for weakness, lumbago and inability to walk. X-ray of the long bones showed extensive demineralization of the bones. Laboratory investigations revealed chronic kidney disease with serum creatinine of 2.3 mg/dL and creatinine clearance of 40 mL/min, hypokalemia (3.2 mmol/L), hypophosphatemia (0.4 mmol/L), hypocalcemia (2.14 mmol/L) and hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis (chlorine: 114 mmol/L; alkaline reserve: 14 mmol/L). The serum alkaline phosphatase levels were elevated. The serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D were low and borderline low, respectively, and the parathyroid hormone level was 70 pg/L. Urinalysis showed inappropriate alkaline urine (urinary PH: 7), glycosuria with normal blood glucose, phosphaturia and uricosuria. These values indicated the presence of both distal and proximal RTA. Our patient reported dryness of the mouth and eyes and Schirmer's test showed xerophthalmia. An accessory salivary gland biopsy showed changes corresponding to stage IV of Chisholm and Masson score. Kidney biopsy showed diffuse and severe tubulo-interstitial nephritis with dense lymphoplasmocyte infiltrates. Sicca syndrome and renal interstitial infiltrates indicated SS as the underlying cause of the RTA and osteomalacia. The patient received alkalinization, vitamin D (Sterogyl ®), calcium supplements and steroids in an initial dose of 1 mg/kg/day, tapered to 10 mg daily. The prognosis was favorable and the serum creatinine level was 1.7 mg/dL, calcium was 2.2 mmol/L and serum phosphate was 0.9 mmol/L.

  19. Renal Involvement in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases.

    PubMed

    Corica, Domenico; Romano, Claudio

    2016-02-01

    The prevalence of extraintestinal manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases varies from 6% to 46%. The aetiology of extraintestinal manifestations remains unclear. There are theories based on an immunological response influenced by genetic factors. Extraintestinal manifestations can involve almost every organ system. They may originate from the same pathophysiological mechanism of intestinal disease, or as secondary complications of inflammatory bowel diseases, or autoimmune diseases susceptibility. The most frequently involved organs are the joints, skin, eyes, liver and biliary tract. Renal involvement has been considered as an extraintestinal manifestation and has been described in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The most frequent renal involvements in patients with inflammatory bowel disease are nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, glomerulonephritis and amyloidosis. The aim of this review is to evaluate and report the most important data in the literature on renal involvement in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Bibliographical searches were performed of the MEDLINE electronic database from January 1998 to January 2015 with the following key words (all fields): (inflammatory bowel disease OR Crohn's disease OR ulcerative colitis) AND (kidney OR renal OR nephrotoxicity OR renal function OR kidney disease OR renal disease OR glomerulonephritis OR interstitial nephritis OR amyloidosis OR kidney failure OR renal failure) AND (5-aminosalicylic acid OR aminosalicylate OR mesalazine OR TNF-α inhibitors OR cyclosporine OR azathioprine OR drugs OR pediatric). Copyright © 2015 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  20. Stent revascularization restores cortical blood flow and reverses tissue hypoxia in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis but fails to reverse inflammatory pathways or glomerular filtration rate.

    PubMed

    Saad, Ahmed; Herrmann, Sandra M S; Crane, John; Glockner, James F; McKusick, Michael A; Misra, Sanjay; Eirin, Alfonso; Ebrahimi, Behzad; Lerman, Lilach O; Textor, Stephen C

    2013-08-01

    Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is known to reduce renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and amplify kidney hypoxia, but the relationships between these factors and tubulointerstitial injury in the poststenotic kidney are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of renal revascularization in ARAS on renal tissue hypoxia and renal injury. Inpatient studies were performed in patients with ARAS (n=17; >60% occlusion) before and 3 months after stent revascularization, or in patients with essential hypertension (n=32), during fixed Na(+) intake and angiotensin converting enzyme/angiotensin receptors blockers Rx. Single kidney cortical, medullary perfusion, and renal blood flow were measured using multidetector computed tomography, and GFR by iothalamate clearance. Tissue deoxyhemoglobin levels (R(2)*) were measured by blood oxygen level-dependent MRI at 3T, as was fractional kidney hypoxia (percentage of axial area with R(2)*>30/s). In addition, we measured renal vein levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Pre-stent single kidney renal blood flow, perfusion, and GFR were reduced in the poststenotic kidney. Renal vein neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and fractional hypoxia were higher in untreated ARAS than in essential hypertension. After stent revascularization, fractional hypoxia fell (P<0.002) with increased cortical perfusion and blood flow, whereas GFR and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α remained unchanged. These data demonstrate that despite reversal of renal hypoxia and partial restoration of renal blood flow after revascularization, inflammatory cytokines and injury biomarkers remained elevated and GFR failed to recover in ARAS. Restoration of vessel patency alone failed to

  1. Rapamycin reduces renal hypoxia, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction.

    PubMed

    Liu, Chun-feng; Liu, Hing; Fang, Yi; Jiang, Su-hua; Zhu, Jia-ming; Ding, Xiao-qiang

    2014-06-01

    The purpose of this study was to explore effects of rapamycin on renal hypoxia, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and the expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Flk-1 and Flt-1 in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36) were randomly divided into three groups (n=12 per group): sham surgery, UUO and UUO plus rapamycin (0.2 mg/kg/d). Serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol and 24-h urine protein levels were measured. The extent of interstitial fibrosis was determined by Masson's trichrome staining. ED-1 positive macrophages, type III collagen, hypoxia, TGF-1, VEGF, Flk-1, and Flt-1 mRNA and protein expressions were detected using immunohistochemical staining, real-time PCR and Western blot. UUO induced an elevation in Scr, renal hypoxia, inflammation, interstitial fibrosis, TGF-β1, VEGF, Flk-1, and Flt-1 mRNA and protein expression levels (P < 0.05). Rapamycin alleviated the UUO-induced renal hypoxia, infiltration of inflammatory cells and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (at days 3 and 7). Rapamycin also down-regulated the UUO-induced elevated expression levels of TGF-β1 and Flt-1 mRNA and protein (P < 0.05). Rapamycin decreased VEGF mRNA and protein expression at day 3, and increased Flk-1 mRNA and protein expression at day 7, compared with the UUO group (P < 0.05). Rapamycin shows beneficial effects by reducing UUO-induced renal hypoxia, inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

  2. Antithyroid drug-associated MPO-ANCA-positive tubulointerstitial nephritis in a type 2 diabetes patient: a case report.

    PubMed

    Nishimura, Shinsuke; Nakao, Kazushi; Takeda, Masaya; Matsuura, Ikuko; Nomura, Yoshihisa; Shojima, Sonei; Yamamura, Yuriko; Fujita, Kazuyuki; Momoki, Noriya; Maruyama, Keisuke; Yamamura, Masahiro; Hiramatsu, Makoto

    2017-05-01

    A 54-year-old man diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and hyperthyroidism was prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU) after the patient developed hepatic dysfunction on thiamazole. At 50 mg/day of PTU, he was stable with thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor and thyrotropic antibody titers remaining stable. After four years of taking PTU, he was referred to the Department of Nephrology due to a rapid increase in his serum creatinine (Cr) level. He showed impaired renal function (Cr 2.26 mg/dL; estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), 25 mL/min). In addition, urinary β2-microglobulin (β2 MG) was increased to 71,980 μg/L and was positive for myeloperoxidase (MPO)-anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) (33.9 U/mL). Gallium scintigraphy demonstrated a remarkable accumulation in both kidneys. The patient was diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis based on a renal biopsy, the results of which suggested that it might have been induced by PTU. He was treated with prednisolone (PSL) at 30 mg/day. As a result, within two weeks, Cr, eGFR, and urinary β2 MG levels were progressively improved to 1.72 mg/dL, 34 mL/min, and 22,020 μg/L, respectively. Therefore, we tapered off the PSL with a dose of 5 mg/day after approximately one year. There have been no exacerbated renal function parameters. Although there are many reports on patients developing MPO-ANCA-positive crescentic glomerulonephritis after the administration of PTU, we report on a relatively rare case in which interstitial nephritis occurred after the administration of PTU.

  3. Remission of proteinuria and preservation of renal function in patients with renal AA amyloidosis secondary to rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Ueno, Toshiharu; Takeda, Kazuhito; Nagata, Michio

    2012-02-01

    Renal AA amyloidosis presents as a life-threatening disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although several newly developed immunosuppressive drugs have been tried, patients often progress to end-stage renal failure with unsatisfactory survival rate. A total of nine consecutive cases of severe nephrotic renal AA amyloidosis presented to us. Complete remission of proteinuria was observed in four cases (responders), and the remaining five reached the end point of haemodialysis or death (non-responders); these groups were retrospectively compared. The patients were treated with immunosuppressants, biological drugs and anti-hypertensive drugs. Levels of serum creatinine (S-Cr), urinary protein-creatinine ratio (UP/UCr), blood pressure (BP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Histological characteristics of renal amyloid deposition and extent of kidney injury were also scored. Prior to treatment, clinical data (S-Cr, UP/UCr, BP and CRP) and histological severity (glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial injury and extent of amyloid deposition) observed in the renal biopsy specimen were not significantly different between the groups. Following therapeutic intervention, proteinuria disappeared (UP/UCr <0.3) in responders within 12 ± 5.4 months but persisted in non-responders. Consequently, renal function stabilized in responders, but it deteriorated in all non-responders. Strict inflammatory control along with optimal control of hypertension was achieved in responders during the treatment. Regardless of histological severity, intensive therapeutic intervention that includes strict inflammatory control and optimal control of hypertension may change the histology-predicted prognosis of RA-associated renal AA amyloidosis.

  4. Renal involvement in leprosy: evaluation of patients in Turkey.

    PubMed

    Ozturk, Savas; Ozturk, Tulin; Can, Ilkay

    2017-06-01

    Renal involvement in leprosy has previously been described in the literature and can include amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrosclerosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and granulomas. To evaluate renal involvement in Turkish patients with leprosy. In total, 32 patients with lepromatous leprosy but without any co-morbidities and 35 healthy control subjects were evaluated for renal involvement at the Elazig Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. The laboratory tests and radiological results concerning renal function were taken from both the patients' medical records and from current examinations. The levels of creatinine, urea, and leukocyturia in the lepromatous leprosy patients were significantly higher than in the controls ( p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p = 0.001, p < 0.01; p = 0.036, p < 0.05, respectively). No significant differences in the proteinuria, hematuria, sodium, or potassium levels were found between the leprosy and control groups ( p > 0.05). On ultrasonographic examination, the prevalence of renal cortical cysts and renal cortical echogenicity in the leprosy patients was significantly higher than in the controls ( p = 0.020, p < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in terms of nephrolithiasis, parapelvic cysts, or hydronephrosis between the leprosy and control groups ( p > 0.05). Evaluating the renal function in all leprosy patients is important to detect abnormalities and to prevent renal failure, which remains a potential cause of death in this disease.

  5. Tranilast prevents renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking mast cell infiltration in a rat model of diabetic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Yin, Dan-Dan; Luo, Jun-Hui; Zhao, Zhu-Ye; Liao, Ying-Jun; Li, Ying

    2018-05-01

    Renal interstitial fibrosis is a final pathway that is observed in various types of kidney diseases, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The present study investigated the effect of tranilast on renal interstitial fibrosis and the association between its role and mast cell infiltration in a rat model of DKD. A total of 30 healthy 6‑week‑old male Sprague‑Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: Normal control group; DKD model group; low‑dose tranilast group (200 mg/kg/day); and high‑dose tranilast group (400 mg/kg/day). The morphological alterations of tubulointerstitial fibrosis were evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining, while mast cell infiltration into the renal tubular interstitium was measured by toluidine blue staining and complement C3a receptor 1 (C3aR) immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The expression of fibronectin (FN), collagen I (Col‑I), stem cell factor (SCF) and proto‑oncogene c‑kit (c‑kit) was detected by IHC, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative‑polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that tubulointerstitial fibrosis and mast cell infiltration were observed in DKD model rats, and this was improved dose‑dependently in the tranilast treatment groups. The expression of FN, Col‑I, SCF and c‑kit mRNA and protein was upregulated in the tubulointerstitium of DKD model rats compared with the normal control rats, and tranilast inhibited the upregulated expression of these markers. Furthermore, the degree of SCF and c‑kit expression demonstrated a significant positive correlation with C3aR‑positive mast cells and the markers of renal interstitial fibrosis. The results of the present study indicate that mast cell infiltration may promote renal interstitial fibrosis via the SCF/c‑kit signaling pathway. Tranilast may prevent renal interstitial fibrosis through inhibition of mast cell infiltration mediated through the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway.

  6. D-Saccharic acid 1,4-lactone protects diabetic rat kidney by ameliorating hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative stress and renal inflammatory cytokines via NF-κB and PKC signaling

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bhattacharya, Semantee; Manna, Prasenjit; Gachhui, Ratan

    2013-02-15

    Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and this can be attenuated by antioxidants. D-Saccharic acid 1,4-lactone (DSL) is known for its detoxifying and antioxidant properties. Our early investigation showed that DSL can ameliorate alloxan (ALX) induced diabetes mellitus and oxidative stress in rats by inhibiting pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. In the present study we, therefore, investigated the protective role of DSL against renal injury in ALX induced diabetic rats. ALX exposure (at a dose of 120 mg/kg body weight, i. p., once) elevated the blood glucose level, serum markers related to renalmore » injury, the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and disturbed the intra-cellular antioxidant machineries. Oral administration of DSL (80 mg/kg body weight) restored all these alterations close to normal. In addition, DSL could also normalize the aldose reductase activity which was found to increase in the diabetic rats. Investigating the mechanism of its protective activity, we observed the activation of different isoforms of PKC along with the accumulation of matrix proteins like collagen and fibronectin. The diabetic rats also showed nuclear translocation of NF-κB and increase in the concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the renal tissue. The activation of mitochondria dependent apoptotic pathway was observed in the diabetic rat kidneys. However, treatment of diabetic rats with DSL counteracted all these changes. These findings, for the first time, demonstrated that DSL could ameliorate renal dysfunction in diabetic rats by suppressing the oxidative stress related signalling pathways. - Highlights: ► Sustained hyperglycemia and oxidative stress lead to diabetic renal injury. ► D-saccharic acid 1,4-lactone prevents renal damage in alloxan-induced diabetes. ► It restores intra-cellular antioxidant machineries and kidney apoptosis. ► DSL reduces hyperglycemia-mediated oxidative

  7. Amelioration of cardio-renal injury with aging in dahl salt-sensitive rats by H2-enriched electrolyzed water

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Abstract Recent studies have revealed the biological effects of H2 in suppressing organ injuries due to acute inflammation and oxidative stress. Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats naturally develop elevated blood pressure (BP) and kidney injury with aging. The present study examined the effect of long-term supplementation of H2 in drinking water on age-related changes. Four-week-old male Dahl SS rats were fed 3 types of water (n = 30 each) for up to 48 weeks: filtered water (FW), water with a high H2 content (492.5 ppb) obtained with water electrolysis (EW), or dehydrogenated EW (DW). Animals were subjected to histological analysis at 16, 24, and 48 weeks. The FW group showed progressive BP elevation and increases in albuminuria and cardiac remodeling during the course of treatment. Histologically, there were significant changes as a function of aging, i.e., glomerular sclerosis with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the kidney, and increased cardiomyocyte diameter with interstitial fibrosis in the heart at 48 weeks. These changes were related to the enhanced inflammation and oxidative stress in the respective organs. However, there were no striking differences in BP among the groups, despite histological alterations in the EW group being significantly decreased when compared to FW and DW in both organs, with concurrently lower oxidative stress and inflammatory markers at 48 weeks. Conclusion Long-term ad libitum consumption of H2-enriched electrolyzed water can ameliorate the processes of kidney injury and cardiac remodeling with aging in Dahl SS rats by suppressing, at least partly, elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. PMID:24289332

  8. Aqueous extract of Boerhaavia diffusa root ameliorates ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal injury in rat kidney.

    PubMed

    Pareta, Surendra K; Patra, Kartik C; Mazumder, Papiya M; Sasmal, Dinakar

    2011-12-01

    Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae) is widely used in traditional Indian medicines against renal afflictions including calcium oxalate (CaOx) urolithiasis and is known for antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorating effect of aqueous extract of B. diffusa roots (BDE) in hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal cell injury. In vitro antioxidant activity of BDE was estimated in terms of total phenolic content and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity. Wistar albino rats were given 0.75% v/v ethylene glycol in drinking water to induce chronic hyperoxaluria and simultaneously BDE was given to nephrolithiasic treated rats at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w. orally for 28 days. Urinary volume, oxalate, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GST, GPx) were evaluated. BDE extract was found to posses a high total phenolic content and exhibited significant free radicals scavenging activity. Oxalate excretion significantly increased in hyperoxaluric animals as compared to control which was protected in BDE-treated animals. BDE treatment significantly reduced level of MDA and improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes followed by reduction in BUN and serum creatinine. In addition, BDE reduced the number of CaOx monohydrate crystals in the urine. Histological analysis depicted that BDE treatment inhibited deposition of CaOx crystal and renal cell damage. The present study reveals that antioxidant activity of BDE significantly protects against hyperoxaluric oxidative stress and renal cell injury in urolithiasis.

  9. The clinical and pathological characteristics of nephropathies in connective tissue diseases in the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry (J-RBR).

    PubMed

    Ichikawa, Kazunobu; Konta, Tsuneo; Sato, Hiroshi; Ueda, Yoshihiko; Yokoyama, Hitoshi

    2017-12-01

    In connective tissue diseases, a wide variety of glomerular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular lesions of the kidney are observed. Nonetheless, recent information is limited regarding renal lesions in connective tissue diseases, except in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we used a nationwide database of biopsy-confirmed renal diseases in Japan (J-RBR) (UMIN000000618). In total, 20,523 registered patients underwent biopsy between 2007 and 2013; from 110 patients with connective tissue diseases except SLE, we extracted data regarding the clinico-pathological characteristics of the renal biopsy. Our analysis included patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (n = 52), Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) (n = 35), scleroderma (n = 10), mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD; n = 5), anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS; n = 3), polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM; n = 1), Behçet's disease (n = 1) and others (n = 3). The clinico-pathological features differed greatly depending on the underlying disease. The major clinical diagnosis was nephrotic syndrome in RA; chronic nephritic syndrome with mild proteinuria and reduced renal function in SjS; rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome in scleroderma. The major pathological diagnosis was membranous nephropathy (MN) and amyloidosis in RA; tubulointerstitial nephritis in SjS; proliferative obliterative vasculopathy in scleroderma; MN in MCTD. In RA, most patients with nephrosis were treated using bucillamine, and showed membranous nephropathy. Using the J-RBR database, our study revealed that biopsy-confirmed cases of connective tissue diseases such as RA, SjS, scleroderma, and MCTD show various clinical and pathological characteristics, depending on the underlying diseases and the medication used.

  10. BK virus-associated renal problems--clinical implications.

    PubMed

    Pahari, Amitava; Rees, Lesley

    2003-08-01

    BK virus (BKV), a human polyomavirus, infects most of the human population, but clinically relevant infections are usually limited to individuals who are immunosuppressed. After primary infection, BKV remains latent in the kidneys and can be reactivated in immune deficiency conditions, including transplantation. As primary infection occurs in childhood, BKV may be particularly important in the pediatric transplant population. BKV is associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and ureteric stenosis in renal transplant recipients and hemorrhagic cystitis in bone marrow transplant recipients. There are increasing reports of BKV causing nephropathy and cystitis in non-renal solid organ transplant recipients and other immunodeficiency diseases. This might be related to the use of more potent immunosuppressive regimens or increasing awareness of BKV as an important pathogen. Diagnosis of BKV disease is by biopsy. Histopathological changes in renal biopsy specimens may mimic rejection or drug toxicity, but BKV nuclear inclusions can be seen. Treatment is by reduction of immunosuppression. Antiviral agents such as cidofovir are showing promise. BKV DNA polymerase chain reaction in blood or biopsy may be helpful in monitoring therapy. The impact of BKV disease in children is not well understood and prospective studies are needed to elucidate this further. This article reviews the current understanding of BKV-associated renal problems.

  11. Retinoid agonist isotretinoin ameliorates obstructive renal injury.

    PubMed

    Schaier, Matthias; Jocks, Thomas; Grone, Hermann-Josef; Ritz, Eberhard; Wagner, Juergen

    2003-10-01

    Interstitial fibrosis is a major cause of end stage renal failure. Retinoids, which are involved in tissue repair and fibrosis, inhibit inflammatory and proliferative pathways. Therefore, we studied the dose dependent effects of the retinoid receptor agonist isotretinoin 13-cis retinoic acid in the unilateral ureteral obstruction model (UUO). Sham operated control rats were compared with UUO rats treated with vehicle (UUO-Veh), or low (5 mg/kg body weight (UUO-LD) or high (25 mg/kg) (UUO-HD) dose isotretinoin. Kidneys were evaluated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistology 7 days after UUO. Renal injury and fibrosis were quantified by immunostaining and expression measurements of the genes involved in renal fibrosis. In UUO-Veh kidneys the interstitial area was expanded 5-fold but only 3-fold in UUO-HD and 3.5-fold in UUO-LD rats. Interstitial cell counts were 3-fold higher in UUO-Veh rats but significantly less in UUO-HD or UUO-LD animals. Tubular and interstitial cell proliferation was significantly higher in UUO-Veh rats compared with sham operated control plus vehicle animals but less so in UUO-LD and UUO-HD rats. In UUO-Veh rats interstitial infiltration by monocytes/macrophages was higher compared with unobstructed controls. It was significantly less after isotretinoin treatment. In UUO-Veh rats mRNA for procollagen I, and transforming growth factor-beta1 and II receptor was significantly increased. It was significantly less after treatment with isotretinoin. Fibronectin and collagen I immunostaining was also decreased by isotretinoin. Since isotretinoin limits proliferation, inflammation and fibrosis after UUO, retinoids should be further investigated as potentially promising therapeutic agents for renal disease.

  12. Clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome in adults: A national retrospective strobe-compliant study.

    PubMed

    Legendre, Mathieu; Devilliers, Hervé; Perard, Laurent; Groh, Matthieu; Nefti, Habdelamid; Dussol, Bertrand; Trad, Salim; Touré, Fatouma; Abad, Sébastien; Boffa, Jean-Jacques; Frimat, Luc; Torner, Stéphane; Seidowsky, Alexandre; Massy, Ziad André; Saadoun, David; Rieu, Virginie; Schoindre, Yoland; Heron, Emmanuel; Frouget, Thierry; Lionet, Arnaud; Glowacki, François; Arnaud, Laurent; Mousson, Christiane; Besancenot, Jean-François; Rebibou, Jean-Michel; Bielefeld, Philip

    2016-06-01

    Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disease, defined by the association of idiopathic acute TINU. The aim of our work was to determine the characteristics of adult TINU syndrome in France, and to assess factors (including treatment) influencing medium-term prognosis.We conducted a nationwide study including 20 French hospitals. Clinical, laboratory, and renal histopathologic data of 41 biopsy-proven TINU syndromes were retrospectively collected. The patients were diagnosed between January 1, 1999 and December 1, 2015.Twenty-five females and 16 males were included (F/M ratio: 1.6:1). The median age at disease onset was 46.8 years (range 16.8-77.4) with a median serum creatinine level at 207 μmol/L (range 100-1687) and a median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 27 mL/min per 1.73 m (range 2-73). Twenty-nine patients (71%) had a bilateral anterior uveitis and 24 (59%) had deterioration in general health at presentation. Moderate proteinuria was found in 32 patients (78%) (median proteinuria 0.52 g/24 h; range 0.10-2.10), aseptic leukocyturia in 25/36 patients (70%). The evaluation of renal biopsies revealed 41 patients (100%) with an acute tubulointerstitial nephritis, 19/39 patients (49%) with light to moderate fibrosis and 5 patients (12%) with an acute tubular necrosis. Thirty-six patients (88%) were treated with oral corticosteroids. After 1 year of follow-up, the median eGFR was 76 mL/min per 1.73 m (range 17-119) and 32% of the patients suffered from moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. Serum creatinine (P < 0.001, r = -0.54), serum bicarbonate and phosphate levels (respectively, P = 0.01, r = 0.53; and P = 0.04, r = 0.46), and age (P = 0.03, r = -0.37) at the 1st symptoms were associated with eGFR after 1 year. During the 1st year 40% of patients had uveitis relapses. The use of oral corticosteroids was not associated with a better kidney function but was associated with fewer uveitis relapses

  13. Histopathological retrospective study of canine renal disease in Korea, 2003~2008

    PubMed Central

    Yhee, Ji-Young; Yu, Chi-Ho; Kim, Jong-Hyuk; Im, Keum-Soon; Chon, Seung-Ki

    2010-01-01

    Renal disease includes conditions affecting the glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, pelvis, and vasculature. Diseases of the kidney include glomerular diseases, diseases of the tubules and interstitium, diseases of renal pelvis, and developmental abnormalities. Renal tissue samples (n = 70) submitted to the Department of Veterinary Pathology of Konkuk University from 2003 to 2008 were included in this study. Tissue histopathology was performed using light microscopy with hematoxylin and eosin stains. Masson's trichrome, Congo Red, and Warthin starry silver staining were applied in several individual cases. Glomerular diseases (22.9%), tubulointerstitial diseases (8.6%), neoplastic diseases (8.6%), conditions secondary to urinary obstruction (24.3%), and other diseases (35.7%) were identified. Glomerulonephritis (GN) cases were classified as acute proliferative GN (5.7%), membranous GN (4.3%), membranoproliferative GN (4.3%), focal segmental GN (2.9%), and other GN (4.2%). The proportion of canine GN cases presently identified was not as high as the proportions identified in human studies. Conversely, urinary obstruction and end-stage renal disease cases were relatively higher in dogs than in human populations. PMID:21113095

  14. Renal involvement in leprosy: evaluation of patients in Turkey

    PubMed Central

    Ozturk, Tulin; Can, Ilkay

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Renal involvement in leprosy has previously been described in the literature and can include amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrosclerosis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and granulomas. Aim To evaluate renal involvement in Turkish patients with leprosy. Material and methods In total, 32 patients with lepromatous leprosy but without any co-morbidities and 35 healthy control subjects were evaluated for renal involvement at the Elazig Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. The laboratory tests and radiological results concerning renal function were taken from both the patients’ medical records and from current examinations. Results The levels of creatinine, urea, and leukocyturia in the lepromatous leprosy patients were significantly higher than in the controls (p < 0.001, p < 0.001; p = 0.001, p < 0.01; p = 0.036, p < 0.05, respectively). No significant differences in the proteinuria, hematuria, sodium, or potassium levels were found between the leprosy and control groups (p > 0.05). On ultrasonographic examination, the prevalence of renal cortical cysts and renal cortical echogenicity in the leprosy patients was significantly higher than in the controls (p = 0.020, p < 0.05, respectively). There were no significant differences in terms of nephrolithiasis, parapelvic cysts, or hydronephrosis between the leprosy and control groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions Evaluating the renal function in all leprosy patients is important to detect abnormalities and to prevent renal failure, which remains a potential cause of death in this disease. PMID:28670253

  15. Mitochondrial tRNAPhe mutation as a cause of end-stage renal disease in childhood

    PubMed Central

    D’Aco, Kristin E; Manno, Megan; Clarke, Colleen; Ganesh, Jaya; Meyers, Kevin EC; Sondheimer, Neal

    2012-01-01

    Background We identified a mitochondrial tRNA mutation (m.586G>A) in a patient with renal failure and symptoms consistent with a mitochondrial cytopathy. This mutation was of unclear significance because there were neither consistent reports of linkage to specific disease phenotypes nor an existing analysis of effects upon mitochondrial function. Case-Diagnosis/Treatment A 16-month-old girl with failure-to-thrive, developmental regression, persistent lactic acidosis, hypotonia, GI dysmotility, adrenal insufficiency and hematologic abnormalities developed hypertension and renal impairment with chronic tubulointerstitial fibrosis, progressing to renal failure with need for peritoneal dialysis. Evaluation of her muscle and blood identified a mutation of the mitochondrial tRNA for phenylalanine, m.586G>A. Conclusions The m.586G>A mutation is pathogenic and is a cause of end-stage renal disease in childhood. The mutation interferes with the stability of tRNAPhe and affects the translation of mitochondrial proteins and the stability of the electron transport chain. PMID:23135609

  16. 14S,21R-dihydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid treatment enhances mesenchymal stem cell amelioration of renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.

    PubMed

    Tian, Haibin; Lu, Yan; Shah, Shraddha P; Wang, Quansheng; Hong, Song

    2012-05-01

    Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown potential to improve treatment of renal failure. The prohealing functions of MSCs have been found to be enhanced by treatment with the lipid mediator, 14S,21R-dihydroxy-docosa4Z,7Z,10Z,12E,16Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid (14S,21R-diHDHA). In this article, using a murine model of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, we found that treatment with 14S,21R-diHDHA enhanced MSC amelioration of renal I/R injury. Treated MSCs more efficiently inhibited I/R-induced elevation of serum creatinine levels, reduced renal tubular cell death, and inhibited infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in kidneys. Conditioned medium from treated MSCs reduced the generation of tumor necrosis factor-α and reactive oxygen species by macrophages under I/R conditions. Infusion of treated MSCs more efficiently reduced I/R-damage to renal histological structures compared with untreated MSCs (injury score: 7.9±0.4 vs. 10.5±0.5). Treated MSCs were resistant to apoptosis in vivo when transplanted under capsules of I/R-injured kidneys (active caspase-3+ MSCs: 4.2%±2.8% vs. 11.7%±2.4% of control) and in vitro when cultured under I/R conditions. Treatment with 14S,21R-diHDHA promoted viability of MSCs through a mechanism involving activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase -Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, treatment of MSCs with 14S,21R-diHDHA promoted secretion of renotrophic hepatocyte growth factor and insulin growth factor-1. Similar results were obtained when 14S,21RdiHDHA was used to inhibit apoptosis of human MSCs (hMSCs) and to increase the generation of renotrophic cytokines from hMSCs. These findings provide a lead for new strategies in the treatment of acute kidney injury with MSCs.

  17. Excess 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 exacerbates tubulointerstitial injury in mice by modulating macrophage phenotype.

    PubMed

    Kusunoki, Yasuo; Matsui, Isao; Hamano, Takayuki; Shimomura, Akihiro; Mori, Daisuke; Yonemoto, Sayoko; Takabatake, Yoshitsugu; Tsubakihara, Yoshiharu; St-Arnaud, René; Isaka, Yoshitaka; Rakugi, Hiromi

    2015-11-01

    Vitamin D hydroxylated at carbon 25 (25(OH)D) is generally recognized as a precursor of active vitamin D. Despite its low affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR), both deficient and excessive 25(OH)D levels are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Here we studied direct effects of 25(OH)D3 on the kidney using 25(OH)D-1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) knockout mice. The effects of 25(OH)D3 on unilateral ureteral obstruction were analyzed as proximal tubular cells and macrophages are two major cell types that take up 25(OH)D and contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney injury. Excess 25(OH)D3 in obstructed mice worsened oxidative stress and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, whereas moderate levels of 25(OH)D3 had no effects. The exacerbating effects of excess 25(OH)D3 were abolished in CYP27B1/VDR double-knockout mice and in macrophage-depleted CYP27B1 knockout mice. Excess 25(OH)D3 upregulated both M1 marker (TNF-α) and M2 marker (TGF-β1) levels of kidney-infiltrating macrophages. In vitro analyses verified that excess 25(OH)D3 directly upregulated TNF-α and TGF-β1 in cultured macrophages but not in tubular cells. TNF-α and 25(OH)D3 cooperatively induced oxidative stress by upregulating iNOS in tubular cells. Aggravated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice with excess 25(OH)D3 indicated that macrophage-derived TGF-β1 also had a key role in the pathogenesis of surplus 25(OH)D3. Thus, excess 25(OH)D3 worsens tubulointerstitial injury by modulating macrophage phenotype.

  18. The effect of oral protease administration in the rat remnant kidney model.

    PubMed

    Sebeková, K; Dämmrich, J; Krivosíková, Z; Heidland, A

    1999-12-01

    It has been demonstrated that intraperitoneal administration of proteolytic enzymes ameliorates the progression of renal diseases in various animal models. In the present study, we employed the rat remnant kidney model to study the effectiveness of oral administration of proteases. Twenty male Wistar rats underwent sham operation (CTRL), while 25 were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 NX). Rats were randomised into placebo (PL) (2 ml tap water/day by gavage), or Phlogenzym (E; fixed mixture of trypsin 2.42 mg, bromelain 4.54 mg, and rutozid 5.04 mg added as antioxidant, in 2 ml tap water daily by gavage) treated group. Duration of the study was 45 days. Rats were pair-fed. Enzyme treatment exerted salutary effects on various functional and morphological parameters. Proteinuria was higher in both 5/6 NX group rats throughout the study. Administration of proteases ameliorated its rise effectively (data at sacrifice: CTRL-PL 6.27 +/- 1.25, CTRL-E 9.27 +/- 0.99, 5/6 NX-PL 74.04 +/- 21.33, 5/6 NX-E 39.09 +/- 7.93 mg/24 h; P < 0.01). Increased urinary excretion of the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF-beta 1) was improved, too (CTRL-PL 0.349 +/- 0.051, CTRL-E 0.693 +/- 0.230, 5/6 NX-PL 3.044 +/- 0.540, 5/6 NX-E 1.390 +/- 0.238 ng/mumol creatinine; P < 0.05). At sacrifice, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was less pronounced in E-treated rats. Correspondingly, the volume fraction of tubulointerstitial tissue in the renal cortex was improved in 5/6 NX-E rats (CTRL-PL 9.9 +/- 0.2, CTRL-E 10.0 +/- 0.2, 5/6 NX-PL 17.9 +/- 1.8, 5/6 NX-E 13.8 +/- 0.9%; P < 0.05). The protein/DNA ratio in isolated glomeruli and tubules, as an estimate of glomerular matrix accumulation and hypertrophy of tubules, was enhanced in 5/6 NX groups and a tendency towards lower values was observed after E treatment. Renal function as evaluated by serum creatinine and urea levels was not influenced by the enzyme therapy. No between-group differences in blood pressure were observed. In

  19. The effects of environmental chemicals on renal function.

    PubMed

    Kataria, Anglina; Trasande, Leonardo; Trachtman, Howard

    2015-10-01

    The global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing among individuals of all ages. Despite advances in proteomics, genomics and metabolomics, there remains a lack of safe and effective drugs to reverse or stabilize renal function in patients with glomerular or tubulointerstitial causes of CKD. Consequently, modifiable risk factors that are associated with a progressive decline in kidney function need to be identified. Numerous reports have documented the adverse effects that occur in response to graded exposure to a wide range of environmental chemicals. This Review summarizes the effects of such chemicals on four aspects of cardiorenal function: albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentration. We focus on compounds that individuals are likely to be exposed to as a consequence of normal consumer activities or medical treatment, namely phthalates, bisphenol A, polyfluorinated alkyl acids, dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental exposure to these chemicals during everyday life could have adverse consequences on renal function and might contribute to progressive cumulative renal injury over a lifetime. Regulatory efforts should be made to limit individual exposure to environmental chemicals in an attempt to reduce the incidence of cardiorenal disease.

  20. The effects of environmental chemicals on renal function

    PubMed Central

    Kataria, Anglina; Trasande, Leonardo; Trachtman, Howard

    2015-01-01

    The global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing among individuals of all ages. Despite advances in proteomics, genomics and metabolomics, there remains a lack of safe and effective drugs to reverse or stabilize renal function in patients with glomerular or tubulointerstitial causes of CKD. Consequently, modifiable risk factors that are associated with a progressive decline in kidney function need to be identified. Numerous reports have documented the adverse effects that occur in response to graded exposure to a wide range of environmental chemicals. This Review summarizes the effects of such chemicals on four aspects of cardiorenal function: albuminuria, glomerular filtration rate, blood pressure and serum uric acid concentration. We focus on compounds that individuals are likely to be exposed to as a consequence of normal consumer activities or medical treatment, namely phthalates, bisphenol A, polyfluorinated alkyl acids, dioxins and furans, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls. Environmental exposure to these chemicals during everyday life could have adverse consequences on renal function and might contribute to progressive cumulative renal injury over a lifetime. Regulatory efforts should be made to limit individual exposure to environmental chemicals in an attempt to reduce the incidence of cardiorenal disease. PMID:26100504

  1. Naringin ameliorates sodium arsenite-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in rats: decisive role of KIM-1, Caspase-3, TGF-β, and TNF-α.

    PubMed

    Adil, Mohammad; Kandhare, Amit D; Visnagri, Asjad; Bodhankar, Subhash L

    2015-01-01

    Chronic exposure of a naturally occurring metal arsenic leads to renal and hepatic diseases. Naringin, a flavanone glycoside, possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the protective effect of naringin against arsenic-induced renal and hepatic toxicity in rats. Renal and hepatic toxicity was induced in rats by sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, p.o.). Rats were treated orally with either vehicle or naringin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) or Coenzyme Q10 (10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Various biochemical, histological, and molecular biomarkers were assessed in kidney and liver. Treatment with naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently restored (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) altered levels of kidney (serum creatinine, urine creatinine, BUN, uric acid, and creatinine clearance) and liver function test (AST and ALT) induced by sodium arsenite. Elevated levels of oxido-nitrosative stress in renal and hepatic tissue was significantly and dose-dependently decreased (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) by naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) treatment. It significantly and dose-dependently down-regulated (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) renal KIM-1, Caspase-3, TGF-β, and TNF-α mRNA expression. Histopathological alteration induced in kidney and liver by sodium arsenite was reduced by naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) treatment. In conclusion, naringin treatment ameliorates arsenic-induced renal and hepatic damage in rats due its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties via down-regulation of elevated oxido-nitrosative stress, KIM-1, Caspase-3, TGF-β, and TNF-α levels.

  2. Vitamin E supplementation ameliorates aflatoxin B1-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Hamid, Ahmed A M; Firgany, Alaa El-Din L

    2015-10-01

    Fungal toxins in nutrition can cause organ dysfunction or even failure. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced renal impairment is not sufficiently studied regarding its extent and prevention. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of AFB1 on renal cortical tissue and whether its possible harmful effect could be prevented by the conventional economical antioxidant, vitamin E. Forty rats were divided into four groups; I-IV. Group I represented the control while the others received vitamin E (Vit E), AFB1 and AFB1+Vit E, respectively. Renal cortex specimens were taken from each group after 25 days. Then, specimens were prepared for histological study by hematoxlyin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, caspase-3 as well as for ultrastructural examination and oxidative stress parameters evaluation. Data were morphometrically and statistically analyzed. In AFB1-treated group, focal tubulo-interstitial affection in the form of tubular cytoplasmic vacuolation, mitochondrial disruption, numerous lysosomes, marked increase in collagen deposition and in caspase-3 expression were observed. Glomerular impairment in the form of fusion of podocytes enlarged foot processes and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) with loss of its trilaminar appearance were detected. In the group treated by AFB1+Vit E, there were minimal affection of the histological structure of the renal cortex as well as significant increase in the anti-oxidative parameters which were significantly decreased in the AFB1-treated group. Therefore, Vit E could be considered in wide experimental studies to be a first choice antioxidant of high cost-effectiveness in prevention of fungal toxins pro-oxidant-induced renal impairment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  3. Monomeric neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin is associated with tubulointerstitial damage in chronic kidney disease

    PubMed Central

    Nickolas, Thomas L.; Forster, Catherine; Sise, Meghan E.; Barasch, Nicholas; Valle, David Solá-Del; Viltard, Melanie; Buchen, Charles; Kupferman, Shlomo; Carnevali, Maria Luisa; Bennett, Michael; Mattei, Silvia; Bovino, Achiropita; Argentiero, Lucia; Magnano, Andrea; Devarajan, Prasad; Mori, Kiyoshi; Erdjument-Bromage, Hediye; Tempst, Paul; Allegri, Landino; Barasch, Jonathan

    2012-01-01

    The rate of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is difficult to predict using single measurements of serum creatinine or proteinuria. On the other hand, documented tubulointerstitial disease presages worsening CKD, but kidney biopsy is not practical for routine use and generally does not sample the tubulointerstitial compartment of the medulla. Perhaps a urine test that correlates with specific histological findings may serve as a surrogate for the kidney biopsy. Here we compared both immunoblot analysis (under non-reducing conditions) and a commercially available monomer immunoassays of Neutrophil Gelatinase Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) with pathological changes found in kidney biopsies, to determine whether specific histological characteristics associated with a specific NGAL species. We found that the urine of patients with advanced CKD contained NGAL monomers as well as higher molecular weight complexes containing NGAL, identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectroscopy. The NGAL monomer significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate, interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Hence, specific assays of the NGAL monomer implicate histology associated with progressive, severe CKD. PMID:22695331

  4. Successful pregnancy in a female patient with congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) and renal impairment.

    PubMed

    Shimizu, Yoshio; Kamoda, Tomohiro; Nagata, Michio; Yoh, Keigyo; Hashimoto, Yuko; Matsui, Akira; Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki; Yamagata, Kunihiro; Koyama, Akio

    2009-01-01

    We report a successful case of pregnancy in a female patient with congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) and reduced renal function due to interruption of treatment. CLD is an autosomal recessive disorder of intestinal electrolyte absorption caused by mutations in the solute carrier family 26, member 3 (SLC26A3) gene, and continuous production of watery diarrhea induces dehydration, metabolic alkalosis and many kinds of electrolyte disturbances in CLD patients. The patient in our case was a 24-year-old female CLD patient with moderate renal impairment; a renal biopsy specimen showed minimal glomerular changes, but tubulointerstitial damage by crystal formation, consistent with renal function data. One year after our initial examination and reinstitution of therapy, the patient got married and soon conceived. There were no major problems during the course of pregnancy, and the patient successfully delivered a healthy full-term infant vaginally. The symptoms and clinical course of the patient were particularly mild, and we discuss possible reasons for these observations from a perspective of genotype, phenotype and environmental conditions.

  5. Iron restriction inhibits renal injury in aldosterone/salt-induced hypertensive mice.

    PubMed

    Sawada, Hisashi; Naito, Yoshiro; Oboshi, Makiko; Iwasaku, Toshihiro; Okuhara, Yoshitaka; Morisawa, Daisuke; Eguchi, Akiyo; Hirotani, Shinichi; Masuyama, Tohru

    2015-05-01

    Excess iron is associated with the pathogenesis of several renal diseases. Aldosterone is reported to have deleterious effects on the kidney, but there have been no reports of the role of iron in aldosterone/salt-induced renal injury. Therefore, we investigated the effects of dietary iron restriction on the development of hypertension and renal injury in aldosterone/salt-induced hypertensive mice. Ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were uninephrectomized and infused with aldosterone for four weeks. These were divided into two groups: one fed a high-salt diet (Aldo) and the other fed a high-salt with iron-restricted diet (Aldo-IR). Vehicle-infused mice without a uninephrectomy were also divided into two groups: one fed a normal diet (control) and the other fed an iron-restricted diet (IR) for 4 weeks. As compared with control and IR mice, Aldo mice showed an increase in both systolic blood pressure and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, but these increases were reduced in the Aldo-IR group. In addition, renal histology revealed that Aldo mice exhibited glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, whereas these changes were attenuated in Aldo-IR mice. Expression of intracellular iron transport protein transferrin receptor 1 was increased in the renal tubules of Aldo mice compared with control mice. Dietary iron restriction attenuated the development of hypertension and renal injury in aldosterone/salt-induced hypertensive mice.

  6. Green Tea Polyphenols, Mimicking the Effects of Dietary Restriction, Ameliorate High-Fat Diet-Induced Kidney Injury via Regulating Autophagy Flux

    PubMed Central

    Xie, Xiao; Yi, Weijie; Zhang, Piwei; Wu, Nannan; Yan, Qiaoqiao; Yang, Hui; Tian, Chong; Xiang, Siyun; Du, Miying; Getachew Assefa, Eskedar; Zuo, Xuezhi; Ying, Chenjiang

    2017-01-01

    Epidemiological and experimental studies reveal that Western dietary patterns contribute to chronic kidney disease, whereas dietary restriction (DR) or dietary polyphenols such as green tea polyphenols (GTPs) can ameliorate the progression of kidney injury. This study aimed to investigate the renal protective effects of GTPs and explore the underlying mechanisms. Sixty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: standard diet (STD), DR, high-fat diet (HFD), and three diets plus 200 mg/kg(bw)/day GTPs, respectively. After 18 weeks, HFD group exhibited renal injuries by increased serum cystatin C levels and urinary N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase activity, which can be ameliorated by GTPs. Meanwhile, autophagy impairment as denoted by autophagy-lysosome related proteins, including LC3-II, Beclin-1, p62, cathepsin B, cathepsin D and LAMP-1, was observed in HFD group, whereas DR or GTPs promoted renal autophagy activities and GTPs ameliorated HFD-induced autophagy impairment. In vitro, autophagy flux suppression was detected in palmitic acid (PA)-treated human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), which was ameliorated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Furthermore, GTPs (or EGCG) elevated phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase in the kidneys of HFD-treated rats and in PA-treated HK-2 cells. These findings revealed that GTPs mimic the effects of DR to induce autophagy and exert a renal protective effect by alleviating HFD-induced autophagy suppression. PMID:28505110

  7. Bilateral Renal Denervation Ameliorates Isoproterenol-Induced Heart Failure through Downregulation of the Brain Renin-Angiotensin System and Inflammation in Rat

    PubMed Central

    Li, Jian-Dong; Cheng, Ai-Yuan; Huo, Yan-Li; Fan, Jie; Zhang, Yu-Ping; Fang, Zhi-Qin; Sun, Hong-Sheng; Peng, Wei; Zhang, Jin-Shun

    2016-01-01

    Heart failure (HF) is characterized by cardiac dysfunction along with autonomic unbalance that is associated with increased renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activity and elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs). Renal denervation (RD) has been shown to improve cardiac function in HF, but the protective mechanisms remain unclear. The present study tested the hypothesis that RD ameliorates isoproterenol- (ISO-) induced HF through regulation of brain RAS and PICs. Chronic ISO infusion resulted in remarked decrease in blood pressure (BP) and increase in heart rate and cardiac dysfunction, which was accompanied by increased BP variability and decreased baroreflex sensitivity and HR variability. Most of these adverse effects of ISO on cardiac and autonomic function were reversed by RD. Furthermore, ISO upregulated mRNA and protein expressions of several components of the RAS and PICs in the lamina terminalis and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, two forebrain nuclei involved in cardiovascular regulations. RD significantly inhibited the upregulation of these genes. Either intracerebroventricular AT1-R antagonist, irbesartan, or TNF-α inhibitor, etanercept, mimicked the beneficial actions of RD in the ISO-induced HF. The results suggest that the RD restores autonomic balance and ameliorates ISO-induced HF and that the downregulated RAS and PICs in the brain contribute to these beneficial effects of RD. PMID:27746855

  8. Deletion of H-Ras decreases renal fibrosis and myofibroblast activation following ureteral obstruction in mice.

    PubMed

    Grande, M Teresa; Fuentes-Calvo, Isabel; Arévalo, Miguel; Heredia, Fabiana; Santos, Eugenio; Martínez-Salgado, Carlos; Rodríguez-Puyol, Diego; Nieto, M Angela; López-Novoa, José M

    2010-03-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is characterized by the presence of myofibroblasts that contribute to extracellular matrix accumulation. These cells may originate from resident fibroblasts, bone-marrow-derived cells, or renal epithelial cells converting to a mesenchymal phenotype. Ras GTPases are activated during renal fibrosis and play crucial roles in regulating both cell proliferation and TGF-beta-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Here we set out to assess the contribution of Ras to experimental renal fibrosis using the well-established model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Fifteen days after obstruction, both fibroblast proliferation and inducers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition were lower in obstructed kidneys of H-ras knockout mice and in fibroblast cell lines derived from these mice. Interestingly, fibronectin, collagen I accumulation, overall interstitial fibrosis, and the myofibroblast population were also lower in the knockout than in the wild-type mice. As expected, we found lower levels of activated Akt in the kidneys and cultured fibroblasts of the knockout. Whether Ras inhibition will turn out to prevent progression of renal fibrosis will require more direct studies.

  9. Renal mitochondrial dysfunction in spontaneously hypertensive rats is attenuated by losartan but not by amlodipine.

    PubMed

    de Cavanagh, Elena M V; Toblli, Jorge E; Ferder, León; Piotrkowski, Bárbara; Stella, Inés; Inserra, Felipe

    2006-06-01

    Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular damage; however, data on a possible association with kidney damage are scarce. Here, we aimed at investigating whether 1) kidney impairment is related to mitochondrial dysfunction; and 2) ANG II blockade, compared with Ca2+ channel blockade, can reverse potential mitochondrial changes in hypertension. Eight-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) received water containing losartan (40 mg.kg-1.day-1, SHR+Los), amlodipine (3 mg.kg-1.day-1, SHR+Amlo), or no additions (SHR) for 6 mo. Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) were normotensive controls. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage, systolic blood pressure, and proteinuria were higher, and creatinine clearance was lower in SHR vs. SHR+Los and WKY. In SHR+Amlo, blood pressure was similar to WKY, kidney function was similar to SHR, and renal lesions were lower than in SHR, but higher than in SHR+Los. In kidney mitochondria from SHR and SHR+Amlo, membrane potential, nitric oxide synthase, manganese-superoxide dismutase and cytochrome oxidase activities, and uncoupling protein-2 content were lower than in SHR+Los and WKY. In SHR and SHR+Amlo, mitochondrial H2O2 production was higher than in SHR+Los and WKY. Renal glutathione content was lower in SHR+Amlo relative to SHR, SHR+Los, and WKY. In SHR and SHR+Amlo, glutathione was relatively more oxidized than in SHR+Los and WKY. Tubulointerstitial alpha-smooth muscle actin labeling was inversely related to manganese-superoxide dismutase activity and uncoupling protein-2 content. These findings suggest that oxidant stress is associated with renal mitochondrial dysfunction in SHR. The mitochondrial-antioxidant actions of losartan may be an additional or alternative way to explain some of the beneficial effects of AT1-receptor antagonists.

  10. Fanconi's syndrome, interstitial fibrosis and renal failure by aristolochic acid in Chinese herbs.

    PubMed

    Hong, Yin-Tai; Fu, Lin-Shien; Chung, Lin-Huei; Hung, Shien-Chung; Huang, Yi-Ting; Chi, Chin-Shiang

    2006-04-01

    Aristolochic acid-associated nephropathy (AAN) has been identified as a separate entity of progressive tubulo-interstitial nephropathy. Its characteristic pathological findings, including hypocellular interstitial fibrosis, intimal thickening of interlobular and afferent arterioles with glomeruli sparing or mild sclerosis, have been identified. Many cases of AAN in adults have been reported in Taiwan as well as throughout the world, but it has seldom been described in children. We report on a 10-year-old boy who presented with severe anemia, Fanconi's syndrome, and progressive renal failure. Renal biopsy revealed typical findings of AAN. Aristolochic acids I and II were identified from a Chinese herb mixture ingested by the boy. AAN was diagnosed after other etiologies had been excluded. The case demonstrates the hazards of Chinese herbs with regard to children's health in Taiwan and suggests that more attention should be paid to this issue.

  11. Klotho gene delivery ameliorates renal hypertrophy and fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by suppressing the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Deng, Minghong; Luo, Yumei; Li, Yunkui; Yang, Qiuchen; Deng, Xiaoqin; Wu, Ping; Ma, Houxun

    2015-07-01

    The present study aimed to investigate whether klotho gene delivery attenuated renal hypertrophy and fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. A recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) carrying mouse klotho full-length cDNA (rAAV.mKL), was constructed for in vivo investigation of klotho expression. Diabetes was induced in rats by a single tail vein injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Subsequently, the diabetic rats received an intravenous injection of rAAV.mKL, rAAV.green fluorescent protein (GFP) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The Sprague-Dawley rat group received PBS and served as the control group. After 12 weeks, all the rats were sacrificed and ELISA, immunohistochemical and histological analyses, fluorescence microscopy, semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blottin were performed. A single dose of rAAV.mKL was found to prevent the progression of renal hypertrophy and fibrosis for at least 12 weeks (duration of study). Klotho expression was suppressed in the diabetic rats, but was increased by rAAV.mKL delivery. rAAV.mKL significantly suppressed diabetes-induced renal hypertrophy and histopathological changes, reduced renal collagen fiber generation and decreased kidney hypertrophy index. In addition, rAAV.mKL decreased the protein expression levels of fibronectin and vimentin, while it downregulated the mRNA expression and activity of Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK)I in the kidneys of the diabetic rats. These results indicated that klotho gene delivery ameliorated renal hypertrophy and fibrosis in diabetic rats, possibly by suppressing the ROCK signaling pathway. This may offer a novel approach for the long-term control and renoprotection of diabetes.

  12. Naringin ameliorates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and associated mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and inflammation in rats: Possible mechanism of nephroprotection

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sahu, Bidya Dhar; Tatireddy, Srujana; Koneru, Meghana

    Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity has been well documented, although its underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies remain to be investigated. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of naringin, a bioflavonoid, on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate the potential mechanism. Serum specific renal function parameters (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and histopathology of kidney tissues were evaluated to assess the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Renal oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants), inflammatory (NF-kB [p65], TNF-α, IL-6 and MPO) and apoptotic (caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and DNA fragmentation) markers were also evaluated. Significant decrease in mitochondrialmore » NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial redox activity indicated the gentamicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Naringin (100 mg/kg) treatment along with gentamicin restored the mitochondrial function and increased the renal endogenous antioxidant status. Gentamicin induced increased renal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), nuclear protein expression of NF-κB (p65) and NF-κB-DNA binding activity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were significantly decreased upon naringin treatment. In addition, naringin treatment significantly decreased the amount of cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and p53 protein expression and increased the Bcl-2 protein expression. Naringin treatment also ameliorated the extent of histologic injury and reduced inflammatory infiltration in renal tubules. U-HPLS-MS data revealed that naringin co-administration along with gentamicin did not alter the renal uptake and/or accumulation of gentamicin in kidney tissues. These findings suggest that naringin treatment attenuates renal dysfunction and structural damage through the reduction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and

  13. Autosomal Dominant Tubulointerstitial Kidney Disease: Clinical Presentation of Patients With ADTKD-UMOD and ADTKD-MUC1.

    PubMed

    Ayasreh, Nadia; Bullich, Gemma; Miquel, Rosa; Furlano, Mónica; Ruiz, Patricia; Lorente, Laura; Valero, Oliver; García-González, Miguel Angel; Arhda, Nisrine; Garin, Intza; Martínez, Víctor; Pérez-Gómez, Vanessa; Fulladosa, Xavier; Arroyo, David; Martínez-Vea, Alberto; Espinosa, Mario; Ballarín, Jose; Ars, Elisabet; Torra, Roser

    2018-05-18

    Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD) is a rare underdiagnosed cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). ADTKD is caused by mutations in at least 4 different genes: MUC1, UMOD, HNF1B, and REN. Retrospective cohort study. 56 families (131 affected individuals) with ADTKD referred from different Spanish hospitals. Clinical, laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic data were collected, and genetic testing for UMOD, MUC1, REN, and HNF1B was performed. Hyperuricemia, ultrasound findings, renal histology, genetic mutations. Age at ESRD, rate of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. ADTKD was diagnosed in 25 families (45%), 9 carried UMOD pathogenic variants (41 affected members), and 16 carried the MUC1 pathogenic mutation c.(428)dupC (90 affected members). No pathogenic variants were identified in REN or HNF1B. Among the 77 individuals who developed ESRD, median age at onset of ESRD was 51 years for those with ADTKD-MUC1 versus 56 years (P=0.1) for those with ADTKD-UMOD. Individuals with the MUC1 duplication presented higher risk for developing ESRD (HR, 2.24; P=0.03). The slope of decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate showed no significant difference between groups (-3.0mL/min/1.73m 2 per year in the ADTKD-UMOD group versus -3.9mL/min/1.73m 2 per year in the ADTKD-MUC1 group; P=0.2). The prevalence of hyperuricemia was significantly higher in individuals with ADTKD-UMOD (87% vs 54%; P=0.006). Although gout occurred more frequently in this group, the difference was not statistically significant (24% vs 7%; P=0.07). Relatively small Spanish cohort. MUC1 analysis limited to cytosine duplication. The main genetic cause of ADTKD in our Spanish cohort is the MUC1 pathogenic mutation c.(428)dupC. Renal survival may be worse in individuals with the MUC1 mutation than in those with UMOD mutations. Clinical presentation does not permit distinguishing between these variants. However, hyperuricemia and gout are more frequent in individuals

  14. Lack of passive transfer of renal tubulointerstitial disease by serum or monoclonal antibody specific for renal tubular antigens in the mouse.

    PubMed

    Evans, B D; Dilwith, R L; Balaban, S L; Rudofsky, U H

    1988-01-01

    Mice immunized with rabbit renal basement membranes form autoantibodies to their kidney glomerular and tubular basement membranes (GBM/TBM). Development of renal tubular disease (RTD) consists of deposition of autoantibodies along the GBM/TBM with the inter- and intratubular accumulation of lymphocytes and macrophages and destruction of the TBM. Transfer of this disease in mice with either serum or monoclonal antibodies, however, has been difficult to demonstrate and, therefore, attempts were made to confirm a report that RTD is passively transferred by anti-TBM autoantibodies. Using the revised protocol in this later report, we found that 12 weeks after transfer autoantibodies were deposited along the GBM and/or TBM of the recipients, yet RTD was not observed. Although qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the antibody may play a role in the pathogenesis in the murine model of RTD, we could not obtain evidence to support and confirm this study.

  15. Renal Tubule Repair: Is Wnt/β-Catenin a Friend or Foe?

    PubMed

    Gewin, Leslie S

    2018-01-24

    Wnt/β-catenin signaling is extremely important for proper kidney development. This pathway is also upregulated in injured renal tubular epithelia, both in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The renal tubular epithelium is an important target of kidney injury, and its response (repair versus persistent injury) is critical for determining whether tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the hallmark of chronic kidney disease, develops. This review discusses how Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the injured tubular epithelia promotes either repair or fibrosis after kidney injury. There is data suggesting that epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling is beneficial in acute kidney injury and important in tubular progenitors responsible for epithelial repair. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronically injured epithelia is less clear. There is convincing data that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in interstitial fibroblasts and pericytes contributes to the extracellular matrix accumulation that defines fibrosis. However, some recent studies question whether Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronically injured epithelia actually promotes fibrosis or repair.

  16. Bcl-2 protects tubular epithelial cells from ischemia reperfusion injury by inhibiting apoptosis.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Chigure; Isaka, Yoshitaka; Shimizu, Shigeomi; Tsujimoto, Yoshihide; Takabatake, Yoshitsugu; Ito, Takahito; Takahara, Shiro; Imai, Enyu

    2008-01-01

    Ischemia followed by reperfusion leads to severe organ injury and dysfunction. Inflammation is considered to be the most important cause of graft dysfunction in kidney transplantation subjected to ischemia. The mechanism that triggers inflammation and renal injury after ischemia remains to be elucidated; however, cellular stress may induce apoptosis during the first hours and days after transplantation, which might play a crucial role in early graft dysfunction. Bcl-2 is known to inhibit apoptosis induced by the etiological factors promoting ischemia and reperfusion injury. Accordingly, we hypothesized that an augmentation of the antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2 may thus protect tubular epithelial cells by inhibiting apoptosis, thereby ameliorating the subsequent tubulointerstitial injury. We examined the effects of Bcl-2 overexpression on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury using Bcl-2 transgenic mice (Bcl-2 TG) and their wild-type littermates (WT). To investigate the effects of I/R injury, the left renal artery and vein were clamped for 45 min, followed by reperfusion for 0-96 h. Bcl-2 TG exhibited decreased active caspase protein in the tubular cells, which led to a reduction in TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells. Consequently, interstitial fibrosis and phenotypic changes were ameliorated in Bcl-2 TG. In conclusion, Bcl-2 augmentation protected renal tubular epithelial cells from I/R, and subsequent interstitial injury by inhibiting tubular apoptosis.

  17. Renal Morphology, Clinical Findings, and Progression Rate in Mesoamerican Nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Wijkström, Julia; González-Quiroz, Marvin; Hernandez, Mario; Trujillo, Zulma; Hultenby, Kjell; Ring, Anneli; Söderberg, Magnus; Aragón, Aurora; Elinder, Carl-Gustaf; Wernerson, Annika

    2017-05-01

    Mesoamerican nephropathy (MeN) is a chronic kidney disease affecting rural inhabitants in Central America. We have previously described the renal morphology in 8 patients from El Salvador. To confirm the renal pathology, we have studied kidney biopsies from patients with MeN in Nicaragua. Follow-up urine and blood samples from both biopsy studies were collected to investigate the natural history. Case series. In the kidney biopsy study, 19 male sugarcane workers in Nicaragua with suspected MeN were investigated with questionnaires, kidney biopsies, and blood and urine analysis. Inclusion criteria were age 20 to 65 years and plasma creatinine level of 1.13 to 2.49mg/dL or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 30 to 80mL/min/1.73m 2 . Exclusion criteria were proteinuria with protein excretion > 3g/24 h, uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or other known kidney disease. In the follow up-study, blood and urine from the kidney biopsy study in Nicaragua (n=18) and our previous biopsy study of MeN cases in El Salvador (n=7) were collected 1 to 1.5 and 2 to 2.5 years after biopsy, respectively. Renal morphology, clinical, and biochemical characteristics, change in eGFR per year. eGFR was calculated using the CKD-EPI creatinine (eGFR cr ), cystatin C (eGFR cys ), and creatinine-cystatin C (eGFR cr-cys ) equations. In the kidney biopsy study, participants had a mean eGFR cr of 57 (range, 33-96) mL/min/1.73m 2 . 47% had low plasma sodium and 21% had low plasma potassium levels. 16 kidney biopsies were representative and showed glomerulosclerosis (mean, 38%), glomerular hypertrophy, and signs of chronic glomerular ischemia. Mild to moderate tubulointerstitial damage and mostly mild vascular changes were seen. In the follow up-study, median duration of follow-up was 13 (range, 13-27) months. Mean change in eGFR cr was -4.4±8.4 (range, -27.7 to 10.2) mL/min/1.73m 2 per year. Most patients had stopped working with sugarcane cultivation. 3 biopsy specimens

  18. Zhen-wu-tang ameliorates adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats: regulation of the canonical Wnt4/beta-catenin signaling in the kidneys.

    PubMed

    La, Lei; Wang, Lili; Qin, Fei; Jiang, Jian; He, Songqi; Wang, Chunxia; Li, Yuhao

    2018-06-12

    Zhen-wu-tang (ZWT), composed of Radix Aconiti lateralis, Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae, Poria, Radix Paeoniae alba and ginger, is a classic Chinese herbal formula for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases that may cause chronic renal failure (CRF). To better understand its clinical use, this study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of action of ZWT on CRF. CRF was induced by adenine. ZWT was given via an oral gavage method. The serum biochemical parameters were measured enzymatically or by ELISA. The kidneys were examined pathohistologically. The gene expression was analyzed by real time PCR and Western blot. Similar to the positive control losartan, ZWT extract inhibited adenine-induced increase in serum concentrations of creatinine, BUN and advanced oxidation protein products in rats. These effects were accompanied by attenuation of proteinuria and renal pathological changes and suppression of renal mRNA and protein overexpression of Collagen IV and fibronectin, two of the key components of fibrosis. Mechanistically, renal mRNA and protein expression of Wnt4, a Wnt signaling ligand, was increased in the adenine-treated group, compared to the vehicle-treated control. Consistently, Wnt4 downstream genes beta-catenin and Axin were also overexpressed. Treatment with ZWT extract and losartan suppressed adenine-stimulated overexpression of these mRNAs and proteins. The present results demonstrate that ZWT extract ameliorates adenine-induced CRF in rats by regulation of the canonical Wnt4/beta-catenin signaling in the kidneys. Our findings provide new insight into the underlying renoprotective mechanisms of the ancient formula. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  19. Amelioration of pancreatic and renal derangements in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats by polyphenol extracts of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome.

    PubMed

    Kazeem, Mutiu Idowu; Akanji, Musbau Adewunmi; Yakubu, Musa Toyin

    2015-12-01

    Free and bound polyphenol extracts of Zingiber officinale rhizome were investigated for their antidiabetic potential in the pancreatic and renal tissues of diabetic rats at a dose of 500mg/kg body weight. Forty Wistar rats were completely randomized into five groups: A-E consisting of eight animals each. Group A (control) comprises normal healthy animals and were orally administered 1.0mL distilled water on a daily basis for 42 days while group B-E were made up of 50mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Group C and D received 1.0mL 500mg/kg body weight free and bound polyphenol extracts respectively while group E received 1.0mL 0.6mg/kg of glibenclamide. Administration of the extracts to the diabetic rats significantly reduced (p<0.05) serum glucose and urea concentrations, increased (p<0.05) serum insulin and Homeostatic Model Assessment for β-cell dysfunction (HOMA-β) while the level of creatinine and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were not affected. Histological examination of the pancreas and kidney revealed restoration of the structural derangements caused by streptozotocin in the polyphenol extracts treated diabetic rats compared to the control groups. Therefore, polyphenols from Zingiber officinale could ameliorate diabetes-induced pancreatic and renal derangements in rats. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. Renal tubular ACE-mediated tubular injury is the major contributor to microalbuminuria in early diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Eriguchi, Masahiro; Lin, Mercury; Yamashita, Michifumi; Zhao, Tuantuan V; Khan, Zakir; Bernstein, Ellen A; Gurley, Susan B; Gonzalez-Villalobos, Romer A; Bernstein, Kenneth E; Giani, Jorge F

    2018-04-01

    Diabetic nephropathy is a major cause of end-stage renal disease in developed countries. While angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are used to treat diabetic nephropathy, how intrarenal ACE contributes to diabetic renal injury is uncertain. Here, two mouse models with different patterns of renal ACE expression were studied to determine the specific contribution of tubular vs. glomerular ACE to early diabetic nephropathy: it-ACE mice, which make endothelial ACE but lack ACE expression by renal tubular epithelium, and ACE 3/9 mice, which lack endothelial ACE and only express renal ACE in tubular epithelial cells. The absence of endothelial ACE normalized the glomerular filtration rate and endothelial injury in diabetic ACE 3/9 mice. However, these mice developed tubular injury and albuminuria and displayed low renal levels of megalin that were similar to those observed in diabetic wild-type mice. In diabetic it-ACE mice, despite hyperfiltration, the absence of renal tubular ACE greatly reduced tubulointerstitial injury and albuminuria and increased renal megalin expression compared with diabetic wild-type and diabetic ACE 3/9 mice. These findings demonstrate that endothelial ACE is a central regulator of the glomerular filtration rate while tubular ACE is a key player in the development of tubular injury and albuminuria. These data suggest that tubular injury, rather than hyperfiltration, is the main cause of microalbuminuria in early diabetic nephropathy.

  1. Mild Electrical Stimulation and Heat Shock Ameliorates Progressive Proteinuria and Renal Inflammation in Mouse Model of Alport Syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Fukuda, Ryosuke; Morino-Koga, Saori; Suico, Mary Ann; Koyama, Kosuke; Sato, Takashi; Shuto, Tsuyoshi; Kai, Hirofumi

    2012-01-01

    Alport syndrome is a hereditary glomerulopathy with proteinuria and nephritis caused by defects in genes encoding type IV collagen in the glomerular basement membrane. All male and most female patients develop end-stage renal disease. Effective treatment to stop or decelerate the progression of proteinuria and nephritis is still under investigation. Here we showed that combination treatment of mild electrical stress (MES) and heat stress (HS) ameliorated progressive proteinuria and renal injury in mouse model of Alport syndrome. The expressions of kidney injury marker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were suppressed by MES+HS treatment. The anti-proteinuric effect of MES+HS treatment is mediated by podocytic activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-OH kinase (PI3K)-Akt and heat shock protein 72 (Hsp72)-dependent pathways in vitro and in vivo. The anti-inflammatory effect of MES+HS was mediated by glomerular activation of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) and p38-dependent pathways ex vivo. Collectively, our studies show that combination treatment of MES and HS confers anti-proteinuric and anti-inflammatory effects on Alport mice likely through the activation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, Hsp72, JNK1/2, and p38 pathways, providing a novel candidate therapeutic strategy to decelerate the progression of patho-phenotypes in Alport syndrome. PMID:22937108

  2. Arterially Delivered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Obstruction-Induced Renal Fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Asanuma, Hiroshi; Vanderbrink, Brian A.; Campbell, Matthew T.; Hile, Karen L.; Zhang, Hongji; Meldrum, Daniel R.; Meldrum, Kirstan K.

    2010-01-01

    Purpose Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold promise for the treatment of renal disease. While MSCs have been shown to accelerate recovery and prevent acute renal failure in multiple disease models, the effect of MSC therapy on chronic obstruction-induced renal fibrosis has not previously been evaluated. Materials and Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent renal artery injection of vehicle or fluorescent-labeled human bone marrow-derived MSCs immediately prior to sham operation or induction of left ureteral obstruction (UUO). One or 4 weeks later, the kidneys were harvested and the renal cortex analyzed for evidence of stem cell infiltration, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as evidenced by E-cadherin/α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and fibroblast specific protein (FSP+) staining, renal fibrosis (collagen content, Masson’s trichrome staining), and cytokine and growth factor activity (ELISA and real time RT-PCR). Results Fluorescent-labeled MSCs were detected in the interstitium of the kidney up to 4 weeks post-obstruction. Arterially delivered MSCs significantly reduced obstruction-induced α-SMA expression, FSP+ cell accumulation, total collagen content, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, while simultaneously preserving E-cadherin expression, suggesting that MSCs prevent obstruction-induced EMT and renal fibrosis. Exogenous MSCs reduced obstruction-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels, but did not alter transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-10 (IL-10), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), or hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression. Conclusions Human bone marrow-derived MSCs remain viable several weeks after delivery into the kidney and provide protection against obstruction-induced EMT and chronic renal fibrosis. While the mechanism of MSCs-induced renal protection during obstruction remains unclear, our results demonstrate that alterations in TNF-α production may be involved

  3. CERA Attenuates Kidney Fibrogenesis in the db/db Mouse by Influencing the Renal Myofibroblast Generation

    PubMed Central

    Fischer, Christin; Deininger, Natalie; Wolf, Gunter; Loeffler, Ivonne

    2018-01-01

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a pivotal pathophysiological process in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Multiple profibrotic factors and cell types, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interstitial myofibroblasts, respectively, are responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidney. Matrix-producing myofibroblasts can originate from different sources and different mechanisms are involved in the activation process of the myofibroblasts in the fibrotic kidney. In this study, 16-week-old db/db mice, a model for type 2 DN, were treated for two weeks with continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), a synthetic erythropoietin variant with possible non-hematopoietic, tissue-protective effects. Non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with placebo were used as controls. The effects of CERA on tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) as well as on the generation of the matrix-producing myofibroblasts were evaluated by morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological methods. The placebo-treated diabetic mice showed significant signs of beginning renal TIF (shown by picrosirius red staining; increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin and collagen I deposition; upregulated KIM1 expression) together with an increased number of interstitial myofibroblasts (shown by different mesenchymal markers), while kidneys from diabetic mice treated with CERA revealed less TIF and fewer myofibroblasts. The mechanisms, in which CERA acts as an anti-fibrotic agent/drug, seem to be multifaceted: first, CERA inhibits the generation of matrix-producing myofibroblasts and second, CERA increases the ability for tissue repair. Many of these CERA effects can be explained by the finding that CERA inhibits the renal expression of the cytokine TGF-β1. PMID:29385703

  4. CERA Attenuates Kidney Fibrogenesis in the db/db Mouse by Influencing the Renal Myofibroblast Generation.

    PubMed

    Fischer, Christin; Deininger, Natalie; Wolf, Gunter; Loeffler, Ivonne

    2018-01-30

    Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is a pivotal pathophysiological process in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). Multiple profibrotic factors and cell types, including transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and interstitial myofibroblasts, respectively, are responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix in the kidney. Matrix-producing myofibroblasts can originate from different sources and different mechanisms are involved in the activation process of the myofibroblasts in the fibrotic kidney. In this study, 16-week-old db / db mice, a model for type 2 DN, were treated for two weeks with continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA), a synthetic erythropoietin variant with possible non-hematopoietic, tissue-protective effects. Non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with placebo were used as controls. The effects of CERA on tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) as well as on the generation of the matrix-producing myofibroblasts were evaluated by morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular biological methods. The placebo-treated diabetic mice showed significant signs of beginning renal TIF (shown by picrosirius red staining; increased connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin and collagen I deposition; upregulated KIM1 expression) together with an increased number of interstitial myofibroblasts (shown by different mesenchymal markers), while kidneys from diabetic mice treated with CERA revealed less TIF and fewer myofibroblasts. The mechanisms, in which CERA acts as an anti-fibrotic agent/drug, seem to be multifaceted: first, CERA inhibits the generation of matrix-producing myofibroblasts and second, CERA increases the ability for tissue repair. Many of these CERA effects can be explained by the finding that CERA inhibits the renal expression of the cytokine TGF-β1.

  5. Glucose-independent renoprotective mechanisms of the tissue dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, saxagliptin, in Dahl salt-sensitive hypertensive rats.

    PubMed

    Uchii, Masako; Kimoto, Naoya; Sakai, Mariko; Kitayama, Tetsuya; Kunori, Shunji

    2016-07-15

    Although previous studies have shown an important role of renal dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibition in ameliorating kidney injury in hypertensive rats, the renal distribution of DPP-4 and mechanisms of renoprotective action of DPP-4 inhibition remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of the DPP-4 inhibitor saxagliptin on DPP-4 activity in renal cells (using in situ DPP-4 staining) and on renal gene expression related to inflammation and fibrosis in the renal injury in hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats. Male rats fed a high-salt (8% NaCl) diet received vehicle (water) or saxagliptin (12.7mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), serum glucose and 24-h urinary albumin and sodium excretions were measured, and renal histopathology was performed. High salt-diet increased BP and urinary albumin excretion, consequently resulting in glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Although saxagliptin did not affect BP and blood glucose levels, it significantly ameliorated urinary albumin excretion. In situ staining showed DPP-4 activity in glomerular and tubular cells. Saxagliptin significantly suppressed DPP-4 activity in renal tissue extracts and in glomerular and tubular cells. Saxagliptin also significantly attenuated the increase in inflammation and fibrosis-related gene expressions in the kidney. Our results demonstrate that saxagliptin inhibited the development of renal injury independent of its glucose-lowering effect. Glomerular and tubular DPP-4 inhibition by saxagliptin was associated with improvements in albuminuria and the suppression of inflammation and fibrosis-related genes. Thus, local glomerular and tubular DPP-4 inhibition by saxagliptin may play an important role in its renoprotective effects in Dahl-S rats. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. A relationship between proteinuria and acute tubulointerstitial disease in rats with experimental nephrotic syndrome

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Eddy, A.A.; McCulloch, L.; Liu, E.

    1991-05-01

    The relationship between tubulointerstitial nephritis and proteinuria was characterized in experimental nephrosis in rats. In one group, proteinuria induced by aminonucleoside of puromycin (PAN) was reduced by using an 8% protein diet and adding the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril to the drinking water. Two control groups were injected with saline and PAN, respectively, and fed a 27% protein diet. The first group had significantly reduced albuminuria and a definite attenuation of tubular cell injury. There was a strong positive correlation between the number of interstitial macrophages and albuminuria. The beneficial effect was reproduced by dietary-protein restriction alone, whereasmore » ACE inhibition alone had an insignificant effect on the degree of proteinuria. Depletion of circulating T lymphocytes in one group of nephrotic rats eliminated interstitial lymphocytes but did not affect interstitial macrophage influx. Inhibition of the in situ proliferation of resident interstitial macrophages by unilateral kidney irradiation failed to change the intensity of the macrophage infiltration. Treatment of rats with sodium maleate produced proximal tubular cell toxicity but interstitial inflammation did not develop, suggesting that the latter is not a nonspecific response to tubular injury. These studies demonstrate a strong relationship between tubulointerstitial nephritis and the severity of proteinuria in experimental nephrosis.« less

  7. Pattern of biopsy proven renal diseases at PNS SHIFA, Karachi: A cross-sectional survey

    PubMed Central

    Sabir, Sohail; Mubarak, Muhammed; Ul-Haq, Irfan; Bibi, Aisha

    2013-01-01

    Introduction: Percutaneous renal biopsy (RB) is an invaluable diagnostic procedure in patients with medical renal diseases.Objectives: To determine the pattern of biopsy proven renal disease (BPRD) from a tertiary care naval hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods and Materials: All the renal biopsies in adult patients (≥18 years) performed at our hospital from 2008 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The biopsies were evaluated by light microscopy and immunofluorescence. Results: A total 60 cases were analyzed. The mean age was 33.3±12.9 years (range: 18 to 72 years).The male to female ratio was 3:1. The most common indication of renal biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (43.3%), followed by renal failure (26.6%) and non-nephrotic proteinuria (23.3%). Primary glomerulonephritides (PGN) were predominant overall lesions, found in 46 (76.6%) of the total biopsies. Among PGN, the most common lesion was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), followed by membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and chronic sclerosing glomerulonephritis (CSGN) and a variety of rare lesions. Secondary glomerulonephritides (SGN) were found in only three (5%) cases. There were two cases of amyloidosis and one of lupus nephritis (LN). Tubulointerstitial disease (TID) and vascular disease were rare. Conclusion: This study provides information about the epidemiology of BPRD in a large tertiary care naval center in Southern Pakistan. PMID:25340152

  8. Niacin improves renal lipid metabolism and slows progression in chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Cho, Kyu-hyang; Kim, Hyun-ju; Kamanna, Vaijinath S; Vaziri, Nosratola D

    2010-01-01

    Mounting evidence points to lipid accumulation in the diseased kidney and its contribution to progression of nephropathy. We recently found heavy lipid accumulation and marked dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the remnant kidneys of rats with chronic renal failure (CRF). Present study sought to determine efficacy of niacin supplementation on renal tissue lipid metabolism in CRF. Kidney function, lipid content, and expression of molecules involved in cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism were determined in untreated CRF (5/6 nephrectomized), niacin-treated CRF (50 mg/kg/day in drinking water for 12 weeks) and control rats. CRF resulted in hypertension, proteinuria, renal tissue lipid accumulation, up-regulation of scavenger receptor A1 (SR-A1), acyl-CoA cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT1), carbohydrate-responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), fatty acid synthase (FAS), acyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), liver X receptor (LXR), ATP binding cassette (ABC) A-1, ABCG-1, and SR-B1 and down-regulation of sterol responsive element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1), SREBP-2, HMG-CoA reductase, PPAR-alpha, fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP), and CPT1A. Niacin therapy attenuated hypertension, proteinuria, and tubulo-interstitial injury, reduced renal tissue lipids, CD36, ChREBP, LXR, ABCA-1, ABCG-1, and SR-B1 abundance and raised PPAR-alpha and L-FABP. Niacin administration improves renal tissue lipid metabolism and renal function and structure in experimental CRF.

  9. P2X7 receptor antagonism ameliorates renal dysfunction in a rat model of sepsis.

    PubMed

    Arulkumaran, Nishkantha; Sixma, Marije L; Pollen, Sean; Ceravola, Elias; Jentho, Elisa; Prendecki, Maria; Bass, Paul S; Tam, Frederick W K; Unwin, Robert J; Singer, Mervyn

    2018-03-01

    Sepsis is a major clinical problem associated with significant organ dysfunction and high mortality. The ATP-sensitive P2X 7 receptor activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and is a key component of the innate immune system. We used a fluid-resuscitated rat model of fecal peritonitis and acute kidney injury (AKI) to investigate the contribution of this purinergic receptor to renal dysfunction in sepsis. Six and 24 h time-points were chosen to represent early and established sepsis, respectively. A selective P2X 7 receptor antagonist (A-438079) dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was infused 2 h following induction of sepsis. Compared with sham-operated animals, septic animals had significant increases in heart rate (-1(-4 to 8)% vs. 21(12-26)%; P = 0.003), fever (37.4(37.2-37.6)°C vs. 38.6(38.2-39.0)°C; P = 0.0009), and falls in serum albumin (29(27-30)g/L vs. 26(24-28); P = 0.0242). Serum IL-1β (0(0-10)(pg/mL) vs. 1671(1445-33778)(pg/mL); P < 0.001) and renal IL-1β (86(50-102)pg/mg protein vs. 200 (147-248)pg/mg protein; P = 0.0031) were significantly elevated in septic compared with sham-operated animals at 6 h. Serum creatinine was elevated in septic animals compared with sham-operated animals at 24 h (23(22-25) μmol/L vs. 28 (25-30)μmol/L; P = 0.0321). Renal IL-1β levels were significantly lower in A-438079-treated animals compared with untreated animals at 6 h (70(55-128)pg/mg protein vs. 200(147-248)pg/mg protein; P = 0.021). At 24 h, compared with untreated animals, A-438079-treated animals had more rapid resolution of tachycardia (22(13-36)% vs. -1(-6 to 7)%; P = 0.019) and fever (39.0(38.6-39.1)°C vs. 38.2(37.6-38.7)°C; P < 0.024), higher serum albumin (23(21-25)g/L vs. (27(25-28)g/L); P = 0.006), lower arterial lactate (3.2(2.5-4.3)mmol/L vs. 1.4(0.9-1.8)mmol/L; P = 0.037), and lower serum creatinine concentrations (28(25-30)μmol/L vs. 22(17-27)μmol/L; P = 0.019). P2X 7 A treatment ameliorates the systemic

  10. Evaluation of renal lesions and clinicopathologic correlation in rheumatoid arthritis.

    PubMed

    Muthukumar, Periyasamy; Dhanapriya, Jeyachandran; Gopalakrishnan, Natarajan; Dineshkumar, Thanigachalam; Sakthirajan, Ramanathan; Balasubramaniyan, T

    2017-01-01

    The most common causes of renal disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are glomerulonephritis (GN), amyloidosis, tubulo-interstitial nephritis, and drug toxicity. Our aim was to evaluate the clinicopathologic correlation of renal lesions and to assess the course and prognosis of renal disease in patients with RA. We conducted a prospective observational study in all adult patients with RA between July 2010 and June 2015. The total number of patients studied was 90, with a female:male ratio of 2.3:1. Mean follow-up duration was 30 ± 6.5 months. About 54 patients (60%) were asymptomatic. The most common symptom was edema legs (30%), followed by oliguria (10%). About 18 patients (20%) presented with the nephrotic syndrome, 15 patients (16.6%) with nephritic syndrome, and 30 (33%) with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was seen in 48 of 90 patients (53%).The most common renal pathology noted was mesangioproliferative GN followed by membranous nephropathy (MN). IgM with C3 deposits was the most common immunofluorescence pattern observed. Among the patients who had glomerular diseases, complete remission was seen in nine patients, partial remission in 15, and persistent proteinuria in 14. Duration of RA and a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate correlated significantly with persistent proteinuria. Only one patient in the glomerular disease group progressed to dialysis-dependent renal failure. On followup, 11 out of 48 CKD patients showed a significant decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate and worsened to the next stage of CKD. Renal disease in RA presents with varied renal pathology. MN was seen frequently and was not associated with gold or penicillamine usage. Relatively high incidence of CKD was noted. Hence, it is important to monitor renal function abnormalities periodically in these patients.

  11. Renal Sympathetic Denervation in Rats Ameliorates Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis Post-Myocardial Infarction Involving MicroRNAs

    PubMed Central

    Zheng, Xiaoxin; Li, Xiaoyan; Lyu, Yongnan; He, Yiyu; Wan, Weiguo; Jiang, Xuejun

    2016-01-01

    Background The role of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) in ameliorating post-myocardial infarction (MI) left ventricular (LV) fibrosis via microRNA-dependent regulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) remains unknown. Material/Methods MI and RSD were induced in Sprague–Dawley rats by ligating the left coronary artery and denervating the bilateral renal nerves, respectively. Norepinephrine, renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone in plasma, collagen, microRNA21, microRNA 101a, microRNA 133a and CTGF in heart tissue, as well as cardiac function were evaluated six weeks post-MI. Results In the RSD group, parameters of cardiac function were significantly improved as evidenced by increased LV ejection fraction (p<0.01), LV end-systolic diameter (p<0.01), end-diastolic diameter (p<0.05), LV systolic pressure (p<0.05), maximal rate of pressure rise and decline (dP/dtmax and dP/dtmin, p<0.05), and decreased LV end-diastolic pressure (p<0.05) when compared with MI rats. Further, reduced collagen deposition in peri-infarct myocardium was observed in RSD-treated rats along with higher microRNA101a and microRNA133a (p<0.05) and lower microRNA21 expression (p<0.01) than in MI rats. CTGF mRNA and protein levels were decreased in LV following RSD (p<0.01), accompanied by decreased expression of norepinephrine, renin, angiotensin II and aldosterone in plasma (p<0.05) compared with untreated MI rats. Conclusions The potential therapeutic effects of RSD on post-MI LV fibrosis may be partly mediated by inhibition of CTGF expression via upregulation of microRNA 101a and microRNA 133a and downregulation of microRNA21. PMID:27490896

  12. 1,[Formula: see text]2,[Formula: see text]3,[Formula: see text]4,[Formula: see text]6-Penta-O-Galloyl-β-D-Glucose from Galla rhois Ameliorates Renal Tubular Injury and Microvascular Inflammation in Acute Kidney Injury Rats.

    PubMed

    Park, Ji Hun; Kho, Min Chol; Oh, Hyun Cheol; Kim, Youn Chul; Yoon, Jung Joo; Lee, Yun Jung; Kang, Dae Gill; Lee, Ho Sub

    2018-05-13

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), an important cause of acute kidney injury (AKI), causes increased renal tubular injury and microvascular inflammation. 1,[Formula: see text]2,[Formula: see text]3,[Formula: see text]4,[Formula: see text]6-penta-O-galloyl-[Formula: see text]-D-glucose (PGG) from Galla rhois has anticancer, anti-oxidation and angiogenesis effects. We examined protective effects of PGG on IRI-induced acute AKI. Clamping both renal arteries for 45[Formula: see text]min induced isechemia and then reperfusion. Treatment with PGG (10[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day and 50[Formula: see text]mg/kg/day for four days) significantly ameliorated urine volume, urine osmolality, creatinine clearance (Ccr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). In addition, PGG increased aquaporine 1/2/3, Na[Formula: see text]-K[Formula: see text]-ATPase and urea transporter (UT-B) and decreased ICAM-1, MCP-1, and HMGB-1 expression. In this histopathologic study, PGG improved glomerular and tubular damage. Immunohistochemistry results showed that PGG increased aquaporine 1/2, and Na[Formula: see text]-K[Formula: see text] ATPase and decreased ICAM-1 expression. These findings suggest that PGG ameliorates tubular injury including tubular dysfunction and microvascular inflammation in IRI-induced AKI rats.

  13. Hepatocyte growth factor in renal failure: promise and reality.

    PubMed

    Vargas, G A; Hoeflich, A; Jehle, P M

    2000-04-01

    Can science discover some secrets of Greek mythology? In the case of Prometheus, we can now suppose that his amazing hepatic regeneration was caused by a peptide growth factor called hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Increasing evidence indicates that HGF acts as a multifunctional cytokine on different cell types. This review addresses the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the pleiotropic effects of HGF. HGF binds with high affinity to its specific tyrosine kinase receptor c-met, thereby stimulating not only cell proliferation and differentiation, but also cell migration and tumorigenesis. The three fundamental principles of medicine-prevention, diagnosis, and therapy-may be benefited by the rational use of HGF. In renal tubular cells, HGF induces mitogenic and morphogenetic responses. In animal models of toxic or ischemic acute renal failure, HGF acts in a renotropic and nephroprotective manner. HGF expression is rapidly up-regulated in the remnant kidney of nephrectomized rats, inducing compensatory growth. In a mouse model of chronic renal disease, HGF inhibits the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis and kidney dysfunction. Increased HGF mRNA transcripts were detected in mesenchymal and tubular epithelial cells of rejecting kidney. In transplanted patients, elevated HGF levels may indicate renal rejection. When HGF is considered as a therapeutic agent in human medicine, for example, to stimulate kidney regeneration after acute injury, strategies need to be developed to stimulate cell regeneration and differentiation without an induction of tumorigenesis.

  14. Amelioration of renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury by liposomal delivery of curcumin to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells

    PubMed Central

    Rogers, NM; Stephenson, MD; Kitching, AR; Horowitz, JD; Coates, PTH

    2012-01-01

    BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable consequence of renal transplantation, causing significant graft injury, increasing the risk of rejection and contributing to poor long-term graft outcome. Renal injury is mediated by cytokine and chemokine synthesis, inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from activation of the NF-κB pathway. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We utilized liposomal incorporation of a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, curcumin, to target delivery to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. Liposomes containing curcumin were administered before bilateral renal ischaemia in C57/B6 mice, with subsequent reperfusion. Renal function was assessed from plasma levels of urea and creatinine, 4 and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal tissue was examined for NF-κB activity and oxidative stress (histology, immunostaining) and for apoptosis (TUNEL). Cytokines and chemokines were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. KEY RESULTS Liposomal curcumin significantly improved serum creatinine, reduced histological injury and cellular apoptosis and lowered Toll-like receptor-4, heat shock protein-70 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Liposomal curcumin also reduced neutrophil infiltration and diminished inflammatory chemokine expression. Curcumin liposomes reduced intracellular superoxide generation and increased superoxide dismutase levels, decreased inducible NOS mRNA expression and 3-nitrotyrosine staining consistent with limitations in nitrosative stress and inhibited renal tubular mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein. These actions of curcumin were mediated by inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK and phospho-S6 ribosomal protein. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Liposomal delivery of curcumin promoted effective, targeted delivery of this non-toxic compound that provided cytoprotection via anti-inflammatory and multiple antioxidant mechanisms following renal IR injury. PMID:21745189

  15. Amelioration of renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury by liposomal delivery of curcumin to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells.

    PubMed

    Rogers, N M; Stephenson, M D; Kitching, A R; Horowitz, J D; Coates, P T H

    2012-05-01

    Renal ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is an inevitable consequence of renal transplantation, causing significant graft injury, increasing the risk of rejection and contributing to poor long-term graft outcome. Renal injury is mediated by cytokine and chemokine synthesis, inflammation and oxidative stress resulting from activation of the NF-κB pathway. We utilized liposomal incorporation of a potent inhibitor of the NF-κB pathway, curcumin, to target delivery to renal tubular epithelial and antigen-presenting cells. Liposomes containing curcumin were administered before bilateral renal ischaemia in C57/B6 mice, with subsequent reperfusion. Renal function was assessed from plasma levels of urea and creatinine, 4 and 24 h after reperfusion. Renal tissue was examined for NF-κB activity and oxidative stress (histology, immunostaining) and for apoptosis (TUNEL). Cytokines and chemokines were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Liposomal curcumin significantly improved serum creatinine, reduced histological injury and cellular apoptosis and lowered Toll-like receptor-4, heat shock protein-70 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Liposomal curcumin also reduced neutrophil infiltration and diminished inflammatory chemokine expression. Curcumin liposomes reduced intracellular superoxide generation and increased superoxide dismutase levels, decreased inducible NOS mRNA expression and 3-nitrotyrosine staining consistent with limitations in nitrosative stress and inhibited renal tubular mRNA and protein expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein. These actions of curcumin were mediated by inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK and phospho-S6 ribosomal protein. Liposomal delivery of curcumin promoted effective, targeted delivery of this non-toxic compound that provided cytoprotection via anti-inflammatory and multiple antioxidant mechanisms following renal IR injury. © 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.

  16. L-Endoglin Overexpression Increases Renal Fibrosis after Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction

    PubMed Central

    Arévalo, Miguel; Núñez-Gómez, Elena; Pérez-Roque, Lucía; Pericacho, Miguel; González-Núñez, María; Langa, Carmen; Martínez-Salgado, Carlos; Perez-Barriocanal, Fernando; Bernabeu, Carmelo; Lopez-Novoa, José M.

    2014-01-01

    Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in renal fibrosis. Endoglin, a 180 KDa membrane glycoprotein, is a TGF-β co-receptor overexpressed in several models of chronic kidney disease, but its function in renal fibrosis remains uncertain. Two membrane isoforms generated by alternative splicing have been described, L-Endoglin (long) and S-Endoglin (short) that differ from each other in their cytoplasmic tails, being L-Endoglin the most abundant isoform. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of L-Endoglin overexpression in renal tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. For this purpose, a transgenic mouse which ubiquitously overexpresses human L-Endoglin (L-ENG+) was generated and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was performed in L-ENG+ mice and their wild type (WT) littermates. Obstructed kidneys from L-ENG+ mice showed higher amounts of type I collagen and fibronectin but similar levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) than obstructed kidneys from WT mice. Smad1 and Smad3 phosphorylation were significantly higher in obstructed kidneys from L-ENG+ than in WT mice. Our results suggest that the higher increase of renal fibrosis observed in L-ENG+ mice is not due to a major abundance of myofibroblasts, as similar levels of α-SMA were observed in both L-ENG+ and WT mice, but to the higher collagen and fibronectin synthesis by these fibroblasts. Furthermore, in vivo L-Endoglin overexpression potentiates Smad1 and Smad3 pathways and this effect is associated with higher renal fibrosis development. PMID:25313562

  17. Reducing VEGF-B Signaling Ameliorates Renal Lipotoxicity and Protects against Diabetic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Falkevall, Annelie; Mehlem, Annika; Palombo, Isolde; Heller Sahlgren, Benjamin; Ebarasi, Lwaki; He, Liqun; Ytterberg, A Jimmy; Olauson, Hannes; Axelsson, Jonas; Sundelin, Birgitta; Patrakka, Jaakko; Scotney, Pierre; Nash, Andrew; Eriksson, Ulf

    2017-03-07

    Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common cause of severe renal disease, and few treatment options are available today that prevent the progressive loss of renal function. DKD is characterized by altered glomerular filtration and proteinuria. A common observation in DKD is the presence of renal steatosis, but the mechanism(s) underlying this observation and to what extent they contribute to disease progression are unknown. Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) controls muscle lipid accumulation through regulation of endothelial fatty acid transport. Here, we demonstrate in experimental mouse models of DKD that renal VEGF-B expression correlates with the severity of disease. Inhibiting VEGF-B signaling in DKD mouse models reduces renal lipotoxicity, re-sensitizes podocytes to insulin signaling, inhibits the development of DKD-associated pathologies, and prevents renal dysfunction. Further, we show that elevated VEGF-B levels are found in patients with DKD, suggesting that VEGF-B antagonism represents a novel approach to treat DKD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Distribution of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)-producing enzymes and the roles of the H₂S donor sodium hydrosulfide in diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Yamamoto, Junichiro; Sato, Waichi; Kosugi, Tomoki; Yamamoto, Tokunori; Kimura, Toshihide; Taniguchi, Shigeki; Kojima, Hiroshi; Maruyama, Shoichi; Imai, Enyu; Matsuo, Seiichi; Yuzawa, Yukio; Niki, Ichiro

    2013-02-01

    Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has recently been found to play beneficial roles in ameliorating several diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis and cardiac/renal ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), the main enzymes in the transsulfuration pathway, catalyze H(2)S production in mammalian tissues. However, the distributions and precise roles of these enzymes in the kidney have not yet been identified. The present study examined the localization of both enzymes in the normal kidney and the effect of the H(2)S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) in the renal peritubular capillary (PTC) under conditions of diabetic nephropathy, using pancreatic β-cell-specific calmodulin-overexpressing transgenic mice as a model of diabetes. In the normal kidney, we detected expression of both CBS and CSE in the brush border and cytoplasm of the proximal tubules, but not in the glomeruli, distal tubules and vascular endothelial cells of renal PTCs. Administration of NaHS increased PTC diameter and blood flow. We further evaluated whether biosynthesis of H(2)S was altered in a spontaneous diabetic model that developed renal lesions similar to human diabetic nephropathy. CSE expression was markedly reduced under diabetic conditions, whereas CBS expression was unaffected. Progressive diabetic nephropathy showed vasoconstriction and a loss of blood flow in PTCs that was ameliorated by NaHS treatment. These findings suggest that CSE expression in the proximal tubules may also regulate tubulointerstitial microcirculation via H(2)S production. H(2)S may represent a target of treatment to prevent progression of ischemic injury in diabetic nephropathy.

  19. Presence of FoxP3+ regulatory T Cells predicts outcome of subclinical rejection of renal allografts.

    PubMed

    Bestard, Oriol; Cruzado, Josep M; Rama, Inés; Torras, Joan; Gomà, Montse; Serón, Daniel; Moreso, Francesc; Gil-Vernet, Salvador; Grinyó, Josep M

    2008-10-01

    Subclinical rejection (SCR) of renal allografts refers to histologic patterns of acute rejection despite stable renal function. The clinical approach to SCR is controversial; it would be helpful to identify biomarkers that could determine whether the identified cellular infiltrates were detrimental. For investigation of whether the presence of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) could help determine the functional importance of tubulointerstitial infiltrates observed in 6-mo protocol biopsies, 37 cases of SCR were evaluated. The presence of FoxP3+ Treg discriminated harmless from injurious infiltrates, evidenced by independently predicting better graft function 2 and 3 yr after transplantation. Furthermore, the FoxP3+ Treg/CD3+ T cell ratio positively correlated with graft function at 2 yr after transplantation, suggesting that an increasing proportion of Treg within the global T cell infiltrate may facilitate renal engraftment; therefore, immunostaining for FoxP3+ Treg in patients with SCR on protocol biopsies may ultimately be useful to identify patients who may require alterations in their immunosuppressive regimens.

  20. Presence of FoxP3+ Regulatory T Cells Predicts Outcome of Subclinical Rejection of Renal Allografts

    PubMed Central

    Bestard, Oriol; Cruzado, Josep M.; Rama, Inés; Torras, Joan; Gomà, Montse; Serón, Daniel; Moreso, Francesc; Gil-Vernet, Salvador; Grinyó, Josep M.

    2008-01-01

    Subclinical rejection (SCR) of renal allografts refers to histologic patterns of acute rejection despite stable renal function. The clinical approach to SCR is controversial; it would be helpful to identify biomarkers that could determine whether the identified cellular infiltrates were detrimental. For investigation of whether the presence of FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg) could help determine the functional importance of tubulointerstitial infiltrates observed in 6-mo protocol biopsies, 37 cases of SCR were evaluated. The presence of FoxP3+ Treg discriminated harmless from injurious infiltrates, evidenced by independently predicting better graft function 2 and 3 yr after transplantation. Furthermore, the FoxP3+ Treg/CD3+ T cell ratio positively correlated with graft function at 2 yr after transplantation, suggesting that an increasing proportion of Treg within the global T cell infiltrate may facilitate renal engraftment; therefore, immunostaining for FoxP3+ Treg in patients with SCR on protocol biopsies may ultimately be useful to identify patients who may require alterations in their immunosuppressive regimens. PMID:18495961

  1. Autophagy activation promotes removal of damaged mitochondria and protects against renal tubular injury induced by albumin overload.

    PubMed

    Tan, Jin; Wang, Miaohong; Song, Shuling; Miao, Yuyang; Zhang, Qiang

    2018-01-10

    Proteinuria (albuminuria) is an important cause of aggravating tubulointerstitial injury. Previous studies have shown that autophagy activation can alleviate renal tubular epithelial cell injury caused by urinary protein, but the mechanism is not clear. Here, we investigated the role of clearance of damaged mitochondria in this protective effect. We found that albumin overload induces a significant increase in turnover of LC3-II and decrease in p62 protein level in renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells in vitro. Albumin overload also induces an increase in mitochondrial damage. ALC, a mitochondrial torpent, alleviates mitochondrial damage induced by albumin overload and also decreases autophagy, while mitochondrial damage revulsant CCCP further increases autophagy. Furthermore, pretreatment of HK-2 cells with rapamycin reduced the amount of damaged mitochondria and the level of apoptosis induced by albumin overload. In contrast, blocking autophagy with chloroquine exerted an opposite effect. Taken together, our results indicated autophagy activation promotes removal of damaged mitochondria and protects against renal tubular injury caused by albumin overload. This further confirms previous research that autophagy activation is an adaptive response in renal tubular epithelial cells after urinary protein overload.

  2. Protective effect of Urtica dioica L. on renal ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat.

    PubMed

    Sayhan, Mustafa Burak; Kanter, Mehmet; Oguz, Serhat; Erboga, Mustafa

    2012-12-01

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury may occur after renal transplantation, thoracoabdominal aortic surgery, and renal artery interventions. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Urtica dioica L. (UD), in I/R induced renal injury. A total of 32 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, UD alone, I/R and I/R + UD; each group contain 8 animals. A rat model of renal I/R injury was induced by 45-min occlusion of the bilateral renal pedicles and 24-h reperfusion. In the UD group, 3 days before I/R, UD (2 ml/kg/day intraperitoneal) was administered by gastric gavage. All animals were sacrificed at the end of reperfusion and kidney tissues samples were obtained for histopathological investigation in all groups. To date, no more histopathological changes on intestinal I/R injury in rats by UD treatment have been reported. Renal I/R caused severe histopathological injury including tubular damage, atrophy dilatation, loss of brush border and hydropic epithelial cell degenerations, renal corpuscle atrophy, glomerular shrinkage, markedly focal mononuclear cell infiltrations in the kidney. UD treatment significantly attenuated the severity of intestinal I/R injury and significantly lowered tubulointerstitial damage score than the I/R group. The number of PCNA and TUNEL positive cells in the control and UD alone groups was negligible. When kidney sections were PCNA and TUNEL stained, there was a clear increase in the number of positive cells in the I/R group rats in the renal cortical tissues. However, there is a significant reduction in the activity of PCNA and TUNEL in kidney tissue of renal injury induced by renal I/R with UD therapy. Our results suggest that administration of UD attenuates renal I/R injury. These results suggest that UD treatment has a protective effect against renal damage induced by renal I/R. This protective effect is possibly due to its ability to inhibit I/R induced renal damage, apoptosis and cell proliferation.

  3. Probucol ameliorates renal and metabolic sequelae of primary CoQ deficiency in Pdss2 mutant mice.

    PubMed

    Falk, Marni J; Polyak, Erzsebet; Zhang, Zhe; Peng, Min; King, Rhonda; Maltzman, Jonathan S; Okwuego, Ezinne; Horyn, Oksana; Nakamaru-Ogiso, Eiko; Ostrovsky, Julian; Xie, Letian X; Chen, Jia Yan; Marbois, Beth; Nissim, Itzhak; Clarke, Catherine F; Gasser, David L

    2011-07-01

    Therapy of mitochondrial respiratory chain diseases is complicated by limited understanding of cellular mechanisms that cause the widely variable clinical findings. Here, we show that focal segmental glomerulopathy-like kidney disease in Pdss2 mutant animals with primary coenzyme Q (CoQ) deficiency is significantly ameliorated by oral treatment with probucol (1% w/w). Preventative effects in missense mutant mice are similar whether fed probucol from weaning or for 3 weeks prior to typical nephritis onset. Furthermore, treating symptomatic animals for 2 weeks with probucol significantly reduces albuminuria. Probucol has a more pronounced health benefit than high-dose CoQ(10) supplementation and uniquely restores CoQ(9) content in mutant kidney. Probucol substantially mitigates transcriptional alterations across many intermediary metabolic domains, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway signaling. Probucol's beneficial effects on the renal and metabolic manifestations of Pdss2 disease occur despite modest induction of oxidant stress and appear independent of its hypolipidemic effects. Rather, decreased CoQ(9) content and altered PPAR pathway signaling appear, respectively, to orchestrate the glomerular and global metabolic consequences of primary CoQ deficiency, which are both preventable and treatable with oral probucol therapy. Copyright © 2011 EMBO Molecular Medicine.

  4. Feline morbillivirus, a previously undescribed paramyxovirus associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis in domestic cats

    PubMed Central

    Woo, Patrick C. Y.; Lau, Susanna K. P.; Wong, Beatrice H. L.; Fan, Rachel Y. Y.; Wong, Annette Y. P.; Zhang, Anna J. X.; Wu, Ying; Choi, Garnet K. Y.; Li, Kenneth S. M.; Hui, Janet; Wang, Ming; Zheng, Bo-Jian; Chan, K. H.; Yuen, Kwok-Yung

    2012-01-01

    We describe the discovery and isolation of a paramyxovirus, feline morbillivirus (FmoPV), from domestic cat (Felis catus). FmoPV RNA was detected in 56 (12.3%) of 457 stray cats (53 urine, four rectal swabs, and one blood sample) by RT-PCR. Complete genome sequencing of three FmoPV strains showed genome sizes of 16,050 bases, the largest among morbilliviruses, because of unusually long 5′ trailer sequences of 400 nt. FmoPV possesses identical gene contents (3′-N-P/V/C-M-F-H-L-5′) and is phylogenetically clustered with other morbilliviruses. IgG against FmoPV N protein was positive in 49 sera (76.7%) of 56 RT-PCR–positive cats, but 78 (19.4%) of 401 RT-PCR–negative cats (P < 0.0001) by Western blot. FmoPV was isolated from CRFK feline kidney cells, causing cytopathic effects with cell rounding, detachment, lysis, and syncytia formation. FmoPV could also replicate in subsequent passages in primate Vero E6 cells. Infected cell lines exhibited finely granular and diffuse cytoplasmic fluorescence on immunostaining for FmoPV N protein. Electron microscopy showed enveloped virus with typical “herringbone” appearance of helical N in paramyxoviruses. Histological examination of necropsy tissues in two FmoPV-positive cats revealed interstitial inflammatory infiltrate and tubular degeneration/necrosis in kidneys, with decreased cauxin expression in degenerated tubular epithelial cells, compatible with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN). Immunohistochemical staining revealed FmoPV N protein-positive renal tubular cells and mononuclear cells in lymph nodes. A case-control study showed the presence of TIN in seven of 12 cats with FmoPV infection, but only two of 15 cats without FmoPV infection (P < 0.05), suggesting an association between FmoPV and TIN. PMID:22431644

  5. Comparative effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in distinct stages of chronic renal failure.

    PubMed

    Caldas, Heloisa Cristina; de Paula Couto, Thaís Amarante Peres; Fernandes, Ida Maria Maximina; Baptista, Maria Alice Sperto Ferreira; Kawasaki-Oyama, Rosa Sayoko; Goloni-Bertollo, Eny Maria; Braile, Domingo Marcolino; Abbud-Filho, Mario

    2015-10-01

    The therapeutic potential of adult stem cells in the treatment of chronic diseases is becoming increasingly evident. In the present study, we sought to assess whether treatment with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) efficiently retards progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) when administered to experimental models of less severe CRF. We used two renal mass reduction models to simulate different stages of CRF (5/6 or 2/3 mass renal reduction). Renal functional parameters measured were serum creatinine (SCr), creatinine clearance (CCr), rate of decline in CCr (RCCr), and 24-h proteinuria (PT24h). We also evaluated renal morphology by histology and immunohistochemistry. MSCs were obtained from bone marrow aspirates and injected into the renal parenchyma of the remnant kidneys of both groups of rats with CRF (MSC5/6 or MSC2/3). Animals from groups MSC5/6 and CRF2/3 seemed to benefit from MSC therapy because they showed significantly reduction in SCr and PT24h, increase in CCr and slowed the RCCr after 90 days. Treatment reduced glomerulosclerosis but significant improvement did occur in the tubulointerstitial compartment with much less fibrosis and atrophy. MSC therapy reduced inflammation by decreasing macrophage accumulation proliferative activity (PCNA-positive cells) and fibrosis (α-SM-actin). Comparisons of renal functional and morphological parameters responses between the two groups showed that rats MSC2/3 were more responsive to MSC therapy than MSC5/6. This study showed that MSC therapy is efficient to retard CRF progression and might be more effective when administered during less severe stages of CRF.

  6. Stem Cell Conditioned Culture Media Attenuated Albumin-Induced Epithelial– Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Tubular Cells

    PubMed Central

    Hu, Junping; Zhu, Qing; Li, Pin-Lan; Wang, Weili; Yi, Fan; Li, Ningjun

    2015-01-01

    Background Proteinuria-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in progressive renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in chronic renal disease. Stem cell therapy has been used for different diseases. Stem cell conditioned culture media (SCM) exhibits similar beneficial effects as stem cell therapy. The present study tested the hypothesis that SCM inhibits albumin-induced EMT in cultured renal tubular cells. Methods Rat renal tubular cells were treated with/without albumin (20 μmg/ml) plus SCM or control cell media (CCM). EMT markers and inflammatory factors were measured by Western blot and fluorescent images. Results Albumin induced EMT as shown by significant decreases in levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin, increases in mesenchymal markers fibroblast-specific protein 1 and α-smooth muscle actin, and elevations in collagen I. SCM inhibited all these changes. Meanwhile, albumin induced NF-κB translocation from cytosol into nucleus and that SCM blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Albumin also increased the levels of pro-inflammatory factor monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP)-1 by nearly 30 fold compared with control. SCM almost abolished albumin-induced increase of MCP-1. Conclusion These results suggest that SCM attenuated albumin-induced EMT in renal tubular cells via inhibiting activation of inflammatory factors, which may serve as a new therapeutic approach for chronic kidney diseases. PMID:25832005

  7. PREVENTING AUTOIMMUNITY PROTECTS AGAINST THE DEVELOPMENT OF HYPERTENSION AND RENAL INJURY

    PubMed Central

    Mathis, Keisa W.; Wallace, Kedra; Flynn, Elizabeth R.; Maric-Bilkan, Christine; LaMarca, Babbette; Ryan, Michael J.

    2015-01-01

    Several studies suggest a link between autoimmunity and essential hypertension in humans. However, whether autoimmunity can drive the development of hypertension remains unclear. The autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by autoantibody production and the prevalence of hypertension is markedly increased in this patient population compared to normal healthy women. We hypothesized that preventing the development of autoimmunity would prevent the development of hypertension in a mouse model of lupus. Female lupus (NZBWF1) and control mice (NZW) were treated weekly with anti-CD20 or IgG antibodies (both 10 mg/kg, IV) starting at 20 weeks of age for 14 weeks. Anti-CD20 therapy markedly attenuated lupus disease progression as evidenced by reduced CD45R+ B cells and lower double-stranded DNA autoantibody activity. In addition, renal injury in the form of urinary albumin, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, as well as tubular injury (indicated by renal cortical expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) was prevented by anti-CD20 therapy in lupus mice. Finally, lupus mice treated with anti-CD20 antibody did not develop hypertension. The protection against the development of hypertension was associated with lower renal cortical tumor necrosis factor-α expression, a cytokine that has been previously reported by us to contribute to the hypertension in this model, as well as renal cortical monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 expression and circulating T cells. These data suggest that the development of autoimmunity and the resultant increase in renal inflammation is an important underlying factor in the prevalent hypertension that occurs during systemic lupus erythematosus. PMID:25024282

  8. Delayed mTOR inhibition with low dose of everolimus reduces TGFβ expression, attenuates proteinuria and renal damage in the renal mass reduction model.

    PubMed

    Kurdián, Melania; Herrero-Fresneda, Inmaculada; Lloberas, Nuria; Gimenez-Bonafe, Pepita; Coria, Virginia; Grande, María T; Boggia, José; Malacrida, Leonel; Torras, Joan; Arévalo, Miguel A; González-Martínez, Francisco; López-Novoa, José M; Grinyó, Josep; Noboa, Oscar

    2012-01-01

    The immunosuppressive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are widely used in solid organ transplantation, but their effect on kidney disease progression is controversial. mTOR has emerged as one of the main pathways regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of delayed inhibition of mTOR pathway with low dose of everolimus on progression of renal disease and TGFβ expression in the 5/6 nephrectomy model in Wistar rats. This study evaluated the effects of everolimus (0.3 mg/k/day) introduced 15 days after surgical procedure on renal function, proteinuria, renal histology and mechanisms of fibrosis and proliferation. Everolimus treated group (EveG) showed significantly less proteinuria and albuminuria, less glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage and fibrosis, fibroblast activation cell proliferation, when compared with control group (CG), even though the EveG remained with high blood pressure. Treatment with everolimus also diminished glomerular hypertrophy. Everolimus effectively inhibited the increase of mTOR developed in 5/6 nephrectomy animals, without changes in AKT mRNA or protein abundance, but with an increase in the pAKT/AKT ratio. Associated with this inhibition, everolimus blunted the increased expression of TGFβ observed in the remnant kidney model. Delayed mTOR inhibition with low dose of everolimus significantly prevented progressive renal damage and protected the remnant kidney. mTOR and TGFβ mRNA reduction can partially explain this anti fibrotic effect. mTOR can be a new target to attenuate the progression of chronic kidney disease even in those nephropathies of non-immunologic origin.

  9. The need for genetic study to diagnose some cases of distal renal tubular acidosis.

    PubMed

    Heras Benito, Manuel; Garcia-Gonzalez, Miguel A; Valdenebro Recio, María; Molina Ordás, Álvaro; Callejas Martínez, Ramiro; Rodríguez Gómez, María Astrid; Calle García, Leonardo; Sousa Silva, Lisbeth; Fernández-Reyes Luis, María José

    We describe the case of a young woman who was diagnosed with advanced kidney disease, with an incidental finding of nephrocalcinosis of unknown aetiology, having been found asymptomatic throughout her life. The genetic study by panels of known genes associated with tubulointerstitial disease allowed us to discover autosomal dominant distal renal tubular acidosis associated with a de novo mutation in exon 14 of the SLC4A1 gene, which would have been impossible to diagnose clinically due to the advanced nature of the kidney disease when it was discovered. Copyright © 2016 Sociedad Española de Nefrología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  10. Cinnamaldehyde impairs high glucose-induced hypertrophy in renal interstitial fibroblasts

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chao, Louis Kuoping; Chang, W.-T.; Shih, Y.-W.

    2010-04-15

    Cinnamaldehyde is a major and a bioactive compound isolated from the leaves of Cinnamomum osmophloeum kaneh. To explore whether cinnamaldehyde was linked to altered high glucose (HG)-mediated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN), the molecular mechanisms of cinnamaldehyde responsible for inhibition of HG-induced hypertrophy in renal interstitial fibroblasts were examined. We found that cinnamaldehyde caused inhibition of HG-induced cellular mitogenesis rather than cell death by either necrosis or apoptosis. There were no changes in caspase 3 activity, cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) protein expression, and mitochondrial cytochrome c release in HG or cinnamaldehyde treatments in these cells. HG-induced extracellular signal-regulatedmore » kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (but not the Janus kinase 2/signal transducers and activators of transcription) activation was markedly blocked by cinnamaldehyde. The ability of cinnamaldehyde to inhibit HG-induced hypertrophy was verified by the observation that it significantly decreased cell size, cellular hypertrophy index, and protein levels of collagen IV, fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). The results obtained in this study suggest that cinnamaldehyde treatment of renal interstitial fibroblasts that have been stimulated by HG reduces their ability to proliferate and hypertrophy through mechanisms that may be dependent on inactivation of the ERK/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway.« less

  11. Prophylactic role of phycocyanin: a study of oxalate mediated renal cell injury.

    PubMed

    Farooq, Shukkur Muhammed; Asokan, Devarajan; Kalaiselvi, Periandavan; Sakthivel, Ramasamy; Varalakshmi, Palaninathan

    2004-08-10

    Oxalate induced renal calculi formation and the associated renal injury is thought to be caused by free radical mediated mechanisms. An in vivo model was used to investigate the effect of phycocyanin (from Spirulina platensis), a known antioxidant, against calcium oxalate urolithiasis. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Hyperoxaluria was induced in two of these groups by intraperitoneal infusion of sodium oxalate (70 mg/kg) and a pretreatment of phycocyanin (100 mg/kg) as a single oral dosage was given, 1h prior to sodium oxalate infusion. An untreated control and drug control (phycocyanin alone) were also included in the study. We observed that phycocyanin significantly controlled the early biochemical changes in calcium oxalate stone formation. The antiurolithic nature of the drug was evaluated by the assessment of urinary risk factors and light microscopic observation of urinary crystals. Renal tubular damage as divulged by urinary marker enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) and histopathological observations such as decreased tubulointerstitial, tubular dilatation and mononuclear inflammatory cells, indicated that renal damage was minimised in drug-pretreated group. Oxalate levels (P < 0.001) and lipid peroxidation (P < 0.001) in kidney tissue were significantly controlled by drug pretreatment, suggesting the ability of phycocyanin to quench the free radicals, thereby preventing the lipid peroxidation mediated tissue damage and oxalate entry. This accounts for the prevention of CaOx stones. Thus, the present analysis revealed the antioxidant and antiurolithic potential of phycocyanin thereby projecting it as a promising therapeutic agent against renal cell injury associated kidney stone formation.

  12. Renal dysfunction and barttin expression in Bartter syndrome Type IV associated with a G47R mutation in BSND in a family.

    PubMed

    Park, C W; Lim, J H; Youn, D-Y; Chung, S; Lim, M-H; Kim, Y K; Chang, Y S; Lee, J-H

    2011-02-01

    Bartter syndrome (BS) Type IV, associated with a G47R mutation in the BSND gene, is known to result in a mild renal phenotype. However, we report here on three brothers with varying degrees of renal dysfunction from mild to end-stage renal disease associated with renal barttin and ClC-K expression. The brothers had histories of polyhydramnios, prematurity, polyuria, deafness, and small body size. Laboratory findings showed hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, normotensive hyperreninemic hyperaldosteronism, and an increased urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and chloride, consistent with BS Type IV. Microscopic examination of renal tissue showed hyperplasia of cells at the juxtaglomerular apparatus with dilated atrophic tubules and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. A weak barttin signal related to CIC-K expression in the cytoplasm of tubule cells, but not the basement membrane, was noted. A sequence analysis of the BSND gene showed that the affected males were homozygous for a missense G47R mutation in exon 1 of BSND. These findings suggest that the G47R mutation results in a dramatic decrease in barttin expression, which appears to be related to the location of CIC-K being changed from the basement membrane to the cytoplasm in the tubule and might have varying effects on renal function associated with factors other than this gene.

  13. Effect of Cuscuta chinensis on renal function in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure rats.

    PubMed

    Shin, Sun; Lee, Yun Jung; Kim, Eun Ju; Lee, An Sook; Kang, Dae Gill; Lee, Ho Sub

    2011-01-01

    The kidneys play a central role in regulating water, ion composition and excretion of metabolic waste products in the urine. Cuscuta chinensis has been known as an important traditional Oriental medicine for the treatment of liver and kidney disorders. Thus, we studied whether an aqueous extract of Cuscuta chinensis (ACC) seeds has an effect on renal function parameters in ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute renal failure (ARF) rats. Administration of 250 mg/kg/day ACC showed that renal functional parameters including urinary excretion rate, osmolality, Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), creatinine clearance, solute-free water reabsorption were significantly recovered in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. Periodic acid Schiff staining showed that administration of ACC improved tubular damage in ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF. In immunoblot and immunohistological examinations, ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF decreased the expressions of water channel AQP 2, 3 and sodium potassium pump Na,K-ATPase in the renal medulla. However, administration of ACC markedly incremented AQP 2, 3 and Na,K-ATPase expressions. Therefore, these data indicate that administration of ACC ameliorates regulation of the urine concentration and renal functions in rats with ischemia/reperfusion-induced ARF.

  14. Rosiglitazone reduces renal and plasma markers of oxidative injury and reverses urinary metabolite abnormalities in the amelioration of diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongyu; Saha, Jharna; Byun, Jaeman; Schin, MaryLee; Lorenz, Matthew; Kennedy, Robert T; Kretzler, Matthias; Feldman, Eva L; Pennathur, Subramaniam; Brosius, Frank C

    2008-10-01

    Recent studies suggest that thiazolidinediones ameliorate diabetic nephropathy (DN) independently of their effect on hyperglycemia. In the current study, we confirm and extend these findings by showing that rosiglitazone treatment prevented the development of DN and reversed multiple markers of oxidative injury in DBA/2J mice made diabetic by low-dose streptozotocin. These diabetic mice developed a 14.2-fold increase in albuminuria and a 53% expansion of renal glomerular extracellular matrix after 12 wk of diabetes. These changes were largely abrogated by administration of rosiglitazone beginning 2 wk after the completion of streptozotocin injections. Rosiglitazone had no effect on glycemic control. Rosiglitazone had similar effects on insulin-treated diabetic mice after 24 wk of diabetes. Podocyte loss and glomerular fibronectin accumulation, other markers of early DN, were prevented by rosiglitazone in both 12- and 24-wk diabetic models. Surprisingly, glomerular GLUT1 levels did not increase and nephrin levels did not decrease in the diabetic animals; neither changed with rosiglitazone. Plasma and kidney markers of protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated in the 24-wk diabetic animals despite insulin treatment and were reduced to near-normal levels by rosiglitazone. Finally, urinary metabolites were markedly altered by diabetes. Of 1,988 metabolite features identified by electrospray ionization time of flight mass spectrometry, levels of 56 were altered more than twofold in the urine of diabetic mice. Of these, 21 were returned to normal by rosiglitazone. Thus rosiglitazone has direct effects on the renal glomerulus to reduce reactive oxygen species accumulation to prevent type 1 diabetic mice from development of DN.

  15. The modern spectrum of biopsy-proven renal disease in Chinese diabetic patients-a retrospective descriptive study.

    PubMed

    Liu, Diankun; Huang, Ting; Chen, Nan; Xu, Gang; Zhang, Ping; Luo, Yang; Wang, Yongping; Lu, Tao; Wang, Long; Xiong, Mengqi; Geng, Jian; Nie, Sheng

    2018-01-01

    Renal biopsies performed in diabetic patients are increasing and becoming more complex. Comprehensive data on modern spectrum of biopsy-proven renal disease in Chinese diabetic patients are lacking. In a nationwide renal biopsy survey including 71,151 native biopsies from 2004 to 2014, diabetic patients were identified according to the clinical diagnosis from referral records. The clinical data were extracted from referral records and pathological reports. A total of 1,604 diabetic patients, including 61 patients with T1DM, were analyzed in this study. The median age is 51.39 ± 11.37 years. Male patients accounted for 58% of the population. We found that only 44.7% of diabetic patients had the isolated pathological diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), while 49.1% had non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) alone, and 6.2% had NDRD superimposed on DN. Nephrotic syndrome ( n  = 824, 51.4%) was the most common clinical indication for renal biopsy. Among 887 patients with NDRD, membranous nephropathy ( n  = 357) was the leading diagnosis, followed by IgA nephropathy ( n  = 179). Hypertensive renal disease ( n  = 32), tubulointerstitial nephropathy ( n  = 27) and acute tubular necrosis ( n  = 16) accounted for 3.5%, 2.9%, 1.7% of the NDRD cases respectively. Nearly a half (49.2%) of patients with T1DM had NDRD. Over 55% diabetic patients with kidney disease were diagnosed as non-diabetic renal disease, among which MN and IgAN were the most common two pathological types.

  16. Toll like receptor 4: A novel signaling pathway during renal fibrogenesis

    PubMed Central

    Campbell, Matthew T.; Hile, Karen L; Zhang, Hongji; Asanuma, Hiroshi; Vanderbrink, Brian A.; Rink, Richard R.; Meldrum, Kirstan K.

    2010-01-01

    Background The toll like receptor (TLR) family serves an important regulatory role in the innate immune system, and recent evidence has implicated TLR signaling in the pro-inflammatory response of a variety of endogenous and exogenous stimuli within the kidney. The role of TLR signaling in fibrotic renal injury; however, remains unknown. Materials and Methods C3H/HeJ TLR4 hyporesponsive mice (TLR4Lps-d) or WT controls (C3H/Heou/J) underwent either sham operation or 1 week of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The kidneys were harvested and tissues were analyzed for TLR4 expression (Western Blot; RTPCR), E-cadherin and α-SMA expression (Western Blot), fibroblast accumulation (fibroblast specific protein (FSP-1+) staining), renal fibrosis (collagen I RTPCR, total collagen assay, Masson's trichrome staining), cytokine gene expression (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) RTPCR), and pSMAD2 and integrin α1 expression (Western Blot). Results Mice with intact TLR4 signaling demonstrate a significant increase in TLR4 expression, α-SMA expression, fibroblast accumulation, collagen deposition, and interstitial fibrosis, and a significant decrease in E-cadherin expression in response to UUO. TLR4 deficient mice; however, exhibit a significant reduction in obstruction-induced α-SMA expression, fibroblast accumulation, and renal fibrosis, with preservation of E-cadherin expression. TLR4's influence on fibroblast accumulation and renal fibrosis occurred independent of any alterations in TNF-α,TGF-β1, or pSMAD2 expression, but did involve alterations integrin α1 expression. Conclusion TLR4 appears to be a significant mediator of fibrotic renal injury. While TLR4 signaling is recognized as a critical component of the innate immune response, this is the first study to demonstrate a novel role for TLR4 in renal fibroblast accumulation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. PMID:20089260

  17. Development of injury in a rat model of chronic renal allograft rejection: effect of dietary protein restriction.

    PubMed

    Bombas, A; Stein-Oakley, A N; Baxter, K; Thomson, N M; Jablonski, P

    1999-01-01

    Non-allogeneic factors such as increased nephron "workload" may contribute to chronic renal allograft rejection. Reducing dietary protein from 20% to 8% was tested in a model of chronic rejection: Dark Agouti kidney to Albino Surgery recipient, "tolerised" by previous donor blood transfusions. Survival, weight gain, serum creatinine concentration and creatinine clearance were similar for both groups at all times. Urinary protein was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the low-protein (LP) group 1 month after transplantation. After 3 and 6 months, both groups demonstrated mild chronic rejection. After 6 months, tubular atrophy was significantly (P < 0.05) less in the LP group and interstitial fibrosis was marginally reduced. Glomerular hypertrophy, glomerular sclerosis, tubular dilatation, leucocyte infiltration, adhesion molecule expression and TGF-beta1 mRNA expression were similarly increased in both groups. Thus, reducing dietary protein to 8% lowered urinary protein, but did not significantly affect the development of chronic rejection in renal allografts beyond affording a degree of protection from tubulointerstitial damage.

  18. Delayed mTOR Inhibition with Low Dose of Everolimus Reduces TGFβ Expression, Attenuates Proteinuria and Renal Damage in the Renal Mass Reduction Model

    PubMed Central

    Kurdián, Melania; Herrero-Fresneda, Inmaculada; Lloberas, Nuria; Gimenez-Bonafe, Pepita; Coria, Virginia; Grande, María T.; Boggia, José; Malacrida, Leonel; Torras, Joan; Arévalo, Miguel A.; González-Martínez, Francisco; López-Novoa, José M.; Grinyó, Josep; Noboa, Oscar

    2012-01-01

    Background The immunosuppressive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors are widely used in solid organ transplantation, but their effect on kidney disease progression is controversial. mTOR has emerged as one of the main pathways regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of delayed inhibition of mTOR pathway with low dose of everolimus on progression of renal disease and TGFβ expression in the 5/6 nephrectomy model in Wistar rats. Methods This study evaluated the effects of everolimus (0.3 mg/k/day) introduced 15 days after surgical procedure on renal function, proteinuria, renal histology and mechanisms of fibrosis and proliferation. Results Everolimus treated group (EveG) showed significantly less proteinuria and albuminuria, less glomerular and tubulointerstitial damage and fibrosis, fibroblast activation cell proliferation, when compared with control group (CG), even though the EveG remained with high blood pressure. Treatment with everolimus also diminished glomerular hypertrophy. Everolimus effectively inhibited the increase of mTOR developed in 5/6 nephrectomy animals, without changes in AKT mRNA or protein abundance, but with an increase in the pAKT/AKT ratio. Associated with this inhibition, everolimus blunted the increased expression of TGFβ observed in the remnant kidney model. Conclusion Delayed mTOR inhibition with low dose of everolimus significantly prevented progressive renal damage and protected the remnant kidney. mTOR and TGFβ mRNA reduction can partially explain this anti fibrotic effect. mTOR can be a new target to attenuate the progression of chronic kidney disease even in those nephropathies of non-immunologic origin. PMID:22427849

  19. Hypothyroidism presenting as reversible renal impairment: an interesting case report.

    PubMed

    Vikrant, Sanjay; Chander, Subhash; Kumar, Satish; Gupta, Dalip

    2013-10-01

    We describe an interesting case of reversible renal impairment secondary to hypothyroidism. A 57-years-old man was referred from peripheral institution for evaluation of elevated serum creatinine. He had vague complaints of weakness, lethargy and muscle ache but no urinary symptoms. He was found to have hypothyroidism, and thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) was started which resulted in reversal of the renal dysfunction. There was marked improvement in estimated glomerular filtration rate. 99mTc DTPA renal scans done before and after THRT suggested hypothyroidism responsible for this reversible renal impairment. Several studies have described the pathophysiology of diminished renal function in hypothyroidism. Few studies or case reports have shown total amelioration of renal impairment as seen in our patient. The etiology is presumed to be multifactorial, in which hemodynamic effects and a direct effect of thyroid hormone on the kidney play an important role. We suggest that patients with renal impairment of unknown cause have thyroid function tests undertaken as part of routine investigation.

  20. Tangshen Formula Attenuates Diabetic Nephropathy by Promoting ABCA1-Mediated Renal Cholesterol Efflux in db/db Mice.

    PubMed

    Liu, Peng; Peng, Liang; Zhang, Haojun; Tang, Patrick Ming-Kuen; Zhao, Tingting; Yan, Meihua; Zhao, Hailing; Huang, Xiaoru; Lan, Huiyao; Li, Ping

    2018-01-01

    The commonly prescribed Tangshen Formula (TSF) is a traditional Chinese formulation that has been shown to reduce plasma lipid metabolism and proteinuria and improve the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with diabetic kidney disease. This study investigated the underlying mechanism whereby TSF regulates renal lipid accumulation and ameliorates diabetic renal injuries in spontaneous diabetic db/db mice and in vitro in sodium palmitate (PA)-stimulated and Abca1-SiRNA-transfected mouse tubular epithelial cells (mTECs). The results revealed that TSF treatment significantly ameliorated the renal injuries by lowering urinary albumin excretion and improving renal tissue injuries in diabetic (db/db) mice. Interestingly, the treatment with TSF also resulted in decreased cholesterol levels in the renal tissues of db/db mice, which was associated with increased expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α), the Liver X receptors (LXR), and ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 1 (ABCA1), suggesting that TSF might attenuate diabetic kidney injury via a mechanism associated with improving cholesterol efflux in the diabetic kidney. This was investigated in vitro in mTECs, and the results showed that TSF reduced the PA-stimulated cholesterol accumulation in mTECs. Mechanistically, the addition of TSF was capable of reversing PA-induced downregulation of PGC-1α, LXR, and ABCA1 expression and cholesterol accumulation in mTECs, suggesting that TSF might act the protection via the PGC-1α-LXR-ABCA1 pathway to improve the cholesterol efflux in the renal tissues of db/db mice. This was further confirmed by silencing ABCA1 to block the promotive effect of TSF on cholesterol efflux in vitro . In conclusion, TSF might ameliorate diabetic kidney injuries by promoting ABCA1-mediated renal cholesterol efflux.

  1. A clinico-pathological study of lupus nephritis based on the International Society of Nephrology-Renal Pathology Society 2003 classification system.

    PubMed

    Satish, Suchitha; Deka, Pallavi; Shetty, Manjunath Sanjeev

    2017-01-01

    Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Renal involvement is a major determinant of the prognosis of SLE. The histological classification of LN is a key factor in determining the renal survival of patients with LN. Prompt recognition and treatment of renal disease are important, as early response to therapy is correlated with better outcome and renal biopsy plays an important role in achieving this. The objective of this study was to correlate the clinical and laboratory findings with histopathological classes of LN as per the 2003 International Society of Nephrology-Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification system. Fifty-six patients with SLE, undergoing a renal biopsy for renal dysfunction were studied. The comparison of data from multiple groups was made by Pearson's Chi-square test and between two groups by independent samples t -test. The values of P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Of the 56 cases studied, 51 (91.1%) were females. The most common presenting symptoms were edema, arthralgia, and hypertension. Class IV (55.4%) was the most common class. Thirty-nine (69.6%) cases showed full house immunostaining. Hypertension, hematuria, proteinuria, and tubulo-interstitial disease showed a significant correlation ( P < 0.05) with ISN/RPS classification, 2003. Assessment and management of patients with suspected LN are greatly facilitated through information obtained by renal biopsy. Since renal morphology may predict long-term prognosis, and no clinical or laboratory feature uniformly predicts prognosis, it is important to study the constellation of features in LN for better patient management.

  2. Wnt6 regulates epithelial cell differentiation and is dysregulated in renal fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Beaton, Hayley; Andrews, Darrell; Parsons, Martin; Murphy, Mary; Gaffney, Andrew; Kavanagh, David; McKay, Gareth J; Maxwell, Alexander P; Taylor, Cormac T; Cummins, Eoin P; Godson, Catherine; Higgins, Debra F; Murphy, Paula; Crean, John

    2016-07-01

    Diabetic nephropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus, manifesting as mesangial expansion, glomerular basement membrane thickening, glomerular sclerosis, and progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis leading to end-stage renal disease. Here we describe the functional characterization of Wnt6, whose expression is progressively lost in diabetic nephropathy and animal models of acute tubular injury and renal fibrosis. We have shown prominent Wnt6 and frizzled 7 (FzD7) expression in the mesonephros of the developing mouse kidney, suggesting a role for Wnt6 in epithelialization. Importantly, TCF/Lef reporter activity is also prominent in the mesonephros. Analysis of Wnt family members in human renal biopsies identified differential expression of Wnt6, correlating with severity of the disease. In animal models of tubular injury and fibrosis, loss of Wnt6 was evident. Wnt6 signals through the canonical pathway in renal epithelial cells as evidenced by increased phosphorylation of GSK3β (Ser9), nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and increased TCF/Lef transcriptional activity. FzD7 was identified as a putative receptor of Wnt6. In vitro Wnt6 expression leads to de novo tubulogenesis in renal epithelial cells grown in three-dimensional culture. Importantly, Wnt6 rescued epithelial cell dedifferentiation in response to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β); Wnt6 reversed TGF-β-mediated increases in vimentin and loss of epithelial phenotype. Wnt6 inhibited TGF-β-mediated p65-NF-κB nuclear translocation, highlighting cross talk between the two pathways. The critical role of NF-κB in the regulation of vimentin expression was confirmed in both p65(-/-) and IKKα/β(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts. We propose that Wnt6 is involved in epithelialization and loss of Wnt6 expression contributes to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  3. Cordyceps cicadae extracts ameliorate renal malfunction in a remnant kidney model*

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Rong; Chen, Yi-ping; Deng, Yue-yi; Zheng, Rong; Zhong, Yi-fei; Wang, Lin; Du, Lan-ping

    2011-01-01

    Background and Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem with an urgent need for new pharmacological agents. Cordyceps cicadae is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has potential renoprotective benefits. The current study aimed to determine any scientific evidence to support its clinical use. Methods: We analyzed the potential of two kinds of C. cicadae extract, total extract (TE) and acetic ether extract (AE), in treating kidney disease simulated by a subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) model. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided randomly into seven groups: sham-operated group, vehicle-treated SNx, Cozaar, 2 g/(kg∙d) TE SNx, 1 g/(kg∙d) TE SNx, 92 mg/(kg∙d) AE SNx, and 46 mg/(kg∙d) AE SNx. Renal injury was monitored using urine and serum analyses, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stainings were used to analyze the level of fibrosis. The expression of type IV collagen (Col IV), fibronectin (FN), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Renal injury, reflected in urine and serum analyses, and pathological changes induced by SNx were attenuated by TE and AE intervention. The depositions of Col IV and FN were also decreased by the treatments and were accompanied by reduced expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF. In some respects, 2 g/(kg∙d) of TE produced better effects than Cozaar. Conclusions: For the first time, we have shown that C. cicadae may inhibit renal fibrosis in vivo through the TGF-β1/CTGF pathway. Therefore, we conclude that the use of C. cicadae could provide a rational strategy for combating renal fibrosis. PMID:22135152

  4. Effects of dietary salt restriction on renal progression and interstitial fibrosis in adriamycin nephrosis.

    PubMed

    Park, Joon-Sung; Kim, Sua; Jo, Chor Ho; Oh, Il Hwan; Kim, Gheun-Ho

    2014-01-01

    Although high salt intake is thought to accelerate renal progression in proteinuric kidney disease, it is not known whether strict dietary salt restriction could delay renal inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. Here, we sought to answer this question in a rat model of adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome. Adriamycin was administered via the femoral vein in a single bolus (7.5 mg/kg), and the rats were put on a sodium-deficient rodent diet. Rats with intact kidneys were studied for 5 weeks (experiment 1), and uninephrectomized rats were studied for 6 weeks (experiment 2). In experiment 1, restricting salt intake improved renal tubulointerstitial histopathology in adriamycin-treated rats. Immunohistochemical and immunoblot results additionally showed that restricting dietary salt lowered adriamycin-induced expression of osteopontin, collagen III, and fibronectin. In experiment 2, salt restriction improved adriamycin-induced azotemia, although it did not affect proteinuria or blood pressure. Dietary salt restriction also reduced adriamycin-induced infiltration of ED1-positive cells and the upregulated expression of osteopontin and α-SMA. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining revealed that salt restriction slowed Adriamycin-induced progression of renal interstitial fibrosis. Finally, qPCR revealed that adriamycin-induced expression of TNF-α, IκB-α, gp91(phox), p47(phox), and p67(phox) mRNA was blocked by salt restriction. Our findings demonstrate that strict dietary salt restriction delays the progress of renal inflammation and fibrosis in proteinuric kidney disease, most likely via relieving the reactive oxygen species-mediated NF-κB activation. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  5. The additive effects of atorvastatin and insulin on renal function and renal organic anion transporter 3 function in diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Thongnak, Laongdao; Pongchaidecha, Anchalee; Jaikumkao, Krit; Chatsudthipong, Varanuj; Chattipakorn, Nipon; Lungkaphin, Anusorn

    2017-10-19

    Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is usually found in diabetic condition. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, statins, are widely used as cholesterol-lowering medication with several "pleiotropic" effects in diabetic patients. This study aims to evaluate whether the protective effects of atorvastatin and insulin on renal function and renal organic anion transporter 3 (Oat3) function involve the modulation of oxidative stress and pancreatic function in type 1 diabetic rats. Type 1 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg BW). Atorvastatin and insulin as single or combined treatment were given for 4 weeks after diabetic condition had been confirmed. Diabetic rats demonstrated renal function and renal Oat3 function impairment with an increased MDA level and decreased SOD protein expression concomitant with stimulation of renal Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. Insulin plus atorvastatin (combined) treatment effectively restored renal function as well as renal Oat3 function which correlated with the decrease in hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Moreover, pancreatic inflammation and apoptosis in diabetic rats were ameliorated by the combined drugs treatment. Therefore, atorvastatin plus insulin seems to exert the additive effect in improving renal functionby alleviating hyperglycemiaand the modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

  6. Human neutral brush border endopeptidase EC 3.4.24.11 in urine, its isolation, characterisation and activity in renal diseases.

    PubMed

    Vlaskou, D; Hofmann, W; Guder, W G; Siskos, P A; Dionyssiou-Asteriou, A

    2000-07-01

    Human neutral brush border endopeptidase (NEP) was purified from the urine of patients suffering from acute toxic tubulointerstitial nephropathy. An enzyme preparation with specific activity of 102 Ug(-1) protein was obtained. The urinary activities of neutral endopeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase were measured in patients with renal disease and in 30 control patients, resulting in a reference range from 0.1 to 0.7 Ug(-1) creatinine and 1.4-14.1 Ug(-1) creatinine, respectively. Urine enzyme activities were highest in patients with acute tubulotoxic renal diseases. Neutral endopeptidase and alanine aminopeptidase activities were found to be 6.5- and 10-fold higher than the upper value of the reference range, respectively. Smaller increases in the rate of excretion of these enzymes (2.5- and 3.5-fold), respectively, were observed in patients suffering from acute tubular insufficiency and even lower increases, 2- and 1.5-fold, respectively, were observed in patients with chronic renal diseases. In diabetics and kidney transplant patients the enzyme excretion rates were within the reference range. Assay of both transmembrane metalloproteinases in urine may prove valuable in serving as markers for renal toxicity. Together with beta-NAG these enzymes could be employed as differentiation markers between acute and chronic tubular insufficiency.

  7. Do Alloreactivity and Prolonged Cold Ischemia Cause Different Elementary Lesions in Chronic Allograft Nephropathy?

    PubMed Central

    Herrero-Fresneda, Immaculada; Torras, Joan; Cruzado, Josep M.; Condom, Enric; Vidal, August; Riera, Marta; Lloberas, Nuria; Alsina, Jeroni; Grinyo, Josep M.

    2003-01-01

    This study assesses the individual contributions of the nonalloreactive factor, cold ischemia (CI), and alloreactivity to late functional and structural renal graft changes, and examines the effect of the association of both factors on the progression of chronic allograft nephropathy. Lewis rats acted as receptors of kidneys from either Lewis or Fischer rats. For CI, kidneys were preserved for 5 hours. The rats were divided into four groups: Syn, syngeneic graft; SynI, syngeneic graft and CI; Allo, allogeneic graft; AlloI, allogeneic graft and CI. Renal function was assessed every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Grafts were evaluated for acute inflammatory response at 1 week and for chronic histological damage at 24 weeks. Only when CI and allogenicity were combined did immediate posttransplant mortality occur, while survivors showed accelerated renal insufficiency that induced further mortality at 12 weeks after transplant. Solely ischemic rats developed renal insufficiency. Renal structural damage in ischemic rats was clearly tubulointerstitial, while significant vasculopathy and glomerulosclerosis appeared only in the allogeneic groups. There was increased infiltration of macrophages and expression of mRNA-transforming growth factor-β1 in the ischemic groups, irrespective of the allogeneic background. The joint association of CI plus allogenicity significantly increased cellular infiltration at both early and late stages, aggravating tubulointerstitial and vascular damage considerably. In summary, CI is mainly responsible for tubulointerstitial damage, whereas allogenicity leads to vascular lesion. The association of both factors accelerates and aggravates the progression of experimental chronic allograft nephropathy. PMID:12507896

  8. Acute renal failure due to mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in a pregnant woman with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

    PubMed

    Adam, Fatma Ulku; Torun, Dilek; Bolat, Filiz; Zumrutdal, Aysegul; Sezer, Siren; Ozdemir, Fatma Nurhan

    2006-02-01

    The most common form of renal involvement in Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is tubulointerstitial nephritis. Renal dysfunction is usually mild and subclinical. Glomerulonephritis (GMN) is rare in patients with SS. We report a 28-year-old multigravida patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and associated manifestations, who presented with acute renal failure in the 20th week of her fifth pregnancy. The complaints and clinical findings, positive Schirmer's test, findings of dry eye on ophthalmologic examination, and the salivary gland biopsy were compatible with SS. The patient exhibited no other clinical or laboratory findings indicative of other collagenous disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis. She refused renal biopsy, hesitating for fear of fetal loss; thus, based on the clinical and laboratory findings indicating rapidly progressive GMN and vasculitis, prednisolone, plasmapheresis, and one dose of cyclophosphamide were administered during the pregnancy. Hemodialysis five times weekly was performed. At the 28th week of gestation, she underwent a cesarean section due to early rupture of membranes and fetal distress. A healthy male boy was delivered. The renal biopsy performed 2 weeks after labor revealed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis. After the fourth cyclophosphamide treatment, her urinary output increased and she was discharged from the hemodialysis program. She remains in follow-up at our outpatient clinic free of hemodialysis for 4 months. This is the first report of mesangial proliferative GMN requiring dialysis in a pregnant pSS patient that has featured good maternal and fetal outcomes.

  9. Renal tubular acidosis type IV in hyperkalaemic patients--a fairy tale or reality?

    PubMed

    Haas, Christian S; Pohlenz, Inga; Lindner, Ulrich; Muck, Philip M; Arand, Jovana; Suefke, Sven; Lehnert, Hendrik

    2013-05-01

    Hyperkalaemia is a common feature in hospitalized patients and often attributed to drugs antagonizing the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and/or acute kidney injury (AKI), despite significantly preserved glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and role of renal tubular acidosis type IV (RTA IV) in the development of significant hyperkalaemia. A single-centre retrospective study. Patients admitted to a University Hospital over 12 months. Patients with a potassium value > 6·0 mm were identified. Clinical and laboratory data were revisited, and patients with a normal anion gap metabolic acidosis were evaluated for the existence of RTA IV. A total of 57 patients having significant hyperkalaemia (>6·0 mm) were identified. Twelve patients had end-stage renal disease, while 21 patients had solely AKI or progressive chronic renal failure. RTA IV was present in 24 patients (42%), of whom 71% had pre-existing renal insufficiency because of diabetic nephropathy or tubulointerstitial nephritis. All hyperkalaemic patients with urinary/serum electrolytes suggestive of RTA IV had evidence of AKI, but creatinine levels were significantly lower (P < 0·05), while the number of drugs antagonizing the RAAS was comparable. We demonstrated that RTA IV (i) is very common in patients with hyperkalaemia; (ii) should always be suspected in hyperkalaemic patients with only moderately impaired GFR; and (iii) may result in significant hyperkalaemia in the presence of both AKI and drugs antagonizing the RAAS. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  10. Vascular Smooth Muscle-Specific EP4 Receptor Deletion in Mice Exacerbates Angiotensin II-Induced Renal Injury.

    PubMed

    Thibodeau, Jean-Francois; Holterman, Chet E; He, Ying; Carter, Anthony; Cron, Gregory O; Boisvert, Naomi C; Abd-Elrahman, Khaled S; Hsu, Karolynn J; Ferguson, Stephen S G; Kennedy, Christopher R J

    2016-10-20

    Cyclooxygenase inhibition by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is contraindicated in hypertension, as it may reduce glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow. However, the identity of the specific eicosanoid and receptor underlying these effects is not known. We hypothesized that vascular smooth muscle prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptor deletion predisposes to renal injury via unchecked vasoconstrictive actions of angiotensin II (AngII) in a hypertension model. Mice with inducible vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific EP4 receptor deletion were generated and subjected to AngII-induced hypertension. EP4 deletion was verified by PCR of aorta and renal vessels, as well as functionally by loss of PGE2-mediated mesenteric artery relaxation. Both AngII-treated groups became similarly hypertensive, whereas albuminuria, foot process effacement, and renal hypertrophy were exacerbated in AngII-treated EP4 VSMC-/- but not in EP4 VSMC+/+ mice and were associated with glomerular scarring, tubulointerstitial injury, and reduced GFR. AngII-treated EP4 VSMC-/- mice exhibited capillary damage and reduced renal perfusion as measured by fluorescent bead microangiography and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. NADPH oxidase 2 (Nox2) expression was significantly elevated in AngII-treated EP4 -/- mice. EP4-receptor silencing in primary VSMCs abolished PGE2 inhibition of AngII-induced Nox2 mRNA and superoxide production. These data suggest that vascular EP4 receptors buffer the actions of AngII on renal hemodynamics and oxidative injury. EP4 agonists may, therefore, protect against hypertension-associated kidney damage. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 25, 642-656.

  11. Ameliorative effects of arctiin from Arctium lappa on experimental glomerulonephritis in rats.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jian-Guo; Wu, Jin-Zhong; Sun, Lian-Na; Han, Ting; Du, Jian; Ye, Qi; Zhang, Hong; Zhang, Yu-Guang

    2009-11-01

    Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) remains the most common cause of adult-onset nephrotic syndrome in the world and up to 40% of untreated patients will progress to end-stage renal disease. Although the treatment of MGN with immunosuppressants or steroid hormones can attenuate the deterioration of renal function, numerous treatment-related complications have also been established. In this study, the ameliorative effects of arctiin, a natural compound isolated from the fruits of Arctium lappa, on rat glomerulonephritis induced by cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA) were determined. After oral administration of arctiin (30, 60, 120 mg/kgd) for three weeks, the levels of serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and 24-h urine protein content markedly decreased, while endogenous creatinine clearance rate (ECcr) significantly increased. The parameters of renal lesion, hypercellularity, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN), fibrinoid necrosis, focal and segmental proliferation and interstitial infiltration, were reversed. In addition, we observed that arctiin evidently reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), suppressed nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-kappaB) DNA binding activity, and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. These findings suggest that the ameliorative effects of arctiin on glomerulonephritis is carried out mainly by suppression of NF-kappaB activation and nuclear translocation and the decreases in the levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, while SOD is involved in the inhibitory pathway of NF-kappaB activation. Arctiin has favorable potency for the development of an inhibitory agent of NF-kappaB and further application to clinical treatment of glomerulonephritis, though clinical studies are required.

  12. Btk-specific inhibition blocks pathogenic plasma cell signatures and myeloid cell-associated damage in IFNα-driven lupus nephritis.

    PubMed

    Katewa, Arna; Wang, Yugang; Hackney, Jason A; Huang, Tao; Suto, Eric; Ramamoorthi, Nandhini; Austin, Cary D; Bremer, Meire; Chen, Jacob Zhi; Crawford, James J; Currie, Kevin S; Blomgren, Peter; DeVoss, Jason; DiPaolo, Julie A; Hau, Jonathan; Johnson, Adam; Lesch, Justin; DeForge, Laura E; Lin, Zhonghua; Liimatta, Marya; Lubach, Joseph W; McVay, Sami; Modrusan, Zora; Nguyen, Allen; Poon, Chungkee; Wang, Jianyong; Liu, Lichuan; Lee, Wyne P; Wong, Harvey; Young, Wendy B; Townsend, Michael J; Reif, Karin

    2017-04-06

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often associated with exaggerated B cell activation promoting plasma cell generation, immune-complex deposition in the kidney, renal infiltration of myeloid cells, and glomerular nephritis. Type-I IFNs amplify these autoimmune processes and promote severe disease. Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitors are considered novel therapies for SLE. We describe the characterization of a highly selective reversible Btk inhibitor, G-744. G-744 is efficacious, and superior to blocking BAFF and Syk, in ameliorating severe lupus nephritis in both spontaneous and IFNα-accelerated lupus in NZB/W_F1 mice in therapeutic regimens. Selective Btk inhibition ablated plasmablast generation, reduced autoantibodies, and - similar to cyclophosphamide - improved renal pathology in IFNα-accelerated lupus. Employing global transcriptional profiling of spleen and kidney coupled with cross-species human modular repertoire analyses, we identify similarities in the inflammatory process between mice and humans, and we demonstrate that G-744 reduced gene expression signatures essential for splenic B cell terminal differentiation, particularly the secretory pathway, as well as renal transcriptional profiles coupled with myeloid cell-mediated pathology and glomerular plus tubulointerstitial disease in human glomerulonephritis patients. These findings reveal the mechanism through which a selective Btk inhibitor blocks murine autoimmune kidney disease, highlighting pathway activity that may translate to human SLE.

  13. Btk-specific inhibition blocks pathogenic plasma cell signatures and myeloid cell–associated damage in IFNα-driven lupus nephritis

    PubMed Central

    Katewa, Arna; Wang, Yugang; Hackney, Jason A.; Huang, Tao; Suto, Eric; Ramamoorthi, Nandhini; Bremer, Meire; Chen, Jacob Zhi; Crawford, James J.; Currie, Kevin S.; Blomgren, Peter; DeVoss, Jason; DiPaolo, Julie A.; Hau, Jonathan; Lesch, Justin; DeForge, Laura E.; Lin, Zhonghua; Liimatta, Marya; Lubach, Joseph W.; McVay, Sami; Modrusan, Zora; Nguyen, Allen; Poon, Chungkee; Wang, Jianyong; Liu, Lichuan; Lee, Wyne P.; Wong, Harvey; Young, Wendy B.; Townsend, Michael J.

    2017-01-01

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is often associated with exaggerated B cell activation promoting plasma cell generation, immune-complex deposition in the kidney, renal infiltration of myeloid cells, and glomerular nephritis. Type-I IFNs amplify these autoimmune processes and promote severe disease. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (Btk) inhibitors are considered novel therapies for SLE. We describe the characterization of a highly selective reversible Btk inhibitor, G-744. G-744 is efficacious, and superior to blocking BAFF and Syk, in ameliorating severe lupus nephritis in both spontaneous and IFNα-accelerated lupus in NZB/W_F1 mice in therapeutic regimens. Selective Btk inhibition ablated plasmablast generation, reduced autoantibodies, and — similar to cyclophosphamide — improved renal pathology in IFNα-accelerated lupus. Employing global transcriptional profiling of spleen and kidney coupled with cross-species human modular repertoire analyses, we identify similarities in the inflammatory process between mice and humans, and we demonstrate that G-744 reduced gene expression signatures essential for splenic B cell terminal differentiation, particularly the secretory pathway, as well as renal transcriptional profiles coupled with myeloid cell–mediated pathology and glomerular plus tubulointerstitial disease in human glomerulonephritis patients. These findings reveal the mechanism through which a selective Btk inhibitor blocks murine autoimmune kidney disease, highlighting pathway activity that may translate to human SLE. PMID:28405610

  14. Ameliorative Effect of Caffeic Acid on Capecitabine-Induced Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction: Involvement of the Antioxidant Defence System

    PubMed Central

    Olayinka, Ebenezer Tunde; Ore, Ayokanmi; Adeyemo, Oluwatobi Adewumi

    2017-01-01

    Background: It has been postulated that during liver and kidney damage there is a decreased in the antioxidant status associated with a simultaneous increase in the reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. In consonant with this, Capecitabine, an oral chemotherapy and inactive non-cytotoxic fluoropyrimidine considered for the treatment of advance colorectal cancer, has also been shown to induce oxidative stress in liver tissues. Caffeic acid, a typical hydroxycinnamic, has been claimed to be effective against oxidative stress. Therefore, this present work studied the protective effect of caffeic acid on oxidative stress-induced liver and kidney damage by the administration of capecitabine. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar strain rats were randomly divided into four treatment groups: A. control, B. capecitabine (CPTB)-treated group (30 mg/kg b.w. CPTB), C. caffeic acid (CFA)-treated group (100 mg/kg b.w. CFA) and D. co-treated group with CFA (100 mg/kg b.w.) and CPTB (30 mg/kg b.w.). Results: Caffeic acid administration significantly ameliorated the elevated plasma biomarkers of hepatic and renal tissue damage induced by the capecitabine and improved enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels in liver organ. Conclusions: The protective effect of caffeic acid could be attributed to its ability to boost the antioxidant defence system and reduce lipid peroxidation. PMID:29068374

  15. Relative efficacy of casein or soya protein combined with palm or safflower-seed oil on hyperuricaemia in rats.

    PubMed

    Lo, Hui-Chen; Wang, Yao-Horng; Chiou, Hue-Ying; Lai, Shan-Hu; Yang, Yu

    2010-07-01

    Diets that ameliorate the adverse effects of uric acid (UA) on renal damage deserve attention. The effects of casein or soya protein combined with palm or safflower-seed oil on various serum parameters and renal histology were investigated on hyperuricaemic rats. Male Wistar rats administered with oxonic acid and UA to induce hyperuricaemia were fed with casein or soya protein plus palm- or safflower-seed oil-supplemented diets. Normal rats and hyperuricaemic rats with or without allopurinol treatment (150 mg/l in drinking water) were fed with casein plus maize oil-supplemented diets. After 8 weeks, allopurinol treatment and soya protein plus safflower-seed oil-supplemented diet significantly decreased serum UA in hyperuricaemic rats (one-way ANOVA; P < 0.05). In addition, soya protein and casein attenuated hyperuricaemia-induced decreases in serum albumin and insulin, respectively (two-way ANOVA; P < 0.05). Safflower-seed oil significantly decreased serum TAG and UA, whereas palm oil significantly increased serum cholesterol, TAG, blood urea N and creatinine. However, soya protein significantly decreased renal NO and nitrotyrosine and palm oil significantly decreased renal nitrotyrosine, TNF-alpha and interferon-gamma and increased renal transforming growth factor-beta. Casein with safflower-seed oil significantly attenuated renal tubulointerstitial nephritis, crystals and fibrosis. Comparing casein v. soya protein combined with palm or safflower-seed oil, the results support that casein with safflower-seed oil may be effective in attenuating hyperuricaemia-associated renal damage, while soya protein with safflower-seed oil may be beneficial in lowering serum UA and TAG.

  16. A low-protein diet supplemented with ketoacids plays a more protective role against oxidative stress of rat kidney tissue with 5/6 nephrectomy than a low-protein diet alone.

    PubMed

    Gao, Xiang; Wu, Jianxiang; Dong, Zheyi; Hua, Can; Hu, Huimin; Mei, Changlin

    2010-02-01

    Dietary protein restriction is one major therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and ketoacids have been evaluated in CKD patients during restricted-protein diets. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of a low-protein diet supplemented with ketoacids (LPD+KA) and a low-protein diet alone (LPD) in halting the development of renal lesions in CKD. 5/6 Nephrectomy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, and fed with either 22 % protein (normal-protein diet; NPD), 6 % protein (LPD) or 5 % protein plus 1 % ketoacids (LPD+KA) for 24 weeks. Sham-operated rats were used as controls. Each 5/6 nephrectomy group included fifteen rats and the control group included twelve rats. Proteinuria, decreased renal function, glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were found in the remnant kidneys of the NPD group. Protein restriction ameliorated these changes, and the effect was more obvious in the LPD+KA group after 5/6 nephrectomy. Lower body weight and serum albumin levels were found in the LPD group, indicating protein malnutrition. Lipid and protein oxidative products were significantly increased in the LPD group compared with the LPD+KA group. These findings indicate that a LPD supplemented with ketoacids is more effective than a LPD alone in protecting the function of remnant kidneys from progressive injury, which may be mediated by ketoacids ameliorating protein malnutrition and oxidative stress injury in remnant kidney tissue.

  17. Renal accumulation of pentosidine in non-diabetic proteinuria-induced renal damage in rats.

    PubMed

    Waanders, Femke; Greven, Wendela L; Baynes, John W; Thorpe, Suzanne R; Kramer, Andrea B; Nagai, Ryoji; Sakata, Noriyuki; van Goor, Harry; Navis, Gerjan

    2005-10-01

    Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic glomerulopathy. The role of AGEs in non-diabetic renal damage is not well characterized. First, we studied whether renal AGE accumulation occurs in non-diabetic proteinuria-induced renal damage and whether this is ameliorated by renoprotective treatment. Secondly, we investigated whether renal AGE accumulation was due to intrarenal effects of local protein trafficking. Pentosidine was measured (by high-performance liquid chromatography) in rats with chronic bilateral adriamycin nephropathy (AN), untreated and treated with lisinopril. Age-matched healthy rats served as negative controls. Secondly, we compared renal pentosidine in mild proteinuric and non-proteinuric kidneys of unilateral AN and in age-matched controls at 12 and 30 weeks. Intrarenal localization of pentosidine was studied by immunohistochemistry. Renal pentosidine was elevated in untreated AN (0.14+/-0.04 micromol/mol valine) vs healthy controls (0.04+/-0.01 micromol/mol valine, P<0.01). In lisinopril-treated AN, pentosidine was lower (0.09+/-0.02 micromol/mol valine) than in untreated AN (P<0.05). In unilateral proteinuria, pentosidine was similar in non-proteinuric and proteinuric kidneys. After 30 weeks of unilateral proteinuria, pentosidine was increased in both kidneys (0.26+/-0.10 micromol/mol valine) compared with controls (0.18+/-0.06 micromol/mol valine, P<0.05). Pentosidine (AN, week 30) was also increased compared with AN at week 12 (0.16+/-0.06 micromol/mol valine, P<0.01). In control and diseased kidneys, pentosidine was present in the collecting ducts. In proteinuric kidneys, in addition, pentosidine was present in the brush border and cytoplasm of dilated tubular structures, i.e. at sites of proteinuria-induced tubular damage. Pentosidine accumulates in non-diabetic proteinuric kidneys in damaged tubules, and renoprotective treatment by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors inhibits AGE

  18. Mesenchymal stem cells protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by decreasing STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent MMP-9 production.

    PubMed

    Matsui, Futoshi; Babitz, Stephen A; Rhee, Audrey; Hile, Karen L; Zhang, Hongji; Meldrum, Kirstan K

    2017-01-01

    STAT3 is a transcription factor implicated in renal fibrotic injury, but the role of STAT3 in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-induced renoprotection during renal fibrosis remains unknown. We hypothesized that MSCs protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by downregulating STAT3 activation and STAT3-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent renal arterial injection of vehicle or MSCs (1 × 10 6 /rat) immediately before sham operation or induction of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The kidneys were harvested after 4 wk and analyzed for collagen I and III gene expression, collagen deposition (Masson's trichrome), fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, active STAT3 (p-STAT3), MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) expression. In a separate arm, the STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 (10 mg/kg) vs. vehicle was administered to rats intraperitoneally just after induction of UUO and daily for 14 days thereafter. The kidneys were harvested after 2 wk and analyzed for p-STAT3 and MMP-9 expression, and collagen and fibronectin deposition. Renal obstruction induced a significant increase in collagen, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-STAT3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expression while exogenously administered MSCs significantly reduced these indicators of obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. STAT3 inhibition with S3I-201 significantly reduced obstruction-induced MMP-9 expression and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. These results demonstrate that MSCs protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis, in part, by decreasing STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent MMP-9 production. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Mesenchymal stem cells protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by decreasing STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent MMP-9 production

    PubMed Central

    Matsui, Futoshi; Babitz, Stephen A.; Rhee, Audrey; Hile, Karen L.; Zhang, Hongji

    2017-01-01

    STAT3 is a transcription factor implicated in renal fibrotic injury, but the role of STAT3 in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-induced renoprotection during renal fibrosis remains unknown. We hypothesized that MSCs protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis by downregulating STAT3 activation and STAT3-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent renal arterial injection of vehicle or MSCs (1 × 106/rat) immediately before sham operation or induction of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The kidneys were harvested after 4 wk and analyzed for collagen I and III gene expression, collagen deposition (Masson’s trichrome), fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, active STAT3 (p-STAT3), MMP-9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1) expression. In a separate arm, the STAT3 inhibitor S3I-201 (10 mg/kg) vs. vehicle was administered to rats intraperitoneally just after induction of UUO and daily for 14 days thereafter. The kidneys were harvested after 2 wk and analyzed for p-STAT3 and MMP-9 expression, and collagen and fibronectin deposition. Renal obstruction induced a significant increase in collagen, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-STAT3, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 expression while exogenously administered MSCs significantly reduced these indicators of obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. STAT3 inhibition with S3I-201 significantly reduced obstruction-induced MMP-9 expression and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. These results demonstrate that MSCs protect against obstruction-induced renal fibrosis, in part, by decreasing STAT3 activation and STAT3-dependent MMP-9 production. PMID:27760767

  20. Renal Liver-Type Fatty Acid Binding Protein (L-FABP) Attenuates Acute Kidney Injury in Aristolochic Acid Nephrotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Matsui, Katsuomi; Kamijo-Ikemorif, Atsuko; Sugaya, Takeshi; Yasuda, Takashi; Kimura, Kenjiro

    2011-01-01

    Injection of aristolochic acid (AA) in mice causes AA-induced nephrotoxicity, in which oxidative stress contributes to development of tubulointerstitial damage (TID). Liver-type fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is expressed in human proximal tubules and has an endogenous antioxidative function. The renoprotection of renal L-FABP was examined in a model of AA-induced nephrotoxicity. Established human L-FABP (hL-FABP) transgenic (Tg) mice and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with AA for up to 5 days. Mice were sacrificed on days 1, 3, and 5 after the start of AA injection. Although mouse L-FABP was not expressed in proximal tubules of WT mice, hL-FABP was expressed in proximal tubules of Tg mice. The expression of renal hL-FABP was significantly increased in Tg mice administered AA (Tg-AA), compared with the control (saline-treated Tg mice). In WT-AA mice, there was high urinary excretion of Nε-(hexanoyl)-lysine, the production of heme oxygenase-1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products increased, and TID was provoked. In contrast, renal hL-FABP in Tg-AA mice suppressed production of Nε-(hexanoyl)lysine, heme oxygenase-1, and receptor for advanced glycation end products. Renal dysfunction was significantly milder in Tg-AA mice than in WT-AA mice. The degree of TID was significantly attenuated in Tg-AA mice, compared with WT-AA. In conclusion, renal hL-FABP reduced the oxidative stress in AA-induced nephrotoxicity and attenuated TID. PMID:21356355

  1. Protection of ischemic preconditioning on renal neural function in rats with acute renal failure.

    PubMed

    Wu, Ming-Shiou; Chien, Chiang-Ting; Ma, Ming-Chieh; Chen, Chau-Fong

    2009-11-30

    We tested whether tolerance induced by ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in kidneys was related to renal nerves. Experimental acute renal failure (ARF) in a rat model was induced for 45 min of left renal arterial occlusion (RAO), followed by 6 or 24 h of reperfusion (ischemic reperfusion (I/R) group). The episode of IPC was four cycles of 4 min of RAO at 11 min intervals and then the I/R injury was treated as above (IPC-I/R group). After 6 h of reperfusion, polyuria was found in the I/R group associated with an enhancement of afferent renal nerve activity (ARNA) and a reflexive decrease in efferent renal nerve activity (ERNA). Changes in nerve responses were related with a reduction in neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity and an increased release of substance P (SP). After 24 h of reperfusion, the I/R group showed oliguria which was associated with a lower ARNA, hyperactivity of ERNA and a nine-fold increase in SP release due to a further 52% loss in NEP activity. Prior IPC treatment did not affect the changed ischemia-induced excretory and nervous activity patterns during the first 6 h of reperfusion, but normalized both responses in the kidneys 24 h after ischemia. The IPC-mediated protection in oliguric ARF was related to the preservation of NEP activity to only 25% loss that caused an increase of SP amounts of only three-fold and a minor change in neurokinin 1 receptor (NK-1R) activities. Finally, both excretory and sensory responses in oliguric ARF after saline loading were significantly ameliorated by IPC. We conclude that IPC results in preservation of the renal sensory response in postischemic kidneys and has a beneficial effect on controlling efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity and excretion of solutes and water.

  2. Compromised renal microvascular reactivity of angiotensin type 1 double null mice.

    PubMed

    Park, Sungmi; Bivona, Benjamin J; Harrison-Bernard, Lisa M

    2007-07-01

    Angiotensin type 1A (AT(1A)) and 1B (AT(1B)) receptor deletion (AT1DKO) results in renal microvascular disease, tubulointerstitial injury, and reduced blood pressure. To test the hypothesis that renal preglomerular responses to angiotensin (ANG) II are mediated by AT(1A) and AT(1B) receptors, experiments were performed in AT1DKO mice using the in vitro blood perfused juxtamedullary nephron technique. Kidneys were harvested from AT1DKO and wild-type (WT) mice and bathed with ANG II (1-100 nM), norepinephrine (NE; 100-1,000 nM), or acetylcholine (ACh; 10 microM). Baseline diameters of afferent (19.5 +/- 0.7 and 13.9 +/- 0.7 microm, n = 17 and 16) and efferent (15.5 +/- 2.1 and 10.8 +/- 1.0 microm, n = 4 and 7) arterioles of AT1DKO were significantly larger than WT. Afferent and efferent arteriolar responses to ANG II, 100, and 300 nM NE were absent in AT1DKO; although significant constriction to 1 microM NE was observed (-17 +/- 5 and -23 +/- 6%, respectively). Afferent arterioles of WT mice dilated significantly in response to ACh (15.1 +/- 0.6 to 17.0 +/- 1.2 microm, n = 6); however, arterioles from AT1DKO tended to contract (19.9 +/- 1.2 to 17.8 +/- 1.6 microm; n = 6, P = 0.06). In summary, loss of ANG II-induced contraction, reduced vasoconstriction to NE, and endothelial cell dysfunction contribute to the renal vascular phenotype of AT1DKO mice. We conclude that ANG II signaling via the AT(1) receptor plays a pivotal role in basal renal microvascular tone and effectiveness to respond to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agonists.

  3. Inhibition of p38 MAPK attenuates renal atrophy and fibrosis in a murine renal artery stenosis model.

    PubMed

    Wang, Diping; Warner, Gina M; Yin, Ping; Knudsen, Bruce E; Cheng, Jingfei; Butters, Kim A; Lien, Karen R; Gray, Catherine E; Garovic, Vesna D; Lerman, Lilach O; Textor, Stephen C; Nath, Karl A; Simari, Robert D; Grande, Joseph P

    2013-04-01

    Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is an important cause of chronic renal dysfunction. Recent studies have underscored a critical role for CCL2 (MCP-1)-mediated inflammation in the progression of chronic renal damage in RAS and other chronic renal diseases. In vitro studies have implicated p38 MAPK as a critical intermediate for the production of CCL2. However, a potential role of p38 signaling in the development and progression of chronic renal disease in RAS has not been previously defined. We sought to test the hypothesis that inhibition of p38 MAPK ameliorates chronic renal injury in mice with RAS. We established a murine RAS model by placing a cuff on the right renal artery and treated mice with the p38 inhibitor SB203580 or vehicle for 2 wk. In mice treated with vehicle, the cuffed kidney developed interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial inflammation. In mice treated with SB203580, the RAS-induced renal atrophy was reduced (70% vs. 39%, P < 0.05). SB203580 also reduced interstitial inflammation and extracellular matrix deposition but had no effect on the development of hypertension. SB203580 partially blocked the induction of CCL2, CCL7 (MCP-3), CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), and collagen 4 mRNA expression in the cuffed kidneys. In vitro, blockade of p38 hindered both TNF-α and TGF-β-induced CCL2 upregulation. Based on these observations, we conclude that p38 MAPK plays a critical role in the induction of CCL2/CCL7/CCR2 system and the development of interstitial inflammation in RAS.

  4. Effects of N-acetyl-L-cysteine on redox status and markers of renal function in mice inoculated with Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus terrificus venoms.

    PubMed

    Barone, Juliana Marton; Frezzatti, Rodrigo; Silveira, Paulo Flavio

    2014-03-01

    Renal dysfunction is an important aggravating factor in accidents caused by Crotalus durissus terrificus (Cdt) and Bothrops jararaca (Bj) bites. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) is well known as a nephroprotective antioxidant with low toxicity. The present study investigated the effects of NAC on redox status and markers of renal function in mice that received vehicle (controls) or venoms (v) of Cdt and Bj. In controls NAC promoted hypercreatinemia, hypouremia, hyperosmolality with decreased urea in urine, hyperproteinuria, decreased protein and increased dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) in membrane-bound fraction (MF) from renal cortex (RC) and medulla (RM). NAC ameliorated or normalized altered creatinuria, proteinemia and aminopeptidase (AP) acid in MF, AP basic (APB) in soluble fraction (SF), and neutral AP in SF and MF from RC and RM in vBj envenomation. NAC ameliorated or normalized altered neutral AP in SF from RC and RM, and DPPIV and protein in MF from RC in vCdt envenomation. NAC ameliorated or restored renal redox status respectively in vCdt and vBj, and normalized uricemia in both envenomations. These data are promising perspectives that recommend the clinical evaluation of NAC as potential coadjuvant in the anti venom serotherapy for accidents with these snake's genera. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Estrogen administered after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation ameliorates acute kidney injury in a sex- and age-specific manner.

    PubMed

    Ikeda, Mizuko; Swide, Thomas; Vayl, Alexandra; Lahm, Tim; Anderson, Sharon; Hutchens, Michael P

    2015-09-18

    There is a sex difference in the risk of ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), and estrogen mediates the protective effect of female sex. We previously demonstrated that preprocedural chronic restoration of physiologic estrogen to ovariectomized female mice ameliorated AKI after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR). In the present study, we hypothesized that male mice and aged female mice would benefit from estrogen administration after CA/CPR. We tested the effect of estrogen in a clinically relevant manner by administrating it after CA/CPR. CA/CPR was performed in young (10-15 weeks), middle-aged (43-48 weeks), and aged (78-87 weeks) C57BL/6 male and female mice. Mice received intravenous 17β-estradiol or vehicle 15 min after resuscitation. Serum chemistries and unbiased stereological assessment of renal injury were completed 24 h after CA. Regional renal cortical blood flow was measured by a laser Doppler, and renal levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) were evaluated with immunoblotting. Post-arrest estrogen administration reduced injury in young males without significant changes in renal blood flow (percentage reduction compared with vehicle: serum urea nitrogen, 30 %; serum creatinine (sCr), 41 %; volume of necrotic tubules (VNT), 31 %; P < 0.05). In contrast, estrogen did not affect any outcomes in young females. In aged mice, estrogen significantly reduced sCr (80 %) and VNT (73 %) in males and VNT (51 %) in females. Serum estrogen levels in aged female mice after CA/CPR were the same as levels in male mice. With age, renal ERα was upregulated in females. Estrogen administration after resuscitation from CA ameliorates renal injury in young males and aged mice in both sexes. Because injury was small, young females were not affected. The protective effect of exogenous estrogen may be detectable with loss of endogenous estrogen in aged females and could be mediated by differences in renal

  6. Adiponectin attenuates kidney injury and fibrosis in deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt and angiotensin II induced CKD mice.

    PubMed

    Tian, Mi; Tang, Li; Wu, Yuanyuan; Beddhu, Srinivasan; Huang, Yufeng

    2018-06-06

    Adiponectin (ApN) is a multifunctional adipokine. However high, rather than low, concentrations of ApN are unexpectedly found in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) via an as yet unknown mechanism and the role of ApN in CKD is unclear. We, herein, investigated the effect of ApN overexpression on the progressive renal injury resulted from deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt (DOCA) and angiotensin II (Ang-II) infusion using a transgenic, inducible ApN-overexpressing mouse model. Three groups of mice (wild type receiving no infusion (WT), WT and cyp1a1 ApN transgenic mice (ApN-Tg) receiving DOCA+Ang-II infusion (WT/DOCA+Ang-II and ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II)) were assigned to receive a normal food containing 0.15% of the transgene inducer indol-3-carbinol (I3C) for 3 weeks. The I3C-induced ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II mice, not the WT or WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice, overexpressing ApN in liver resulted in 3.15-fold increases in circulating ApN than non-transgenic controls. Of note, these transgenic mice receiving DOCA+Ang-II infusion were still hypertensive but had much less albuminuria and glomerular and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which were associated with ameliorated podocyte injury determined by ameliorated podocyte loss and foot process effacement; and alleviated tubular injury determined by ameliorated mRNA overexpression of KIM-1 and NGAL and mRNA decreases of cubilin and megalin in tubular cells, compared with WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice. In addition, renal production of NF-kB-p65, NAPDH oxidase-2 and p47phox, and MAPK-related cellular proliferation, which were induced in WT/DOCA+Ang-II mice, were markedly reduced in ApN-Tg/DOCA+Ang-II mice. These results indicate that elevated ApN in CKD mouse model is renal protective. Enhancing adiponectin production or signaling may have therapeutic potential for CKD.

  7. Characterization of a Cardiorenal-like Syndrome in Aged Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes).

    PubMed

    Chilton, J; Wilcox, A; Lammey, M; Meyer, D

    2016-03-01

    Cardiorenal syndrome involves disease and dysfunction of the heart that leads to progressive renal dysfunction. This study investigated the relationship between cardiac and renal disease in 91 aged chimpanzees at the Alamogordo Primate Facility by evaluation of the medical histories, metabolic parameters, functional measurements of the cardiovascular system, clinical pathology, and histopathology focused on the heart and kidney. Cardiac fibrosis was the most frequent microscopic finding in 82 of 91 animals (90%), followed by glomerulosclerosis with tubulointerstitial fibrosis in 63 of 91 (69%). Cardiac fibrosis with attendant glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis was observed in 58 of 91 animals (63%); there was a statistically significant association between the 2 conditions. As the severity of cardiac fibrosis increased, there was corresponding increase in severity of glomerulosclerosis with tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Altered metabolic, cardiovascular, and clinical pathology parameters indicative of heart and kidney failure were commonly associated with the moderate to severe microscopic changes, and concurrent heart and kidney failure were considered the cause of death. The constellation of findings in the chimpanzees were similar to cardiorenal syndrome in humans. © The Author(s) 2016.

  8. Nephron segment specific microRNA biomarkers of pre-clinical drug-induced renal toxicity: Opportunities and challenges

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nassirpour, Rounak, E-mail: Rounak.nassirpour@pfiz

    Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a common drug development complication for pharmaceutical companies. Sensitive, specific, translatable and non-invasive biomarkers of renal toxicity are urgently needed to diagnose nephron segment specific injury. The currently available gold standard biomarkers for nephrotoxicity are not kidney-specific, lack sensitivity for early detection, and are not suitable for renal damage localization (glomerular vs tubulointerstitial injury). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly gaining momentum as promising biomarkers of various organ toxicities, including drug induced renal injury. This is mostly due to their stability in easily accessible biofluids, ease of developing nucleic acids detection compared to protein detection assays, as well asmore » their interspecies translatability. Increasing concordance of miRNA findings by standardizing methodology most suitable for their detection and quantitation, as well as characterization of their expression pattern in a cell type specific manner, will accelerate progress toward validation of these miRNAs as biomarkers in pre-clinical, and clinical settings. This review aims to highlight the current pre-clinical findings surrounding miRNAs as biomarkers in two important segments of the nephron, the glomerulus and tubules. - Highlights: • miRNAs are promising biomarkers of drug-induced kidney injury. • Summarized pre-clinical miRNA biomarkers of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. • Described the strengths and challenges associated with miRNAs as biomarkers.« less

  9. Protection from renal fibrosis, putative role of TRIB3 gene silencing.

    PubMed

    Ding, Wen-yuan; Li, Wen-bo; Ti, Yun; Bi, Xiu-ping; Sun, Hui; Wang, Zhi-hao; Zhang, Yun; Zhang, Wei; Zhong, Ming

    2014-02-01

    Renal fibrosis is thought to be the common pathway in most cases of chronic kidney disease. Recently, TRIB3 was found to play an important role in progression of cardiac fibrosis in an insulin-resistant state. We investigated whether TRIB3 might participate in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis in insulin-resistant rats. We randomly separated 40 male Sprague-Dawley into 4 groups for treatment (n = 10 each): control and high-fat diet (HFD) with TRIB3 siRNA adenovirus transfection, vehicle transfection or HFD alone. Insulin resistance markers were measured. Renal tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and periodic acid-Schiff. Rats with HFD showed insulin resistance and TRIB3 overexpression. Upregulated TRIB3 expression could induce renal fibrosis accompanied by increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Also, TRIB3 siRNA knockdown could ameliorate renal fibrosis, which was accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of ERK. TRIB3 gene silencing can attenuate renal fibrosis for beneficial effect on the development of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease in rat. Crown Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. A comparative kinetic RT/-PCR strategy for the quantitation of mRNAs in microdissected human renal biopsy specimens.

    PubMed

    Del Prete, D; Forino, M; Gambaro, G; D'Angelo, A; Baggio, B; Anglani, F

    1998-01-01

    Molecular biology techniques, to be applicable to a diagnostic renal biopsy specimen, should (1) be highly sensitive to be performed on a very small quantity of tissue; (2) be quantitative because they have to analyze genes normally expressed in the tissue and (3) allow the analysis of as large a number of genes as possible. Among different methods, only the reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT/-PCR) might comply with previous requisites, but the few RT/-PCR examples on renal biopsies in the literature do not allow starting RNA quantification and quality control; furthermore they have the drawback of analyzing only few genes. In an ongoing study to assess the expression of a number of genes in glomeruli and in tubulointerstitium of patients with different nephropathies, we developed a comparative RT/-PCR kinetic strategy based on the purification and quantification of total glomerular and tubulointerstitial RNA and on the use of an internal standard, the housekeeping gene G3PDH. We demonstrate that in microdissected diagnostic renal biopsies (1) glomerular and interstitial starting RNA can be quantified; (2) the G3PDH gene may be used both as an internal standard and as an indirect marker of RNA integrity; (3) as low as 28 ng of total RNA is sufficient to obtain PCR products of eight genes, and (4) it is worth to operate on microdissected biopsy specimens because of the different expression of genes in the two renal compartments.

  11. Supplementation with chromium picolinate recovers renal Cr concentration and improves carbohydrate metabolism and renal function in type 2 diabetic mice.

    PubMed

    Mita, Yukiko; Ishihara, Kengo; Fukuchi, Yoshiko; Fukuya, Yoko; Yasumoto, Kyoden

    2005-01-01

    To study the preventive effect of supplemented chromium picolinate (CrPic) on the development of diabetic nephropathy in mice, we analyzed the effects of CrPic supplementation on renal function and concentrations of serum glucose and tissue chromium (Cr). In experiment 1, male KK-Ay obese diabetic mice were fed either a control diet (control) or a diet supplemented with 2 mg/kg diet (Cr2) or 10 mg/kg diet (Cr10) of Cr for 12 wk. Cr10 significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia after a glucose load, creatinine clearance rates, and urinary microalbumin levels (p<0.05). In experiment 2, the Cr10 diet was fed to male KK-Ay obese diabetic mice and C57BL nondiabetic mice for 4 wk. The CrPic diet reduced urinary albumin excretion in the diabetic mice (p<0.05). Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the renal Cr content and the recovery of renal Cr concentration after Cr supplementation were significantly lower in the diabetic mice than in the nondiabetic mice (p<0.01). These observations suggest that Cr supplementation of type 2 diabetic mice reduces the symptoms of hyperglycemia and improves the renal function by recovering renal Cr concentration.

  12. Intra-renal arterial injection of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in a rhesus Macaque mulatta monkey model.

    PubMed

    Moghadasali, Reza; Azarnia, Mahnaz; Hajinasrollah, Mostafa; Arghani, Hassan; Nassiri, Seyed Mahdi; Molazem, Mohammad; Vosough, Ahmad; Mohitmafi, Soroush; Najarasl, Mostafa; Ajdari, Zahra; Yazdi, Reza Salman; Bagheri, Mohsen; Ghanaati, Hossein; Rafiei, Behrooz; Gheisari, Yousof; Baharvand, Hossein; Aghdami, Nasser

    2014-06-01

    Clinically, acute kidney injury (AKI) is a potentially devastating condition for which no specific therapy improves efficacy of the repair process. Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) are proven to be beneficial for the renal repair process after AKI in different experimental rodent models, but their efficacy in large animals and humans remains unknown. This study aims to assess the effect of autologous rhesus Macaque mulatta monkey BM-MSC transplantation in cisplatin-induced AKI. We chose a model of AKI induced by intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg cisplatin. BM-MSCs were transplanted through intra-arterial injection. The animals were followed for survival, biochemistry analysis and pathology. Transplantation of 5 × 10(6) cells/kg ameliorated renal function during the first week, as shown by significantly lower serum creatinine and urea values and higher urine creatinine and urea clearance without hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, proteinuria and polyuria up to 84 d compared with the vehicle and control groups. The superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle-labeled cells were found in both the glomeruli and tubules. BM-MSCs markedly accelerated Foxp3+ T-regulatory cells in response to cisplatin-induced damage, as revealed by higher numbers of Foxp3+ cells within the tubuli of these monkeys compared with cisplatin-treated monkeys in the control and vehicle groups. These data demonstrate that BM-MSCs in this unique large-animal model of cisplatin-induced AKI exhibited recovery and protective properties. Copyright © 2014 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Ameliorate Cyclosporine A-Induced Hypertension in Mice.

    PubMed

    Chiasson, Valorie L; Bounds, Kelsey R; Chatterjee, Piyali; Manandhar, Lochana; Pakanati, Abhinandan R; Hernandez, Marcos; Aziz, Bilal; Mitchell, Brett M

    2018-01-01

    The calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA) suppresses the immune system but promotes hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and renal damage. CsA decreases regulatory T cells and this contributes to the development of hypertension. However, CsA's effects on another important regulatory immune cell subset, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), is unknown. We hypothesized that augmenting MDSCs would ameliorate the CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal injury and dysfunction and that CsA reduces MDSCs in mice. Daily interleukin-33 treatment, which increased MDSC levels, completely prevented CsA-induced hypertension and vascular and renal toxicity. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs from control mice into CsA-treated mice after hypertension was established dose-dependently reduced blood pressure and vascular and glomerular injury. CsA treatment of aortas and kidneys isolated from control mice for 24 hours decreased relaxation responses and increased inflammation, respectively, and these effects were prevented by the presence of MDSCs. MDSCs also prevented the CsA-induced increase in fibronectin in microvascular and glomerular endothelial cells. Last, CsA dose-dependently reduced the number of MDSCs by inhibiting calcineurin and preventing cell proliferation, as other direct calcineurin signaling pathway inhibitors had the same dose-dependent effect. These data suggest that augmenting MDSCs can reduce the cardiovascular and renal toxicity and hypertension caused by CsA. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  14. Cardio-renal syndrome: an entity cardiologists and nephrologists should be dealing with collegially.

    PubMed

    Palazzuoli, Alberto; Ronco, Claudio

    2011-11-01

    Heart failure may lead to acute kidney injury and vice versa. Chronic kidney disease may affect the clinical outcome in terms of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality while chronic heart failure may cause CKD. All these disorders contribute to the composite definition of cardio-renal syndromes. Renal impairment in HF patients has been increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality; however, the most important clinical trials in HF tend to exclude patients with significant renal dysfunction. The mechanisms whereby renal insufficiency worsens the outcome in HF are not known, and several pathways could contribute to the "vicious heart/kidney circle." Traditionally, renal impairment has been attributed to the renal hypoperfusion due to reduced cardiac output and decreased systemic pressure. The hypovolemia leads to sympathetic activity, increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone pathways and arginine-vasopressin release. All these mechanisms cause fluid and sodium retention, peripheral vasoconstriction and an increased congestion as well as cardiac workload. Therapy addressed to improve renal dysfunction, reduce neurohormonal activation and ameliorate renal blood flow could lead to a reduction in mortality and hospitalization in patients with cardio-renal syndrome.

  15. [Effect of Cordyceps sinensis powder on renal oxidative stress and mitochondria functions in 5/6 nephrectomized rats].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ming-hui; Pan, Ming-ming; Ni, Hai-feng; Chen, Jun-feng; Xu, Mn; Gong, Yu-xiang; Chen, Ping-sheng; Liu, Bi-cheng

    2015-04-01

    treatment group. (2) Compared with the sham-operation group, 24 h proteinuria, urinary NAG, blood SCr and BUN significantly increased in the model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, blood and urinary biochemical indices all significantly decreased in the treatment group (all P <0. 01). (3) Results of pathological renal scoring: Glomerular sclerosis index, scoring for tubulointerstitial fibrosis, degree of tubulointerstitial inflammatory infiltration were all obviously higher in the model group than in the sham-operation group (all P <0. 01). All the aforesaid indices were more obviously improved in the treatment group than in the model group (all P <0. 01). (4) Compared with the sham-operation group, activities of MnSOD and GSH-Px were significantly reduced, but MDA contents obviously increased in the renal cortex of the model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, activities of MnSOD and GSH-Px obviously increased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), but MDA contents obviously decreased in the renal cortex of the treatment group (P <0. 01). (5) Compared with the sham-operation group, the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased, but ROS levels significantly increased in the model group (all P <0.01). Compared with the model group, mitochondrial transmembrane potential increased in the treatment group, thereby inhibiting the tendency of increased production of ROS (both P < 0. 01). (6) Results of Western blot showed that, compared with the sham-operation group, expression levels of mitochondrial Cyto-C and Prohibitin were significantly reduced in the renal cortex (P <0. 01), but significantly elevated in the cytoplasm of the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, each index was obviously improved in the treatment group with statistical difference (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). CS powder had renal protection, and its mechanism might partially depend on in- hibition of oxidative stress and protection for mitochondria.

  16. Discovery of a novel dominant mutation in the REN gene after forty years of renal disease: a case report.

    PubMed

    Clissold, Rhian L; Clarke, Helen C; Spasic-Boskovic, Olivera; Brugger, Kim; Abbs, Stephen; Bingham, Coralie; Shaw-Smith, Charles

    2017-07-12

    Heterozygous mutations in the gene encoding renin (REN) cause autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease (ADTKD), early-onset anaemia and hyperuricaemia; only four different mutations have been described in the published literature to date. We report a novel dominant REN mutation discovered in an individual after forty years of renal disease. A 57 year old Caucasian woman with chronic kidney disease stage five was reviewed in a regional joint renal genetics clinic. She had initially been diagnosed with chronic pyelonephritis in adolescence, around the same time that she was investigated for anaemia out of keeping with her degree of renal impairment. Hyperuricaemia was identified in her twenties following an episode of gout. A diagnosis of ADTKD was not made until the age of 37 years, when her mother was also found to have kidney disease and commenced haemodialysis. The patient's renal function continued to slowly deteriorate and, twenty years later, her sister was worked up as a potential donor for kidney transplantation. Revisiting the maternal family history during the transplant work up prompted a referral to clinical genetics and urgent REN genetic testing was requested for the patient, leading to discovery of a heterozygous mutation in the REN gene: c.49 T > C, p.(Trp17Arg). This variant was not identified in her otherwise healthy sister, allowing pre-emptive live renal transplantation to take place shortly afterwards. In an era where genetic testing is becoming much more readily available, this case highlights the importance of considering a genetic aetiology in all patients with long-standing renal disease and a relevant family history. Establishing a genetic diagnosis of ADTKD-REN in this individual with chronic anaemia, hyperuricaemia and slowly progressive renal impairment helped to identify a suitable live kidney donor and allowed successful pre-emptive transplantation to take place.

  17. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Acute Renal Injury in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Rabbits via Induction of HO-1 through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Gong, Li-rong; Dong, Shu-an; Cao, Xin-shun; Wu, Li-li; Wu, Li-na

    2015-01-01

    Electroacupuncture at select acupoints have been verified to protect against organ dysfunctions during endotoxic shock. And, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 as a phase II enzyme and antioxidant contributed to the protection of kidney in septic shock rats. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway mediated the activation of NF-E2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), which was involved in HO-1 induction. To understand the efficacy of electroacupuncture stimulation in ameliorating acute kidney injury (AKI) through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and subsequent HO-1 upregulation, a dose of LPS 5mg/kg was administered intravenously to replicate the rabbit model of AKI induced by endotoxic shock. Electroacupuncture pretreatment was handled bilaterally at Zusanli and Neiguan acupoints for five consecutive days while sham electroacupuncture at non-acupoints as control. Results displayed that electroacupuncture stimulation significantly alleviated the morphologic renal damage, attenuated renal tubular apoptosis, suppressed the elevated biochemical indicators of AKI caused by LPS, enhanced the expressions of phospho-Akt, HO-1protein, Nrf2 total and nucleoprotein, and highlighted the proportions of Nrf2 nucleoprotein as a parallel. Furthermore, partial protective effects of elecroacupuncture were counteracted by preconditioning with wortmannin (the selective PI3K inhibitor), indicating a direct involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway. Inconsistently, wortmannin pretreatment made little difference to the expressions of HO-1, Nrf2 nucleoprotein and total protein, which indicated that PI3K/Akt may be not the only pathway responsible for electroacupuncture-afforded protection against LPS-induced AKI. These findings provide new insights into the potential future clinical applications of electroacupuncture for AKI induced by endotoxic shock instead of traditional remedies. PMID:26524181

  18. Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Acute Renal Injury in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Rabbits via Induction of HO-1 through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathways.

    PubMed

    Yu, Jian-Bo; Shi, Jia; Zhang, Yuan; Gong, Li-Rong; Dong, Shu-An; Cao, Xin-Shun; Wu, Li-Li; Wu, Li-Na

    2015-01-01

    Electroacupuncture at select acupoints have been verified to protect against organ dysfunctions during endotoxic shock. And, heme oxygenase (HO)-1 as a phase II enzyme and antioxidant contributed to the protection of kidney in septic shock rats. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt pathway mediated the activation of NF-E2 related factor-2 (Nrf2), which was involved in HO-1 induction. To understand the efficacy of electroacupuncture stimulation in ameliorating acute kidney injury (AKI) through the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and subsequent HO-1 upregulation, a dose of LPS 5mg/kg was administered intravenously to replicate the rabbit model of AKI induced by endotoxic shock. Electroacupuncture pretreatment was handled bilaterally at Zusanli and Neiguan acupoints for five consecutive days while sham electroacupuncture at non-acupoints as control. Results displayed that electroacupuncture stimulation significantly alleviated the morphologic renal damage, attenuated renal tubular apoptosis, suppressed the elevated biochemical indicators of AKI caused by LPS, enhanced the expressions of phospho-Akt, HO-1protein, Nrf2 total and nucleoprotein, and highlighted the proportions of Nrf2 nucleoprotein as a parallel. Furthermore, partial protective effects of elecroacupuncture were counteracted by preconditioning with wortmannin (the selective PI3K inhibitor), indicating a direct involvement of PI3K/Akt pathway. Inconsistently, wortmannin pretreatment made little difference to the expressions of HO-1, Nrf2 nucleoprotein and total protein, which indicated that PI3K/Akt may be not the only pathway responsible for electroacupuncture-afforded protection against LPS-induced AKI. These findings provide new insights into the potential future clinical applications of electroacupuncture for AKI induced by endotoxic shock instead of traditional remedies.

  19. β-Arrestin-1 deficiency ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking Wnt1/β-catenin signaling in mice.

    PubMed

    Xu, Huiyan; Li, Quanxin; Liu, Jiang; Zhu, Jiaqing; Li, Liang; Wang, Ziying; Zhang, Yan; Sun, Yu; Sun, Jinpeng; Wang, Rong; Yi, Fan

    2018-01-01

    Despite substantial progress being made in understanding the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, there are only a few therapies available to treat or prevent renal fibrosis in clinical use today. Therefore, identifying the key cellular and molecular mediators involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis will provide new therapeutic strategy for treating patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). β-Arrestin-1, a member of β-arrestin family, not only is a negative adaptor of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), but also acts as a scaffold protein and regulates a diverse array of cellular functions independent of GPCR activation. In this study, we identified for the first time that β-arrestin-1 was upregulated in the kidney from mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction nephropathy as well as in the paraffin-embedded sections of human kidneys from the patients with diabetic nephropathy, polycystic kidney, or uronephrosis, which normally causes renal fibrosis. Deficiency of β-arrestin-1 in mice significantly alleviated renal fibrosis by the regulation of inflammatory responses, kidney fibroblast activation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Furthermore, we found that among the major isoforms of Wnts, Wnt1 was regulated by β-arrestin-1 and gene silencing of Wnt1 inhibited the activation of β-catenin and suppressed β-arrestin-1-mediated renal fibrosis. Collectively, our results indicate that β-arrestin-1 is one of the critical components of signal transduction pathways in the development of renal fibrosis. Modulation of these pathways may be an innovative therapeutic strategy for treating patients with renal fibrosis. β-Arrestin-1 was upregulated in the kidney from mice with UUO nephropathy. β-Arrestin-1 regulated kidney fibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. β-Arrestin-1 exacerbated renal fibrosis via mediating Wnt1/β-catenin signaling.

  20. Gold nanoparticles ameliorate acetaminophen induced hepato-renal injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Reshi, Mohd Salim; Shrivastava, Sadhana; Jaswal, Amita; Sinha, Neelu; Uthra, Chhavi; Shukla, Sangeeta

    2017-04-04

    Valuable effects of gold particles have been reported and used in complementary medicine for decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) against acetaminophen (APAP) induced toxicity. Albino rats were administered APAP at a dose of 2g/kg p.o. once only. After 24h of APAP intoxication, animals were treated with three different doses of AuNPs (50μg/kg, 100μg/kg, 150μg/kg) orally or silymarin at a dose of 50mg/kg p.o., once only. Animals of all the groups were sacrificed after 24h of last treatment. APAP administered group showed a significant rise in the AST, ALT, SALP, LDH, cholesterol, bilirubin, albumin, urea and creatinine in serum which indicated the hepato-renal damage. A significantly enhanced LPO and a depleted level of GSH were observed in APAP intoxicated rats. Declined activities of SOD and Catalase, after acetaminophen exposure indicated oxidative stress in liver and kidney. The activities of ATPase and glucose-6-Phosphatase were significantly inhibited after APAP administration. AuNPs treatment reversed all variables significantly towards normal level and was found nontoxic. Thus it is concluded that gold nanoparticles played a beneficial role in reducing acetaminophen induced toxicity and can be used in the development of drug against hepatic as well as renal diseases, after further preclinical and clinical studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  1. Cardiac and renal antioxidant enzymes and effects of tempol in hyperthyroid rats.

    PubMed

    Moreno, Juan Manuel; Rodríguez Gómez, Isabel; Wangensteen, Rosemary; Osuna, Antonio; Bueno, Pablo; Vargas, Félix

    2005-11-01

    This study evaluated the activity of cardiac and renal antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione reductase (GR)] and whether chronic treatment with tempol, a cell membrane-permeable SOD mimetic, ameliorates the hypertension of hyperthyroidism. Two experiments were performed. In experiment I, the following four groups of male Wistar rats were used: control group and three groups that received thyroxine (T4) at 10, 50, or 75 microg x rat(-1) x day(-1). In experiment II, tempol was orally administered (18 mg x kg(-1) x day(-1)) to control and T4-treated (75 microg x rat(-1) x day(-1)) rats. All treatments were maintained for 6 wk. Body weight, tail systolic blood pressure (BP), and heart rate were measured one time a week, and direct BP and morphological, metabolic, plasma, and renal variables were measured at the end of the experiment. Enzymatic activities were measured in renal cortex and medulla and right and left ventricles. In renal cortex, SOD activity was decreased in the T4-75 group, and there was a dose-related increase in CAT activity and decrease in GPX and GR activities in T4-treated groups. Activity of all antioxidant enzymes was reduced in left ventricle in T4-50 and T4-75 groups and in right ventricle in the T4-75 group. Tempol reduced BP, plasma malondialdehyde, and total urinary excretion of F2 isoprostanes in hypertensive hyperthyroid rats but not in controls. Tempol did not improve cardiac hypertrophy, proteinuria, or creatinine clearance in hyperthyroid rats. In conclusion, the results obtained indicate that the activity of SOD, GPX, and GR in renal and cardiac tissues is decreased in hyperthyroidism and that antioxidant treatment with tempol ameliorates T4-induced hypertension.

  2. Effect of taurine on advanced glycation end products-induced hypertrophy in renal tubular epithelial cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Huang, J.-S.; Chuang, L.-Y.; Guh, J.-Y.

    2008-12-01

    Mounting evidence indicates that advanced glycation end products (AGE) play a major role in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Taurine is a well documented antioxidant agent. To explore whether taurine was linked to altered AGE-mediated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in DN, we examined the molecular mechanisms of taurine responsible for inhibition of AGE-induced hypertrophy in renal tubular epithelial cells. We found that AGE (but not non-glycated BSA) caused inhibition of cellular mitogenesis rather than cell death by either necrosis or apoptosis. There were no changes in caspase 3 activity, bcl-2 protein expression, and mitochondrial cytochrome c release in BSA, AGE,more » or the antioxidant taurine treatments in these cells. AGE-induced the Raf-1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation was markedly blocked by taurine. Furthermore, taurine, the Raf-1 kinase inhibitor GW5074, and the ERK kinase inhibitor PD98059 may have the ability to induce cellular proliferation and cell cycle progression from AGE-treated cells. The ability of taurine, GW5074, or PD98059 to inhibit AGE-induced hypertrophy was verified by the observation that it significantly decreased cell size, cellular hypertrophy index, and protein levels of RAGE, p27{sup Kip1}, collagen IV, and fibronectin. The results obtained in this study suggest that taurine may serve as the potential anti-fibrotic activity in DN through mechanism dependent of its Raf-1/ERK inactivation in AGE-induced hypertrophy in renal tubular epithelial cells.« less

  3. Physical Exercise and Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: A Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Zhenzhen; Zheng, Kai; Zhang, Haoxiang; Feng, Ji; Wang, Lizhi; Zhou, Hao

    2017-01-01

    Chronic renal failure is a severe clinical problem which has some significant socioeconomic impact worldwide and hemodialysis is an important way to maintain patients' health state, but it seems difficult to get better in short time. Considering these, the aim in our research is to update and evaluate the effects of exercise on the health of patients with chronic renal failure. The databases were used to search for the relevant studies in English or Chinese. And the association between physical exercise and health state of patients with chronic renal failure has been investigated. Random-effect model was used to compare the physical function and capacity in exercise and control groups. Exercise is helpful in ameliorating the situation of blood pressure in patients with renal failure and significantly reduces VO 2 in patients with renal failure. The results of subgroup analyses show that, in the age >50, physical activity can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with renal failure. The activity program containing warm-up, strength, and aerobic exercises has benefits in blood pressure among sick people and improves their maximal oxygen consumption level. These can help patients in physical function and aerobic capacity and may give them further benefits.

  4. Kidney transplantation in the context of renal replacement therapy.

    PubMed

    Pesavento, Todd E

    2009-12-01

    Kidney transplantation has dramatically evolved from a life-saving yet unproven therapy for patients with renal failure to a mature field that is the preferred treatment for those suffering from ESRD. Patients who receive a transplant experience a 68% lower risk of death compared with those waiting on dialysis for a transplant. This benefit is afforded to all patient subgroups including the elderly (> or =70 yr), and diabetics, who can gain 11 yr of extra life with transplantation. Prolonged transplant wait times result in a higher risk of death but this can be ameliorated with preemptive transplantation. Future challenges will focus on appropriate organ allocation and addressing long-term renal function and comorbid conditions so patients can enjoy the full benefits of transplantation.

  5. Elevated bilirubin levels are associated with a better renal prognosis and ameliorate kidney fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Park, Sehoon; Kim, Do Hyoung; Hwang, Jin Ho; Kim, Yong-Chul; Kim, Jin Hyuk; Lim, Chun Soo; Kim, Yon Su; Yang, Seung Hee; Lee, Jung Pyo

    2017-01-01

    Bilirubin has been reported to protect against kidney injury. However, further studies highlighting the beneficial effects of bilirubin on renal fibrosis and chronic renal function decline are necessary. We assessed a prospective cohort with a reference range of total bilirubin levels. The primary outcome was a 30% reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline, and the secondary outcome was a doubling of the serum creatinine levels, halving of the eGFR and the initiation of dialysis. In addition, experiments with tubular epithelial cells and C57BL/6 mice were performed to investigate the protective effects of bilirubin on kidney fibrosis. As a result, 1,080 patients were included in the study cohort. The study group with relative hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin 0.8-1.2 mg/dL) showed a better prognosis in terms of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.59, P < 0.001) and the secondary outcome (adjusted HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.71, P = 0.01) than that of the control group. Moreover, the bilirubin-treated mice showed less fibrosis in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model (P < 0.05). In addition, bilirubin treatment decreased fibronectin expression in tubular epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels were associated with better renal prognosis, and bilirubin treatment induced a beneficial effect on renal fibrosis. Therefore, bilirubin could be a potential therapeutic target to delay fibrosis-related kidney disease progression.

  6. Renal tubular disease in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy.

    PubMed

    Hamzah, Lisa; Booth, John W; Jose, Sophie; McAdoo, Stephen P; Kumar, Emil A; O'Donnell, Patrick; Hilton, Rachel; Sabin, Caroline; Williams, Deborah I; Jones, Rachael; Post, Frank A

    2015-09-10

    To describe the spectrum of renal tubular disease (RTD) in HIV-positive patients and its association with exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Review of 265 consecutive renal biopsies from HIV-positive patients attending eight clinics in the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2012. We described the clinical characteristics of patients with RTD and compared current/recent exposure (at the time of, or up to 3 months prior to the date of biopsy) to potentially nephrotoxic ART [tenofovir (TDF), atazanavir (ATV), indinavir (IDV) and lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r)]. We also analysed the incidence of RTD in the UK CHIC cohort. Kruskall-Wallis, analysis of variance and Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate between-group differences. Of the 60 RTD cases, 54 (90%) were included in the analyses. RTD comprised of three distinct patterns: acute tubular injury (ATI, n = 22), tubulo-interstitial nephritis (TIN, n = 20) and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA, n = 12). Compared with TIN and IFTA, ATI cases were less likely to be of black ethnicity (10 vs. 42-55%; P = 0.006), more likely to be on ART (100 vs. 55-68%; P = 0.001), with HIV-RNA below 200 copies/ml (100 vs. 54-58%; P < 0.001), and more likely to have current/recent exposure to TDF (P < 0.001). We did not find evidence for an association between exposure to TDF, ATV/r or LPV/r and either TIN or IFTA. RTD was present in approximately 20% of renal biopsies and comprised three distinct injury patterns with considerable clinical overlap. ATI was associated with TDF exposure, although the overall incidence of biopsy-defined ATI was low.

  7. Coexistence of Acute Crescent Glomerulonephritis and IgG4-Related Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Lu, Zeyuan; Yin, Jianyong; Bao, Hongda; Jiao, Qiong; Wu, Huijuan; Wu, Rui; Xue, Qin; Wang, Niansong; Zhang, Zhigang; Wang, Feng

    2016-01-01

    IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory disorder that may involve almost each organ or system. IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) refers to renal lesions associated with IgG4-RD. The most frequent morphological type of renal lesions is IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis (IgG4-TIN) which is associated with increased IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration and interstitial fibrosis. Herein, we present a rare case with coexisting IgG4-RKD and acute crescent glomerulonephritis with concomitant severe tubulointerstitial lesions instead of classic IgG4-TIN. IgG4-RKD and acute crescent glomerulonephritis can occur in the same patient. This case may give us a clearer viewpoint of the disease.

  8. Hematopoietic stem cells derived from human umbilical cord ameliorate cisplatin-induced acute renal failure in rats

    PubMed Central

    Shalaby, Rokaya H; Rashed, Laila A; Ismaail, Alaa E; Madkour, Naglaa K; Elwakeel, Sherien H

    2014-01-01

    Injury to a target organ can be sensed by bone marrow stem cells that migrate to the site of damage, undergo differentiation, and promote structural and functional repair. This remarkable stem cell capacity prompted an investigation of the potential of mesenchymal and hematopoietic stem cells to cure acute renal failure. On the basis of the recent demonstration that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can differentiate into renal cells, the current study tested the hypothesis that HSCs can contribute to the regeneration of renal tubular epithelial cells after renal injury. HSCs from human umbilical cord blood which isolated and purified by magnetic activated cell sorting were transplanted intraperitoneal into acute renal failure (ARF) rats which was established by a single dose of cisplatin 5 mg/kg for five days. The Study was carried on 48 male white albino rats, of average weight 120-150 gm. The animals were divided into 4 groups, Group one Served as control and received normal saline throughout the experiments. Group two (model control) received a single dose of cisplatin. Group three and four male-albino rats with induced ARF received interapritoneally (HSCs) at two week and four week respectively. Injection of a single dose of cisplatin resulted in a significant increase in serum creatinine and urea levels, histo-pathological examination of kidney tissue from cisplatin showed severe nephrotoxicity in which 50-75% of glomeruli and renal tubules exhibited massive degenerative change. Four weeks after HSC transplantation, Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen decreased 3.5 times and 2.1 times as well as HGF, IGF-1, VEGF and P53 using quantitative real-time PCR increased 4.3 times, 3.2, 2.4 and 4.2 times compared to ARF groups, respectively. The proliferation of cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells (500.083±35.167) was higher than that in the cisplatin groups (58.612±15.743). In addition, the transplanted umbilical cord hematopoietic stem cells UC-HSCs could

  9. Qi-Dan Fang ameliorates adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome rat model by enhancing renal function and inhibiting podocyte injury.

    PubMed

    Wu, Jun-Biao; Ye, Shu-Fang; Liang, Chun-Ling; Li, Yu-Cui; Yu, Ying-Jia; Lai, Jie-Mei; Lin, Hui; Zheng, Jie; Zhou, Jiu-Yao

    2014-02-12

    Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome with a variety of causes, mainly characterized by heavy proteinuria. Podocyte injury plays a key role in proteinuria, one of the principal means for the control of NS is to prevent podocyte injury. Qi-Dan Fang consists of two of the most extensively applied herbal remedies among Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (Radix Astragali Mongolici and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, with a weight ratio of 5:1) which are specifically used for the treatment of various kidney diseases. In previous studies, we found that Qi-Dan Fang provides improvement to patients with adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome by alleviating proteinuria and serum lipid. The aim of this study is to study the efficiency of Qi-Dan Fang on NS model rat with renal dysfunction and podocyte injury, something which has not been carried out yet. The rats were divided into Normal, Model, Jin Gui Shen Qi Pill (4.12 g/kg), Qi-Dan Fang (3.09, 6.17 and 12.34 g/kg/d) groups, they were each given a single tail intravenous injection of Adriamycin (6.0 mg/kg) except for the Normal group and were orally administered dosages of Qi-Dian Fang and Jin Gui Shen Qi pills once daily for 7 weeks. Following the treatment, the content of cystation C (CysC), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr) were measured with an autobiochemical analyser. The pathomorphological changes to the glomeruli, the mRNA expressions of nephrin, podocin, CD2AP genes and p53, bax, bcl-2 proteins expressions were also carried out to probe the effects of Qi-Dan Fang. (1) Qi-Dan Fang treatment raised the level of CysC in blood serum while lowering the content of BUN and Scr in the adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome rat model; (2) Long-term administration of Qi-Dan Fang was able to ameliorate pathomorphological change of glomeruli and repair the organization structure of Glomerulus; (3) Qi-Dan Fang could increase the mRNA expression of nephrin, podocin and CD2AP genes, down-regulate the

  10. Renal damage mediated by oxidative stress: a hypothesis of protective effects of red wine.

    PubMed

    Rodrigo, Ramón; Rivera, Gonzalo

    2002-08-01

    Over the last decade, oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a wide variety of seemingly unrelated renal diseases. Epidemiological studies have documented an association of moderate wine consumption with a decreased risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases; however, similar studies in the kidney are still lacking. The kidney is an organ highly vulnerable to damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), likely due to the abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the composition of renal lipids. ROS are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of conditions such as glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The health benefits of moderate consumption of red wine can be partly attributed to its antioxidant properties. Indeed, the kidney antioxidant defense system is enhanced after chronic exposure to moderate amounts of wine, a response arising from the combined effects of ethanol and the nonalcoholic components, mainly polyphenols. Polyphenols behave as potent ROS scavengers and metal chelators; ethanol, in turn, modulates the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, a hypothesis that red wine causes a decreased vulnerability of the kidney to the oxidative challenges could be proposed. This view is partly supported by direct evidences indicating that wine and antioxidants isolated from red wine, as well as other antioxidants, significantly attenuate or prevent the oxidative damage to the kidney. The present hypothesis paper provides a collective body of evidence suggesting a protective role of moderate wine consumption against the production and progression of renal diseases, based on the existing concepts on the pathophysiology of kidney injury mediated by oxidative stress.

  11. Perivascular radiofrequency renal denervation lowers blood pressure and ameliorates cardiorenal fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Yan; Su, Linan; Zhang, Yunrong; Wang, Qiang; Yang, Dachun; Li, De; Yang, Yongjian; Ma, Shuangtao

    2017-01-01

    Background Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) is a promising approach to treat hypertension, but innervation patterns limit the response to endovascular RDN and the post-procedural renal artery narrowing or stenosis questions the endovascular ablation strategy. This study was performed to investigate the anti-hypertensive and target organ protective effects of perivascular RDN in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Methods SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into sham group (n = 10), radiofrequency ablation group (n = 20) in which rats received bilateral perivascular ablation with radiofrequency energy (2 watts), and chemical (10% phenol in 95% ethanol) ablation group (n = 12). The tail-cuff blood pressure was measured before the ablation and on day 14 and day 28 after the procedure. The plasma levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, and catecholamines, urinary excretion of electrolytes and protein, and myocardial and glomerular fibrosis were analyzed and compared among the groups on day 28 after the procedure. Results We identified that 2-watt is the optimal radiofrequency power for perivascular RDN in rats. Perivascular radiofrequency and chemical ablation achieved roughly comparable blood pressure reduction in SHR but not in WKY on day 14 and day 28 following the procedure. Radiofrequency-mediated ablation substantially destroyed the renal nerves surrounding the renal arteries of both SHR and WKY without damaging the renal arteries and diminished the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme marker for postganglionic sympathetic nerves. Additionally, perivascular radiofrequency ablation also decreased the plasma catecholamines of SHR. Interestingly, both radiofrequency and chemical ablation decreased the myocardial and glomerular fibrosis of SHR, while neither increased the plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen nor affected the urinary excretion of electrolytes and protein when compared to sham group. Conclusions Radiofrequency

  12. miR-21 Contributes to Xenon-conferred Amelioration of Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Jia, Ping; Teng, Jie; Zou, Jianzhou; Fang, Yi; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Bosnjak, Zeljko J.; Liang, Mingyu; Ding, Xiaoqiang

    2015-01-01

    Background MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of numerous physiological and disease processes. The in vivo role of microRNAs in anesthetics-conferred organoprotection is unknown. Methods Mice were exposed for 2 h to either 70% xenon, or 70% nitrogen, 24 h before the induction of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The role of microRNA, miR-21, in renal protection conferred by the delayed xenon preconditioning was examined using in vivo knockdown of miR-21 and analysis of miR-21 target pathways. Results Xenon preconditioning provided morphologic and functional protection against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (n = 6), characterized by attenuation of renal tubular damage, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Xenon preconditioning significantly increased the expression of miR-21 in the mouse kidney. A locked nucleic acid-modified anti–miR-21, given before xenon preconditioning, knocked down miR-21 effectively, and exacerbated subsequent renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mice treated with anti–miR-21 and ischemia-reperfusion injury showed significantly higher serum creatinine than antiscrambled oligonucleotides-treated mice, 24 h after ischemia-reperfusion (1.37 ± 0.28 vs. 0.81 ± 0.14 mg/dl; n = 5; P < 0.05). Knockdown of miR-21 induced significant up-regulation of programmed cell death protein 4 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, two proapoptotic target effectors of miR-21, and resulted in significant down-regulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B and increased tubular cell apoptosis. In addition, xenon preconditioning up-regulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its downstream effector vascular endothelial growth factor in a time-dependent manner. Knockdown of miR-21 resulted in a significant decrease of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. Conclusions These results indicate that miR-21 contributes to the renoprotective effect of xenon preconditioning. PMID:23681145

  13. miR-21 contributes to xenon-conferred amelioration of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice.

    PubMed

    Jia, Ping; Teng, Jie; Zou, Jianzhou; Fang, Yi; Zhang, Xiaoyan; Bosnjak, Zeljko J; Liang, Mingyu; Ding, Xiaoqiang

    2013-09-01

    MicroRNAs participate in the regulation of numerous physiological and disease processes. The in vivo role of microRNAs in anesthetics-conferred organoprotection is unknown. Mice were exposed for 2 h to either 70% xenon, or 70% nitrogen, 24 h before the induction of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The role of microRNA, miR-21, in renal protection conferred by the delayed xenon preconditioning was examined using in vivo knockdown of miR-21 and analysis of miR-21 target pathways. Xenon preconditioning provided morphologic and functional protection against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (n = 6), characterized by attenuation of renal tubular damage, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Xenon preconditioning significantly increased the expression of miR-21 in the mouse kidney. A locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-21, given before xenon preconditioning, knocked down miR-21 effectively, and exacerbated subsequent renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Mice treated with anti-miR-21 and ischemia-reperfusion injury showed significantly higher serum creatinine than antiscrambled oligonucleotides-treated mice, 24 h after ischemia-reperfusion (1.37 ± 0.28 vs. 0.81 ± 0.14 mg/dl; n = 5; P < 0.05). Knockdown of miR-21 induced significant up-regulation of programmed cell death protein 4 and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, two proapoptotic target effectors of miR-21, and resulted in significant down-regulation of phosphorylated protein kinase B and increased tubular cell apoptosis. In addition, xenon preconditioning up-regulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and its downstream effector vascular endothelial growth factor in a time-dependent manner. Knockdown of miR-21 resulted in a significant decrease of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. These results indicate that miR-21 contributes to the renoprotective effect of xenon preconditioning.

  14. Perivascular radiofrequency renal denervation lowers blood pressure and ameliorates cardiorenal fibrosis in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

    PubMed

    Wei, Shujie; Li, Dan; Zhang, Yan; Su, Linan; Zhang, Yunrong; Wang, Qiang; Yang, Dachun; Li, De; Yang, Yongjian; Ma, Shuangtao

    2017-01-01

    Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) is a promising approach to treat hypertension, but innervation patterns limit the response to endovascular RDN and the post-procedural renal artery narrowing or stenosis questions the endovascular ablation strategy. This study was performed to investigate the anti-hypertensive and target organ protective effects of perivascular RDN in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). SHR and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into sham group (n = 10), radiofrequency ablation group (n = 20) in which rats received bilateral perivascular ablation with radiofrequency energy (2 watts), and chemical (10% phenol in 95% ethanol) ablation group (n = 12). The tail-cuff blood pressure was measured before the ablation and on day 14 and day 28 after the procedure. The plasma levels of creatinine, urea nitrogen, and catecholamines, urinary excretion of electrolytes and protein, and myocardial and glomerular fibrosis were analyzed and compared among the groups on day 28 after the procedure. We identified that 2-watt is the optimal radiofrequency power for perivascular RDN in rats. Perivascular radiofrequency and chemical ablation achieved roughly comparable blood pressure reduction in SHR but not in WKY on day 14 and day 28 following the procedure. Radiofrequency-mediated ablation substantially destroyed the renal nerves surrounding the renal arteries of both SHR and WKY without damaging the renal arteries and diminished the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase, the enzyme marker for postganglionic sympathetic nerves. Additionally, perivascular radiofrequency ablation also decreased the plasma catecholamines of SHR. Interestingly, both radiofrequency and chemical ablation decreased the myocardial and glomerular fibrosis of SHR, while neither increased the plasma creatinine and blood urea nitrogen nor affected the urinary excretion of electrolytes and protein when compared to sham group. Radiofrequency-mediated perivascular RDN may become a

  15. Elevated bilirubin levels are associated with a better renal prognosis and ameliorate kidney fibrosis

    PubMed Central

    Hwang, Jin Ho; Kim, Yong-Chul; Kim, Jin Hyuk; Lim, Chun Soo; Kim, Yon Su; Yang, Seung Hee; Lee, Jung Pyo

    2017-01-01

    Background Bilirubin has been reported to protect against kidney injury. However, further studies highlighting the beneficial effects of bilirubin on renal fibrosis and chronic renal function decline are necessary. Methods We assessed a prospective cohort with a reference range of total bilirubin levels. The primary outcome was a 30% reduction in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from baseline, and the secondary outcome was a doubling of the serum creatinine levels, halving of the eGFR and the initiation of dialysis. In addition, experiments with tubular epithelial cells and C57BL/6 mice were performed to investigate the protective effects of bilirubin on kidney fibrosis. Results As a result, 1,080 patients were included in the study cohort. The study group with relative hyperbilirubinemia (total bilirubin 0.8–1.2 mg/dL) showed a better prognosis in terms of the primary outcome (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19–0.59, P < 0.001) and the secondary outcome (adjusted HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.71, P = 0.01) than that of the control group. Moreover, the bilirubin-treated mice showed less fibrosis in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model (P < 0.05). In addition, bilirubin treatment decreased fibronectin expression in tubular epithelial cells in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Conclusions Mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels were associated with better renal prognosis, and bilirubin treatment induced a beneficial effect on renal fibrosis. Therefore, bilirubin could be a potential therapeutic target to delay fibrosis-related kidney disease progression. PMID:28225832

  16. Deletion of protein kinase C-ε attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorates ischemic renal injury.

    PubMed

    Nowak, Grazyna; Takacsova-Bakajsova, Diana; Megyesi, Judit

    2017-01-01

    Previously, we documented that activation of protein kinase C-ε (PKC-ε) mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC). This study tested whether deletion of PKC-ε decreases dysfunction of renal cortical mitochondria and improves kidney function after renal ischemia. PKC-ε levels in mitochondria of ischemic kidneys increased 24 h after ischemia. Complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations were reduced 44 and 27%, respectively, in wild-type (WT) but unchanged and increased in PKC-ε-deficient (KO) mice after ischemia. Respiratory control ratio coupled to glutamate/malate oxidation decreased 50% in WT but not in KO mice. Activities of complexes I, III, and IV were decreased 59, 89, and 61%, respectively, in WT but not in KO ischemic kidneys. Proteomics revealed increases in levels of ATP synthase (α-subunit), complexes I and III, cytochrome oxidase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase after ischemia in KO but not in WT animals. PKC-ε deletion prevented ischemia-induced increases in oxidant production. Plasma creatinine levels increased 12-fold in WT and 3-fold in KO ischemic mice. PKC-ε deletion reduced tubular necrosis, brush border loss, and distal segment damage in ischemic kidneys. PKC-ε activation in hypoxic RPTC in primary culture exacerbated, whereas PKC-ε inhibition reduced, decreases in: 1) complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations and 2) activities of complexes I, III, and IV. We conclude that PKC-ε activation mediates 1) dysfunction of complexes I and III of the respiratory chain, 2) oxidant production, 3) morphological damage to the kidney, and 4) decreases in renal functions after ischemia. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  17. Deletion of protein kinase C-ε attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction and ameliorates ischemic renal injury

    PubMed Central

    Takacsova-Bakajsova, Diana; Megyesi, Judit

    2016-01-01

    Previously, we documented that activation of protein kinase C-ε (PKC-ε) mediates mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured renal proximal tubule cells (RPTC). This study tested whether deletion of PKC-ε decreases dysfunction of renal cortical mitochondria and improves kidney function after renal ischemia. PKC-ε levels in mitochondria of ischemic kidneys increased 24 h after ischemia. Complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations were reduced 44 and 27%, respectively, in wild-type (WT) but unchanged and increased in PKC-ε-deficient (KO) mice after ischemia. Respiratory control ratio coupled to glutamate/malate oxidation decreased 50% in WT but not in KO mice. Activities of complexes I, III, and IV were decreased 59, 89, and 61%, respectively, in WT but not in KO ischemic kidneys. Proteomics revealed increases in levels of ATP synthase (α-subunit), complexes I and III, cytochrome oxidase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and thioredoxin-dependent peroxide reductase after ischemia in KO but not in WT animals. PKC-ε deletion prevented ischemia-induced increases in oxidant production. Plasma creatinine levels increased 12-fold in WT and 3-fold in KO ischemic mice. PKC-ε deletion reduced tubular necrosis, brush border loss, and distal segment damage in ischemic kidneys. PKC-ε activation in hypoxic RPTC in primary culture exacerbated, whereas PKC-ε inhibition reduced, decreases in: 1) complex I- and complex II-coupled state 3 respirations and 2) activities of complexes I, III, and IV. We conclude that PKC-ε activation mediates 1) dysfunction of complexes I and III of the respiratory chain, 2) oxidant production, 3) morphological damage to the kidney, and 4) decreases in renal functions after ischemia. PMID:27760765

  18. Cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity is ameliorated by dose reduction and conversion to sirolimus in the rat.

    PubMed

    Sereno, J; Vala, H; Nunes, S; Rocha-Pereira, P; Carvalho, E; Alves, R; Teixeira, F; Reis, F

    2015-04-01

    Side-effect minimization strategies to avoid serious side-effects of cyclosporine A (CsA), such as nephrotoxicity, have been mainly based on dose reduction and conversion to other putatively less nephrotoxic drugs, such as sirolimus (SRL), an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin. This study intended to evaluate the impact of protocols based on CsA dose reduction and further conversion to SRL on kidney function and lesions, based on serum, urine and renal tissue markers. The following 3 groups (n=6) were tested during a 9-week protocol: control (vehicle); CsA (5 mg/kg/day) and Red + Conv (CsA 30 mg/kg/day during 3 weeks + 3 weeks with CsA 5 mg/kg/day + SRL 1 mg/kg/day during the last 3 weeks). The following parameters were analysed: blood pressure, heart rate and biochemical data; serum and urine contents and clearances of creatinine, urea and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), as well as, glomerular filtration rate; kidney lipid peroxidation and clearance; kidney lesions were evaluated and protein expression was performed by immunohistochemistry. After the first 3 weeks of CsA (30 mg/kg/day) treatment animals showed body weight loss, hypertension, tachycardia, as well as, increased serum levels of non-HDL cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, creatinine and urea, accompanied by decreased GFR and insulin levels. In addition, a significant increase in the expression of connective tissue growth factor, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), mammalian target of rapamycin, nuclear factor-κβ1 and transforming growth factor-β was found in the kidney, accompanied by extensive renal damage. The following 3 weeks with CsA dose reduction revealed amelioration of vascular and glomerular lesions, but without significant tubular improvement. The last 3 weeks with the conversion to sirolimus revealed high serum and urine NGAL contents but the CsA-evoked renal damage was substantially ameliorated, by reduced of connective tissue growth factor, mammalian

  19. Congenital ureteropelvic junction obstruction: physiopathology, decoupling of tout court pelvic dilatation-obstruction semantic connection, biomarkers to predict renal damage evolution.

    PubMed

    Alberti, C

    2012-02-01

    The widespread use of fetal ultrasonography results in a frequent antenatally observation of hydronephrosis, ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) accounting for the greatest fraction of congenital obstructive nephropathy. UPJO may be considered, in most cases, as a functional obstructive condition, depending on defective fetal smooth muscle/nerve development at this level, with lack of peristaltic wave propagation--aperistaltic segment--and, therefore, poor urine ejection from the renal pelvis into the ureter. The UPJO-related physiopathologic events are, at first, the compliant dilatation of renal pelvis that, acting as hydraulic buffer, protects the renal parenchyma from the rising intrapelvic pressure-related potential damages, and, subsequently, beyond such phase of dynamic balance, the tubular cell stretch-stress induced by increased intratubular pressure and following parenchymal inflammatory lesions: inflammatory infiltrates, fibroblast proliferation, activation of myofibroblasts, tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), several chemo- and cytokines, growth factors, prostaglandins and eicosanoids, angiotensin-II are the main pathogenetic mediators of the obstructive nephropathy. Apoptosis of tubular cells is the major cause of the tubular atrophy, together with epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation. Some criticisms on tout court semantic renal pelvis dilatation-obstruction connection have been raised considering that the renal pelvis expansion isn't, in any case, linked to an ostructive condition, as it may be verified by diuretic (furosemide) renogram together with scintiscan-based evaluation of differential renal function. In this regard, rather than repetitive invasive nuclear procedures that expose the children to ionizing radiations, an intriguing noninvasive strategy, based on the evaluation of urinary biomarkers and urinary proteome, can define the UPJO-related possible progress of parenchymal lesions

  20. End-stage renal disease in both husband and wife in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Chang, C-H; Fang, Y-W; Chen, H-S

    2009-10-01

    The incidence and prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are extremely high in Taiwan. It is an interesting fact that both the husband and wife in some families of Taiwan suffer from ESRD. Therefore, we attempted to identify the potential risk factors of such couples. This is a retrospective observational study. Six couples receiving maintenance dialysis in our hospital from 1996 to 2006 were enrolled in this study. Detailed medical history; drugs history including over-the-counter drugs (OCD), analgesics and herbal remedies; occupational history and onset of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) were recorded. These data are correlated with pre-dialysis laboratory findings. The outcomes of dialysis and TCC were also recorded and analyzed. Two males were Chinese herbal medicine practitioners. All the patients (12/12) had taken Chinese herbs and most of them (10/12) had also taken OCD (especially cold remedies and analgesics). We found all of them had bilateral contracted kidneys, mild proteinuria and trace glucosuria. One patient's renal biopsy revealed Chinese herb nephropathy. Four patients (33%) suffered from TCC. Three patients expired during follow up due to hyperkalemia, extensive TCC and suicide, respectively. The prevalence of Chinese herbs or compound analgesics abuse is high in couples with ESRD. The clinical features and high incidence of TCC are compatible with drug related chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis. Abuse of offending agents should be considered as a risk factor in family members with ESRD.

  1. BK virus induced nephritis in a boy with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing bone marrow transplantation

    PubMed Central

    Hoefele, Julia; Rüssmann, Despina; Klein, Barbara; Weber, Lutz T.; Führer, Monika

    2008-01-01

    BK virus (BKV) is a human polyomavirus. The primary infection occurs typically without specific signs or symptoms. Almost 80% of adults are seropositive. Clinically relevant infections are usually limited to individuals who are immunosuppressed. After primary infection, BKV remains latent in the kidneys and can be reactivated in the setting of immunosuppression. BKV is associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis and ureteric stenosis in renal transplant recipients. Furthermore, BKV-induced haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a severe complication of bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in children and adults. A combination of HC and tubulointerstitial nephritis in a patient has not been reported so far. We report on an 11-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukaemia undergoing BMT. BKV infection was reactivated during post-transplant immunosuppressive therapy causing HC associated with tubulointerstitial nephritis. PMID:25983928

  2. Physical Exercise and Patients with Chronic Renal Failure: A Meta-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Qiu, Zhenzhen; Zheng, Kai; Zhang, Haoxiang; Feng, Ji; Wang, Lizhi

    2017-01-01

    Chronic renal failure is a severe clinical problem which has some significant socioeconomic impact worldwide and hemodialysis is an important way to maintain patients' health state, but it seems difficult to get better in short time. Considering these, the aim in our research is to update and evaluate the effects of exercise on the health of patients with chronic renal failure. The databases were used to search for the relevant studies in English or Chinese. And the association between physical exercise and health state of patients with chronic renal failure has been investigated. Random-effect model was used to compare the physical function and capacity in exercise and control groups. Exercise is helpful in ameliorating the situation of blood pressure in patients with renal failure and significantly reduces VO2 in patients with renal failure. The results of subgroup analyses show that, in the age >50, physical activity can significantly reduce blood pressure in patients with renal failure. The activity program containing warm-up, strength, and aerobic exercises has benefits in blood pressure among sick people and improves their maximal oxygen consumption level. These can help patients in physical function and aerobic capacity and may give them further benefits. PMID:28316986

  3. Nebivolol ameliorated kidney damage in Zucker diabetic fatty rats by regulation of oxidative stress/NO pathway: comparison with captopril.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yan; An, Wenjing; Zhang, Fei; Niu, Mengzhen; Liu, Yu; Shi, Ruizan

    2018-06-23

    The aim was to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of nebivolol on renal damage in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, in comparison with those of atenolol and captopril. Animals were divided into: control lean Zucker rats, ZDF rats, ZDF rats orally treated with nebivolol (10 mg/kg), atenolol (100 mg/kg) or captopril (40 mg/kg) for 6 months. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), blood glucose, kidney structure and function, plasma and kidney levels of nitric oxide (NO) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and oxidant status were evaluated. Kidney expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), NADPH oxidase (NOX) isoforms 2 and 4 and subunit p22 phox , nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, eNOS uncoupling, protein arginine N-methyltransferase (PRMT) 1, and dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) 1 and 2 were tested. All drugs induced a similar control of SBP. Nebivolol did not affect the increased plasma glucose. Unlike atenolol, nebivolol prevented the decrease in plasma insulin, and, like captopril, it reduced plasma lipid contents. Nebivolol ameliorated, to a greater extent than captopril, damages to renal structure and function, which were associated with an improvement in interlobular artery dysfunction. Nebivolol elevated kidney phosphorylation of AMPK, attenuated NOX4 and p22 phox expression and oxidative stress marker levels. Nebivolol increased plasma and renal NO, enhanced expressions of eNOS, p-eNOS and nNOS, and suppressed eNOS uncoupling and iNOS expression. High ADMA in plasma and kidney were decreased by nebivolol through increasing DDAH2 and decreasing PRMT1. Long-term treatment of nebivolol ameliorated diabetic nephropathy, at least in part, via regulation of renal oxidative stress/NO pathway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

  4. 6-gingerol ameliorates gentamicin induced renal cortex oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male albino rats.

    PubMed

    Hegazy, Ahmed M S; Mosaed, Mohammed M; Elshafey, Saad H; Bayomy, Naglaa A

    2016-06-01

    Ginger or Zingiber officinale which is used in traditional medicine has been found to possess antioxidant effect that can control the generation of free radicals. Free radicals are the causes of renal cell degeneration that leads to renal failure in case of gentamicin induced toxicity. This study was done to evaluate the possible protective effects of 6-gingerol as natural antioxidant on gentamicin-induced renal cortical oxidative stress and apoptosis in adult male albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were used in this study and were randomly divided into four groups, control group; 6-gingerol treated group; gentamicin treated group and protected group (given simultaneous 6-gingerol and gentamicin). At the end of the study, blood samples were drawn for biochemical study. Kidney sections were processed for histological, and immunohistochemical examination for caspase-3 to detect apoptosis and anti heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) to detect oxidative damage. Gentamicin treated rats revealed a highly significant increase in renal function tests, tubular dilatation with marked vacuolar degeneration and desquamation of cells, interstitial hemorrhage and cellular infiltration. Immunohistochemically, gentamicin treated rats showed a strong positive immunoreaction for caspase-3 and anti heat shock protein 47 (HSP47). Protected rats showed more or less normal biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical pictures. In conclusion, co-administration of 6-gingerol during gentamicin 'therapy' has a significant reno-protective effect in a rat model of gentamicin-induced renal damage. It is recommended that administration of ginger with gentamicin might be beneficial in men who receive gentamicin to treat infections. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Phytochemical screening, and assessment of ameliorating effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Gmelina arborea on drug induced hepatic and renal insufficiency in rats.

    PubMed

    Anthony, Ogbonnaya Enyinnaya; Mbuh, Awah Francis; Emmanuel, Mounmbegna Philippe

    2012-04-01

    Phytochemical screening of stem bark and leaves of Gmelina arborea; and effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Gmelina arborea stembark on hepatic and renal insufficiency in rats was assessed in this study. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the air-dried leaf, oven-dried leaf, air-dried stembark and oven-dried stembark samples. Sixty five (65) wister albino rats, (50.7-117.5 g) were divided into thirteen groups of five animals each. Three groups serve as Controls and were administered Cisplatin (5mg/kg b.w; i.p), Paracetamol (200mg/kg b.w; i.p) and Normal saline (0.002 ml/kg b.w; oral). Other groups were administered, either, cisplatin and extracts (1g/kg b.w; oral); Paracetamol and extracts (1g/kg b.w; oral); extracts alone; or drugs and combination of extracts. Animals were starved, 24 hours prior to sacrifice and sacrificed on the 9th day after commencement of treatment. Phytochemical screening results show the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, cyanogenic glycoside, phytate, and carbohydrate. Saponin and carbohydrate were shown to be much higher in concentration than other phytochemicals. The percentage composition of cyanogenic glycoside and phytate were highest in air-dried stembark and oven-dried leaf samples, respectively. All the Gmelina arborea extracts and extract mixture administered to both paracetamol and cisplatin treated animals, significantly, lowers both the activities of the SGOT and SGPT, and the levels of serum creatinine and urea. When administered alone, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts show little or no sign of toxicity. Thus Gmelina arborea extracts may have ameliorating effect on hepatic and renal insufficiency caused by paracetamol and cisplatin respectively, and any inherent toxicity may be reduced or eliminated through adequate heat treatment.

  6. MG53-mediated cell membrane repair protects against acute kidney injury

    PubMed Central

    Lin, Peihui; Tan, Tao; Wang, Zhen; Chen, Ken; Zhou, Xinyu; Gumpper, Kristyn; Zhu, Hua; Ludwig, Thomas; Mohler, Peter J.; Rovin, Brad; Abraham, William T.; Zeng, Chunyu; Ma, Jianjie

    2015-01-01

    Injury to the renal proximal tubular epithelium (PTE) represents the underlying consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI) after exposure to various stressors, including nephrotoxins and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Although the kidney has the ability to repair itself after mild injury, insufficient repair of PTE cells may trigger inflammatory and fibrotic responses, leading to chronic renal failure. We report that MG53, a member of the TRIM family of proteins, participates in repair of injured PTE cells and protects against the development of AKI. We show that MG53 translocates to acute injury sites on PTE cells and forms a repair patch. Ablation of MG53 leads to defective membrane repair. MG53-deficient mice develop pronounced tubulointerstitial injury and increased susceptibility to I/R-induced AKI compared to wild-type mice. Recombinant human MG53 (rhMG53) protein can target injury sites on PTE cells to facilitate repair after I/R injury or nephrotoxin exposure. Moreover, in animal studies, intravenous delivery of rhMG53 ameliorates cisplatin-induced AKI without affecting the tumor suppressor efficacy of cisplatin. These findings identify MG53 as a vital component of reno-protection, and targeting MG53-mediated repair of PTE cells represents a potential approach to prevention and treatment of AKI. PMID:25787762

  7. Mechanism of grape seeds extract protection against paracetamol renal cortical damage in male Albino rats.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Hafez, S M N; Rifaai, R A; Abd Elzaher, W Y

    2017-01-01

    The aim of the study was to assess the possible protective role of grape seeds extract (GSE) in ameliorating the toxic effects of paracetamol overdose on the rat renal cortical tissue. Paracetamol is one of the widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unfortunately, it was reported as the most common cause of toxic ingestion in the world. Grape seeds extract (GSE) is known to have a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The rats were divided into 4 groups; control group, GSE group, paracetamol group and GSE with paracetamol group. Kidney specimens were processed for biochemical, histological and immunohisto-chemical studies. The study showed marked biological changes in the form of significant increase in serum urea and creatinine levels with significant decrease in renal superoxide dismutase with paracetamol group. Furthermore, Proximal (PCT) and distal convoluted tubules showed marked degeneration, dense nuclear staining, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and partial loss of the brush borders. Most tubules were dilated, irregular and were filled with hyaline casts. PCT and DCT showed less PAS reaction and more COX-2 and caspase expression if compared with the control and the GSE groups. Concomitant administration of grape seeds extract with paracetamol revealed a noticeable amelioration of these biochemical and histological changes. Proximal and distal convoluted tubules showed less PAS reaction and more COX2 and caspase expression if compared with the control and the GSE. Concomitant administration of GSE with paracetamol revealed a noticeable amelioration of these biochemical and histological changes. Grape seeds extract provided biochemical and histo-pathological improvement in paracetamol induced renal cortical toxicity. These findings revealed that this improvement was associated with a decrease in oxidative damage and apoptosis (Tab. 1, Fig. 7, Ref. 55).

  8. Oxalate nephropathy associated with chronic pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Cartery, Claire; Faguer, Stanislas; Karras, Alexandre; Cointault, Olivier; Buscail, Louis; Modesto, Anne; Ribes, David; Rostaing, Lionel; Chauveau, Dominique; Giraud, Patrick

    2011-08-01

    Enteric overabsorption of oxalate may lead to hyperoxaluria and subsequent acute oxalate nephritis (AON). AON related to chronic pancreatitis is a rare and poorly described condition precluding early recognition and treatment. We collected the clinical characteristics, treatment, and renal outcome of 12 patients with chronic pancreatitis-associated AON followed in four French renal units. Before AON, mild to moderate chronic kidney disease was present in all patients, diabetes mellitus in eight (insulin [n = 6]; oral antidiabetic drugs [n = 2]), and known chronic pancreatitis in only eight. At presentation, pancreas imaging showed gland atrophy/heterogeneity, Wirsung duct dilation, calcification, or pseudocyst. Renal findings consisted of rapidly progressive renal failure with tubulointerstitial profile. Acute modification of glomerular filtration preceded the AON (i.e., diarrhea and diuretics). Increase in urinary oxalate excretion was found in all tested patients and hypocalcemia in nine (<1.5 mmol/L in four patients). Renal biopsy showed diffuse crystal deposits, highly suggestive of oxalate crystals, with tubular necrosis and interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrates. Treatment consisted of pancreatic enzyme supplementation, oral calcium intake, and an oxalate-free diet in all patients and renal replacement therapy in five patients. After a median follow-up of 7 months, three of 12 patients reached end-stage renal disease. AON is an under-recognized severe crystal-induced renal disease with features of tubulointerstitial nephritis that may occur in patients with a long history of chronic pancreatitis or reveal the pancreatic disease. Extrinsic triggering factors should be prevented.

  9. [Effects of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions on immune inflammatory injury in adriamycin-induced nephropathic rats MA].

    PubMed

    Ma, Xiao-Hong; He, Li-Qun

    2014-01-01

    To investigate the effects of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions on the inflammation injury mediated by the cellular immunity in the focal segmental glomurular Sclerosis (FSGS) nephropathy rats. The FSGS nephropathy rat model was established by the method of intravenous injection of Adriamycin after the removal of one kidney. After the treatment of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions, the blood, spleen and kidney samples of each rat were collected for the detection of splenocytes CD4+/CD8+ ratio, renal tubulointerstitial fibronectin (FN) mRNA, Col III mRNA, and the expression levels of TNF-alpha and IL6. The treatment of Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions decreased the levels of CD4+/CD8+, tubulointerstitial FN mRNA, Col III mRNA, TNF-alpha and IL6 significantly in FSGS nephropathy rats. Jianpi Qinghua Decoctions could improve renal FSGS damage in adriamycin-induced nephropathy rats.

  10. X-Linked Hereditary Nephropathy in Navasota Dogs: Clinical Pathology, Morphology, and Gene Expression During Disease Progression.

    PubMed

    Benali, S L; Lees, G E; Nabity, M B; Aricò, A; Drigo, M; Gallo, E; Giantin, M; Aresu, L

    2016-07-01

    X-linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) in Navasota dogs is a spontaneously occurring disease caused by a mutation resulting in defective production of type IV collagen and juvenile-onset renal failure. The study was aimed at examining the evolution of renal damage and the expression of selected molecules potentially involved in the pathogenesis of XLHN. Clinical data and renal samples were obtained in 10 XLHN male dogs and 5 controls at 4 (T0), 6 (T1), and 9 (T2) months of age. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were scored by light microscopy, and the expression of 21 molecules was investigated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with selected proteins evaluated by immunohistochemistry. No significant histologic lesions or clinicopathologic abnormalities were identified in controls at any time-point. XLHN dogs had progressive proteinuria starting at T0. At T1, XLHN dogs had a mesangioproliferative glomerulopathy with glomerular loss, tubular necrosis, and interstitial fibrosis. At T2, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were more severe, particularly glomerular loss, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation. At T0, transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor α mRNA were overexpressed in XLHN dogs compared with controls. Clusterin and TIMP1 transcripts were upregulated in later stages of the disease. Transforming growth factor β, connective tissue growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor α should be considered as key players in the initial events of XHLN. Clusterin and TIMP1 appear to be more associated with the progression rather than initiation of tubulointerstitial damage in chronic renal disease. © The Author(s) 2016.

  11. Ameliorating activity of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract against lead induced renal toxicity in male rats.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Y Amarnath; Chalamaiah, M; Ramesh, B; Balaji, G; Indira, P

    2014-05-01

    Lead poisoning has been known to be associated with structural and functional abnormalities of multiple organ systems of human body. The aim of this investigation was to study the renal protective effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract in lead induced toxicity rats. In this study renal glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-s-transferase (GST), and catalase enzymes were measured in lead nitrate (300 mg/kg BW), and lead nitrate plus ginger extract (150 mg/kg BW) treated rat groups for 1 week and 3 weeks respectively. The glutathione level and GSH dependent antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase, and catalase significantly (P < 0.05) increased in ginger extract treated rat groups. In addition, histological studies showed lesser renal changes in lead plus ginger extract treated rat groups than that of lead alone treated rat groups. These results indicate that ginger extract alleviated lead toxic effects by enhancing the levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-s-transferase and catalase.

  12. Soluble CD30 correlates with clinical but not subclinical renal allograft rejection.

    PubMed

    Hirt-Minkowski, Patricia; Roth, Michèle; Hönger, Gideon; Amico, Patrizia; Hopfer, Helmut; Schaub, Stefan

    2013-01-01

    Soluble CD30 (sCD30) has been proposed as a promising noninvasive biomarker for clinical renal allograft rejection, but its diagnostic characteristics regarding detection of subclinical rejection have not been assessed. We investigated sCD30 in 146 consecutive kidney allograft recipients under tacrolimus-mycophenolate-based immunosuppression having 250 surveillance biopsies at 3 and 6 months as well as 52 indication biopsies within the first year post-transplant. Allograft histology results were classified as (i) acute Banff score zero or interstitial infiltrates only, (ii) tubulitis t1, (iii) tubulitis t2-3 and (iv) isolated vascular compartment inflammation. sCD30 correlated well with the extent of clinical (P < 0.0001), but not subclinical tubulointerstitial rejection (P = 0.06). To determine diagnostic characteristics of sCD30, histological groups were assigned to two categories: no relevant inflammation (i.e. acute Banff score zero and interstitial infiltrates only) versus all other pathologies (tubulitis t1-3 and isolated vascular compartment inflammation). For clinical allograft inflammation, AUC was 0.87 (sensitivity 89%, specificity 79%; P = 0.0006); however, for subclinical inflammation, AUC was only 0.59 (sensitivity 50%, specificity 69%; P = 0.47). In conclusion, sCD30 correlated with clinical, but not subclinical renal allograft rejection limiting its clinical utility as a noninvasive rejection screening biomarker in patients with stable allograft function receiving tacrolimus-mycophenolate-based immunosuppression. © 2012 The Authors Transplant International © 2012 European Society for Organ Transplantation.

  13. Renal Tumor Necrosis Factor α Contributes to Hypertension in Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Baorui; Cheng, Yuan; Usa, Kristie; Liu, Yong; Baker, Maria Angeles; Mattson, David L.; He, Yongcheng; Wang, Niansong; Liang, Mingyu

    2016-01-01

    Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a major proinflammatory cytokine and its level is elevated in hypertensive states. Inflammation occurs in the kidneys during the development of hypertension. We hypothesized that TNFα specifically in the kidney contributes to the development of hypertension and renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats, a widely used model of human salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury. SS rats were chronically instrumented for renal interstitial infusion and blood pressure measurement in conscious, freely moving state. Gene expression was measured using real-time PCR and renal injury assessed with histological analysis. The abundance of TNFα in the renal medulla of SS rats, but not the salt-insensitive congenic SS.13BN26 rats, was significantly increased when rats had been fed a high-salt diet for 7 days (n = 6 or 9, p < 0.01). The abundance of TNFα receptors in the renal medulla was significantly higher in SS rats than SS.13BN26 rats. Renal interstitial administration of Etanercept, an inhibitor of TNFα, significantly attenuated the development of hypertension in SS rats on a high-salt diet (n = 7–8, p < 0.05). Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were also significantly ameliorated. These findings indicate intrarenal TNFα contributes to the development of hypertension and renal injury in SS rats. PMID:26916681

  14. The lymphotoxin β receptor is a potential therapeutic target in renal inflammation.

    PubMed

    Seleznik, Gitta; Seeger, Harald; Bauer, Judith; Fu, Kai; Czerkowicz, Julie; Papandile, Adrian; Poreci, Uriana; Rabah, Dania; Ranger, Ann; Cohen, Clemens D; Lindenmeyer, Maja; Chen, Jin; Edenhofer, Ilka; Anders, Hans J; Lech, Maciej; Wüthrich, Rudolf P; Ruddle, Nancy H; Moeller, Marcus J; Kozakowski, Nicolas; Regele, Heinz; Browning, Jeffrey L; Heikenwalder, Mathias; Segerer, Stephan

    2016-01-01

    Accumulation of inflammatory cells in different renal compartments is a hallmark of progressive kidney diseases including glomerulonephritis (GN). Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) signaling is crucial for the formation of lymphoid tissue, and inhibition of LTβR signaling has ameliorated several non-renal inflammatory models. Therefore, we tested whether LTβR signaling could also have a role in renal injury. Renal biopsies from patients with GN were found to express both LTα and LTβ ligands, as well as LTβR. The LTβR protein and mRNA were localized to tubular epithelial cells, parietal epithelial cells, crescents, and cells of the glomerular tuft, whereas LTβ was found on lymphocytes and tubular epithelial cells. Human tubular epithelial cells, mesangial cells, and mouse parietal epithelial cells expressed both LTα and LTβ mRNA upon stimulation with TNF in vitro. Several chemokine mRNAs and proteins were expressed in response to LTβR signaling. Importantly, in a murine lupus model, LTβR blockade improved renal function without the reduction of serum autoantibody titers or glomerular immune complex deposition. Thus, a preclinical mouse model and human studies strongly suggest that LTβR signaling is involved in renal injury and may be a suitable therapeutic target in renal diseases. Copyright © 2015 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Effects of taurine and housing density on renal function in laying hens*

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Zi-li; Gao, Yang; Ma, Hai-tian; Zheng, Liu-hai; Dai, Bin; Miao, Jin-feng; Zhang, Yuan-shu

    2016-01-01

    This study investigated the putative protective effects of supplemental 2-aminoethane sulfonic acid (taurine) and reduced housing density on renal function in laying hens. We randomly assigned fifteen thousand green-shell laying hens into three groups: a free range group, a low-density caged group, and a high-density caged group. Each group was further divided equally into a control group (C) and a taurine treatment group (T). After 15 d, we analyzed histological changes in kidney cells, inflammatory mediator levels, oxidation and anti-oxidation levels. Experimental data revealed taurine supplementation, and rearing free range or in low-density housing can lessen morphological renal damage, inflammatory mediator levels, and oxidation levels and increase anti-oxidation levels. Our data demonstrate that taurine supplementation and a reduction in housing density can ameliorate renal impairment, increase productivity, enhance health, and promote welfare in laying hens. PMID:27921400

  16. Hydrogen sulfide ameliorates aging-associated changes in the kidney.

    PubMed

    Lee, Hak Joo; Feliers, Denis; Barnes, Jeffrey L; Oh, Sae; Choudhury, Goutam Ghosh; Diaz, Vivian; Galvan, Veronica; Strong, Randy; Nelson, James; Salmon, Adam; Kevil, Christopher G; Kasinath, Balakuntalam S

    2018-04-01

    Aging is associated with replacement of normal kidney parenchyma by fibrosis. Because hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) ameliorates kidney fibrosis in disease models, we examined its status in the aging kidney. In the first study, we examined kidney cortical H 2 S metabolism and signaling pathways related to synthesis of proteins including matrix proteins in young and old male C57BL/6 mice. In old mice, increase in renal cortical content of matrix protein involved in fibrosis was associated with decreased H 2 S generation and AMPK activity, and activation of insulin receptor (IR)/IRS-2-Akt-mTORC1-mRNA translation signaling axis that can lead to increase in protein synthesis. In the second study, we randomized 18-19 month-old male C57BL/6 mice to receive 30 μmol/L sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) in drinking water vs. water alone (control) for 5 months. Administration of NaHS increased plasma free sulfide levels. NaHS inhibited the increase in kidney cortical content of matrix proteins involved in fibrosis and ameliorated glomerulosclerosis. NaHS restored AMPK activity and inhibited activation of IR/IRS-2-Akt-mTORC1-mRNA translation axis. NaHS inhibited age-related increase in kidney cortical content of p21, IL-1β, and IL-6, components of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. NaHS abolished increase in urinary albumin excretion seen in control mice and reduced serum cystatin C levels suggesting improved glomerular clearance function. We conclude that aging-induced changes in the kidney are associated with H 2 S deficiency. Administration of H 2 S ameliorates aging-induced kidney changes probably by inhibiting signaling pathways leading to matrix protein synthesis.

  17. Emodin ameliorates high glucose induced-podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition in-vitro and in-vivo.

    PubMed

    Chen, Tingfang; Zheng, Li Yang; Xiao, Wenzhen; Gui, Dingkun; Wang, Xiaoxia; Wang, Niansong

    2015-01-01

    Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a potential pathway leading to podocyte depletion and proteinuria in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Here, we investigated the protective effects of Emodin (EMO) on high glucose (HG) induced-podocyte EMT in-vitro and in-vivo. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were exposed to HG with 30 μg /ml of EMO and 1 μmol/ml of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) inhibitor QLT0267 for 24 h. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were treated with EMO at 20 mg· kg(-1)· d(-1) and QLT0267 at 10 mg· kg(-1)· w(-1) p.o., for 12 weeks. Albuminuria and blood glucose level were measured. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blotting and real-time PCR were used to detect expression of ILK, the epithelial marker of nephrin and the mesenchymal marker of desmin in-vitro and in-vivo. HG increased podocyte ILK and desmin expression while decreased nephrin expression. However, EMO significantly inhibited ILK and desmin expression and partially restored nephrin expression in HG-stimulated podocytes. These in-vitro observations were further confirmed in-vivo. Treatment with EMO for 12 weeks attenuated albuminuria, renal histopathology and podocyte foot process effacement in diabetic rats. EMO also repressed renal ILK and desmin expression, preserved nephrin expression, as well as ameliorated albuminuria in STZ-induced diabetic rats. EMO ameliorated glucose-induced EMT and subsequent podocyte dysfunction partly through ILK and desmin inhibition as well as nephrin upregulatiotion, which might provide a potential novel therapeutic option for DKD. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  18. Subacute constrictive pericarditis from Serratia marcescens bacteremia.

    PubMed

    Khan, M Y

    1983-12-01

    A case report of subacute constrictive pericarditis associated with disseminated Serratia marcescens infection and bacteremia in a patient with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and uremia is described. Although not substantiated by clinical history, the renal pathologic features were similar to those of ethylene glycol-induced tubulointerstitial nephritis. The patient did not have a history of heroin addiction. The importance of predisposing factors such as uremia, invasive vascular procedures, tracheal intubation, peritoneal dialysis, and pericardiocentesis in Serratia infection in susceptible persons is discussed, as are possible roles of uremia, pericardiocentesis, and pericardiotomy in the pathogenesis of constrictive pericarditis in the present case.

  19. Role of quercetin and arginine in ameliorating nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

    PubMed

    Faddah, Laila M; Abdel Baky, Nayira A; Al-Rasheed, Nouf M; Al-Rasheed, Nawal M; Fatani, Amal J; Atteya, Muhammad

    2012-05-02

    Nanoparticles are small-scale substances (<100 nm) with unique properties. Therefore, nanoparticles pose complex health risk implications. The objective of this study was to detect whether treatment with quercetin (Qur) and/or arginine (Arg) ameliorated nephrotoxicity induced by two different doses of nano zinc oxide (n-ZnO) particles. ZnO nanoparticles were administered orally in two doses (either 600 mg or 1 g/Kg body weight/day for 5 conscutive days) to Wister albino rats. In order to detect the protective effects of the studied antioxidants against n-ZnO induced nepherotoxicity, different biochemical parameters were investigated. Moreover, histopathological examination of kidney tissue was performed. Nano zinc oxide-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed by the elevation in serum inflammatory markers including: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6); and C-reactive protein (CRP). Moreover, immunoglobulin (IGg), vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased in rat serum. Serum urea and creatinine levels were also significantly increased in rats intoxicated with n-ZnO particles compared with the control group. Additionally, a significant decrease in the non-enzymatic antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH) was shown in kidney tissues and serum glucose levels were increased. These biochemical findings were supported by a histopathological examination of kidney tissues, which showed that in the animals that received a high dose of n-ZnO, numerous kidney glomeruli underwent atrophy and fragmentation. Moreover, the renal tubules showed epithelial desquamation, degeneration and necrosis. Some renal tubules showed casts in their lumina. Severe congestion was also observed in renal interstitium. These effects were dose dependent. Cotreatment of rats with Qur and/or Arg along with n-ZnO significantly improved most of the deviated tested parameters. The data show that Qur has a beneficial effect against

  20. Poricoic acid ZA, a novel RAS inhibitor, attenuates tubulo-interstitial fibrosis and podocyte injury by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ming; Chen, Dan-Qian; Wang, Min-Chang; Chen, Hua; Chen, Lin; Liu, Dan; Zhao, Hui; Zhao, Ying-Yong

    2017-12-01

    The pathogenesis of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosisis was characterized by cellular hypertrophy, extracellular matrix accumulation and podocyte detachment. Poricoic acid ZA (PZA) is a tetracyclic triterpenoid compound extracted from the surface layer of Poria cocos (LPC), which have been used extensively for diuretic and renoprotective effects. The anti-fibrotic effect of PZA is investigated in HK-2 cells and podocytes induced by TGF-β1 and angiotensin II (ANGII). qRT-PCR, siRNA, immunofluorescence staining, co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses are used to evaluate the expression of RAS signaling, TGF-β/Smad pathway, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and podocyte markers. PZA restores the mRNA and protein expression of EMT in HK-2 cells. Specific TGF-β1-siRNA efficiently blocks ANGII-induced protein expression of TGF-β1 and further inhibits activated Smad signaling. PZA significantly attenuates up-regulation of angiotensinogen, renin, ACE and AT1. Further, PZA reverses up-regulation of TGFβRII and suppresses Smad proteins. Simultaneously, PZA inhibits the protein interaction of TGF-β receptor and Smads and PZA also inhibits activated RAS and TGF-β/Smad signaling cascade and up-regulates protein expression of podocyte markers and mitigates podocyte injury. This study demonstrated the beneficial role of PZA in renal fibrosis and podocyte injury. Our study highlighted that PZA inhibits RAS and further suppresses TGF-β/Smad pathway through inhibiting Smad2/3 phosphorylation via blocking Smad2/3-TGFβRI protein interaction. PZA is implicated in activation of RAS/TGF-β/Smad axis in HK-2 cells and podocytes. PZA could be considered as a novel RAS inhibitor for treating CKD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  1. Attenuation of hypertension and renal damage in renovascular hypertensive rats by iron restriction.

    PubMed

    Oboshi, Makiko; Naito, Yoshiro; Sawada, Hisashi; Iwasaku, Toshihiro; Okuhara, Yoshitaka; Eguchi, Akiyo; Hirotani, Shinichi; Mano, Toshiaki; Tsujino, Takeshi; Masuyama, Tohru

    2016-12-01

    Iron is a catalyst in the formation of reactive oxygen species. Oxidative stress is associated with the pathogenesis of both human and experimental animal models of renovascular hypertension. We hypothesized that iron is involved in the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension and that iron restriction may affect the pathogenesis of renovascular hypertension via the inhibition of oxidative stress. Herein, we investigated the effect of iron restriction on hypertension and renal damage in a rat model of two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) renovascular hypertension. Renovascular hypertension was induced by 2K1C in male Sprague-Dawley rats. At the day of clipping, 2K1C rats were divided into untreated (2K1C) and dietary iron-restricted groups (2K1C+IR). The 2K1C rats showed hypertension after the day of clipping, whereas dietary iron restriction attenuated the development of hypertension. Vascular hypertrophy and the increased fibrotic area were suppressed in the 2K1C+IR group. The clipped kidney developed renal atrophy in both the 2K1C and 2K1C+IR groups after clipping. However, the unclipped kidney showed renal hypertrophy in the 2K1C and 2K1C+IR groups, and the extent was less in the 2K1C+IR group. The 2K1C rats exhibited glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the unclipped kidney, whereas these changes were attenuated by an iron-restricted diet. Importantly, proteinuria was decreased in the 2K1C+IR group, along with decreased urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine excretion and superoxide production of the unclipped kidney. Moreover, the expression of nuclear mineralocorticoid receptor in the unclipped kidney of the 2K1C rats was attenuated by iron restriction. These data indicate a novel effect of iron restriction on hypertension and renal damage in renovascular hypertension.

  2. Allopurinol attenuates rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury: Renal and muscular protection.

    PubMed

    Gois, Pedro H F; Canale, Daniele; Volpini, Rildo A; Ferreira, Daniela; Veras, Mariana M; Andrade-Oliveira, Vinicius; Câmara, Niels O S; Shimizu, Maria H M; Seguro, Antonio C

    2016-12-01

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the most severe complication of rhabdomyolysis. Allopurinol (Allo), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, has been in the spotlight in the last decade due to new therapeutic applications related to its potent antioxidant effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Allo in the prevention and treatment of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: saline control group; prophylactic Allo (300mg/L of drinking water, 7 days); glycerol (50%, 5ml/kg, IM); prophylactic Allo + glycerol; and therapeutic Allo (50mg/Kg, IV, 30min after glycerol injection) + glycerol. Glycerol-injected rats showed markedly reduced glomerular filtration rate associated with renal vasoconstriction, renal tubular damage, increased oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. Allo ameliorated all these alterations. We found 8-isoprostane-PGF 2a (F2-IsoP) as a main factor involved in the oxidative stress-mediated renal vasoconstriction following rhabdomyolysis. Allo reduced F2-IsoP renal expression and restored renal blood flow. Allo also reduced oxidative stress in the damaged muscle, attenuated muscle lesion/inflammation and accelerated muscular recovery. Moreover, we showed new insights into the pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI, whereas Allo treatment reduced renal inflammation by decreasing renal tissue uric acid levels and consequently inhibiting the inflammasome cascade. Allo treatment attenuates renal dysfunction in a model of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI by reducing oxidative stress (systemic, renal and muscular), apoptosis and inflammation. This may represent a new therapeutic approach for rhabdomyolysis-associated AKI - a new use for an old and widely available medication. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Sinomenine Hydrochloride Attenuates Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Excessive Autophagy Induced by Adriamycin: An Experimental Study

    PubMed Central

    Zhao, Ming-ming

    2017-01-01

    The objective of this study is to investigate if sinomenine hydrochloride (SIN-HCl) could be effective against adriamycin-induced renal fibrosis by regulating autophagy in a rat model. Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, telmisartan group, and SIN-HCl group; rat model was induced by adriamycin; all rats were given intragastric administration for 6 weeks. Urine was collected from rats in metabolic cages to determine 24 h protein level. This was done after intragastric administration for the first two weeks and then once for every two weeks. Renal pathological changes were examined by the staining of HE, Masson, and PASM. Expressions and distributions of fibronectin (FN), laminin (LN), light chain 3 (LC3), and Beclin-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry. SIN-HCl ameliorates proteinuria, meanwhile attenuating the renal pathological changes in adriamycin-induced rats and also attenuating renal fibrosis and excessive autophagy by reducing the expression of FN, LN, LC3, and Beclin-1. SIN-HCl attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting excessive autophagy induced by adriamycin and upregulates the basal autophagy. PMID:28798804

  4. CRYPTOCOCCUS NEOFORMANS VAR. GRUBII-ASSOCIATED RENAL AMYLOIDOSIS CAUSING PROTEIN-LOSING NEPHROPATHY IN A RED KANGAROO (MACROPUS RUFUS).

    PubMed

    Thurber, Mary Irene; Gjeltema, Jenessa; Sheley, Matthew; Wack, Ray F

    2017-09-01

    A 10-year-old male castrated red kangaroo (Macropus rufus) presented with mandibular swelling. Examination findings included pitting edema with no dental disease evident on examination or radiographs. The results of blood work were moderate azotemia, hypoalbuminemia, and severely elevated urine protein:creatinine ratio (9.9). Radiographs showed an interstitial pattern of the caudal right lung, and an abdominal ultrasound demonstrated scant effusion. Symptomatic and empirical therapy with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor did not resolve clinical signs. Due to poor prognosis and declining quality of life, euthanasia was elected. Necropsy revealed chronic granulomatous pneumonia of the caudal right lung lobe with intralesional Cryptococcus, identified as C. neoformans var. grubii by DNA sequencing. Severe bilateral glomerular and tubulointerstitial amyloidosis induced protein-losing nephropathy, leading to tri-cavitary effusion, subcutaneous edema, and cachexia. The authors speculate that renal amyloidosis was associated with chronic cryptococcal pneumonia in this red kangaroo.

  5. A Role for Cytosolic Fumarate Hydratase in Urea Cycle Metabolism and Renal Neoplasia

    PubMed Central

    Adam, Julie; Yang, Ming; Bauerschmidt, Christina; Kitagawa, Mitsuhiro; O’Flaherty, Linda; Maheswaran, Pratheesh; Özkan, Gizem; Sahgal, Natasha; Baban, Dilair; Kato, Keiko; Saito, Kaori; Iino, Keiko; Igarashi, Kaori; Stratford, Michael; Pugh, Christopher; Tennant, Daniel A.; Ludwig, Christian; Davies, Benjamin; Ratcliffe, Peter J.; El-Bahrawy, Mona; Ashrafian, Houman; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Pollard, Patrick J.

    2013-01-01

    Summary The identification of mutated metabolic enzymes in hereditary cancer syndromes has established a direct link between metabolic dysregulation and cancer. Mutations in the Krebs cycle enzyme, fumarate hydratase (FH), predispose affected individuals to leiomyomas, renal cysts, and cancers, though the respective pathogenic roles of mitochondrial and cytosolic FH isoforms remain undefined. On the basis of comprehensive metabolomic analyses, we demonstrate that FH1-deficient cells and tissues exhibit defects in the urea cycle/arginine metabolism. Remarkably, transgenic re-expression of cytosolic FH ameliorated both renal cyst development and urea cycle defects associated with renal-specific FH1 deletion in mice. Furthermore, acute arginine depletion significantly reduced the viability of FH1-deficient cells in comparison to controls. Our findings highlight the importance of extramitochondrial metabolic pathways in FH-associated oncogenesis and the urea cycle/arginine metabolism as a potential therapeutic target. PMID:23643539

  6. Agmatine improves renal function in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

    PubMed

    El-Kashef, Dalia H; El-Kenawi, Asmaa E; Abdel Rahim, Mona; Suddek, Ghada M; Salem, Hatem A

    2016-03-01

    The present study was designed to explore the possible protective effects of agmatine, a known nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. For this purpose, we quantitatively evaluated gentamicin-induced renal structural and functional alterations using histopathological and biochemical approaches. Furthermore, the effect of agmatine on gentamicin-induced hypersensitivity of urinary bladder rings to acetylcholine (ACh) was evaluated. Twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, namely control, gentamicin (100 mg/kg, i.p.), and gentamicin plus agmatine (40 mg/kg, orally). At the end of the study, all rats were sacrificed and then blood and urine samples and kidneys were taken. Administration of agmatine significantly decreased kidney/body mass ratio, serum creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), renal malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), NO, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) while it significantly increased creatinine clearance and renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity when compared with the gentamicin-treated group. Additionally, agmatine ameliorated tissue morphology as evidenced by histological evaluation and reduced the responses of isolated bladder rings to ACh. Our study indicates that agmatine administration with gentamicin attenuates oxidative-stress associated renal injury by reducing oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation, restoring NO level and inhibiting inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α.

  7. Notoginsenoside R1 attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Liu, Wen-Jun; Tang, Hong-Tai; Jia, Yi-Tao; Ma, Bing; Fu, Jin-Feng; Wang, Yu; Lv, Kai-Yang; Xia, Zhao-Fan

    2010-09-01

    Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidney is a complex pathophysiological process and a major cause of acute renal failure. It has been shown that I/R injury is related to inflammatory responses and activation of apoptotic pathways. Inhibition of certain elements of inflammatory responses and apoptotic pathway seemed to ameliorate renal I/R injury. As an effective element of Panax notoginseng, NR1 has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and immune-stimulatory activities. Therefore, we speculate that NR1 can attenuate renal I/R injury. Ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by renal pedicle ligation followed by reperfusion along with a contralateral nephrectomy. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to four groups: sham group, I/R control group, NR1-1 group (rats treated with NR1, 20 mg.kg.d) and NR1-2 group (rats treated with NR1, 40 mg.kg.d). All animals were killed 72 h after I/R induction. Blood and renal tissues were collected. Renal dysfunction was observed by the level of serum creatinine and histological evaluation. Apoptosis and inflammatory response in the tissue of kidney were detected mainly with molecular biological methods. NR1 attenuated I/R-induced renal dysfunction as indicated by the level of serum creatinine and histological evaluation. It prevented the I/R-induced increases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha, myeloperoxidase activity, phosphorylation of p38, and activation of nuclear factor kappaB with cell apoptosis in the kidney and enhanced expression of antiapoptosis cytokine bcl-2. Treatment with NR1 improves renal function after I/R associated with a significant reduction in cell apoptosis and inflammatory responses, which may be related to p38 and nuclear factor kappaB inhibition.

  8. Matcha, a powdered green tea, ameliorates the progression of renal and hepatic damage in type 2 diabetic OLETF rats.

    PubMed

    Yamabe, Noriko; Kang, Ki Sung; Hur, Jong Moon; Yokozawa, Takako

    2009-08-01

    Matcha, a powdered green tea produced by grinding with a stone mill, has been popularly used in the traditional tea ceremony and foods in Japan. Matcha is well known to be richer in some nutritional elements and epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate than other green teas. In our previous study, epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate exhibited protective effects against renal damage in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of Matcha (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg/day) on the progression of hepatic and renal damage in type 2 diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats. OLETF rats were orally administered Matcha for 16 weeks, and we assessed biochemical parameters in the serum, liver, and kidney and expression levels of major products of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), N(6)-(carboxylmethyl)lysine (CML) and N(6)-(carboxylethyl)lysine (CEL), receptor for AGE (RAGE), and sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs)-1 and -2. Serum total protein levels were significantly increased by Matcha administration, whereas the serum albumin and glycosylated protein levels as well as the renal glucose and triglyceride levels were only slightly or not at all affected. However, Matcha treatment significantly lowered the glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels in the serum and liver, renal AGE levels, and the serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels. In addition, Matcha supplementation resulted in decreases in the renal CML, CEL, and RAGE expressions as well as an increase in hepatic SREBP-2 expression, but not that of SREBP-1. These results suggest that Matcha protects against hepatic and renal damage through the suppression of renal AGE accumulation, by decreases in hepatic glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels, and by its antioxidant activities.

  9. Fluorescence in situ hybridization for the diagnosis of NPHP1 deletion-related nephronophthisis on renal biopsy.

    PubMed

    Larsen, Christopher P; Bonsib, Stephen M; Beggs, Marjorie L; Wilson, Jon D

    2018-06-24

    Nephronophthisis is an autosomal recessive tubulointerstitial nephropathy that is a leading genetic etiology of end stage renal disease in children and young adults. Approximately 60% of patients with a known genetic etiology of nephronophthisis are due to homozygous deletion of the NPHP1 gene. We identified a total of 45 renal biopsies from young patients with chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology and analyzed them for the possibility of nephronophthisis due to NPHP1 deletion using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or polymerase chain reaction. Homozygous NPHP1 deletion was identified in nine patients (20%). In cases with adequate tissue, both assays were performed and showed 100% agreement. Blinded histopathologic analysis was then performed and identified six lesions that were significantly more common in biopsies from patients with NPHP1 deletion-proven nephronophthisis than chronic kidney injury of other known etiologies. Many of the classically described nephronophthisis biopsy lesions such as tubular basement membrane duplication, presence of cysts, and mononuclear interstitial inflammation were not significantly associated with this disease when compared with biopsies from patients with chronic kidney injury due to other etiologies. There were, however, morphologic lesions that were strongly associated with NPHP1 deletion including tubular abnormalities such as diverticulum, florets, and macula densa-like change as well as interstitial Tamm-Horsfall aggregates, periglomerular fibrosis, and the absence of arteriosclerosis. Awareness of the histopathologic pattern of injury in nephronophthisis combined with testing for NPHP1 deletion enables renal pathologists to provide a definitive pathologic and genetic diagnosis in a subset of patients with this disease. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  10. Probiotic Amelioration of Azotemia in 5/6th Nephrectomized Sprague-Dawley Rats

    PubMed Central

    Ranganathan, Natarajan; Patel, Beena; Ranganathan, Pari; Marczely, Joseph; Dheer, Rahul; Chordia, Tushar; Dunn, Stephen R.; Friedman, Eli A.

    2005-01-01

    The present study was to test the hypothesis that selected bacteria instilled into the gastrointestinal tract could help in converting nitrogenous wastes accumulated due to renal insufficiency into nontoxic compounds; thereby, ameliorating the biochemical imbalance. Herein we describe a prospective, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study, using 5/6th nephrectomized Sprague Dawley rat as a chronic renal failure model. The study group consisted of 36 nephrectomized and 7 non-nephrectomized (control) rats. After two-week nephrectomy stabilization, cohorts of six nephrectomized rats were fed casein-based diet plus one of the following regimens: (A) Control, (B) Placebo (casein-based diet without probiotics), (C) Bacillus pasteurii, (D) Sporolac®, (E) Kibow cocktail, (F) CHR Hansen Cocktail, and (G) ECONORMTM. Subsequently, blood (retro-orbital) and urine (collected for measurements of blood urea-nitrogen and creatinine respectively), body weight and bacterial counts (feces) were obtained at regular intervals. The study end-points were to determine if any of the probiotic dietary supplements facilitated, (1) decreased blood concentrations of uremic toxins, (2) altered renal function, and (3) prolonged survival. After 16 weeks of treatment, regimens C and D significantly prolonged the life span of uremic rats, in addition to showing a reduction in blood urea-nitrogen levels, concluding that supplementation of probiotic formulation to uremic rats slows the progression of azotemia, which may correlate with prolonged life span of uremic rats. Derivative trials of probiotic treatment of larger animals and humans will further assess the potential role of probiotic formulations in delaying the onset and clinical severity of clinical illness at different stages of renal failure. PMID:16127597

  11. DNA damage response in renal ischemia-reperfusion and ATP-depletion injury of renal tubular cells.

    PubMed

    Ma, Zhengwei; Wei, Qingqing; Dong, Guie; Huo, Yuqing; Dong, Zheng

    2014-07-01

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) that is characterized pathologically by tubular damage and cell death, followed by tubular repair, atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Recent work suggested the possible presence of DNA damage response (DDR) in AKI. However, the evidence is sketchy and the role and regulation of DDR in ischemic AKI remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated the induction of phosphorylation of ATM, H2AX, Chk2 and p53 during renal ischemia-reperfusion in mice, suggesting DDR in kidney tissues. DDR was also induced in vitro during the recovery or "reperfusion" of renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) after ATP depletion. DDR in RPTCs was abrogated by supplying glucose to maintain ATP via glycolysis, indicating that the DDR depends on ATP depletion. The DDR was also suppressed by the general caspase inhibitor z-VAD and the overexpression of Bcl-2, supporting a role of apoptosis-associated DNA damage in the DDR. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, suppressed the phosphorylation of ATM and p53 and, to a less extent, Chk2, but NAC increased the phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation of H2AX. Interestingly, NAC increased apoptosis, which may account for the observed H2AX activation. Ku55933, an ATM inhibitor, blocked ATM phosphorylation and ameliorated the phosphorylation of Chk2 and p53, but it increased H2AX phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation. Ku55933 also increased apoptosis in RPTCs following ATP depletion. The results suggest that DDR occurs during renal ischemia-reperfusion in vivo and ATP-depletion injury in vitro. The DDR is partially induced by apoptosis and oxidative stress-related DNA damage. ATM, as a sensor in the DDR, may play a cytoprotective role against tubular cell injury and death. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. DNA damage response in renal ischemia-reperfusion and ATP-depletion injury of renal tubular cells

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Zhengwei; Wei, Qingqing; Dong, Guie; Huo, Yuqing; Dong, Zheng

    2014-01-01

    Renal ischemia-reperfusion leads to acute kidney injury (AKI) that is characterized pathologically by tubular damage and cell death, followed by tubular repair, atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Recent work suggested the possible presence of DNA damage response (DDR) in AKI. However, the evidence is sketchy and the role and regulation of DDR in ischemic AKI remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrated the induction of phosphorylation of ATM, H2AX, Chk2 and p53 during renal ischemia-reperfusion in mice, suggesting DDR in kidney tissues. DDR was also induced in vitro during the recovery or “reperfusion” of renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) after ATP-depletion. DDR in RPTCs was abrogated by supplying glucose to maintain ATP via glycolysis, indicating that the DDR depends on ATP depletion. The DDR was also suppressed by the general caspase inhibitor z-VAD and the overexpression of Bcl-2, supporting a role of apoptosis-associated DNA damage in the DDR. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, suppressed the phosphorylation of ATM and p53 and, to a less extent, Chk2, but NAC increased the phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation of H2AX. Interestingly, NAC increased apoptosis, which may account for the observed H2AX activation. Ku55933, an ATM inhibitor, blocked ATM phosphorylation and ameliorated the phosphorylation of Chk2 and p53, but it increased H2AX phosphorylation and nuclear foci formation. Ku55933 also increased apoptosis in RPTCs following ATP-depletion. The results suggest that DDR occurs during renal ischemia-reperfusion in vivo and ATP-depletion injury in vitro. The DDR is partially induced by apoptosis and oxidative stress-related DNA damage. ATM, as a sensor in the DDR, may play a cytoprotective role against tubular cell injury and death. PMID:24726884

  13. A role for cytosolic fumarate hydratase in urea cycle metabolism and renal neoplasia.

    PubMed

    Adam, Julie; Yang, Ming; Bauerschmidt, Christina; Kitagawa, Mitsuhiro; O'Flaherty, Linda; Maheswaran, Pratheesh; Özkan, Gizem; Sahgal, Natasha; Baban, Dilair; Kato, Keiko; Saito, Kaori; Iino, Keiko; Igarashi, Kaori; Stratford, Michael; Pugh, Christopher; Tennant, Daniel A; Ludwig, Christian; Davies, Benjamin; Ratcliffe, Peter J; El-Bahrawy, Mona; Ashrafian, Houman; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Pollard, Patrick J

    2013-05-30

    The identification of mutated metabolic enzymes in hereditary cancer syndromes has established a direct link between metabolic dysregulation and cancer. Mutations in the Krebs cycle enzyme, fumarate hydratase (FH), predispose affected individuals to leiomyomas, renal cysts, and cancers, though the respective pathogenic roles of mitochondrial and cytosolic FH isoforms remain undefined. On the basis of comprehensive metabolomic analyses, we demonstrate that FH1-deficient cells and tissues exhibit defects in the urea cycle/arginine metabolism. Remarkably, transgenic re-expression of cytosolic FH ameliorated both renal cyst development and urea cycle defects associated with renal-specific FH1 deletion in mice. Furthermore, acute arginine depletion significantly reduced the viability of FH1-deficient cells in comparison to controls. Our findings highlight the importance of extramitochondrial metabolic pathways in FH-associated oncogenesis and the urea cycle/arginine metabolism as a potential therapeutic target. Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived erythropoietin-producing cells ameliorate renal anemia in mice.

    PubMed

    Hitomi, Hirofumi; Kasahara, Tomoko; Katagiri, Naoko; Hoshina, Azusa; Mae, Shin-Ichi; Kotaka, Maki; Toyohara, Takafumi; Rahman, Asadur; Nakano, Daisuke; Niwa, Akira; Saito, Megumu K; Nakahata, Tatsutoshi; Nishiyama, Akira; Osafune, Kenji

    2017-09-27

    The production of erythropoietin (EPO) by the kidneys, a principal hormone for the hematopoietic system, is reduced in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), eventually resulting in severe anemia. Although recombinant human EPO treatment improves anemia in patients with CKD, returning to full red blood cell production without fluctuations does not always occur. We established a method to generate EPO-producing cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) by modifying previously reported hepatic differentiation protocols. These cells showed increased EPO expression and secretion in response to low oxygen conditions, prolyl hydroxylase domain-containing enzyme inhibitors, and insulin-like growth factor 1. The EPO protein secreted from hiPSC-derived EPO-producing (hiPSC-EPO) cells induced the erythropoietic differentiation of human umbilical cord blood progenitor cells in vitro. Furthermore, transplantation of hiPSC-EPO cells into mice with CKD induced by adenine treatment improved renal anemia. Thus, hiPSC-EPO cells may be a useful tool for clarifying the mechanisms of EPO production and may be useful as a therapeutic strategy for treating renal anemia. Copyright © 2017 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works.

  15. Renal structure and function evaluation of rats from dams that received increased sodium intake during pregnancy and lactation submitted or not to 5/6 nephrectomy.

    PubMed

    Marin, Evelyn Cristina Santana; Balbi, Ana Paula Coelho; Francescato, Heloísa Della Coletta; Alves da Silva, Cleonice Giovanini; Costa, Roberto Silva; Coimbra, Terezila M

    2008-01-01

    Adult rats submitted to perinatal salt overload presented renin-angiotensin system (RAS) functional disturbances. The RAS contributes to the renal development and renal damage in a 5/6 nephrectomy model. The aim of the present study was to analyze the renal structure and function of offspring from dams that received a high-salt intake during pregnancy and lactation. We also evaluated the influence of the prenatal high-salt intake on the evolution of 5/6 nephrectomy in adult rats. A total of 111 sixty-day-old rat pups from dams that received saline or water during pregnancy and lactation were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy (nephrectomized) or to a sham operation (sham). The animals were killed 120 days after surgery, and the kidneys were removed for immunohistochemical and histological analysis. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were evaluated. Increased SBP, albuminuria, and decreased GFR were observed in the rats from dams submitted to high-sodium intake before surgery. However, there was no difference in these parameters between the groups after the 5/6 nephrectomy. The scores for tubulointerstitial lesions and glomerulosclerosis were higher in the rats from the sham saline group compared to the same age control rats, but there was no difference in the histological findings between the groups of nephrectomized rats. In conclusion, our data showed that the high-salt intake during pregnancy and lactation in rats leads to structural changes in the kidney of adult offspring. However, the progression of the renal lesions after 5/6 nephrectomy was similar in both groups.

  16. Computerized image analysis of cell-cell interactions in human renal tissue by using multi-channel immunoflourescent confocal microscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peng, Yahui; Jiang, Yulei; Liarski, Vladimir M.; Kaverina, Natalya; Clark, Marcus R.; Giger, Maryellen L.

    2012-03-01

    Analysis of interactions between B and T cells in tubulointerstitial inflammation is important for understanding human lupus nephritis. We developed a computer technique to perform this analysis, and compared it with manual analysis. Multi-channel immunoflourescent-microscopy images were acquired from 207 regions of interest in 40 renal tissue sections of 19 patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis. Fresh-frozen renal tissue sections were stained with combinations of immunoflourescent antibodies to membrane proteins and counter-stained with a cell nuclear marker. Manual delineation of the antibodies was considered as the reference standard. We first segmented cell nuclei and cell membrane markers, and then determined corresponding cell types based on the distances between cell nuclei and specific cell-membrane marker combinations. Subsequently, the distribution of the shortest distance from T cell nuclei to B cell nuclei was obtained and used as a surrogate indicator of cell-cell interactions. The computer and manual analyses results were concordant. The average absolute difference was 1.1+/-1.2% between the computer and manual analysis results in the number of cell-cell distances of 3 μm or less as a percentage of the total number of cell-cell distances. Our computerized analysis of cell-cell distances could be used as a surrogate for quantifying cell-cell interactions as either an automated and quantitative analysis or for independent confirmation of manual analysis.

  17. IL-4/IL-13-mediated polarization of renal macrophages/dendritic cells to an M2a phenotype is essential for recovery from acute kidney injury.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Ming-Zhi; Wang, Xin; Wang, Yinqiu; Niu, Aolei; Wang, Suwan; Zou, Chenhang; Harris, Raymond C

    2017-02-01

    Cytokines IL-4 and IL-13 play important roles in polarization of macrophages/dendritic cells to an M2 phenotype, which is important for recovery from acute kidney injury. Both IL-4 and IL-13 activate JAK3/STAT6 signaling. In mice with diphtheria toxin receptor expression in proximal tubules (selective injury model), a relatively selective JAK3 inhibitor, tofacitinib, led to more severe kidney injury, delayed recovery from acute kidney injury, increased inflammatory M1 phenotype markers and decreased reparative M2 phenotype markers of macrophages/dendritic cells, and development of more severe renal fibrosis after diphtheria toxin administration. Similarly, there was delayed recovery and increased tubulointerstitial fibrosis in these diphtheria toxin-treated mice following tamoxifen-induced deletion of both IL-4 and IL-13, with increased levels of M1 and decreased levels of M2 markers in the macrophages/dendritic cells. Furthermore, deletion of IL-4 and IL-13 led to a decrease of tissue reparative M2a phenotype markers but had no effect on anti-inflammatory M2c phenotype markers. Deletion of IL-4 and IL-13 also inhibited recovery from ischemia-reperfusion injury in association with increased M1 and decreased M2 markers and promoted subsequent tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Thus, IL-4 and IL-13 are required to effectively polarize macrophages/dendritic cells to an M2a phenotype and to promote recovery from acute kidney injury. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Role of L-arginine in the pathogenesis and treatment of renal disease.

    PubMed

    Cherla, Gautam; Jaimes, Edgar A

    2004-10-01

    L-arginine is a semi essential amino acid and also a substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), polyamines, and agmatine. These L-arginine metabolites may participate in the pathogenesis of renal disease and constitute the rationale for manipulating L-arginine metabolism as a strategy to ameliorate kidney disease. Modification of dietary L-arginine intake in experimental models of kidney diseases has been shown to have both beneficial as well as deleterious effects depending on the specific model studied. L-arginine supplementation in animal models of glomerulonephritis has been shown to be detrimental, probably by increasing the production of NO from increased local expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS). L-arginine supplementation does not modify the course of renal disease in humans with chronic glomerular diseases. However, beneficial effects of L-arginine supplementation have been reported in several models of chronic kidney disease including renal ablation, ureteral obstruction, nephropathy secondary to diabetes, and salt-sensitive hypertension. L-arginine is reduced in preeclampsia and recent experimental studies indicate that L-arginine supplementation may be beneficial in attenuating the symptoms of preeclampsia. Administration of exogenous L-arginine has been shown to be protective in ischemic acute renal failure. In summary, the role of L-arginine in the pathogenesis and treatment of renal disease is not completely understood and remains to be established.

  19. Analysis of 65 Renal Biopsies From Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis (1976-2015): Change in Treatment Strategies Decreased Frequency and Modified Histopathological Findings.

    PubMed

    Vinicki, Juan P; Pellet, Santiago C; De Rosa, Graciela; Dubinsky, Diana; Laborde, Hugo A; Marini, Alicia; Nasswetter, Gustavo

    2015-10-01

    No inherent renal lesions are known in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but urinary abnormalities and renal dysfunction have been described. First, we describe the histopathological findings of renal biopsies (RBs) in patients with RA and associated clinical manifestations. Second, we evaluated time evolution of RA and the relationship between drugs and renal disease. Last, we investigate whether changes in the management of RA from 1976 to 2015 influenced RBs indication, frequency, and type of histopathological findings. This is a retrospective and observational study conducted at a university hospital from Argentina. Patients with a diagnosis of RA (ACR, 1987) and RBs between 1976 and 2015 were included. Sixty-five patients met the inclusion criteria. The histopathological findings and associated clinical manifestations were evaluated. Time evolution of RA and the relationship between drugs and renal disease were also determined. To clarify these issues, we characterized 3 groups according to changes in the management of RA: 1976-1989, 1990-2002, and 2003-2015. The most common histopathological finding was renal amyloidosis in 31% (n = 20), followed by mesangial glomerulonephritis in 18% (n = 12), membranous nephropathy in 17% (n = 11), extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis in 15% (n = 10), focal segmental glomerular sclerosis in 9% (n = 6), minimal change nephropathy in 5% (n = 3), and tubulointerstitial nephritis in 5% (n = 3). Time evolution of renal amyloidosis was significantly higher than other RBs (15 ± 12 vs 7 ± 6.5 years). Nephrotic syndrome was the most common clinical manifestation (60%) followed by hematuria (46%) with or without proteinuria. Membranous nephropathy was related to the use of gold salts in 45% of cases, and its frequency decreased since 1990. Before 2003, renal amyloidosis was the leading cause of kidney disease, but mesangial glomerulonephritis reached the same frequency between 2003 and 2015. We found that RBs decreased 20% in

  20. Clopidogrel preserves whole kidney autoregulatory behavior in ANG II-induced hypertension

    PubMed Central

    Osmond, David A.; Zhang, Shali; Pollock, Jennifer S.; Yamamoto, Tatsuo; De Miguel, Carmen

    2014-01-01

    This study tested the hypothesis that P2Y12 receptor blockade with clopidogrel preserves renal autoregulatory ability during ANG II-induced hypertension. Clopidogrel was administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats chronically infused with ANG II. After 14 days of treatment, whole kidney autoregulation of renal blood flow was assessed in vivo in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats using an ultrasonic flow probe placed around the left renal artery. In ANG II-vehicle-treated rats, decreasing arterial pressure over a range from 160 to 100 mmHg resulted in a 25 ± 5% decrease in renal blood flow, demonstrating a significant loss of autoregulation with an autoregulatory index of 0.66 ± 0.15. However, clopidogrel treatment preserved autoregulatory behavior in ANG II-treated rats to levels indistinguishable from normotensive sham-operated (sham) rats (autoregulatory index: 0.04 ± 0.14). Compared with normotensive sham-vehicle-treated rats, ANG II infusion increased renal CD3-positive T cell infiltration by 66 ± 6%, induced significant thickening of the preglomerular vessels and glomerular basement membrane and increased glomerular collagen I deposition, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, damage to the proximal tubular brush border, and protein excretion. Clopidogrel significantly reduced renal infiltration of T cells by 39 ± 9% and prevented interstitial artery thickening, ANG II-induced damage to the glomerular basement membrane, deposition of collagen type I, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, despite the maintenance of hypertension. These data demonstrate that systemic P2Y12 receptor blockade with clopidogrel protects against impairment of autoregulatory behavior and renal vascular injury in ANG II-induced hypertension, possibly by reducing renal T cell infiltration. PMID:24477682

  1. Ameliorative Effect of Gallic Acid on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oxidative Injury and Hepatic Dysfunction in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Olayinka, Ebenezer Tunde; Ore, Ayokanmi; Ola, Olaniyi Solomon; Adeyemo, Oluwatobi Adewumi

    2015-01-01

    Cyclophosphamide (CP), a bifunctional alkylating agent used in chemotherapy has been reported to induce organ toxicity mediated by generation of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic substance, is a natural antioxidant with proven free radical scavenging activity and offers protection against oxidative damage. This research study was designed to investigate the ameliorative effect of GA against CP-induced toxicity in rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were randomized into five treatment groups: (A) control, (B) CP, 2 mg/kg body weight (b.w.), (C) pre-treatment with GA (20 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days followed by CP (2 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days, (D) co-treatment with GA (20 mg/kg b.w) and CP (2 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days, and (E) GA (20 mg/kg b.w.) for seven days. CP induced marked renal and hepatic damages as plasma levels of urea, creatinine, bilirubin and activities of AST, ALT, ALP and GGT were significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the CP-treated group relative to control. In addition, hepatic levels of GSH, vitamin C and activities of SOD, catalase and GST significantly reduced in the CP-treated group when compared with control. This was accompanied with a significant increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation. The restoration of the markers of renal and hepatic damages as well as antioxidant indices and lipid peroxidation by pre- and co-treatment with GA clearly shows that GA offers ameliorative effect by scavenging the reactive oxygen species generated by CP. This protective effect may be attributed to the antioxidant property of gllic acid. PMID:29083393

  2. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through regulation of glutathione pool.

    PubMed

    Qin, Yan; Zhai, Qianqian; Li, Yan; Cao, Meng; Xu, Yun; Zhao, Kelei; Wang, Tao

    2018-07-01

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of diabetes and the major cause of chronic kidney disease. Cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) is the most widespread anthocyanin in nature. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible effects of C3G on DN in db/db mice. We found that body weights and high levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and systolic blood pressure in diabetic mice were significantly reduced by C3G. C3G also reduced the ratio of kidney to body weight and the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, urinary albumin content and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), ameliorated the pathological changes of kidneys, reduced the surface area of Bowman's capsule, glomerular tuft, Bowman's space, and decreased renal expression of collagen IV, fibronectin, transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1), matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP9) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in db/db mice. The Lee's index, perirenal white adipose tissue weight, and high levels of blood and renal triglyceride and cholesterol were decreased by C3G. Moreover, C3G reduced systemic levels and renal expression of tumor necrosis factor ɑ (TNFɑ), IL-1ɑ, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), indicating the inhibition of inflammation. Furthermore, C3G increased glutathione (GSH) level and decreased GSSG level in kidneys of diabetic mice. The renal mRNA expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) was increased by C3G in diabetic mice. Buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, inhibited the effects of C3G on glucose metabolic dysfunction and DN. The data demonstrates that enhancement of GSH pool is involved in the renal-protective effects of C3G. Overall, C3G could be a promising therapeutic option for attenuation of diabetes and DN. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  3. Berberine ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Liping; Han, Jiakai; Yuan, Rongrong; Xue, Lei; Pang, Wuyan

    2018-03-31

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, contributing to severe morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients. Berberine (BBR) has been well characterized to exert renoprotective effects in DN progression. However, the action mechanism of BBR in DN remains to be fully understood. The DN rat model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg body weight) while 30 mM high glucose (HG)-treated podocytes were used as an in vitro DN model. The fasting blood glucose level and ratio of kidney weight to body weight were measured after BBR treatment (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) in STZ-induced DN rats. The renal injury parameters including 24-h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were assessed. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the transcript amounts of inflammatory factors. The concentrations of inflammatory factors were evaluated by ELISA kits. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the amounts of TLR4/NF-κB-related proteins. The apoptotic rate of podocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V/propidium iodide. Berberine reduced renal injury in STZ-induced DN rat model, as evidenced by the decrease in fasting blood glucose, ratio of kidney weight to body weight, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urine nitrogen. BBR attenuated the systemic and renal cortex inflammatory response and inhibited TLR4/NF-κB pathway in STZ-induced DN rats and HG-induced podocytes. Also, HG-induced apoptosis of podocytes was lowered by BBR administration. Furthermore, blockade of TLR4/NF-κB pathway by resatorvid (TAK-242) or pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate aggravated the inhibitory effect of BBR on HG-induced inflammatory response and apoptosis in podocytes. Berberine ameliorated DN through relieving STZ-induced renal injury, inflammatory response, and podocyte HG-induced apoptosis via inactivating TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

  4. Renalase Protects against Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Activation of the ERK Signaling Pathways

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Yiru; Wang, Liyan; Deng, Dai; Zhang, Qidong; Liu, Wenhu

    2017-01-01

    Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to end-stage renal disease. Renalase, acting as a signaling molecule, has been reported to have cardiovascular and renal protective effects. However, its role in renal fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of renalase in rats with complete unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and examined the inhibitory effects of renalase on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human proximal renal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. We found that in the UUO model, the expression of renalase was markedly downregulated and adenoviral-mediated expression of renalase significantly attenuated renal interstitial fibrosis, as evidenced by the maintenance of E-cadherin expression and suppressed expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin and collagen-I. In vitro, renalase inhibited TGF-β1-mediated upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin. Increased levels of Phospho-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK1/2) in TGF-β1-stimulated cells were reversed by renalase cotreatment. When ERK1 was overexpressed, the inhibition of TGF-β1-induced EMT and fibrosis mediated by renalase was attenuated. Our study provides the first evidence that renalase can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis by suppression of tubular EMT through inhibition of the ERK pathway. These results suggest that renalase has potential renoprotective effects in renal interstitial fibrosis and may be an effective agent for slowing CKD progression. PMID:28448446

  5. Recombinant human GLP-1(rhGLP-1) alleviating renal tubulointestitial injury in diabetic STZ-induced rats.

    PubMed

    Yin, Weiqin; Xu, Shiqing; Wang, Zai; Liu, Honglin; Peng, Liang; Fang, Qing; Deng, Tingting; Zhang, Wenjian; Lou, Jinning

    2018-01-01

    GLP-1-based treatment improves glycemia through stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion. Recently, more and more findings showed that GLP-1 could also protect kidney from diabetic nephropathy. Most of these studies focused on glomeruli, but the effect of GLP-1 on tubulointerstitial and tubule is not clear yet. In this study, we examined the renoprotective effect of recombinant human GLP-1 (rhGLP-1), and investigated the influence of GLP-1 on inflammation and tubulointerstitial injury using diabetic nephropathy rats model of STZ-induced. The results showed that rhGLP-1 reduced urinary albumin without influencing the body weight and food intake. rhGLP-1 could increased the serum C-peptide slightly but not lower fasting blood glucose significantly. In diabetic nephropathy rats, beside glomerular sclerosis, tubulointerstitial fibrosis was very serious. These lesions could be alleviated by rhGLP-1. rhGLP-1 decreased the expression of profibrotic factors collagen I, α-SMA, fibronectin, and inflammation factors MCP-1 and TNFα in tubular tissue and human proximal tubular cells (HK-2 cells). Furthermore, rhGLP-1 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-κB, MAPK in both diabetic tubular tissue and HK-2 cells. The inhibition of the expression of TNFα, MCP-1, collagen I and α-SMA in HK-2 cells by GLP-1 could be mimicked by blocking NF-κB or MAPK. These results indicate that rhGLP-1 exhibit renoprotective effect by alleviation of tubulointerstitial injury via inhibiting phosphorylation of MAPK and NF-κB. Therefore, rhGLP-1 may be a potential drug for treatment of diabetic nephropathy. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Clinical and genetic characterization of an autosomal dominant nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Parvari, R; Shnaider, A; Basok, A; Katchko, L; Borochovich, Z; Kanis, A; Landau, D

    2001-03-15

    Autosomal dominant familial nephropathies with adult onset, no macroscopic cysts, and progressive deterioration include medullary cystic disease (ADMCKD) as well as other less specific entities. We studied a kindred of Jewish ancestry in which 15 members (both male and female) have suffered from chronic renal failure. The first evidence of renal involvement was observed between 18 and 38 years. It included hypertension followed by progressive renal insufficiency. No polyuria, anemia, gout, hematuria, nor proteinuria were seen. An average of 4.5 years elapsed from diagnosis to end-stage renal disease. Renal pathology at early stages of the disease showed extensive tubulointerstitial fibrosis and global glomerulosclerosis. Linkage analysis was performed at the two known loci of ADMCKD, on Chromosomes 1 and 16. Linkage to the chromosome 16 locus was excluded. However, linkage to the chromosome 1q21 locus of ADMCKD was established with a maximum two-point LOD score of 3.82 to D1S394. The disease interval could be narrowed to about 9 cM/7.4 Mb between D1S1156 and D1S2635. Multiple-point linkage analysis revealed a maximum LOD of 4.21, with a broad peak from markers D1S2858 and D1S2624. This report establishes linkage between a familial nephropathy characterized by hypertension and progressive renal failure to the locus described for ADMCKD, a disease classically associated with macroscopic corticomedullary cysts, salt-losing tubulointerstitial nephropathy, and anemia. This finding broadens the clinical spectrum of ADMCKD positioned on chromosome 1q21 locus. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss. Inc.

  7. Novel inhibitors of the cellular renin-angiotensin system components, poricoic acids, target Smad3 phosphorylation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway against renal fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ming; Chen, Dan-Qian; Chen, Lin; Cao, Gang; Zhao, Hui; Liu, Dan; Vaziri, Nosratola D; Guo, Yan; Zhao, Ying-Yong

    2018-07-01

    Tubulo-interstitial fibrosis is the final pathway in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a major role in CKD progression. Hence, we determined the efficacy of novel RAS inhibitors isolated from Poria cocos against renal fibrosis. Effects of three novel tetracyclic triterpenoid compounds, poricoic acid ZC (PZC), poricoic acid ZD (PZD) and poricoic acid ZE (PZE), were investigated on TGFβ1- and angiotensin II (AngII)-treated HK-2 cells and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice. Immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time PCR, siRNA, co-immunoprecipitation and Western blot analyses were used to evaluate expression of key molecules in RAS, Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ/Smad pathways. Addition of the above compounds to culture media and their administration to UUO mice: (i) significantly attenuated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and extracellular matrix production in TGFβ1- and AngII-treated HK-2 cells and UUO mice by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation and Smad3 phosphorylation; (ii) selectively inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation by blocking the interaction of TGFBR1 with Smad3; and (iii) specifically inhibited Smad3 activation. PZC and PZD showed a strong inhibitory effect on all RAS components, and PZE showed a strong inhibitory effect on renin. Furthermore, the secolanostane tetracyclic triterpenoids, PZC and PZD, showed a stronger inhibitory effect than the lanostane tetracyclic triterpenoid PZE. Therefore, compounds with secolanostance skeleton showed stronger bioactivity than those with lanostance skeleton. The secolanostane tetracyclic triterpenoids effectively blocked RAS by simultaneously targeting multiple RAS components and lanostane tetracyclic triterpenoids inhibited renin and protected against tubulo-interstitial fibrosis. © 2018 The British Pharmacological Society.

  8. Naringin ameliorates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and associated mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and inflammation in rats: possible mechanism of nephroprotection.

    PubMed

    Sahu, Bidya Dhar; Tatireddy, Srujana; Koneru, Meghana; Borkar, Roshan M; Kumar, Jerald Mahesh; Kuncha, Madhusudana; Srinivas, R; Shyam Sunder, R; Sistla, Ramakrishna

    2014-05-15

    Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity has been well documented, although its underlying mechanisms and preventive strategies remain to be investigated. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of naringin, a bioflavonoid, on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate the potential mechanism. Serum specific renal function parameters (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) and histopathology of kidney tissues were evaluated to assess the gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Renal oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants), inflammatory (NF-kB [p65], TNF-α, IL-6 and MPO) and apoptotic (caspase 3, caspase 9, Bax, Bcl-2, p53 and DNA fragmentation) markers were also evaluated. Significant decrease in mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial redox activity indicated the gentamicin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Naringin (100mg/kg) treatment along with gentamicin restored the mitochondrial function and increased the renal endogenous antioxidant status. Gentamicin induced increased renal inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), nuclear protein expression of NF-κB (p65) and NF-κB-DNA binding activity and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were significantly decreased upon naringin treatment. In addition, naringin treatment significantly decreased the amount of cleaved caspase 3, Bax, and p53 protein expression and increased the Bcl-2 protein expression. Naringin treatment also ameliorated the extent of histologic injury and reduced inflammatory infiltration in renal tubules. U-HPLS-MS data revealed that naringin co-administration along with gentamicin did not alter the renal uptake and/or accumulation of gentamicin in kidney tissues. These findings suggest that naringin treatment attenuates renal dysfunction and structural damage through the reduction of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation and apoptosis in

  9. Inhibition effect of small interfering RNA of connective tissue growth factor on the expression of extracellular matrix molecules in cultured human renal proximal tubular cells.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yuyuan; Li, Weiwei; Liu, Hong; Peng, Youming; Yang, Qiu; Xiao, Li; Liu, Yinghong; Liu, Fuyou

    2014-03-01

    In this study, we investigated the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) by pRetro-Super (PRS) retrovirus vector on the expression of CTGF and related extracellular matrix molecules in human renal proximal tubular cells (HKCs) induced by high glucose, to provide help for renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis therapy. HKCs were exposed to d-glucose to observe their dose and time effect, while the mannitol as osmotic control. Retrovirus producing CTGF siRNA were constructed from the inverted oligonucleotides and transferred into packaging cell line PT67 with lipofectamine, and the virus supernatant was used to infect HKC. The expression of CTGF, fibronectin (FN) and collagen-type I (col1) were measured by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. In response to high glucose, CTGF expression in HKCs was increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas the increase did not occur in the osmotic control. Introduction of PRS-CTGF-siRNA resulted in the significant reduction of CTGF, FN, col1 mRNA (p < 0.01, respectively) and CTGF, col1 protein (p < 0.05, respectively) expression, while PRS void vector group did not have these effects (p > 0.05). CTGF siRNA therapy can effectively reduce the levels of CTGF, FN and col1 induced by high glucose in cultured HKCs, which suggested that it may be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the renal interstitial fibrosis in the future.

  10. REDUCTION OF ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION IMPROVES RENAL OXIDATIVE STRESS AND FIBROSIS IN DIABETIC RATS

    PubMed Central

    Matavelli, Luis C.; Siragy, Helmy M.

    2012-01-01

    SUMMARY Aldosterone is increased in diabetes and contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy. We hypothesized that reduction in aldosterone production in diabetes by amlodipine or aliskiren improves diabetic kidney disease by attenuating renal oxidative stress and fibrosis. Normoglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetes Sprague-Dawley rats were given vehicle, amlodipine or aliskiren individually and combined for six weeks. At the end of study, we evaluated BP, 24h urinary sodium (UNaV) and aldosterone excretion rates, renal interstitial fluid (RIF) levels of nitric oxide (NO), cGMP and 8-isoprostane, and renal morphology. BP was not significantly different between any of experimental groups. UNaV increased in diabetic animals and was not affected by different treatments. Urinary aldosterone excretion increased in diabetic rats receiving vehicle and decreased with amlodipine and aliskiren individually or combined. RIF NO and cGMP levels were reduced in vehicle treated diabetic rats and increased with amlodipine or aliskiren given individually and combined. RIF 8-isoprostane levels and renal immunostaining for PAS and fibronectin were increased in vehicle treated diabetic rats and decreased with aliskiren individually or combined with amlodipine. We conclude that inhibition of aldosterone by amlodipine or aliskiren ameliorates diabetes induced renal injury via improvement of NO-cGMP pathway, and reduction in oxidative stress and fibrosis, independent of BP changes. PMID:23011470

  11. Ameliorating effects of goby fish protein hydrolysates on high-fat-high-fructose diet-induced hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and deterioration of kidney function in rats.

    PubMed

    Nasri, Rim; Abdelhedi, Ola; Jemil, Ines; Daoued, Ines; Hamden, Khaled; Kallel, Choumous; Elfeki, Abdelfattah; Lamri-Senhadji, Myriem; Boualga, Ahmed; Nasri, Moncef; Karra-Châabouni, Maha

    2015-12-05

    This study investigated the therapeutic potential of undigested goby fish (Zosterisessor ophiocephalus) muscle proteins (UGP) and their hydrolysates on high-fat-high-fructose diet (HFFD)-fed rats. HFFD induced hyperglycemia, manifested by a significant increase in the levels of glucose and glycogen as well as α-amylase activity when compared to normal rats. The administration of GPHs to HFFD-fed rats significantly decreased α-amylase activity and the contents of blood glucose and hepatic glycogen. By contrast, the UGP increased the glucose metabolic disorders in HFFD-fed rats. Furthermore, HFFD-fed rats showed oxidative stress, as evidenced by decreased antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione (GSH) levels and increased concentration of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde in liver and kidney. Interestingly, the daily gavage of UGP and GPHs improved the redox status in liver and kidney of HFFD-rats by ameliorating or reversing the above-mentioned changes. Moreover, GPHs exhibited a renal protective role by reversing the HFFD-induced decease of uric acid and increase of creatinine levels in serum and preventing some HFFD-induced changes in kidney architecture. The results demonstrate that GPHs contain bioactive peptides that possess significant hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, and ameliorate renal damage in rats fed hypercaloric diet. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signal pathway is involved in the effect of Cordyceps sinensis against renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy rats.

    PubMed

    Pan, Ming-Ming; Zhang, Ming-Hui; Ni, Hai-Feng; Chen, Jun-Feng; Xu, Min; Phillips, Aled Owain; Liu, Bi-Cheng

    2013-08-01

    The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cordyceps sinensis on renal fibrosis and its possible mechanisms. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation (SHAM) group, 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SNx) untreated group, and 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy treated with C. sinensis (2.0 g/kg d) (CS) group. Rats were studied 12 weeks after the surgery, and the CS group presented with significantly lower proteinuria, and better renal function compared with the SNx group (p<0.05). Pathological study showed that the glomerulosclerosis tubulointerstitial injury score was significantly reduced in the CS group compared with the SNx group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, Smad2 and Smad3 and the protein expression of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII and p-Smad2/3 were attenuated by the C. sinensis treatment. In constrast, the mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 was upregulated. Furthermore, the expression of α-SMA and FSP1 was also significantly attenuated, accompanied by the increasing expression of E-cadherin, suggesting the inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). C. sinensis exerted its antifibrotic effect on the SNx rats through the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  13. Atgl gene deletion predisposes to proximal tubule damage by impairing the fatty acid metabolism

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chen, Wen; Zhang, Qiong; Cheng, Shiwu

    Fibrosis is the final common pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Normal lipid metabolism is integral to renal physiology, and disturbances of renal lipid metabolism are increasingly being linked with CKD, including the fibrosis. Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the rate-limiting enzyme of lipolysis. In the present study, we used Atgl{sup −/−} mice to investigate whether ATGL played a role in the regulation of proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) lipid metabolism and renal fibrosis development. ATGL deficiency led to lipid vacuolation of PCT and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, accompanied by massive albuminuria and decreased creatinine clearance rate (Ccr). In vitro experiments indicated that inhibitionmore » of ATGL in proximal tubular cell line HK-2 promoted intracellular lipid deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cell apoptosis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that ATGL inhibition decreased the renal peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα(PPARα) expression, which implied the suppressed lipid metabolism. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) could partially reverse the effect of ROS accumulation and cell apoptosis, but could not restore the PPARαdecrease. These data raise the possibility that ATGL deficiency could impair the renal fatty acid metabolism though inhibiting PPARαexpression, which may lead to lipid deposition and cell apoptosis of PCT, and finally contribute to the renal fibrosis and dysfunction. - Highlights: • Atgl{sup −/−} mice develop tubulointerstitial damage and renal dysfunction. • ATGL deficiency results in lipid accumulation and apoptosis of proximal tubular cells. • ROS scavenger alleviates the ATGL-knockdown mediated lipid accumulation and apoptosis. • PPARαdown-regulation is the reason of ROS elevating in ATGL-knockdown HK-2 cells.« less

  14. Development of CD3 cell quantitation algorithms for renal allograft biopsy rejection assessment utilizing open source image analysis software.

    PubMed

    Moon, Andres; Smith, Geoffrey H; Kong, Jun; Rogers, Thomas E; Ellis, Carla L; Farris, Alton B Brad

    2018-02-01

    Renal allograft rejection diagnosis depends on assessment of parameters such as interstitial inflammation; however, studies have shown interobserver variability regarding interstitial inflammation assessment. Since automated image analysis quantitation can be reproducible, we devised customized analysis methods for CD3+ T-cell staining density as a measure of rejection severity and compared them with established commercial methods along with visual assessment. Renal biopsy CD3 immunohistochemistry slides (n = 45), including renal allografts with various degrees of acute cellular rejection (ACR) were scanned for whole slide images (WSIs). Inflammation was quantitated in the WSIs using pathologist visual assessment, commercial algorithms (Aperio nuclear algorithm for CD3+ cells/mm 2 and Aperio positive pixel count algorithm), and customized open source algorithms developed in ImageJ with thresholding/positive pixel counting (custom CD3+%) and identification of pixels fulfilling "maxima" criteria for CD3 expression (custom CD3+ cells/mm 2 ). Based on visual inspections of "markup" images, CD3 quantitation algorithms produced adequate accuracy. Additionally, CD3 quantitation algorithms correlated between each other and also with visual assessment in a statistically significant manner (r = 0.44 to 0.94, p = 0.003 to < 0.0001). Methods for assessing inflammation suggested a progression through the tubulointerstitial ACR grades, with statistically different results in borderline versus other ACR types, in all but the custom methods. Assessment of CD3-stained slides using various open source image analysis algorithms presents salient correlations with established methods of CD3 quantitation. These analysis techniques are promising and highly customizable, providing a form of on-slide "flow cytometry" that can facilitate additional diagnostic accuracy in tissue-based assessments.

  15. The role of sympathetic nervous system in the progression of chronic kidney disease in the era of catheter based sympathetic renal denervation.

    PubMed

    Petras, Dimitrios; Koutroutsos, Konstantinos; Kordalis, Athanasios; Tsioufis, Costas; Stefanadis, Christodoulos

    2013-08-01

    The kidney has been shown to be critically involved as both trigger and target of sympathetic nervous system overactivity in both experimental and clinical studies. Renal injury and ischemia, activation of renin angiotensin system and dysfunction of nitric oxide system have been implicated in adrenergic activation from kidney. Conversely, several lines of evidence suggest that sympathetic overactivity, through functional and morphological alterations in renal physiology and structure, may contribute to kidney injury and chronic kidney disease progression. Pharmacologic modulation of sympathetic nervous system activity has been found to have a blood pressure independent renoprotective effect. The inadequate normalization of sympathoexcitation by pharmacologic treatment asks for novel treatment options. Catheter based renal denervation targets selectively both efferent and afferent renal nerves and functionally denervates the kidney providing blood pressure reduction in clinical trials and renoprotection in experimental models by ameliorating the effects of excessive renal sympathetic drive. This review will focus on the role of sympathetic overactivity in the pathogenesis of kidney injury and CKD progression and will speculate on the effect of renal denervation to these conditions.

  16. Renal lesions associated with plasma cell dyscrasias: practical approach to diagnosis, new concepts, and challenges.

    PubMed

    Herrera, Guillermo A

    2009-02-01

    Patients with plasma cell dyscrasias (myeloma) may exhibit a variety of renal manifestations as a result of damage from circulating light- and heavy-chain immunoglobulin components produced by the neoplastic plasma cells. The renal alterations can occur in any of the renal compartments, and in a significant number of the cases more than one compartment is affected. Research in the laboratory has helped considerably in providing a solid conceptual understanding of how renal damage occurs. To detail advances that have been made in the diagnosis of these conditions and to provide an account of research accomplishments that have solidified diagnostic criteria. The new knowledge that has been acquired serves to provide a solid platform for the future design of new therapeutic interventions aimed at ameliorating or abolishing the progressive renal damage that typically takes place. Translational efforts have substantially contributed to elucidate mechanistically the molecular events responsible for the renal damage. The spectrum of renal manifestations associated with plasma cell dyscrasias has expanded significantly in the last 10 years. Diagnostic criteria have also been refined. This information has been summarized from work done at several institutions. A number of significant challenges remain in the diagnosis of these conditions, some of which will be discussed in this article. Dealing with these challenges will require additional translational efforts and close cooperation between basic researchers, clinicians, and pathologists in order to improve the diagnostic tools available to renal pathologists and to acquire a more complete understanding of clinical and pathologic manifestations associated with these conditions.

  17. Adrenocorticotropic hormone ameliorates acute kidney injury by steroidogenic-dependent and -independent mechanisms

    PubMed Central

    Si, Jin; Ge, Yan; Zhuang, Shougang; Juan Wang, Li; Chen, Shan; Gong, Rujun

    2013-01-01

    Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has a renoprotective effect in chronic kidney disease; however, its effect on acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. In a rat model of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–induced AKI, we found that ACTH gel prevented kidney injury, corrected acute renal dysfunction, and improved survival. Morphologically, ACTH gel ameliorated TNF-induced acute tubular necrosis, associated with a reduction in tubular apoptosis. While the steroidogenic response to ACTH gel plateaued, the kidney-protective effect continued to increase at even higher doses, suggesting steroid-independent mechanisms. Of note, ACTH also acts as a key agonist of the melanocortin system, with its cognate melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) abundantly expressed in renal tubules. In TNF-injured tubular epithelial cells in vitro, ACTH reinstated cellular viability and eliminated apoptosis. This beneficial effect was blunted in MC1R-silenced cells, suggesting that this receptor mediates the anti-apoptotic signaling of ACTH. Moreover, ACTH gel protected mice against cecal ligation puncture–induced septic AKI better than α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone: a protein equal in biological activity to ACTH except for steroidogenesis. Thus, ACTH has additive renoprotective actions achieved by both steroid-dependent mechanisms and MC1R-directed anti-apoptosis. ACTH may represent a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent or treat AKI. PMID:23325074

  18. Immature Renal Dendritic Cells Recruit Regulatory CXCR6+ Invariant Natural Killer T Cells to Attenuate Crescentic GN

    PubMed Central

    Riedel, Jan-Hendrik; Paust, Hans-Joachim; Turner, Jan-Eric; Tittel, André P.; Krebs, Christian; Disteldorf, Erik; Wegscheid, Claudia; Tiegs, Gisa; Velden, Joachim; Mittrücker, Hans-Willi; Garbi, Natalio; Stahl, Rolf A.K.; Steinmetz, Oliver M.; Kurts, Christian

    2012-01-01

    Immature renal dendritic cells (DCs) are protective early in murine crescentic GN, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are unknown. Here, depletion of DCs reduced the recruitment of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which attenuate GN, into the kidney in the early stage of experimental crescentic GN. More than 90% of renal iNKT cells expressed the chemokine receptor CXCR6, and renal DCs produced high amounts of the cognate ligand CXCL16 early after induction of nephritis, suggesting that renal DC-derived CXCL16 might attract protective CXCR6+ iNKT cells. Consistent with this finding, CXCR6-deficient mice exhibited less iNKT cell recruitment and developed nephritis that was more severe, similar to the aggravated nephritis observed in mice depleted of immature DCs. Finally, adoptive transfer of CXCR6-competent NKT cells ameliorated nephritis. Taken together, these results suggest an immunoprotective mechanism involving immature DCs, CXCL16, CXCR6, and regulatory iNKT cells, which might stimulate the development of new therapeutic strategies for GN. PMID:23138484

  19. Immature renal dendritic cells recruit regulatory CXCR6(+) invariant natural killer T cells to attenuate crescentic GN.

    PubMed

    Riedel, Jan-Hendrik; Paust, Hans-Joachim; Turner, Jan-Eric; Tittel, André P; Krebs, Christian; Disteldorf, Erik; Wegscheid, Claudia; Tiegs, Gisa; Velden, Joachim; Mittrücker, Hans-Willi; Garbi, Natalio; Stahl, Rolf A K; Steinmetz, Oliver M; Kurts, Christian; Panzer, Ulf

    2012-12-01

    Immature renal dendritic cells (DCs) are protective early in murine crescentic GN, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are unknown. Here, depletion of DCs reduced the recruitment of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, which attenuate GN, into the kidney in the early stage of experimental crescentic GN. More than 90% of renal iNKT cells expressed the chemokine receptor CXCR6, and renal DCs produced high amounts of the cognate ligand CXCL16 early after induction of nephritis, suggesting that renal DC-derived CXCL16 might attract protective CXCR6(+) iNKT cells. Consistent with this finding, CXCR6-deficient mice exhibited less iNKT cell recruitment and developed nephritis that was more severe, similar to the aggravated nephritis observed in mice depleted of immature DCs. Finally, adoptive transfer of CXCR6-competent NKT cells ameliorated nephritis. Taken together, these results suggest an immunoprotective mechanism involving immature DCs, CXCL16, CXCR6, and regulatory iNKT cells, which might stimulate the development of new therapeutic strategies for GN.

  20. Kindlin-2 regulates renal tubular cell plasticity by activation of Ras and its downstream signaling.

    PubMed

    Wei, Xiaofan; Wang, Xiang; Xia, Yang; Tang, Yan; Li, Feng; Fang, Weigang; Zhang, Hongquan

    2014-01-01

    Kindlin-2 is an adaptor protein that contributes to renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF). Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tubular epithelial cells was regarded as one of the key events in TIF. To determine whether kindlin-2 is involved in the EMT process, we investigated its regulation of EMT in human kidney tubular epithelial cells (TECs) and explored the underlying mechanism. In this study, we found that overexpression of kindlin-2 suppressed epithelial marker E-cadherin and increased the expression of fibronectin and the myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). Kindlin-2 significantly activated ERK1/2 and Akt, and inhibition of ERK1/2 or Akt reversed kindlin-2-induced EMT in human kidney TECs. Mechanistically, kindlin-2 interacted with Ras and son of sevenless (Sos)-1. Furthermore, overexpression of kindlin-2 increased Ras activation through recruiting Sos-1. Treatment with a Ras inhibitor markedly repressed kindlin-2-induced ERK1/2 and Akt activation, leading to restraint of EMT. We further demonstrated that knockdown of kindlin-2 inhibited EGF-induced Ras-Sos-1 interaction, resulting in reduction of Ras activation and suppression of EMT stimulated by EGF. Importantly, we found that depletion of kindlin-2 significantly inhibited activation of ERK1/2 and Akt signaling in mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction. We conclude that kindlin-2, through activating Ras and the downstream ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways, plays an important role in regulating renal tubular EMT and could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrotic kidney diseases.

  1. Renal protection by a soy diet in obese Zucker rats is associated with restoration of nitric oxide generation.

    PubMed

    Trujillo, Joyce; Ramírez, Victoria; Pérez, Jazmín; Torre-Villalvazo, Ivan; Torres, Nimbe; Tovar, Armando R; Muñoz, Rosa M; Uribe, Norma; Gamba, Gerardo; Bobadilla, Norma A

    2005-01-01

    The obese Zucker rat is a valuable model for studying kidney disease associated with obesity and diabetes. Previous studies have shown that substitution of animal protein with soy ameliorates the progression of renal disease. To explore the participation of nitric oxide (NO) and caveolin-1 in this protective effect, we evaluated proteinuria, creatinine clearance, renal structural lesions, nitrites and nitrates urinary excretion (UNO(2)(-)/NO(3)V), and mRNA and protein levels of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), endothelial NOS (eNOS), and caveolin-1 in lean and fatty Zucker rats fed with 20% casein or soy protein diet. After 160 days of feeding with casein, fatty Zucker rats developed renal insufficiency, progressive proteinuria, and renal structural lesions; these alterations were associated with an important fall of UNO(2)(-)/NO(3)V, changes in nNOS and eNOS mRNA levels, together with increased amount of eNOS and caveolin-1 present in plasma membrane proteins of the kidney. In fatty Zucker rats fed with soy, we observed that soy diet improved renal function, UNO(2)(-)/NO(3)V, and proteinuria and reduced glomerulosclerosis, tubular dilation, intersticial fibrosis, and extracapilar proliferation. Renal protection was associated with reduction of caveolin-1 and eNOS in renal plasma membrane proteins. In conclusion, our results suggest that renal protective effect of soy protein appears to be mediated by improvement of NO generation and pointed out to caveolin-1 overexpression as a potential pathophysiological mechanism in renal disease.

  2. Low-dose hydralazine prevents fibrosis in a murine model of acute kidney injury-to-chronic kidney disease progression.

    PubMed

    Tampe, Björn; Steinle, Ulrike; Tampe, Désirée; Carstens, Julienne L; Korsten, Peter; Zeisberg, Elisabeth M; Müller, Gerhard A; Kalluri, Raghu; Zeisberg, Michael

    2017-01-01

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) and progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) are intrinsically tied syndromes. In this regard, the acutely injured kidney often does not achieve its full regenerative capacity and AKI directly transitions into progressive CKD associated with tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Underlying mechanisms of such AKI-to-CKD progression are still incompletely understood and specific therapeutic interventions are still elusive. Because epigenetic modifications play a role in maintaining tissue fibrosis, we used a murine model of ischemia-reperfusion injury to determine whether aberrant promoter methylation of RASAL1 contributes causally to the switch between physiological regeneration and tubulointerstitial fibrogenesis, a hallmark of AKI-to-CKD progression. It is known that the antihypertensive drug hydralazine has demethylating activity, and that its optimum demethylating activity occurs at concentrations below blood pressure-lowering doses. Administration of low-dose hydralazine effectively induced expression of hydroxylase TET3, which catalyzed RASAL1 hydroxymethylation and subsequent RASAL1 promoter demethylation. Hydralazine-induced CpG promoter demethylation subsequently attenuated renal fibrosis and preserved excretory renal function independent of its blood pressure-lowering effects. In comparison, RASAL1 demethylation and inhibition of tubulointerstitial fibrosis was not detected upon administration of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor Ramipril in this model. Thus, RASAL1 promoter methylation and subsequent transcriptional RASAL1 suppression plays a causal role in AKI-to-CKD progression. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. The P2X7 receptor antagonist, oxidized adenosine triphosphate, ameliorates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury by expansion of regulatory T cells.

    PubMed

    Koo, Tai Yeon; Lee, Jae-Ghi; Yan, Ji-Jing; Jang, Joon Young; Ju, Kyung Don; Han, Miyeun; Oh, Kook-Hwan; Ahn, Curie; Yang, Jaeseok

    2017-08-01

    Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) binds to purinergic receptors and, as a danger molecule, promotes inflammatory responses. Here we tested whether periodate-oxidized ATP (oATP), a P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) antagonist can attenuate renal ischemia-reperfusion injury and clarify the related cellular mechanisms. Treatment with oATP prior to ischemia-reperfusion injury decreased blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, the tubular injury score, and tubular epithelial cell apoptosis after injury. The infiltration of dendritic cells, neutrophils, macrophages, CD69 + CD4 + , and CD44 + CD4 + T cells was attenuated, but renal Foxp3 + CD4 + Treg infiltration was increased by oATP. The levels of IL-6 and CCL2 were reduced in the oATP group. Additionally, oATP treatment following injury improved renal function, decreased the infiltration of innate and adaptive effector cells, and increased the renal infiltration of Foxp3 + CD4 + Tregs. Post-ischemia-reperfusion injury oATP treatment increased tubular cell proliferation and reduced renal fibrosis. oATP treatment attenuated renal functional deterioration after ischemia-reperfusion injury in RAG-1 knockout mice; however, Treg depletion using PC61 abrogated the beneficial effects of oATP in wild-type mice. Furthermore, oATP treatment after transfer of Tregs from wild-type mice improved the beneficial effects of Tregs on ischemia-reperfusion injury, but treatment after transfer of Tregs from P2X7R knockout mice did not. Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury was also attenuated in P2X7R knockout mice. Experiments using bone marrow chimeras established that P2X7R expression on hematopoietic cells rather than non-hematopoietic cells, such as tubular epithelial cells, plays a major role in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Thus, oATP attenuated acute renal damage and facilitated renal recovery in ischemia-reperfusion injury by expansion of Tregs. Copyright © 2017 International Society of Nephrology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights

  4. Role of lipids in the progression of renal disease in systemic lupus erythematosus patients.

    PubMed

    Luzar, B; Ferluga, D

    2000-08-25

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease marked by immune-complex mediated lesions in small blood vessels of various organs, especially the kidneys, although other factors may also be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. This article focuses on the role of lipids in the progression of glomerular, vascular and tubulo-interstitial lesions in two patients with lupus nephritis associated with pronounced hyper- and dyslipidemia. The pathogenesis of progressive glomerulosclerosis in both patients appears to be multifactorial. In addition to immune complex mediated lupus glomerulonephritis, progressively active in the first patient, severe nephrotic-range persistent proteinuria, arterial hypertension associated with hyperfiltration and hyperperfusion injuries and, to a minor extent, hyper- and dyslipidemia were observed. Immunological and non-immunological factors were shown to contribute to the development of tubulo-interstitial lesions. In both patients, in addition to local immune deposits, prominent tubulo-interstitial lipid deposits were probably causally related to both hyperlipidemia and the increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier. Tubular lesions were highlighted by intracytoplasmic lipid droplets as well as small cleft-like spaces found to be impacted in the tubular lumina. They were seen to penetrate tubular epithelial cells and eventually lodge in the interstitium, surrounded by mononuclear cell infiltrates and foam cells. In both patients, hypertensive angiopathy and extraglomerular vascular immune deposits were demonstrated. In addition, in the second patient, arteriolar and small arterial hyaline was found at the age of 28 years to be full of lipids and calcium precipitates, suggesting a peripheral atherosclerosis-like process which never occurs as a natural age-related condition. In conclusion, all parts of the nephron may be involved in the pathogenetic process causally related or

  5. Chronic treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin exerts renoprotective effects beyond hematopoiesis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat.

    PubMed

    Toba, Hiroe; Sawai, Naoki; Morishita, Masayuki; Murata, Shoko; Yoshida, Mamiko; Nakashima, Kohei; Morita, Yosuke; Kobara, Miyuki; Nakata, Tetsuo

    2009-06-10

    Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), which has been used clinically for the management of renal anemia, is reported to exert pleiotropic beneficial properties against acute ischemic/reperfusion injury in various tissues. To investigate the hypothesis that chronic treatment with rHuEPO might ameliorate diabetic nephropathy beyond hematopoiesis, rHuEPO (150 U/kg, subcutaneously) was administered three times per week to the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 4 weeks. Streptozotocin (65 mg/kg, intravenously) significantly increased urinary protein excretion and collagen deposition in glomerular and tubulointerstitial areas in the kidney, which were attenuated by rHuEPO. rHuEPO normalized the levels of creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen of diabetic rats. RT-PCR analysis revealed that the expressions of mRNA for transforming growth factor-beta, osteopontin and adhesion molecules were enhanced in the diabetic rat kidney and that the overexpression of these molecules was suppressed by rHuEPO. rHuEPO exerted antioxidant properties by inhibiting renal activation and overexpression of NADPH oxidase. We found the activation of the Akt signaling pathway by the increased expression of phosphorylated Akt and GSK-3beta and a reduction of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cell death in renal tissue from rHuEPO-treated diabetic group. We also demonstrated that rHuEPO restored the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) content in the diabetic rat kidney. On the other hand, treatment with rHuEPO did not affect blood glucose level, blood pressure, or hematocrit in diabetic rats. These results suggest that chronic treatment with rHuEPO attenuated renal injury beyond hematopoiesis and regulated apoptosis and eNOS expression, which might be due to the activation of Akt pathway.

  6. Pharmacological inhibition of Src kinase protects against acute kidney injury in a murine model of renal ischemia/reperfusion

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Xiaoxu; Liu, Lirong; Masucci, Monica V.; Tang, Jinhua; Li, Xuezhu; Liu, Na; Bayliss, George; Zhao, Ting C.; Zhuang, Shougang

    2017-01-01

    Activation of Src kinase has been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute brain, liver, and lung injury. However, the role of Src in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unestablished. To address this, we evaluated the effects of Src inhibition on renal dysfunction and pathological changes in a murine model of AKI induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). I/R injury to the kidney resulted in increased Src phosphorylation at tyrosine 416 (activation). Administration of PP1, a highly selective Src inhibitor, blocked Src phosphorylation, improved renal function and ameliorated renal pathological damage. PP1 treatment also suppressed renal expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and reduced apoptosis in the injured kidney. Moreover, Src inhibition prevented downregulation of several adherens and tight junction proteins, including E-cadherin, ZO-1, and claudins-1/−4 in the kidney after I/R injury as well as in cultured renal proximal tubular cells following oxidative stress. Finally, PP1 inhibited I/R–induced renal expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9, phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinases1/2, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3, and nuclear factor-κB, and the infiltration of macrophages into the kidney. These data indicate that Src is a pivotal mediator of renal epithelial injury and that its inhibition may have a therapeutic potential to treat AKI. PMID:28415724

  7. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors including exosomes

    PubMed Central

    Nagaishi, Kanna; Mizue, Yuka; Chikenji, Takako; Otani, Miho; Nakano, Masako; Konari, Naoto; Fujimiya, Mineko

    2016-01-01

    Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have contributed to the improvement of diabetic nephropathy (DN); however, the actual mediator of this effect and its role has not been characterized thoroughly. We investigated the effects of MSC therapy on DN, focusing on the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors, including exosomes secreted by MSCs. MSCs and MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) as renal trophic factors were administered in parallel to high-fat diet (HFD)-induced type 2 diabetic mice and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced insulin-deficient diabetic mice. Both therapies showed approximately equivalent curative effects, as each inhibited the exacerbation of albuminuria. They also suppressed the excessive infiltration of BMDCs into the kidney by regulating the expression of the adhesion molecule ICAM-1. Proinflammatory cytokine expression (e.g., TNF-α) and fibrosis in tubular interstitium were inhibited. TGF-β1 expression was down-regulated and tight junction protein expression (e.g., ZO-1) was maintained, which sequentially suppressed the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Exosomes purified from MSC-CM exerted an anti-apoptotic effect and protected tight junction structure in TECs. The increase of glomerular mesangium substrate was inhibited in HFD-diabetic mice. MSC therapy is a promising tool to prevent DN via the paracrine effect of renal trophic factors including exosomes due to its multifactorial action. PMID:27721418

  8. Renal injury in Seipin-deficient lipodystrophic mice and its reversal by adipose tissue transplantation or leptin administration alone: adipose tissue-kidney crosstalk.

    PubMed

    Liu, Xue-Jing; Wu, Xiao-Yue; Wang, Huan; Wang, Su-Xia; Kong, Wei; Zhang, Ling; Liu, George; Huang, Wei

    2018-05-08

    Seipin deficiency is responsible for type 2 congenital generalized lipodystrophy with severe loss of adipose tissue (AT) and could lead to renal failure in humans. However, the effect of Seipin on renal function is poorly understood. Here we report that Seipin knockout (SKO) mice exhibited impaired renal function, enlarged glomerular and mesangial surface areas, renal depositions of lipid, and advanced glycation end products. Elevated glycosuria and increased electrolyte excretion were also detected. Relative renal gene expression in fatty acid oxidation and reabsorption pathways were impaired in SKO mice. Elevated glycosuria might be associated with reduced renal glucose transporter 2 levels. To improve renal function, AT transplantation or leptin administration alone was performed. Both treatments effectively ameliorated renal injury by improving all of the parameters that were measured in the kidney. The treatments also rescued insulin resistance and low plasma leptin levels in SKO mice. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that Seipin deficiency induces renal injury, which is closely related to glucolipotoxicity and impaired renal reabsorption in SKO mice, and is primarily caused by the loss of AT and especially the lack of leptin. AT transplantation and leptin administration are two effective treatments for renal injury in Seipin-deficient mice.-Liu, X.-J., Wu, X.-Y., Wang, H., Wang, S.-X., Kong, W., Zhang, L., Liu, G., Huang, W. Renal injury in Seipin-deficient lipodystrophic mice and its reversal by adipose tissue transplantation or leptin administration alone: adipose tissue-kidney crosstalk.

  9. Renal acidification responses to respiratory acid-base disorders.

    PubMed

    Madias, Nicolaos E

    2010-01-01

    Respiratory acid-base disorders are those abnormalities in acid-base equilibrium that are expressed as primary changes in the arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2). An increase in PaCO2 (hypercapnia) acidifies body fluids and initiates the acid-base disturbance known as respiratory acidosis. By contrast, a decrease in PaCO2 (hypocapnia) alkalinizes body fluids and initiates the acid-base disturbance known as respiratory alkalosis. The impact on systemic acidity of these primary changes in PaCO2 is ameliorated by secondary, directional changes in plasma [HCO3¯] that occur in 2 stages. Acutely, hypercapnia or hypocapnia yields relatively small changes in plasma [HCO3¯] that originate virtually exclusively from titration of the body's nonbicarbonate buffers. During sustained hypercapnia or hypocapnia, much larger changes in plasma [HCO3¯] occur that reflect adjustments in renal acidification mechanisms. Consequently, the deviation of systemic acidity from normal is smaller in the chronic forms of these disorders. Here we provide an overview of the renal acidification responses to respiratory acid-base disorders. We also identify gaps in knowledge that require further research.

  10. 6-Shogaol ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through anti-inflammatory, hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative activity in db/db mice.

    PubMed

    Xu, Yun; Bai, Liwei; Chen, Xuehui; Li, Yan; Qin, Yan; Meng, Xiangyu; Zhang, Qinggui

    2018-01-01

    The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been increasing worldwide and more than two thirds of the patients may develop diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the efficiency of existing approaches on DN progression is limited. 6-Shogaol (6-SG), a major dehydrated derivative of gingerols, possesses various biological properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the possible effects of 6-SG on DN in db/db mice and to investigate the mechanisms. We revealed that 6-SG reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, and systolic blood pressure. 6-SG decreased the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, urinary albumin content and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR), ameliorated the pathological injuries of kidneys, reduced the surface area of Bowman's capsule, Bowman's space, glomerular tuft, and decreased the expression of collagen IV and fibronectin in kidneys of db/db mice. The high levels of systemic and renal triglyceride and cholesterol were decreased by 6-SG. Moreover, 6-SG exhibited anti-inflammatory effects, as reflected by reduction of tumor necrosis factor ɑ (TNFɑ), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and IL-6 levels in circulation and kidneys, and decrease of NF-κB expression. Furthermore, 6-SG also inhibited oxidative stress and restored the expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in kidneys of db/db mice. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that 6-SG exhibits anti-diabetic and renal protective effects against DN, in which effect the anti-inflammatory, hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative activities may be involved. Overall, 6-SG could be a promising therapeutic treatment to ameliorate diabetes and the development of DN. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

  11. H2S improves renal fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic rats by ameliorating TGF-β1 expression.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan; Li, Lin; Zeng, Ou; Liu, Jun Mao; Yang, Jun

    2017-11-01

    Nephropathy develops in many patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). However, the specific mechanisms and therapies remain unclear. For this purpose we investigated the effects of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) on renal fibrosis in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats and its underlying mechanisms. Experimental rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (normal rats), DM group (diabetes rats), DM + NaHS group [diabetes rats treated with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS)], and NaHS group (normal rats treated with NaHS). The diabetic models were established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ. The NaHS-treated rats were injected with NaHS as an exogenous donor of H 2 S. At the same time, control group and DM group were administrated with equal doses of normal saline (NS). After eight weeks, the rats' urine samples were collected to measure the renal hydroxyproline content by basic hydrolysis method with a hydroxyproline detection kit. Collagen I and III content was detected by immunohistochemical method, and the pathology morphology of kidney was analyzed by Masson staining. Protein expressions of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), ERK1/2, TIMP1, TIMP2, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-11, and MMP-14 were assessed by western blotting. The results showed that significant fibrosis occurred in the kidney of diabetes rats. NaHS treatment downregulated TGF-β1, ERK1/2, TIMP1, TIMP2, MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-11, and MMP-14 expressions in the kidney of these diabetes rats (p<.01). This result suggests that NaHS treatment could attenuate renal fibrosis by TGF-β1 signaling, and its mechanisms may be correlated with ERK1/2 expression and modulation of MMPs/TIMPs expression. Therefore, H 2 S may provide a promising option for defensing against diabetic renal fibrosis through TGF-β1 signaling, equilibrating the balance between profibrotic and antifibrotic mediators.

  12. Ginger extract diminishes chronic fructose consumption-induced kidney injury through suppression of renal overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines in rats.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ming; Liu, Changjin; Jiang, Jian; Zuo, Guowei; Lin, Xuemei; Yamahara, Johji; Wang, Jianwei; Li, Yuhao

    2014-05-27

    The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Renal inflammation is well known to play an important role in the initiation and progression of tubulointerstitial injury of the kidneys. Ginger, one of the most commonly used spices and medicinal plants, has been demonstrated to improve diet-induced metabolic abnormalities. However, the efficacy of ginger on the metabolic syndrome-associated kidney injury remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ginger on fructose consumption-induced adverse effects in the kidneys. The fructose control rats were treated with 10% fructose in drinking water over 5 weeks. The fructose consumption in ginger-treated rats was adjusted to match that of fructose control group. The ethanolic extract of ginger was co-administered (once daily by oral gavage). The indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically, by ELISA and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR. In addition to improve hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, supplement with ginger extract (50 mg/kg) attenuated liquid fructose-induced kidney injury as characterized by focal cast formation, slough and dilation of tubular epithelial cells in the cortex of the kidneys in rats. Furthermore, ginger also diminished excessive renal interstitial collagen deposit. By Real-Time PCR, renal gene expression profiles revealed that ginger suppressed fructose-stimulated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and its receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-2. In accord, overexpression of two important macrophage accumulation markers CD68 and F4/80 was downregulated. Moreover, overexpressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor-beta1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were downregulated. Ginger treatment also restored the downregulated ratio of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to PAI-1. The present results

  13. Ginger extract diminishes chronic fructose consumption-induced kidney injury through suppression of renal overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines in rats

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of development and progression of chronic kidney disease. Renal inflammation is well known to play an important role in the initiation and progression of tubulointerstitial injury of the kidneys. Ginger, one of the most commonly used spices and medicinal plants, has been demonstrated to improve diet-induced metabolic abnormalities. However, the efficacy of ginger on the metabolic syndrome-associated kidney injury remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of ginger on fructose consumption-induced adverse effects in the kidneys. Methods The fructose control rats were treated with 10% fructose in drinking water over 5 weeks. The fructose consumption in ginger-treated rats was adjusted to match that of fructose control group. The ethanolic extract of ginger was co-administered (once daily by oral gavage). The indexes of lipid and glucose homeostasis were determined enzymatically, by ELISA and/or histologically. Gene expression was analyzed by Real-Time PCR. Results In addition to improve hyperinsulinemia and hypertriglyceridemia, supplement with ginger extract (50 mg/kg) attenuated liquid fructose-induced kidney injury as characterized by focal cast formation, slough and dilation of tubular epithelial cells in the cortex of the kidneys in rats. Furthermore, ginger also diminished excessive renal interstitial collagen deposit. By Real-Time PCR, renal gene expression profiles revealed that ginger suppressed fructose-stimulated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and its receptor chemokine (C-C motif) receptor-2. In accord, overexpression of two important macrophage accumulation markers CD68 and F4/80 was downregulated. Moreover, overexpressed tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, transforming growth factor-beta1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1 were downregulated. Ginger treatment also restored the downregulated ratio of urokinase-type plasminogen activator to PAI-1

  14. Naringin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting NADPH oxidase 4.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Junwei; Yang, Suxia; Li, Huicong; Chen, Fang; Shi, Jun

    2017-06-05

    Naringin, a naturally flavanone glycoside, has been previously demonstrated to alleviate diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction. However, the underlying mechanism of naringin in diabetic nephropathy (DN) has not been fully elucidated. Here, the beneficial effect of naringin on DN in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rats and high glucose (HG)-induced podocytes and its underlying mechanism were elaborated. The result revealed that naringin alleviated STZ-induced renal dysfunction and injury in DN rats, relieved STZ-induced oxidative stress in vivo and inhibited HG-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level i20n vitro. More importantly, naringin inhibited NOX4 expression at mRNA and protein levels in STZ-induced DN rats and HG-induced podocytes. Loss of function indicated that NADPH oxidases 4 (NOX4) down-regulation suppressed apoptosis and reactive oxygen species level in HG-treated podocytes. Take together, this study demonstrated that naringin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting NOX4, contributing to a better understanding of the progression of DN. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Erythropoietin-enhanced endothelial progenitor cell recruitment in peripheral blood and renal vessels during experimental acute kidney injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Cakiroglu, Figen; Enders-Comberg, Sora Maria; Pagel, Horst; Rohwedel, Jürgen; Lehnert, Hendrik; Kramer, Jan

    2016-03-01

    Beneficial effects of erythropoietin (EPO) have been reported in acute kidney injury (AKI) when administered prior to induction of AKI. We studied the effects of EPO administration on renal function shortly after ischemic AKI. For this purpose, rats were subjected to renal ischemia for 30 min and EPO was administered at a concentration of 500 U/kg either i.v. as a single shot directly after ischemia or with an additional i.p. dose until 3 days after surgery. The results were compared with AKI rats without EPO application and a sham-operated group. Renal function was assessed by measurement of serum biochemical markers, histological grading, and using an isolated perfused kidney (IPK) model. Furthermore, we performed flow cytometry to analyze the concentration of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood and renal vessels. Following EPO application, there was only a statistically non-significant tendency of serum creatinine and urea to improve, particularly after daily EPO application. Renal vascular resistance and the renal perfusion rate were not significantly altered. In the histological analysis, acute tubular necrosis was only marginally ameliorated following EPO administration. In summary, we could not demonstrate a significant improvement in renal function when EPO was applied after AKI. Interestingly, however, EPO treatment resulted in a highly significant increase in CD133- and CD34-positive EPC both in the peripheral blood and renal vessels. © 2015 International Federation for Cell Biology.

  16. Antigen-specific immature dendritic cell vaccine ameliorates anti-dsDNA antibody-induced renal damage in a mouse model.

    PubMed

    Xia, Yumin; Jiang, Shan; Weng, Shenhong; Lv, Xiaochun; Cheng, Hong; Fang, Chunhong

    2011-12-01

    Dendritic cells (DCs) can inhibit immune response by clonal anergy when immature. Recent studies have shown that immature DCs (iDCs) may serve as a live cell vaccine after specific antigen pulse based on its potential of blocking antibody production. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of nuclear antigen-pulsed iDCs in the treatment of lupus-like renal damages induced by anti-dsDNA antibodies. iDCs were generated from haemopoietic stem cells in bone marrow and then pulsed in vitro with nuclear antigen. The iDC vaccine and corresponding controls were injected into mice with lupus-like renal damages. The evaluation of disease was monitored by biochemical parameters and histological scores. Anti-dsDNA antibody isotypes and T-lymphocyte-produced cytokines were analysed for elucidating therapeutic mechanisms. RESULTS; The mice treated with antigen-pulsed iDCs had a sustained remission of renal damage compared with those injected with non-pulsed iDCs or other controls, including decreased anti-dsDNA antibody level, less proteinuria, lower blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine values, and improved histological evaluation. Analysis on isotypes of anti-dsDNA antibody showed that iDC vaccine preferentially inhibited the production of IgG3, IgG2b and IgG2a. Furthermore, administration of antigen-treated iDCs to mice resulted in significantly reduced IL-2, IL-4 and IL-12 and IFN-γ produced by T-memory cells. Conversely, the vaccination of antigen-pulsed mature DCs led to increased anti-dsDNA antibody production and an aggravation of lupus-like disease in the model. CONCLUSIONS; These results suggested the high potency of iDC vaccine in preventing lupus-like renal injuries induced by pathogenic autoantibodies.

  17. Ameliorative effect of naringin in acetaminophen-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in laboratory rats: role of FXR and KIM-1.

    PubMed

    Adil, Mohammad; Kandhare, Amit D; Ghosh, Pinaki; Venkata, Shivakumar; Raygude, Kiran S; Bodhankar, Subhash L

    2016-07-01

    Acetaminophen (APAP) is an analgesic and antipyretic agent commonly known agent to cause hepatic and renal toxicity at a higher dose. Naringin, a bioflavonoid possesses multiple pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-hyperlipidemic activity. To evaluate the effect of naringin against the APAP-induced hepatic and renal toxicity. Male Wistar albino rats (180-220 g) were divided into various groups, and toxicity was induced by APAP (700 mg/kg, p.o., 14 days). Naringin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) or Silymarin (25 mg/kg) was administered to rats 2 h before APAP oral administration. Various biochemical, molecular and histopathological parameter were accessed in hepatic and renal tissue. Naringin pretreatment significantly decreased (p < 0.05) serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol and triglycerides as compared with APAP control rats. Decreased level of serum albumin, uric acid, and high-density lipoprotein were also significantly restored (p < 0.05) by naringin pretreatment. It also significantly restores (p < 0.05) the altered level of superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in hepatic and renal tissue. Moreover, altered mRNA expression of hepatic farnesoid X receptor and renal injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were significantly restored (p < 0.05) by naringin treatment. Naringin treatment also reduced histological alteration induced by APAP in the liver and kidney. Naringin exerts its hepato- and nephroprotective effect via modulation of oxido-nitrosative stress, FXR and KIM-1 mRNA expression.

  18. Chronic treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide in spontaneously hypertensive rats: beneficial renal effects and sex differences.

    PubMed

    Romero, Mariana; Caniffi, Carolina; Bouchet, Gonzalo; Costa, María A; Elesgaray, Rosana; Arranz, Cristina; Tomat, Analía L

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on renal function, nitric oxide (NO) system, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as sex-related differences in the response to the treatment. 10 week-old male and female SHR were infused with ANP (100 ng/h/rat) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) for 14 days (subcutaneous osmotic pumps). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded and diuresis and natriuresis were determined. After treatment, renal NO synthase (NOS) activity and eNOS expression were evaluated. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in the kidney. Collagen was identified in renal slices by Sirius red staining and apoptosis by Tunel assay. Female SHR showed lower SBP, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidney, and higher renal NOS activity and eNOS protein content, than males. ANP lowered SBP, increased diuresis, natriuresis, renal NOS activity and eNOS expression in both sexes. Renal response to ANP was more marked in females than in males. In kidney, ANP reduced TBARS, renal collagen content and apoptosis, and increased glutathione concentration and activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in both sexes. Female SHR exhibited less organ damage than males. Chronic ANP treatment would ameliorate hypertension and end-organ damage in the kidney by reducing oxidative stress, increasing NO-system activity, and diminishing collagen content and apoptosis, in both sexes.

  19. Chronic Treatment with Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats: Beneficial Renal Effects and Sex Differences

    PubMed Central

    Romero, Mariana; Caniffi, Carolina; Bouchet, Gonzalo; Costa, María A.; Elesgaray, Rosana; Arranz, Cristina; Tomat, Analía L.

    2015-01-01

    Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic treatment with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) on renal function, nitric oxide (NO) system, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), as well as sex-related differences in the response to the treatment. Methods 10 week-old male and female SHR were infused with ANP (100 ng/h/rat) or saline (NaCl 0.9%) for 14 days (subcutaneous osmotic pumps). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was recorded and diuresis and natriuresis were determined. After treatment, renal NO synthase (NOS) activity and eNOS expression were evaluated. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in the kidney. Collagen was identified in renal slices by Sirius red staining and apoptosis by Tunel assay. Results Female SHR showed lower SBP, oxidative stress, collagen content and apoptosis in kidney, and higher renal NOS activity and eNOS protein content, than males. ANP lowered SBP, increased diuresis, natriuresis, renal NOS activity and eNOS expression in both sexes. Renal response to ANP was more marked in females than in males. In kidney, ANP reduced TBARS, renal collagen content and apoptosis, and increased glutathione concentration and activity of GPx and SOD enzymes in both sexes. Conclusions Female SHR exhibited less organ damage than males. Chronic ANP treatment would ameliorate hypertension and end-organ damage in the kidney by reducing oxidative stress, increasing NO-system activity, and diminishing collagen content and apoptosis, in both sexes. PMID:25774801

  20. Stem cells and their role in renal ischaemia reperfusion injury.

    PubMed

    Bagul, Atul; Frost, Jodie H; Drage, Martin

    2013-01-01

    Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) remains one of the leading causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). IRI is an underlying multifactorial pathophysiological process which affects the outcome in both native and transplanted patients. The high morbidity and mortality associated with IRI/AKI and disappointing results from current available clinical therapeutic approaches prompt further research. Stem cells (SC) are undifferentiated cells that can undergo both renewal and differentiation into one or more cell types which can possibly ameliorate IRI. To carry out a detailed literature analysis and construct a comprehensive literature review addressing the role of SC in AKI secondary to IRI. Evidence favouring the role of SC in renal IRI and evidence showing no benefits of SC in renal IRI are the two main aspects to be studied. The search strategy was based on an extensive search addressing MESH terms and free text terms. The majority of studies in the field of renal IRI and stem cell therapy show substantial benefits. Studies were mostly conducted in small animal models, thus underscoring the need for further pre-clinical studies in larger animal models, and results should be taken with caution. SC therapy may be promising though controversy exists in the exact mechanism. Thorough scientific exploration is required to assess mechanism, safety profile, reproducibility and methods to monitor administered SC. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. Use of Alendronate Sodium (Fosamax) to Ameliorate Osteoporosis in Renal Transplant Patients: A Case-Control Study

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Wen-Hung; Lee, Shen-Yang; Weng, Cheng-Hao; Lai, Ping-Chin

    2012-01-01

    Background Renal transplant patients often have severe bone and mineral deficiencies. While the clinical effects of immunosuppressive agents like calcineurin inhibitors (CIs) and sirolimus on bone turnover are unclear, bisphosphonates are effective in bone recovery in these patients. Gender is significantly associated with osteoporosis and affects bone turnover, which is different in women and men. The effective gender-related site of action of bisphosphonates is unknown. Methods Initially, we enrolled 84 kidney recipients who had received their transplants at least 5 months ago; of these, 8 were excluded and 76 were finally included in the study. First bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine, hip, and femoral neck was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) between September 2008 and March 2009. These 76 patients underwent a repeat procedure after a mean period 14 months. Immunosuppressive agents, bisphosphonates, patients' characteristics, and biochemical factors were analyzed on the basis of the BMD determined using DXA. Results After the 14-month period, the BMD of lumbar spine increased significantly (from 0.9 g/cm2 to 0.92 g/cm2, p<0.001), whereas that of the hip and femoral neck did not. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to show that Fosamax improved bone condition, as defined by WHO (p = 0.007). The use of immunosuppressive agents did not affect bone turnover (p>0.05). Moreover, in subgroup analysis, Fosamax increased the BMD at the lumbar spine and the hipbone in males (p = 0.028 and 0.03, respectively) but only at the lumbar spine in females (p = 0.022). Conclusion After a long periods after renal transplantation, the detrimental effects of steroid and immunosuppressive agents on bone condition diminished. Short-term Fosamax administration effectively improves BMD in these patients. The efficacy of Fosamax differed between male and female renal transplant patients. PMID:23185261

  2. Ambulatory blood pressure and tubulointerstitial injury in patients with IgA nephropathy

    PubMed Central

    Haruhara, Kotaro; Tsuboi, Nobuo; Koike, Kentaro; Kanzaki, Go; Okabayashi, Yusuke; Miyazaki, Yoichi; Kawamura, Tetsuya; Ogura, Makoto; Yokoo, Takashi

    2015-01-01

    Background Few studies have been conducted to assess the ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients. This study aimed to determine the relationships between ABP and renal histopathological findings assessed using the Oxford classification (OC) and the Japanese classification (JC), which have recently established histopathological criteria for IgAN. Methods This cross-sectional study included biopsy-diagnosed IgAN patients, in whom both a renal biopsy and ABP measurement were performed. The histopathological findings were assessed using the OC and the JC and were analyzed in relation to the ABP. Results A total of 111 IgAN patients were included. The score of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (T score) using the OC was a significantly associated factor with both the daytime and nighttime ABP values. In contrast, the other histopathological scores, including mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity and segmental glomerulosclerosis, did not show significant associations with the ABP. The histological grade (H-grade) using the JC, which was based on the sum of injured glomeruli, was associated with the daytime ABP, but not with the nighttime ABP. The associations between the T score using the OC (%) and the daytime and nighttime ABP values were independent of age, gender, renal function, proteinuria and the use of antihypertensive medications, whereas the H-grade using the JC (%) did not show significant associations after adjusting for these clinical parameters. Conclusions These results suggest that the T score using the OC is the most relevant renal histopathological parameter associated with abnormalities of circadian blood pressure in IgAN patients. PMID:26613030

  3. Ambulatory blood pressure and tubulointerstitial injury in patients with IgA nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Haruhara, Kotaro; Tsuboi, Nobuo; Koike, Kentaro; Kanzaki, Go; Okabayashi, Yusuke; Miyazaki, Yoichi; Kawamura, Tetsuya; Ogura, Makoto; Yokoo, Takashi

    2015-12-01

    Few studies have been conducted to assess the ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) in IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients. This study aimed to determine the relationships between ABP and renal histopathological findings assessed using the Oxford classification (OC) and the Japanese classification (JC), which have recently established histopathological criteria for IgAN. This cross-sectional study included biopsy-diagnosed IgAN patients, in whom both a renal biopsy and ABP measurement were performed. The histopathological findings were assessed using the OC and the JC and were analyzed in relation to the ABP. A total of 111 IgAN patients were included. The score of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (T score) using the OC was a significantly associated factor with both the daytime and nighttime ABP values. In contrast, the other histopathological scores, including mesangial hypercellularity, endocapillary hypercellularity and segmental glomerulosclerosis, did not show significant associations with the ABP. The histological grade (H-grade) using the JC, which was based on the sum of injured glomeruli, was associated with the daytime ABP, but not with the nighttime ABP. The associations between the T score using the OC (%) and the daytime and nighttime ABP values were independent of age, gender, renal function, proteinuria and the use of antihypertensive medications, whereas the H-grade using the JC (%) did not show significant associations after adjusting for these clinical parameters. These results suggest that the T score using the OC is the most relevant renal histopathological parameter associated with abnormalities of circadian blood pressure in IgAN patients.

  4. Endothelial bioreactor system ameliorates multiple organ dysfunction in septic rats.

    PubMed

    Ma, Shuai; Lin, Yuli; Deng, Bo; Zheng, Yin; Hao, Chuanming; He, Rui; Ding, Feng

    2016-12-01

    The endothelium is a potentially valuable target for sepsis therapy. We have previously studied an extracorporeal endothelial cell therapy system, called the endothelial bioreactor (EBR), which prolonged the survival time of endotoxemia sepsis in swine. To further study of the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms, we established a miniature EBR system for septic rats induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). In the miniature EBR system, the extracorporeal circulation first passed through a mini-hemofilter, and the ultrafiltrate (UF) was separated, then the UF passed through an EBR (a 1-mL cartridge containing approximately 2 × 10(6) endothelial cells grown on microcarriers) and interact with endothelial cells. Eighteen hours after CLP, the rats were treated for 4 h with this extracorporeal system containing either endothelial cells (EBR group) or no cells (sham EBR group). Physiologic and biochemical parameters, cytokines, endothelial functions, and 7-day survival time were monitored. In vitro, the pulmonary endothelial cells of the septic rats were treated with the EBR system and the resulting changes in their functions were monitored. The EBR system ameliorated CLP-induced sepsis compared with the sham EBR system. After CLP, the 7-day survival rate of sham-treated rats was only 25.0 %, while in the EBR-treated group, it increased to 57.1 % (p = 0.04). The EBR system protected the liver and renal function and ameliorated the kidney and lung injury. Meanwhile, this therapy reduced pulmonary vascular leakage and alleviated the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lungs, especially neutrophils. Furthermore, after the EBR treatment both in vivo and in vitro, the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the secretion of CXCL1 and CXCL2 of pulmonary endothelium decreased, which helped to alleviate the adhesion and chemotaxis of neutrophils. In addition, the EBR system decreased CD11b expression and intracellular free calcium level

  5. Intake of water with high levels of dissolved hydrogen (H2) suppresses ischemia-induced cardio-renal injury in Dahl salt-sensitive rats.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Wan-Jun; Nakayama, Masaaki; Mori, Takefumi; Nakayama, Keisuke; Katoh, Junichiro; Murata, Yaeko; Sato, Toshinobu; Kabayama, Shigeru; Ito, Sadayoshi

    2011-07-01

    Hydrogen (H(2)) reportedly produces an antioxidative effect by quenching cytotoxic oxygen radicals. We studied the biological effects of water with dissolved H(2) on ischemia-induced cardio-renal injury in a rat model of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dahl salt-sensitive rats (7 weeks old) were allowed ad libitum drinking of filtered water (FW: dissolved H(2), 0.00 ± 0.00 mg/L) or water with dissolved H(2) produced by electrolysis (EW: dissolved H(2), 0.35 ± 0.03 mg/L) for up to 6 weeks on a 0.5% salt diet. The rats then underwent ischemic reperfusion (I/R) of one kidney and were killed a week later for investigation of the contralateral kidney and the heart. In the rats given FW, unilateral kidney I/R induced significant increases in plasma monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, methylglyoxal and blood urea nitrogen. Histologically, significant increases were found in glomerular adhesion, cardiac fibrosis, number of ED-1 (CD68)-positive cells and nitrotyrosine staining in the contralateral kidney and the heart. In rats given EW, those findings were significantly ameliorated and there were significant histological differences between rats given FW and those given EW. Consumption of EW by ad libitum drinking has the potential to ameliorate ischemia-induced cardio-renal injury in CKD model rats. This indicates a novel strategy of applying H(2) produced by water electrolysis technology for the prevention of CKD cardio-renal syndrome.

  6. Preclinical Evidence for the Efficacy of Ischemic Postconditioning against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

    PubMed Central

    Jonker, Simone J.; Menting, Theo P.; Warlé, Michiel C.; Ritskes-Hoitinga, Merel; Wever, Kimberley E.

    2016-01-01

    Background Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of kidney damage after e.g. renal surgery and transplantation. Ischemic postconditioning (IPoC) is a promising treatment strategy for renal IRI, but early clinical trials have not yet replicated the promising results found in animal studies. Method We present a systematic review, quality assessment and meta-analysis of the preclinical evidence for renal IPoC, and identify factors which modify its efficacy. Results We identified 39 publications studying >250 control animals undergoing renal IRI only and >290 animals undergoing renal IRI and IPoC. Healthy, male rats undergoing warm ischemia were used in the vast majority of studies. Four studies applied remote IPoC, all others used local IPoC. Meta-analysis showed that both local and remote IPoC ameliorated renal damage after IRI for the outcome measures serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and renal histology. Subgroup analysis indicated that IPoC efficacy increased with the duration of index ischemia. Measures to reduce bias were insufficiently reported. Conclusion High efficacy of IPoC is observed in animal models, but factors pertaining to the internal and external validity of these studies may hamper the translation of IPoC to the clinical setting. The external validity of future animal studies should be increased by including females, comorbid animals, and transplantation models, in order to better inform clinical trial design. The severity of renal damage should be taken into account in the design and analysis of future clinical trials. PMID:26963819

  7. Intra-tubular hydrodynamic forces influence tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in the kidney

    PubMed Central

    Rohatgi, Rajeev; Flores, Daniel

    2010-01-01

    Purpose of review Renal epithelial cells respond to mechanical stimuli with immediate transduction events (e.g., activation of ion channels), intermediate biological responses (e.g., changes in gene expression), and long term cellular adaptation (e.g., protein expression). Progressive renal disease is characterized by disturbed glomerular hydrodynamics that contributes to glomerulosclerosis, but, how intra-tubular biomechanical forces contribute to tubulo-interstital inflammation and fibrosis is poorly understood. Recent findings In vivo and in vitro models of obstructive uropathy demonstrate that tubular stretch induces robust expression of transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1), activation of tubular apoptosis, and induction of NF-κB signaling which contribute to the inflammatory and fibrotic milieu. Non-obstructive structural kidney diseases associated with nephron loss follow a course characterized by compensatory increases of single nephron glomerular filtration rate and tubular flow rate. Resulting increases in tubular fluid shear stress (FSS) reduce tissue-plasminogen activator and urokinase enzymatic activity which diminishes breakdown of extracellular matrix. In models of high dietary Na intake, which increase tubular flow, urinary TGFβ-1 concentrations and renal mitogen activated protein kinase activity are increased. Summary In conclusion, intra-tubular biomechanical forces, stretch and FSS, generate changes in intracellular signaling and gene expression that contribute to the pathobiology of obstructive, and non-obstructive kidney disease. PMID:19851105

  8. Regression of albuminuria and hypertension and arrest of severe renal injury by a losartan-hydrochlorothiazide association in a model of very advanced nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Arias, Simone Costa Alarcon; Valente, Carla Perez; Machado, Flavia Gomes; Fanelli, Camilla; Origassa, Clarice Silvia Taemi; de Brito, Thales; Camara, Niels Olsen Saraiva; Malheiros, Denise Maria Avancini Costa; Zatz, Roberto; Fujihara, Clarice Kazue

    2013-01-01

    Treatments that effectively prevent chronic kidney disease (CKD) when initiated early often yield disappointing results when started at more advanced phases. We examined the long-term evolution of renal injury in the 5/6 nephrectomy model (Nx) and the effect of an association between an AT-1 receptor blocker, losartan (L), and hydrochlorothiazide (H), shown previously to be effective when started one month after Nx. Adult male Munich-Wistar rats underwent Nx, being divided into four groups: Nx+V, no treatment; Nx+L, receiving L monotherapy; Nx+LH, receiving the L+H association (LH), and Nx+AHHz, treated with the calcium channel blocker, amlodipine, the vascular relaxant, hydralazine, and H. This latter group served to assess the effect of lowering blood pressure (BP). Rats undergoing sham nephrectomy (S) were also studied. In a first protocol, treatments were initiated 60 days after Nx, when CKD is at a relatively early stage. In a second protocol, treatments were started 120 days after Nx, when glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis are already advanced. In both protocols, L treatment promoted only partial renoprotection, whereas LH brought BP, albuminuria, tubulointerstitial cell proliferation and plasma aldosterone below pretreatment levels, and completely detained progression of renal injury. Despite normalizing BP, the AHHz association failed to prevent renal damage, indicating that the renoprotective effect of LH was not due to a systemic hemodynamic action. These findings are inconsistent with the contention that thiazides are innocuous in advanced CKD. In Nx, LH promotes effective renoprotection even at advanced stages by mechanisms that may involve anti-inflammatory and intrarenal hemodynamic effects, but seem not to require BP normalization.

  9. Chemopreventive role of Coriandrum sativum against gentamicin-induced renal histopathological damage in rats.

    PubMed

    Lakhera, Abhijeet; Ganeshpurkar, Aditya; Bansal, Divya; Dubey, Nazneen

    2015-06-01

    Drug induced nephrotoxicity is one of the most common causes of renal failure. Gentamicin belongs to aminoglycosides, which elicit nephrotoxic potential. Natural antioxidants from plants demonstrate a number of biotherapeutic activities. Coriander is an important medicinal plant known for its hepatoprotective, diuretic, carminative, digestive and antihelminthic potential. This study was designed to investigate whether the extract of Coriandrum sativum ameliorates the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats. Dried coriander powder was coarsely grinded and subjected to defatting by petroleum ether and further with ethyl acetate. The extract was filtered and subjected to phytochemical and phytoanalytical studies. Acute toxicity in Wistar rats was determined by the OECD Guideline (423). Animals were divided into four groups. The first group served as positive control, while the second group was toxic control (gentamicin treated). The third and fourth group were treated with the extract (200 and 400 mg/kg gentamicin). After 8 days, the animals were sacrificed and biochemical and histopathological studies were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the extract demonstrated Coriandrum sativum to be rich in flavonoids, polyphenolics and alkaloids. Results of acute toxicity suggested the use of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for Coriandrum sativum in the study. Coriandrum sativum extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased creatinine levels in the animals, along with a decrease in serum urea and blood urea nitrogen. Treatment with Coriandrum sativum extract ameliorated renal histological lesions. It is concluded that Coriandrum sativum is a potential source of nephroprotective phytochemical activity, with flavonoids and polyphenols as the major components.

  10. Chemopreventive role of Coriandrum sativum against gentamicin-induced renal histopathological damage in rats

    PubMed Central

    Lakhera, Abhijeet; Bansal, Divya; Dubey, Nazneen

    2015-01-01

    Drug induced nephrotoxicity is one of the most common causes of renal failure. Gentamicin belongs to aminoglycosides, which elicit nephrotoxic potential. Natural antioxidants from plants demonstrate a number of biotherapeutic activities. Coriander is an important medicinal plant known for its hepatoprotective, diuretic, carminative, digestive and antihelminthic potential. This study was designed to investigate whether the extract of Coriandrum sativum ameliorates the nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in rats. Dried coriander powder was coarsely grinded and subjected to defatting by petroleum ether and further with ethyl acetate. The extract was filtered and subjected to phytochemical and phytoanalytical studies. Acute toxicity in Wistar rats was determined by the OECD Guideline (423). Animals were divided into four groups. The first group served as positive control, while the second group was toxic control (gentamicin treated). The third and fourth group were treated with the extract (200 and 400 mg/kg gentamicin). After 8 days, the animals were sacrificed and biochemical and histopathological studies were carried out. Phytochemical screening of the extract demonstrated Coriandrum sativum to be rich in flavonoids, polyphenolics and alkaloids. Results of acute toxicity suggested the use of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for Coriandrum sativum in the study. Coriandrum sativum extract at the dose of 400 mg/kg significantly (p<0.01) decreased creatinine levels in the animals, along with a decrease in serum urea and blood urea nitrogen. Treatment with Coriandrum sativum extract ameliorated renal histological lesions. It is concluded that Coriandrum sativum is a potential source of nephroprotective phytochemical activity, with flavonoids and polyphenols as the major components. PMID:27486367

  11. Antibody and complement reduce renal hemodynamic function in isolated perfused rat kidney.

    PubMed

    Jocks, T; Zahner, G; Helmchen, U; Kneissler, U; Stahl, R A

    1996-01-01

    To evaluate the effect of antibody and complement on renal hemodynamic changes, glomerular injury was induced in isolated perfused kidneys by an anti-thymocyte antibody (ATS) and rat serum (RS). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal vascular resistance (RVR), and renal perfusate flow (RPF) were assessed over an 80-min period. The possible role of thromboxane (Tx) was tested by the application of the Tx synthesis inhibitor UK-38485 and the Tx receptor blocker daltroban. Perfusion of kidneys with ATS and RS significantly reduced GFR at 10 min (control, 501 +/- 111; ATS + RS, 138 +/- 86 ml.g kidney-1.min-1, significance of F = 0.000) after RS. Similarly, RPF (ml.g kidney-1.min-1) fell from 19.2 +/- 1.8 to 6.1 +/- 2.0 (significance of F = 0.000), whereas RVR (mmHg.ml-1.g.min) increased threefold from 5.2 +/- 0.4 to 17.9 +/- 5.0 at 10 min. These changes were ameliorated by the pretreatment of the rats with daltroban and UK-38485. Addition of erythrocytes to the perfusate increased RVR and GFR, whereas RPF decreased compared with cell-free perfused kidneys. ATS and RS in this preparation also decrease GFR and RPF. The hemodynamic alterations appeared without changes in filtration fraction. Compared with untreated, perfused control kidneys, glomerular Tx formation was significantly increased in ATS and RS perfused kidneys. These data demonstrate that antibody and RS induce impairment of renal hemodynamics, which are mediated by increased Tx formation.

  12. Progenitor-like cells derived from mouse kidney protect against renal fibrosis in a remnant kidney model via decreased endothelial mesenchymal transition.

    PubMed

    Chen, C L; Chou, K J; Fang, H C; Hsu, C Y; Huang, W C; Huang, C W; Huang, C K; Chen, H Y; Lee, P T

    2015-12-02

    Pathophysiological changes associated with chronic kidney disease impair angiogenic processes and increase renal fibrosis. Progenitor-like cells derived from adult kidney have been previously used to promote regeneration in acute kidney injury, even though it remained unclear whether the cells could be beneficial in chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study, we established a CKD model by five-sixths nephrectomy and mouse kidney progenitor-like cells (MKPCs) were intravenously administered weekly for 5 weeks after establishing CKD. We examined the impact of MKPCs on the progression of renal fibrosis and the potential of MKPCs to preserve the angiogenic process and prevent endothelial mesenchymal transition in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that the MKPCs delayed interstitial fibrosis and the progression of glomerular sclerosis and ameliorated the decline of kidney function. At 17 weeks, the treated mice exhibited lower blood pressures, higher hematocrit levels, and larger kidney sizes than the control mice. In addition, the MKPC treatment prolonged the survival of the mice with chronic kidney injuries. We observed a decreased recruitment of macrophages and myofibroblasts in the interstitium and the increased tubular proliferation. Notably, MKPC both decreased the level of vascular rarefaction and prevented endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) in the remnant kidneys. Moreover, the conditioned medium from the MKPCs ameliorated endothelial cell death under hypoxic culture conditions and prevented TGF-β-induced EndoMT through downregulation of phosphorylated Smad 3 in vitro. MKPCs may be a beneficial treatment for kidney diseases characterized by progressive renal fibrosis. The enhanced preservation of angiogenic processes following MKPC injections may be associated with decreased fibrosis in the remnant kidney. These findings provide further understanding of the mechanisms involved in these processes and will help develop new cell

  13. Eucommia ulmoides Ameliorates Glucotoxicity by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Mice Kidney.

    PubMed

    Do, Moon Ho; Hur, Jinyoung; Choi, Jiwon; Kim, Mina; Kim, Min Jung; Kim, Yoonsook; Ha, Sang Keun

    2018-02-26

    Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU), also known as Du-Zhong, is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat hypertension and diabetes. Despite evidence of the protective effects of EU against diabetes, its precise effects and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EU on AGEs-induced renal disease and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. STZ-induced diabetic mice received EU extract (200 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. EU treatment did not change blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic mice. However, the EU-treated group showed a significant increase in the protein expression and activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which detoxifies the AGE precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO). EU significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression but downregulated that of receptor for AGE (RAGE). Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue showed that EU reduced periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive staining, AGEs, and MGO accumulation in diabetic mice. Based on these findings, we concluded that EU ameliorated the renal damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting AGEs formation and RAGE expression and reducing oxidative stress, through the Glo1 and Nrf2 pathways.

  14. Eucommia ulmoides Ameliorates Glucotoxicity by Suppressing Advanced Glycation End-Products in Diabetic Mice Kidney

    PubMed Central

    Do, Moon Ho; Hur, Jinyoung; Choi, Jiwon; Kim, Mina; Kim, Min Jung; Kim, Yoonsook; Ha, Sang Keun

    2018-01-01

    Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (EU), also known as Du-Zhong, is a medicinal herb commonly used in Asia to treat hypertension and diabetes. Despite evidence of the protective effects of EU against diabetes, its precise effects and mechanisms of action against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are unclear. In this study, we evaluated the effects of EU on AGEs-induced renal disease and explored the possible underlying mechanisms using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. STZ-induced diabetic mice received EU extract (200 mg/kg) orally for 6 weeks. EU treatment did not change blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic mice. However, the EU-treated group showed a significant increase in the protein expression and activity of glyoxalase 1 (Glo1), which detoxifies the AGE precursor, methylglyoxal (MGO). EU significantly upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression but downregulated that of receptor for AGE (RAGE). Furthermore, histological and immunohistochemical analyses of kidney tissue showed that EU reduced periodic acid–Schiff (PAS)-positive staining, AGEs, and MGO accumulation in diabetic mice. Based on these findings, we concluded that EU ameliorated the renal damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting AGEs formation and RAGE expression and reducing oxidative stress, through the Glo1 and Nrf2 pathways. PMID:29495397

  15. Conversion to Sirolimus Ameliorates Cyclosporine-Induced Nephropathy in the Rat: Focus on Serum, Urine, Gene, and Protein Renal Expression Biomarkers

    PubMed Central

    Sereno, José; Nunes, Sara; Rodrigues-Santos, Paulo; Rocha-Pereira, Petronila; Fernandes, João; Teixeira, Frederico; Reis, Flávio

    2014-01-01

    Protocols of conversion from cyclosporin A (CsA) to sirolimus (SRL) have been widely used in immunotherapy after transplantation to prevent CsA-induced nephropathy, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these protocols remain nuclear. This study aimed to identify the molecular pathways and putative biomarkers of CsA-to-SRL conversion in a rat model. Four animal groups (n = 6) were tested during 9 weeks: control, CsA, SRL, and conversion (CsA for 3 weeks followed by SRL for 6 weeks). Classical and emergent serum, urinary, and kidney tissue (gene and protein expression) markers were assessed. Renal lesions were analyzed in hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, and Masson's trichrome stains. SRL-treated rats presented proteinuria and NGAL (serum and urinary) as the best markers of renal impairment. Short CsA treatment presented slight or even absent kidney lesions and TGF-β, NF-κ β, mTOR, PCNA, TP53, KIM-1, and CTGF as relevant gene and protein changes. Prolonged CsA exposure aggravated renal damage, without clear changes on the traditional markers, but with changes in serums TGF-β and IL-7, TBARs clearance, and kidney TGF-β and mTOR. Conversion to SRL prevented CsA-induced renal damage evolution (absent/mild grade lesions), while NGAL (serum versus urine) seems to be a feasible biomarker of CsA replacement to SRL. PMID:24971338

  16. Inhibition of IκB Kinase at 24 Hours After Acute Kidney Injury Improves Recovery of Renal Function and Attenuates Fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Johnson, Florence L; Patel, Nimesh S A; Purvis, Gareth S D; Chiazza, Fausto; Chen, Jianmin; Sordi, Regina; Hache, Guillaume; Merezhko, Viktoria V; Collino, Massimo; Yaqoob, Muhammed M; Thiemermann, Christoph

    2017-07-03

    Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a major risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease. Nuclear factor-κB is a nuclear transcription factor activated post-ischemia, responsible for the transcription of proinflammatory proteins. The role of nuclear factor-κB in the renal fibrosis post-AKI is unknown. We used a rat model of AKI caused by unilateral nephrectomy plus contralateral ischemia (30 minutes) and reperfusion injury (up to 28 days) to show impairment of renal function (peak: 24 hours), activation of nuclear factor-κB (peak: 48 hours), and fibrosis (28 days). In humans, AKI is diagnosed by a rise in serum creatinine. We have discovered that the IκB kinase inhibitor IKK16 (even when given at peak serum creatinine) still improved functional and structural recovery and reduced myofibroblast formation, macrophage infiltration, transforming growth factor-β expression, and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. AKI resulted in fibrosis within 28 days (Sirius red staining, expression of fibronectin), which was abolished by IKK16. To confirm the efficacy of IKK16 in a more severe model of fibrosis, animals were subject to 14 days of unilateral ureteral obstruction, resulting in tubulointerstitial fibrosis, myofibroblast formation, and macrophage infiltration, all of which were attenuated by IKK16. Inhibition of IκB kinase at peak creatinine improves functional recovery, reduces further injury, and prevents fibrosis. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

  17. The NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential target of ozone therapy aiming to ease chronic renal inflammation in chronic kidney disease.

    PubMed

    Yu, Gang; Bai, Zhiming; Chen, Zhiyuan; Chen, Hui; Wang, Guoren; Wang, Gang; Liu, Zhenxiang

    2017-02-01

    Ozone therapy is an effective medical treatment for various diseases. A previous study has demonstrated its reno-protective effect in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but the mechanism involved is not completely known. This study produced the 5/6 nephrectomized CKD rat model and investigated whether the reno-protective effect of ozone therapy was achieved by its anti-inflammatory property through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The results showed that ozone therapy at a low concentration improved renal function and ameliorated renal morphological injury in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. The expression of NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1-p10 in the kidney of these rats was simultaneously lowered by ozone therapy. Moreover, renal inflammation caused by IL-1β was significantly alleviated by ozone therapy. The Pearson correlation analysis indicated that the protein level of IL-1β was positively correlated with renal injury scores. Taken together, these results indicated that ozone therapy might reduce sterile renal inflammation and slow down CKD progression through the modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Disparate effects of single endothelin A and B receptor blocker therapy on the progression of renal injury in advanced renovascular disease

    PubMed Central

    Chade, Alejandro R.; Stewart, Nicholas J.; Peavy, Patrick R.

    2013-01-01

    We hypothesized that chronic specific endothelin (ET)-A receptor blockade therapy would reverse renal dysfunction and injury in advanced experimental renovascular disease. To test this, unilateral renovascular disease was induced in 19 pigs and after 6 weeks, single-kidney hemodynamics and function was quantified in vivo using computed-tomography. All pigs with renovascular disease were divided such that 7 were untreated, 7 were treated with ET-A blockers, and 5 were treated with ET-B blockers. Four weeks later, all pigs were re-studied in vivo, then euthanized and ex vivo studies performed on the stenotic kidney to quantify microvascular density, remodeling, renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. RBF, GFR, and redox status were significantly improved in the stenotic kidney after ET-A but not ET-B blockade. Furthermore, only ET-A blockade therapy reversed renal microvascular rarefaction and diminished remodeling, which was accompanied by a marked decreased in renal inflammatory and fibrogenic activity. Thus, ET-A but not ET-B blockade ameliorated renal injury in pigs with advanced renovascular disease by stimulating microvascular proliferation and decreasing the progression of microvascular remodeling, renal inflammation and fibrosis in the stenotic kidney. These effects were functionally consequential since ET-A blockade improved single kidney microvascular endothelial function, RBF, and GFR, and decreased albuminuria. PMID:24352153

  19. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and angiotensin AT1 receptor blockade downregulate angiotensin-converting enzyme expression and attenuate renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Motawi, Tarek K; El-Maraghy, Shohda A; Senousy, Mahmoud A

    2013-07-01

    Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is upregulated in the diabetic kidney and contributes to renal injury. This study investigates the possible beneficial effects of the ACE inhibitor (ACEI), enalapril and the AT1 receptor blocker (ARB), valsartan, on renal ACE expression, renal structure, and function in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, STZ-diabetic rats, and STZ-diabetic rats treated with either enalapril (10 mg/kg/day) or valsartan (50 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks. Enalapril and valsartan reduced renal ACE mRNA and protein expression, Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity, oxidative stress, and serum transforming growth factor-β1 levels compared to the diabetic group. Both treatments normalized renal nitrate/nitrite levels and ameliorated the observed histopathological changes. In conclusion, ACE downregulation by ACEI and ARB indicates that angiotensin II upregulates ACE through AT1 receptor. Prevention of diabetes-induced changes in ACE expression and Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase activity could be a new explanation of the renoprotective effects of ACEIs and ARBs. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  20. Protective Effect of Morocco Carob Honey Against Lead-Induced Anemia and Hepato-Renal Toxicity.

    PubMed

    Fihri, Aicha Fassi; Al-Waili, Noori S; El-Haskoury, Redouan; Bakour, Meryem; Amarti, Afaf; Ansari, Mohammad J; Lyoussi, Badiaa

    2016-01-01

    Natural honey has many biological activities including protective effect against toxic materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of carob honey against lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity and lead-induced anemia in rabbits. Twenty four male rabbits were allocated into four groups six rabbits each; group 1: control group, received distilled water (0.1 ml / kg.b.wt /daily); group 2: received oral lead acetate (2 g/kg.b.wt/daily); group 3: treated with oral honey (1g /kg.b.wt/daily) and oral lead (2 g/kg.b.wt/daily), and group 4: received oral honey (1 g/kg.b.wt/daily). Honey and lead were given daily during 24 days of experimentation. Laboratory tests and histopathological evaluations of kidneys were done. Oral administration of lead induced hepatic and kidney injury and caused anemia during three weeks of the exposure. Treatment with honey prevented hepato-renal lead toxicity and ameliorated lead-induced anemia when honey was given to animals during lead exposure. It might be concluded that honey has a protective effect against lead-induced blood, hepatic and renal toxic effects. © 2016 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. Amelioration of Renal Inflammation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Apoptosis Underlies the Protective Effect of Low Dosage of Atorvastatin in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

    PubMed Central

    Jaikumkao, Krit; Pongchaidecha, Anchalee; Thongnak, La-ongdao; Wanchai, Keerati; Arjinajarn, Phatchawan; Chatsudthipong, Varanuj; Chattipakorn, Nipon; Lungkaphin, Anusorn

    2016-01-01

    Gentamicin is a commonly used aminoglycoside antibiotic. However, its therapeutic use is limited by its nephrotoxicity. The mechanisms of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity are principally from renal inflammation and oxidative stress. Since atorvastatin, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, exerts lipid-lowering effects, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects of atorvastatin against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used and nephrotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of gentamicin, 100 mg/kg/day, for 15 days. Atorvastatin, 10 mg/kg/day, was administered by orally gavage 30 min before gentamicin injection on day 1 to 15 (pretreatment) or on day 10 to15 (delayed treatment). For only atorvastatin treatment group, it was given on day 1 to 15. At the end of the experiment, kidney weight, blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine as well as renal inflammation (NF-κB, TNFαR1, IL-6 and iNOS), renal fibrosis (TGFβ1), ER stress (calpain, GRP78, CHOP, and caspase 12) and apoptotic markers (cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2) as well as TUNEL assay were determined. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was confirmed by marked elevations in serum urea and creatinine, kidney hypertrophy, renal inflammation, fibrosis, ER stress and apoptosis and attenuation of creatinine clearance. Atorvastatin pre and delayed treatment significantly improved renal function and decreased renal NF-κB, TNFαR1, IL-6, iNOS and TGFβ1 expressions. They also attenuated calpain, GRP78, CHOP, caspase 12, Bax, and increased Bcl-2 expressions in gentamicin-treated rat. These results indicate that atorvastatin treatment could attenuate gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, substantiated by the reduction of inflammation, ER stress and apoptosis. The effect of atorvastatin in protecting from renal damage induced by gentamicin seems to be more effective when it

  2. Differential renal effects of candesartan at high and ultra-high doses in diabetic mice–potential role of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis

    PubMed Central

    Callera, Glaucia E.; Antunes, Tayze T.; Correa, Jose W.; Moorman, Danielle; Gutsol, Alexey; He, Ying; Cat, Aurelie Nguyen Dinh; Briones, Ana M.; Montezano, Augusto C.; Burns, Kevin D.; Touyz, Rhian M.

    2016-01-01

    High doses of Ang II receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) are renoprotective in diabetes. Underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated whether high/ultra-high doses of candesartan (ARB) up-regulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Ang II type 2 receptor (AT2R)/Mas receptor [protective axis of the of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS)] in diabetic mice. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), albuminuria and expression/activity of RAS components were assessed in diabetic db/db and control db/+ mice treated with increasing candesartan doses (intermediate, 1 mg/kg/d; high, 5 mg/kg/d; ultra-high, 25 and 75 mg/kg/d; 4 weeks). Lower doses candesartan did not influence SBP, but ultra-high doses reduced SBP in both groups. Plasma glucose and albuminuria were increased in db/db compared with db/+ mice. In diabetic mice treated with intermediate dose candesartan, renal tubular damage and albuminuria were ameliorated and expression of ACE2, AT2R and Mas and activity of ACE2 were increased, effects associated with reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, decreased fibrosis and renal protection. Ultra-high doses did not influence the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis and promoted renal injury with increased renal ERK1/2 activation and exaggerated fibronectin expression in db/db mice. Our study demonstrates dose-related effects of candesartan in diabetic nephropathy: intermediate–high dose candesartan is renoprotective, whereas ultra-high dose candesartan induces renal damage. Molecular processes associated with these effects involve differential modulation of the ACE2/AT2R/Mas axis: intermediate–high dose candesartan up-regulating RAS protective components and attenuating pro-fibrotic processes, and ultra-high doses having opposite effects. These findings suggest novel mechanisms through the protective RAS axis, whereby candesartan may ameliorate diabetic nephropathy. Our findings also highlight potential injurious renal effects of ultra-high dose candesartan in diabetes. PMID:27612496

  3. Potentiating Tissue-Resident Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells by IL-33 to Prevent Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

    PubMed

    Cao, Qi; Wang, Yiping; Niu, Zhiguo; Wang, Chengshi; Wang, Ruifeng; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Chen, Titi; Wang, Xin Maggie; Li, Qing; Lee, Vincent W S; Huang, Qingsong; Tan, Jing; Guo, Minghao; Wang, Yuan Min; Zheng, Guoping; Yu, Di; Alexander, Stephen I; Wang, Hui; Harris, David C H

    2018-03-01

    The IL-33-type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2) axis has an important role in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and wound healing. However, the relative importance of this innate immune pathway for immunotherapy against inflammation and tissue damage remains unclear. Here, we show that treatment with recombinant mouse IL-33 prevented renal structural and functional injury and reduced mortality in mice subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Compared with control-treated IRI mice, IL-33-treated IRI mice had increased levels of IL-4 and IL-13 in serum and kidney and more ILC2, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and anti-inflammatory (M2) macrophages. Depletion of ILC2, but not Tregs, substantially abolished the protective effect of IL-33 on renal IRI. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo -expanded ILC2 prevented renal injury in mice subjected to IRI. This protective effect associated with induction of M2 macrophages in kidney and required ILC2 production of amphiregulin. Treatment of mice with IL-33 or ILC2 after IRI was also renoprotective. Furthermore, in a humanized mouse model of renal IRI, treatment with human IL-33 or transfer of ex vivo -expanded human ILC2 ameliorated renal IRI. This study has uncovered a major protective role of the IL-33-ILC2 axis in renal IRI that could be potentiated as a therapeutic strategy. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  4. Iron-Hepcidin Dysmetabolism, Anemia and Renal Hypoxia, Inflammation and Fibrosis in the Remnant Kidney Rat Model

    PubMed Central

    Garrido, Patrícia; Ribeiro, Sandra; Fernandes, João; Vala, Helena; Bronze-da-Rocha, Elsa; Rocha-Pereira, Petronila; Belo, Luís; Costa, Elísio; Santos-Silva, Alice; Reis, Flávio

    2015-01-01

    Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that develops early and its severity increases as renal function declines. It is mainly due to a reduced production of erythropoietin (EPO) by the kidneys; however, there are evidences that iron metabolism disturbances increase as CKD progresses. Our aim was to study the mechanisms underlying the development of anemia of CKD, as well as renal damage, in the remnant kidney rat model of CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. This model of CKD presented a sustained degree of renal dysfunction, with mild and advanced glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions. Anemia developed 3 weeks after nephrectomy and persisted throughout the protocol. The remnant kidney was still able to produce EPO and the liver showed an increased EPO gene expression. In spite of the increased EPO blood levels, anemia persisted and was linked to low serum iron and transferrin levels, while serum interleukin (IL)-6 and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels showed the absence of systemic inflammation. The increased expression of duodenal ferroportin favours iron absorption; however, serum iron is reduced which might be due to iron leakage through advanced kidney lesions, as showed by tubular iron accumulation. Our data suggest that the persistence of anemia may result from disturbances in iron metabolism and by an altered activity/function of EPO as a result of kidney cell damage and a local inflammatory milieu, as showed by the increased gene expression of different inflammatory proteins in the remnant kidney. In addition, this anemia and the associated kidney hypoxia favour the development of fibrosis, angiogenesis and inflammation that may underlie a resistance to EPO stimuli and reduced iron availability. These findings might contribute to open new windows to identify putative therapeutic targets for this condition, as well as for recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) resistance, which occurs in a considerable percentage of CKD

  5. Protective effect of dexpanthenol on ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Altintas, Ramazan; Parlakpinar, Hakan; Beytur, Ali; Vardi, Nigar; Polat, Alaadin; Sagir, Mustafa; Odabas, Gul Pelin

    2012-01-01

    This experimental study was designed to investigate protective and therapeutic effects of Dexpanthenol (Dxp), an alcoholic analogue of pantothenic acid, on kidney damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats. Forty rats were randomly divided into a control group and 4 I/R groups (1 h ischemia followed by 23 h reperfusion). Three I/R groups were treated by Dxp (500 mg/kg, i.p.) at 3 different time points (before ischemia, during ischemia and late reperfusion). The histopathological findings including apoptotic changes, and also tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr) and albumin (Alb) levels were determined. Kidney tissue MDA levels were found to be significantly higher in the I/R group, whereas the values of GPX were lower when compared to the control group. The levels of SOD and CAT did not reach to statistical meaning level in I/R group. Dxp given during ischemia reduced the elevated MDA levels to the nearly control levels and this ameliorating effect was found as parallel to the result of GPX. Serum levels of BUN and Cr were significantly higher in I/R group. Dxp given during ischemia significantly reduced the elevated BUN and Cr levels when compared to I/R group. Renal I/R injury also induced extensive tubular necrosis, glomerular damage and apoptosis in the histological evaluation. Dxp ameliorated these histological damages in different amounts in all treatment groups. In this study the protective effects of Dxp against renal I/R injury has been evaluated for the first time. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  6. Renal Integrin-Linked Kinase Depletion Induces Kidney cGMP-Axis Upregulation: Consequences on Basal and Acutely Damaged Renal Function

    PubMed Central

    Cano-Peñalver, José Luis; Griera, Mercedes; García-Jerez, Andrea; Hatem-Vaquero, Marco; Ruiz-Torres, María Piedad; Rodríguez-Puyol, Diego; de Frutos, Sergio; Rodríguez-Puyol, Manuel

    2015-01-01

    Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is activated by nitric oxide (NO) and produces cGMP, which activates cGMP-dependent protein kinases (PKG) and is hydrolyzed by specific phosphodiesterases (PDE). The vasodilatory and cytoprotective capacity of cGMP-axis activation results in a therapeutic strategy for several pathologies. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a major scaffold protein between the extracellular matrix and intracellular signaling pathways, may modulate the expression and functionality of the cGMP-axis–related proteins. We introduce ILK as a novel modulator in renal homeostasis as well as a potential target for cisplatin (CIS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) improvement. We used an adult mice model of depletion of ILK (cKD-ILK), which showed basal increase of sGC and PKG expressions and activities in renal cortex when compared with wildtype (WT) littermates. Twenty-four h activation of sGC activation with NO enhanced the filtration rate in cKD-ILK. During AKI, cKD-ILK maintained the cGMP-axis upregulation with consequent filtration rates enhancement and ameliorated CIS-dependent tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and inflammation and markers. To emphasize the role of cGMP-axis upregulation due to ILK depletion, we modulated the cGMP axis under AKI in vivo and in renal cultured cells. A suboptimal dose of the PDE inhibitor ZAP enhanced the beneficial effects of the ILK depletion in AKI mice. On the other hand, CIS increased contractility-related events in cultured glomerular mesangial cells and necrosis rates in cultured tubular cells; ILK depletion protected the cells while sGC blockade with ODQ fully recovered the damage. PMID:26562149

  7. “Nox4 and diabetic nephropathy: With a friend like this who needs enemies”

    PubMed Central

    Gorin, Yves; Block, Karen

    2013-01-01

    Oxidative stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, the complication of diabetes in the kidney. NADPH oxidases of the Nox family are a major source of reactive oxygen species in the diabetic kidney and are critical mediators of redox signaling in glomerular and tubulointerstitial cells exposed to the diabetic milieu. Here, we present an overview of the current knowledge related the understanding of the role of Nox catalytic and regulatory subunits in the processes that control mesangial cell, podocyte and tubulointerstitial cell injury induced by hyperglycemia and other predominant factors enhanced in the diabetic milieu, including the renin-angiotensin system and transforming growth factor-ß. The role of the Nox isoform, Nox4, in the redox processes that alter renal biology in diabetes will be highlighted. PMID:23528476

  8. Sirt1 activation ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway.

    PubMed

    Huang, Xin-Zhong; Wen, Donghai; Zhang, Min; Xie, Qionghong; Ma, Leting; Guan, Yi; Ren, Yueheng; Chen, Jing; Hao, Chuan-Ming

    2014-05-01

    TGF-β signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Smad3, a transcription factor, is a critical fibrogenic mediator of TGF-β. Sirt1 is a NAD(+) -dependent deacetylase that has been reported to modify a number of transcription factors to exert certain beneficial health effects. This study examined the effect of Sirt1 on Smad3 and its role in CKD. Resveratrol attenuated the expression of extracelluar matrix proteins in both the remnant kidney of 5/6th nephrectomized rats and cultured mesangial cells (MMCs) exposed to TGF-β1. The effect of resveratrol was substantially attenuated in cultured MMCs for which Sirt1 had been knocked down by an shRNA lentivirus. Overexpression of Sirt1 attenuated TGF-β1-induced extracelluar matrix expression in cultured cells. Co-immunoprecipitation studies suggested that Sirt1 could bind with Smad3. Resveratrol treatment enhanced this binding and reduced acetylation levels of Smad3. Resveratrol inhibited the transcription activity of Smad3. Knockdown of Sirt1 increased acetylated Smad3 and substantially enhanced the transcriptional activity following TGF-β1. Finally, Sirt1 deficiency aggravated renal function damage and markedly enhanced fibrosis in the remnant kidney of 5/6 nephrectomized mice. Taken together, these results identify Sirt1 as an important protective factor for renal fibrosis in a CKD rodent model, and the protective function of Sirt1 is attributable to its action on TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Therefore, we suggest that Sirt1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of CKD. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Re-recognition of Age-dependent Reference Range for the Serum Creatinine Level in Teenagers - A Case of Slowly Progressive Tubulointerstitial Nephritis which Occurred in an Adolescent.

    PubMed

    Ono, Hiroyuki; Nagai, Kojiro; Shibata, Eriko; Matsuura, Motokazu; Kishi, Seiji; Inagaki, Taizo; Minato, Masanori; Yoshimoto, Sakiya; Ueda, Sayo; Obata, Fumiaki; Nishimura, Kenji; Tamaki, Masanori; Kishi, Fumi; Murakami, Taichi; Abe, Hideharu; Kinoshita, Yukiko; Urushihara, Maki; Kagami, Shoji; Doi, Toshio

    2017-08-15

    For the first time, a 15-year-old boy was found to have a slight degree of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria during annual school urinalysis screening. His kidney function had already severely deteriorated. A kidney biopsy revealed tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) with diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration. His medical records showed his serum creatinine level to be 0.98 mg/dL two years ago, which was abnormally high considering his age. Although the etiology of slowly progressive TIN was unclear, glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy improved his kidney function. This case report suggests that all doctors should recognize the reference range for the serum creatinine level in teenagers.

  10. Re-recognition of Age-dependent Reference Range for the Serum Creatinine Level in Teenagers - A Case of Slowly Progressive Tubulointerstitial Nephritis which Occurred in an Adolescent -

    PubMed Central

    Ono, Hiroyuki; Nagai, Kojiro; Shibata, Eriko; Matsuura, Motokazu; Kishi, Seiji; Inagaki, Taizo; Minato, Masanori; Yoshimoto, Sakiya; Ueda, Sayo; Obata, Fumiaki; Nishimura, Kenji; Tamaki, Masanori; Kishi, Fumi; Murakami, Taichi; Abe, Hideharu; Kinoshita, Yukiko; Urushihara, Maki; Kagami, Shoji; Doi, Toshio

    2017-01-01

    For the first time, a 15-year-old boy was found to have a slight degree of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria during annual school urinalysis screening. His kidney function had already severely deteriorated. A kidney biopsy revealed tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) with diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration. His medical records showed his serum creatinine level to be 0.98 mg/dL two years ago, which was abnormally high considering his age. Although the etiology of slowly progressive TIN was unclear, glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy improved his kidney function. This case report suggests that all doctors should recognize the reference range for the serum creatinine level in teenagers. PMID:28781321

  11. Renal diagnosis of chronic hemodialysis patients with urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma in Taiwan.

    PubMed

    Chang, Chung-Hsin; Yang, Cheng-Ming; Yang, An-Hang

    2007-04-15

    Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most common malignancy in dialysis patients of Taiwan. The reason for such a high incidence of TCC is undetermined. The correlation between the underlying renal disease and the development of TCC was investigated. The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and outcome of 1537 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients from 1993 to 2002. The incidence of TCC was computed. The Cox regression method was used to analyze the role of potential risk factors. After a mean dialysis duration of 46.5 months, 26 (1.69%) patients with TCC were diagnosed. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of TCC was 48.2 as compared with the general population and the SIR of TCC seemed higher in women (65.1) and in the age group 50 to 54 years (173.6). Of them, most cases showed no definite etiology. All these cases showed bilateral contracted kidneys. Nonnephrotic proteinuria was found in all cases and trace glucosuria was found in 17 (65%). Painless gross hematuria was the cardinal symptom and distant metastasis was rare. Also, TCC in upper urinary tracts were common and found in 14 (54%) of patients. Age at the time of dialysis, female sex, compound analgesic use, and Chinese herb use had statistical significance as risk factors (P < .05). Chronic HD patients have a high risk of TCC in Taiwan, especially in female and middle-aged patients. The study indicated that chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis (CTIN) is the most likely underlying renal disease in HD patients with TCC, a high percentage of the CTIN related to the usage of Chinese herbs or compound analgesics may contribute to the development of TCC, whereas diabetes or chronic glomerulonephritis play only a minor role.

  12. Possible mechanism by which renal sympathetic denervation improves left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Xiao-Xin; Li, Xiao-Yan; Lyu, Yong-Nan; He, Yi-Yu; Wan, Wei-Guo; Zhu, Hong-Ling; Jiang, Xue-Jun

    2016-02-01

    What is the central question of this study? The enzyme system that is responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover is the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can be blocked by the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). Whether renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is able to ameliorate post-myocardial infarction left ventricular remodelling through attenuation of ECM via regulation of MMP activity and/or the MMP-TIMP complex remains unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? Renal sympathetic denervation has therapeutic effects on post-myocardial infarction left ventricular remodelling, probably by attenuating the ECM through regulation of the MMP9-TIMP1 complex in the transforming growth factor-β1 (a profibrotic cytokine that accelerates ECM remodelling after ischaemia) signalling pathway. Whether renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is able to ameliorate post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) left ventricular (LV) remodelling by attenuation of the extracellular matrix via regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and/or the MMP-tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) complex remains unknown. Sixty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: normal (N, n = 15), RSD (RSD, n = 15), myocardial infarction (MI, n = 15) and RSD 3 days after MI (MI3d+RSD, n = 20). The bilateral renal nerves were surgically denervated 3 days after MI had been induced by coronary artery ligation. Left ventricular function was assessed using echocardiography and a Millar catheter at 6 weeks post-MI. Plasma noradrenaline, angiotensin II and aldosterone, collagen volume fraction, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), MMP2, MMP9 and TIMP1 in heart tissue were measured 6 weeks after MI. In rats with MI3d+RSD compared with MI rats, RSD improved systolic and diastolic function, resulting in an improvement in ejection fraction (P < 0.05), fractional shortening (P < 0.05) and LV internal dimension in systole (P < 0.05) and

  13. Allopurinol Reduces the Lethality Associated with Acute Renal Failure Induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus Snake Venom: Comparison with Probenecid

    PubMed Central

    Frezzatti, Rodrigo; Silveira, Paulo Flavio

    2011-01-01

    Background Acute renal failure is one of the most serious complications of envenoming resulting from Crotalus durissus terrificus bites. This study evaluated the relevance of hyperuricemia and oxidative stress and the effects of allopurinol and probenecid in renal dysfunction caused by direct nephrotoxicity of C. d. terrificus venom. Methodology/Principal Findings Hematocrit, protein, renal function and redox status were assessed in mice. High ratio of oxidized/reduced glutathione and hyperuricemia induced by C. d. terrificus venom were ameliorated by both, allopurinol or probenecid, but only allopurinol significantly reduced the lethality caused by C. d. terrificus venom. The effectiveness of probenecid is compromised probably because it promoted hypercreatinemia and hypocreatinuria and worsed the urinary hypo-osmolality in envenomed mice. In turn, the highest effectiveness of allopurinol might be due to its ability to diminish the intracellular formation of uric acid. Conclusions/Significance Data provide consistent evidences linking uric acid with the acute renal failure induced by C. d. terrificus venom, as well as that this envenoming in mice constitutes an attractive animal model suitable for studying the hyperuricemia and that the allopurinol deserves to be clinically evaluated as an approach complementary to anti-snake venom serotherapy. PMID:21909449

  14. Effects of high-tone external muscle stimulation on renal function in healthy volunteers.

    PubMed

    Peckova, Miroslava; Havlin, Jan; Charvat, Jiri; Horackova, Miroslava; Schück, Otto

    2013-01-01

    Hightone external muscle stimulation (HTEMS) ameliorates pain and discomfort of patients with polyneuropathy. Since some patients reported about an urge to urinate during these treatments, the potential effects of HTEMS application on renal function were investigated. For this purpose in healthy subjects, we analyzed in the current study the acute effects of electrotherapy on parameters of renal function. 24 healthy volunteers (14 women and 10 men), mean age 26 ± 4 years, were enrolled. The protocol was composed of a run-in period, a pre-treatment period, the active HTEMS treatment period of both lower extremities and the post-treatment period. The duration of each period was 60 min. Urine collection and blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of each period. To achieve a sufficient diuresis, the fluid intake was adapted to the amount of diuresis. Parameters of renal function included diuresis, glomerular filtration rate (endogenous creatinine clearance) and absolute and fractional sodium excretion. Moreover blood pressure and heart rate were monitored. HTEMS led to a significant increase of creatinine clearance and fractional sodium excretion which was limited to the active treatment period. These findings show for the first time that HTEMS can transiently increase glomerular filtration rate associated with a decreased tubular sodium reabsorption. The underlying mechanisms are to be elucidated.

  15. Calcium, zinc and vitamin E ameliorate cadmium-induced renal oxidative damage in albino Wistar rats.

    PubMed

    Adi, Pradeepkiran Jangampalli; Burra, Siva Prasad; Vataparti, Amardev Rajesh; Matcha, Bhaskar

    2016-01-01

    This study was aimed to examine the protective effects of supplementation with calcium + zinc (Ca + Zn) or vitamin E (Vit-E) on Cd-induced renal oxidative damage. Young albino Wistar rats (180 ± 10 g) (n = 6) control rats, Cd, Cd + Ca + Zn, and Cd + Vit-E experimental groups and the experimental period was 30 days. Rats were exposed to Cd (20 mg/kg body weight) alone treated as Cd treated group and the absence or presence of Ca + Zn (2 mg/kg each) or Vit-E (20 mg/kg body weight) supplementation treated as two separate groups. The activities of the stress marker enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and lipid peroxidase (LPx) were determined in renal mitochondrial fractions of experimental rats. We observed quantitative changes in SOD isoenzymatic patterns by non-denaturing PAGE analysis, and quantified band densities. These results showed that Cd exposure leads to decreases in SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx activities and a concomitant increase in LPx and GST activities. Ca + Zn and Vit-E administration with Cd significantly reversed Cd-induced perturbations in oxidative stress marker enzymes. However, Vit-E showed more inhibitory activity against Cd than did Ca + Zn, and it protected against Cd-induced nephrotoxicity.

  16. Hydrogen sulfide: A novel nephroprotectant against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity.

    PubMed

    Dugbartey, George J; Bouma, Hjalmar R; Lobb, Ian; Sener, Alp

    2016-07-01

    Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various solid-organ cancers. However, a plethora of evidence indicates that nephrotoxicity is a major side effect of cisplatin therapy. While the antineoplastic action of cisplatin is due to formation of cisplatin-DNA cross-links, which damage rapidly dividing cancer cells upon binding to DNA, its nephrotoxic effect results from metabolic conversion of cisplatin into a nephrotoxin and production of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress leading to renal tissue injury and potentially, kidney failure. Despite therapeutic targets in several pre-clinical and clinical studies, there is still incomplete protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third discovered gasotransmitter next to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, has recently been identified in several in vitro and in vivo studies to possess specific antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties that modulate several pathogenic pathways involved in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The current article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and displays recent findings in the H2S field that could disrupt such mechanisms to ameliorate cisplatin-induced renal injury. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ang-(1-7) in Ameliorating HFD-Induced Renal Injury through LDLr-SREBP2-SCAP Pathway.

    PubMed

    Zheng, Yaning; Tang, Lin; Huang, Wenhan; Yan, Ruyu; Ren, Feifeng; Luo, Lei; Zhang, Ling

    2015-01-01

    The angiotensin converting enzyme 2-angiotensin-(1-7)-Mas axis (ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis) is reported to participate in lipid metabolism in kidney, but its precise effects and underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that Ang-(1-7) reduces lipid accumulation and improves renal injury through the low density lipoprotein receptor-sterol regulatory element binding proteins 2-SREBP cleavage activating protein (LDLr-SREBP2-SCAP) system by suppressing inflammation in high fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. In this study, male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into four groups: STD (standard diet)+saline, HFD+saline, HFD+Ang-(1-7) and STD+Ang-(1-7). After 10 weeks of feeding, mice were administered Ang-(1-7) or saline for two weeks. We found that high inflammation status induced by HFD disrupted the LDLr-SREBP2-SCAP feedback system. Treatment of mice fed a high-fat diet with Ang-(1-7) induced significant improvement in inflammatory status, following the downregulation of LDLr, SREBP2 and SCAP, and then, decreased lipid deposition in kidney and improved renal injury. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ang-(1-7) alleviates renal injury triggered by lipid metabolic disorders through a LDLr- SREBP2-SCAP pathway.

  18. Heterozygosity of mitogen-activated protein kinase organizer 1 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy and suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like changes in db/db mice.

    PubMed

    Loeffler, Ivonne; Liebisch, Marita; Daniel, Christoph; Amann, Kerstin; Wolf, Gunter

    2017-12-01

    Progressive diabetic nephropathy (DN) is characterized by tubulointerstitial fibrosis that is caused by accumulation of extracellular matrix. Induced by several factors, matrix-producing myofibroblasts may to some extent originate from tubular cells by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although previous data document that activation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signalling can be renoprotective in acute kidney disease, this issue remains controversial in chronic kidney injury. Here, we studied whether DN and EMT-like changes are ameliorated in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus with increased stability and activity of the HIF. We used db/db mice that were crossed with transgenic mice expressing reduced levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase organizer 1 (MORG1), a scaffold protein interacting with prolyl hydroxylase domain 3 (PHD3), because of deletion of one MORG1 allele. We found significantly reduced nephropathy in diabetic MORG1+/- heterozygous mice compared with the diabetic wild-types (db/dbXMORG1+/+). Furthermore, we demonstrated that EMT-like changes in the tubulointerstitium of diabetic wild-type MORG1+/+ mice are present, whereas diabetic mice with reduced expression of MORG1 showed significantly fewer EMT-like changes. These findings reveal that a deletion of one MORG1 allele inhibits the development of DN in db/db mice. The data suggest that the diminished interstitial fibrosis in these mice is a likely consequence of suppressed EMT-like changes. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

  19. Patients with a failed renal transplant.

    PubMed

    Marcén, R; Teruel Briones, J L

    2011-03-01

    Despite the advances in the care of recipients and in immunosuppression, long-term graft survival has experienced little improvement in the last 10 years. An important number of recipients present progressive loss of graft function and have to be readmitted on dialysis therapy. Before starting dialysis, these patients are re-exposed to the complications of chronic renal failure but there are no specific guidelines for their treatment. The Kidney Disease Quality Initiative Advisory Board clinical practice guidelines given for the non-transplant chronic kidney disease patients have been recommended for ameliorating their clinical situation and the rate of progression of graft failure. The time when dialysis has to be restarted and the type of dialysis procedure, hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, are under discusion. But there is no evidence about the superiority of either type of dialysis procedure. Systematic graft nephrectomy has been considered to improve the inflammatory status of the patients with a failed graft which could contribute to a worse control of some complications such as anemia and to the increased rates of cardiovascular mortality. As in the patients with primary end-stage renal disease, retransplantation is the best treatment for a patient with a failed graft. Due to the shortage of organs for transplantation the number of patients who are retransplanted has remained stable. Recurrent diseases such as glomerulonephritis, lyphoproliferative diseases, BK virus nephopathy and previous non-adherence to the treatment do not necessarily preclude retransplantation.

  20. Silymarin protects against renal injury through normalization of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in high fat-fed mice.

    PubMed

    Bin Feng; Meng, Ran; Bin Huang; Bi, Yan; Shen, Shanmei; Zhu, Dalong

    2017-09-01

    Obesity is associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney diseases and the conventional treatment with renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors is not enough to prevent renal injury and prolong the progression of disease. Recently, silymarin has shown protective effects on renal tissue injury, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The goal of this study was to investigate the potential capacity of silymarin to prevent renal injury during obesity induced by high fat diet (HFD) in mice. In vivo, male C57BL/6 mice received HFD (60% of total calories) for 12 weeks, randomized and treated orally with vehicle saline or silymarin (30mg/kg body weight/d) for 4 weeks. In vitro, human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) were exposed to 300μM palmitic acid (PA) for 36h followed by silymarin administration at different concentrations. The administration of silymarin significantly ameliorated HFD induced glucose metabolic disorders, oxidative stress and pathological alterations in the kidney. Silymarin significantly mitigated renal lipid accumulation, fatty acid β-oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis in HFD mice and PA treated HK2 cells. Furthermore, silymarin partly restored mitochondrial membrane potential of HK2 cells after PA exposure. In conclusion, silymarin can improve oxidative stress and preserve mitochondrial dysfunction in the kidney, potentially via preventing accumulation of renal lipids and fatty acid β-oxidation. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. Vitis vinifera Extract Ameliorate Hepatic and Renal Dysfunction Induced by Dexamethasone in Albino Rats

    PubMed Central

    Hasona, Nabil A.; Alrashidi, Ahmed A.; Aldugieman, Thamer Z.; Alshdokhi, Ali M.; Ahmed, Mohammed Q.

    2017-01-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical effects of grape seed extract against dexamethasone-induced hepatic and renal dysfunction in a female albino rat. Twenty-eight adult female rats were divided randomly into four equal groups: Group 1: animals were injected subcutaneously with saline and consider as normal control one. Group 2: animals were injected subcutaneously with dexamethasone in a dose of 0.1 mg/kg body weight. Group 3: animals were injected subcutaneously with 0.1 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, and then treated with a grape seed extract in a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. Group 4: animals were injected subcutaneously with 0.1 mg/kg body weight of dexamethasone, and then treated with a grape seed extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage. After 4 weeks, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, albumin, uric acid, creatinine, and glucose levels were assayed. Hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH), total protein content, and catalase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities were also assayed. Dexamethasone administration caused elevation of serum levels of glucose, uric acid, creatinine, ALT, AST activities, and a decrease in other parameters such as hepatic glutathione, total protein levels, and catalase enzyme activity. Treatment with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract showed a significant increase in the body weight of rats in the group treated with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract orally compared with the dexamethasone control group. An increase in GSH and catalase activity in response to oral treatment with Vitis vinifera L. seed extract was observed after treatment. Grape seed extract positively affects glucocorticoid-induced hepatic and renal alteration in albino rats. PMID:29051443

  2. Aging-related renal injury and inflammation are associated with downregulation of Klotho and induction of RIG-I/NF-κB signaling pathway in senescence-accelerated mice.

    PubMed

    Zeng, Yi; Wang, Ping-Han; Zhang, Mao; Du, Jun-Rong

    2016-02-01

    The predominant distribution of the antiaging Klotho protein in both the kidneys and brain may point to its essential role in protecting against dysfunction of the kidney-brain axis during the aging process. Our previous study showed that the downregulation of Klotho was involved in aging-related cognitive impairment in aged senescence-accelerated mouse prone-8 (SAMP8) mice. The present study investigated the potential role of Klotho in aging-associated inflammation and renal injury. Age- and gender-matched groups of SAMP8 mice and their corresponding normal control senescence-accelerated mouse resistant-1 (SAMR1) were used to investigate the potential role of Klotho in aging-associated inflammation and renal injury. Compared with aged SAMR1 controls, early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is associated with an increase in the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, inflammatory cell infiltration, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, was observed in aged SAMP8 mice. Furthermore, the aging-related loss of Klotho-induced activation of the retinoic acid-inducible gene 1/nuclear factor-κB (RIG-I/NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent production of the proinflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the kidneys of aged SAMP8 mice compared with SAMR1 controls. The present results suggest that aging-related inflammation and the development of early-stage CKD are likely associated with the downregulation of Klotho and induction of the RIG-I/NF-κB signaling pathway in 12-month-old SAMP8 mice. Moreover, aged SAMP8 mice with cognitive deficits and renal damage may be a potential mouse model for investigating the kidney-brain axis in the aging process.

  3. Renal arteriography

    MedlinePlus

    Renal angiogram; Angiography - kidney; Renal angiography; Renal artery stenosis - arteriography ... an artery by a blood clot Renal artery stenosis Renal cell cancer Angiomyolipomas (noncancerous tumors of the ...

  4. Low-protein diet supplemented with ketoacids ameliorates proteinuria in 3/4 nephrectomised rats by directly inhibiting the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jia-Ying; Yin, Ying; Ni, Li; Long, Quan; You, Li; Zhang, Qian; Lin, Shan-Yan; Chen, Jing

    2016-11-01

    Low-protein diet plus ketoacids (LPD+KA) has been reported to decrease proteinuria in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). However, the mechanisms have not been clarified. As over-activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been shown to play a key role in the progression of CKD, the current study was performed to investigate the direct effects of LPD+KA on intrarenal RAS, independently of renal haemodynamics. In this study, 3/4 subtotal renal ablated rats were fed 18 % normal-protein diet (Nx-NPD), 6 % low-protein diet (Nx-LPD) or 5 % low-protein diet plus 1 % ketoacids (Nx-LPD+KA) for 12 weeks. Sham-operated rats fed NPD served as controls. The level of proteinuria and expression of renin, angiotensin II (AngII) and its type 1 receptors (AT1R) in the renal cortex were markedly higher in Nx-NPD group than in the sham group. LPD+KA significantly decreased the proteinuria and inhibited intrarenal RAS activation. To exclude renal haemodynamic impact on intrarenal RAS, the serum samples derived from the different groups were added to the culture medium of mesangial cells. It showed that the serum from Nx-NPD directly induced higher expression of AngII, AT1R, fibronectin and transforming growth factor-β1 in the mesangial cells than in the control group. Nx-LPD+KA serum significantly inhibited these abnormalities. Then, proteomics and biochemical detection suggested that the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of LPD+KA might be amelioration of the nutritional metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. In conclusion, LPD+KA could directly inhibit the intrarenal RAS activation, independently of renal haemodynamics, thus attenuating the proteinuria in CKD rats.

  5. Hordenine protects against hyperglycemia-associated renal complications in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

    PubMed

    Su, Shuhao; Cao, Meng; Wu, Guangyuan; Long, Zi; Cheng, Xiaodong; Fan, Junshu; Xu, Zhongrui; Su, Hongfei; Hao, Yiming; Li, Ge; Peng, Jie; Li, Shuang; Wang, Xin

    2018-05-15

    The worldwide prevalence of diabetes and associated metabolic diseases has dramatically increased. Pharmacological treatment of diabetes is still limited. Hordenine (HOR), a phenethylamine alkaloid, is a natural constituent in many plants. The present study was designed to explore the possible anti-diabetic effect of HOR in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Combined treatment of HOR and insulin significantly reduced fasting and postprandial blood glucose level in diabetic mice. HOR and insulin did not show evident protective effect against structural and functional injuries of pancreas. Renal histological and functional injuries were significantly improved by HOR or insulin treatment. Moreover, combined treatment of HOR and insulin resulted in a more significant amelioration of renal histological and functional injuries in diabetic mice. HOR induced a decrease of renal IL-1α/β and IL-6 expression, and a reduction of Col1α1 and MMP9 expression and PAS-stained mesangial expansion in glomeruli of diabetic mice. In diabetic mice, HOR significantly decreased Nrf2 expression and increased hnRNPF and hnRNPK expression in kidney. Moreover, HOR showed a synergistic effect with insulin on the expression of these regulators. Renal ROS level and TBARS content in diabetic mice were decreased by HOR. The reduction of renal expression of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic mice was inhibited by HOR and insulin. Furthermore, HOR and insulin function synergistically to play an antioxidant role against oxidative injury in diabetic nephropathy. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, we, for the first time, found the anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic role of HOR in combination with insulin. HOR functions synergistically with insulin and prevents diabetic nephropathy. However, the molecular mechanism of the synergistic effect of HOR and insulin needs to be elucidated. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. ANTIOXIDANTS AMELIORATION OF ARSENICAL-INDUCED EFFECTS IN VIVO

    EPA Science Inventory

    Antioxidant amelioration of arsenical-induced effects in vivo. ES Hunter and EH Rogers. Reproductive Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US EPA, RTP, NC.

    Antioxidants have been reported to ameliorate the effects of many developmental toxicants. We tested the hypothesis that oxi...

  7. Rosuvastatin protects against angiotensin II-induced renal injury in a dose-dependent fashion.

    PubMed

    Park, Joon-Keun; Mervaala, Eero Ma; Muller, Dominik N; Menne, Jan; Fiebeler, Anette; Luft, Friedrich C; Haller, Hermann

    2009-03-01

    We showed earlier that statin treatment ameliorates target-organ injury in a transgenic model of angiotensin (Ang) II-induced hypertension. We now test the hypothesis that rosuvastatin (1, 10, and 50 mg/kg/day) influences leukocyte adhesion and infiltration, prevents induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and ameliorates target-organ damage in a dose-dependent fashion. We treated rats harboring the human renin and human angiotensinogen genes (dTGR) from week 4 to 8 (n = 20 per group). Untreated dTGR developed severe hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and renal damage, with a 100-fold increased albuminuria and focal cortical necrosis. Mortality of untreated dTGR at age 8 weeks was 59%. Rosuvastatin treatment decreased mortality dose-dependently. Blood pressure was not affected. Albuminuria was reduced dose-dependently. Interstitial adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 expression was markedly reduced by rosuvastatin, as were neutrophil and monocyte infiltration. Immunohistochemistry showed an increased endothelial and medial iNOS expression in small vessels, infiltrating cells, afferent arterioles, and glomeruli of dTGR. Immunoreactivity was stronger in cortex than medulla. Rosuvastatin markedly reduced the iNOS expression in both cortex and medulla. Finally, matrix protein (type IV collagen, fibronectin) expression was also dose- dependently reduced by rosuvastatin. Our findings indicate that rosuvastatin dose- dependently ameliorates angiotensin II-induced-organ damage and almost completely prevents inflammation at the highest dose. The data implicate 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A function in signaling events leading to target-organ damage.

  8. Long-term treatment with EGFR inhibitor erlotinib attenuates renal inflammatory cytokines but not nephropathy in Alport syndrome mouse model.

    PubMed

    Omachi, Kohei; Miyakita, Rui; Fukuda, Ryosuke; Kai, Yukari; Suico, Mary Ann; Yokota, Tsubasa; Kamura, Misato; Shuto, Tsuyoshi; Kai, Hirofumi

    2017-12-01

    Alport syndrome (AS) is a hereditary kidney disease caused by mutation of type IV collagen. Loss of collagen network induces collapse of glomerular basement membrane (GBM) structure. The previous studies showed that upregulation of some tyrosine kinase receptors signaling accompanied GBM disorder in AS mouse model. EGFR signaling is one of the well-known receptor kinase signaling that is involved in glomerular diseases. However, whether EGFR signaling is relevant to AS progression is still uninvestigated. Here, we determined the involvement of EGFR in AS and the effect of suppressing EGFR signaling by erlotinib treatment on AS progression. Phosphorylated EGFR expression was investigated by Western blotting analysis and immunostaining of kidney tissues of Col4a5 mutant mice (a mouse model of X-linked AS). To check the effect of blocking EGFR signaling in AS, we administered erlotinib to AS mice once a day (10 mg/kg/day) orally for 18 weeks. Renal function parameters (proteinuria, serum creatinine, and BUN) and renal histology were assessed, and the gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines were analyzed in renal tissues. Phosphorylated EGFR expression was upregulated in AS mice kidney tissues. Erlotinib slightly reduced the urinary protein and suppressed the expression of renal injury markers (Lcn2, Lysozyme) and inflammatory cytokines (Il-6, Il-1β and KC). Erlotinib did not improve renal pathology, such as glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis. These findings suggest that EGFR signaling is upregulated in kidney, but although inhibiting this signaling pathway suppressed renal inflammatory cytokines, it did not ameliorate renal dysfunction in AS mouse model.

  9. Persistent Increase in Blood Pressure After Renal Nerve Stimulation in Accessory Renal Arteries After Sympathetic Renal Denervation.

    PubMed

    de Jong, Mark R; Hoogerwaard, Annemiek F; Gal, Pim; Adiyaman, Ahmet; Smit, Jaap Jan J; Delnoy, Peter Paul H M; Ramdat Misier, Anand R; van Hasselt, Boudewijn A A M; Heeg, Jan-Evert; le Polain de Waroux, Jean-Benoit; Lau, Elizabeth O Y; Staessen, Jan A; Persu, Alexandre; Elvan, Arif

    2016-06-01

    Blood pressure response to renal denervation is highly variable, and the proportion of responders is disappointing. This may be partly because of accessory renal arteries too small for denervation, causing incomplete ablation. Renal nerve stimulation before and after renal denervation is a promising approach to assess completeness of renal denervation and may predict blood pressure response to renal denervation. The objective of the current study was to assess renal nerve stimulation-induced blood pressure increase before and after renal sympathetic denervation in main and accessory renal arteries of anaesthetized patients with drug-resistant hypertension. The study included 21 patients. Nine patients had at least 1 accessory renal artery in which renal denervation was not feasible. Renal nerve stimulation was performed in the main arteries of all patients and in accessory renal arteries of 6 of 9 patients with accessory arteries, both before and after renal sympathetic denervation. Renal nerve stimulation before renal denervation elicited a substantial increase in systolic blood pressure, both in main (25.6±2.9 mm Hg; P<0.001) and accessory (24.3±7.4 mm Hg; P=0.047) renal arteries. After renal denervation, renal nerve stimulation-induced systolic blood pressure increase was blunted in the main renal arteries (Δ systolic blood pressure, 8.6±3.7 mm Hg; P=0.020), but not in the nondenervated renal accessory renal arteries (Δ systolic blood pressure, 27.1±7.6 mm Hg; P=0.917). This residual source of renal sympathetic tone may result in persistent hypertension after ablation and partly account for the large response variability. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  10. [Effect of Cordyceps sinensis on the expression of HIF-1α and NGAL in rats with renal ischemia-reperfusion injury].

    PubMed

    Yu, Honglei; Zhou, Qiaoling; Huang, Renfa; Yuan, Mingxia; Ao, Xiang; Yang, Jinghua

    2012-01-01

    To observe the level of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and NGAL in rat kidney after renal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R), before and after the treatment with Cordyceps Sinensis (C. sinensis), and to explore the mechanism of C. sinensis against I/R injury. A total of 45 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a renal I/R model group, and a C. sinensis group (15 in each group).The rats in the sham group and the renal I/R model group were intragastrically administered saline (2 mL/d), and rats in the treatment group were intragastricabby administered of C. sinensis [5.0 g/(kg.d)]. The rats were sacrificed at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively after the reperfusion and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) level was measured, renal function in rats was detected, and the pathological changes were observed with HE staining. We determined the urinary NGAL levels in the rats by ELISA, the expression of HIF-1α mRNA by RT-PCR, and the expressions of HIF-1α and NGAL proteins by confocal immunofluorescence. Compared with the sham group, the levels of BUN, SCr, levels of NAG and NGAL in urine were increased in the I/R group and the C. sinensis group, reached a peak at 24 h after the reperfusion and slowly declined at 48 and 72 h. Glomerular and tubulointerstitial areas in the sham group did not show any pathological change. Induced pathological changes included tubular cell necrosis, focal areas of proximal tubular dilation, distal tubular casts, effacement and loss of proximal tubule brush border, etc. Compared with the sham group, the expression of HIF-1α and NGAL in the kidney tissues of the I/R group and the C. sinensis group increased. C. sinensis can lower the level of NAG and NGAL in the urine and the expression of NGAL protein in the kidney tissues. It up-regulated the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein in the kidney tissues whilst attenuated

  11. Longitudinal prospective observational type study about determinants of renal resistive index variations in chronic renal failure patients treated with conventional medical and dietetic therapy.

    PubMed

    Brardi, Simone; Cevenini, Gabriele; Giovannelli, Vanni; Romano, Giuseppe

    2017-12-31

    This longitudinal prospective observational type study was conceived with the aim to examine the impact on renal resistive index (RRI) of the variables that we can manipulate with therapeutic and or dietetic interventions in a chronic kidney disease population in order to known which of these variables was statistically related to changes in RRI and therefore could become the object of the greatest therapeutic effort. This study was undertaken between May 2016 to May 2017 in the outpatient nephrology and urology clinic of San Donato Hospital in Arezzo. The study population (84 patients: 47 males and 37 females) was randomly selected among the chronic kidney patients (with various degrees of renal impairment) affected by hypertension and or diabetes mellitus. After a comprehensive medical examination these patients were submitted to determination of serum creatinine, glycated hemoglobin, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion and finally renal Doppler ultrasonography. Then the patients were submitted to a full therapeutic and dietetic intervention to ameliorate the renal impairment by a wide range of actions and after on average a one-year interval were submitted again to a new medical examination and a second determination of serum creatinine, glycated hemoglobin, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion and a new renal Doppler ultrasonography too. The comparison between basal and final data revealed a slight reduction in the mean of bilateral renal resistance indices (Delta RRI: -0.0182 ± 0.08), associated to a slight increase in the mean glomerular filtration rate (Delta GFR: 0.8738 ± 10.95 ml/min/1.73 m2), a reduction in mean body weight (Delta weight: -1.9548 ± 5.26 Kg) and mean BMI (Delta BMI: -0.7643 ± 2.10 Kg/m2) as well as a reduction in the mean systolic blood pressure (Delta systolic blood pressure: -8.8333 ± 25.19 mmHg). Statistical analysis showed statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) between Delta RRI and Delta weight (p < 0.03), Delta BMI (p < 0

  12. C66 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in mice by both upregulating NRF2 function via increase in miR-200a and inhibiting miR-21

    PubMed Central

    Wu, Hao; Kong, Lili; Tan, Yi; Epstein, Paul N.; Zeng, Jun; Gu, Junlian; Liang, Guang; Kong, Maiying; Chen, Xiangmei

    2017-01-01

    Aims/hypothesis Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Previously we reported that C66, a novel analogue of curcumin with a very high bioavailability, ameliorated diabetic nephropathy in mice, with little known about the mechanism. The present study aimed to define the mechanism by which C66 ameliorates diabetic nephropathy. Methods Our aim was to discover whether C66 acts through the activation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2 or NRF2), which governs the antioxidant response. Streptozotocin-induced Nrf2 (also known as Nfe2l2)-knockout and wild-type (WT) diabetic mice were treated with C66. To determine whether the actions of C66 on NRF2 are mediated by microRNA (miR)-200a, WT diabetic mice were treated with C66 in the presence or absence of an in vivo miR-200a inhibitor (locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-200a [LNA-200a]) for 6 months. To determine whether miR-21 downregulation provided an NRF2-independent basis for C66 protection, Nrf2-knockout diabetic mice were treated with either C66 or an inhibitor of miR-21 (locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-21 [LNA-21]). Results Deletion of Nrf2 partially abolished diabetic nephropathy protection by C66, confirming the requirement of NRF2 for this protection. Diabetic mice, but not C66-treated diabetic mice, developed significant albuminuria, renal oxidative damage and fibrosis. C66 upregulated renal miR-200a, inhibited kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 and induced NRF2 function, effects that were prevented by LNA-200a. However, LNA-200a only partially reduced the protection afforded by C66, suggesting the existence of miR-200a/NRF2-independent mechanisms for C66 protection. C66 was also found to inhibit diabetes induction of miR-21. Both C66 and LNA-21 produced similar reductions in miR-21, albuminuria and renal fibrosis. Conclusions/interpretation The present study indicates that in addition to upregulating NRF2 by increasing miR-200a, C66 also protects against

  13. Maternal supplementation with citrulline increases renal nitric oxide in young spontaneously hypertensive rats and has long-term antihypertensive effects.

    PubMed

    Koeners, Maarten P; van Faassen, Ernst E; Wesseling, Sebastiaan; de Sain-van der Velden, Monique; Koomans, Hein A; Braam, Branko; Joles, Jaap A

    2007-12-01

    NO deficiency is associated with development of hypertension. Defects in the renal citrulline-arginine pathway or arginine reabsorption potentially reduce renal NO in prehypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Hence, we investigated genes related to the citrulline-arginine pathway or arginine reabsorption, amino acid pools, and renal NO in 2-week-old prehypertensive SHRs. In addition, because perinatally supporting NO availability reduces blood pressure in SHRs, we supplemented SHR dams during pregnancy and lactation with citrulline, the rate-limiting amino acid for arginine synthesis. In female offspring, gene expression of argininosuccinate synthase (involved in renal arginine synthesis) and renal cationic amino acid Y-transporter (involved in arginine reabsorption) were both decreased in 2-day and 2-week SHRs compared with normotensive WKY, although no abnormalities in amino acid pools were observed. In addition, 2-week-old female SHRs had much less NO in their kidneys (0.46+/-0.01 versus 0.68+/-0.05 nmol/g of kidney weight, respectively; P<0.001) but not in their heart. Furthermore, perinatal supplementation with citrulline increased renal NO to 0.59+/-0.02 nmol/g of kidney weight (P<0.001) at 2 weeks and persistently ameliorated the development of hypertension in females and until 20 weeks in male SHR offspring. Defects in both the renal citrulline-arginine pathway and in arginine reabsorption precede hypertension in SHRs. We propose that the reduced cationic amino acid transporter disables the developing SHR kidney to use arginine reabsorption to compensate for reduced arginine synthesis, resulting in organ-specific NO deficiency. This early renal deficiency and its adverse sequels can be corrected by perinatal citrulline supplementation persistently in female and transiently in male SHRs.

  14. Serum metabonomic analysis of protective effects of Curcuma aromatica oil on renal fibrosis rats.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Liangcai; Zhang, Haiyan; Yang, Yunjun; Zheng, Yongquan; Dong, Minjian; Wang, Yaqiang; Bai, Guanghui; Ye, Xinjian; Yan, Zhihan; Gao, Hongchang

    2014-01-01

    Curcuma aromatica oil is a traditional herbal medicine demonstrating protective and anti-fibrosis activities in renal fibrosis patients. However, study of its mechanism of action is challenged by its multiple components and multiple targets that its active agent acts on. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomics combined with clinical chemistry and histopathology examination were performed to evaluate intervening effects of Curcuma aromatica oil on renal interstitial fibrosis rats induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction. The metabolite levels were compared based on integral values of serum 1H NMR spectra from rats on 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the medicine administration. Time trajectory analysis demonstrated that metabolic profiles of the agent-treated rats were restored to control levels after 7 days of dosage. The results confirmed that the agent would be an effective anti-fibrosis medicine in a time-dependent manner, especially in early renal fibrosis stage. Targeted metabolite analysis showed that the medicine could lower levels of lipid, acetoacetate, glucose, phosphorylcholine/choline, trimethylamine oxide and raise levels of pyruvate, glycine in the serum of the rats. Serum clinical chemistry and kidney histopathology examination dovetailed well with the metabonomics data. The results substantiated that Curcuma aromatica oil administration can ameliorate renal fibrosis symptoms by inhibiting some metabolic pathways, including lipids metabolism, glycolysis and methylamine metabolism, which are dominating targets of the agent working in vivo. This study further strengthens the novel analytical approach for evaluating the effect of traditional herbal medicine and elucidating its molecular mechanism.

  15. Icariin combined with human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells significantly improve the impaired kidney function in chronic renal failure.

    PubMed

    Li, Wen; Wang, Li; Chu, Xiaoqian; Cui, Huantian; Bian, Yuhong

    2017-04-01

    At present, the main therapy for chronic renal failure (CRF) is dialysis and renal transplantation, but neither obtains satisfactory results. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (huMSCs) are isolated from the fetal umbilical cord which has a high self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation potential. Icariin (ICA), a kidney-tonifying Chinese Medicine can enhance the multipotency of huMSCs. Therefore, this work seeks to employ the use of ICA-treated huMSCs for the treatment of chronic renal failure. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine (Cr) analyses showed amelioration of functional parameters in ICA-treated huMSCs for the treatment of CRF rats at 3, 7, and 14 days after transplantation. ICA-treated huMSCs can obviously increase the number of cells in injured renal tissues at 3, 7, and 14 days after transplantation by optical molecular imaging system. Hematoxylin-eosin staining demonstrated that ICA-treated huMSCs reduced the levels of fibrosis in CRF rats at 14 days after transplantation. Superoxide dismutase and Malondialdehyde analyses showed that ICA-treated huMSCs reduced the oxidative damage in CRF rats. Moreover, transplantation with ICA-treated huMSCs decreased inflammatory responses, promoted the expression of growth factors, and protected injured renal tissues. Taken together, our findings suggest that ICA-treated huMSCs could improve the kidney function in CRF rats.

  16. Neural control of renal function: role of renal alpha adrenoceptors.

    PubMed

    DiBona, G F

    1985-01-01

    Adrenoceptors of various subtypes mediate the renal functional responses to alterations in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity, the neural component, and renal arterial plasma catecholamine concentrations, the humoral component, of the sympathoadrenergic nervous system. Under normal physiologic as well as hypertensive conditions, the influence of the renal sympathetic nerves predominates over that of circulating plasma catecholamines. In most mammalian species, increases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity elicit renal vasoconstrictor responses mediated predominantly by renal vascular alpha-1 adrenoceptors, increases in renin release mediated largely by renal juxtaglomerular granular cell beta-1 adrenoceptors with involvement of renal vascular alpha-1 adrenoceptors only when renal vasoconstriction occurs, and direct increases in renal tubular sodium and water reabsorption mediated predominantly by renal tubular alpha-1 adrenoceptors. In most mammalian species, alpha-2 adrenoceptors do not play a significant role in the renal vascular or renin release responses to renal sympathoadrenergic stimulation. Although renal tubular alpha-2 adrenoceptors do not mediate the increases in renal tubular sodium and water reabsorption produced by increases in efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity, they may be involved through their inhibitory effect on adenylate cyclase in modulating the response to other hormonal agents that influence renal tubular sodium and water reabsorption via stimulation of adenylate cyclase.

  17. Effects of water uptake on melamine renal stone formation in mice.

    PubMed

    Peng, Jiao; Li, Daxu; Chan, Yee Kwan; Chen, Yan; Lamb, Jonathan R; Tam, Paul K H; El-Nezami, Hani

    2012-06-01

    Melamine-tainted food can induce kidney stones both in humans and animals and in domestic animals, severe cases caused acute kidney failure and death. Although increasing water intake can ameliorate kidney stone formation, its effect on melamine (Mel)-induced kidney stones has not been studied. We have analysed the effect of restricted ingestion of drinking water on melamine stone formation in mice. They were given melamine and cyanuric acid orally and received drinking water either freely or for a restricted time. Kidney stone formation and renal function were monitored. Mice receiving drinking water for a restricted 10-h period initially lost body weight, which returned to normal within 2 days. No other abnormalities were observed. Ingestion of melamine alone failed to induce kidney stones even under conditions of restricted drinking water. In mice treated with melamine together with cyanuric acid for 3 days, no renal stones were formed when the supply of drinking was normal. However, when drinking water was limited, stone formation was observed and accompanied by high levels of serum urea and creatinine. An increase in urine haemoglobin and glucose levels was also found. The administration resulted in up-regulated tissue osteopontin, kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin messenger RNA expression and macrophage infiltration. Our results indicate the importance of water intake in the formation of melamine-induced renal stone formation in the mouse and provide new information on the mechanisms of melamine stone formation.

  18. Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor-Associated Protein Regulates Kidney Aging and Lifespan Independent of Angiotensin.

    PubMed

    Uneda, Kazushi; Wakui, Hiromichi; Maeda, Akinobu; Azushima, Kengo; Kobayashi, Ryu; Haku, Sona; Ohki, Kohji; Haruhara, Kotaro; Kinguchi, Sho; Matsuda, Miyuki; Ohsawa, Masato; Minegishi, Shintaro; Ishigami, Tomoaki; Toya, Yoshiyuki; Atobe, Yoshitoshi; Yamashita, Akio; Umemura, Satoshi; Tamura, Kouichi

    2017-07-27

    The kidney is easily affected by aging-associated changes, including glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrosis. Particularly, renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a final common pathway in most forms of progressive renal disease. Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R)-associated protein (ATRAP), which was originally identified as a molecule that binds to AT1R, is highly expressed in the kidney. Previously, we have shown that ATRAP suppresses hyperactivation of AT1R signaling, but does not affect physiological AT1R signaling. We hypothesized that ATRAP has a novel functional role in the physiological age-degenerative process, independent of modulation of AT1R signaling. ATRAP-knockout mice were used to study the functional involvement of ATRAP in the aging. ATRAP-knockout mice exhibit a normal age-associated appearance without any evident alterations in physiological parameters, including blood pressure and cardiovascular and metabolic phenotypes. However, in ATRAP-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice, the following takes place: (1) age-associated renal function decline and tubulointerstitial fibrosis are more enhanced; (2) renal tubular mitochondrial abnormalities and subsequent increases in the production of reactive oxygen species are more advanced; and (3) life span is 18.4% shorter (median life span, 100.4 versus 123.1 weeks). As a key mechanism, age-related pathological changes in the kidney of ATRAP-knockout mice correlated with decreased expression of the prosurvival gene, Sirtuin1 . On the other hand, chronic angiotensin II infusion did not affect renal sirtuin1 expression in wild-type mice. These results indicate that ATRAP plays an important role in inhibiting kidney aging, possibly through sirtuin1-mediated mechanism independent of blocking AT1R signaling, and further protecting normal life span. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

  19. Dietary Metabolites and Chronic Kidney Disease.

    PubMed

    Hasegawa, Sho; Jao, Tzu-Ming; Inagi, Reiko

    2017-04-04

    Dietary contents and their metabolites are closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Advanced glycated end products (AGEs) are a type of uremic toxin produced by glycation. AGE accumulation is not only the result of elevated glucose levels or reduced renal clearance capacity, but it also promotes CKD progression. Indoxyl sulfate, another uremic toxin derived from amino acid metabolism, accumulates as CKD progresses and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis. Specific types of amino acids (d-serine) or fatty acids (palmitate) are reported to be closely associated with CKD progression. Promising therapeutic targets associated with nutrition include uremic toxin absorbents and inhibitors of AGEs or the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Probiotics and prebiotics maintain gut flora balance and also prevent CKD progression by enhancing gut barriers and reducing uremic toxin formation. Nrf2 signaling not only ameliorates oxidative stress but also reduces elevated AGE levels. Bardoxolone methyl, an Nrf2 activator and NF-κB suppressor, has been tested as a therapeutic agent, but the phase 3 clinical trial was terminated owing to the high rate of cardiovascular events. However, a phase 2 trial has been initiated in Japan, and the preliminary analysis reveals promising results without an increase in cardiovascular events.

  20. Dietary Metabolites and Chronic Kidney Disease

    PubMed Central

    Hasegawa, Sho; Jao, Tzu-Ming; Inagi, Reiko

    2017-01-01

    Dietary contents and their metabolites are closely related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Advanced glycated end products (AGEs) are a type of uremic toxin produced by glycation. AGE accumulation is not only the result of elevated glucose levels or reduced renal clearance capacity, but it also promotes CKD progression. Indoxyl sulfate, another uremic toxin derived from amino acid metabolism, accumulates as CKD progresses and induces tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerular sclerosis. Specific types of amino acids (d-serine) or fatty acids (palmitate) are reported to be closely associated with CKD progression. Promising therapeutic targets associated with nutrition include uremic toxin absorbents and inhibitors of AGEs or the receptor for AGEs (RAGE). Probiotics and prebiotics maintain gut flora balance and also prevent CKD progression by enhancing gut barriers and reducing uremic toxin formation. Nrf2 signaling not only ameliorates oxidative stress but also reduces elevated AGE levels. Bardoxolone methyl, an Nrf2 activator and NF-κB suppressor, has been tested as a therapeutic agent, but the phase 3 clinical trial was terminated owing to the high rate of cardiovascular events. However, a phase 2 trial has been initiated in Japan, and the preliminary analysis reveals promising results without an increase in cardiovascular events. PMID:28375181

  1. Renal-protective and ameliorating impacts of omega-3 fatty acids against aspartame damaged MDCK cells.

    PubMed

    Pandurangan, Muthuraman; Enkhtaivan, Gansukh; Veerappan, Muthuviveganandavel; Mistry, Bhupendra; Patel, Rahul; Moon, So Hyun; Nagajyothi, Patnamsetty Chidanandha; Kim, Doo Hwan

    2017-11-01

    Aspartame is widely used artificial sweeteners as food additives. Several researchers have pointed that the controversial report on the use of aspartame over more than decades. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential and unsaturated fatty acids, and it plays a remarkable role in vision, intelligence, neural development, and metabolism of neurotransmitters. Therefore, the present study was aimed to investigate the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on aspartame treated renal cells. Experimental groups were divided into three such as sham control, aspartame treated, and aspartame with omega-3 fatty acids. Cell viability was determined by sulforhodamine-b assay and flow cytometric analysis. The experimental results showed that the aspartame induced altered cell viability were reduced following treatment of aspartame with omega-3 fatty acids. Altered cell morphology was recovered by omega-3 fatty acids. DNA damage appeared in the highest concentration of aspartame used in this study. DNA damage characteristics such as comet tail and tiny head sections did not appear in the omega-3 fatty acids treated cells. Several microvilli and vesicular structures were found in aspartame treated cells. Altered morphology such as rounding, microvilli, and formation of dome-like structures did not appear in the omega-3 fatty acids with aspartame treated cells. Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression were increased in aspartame treated cells, and these levels were reduced following omega-3 fatty acids treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids may be a therapeutic agent to reduce the aspartame induced biochemical and morphological alterations in normal renal cells. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(6):847-857, 2017. © 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

  2. Postgastric bypass hypoglycaemia in a patient with end-stage renal disease: a diagnostic and management pitfall.

    PubMed

    Khalid, Sameen; Bilal, Anika; Asad-Ur-Rahman, F N U; Pratley, Richard

    2017-06-15

    Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is currently one of the most popular procedures to aid weight loss. Hypoglycaemia associated with gastric bypass surgery is an underdiagnosed but life-threatening potential consequence of the surgical procedure. We present a case of a 44-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presenting with refractory hypoglycaemia after 10 years of RYGB. Extensive history and work-up excluded medications, renal disease, insulinoma and dumping syndrome as the cause of hypoglycaemia. Dietary modifications or pharmacological trial of drugs did not ameliorate her symptoms with progressive worsening of hypoglycaemia leading to continuous dextrose infusion. Distal pancreatectomy was performed with subsequent resolution of hypoglycaemia. Surgical pathology results showed diffuse hyperplastic islet cells, confirming the diagnosis of postgastric bypass hypoglycaemia. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  3. Attenuation of Folic Acid-Induced Renal Inflammatory Injury in Platelet-Activating Factor Receptor-Deficient Mice

    PubMed Central

    Doi, Kent; Okamoto, Koji; Negishi, Kousuke; Suzuki, Yoshifumi; Nakao, Akihide; Fujita, Toshiro; Toda, Akiko; Yokomizo, Takehiko; Kita, Yoshihiro; Kihara, Yasuyuki; Ishii, Satoshi; Shimizu, Takao; Noiri, Eisei

    2006-01-01

    Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator with various biological activities, plays an important role in inflammation by recruiting leukocytes. In this study we used platelet-activating factor receptor (PAFR)-deficient mice to elucidate the role of PAF in inflammatory renal injury induced by folic acid administration. PAFR-deficient mice showed significant amelioration of renal dysfunction and pathological findings such as acute tubular damage with neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation observed with antibody to 4-hydroxy-2-hexenal (day 2), and interstitial fibrosis with macrophage infiltration associated with expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the kidney (day 14). Acute tubular damage was attenuated by neutrophil depletion using a monoclonal antibody (RB6-8C5), demonstrating the contribution of neutrophils to acute phase injury. Macrophage infiltration was also decreased when treatment with a PAF antagonist (WEB2086) was started after acute phase. In vitro chemotaxis assay using a Boyden chamber demonstrated that PAF exhibits a strong chemotactic activity for macrophages. These results indicate that PAF is involved in pathogenesis of folic acid-induced renal injury by activating neutrophils in acute phase and macrophages in chronic interstitial fibrosis. Inhibiting the PAF pathway might be therapeutic to kidney injury from inflammatory cells. PMID:16651609

  4. A bio-artificial renal epithelial cell system conveys survival advantage in a porcine model of septic shock.

    PubMed

    Westover, Angela J; Buffington, Deborah A; Johnston, Kimberly A; Smith, Peter L; Pino, Christopher J; Humes, H David

    2017-03-01

    Renal cell therapy using the hollow fiber based renal assist device (RAD) improved survival time in an animal model of septic shock (SS) through the amelioration of cardiac and vascular dysfunction. Safety and ability of the RAD to improve clinical outcomes was demonstrated in a Phase II clinical trial, in which patients had high prevalence of sepsis. Even with these promising results, clinical delivery of cell therapy is hampered by manufacturing hurdles, including cell sourcing, large-scale device manufacture, storage and delivery. To address these limitations, the bioartificial renal epithelial cell system (BRECS) was developed. The BRECS contains human renal tubule epithelial cells derived from adult progenitor cells using enhanced propagation techniques. Cells were seeded onto trabeculated disks of niobium-coated carbon, held within cryopreservable, perfusable, injection-moulded polycarbonate housing. The study objective was to evaluate the BRECS in a porcine model of SS to establish conservation of efficacy after necessary cell sourcing and design modifications; a pre-clinical requirement to move back into clinical trials. SS was incited by peritoneal injection of E. coli simultaneous to insertion of BRECS (n=10) or control (n=15), into the ultrafiltrate biofeedback component of an extracorporeal circuit. Comparable to RAD, prolonged survival of the BRECS cohort was conveyed through stabilization of cardiac output and vascular leak. In conclusion, the demonstration of conserved efficacy with BRECS therapy in a porcine SS model represents a crucial step toward returning renal cell therapy to the clinical setting, initially targeting ICU patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  5. INTRARENAL GHRELIN RECEPTOR INHIBITION AMELIORATES ANGIOTENSIN II-DEPENDENT HYPERTENSION IN RATS.

    PubMed

    Kemp, Brandon A; Howell, Nancy L; Padia, Shetal H

    2018-06-20

    The intrarenal ghrelin receptor (GR) is localized to collecting duct (CD) cells where it increases αENaC-dependent sodium reabsorption in rodents. We hypothesized that chronic GR inhibition with intrarenal GR siRNA lowers blood pressure (BP) in Angiotensin II-dependent hypertension via reductions in αENaC-dependent sodium reabsorption. Uninephrectomized Sprague-Dawley rats (N=121) received subcutaneous osmotic pumps for chronic systemic delivery of Angiotensin II or vehicle (5% dextrose in water). Rats also received intrarenal infusion of vehicle, GR siRNA, or scrambled (SCR) siRNA. In rats receiving intrarenal vehicle or intrarenal SCR siRNA, systemic Angiotensin II infusion increased sodium retention and BP on day 1, and BP remained elevated throughout the 5-day study. These rats also demonstrated increased CD GR expression after 5 days of infusion. However, intrarenal GR siRNA infusion prevented Angiotensin II-mediated sodium retention on day 1, induced a continuously negative cumulative sodium balance compared with Angiotensin II alone, and reduced BP chronically. Glomerular filtration rate and renal blood flow remained unchanged in GR siRNA-infused rats. Systemic Angiotensin II infusion also increased serum aldosterone levels, CD αENaC and pSGK1 expression in rats with intrarenal SCR siRNA; however these effects were not observed in the presence of intrarenal GR siRNA, despite exposure to the same systemic Angiotensin II. These data demonstrate that chronic inhibition of intrarenal GR activity significantly reduces αENaC -dependent sodium retention, resulting in a negative cumulative sodium balance, thereby ameliorating Angiotensin II-induced hypertension in rats. Renal GRs represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension and other sodium-retaining states.

  6. Ameliorative effect of ursolic acid on renal fibrosis in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease in rats.

    PubMed

    Thakur, Richa; Sharma, Anshuk; Lingaraju, Madhu C; Begum, Jubeda; Kumar, Dhirendra; Mathesh, Karikalan; Kumar, Pawan; Singh, Thakur Uttam; Kumar, Dinesh

    2018-05-01

    Ursolic acid (UA), an ursane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid commonly found in apple peels and holy basil has been shown to possess many beneficial effects. Renal fibrosis is a complication of kidney injury and associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. In our previous investigation, a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid, betulinic acid (BA) was found to have protective effect on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal fibrosis. This prompted us to explore the therapeutic value of UA, a chemically related compound to BA in CKD. CKD was induced by feeding adenine with the feed at a concentration of 0.75% for 28 days. UA at the dose rate of 30 mg/kg in 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) was administered by oral route, simultaneously with adenine feeding for 28 days. Adenine feeding increased the kidney weight to body weight index, decreased the kidney function due to injury as indicated by increased markers like serum urea, uric acid, creatinine, cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and initiated the fibrotic response in kidney by increasing the profibrotic proteins viz. transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin and collagen. However, treatment with UA reversed the damage induced by adenine as shown by reduced kidney injury and fibrosis markers which was further clearly evident in histological picture indicating the suitability of UA for use in CKD. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  7. Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Nephropathy using Polyphenol-rich Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) Leaves in Rat Model.

    PubMed

    Imafidon, Christian E; Akomolafe, Rufus O; Abubakar, Sanusi A; Ogundipe, Oluwadare J; Olukiran, Olaoluwa S; Ayowole, Oladele A

    2015-12-15

    To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) in rats with Cd-induced nephropathy. Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows; Group 1 received distilled water throughout the period of study. Group 2 received 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium (Cd), in the form of CdSO4, for five consecutive days via intraperitoneal route. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Cd as group 2 and thereafter received oral treatment of PEVA for 4 weeks at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Exposure to Cd toxicity significantly induced deleterious alterations in plasma and urine levels of creatinine, urea and glucose as well as creatinine and urea clearance (p < 0.05) in the rat model. There was a significant disturbance in the antioxidant system as revealed by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) in the kidney tissue of the rats. With marked improvements in renal histoarchitecture, PEVA treatment showed a duration and non dose-dependent ameliorative potential. PEVA treatment reversed the compromise of renal function that was induced by Cd toxicity in rat model.

  8. Amelioration of Cadmium-Induced Nephropathy using Polyphenol-rich Extract of Vernonia amygdalina (Del.) Leaves in Rat Model

    PubMed Central

    Imafidon, Christian E.; Akomolafe, Rufus O.; Abubakar, Sanusi A.; Ogundipe, Oluwadare J.; Olukiran, Olaoluwa S.; Ayowole, Oladele A.

    2015-01-01

    AIM: To determine the effects of polyphenol-rich extract of the leaves of Vernonia amygdalina (PEVA) in rats with Cd-induced nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups as follows; Group 1 received distilled water throughout the period of study. Group 2 received 5 mg/kg body weight of cadmium (Cd), in the form of CdSO4, for five consecutive days via intraperitoneal route. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were pretreated with Cd as group 2 and thereafter received oral treatment of PEVA for 4 weeks at 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively. RESULTS: Exposure to Cd toxicity significantly induced deleterious alterations in plasma and urine levels of creatinine, urea and glucose as well as creatinine and urea clearance (p < 0.05) in the rat model. There was a significant disturbance in the antioxidant system as revealed by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) (p < 0.05) in the kidney tissue of the rats. With marked improvements in renal histoarchitecture, PEVA treatment showed a duration and non dose-dependent ameliorative potential. CONCLUSION: PEVA treatment reversed the compromise of renal function that was induced by Cd toxicity in rat model. PMID:27275289

  9. Effect of renal denervation on dynamic autoregulation of renal blood flow.

    PubMed

    DiBona, Gerald F; Sawin, Linda L

    2004-06-01

    Vasoconstrictor intensities of renal sympathetic nerve stimulation elevate the renal arterial pressure threshold for steady-state stepwise autoregulation of renal blood flow. This study examined the tonic effect of basal renal sympathetic nerve activity on dynamic autoregulation of renal blood flow in rats with normal (Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto) and increased levels of renal sympathetic nerve activity (congestive heart failure and spontaneously hypertensive rats). Steady-state values of arterial pressure and renal blood flow before and after acute renal denervation were subjected to transfer function analysis. Renal denervation increased basal renal blood flow in congestive heart failure (+35 +/- 3%) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (+21 +/- 3%) but not in Sprague-Dawley and Wistar-Kyoto rats. Renal denervation significantly decreased transfer function gain (i.e., improved autoregulation of renal blood flow) and increased coherence only in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Thus vasoconstrictor intensities of renal sympathetic nerve activity impaired the dynamic autoregulatory adjustments of the renal vasculature to oscillations in arterial pressure. Renal denervation increased renal blood flow variability in spontaneously hypertensive rats and congestive heart failure rats. The contribution of vasoconstrictor intensities of basal renal sympathetic nerve activity to limiting renal blood flow variability may be important in the stabilization of glomerular filtration rate.

  10. Effect of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides for ICAM-1 on renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury in the anaesthetised rat

    PubMed Central

    Kiew, Lik Voon; Munavvar, Abdul Sattar; Law, Chung Hiong; Azizan, Abdullah Nor; Nazarina, Abdul Rahman; Sidik, Khalifah; Johns, Edward J

    2004-01-01

    An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (As-ODN) to the 3′ untranslated region of the mRNA sequence expressing the intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) was employed to determine ICAM-1's role in renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury in the rat. Wistar-Kyoto rats receiving i.v. either lipofectin–As-ODN (As-ODN group), lipofectin–reverse ODN (Rv-ODN group) or lipofectin (ischaemia control group) 8 h prior to study were anaesthetized and subjected to 30 min of renal artery occlusion. Renal haemodynamic and excretory parameters were monitored before and after renal ischaemia. On termination of the study renal tissue was subjected to histological and Western blot analysis. Renal blood flow decreased in the 3 h post-ischaemia period in the ischaemia control and Rv-ODN groups, but was maintained in the As-ODN group. Glomerular filtration rate was depressed initially but gradually increased to 10% above basal levels in the ischaemia control and Rv-ODN groups, but was below basal levels (20%) in the As-ODN group. There was a three- to fourfold increase in sodium and water excretion following ischaemia in the ischaemia control and reverse-ODN groups but not in the As-ODN treated group. The As-ODN ameliorated the histological evidence of ischaemic damage and reduced ICAM-1 protein levels to a greater extent in the medulla than cortex. These observations suggested that in the post-ischaemic period afferent and efferent arteriolar tone was increased with a loss of reabsorptive capacity which was in part due to ICAM-1. The possibility arises that the action of ICAM-1 at vascular and tubular sites in the deeper regions of the kidney contributes to the ischaemia–reperfusion injury. PMID:15047774

  11. Paeonol Ameliorates Diabetic Renal Fibrosis Through Promoting the Activation of the Nrf2/ARE Pathway via Up-Regulating Sirt1.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lei; Chen, Zhiquan; Gong, Wenyan; Zou, Yezi; Xu, Futian; Chen, Lihao; Huang, Heqing

    2018-01-01

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is rapidly becoming the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients of diabetes. The main pathological change of DN is renal fibrosis. Paeonol (PA), a single phenolic compound extracted from the root bark of Cortex Moutan, has been demonstrated to have many potential pharmacological activities. However, the effects of PA on DN have not been fully elucidated. In this study, high glucose (HG)-treated glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice were analyzed in exploring the potential mechanisms of PA on DN. Results in vitro showed that: (1) PA inhibited HG-induced fibronectin (FN) and ICAM-1 overexpressions; (2) PA exerted renoprotective effect through activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway; (3) Sirt1 mediated the effects of PA on the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway. What is more, in accordance with the in vitro results, significant elevated levels of Sirt1, Nrf2 and downstream proteins related to Nrf2 were observed in the kidneys of PA treatment group compared with model group. Taken together, our study shows that PA delays the progression of diabetic renal fibrosis, and the underlying mechanism is probably associated with regulating the Nrf2 pathway. The effect of PA on Nrf2 is at least partially dependent on Sirt1 activation.

  12. Improved mitochondrial function underlies the protective effect of pirfenidone against tubulointerstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomized rats.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jun-Feng; Liu, Hong; Ni, Hai-Feng; Lv, Lin-Li; Zhang, Ming-Hui; Zhang, Ai-Hua; Tang, Ri-Ning; Chen, Ping-Sheng; Liu, Bi-Cheng

    2013-01-01

    Dysfunctional mitochondria participate in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pirfenidone is a newly identified anti-fibrotic drug. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early event that occurs prior to the onset of renal fibrosis. In this context, we investigated the protective effect of pirfenidone on mitochondria and its relevance to apoptosis and oxidative stress in renal proximal tubular cells. A remnant kidney rat model was established. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) using rotenone, a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ι inhibitor were further investigated in vitro to examine the mitochondrial protective effect of pirfenidone. Pirfenidone protected mitochondrial structures and functions by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential, maintaining ATP production and improving the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Pirfenidone decreased tubular cell apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway. Pirfenidone also reduced oxidative stress by enhancing manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which suggested that the anti-oxidant effects occurred at least partially via the mitochondrial pathway. Pirfenidone may be effective prior to the onset of renal fibrosis because this drug exerts its anti-fibrotic effect by protection of mitochondria in renal proximal tubular cells.

  13. Improved Mitochondrial Function Underlies the Protective Effect of Pirfenidone against Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis in 5/6 Nephrectomized Rats

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Jun-Feng; Liu, Hong; Ni, Hai-Feng; Lv, Lin-Li; Zhang, Ming-Hui; Zhang, Ai-Hua; Tang, Ri-Ning; Chen, Ping-Sheng; Liu, Bi-Cheng

    2013-01-01

    Dysfunctional mitochondria participate in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pirfenidone is a newly identified anti-fibrotic drug. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an early event that occurs prior to the onset of renal fibrosis. In this context, we investigated the protective effect of pirfenidone on mitochondria and its relevance to apoptosis and oxidative stress in renal proximal tubular cells. A remnant kidney rat model was established. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) using rotenone, a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex Ι inhibitor were further investigated in vitro to examine the mitochondrial protective effect of pirfenidone. Pirfenidone protected mitochondrial structures and functions by stabilizing the mitochondrial membrane potential, maintaining ATP production and improving the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number. Pirfenidone decreased tubular cell apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway. Pirfenidone also reduced oxidative stress by enhancing manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) and inhibiting intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which suggested that the anti-oxidant effects occurred at least partially via the mitochondrial pathway. Pirfenidone may be effective prior to the onset of renal fibrosis because this drug exerts its anti-fibrotic effect by protection of mitochondria in renal proximal tubular cells. PMID:24349535

  14. Correlation between differential renal function estimation using CT-based functional renal parenchymal volume and (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan.

    PubMed

    Sarma, Debanga; Barua, Sasanka K; Rajeev, T P; Baruah, Saumar J

    2012-10-01

    Nuclear renal scan is currently the gold standard imaging study to determine differential renal function. We propose helical CT as single modality for both the anatomical and functional evaluation of kidney with impaired function. In the present study renal parenchymal volume is measured and percent total renal volume is used as a surrogate marker for differential renal function. The objective of this study is to correlate between differential renal function estimation using CT-based renal parenchymal volume measurement with differential renal function estimation using (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan. Twenty-one patients with unilateral obstructive uropathy were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. They were subjected to (99m)Tc - DTPA renal scan and 64 slice helical CT scan which estimates the renal volume depending on the reconstruction of arterial phase images followed by volume rendering and percent renal volume was calculated. Percent renal volume was correlated with percent renal function, as determined by nuclear renal scan using Pearson coefficient. RESULTS AND OBSERVATION: A strong correlation is observed between percent renal volume and percent renal function in obstructed units (r = 0.828, P < 0.001) as well as in nonobstructed units (r = 0.827, P < 0.001). There is a strong correlation between percent renal volume determined by CT scan and percent renal function determined by (99m)TC - DTPA renal scan both in obstructed and in normal units. CT-based percent renal volume can be used as a single radiological tests for both functional and anatomical assessment of impaired renal units.

  15. Diosmin Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic, Renal, and Cardiac Injury: A Biochemical and Histopathological Study in Mice

    PubMed Central

    Khalifa, Hesham A.; Al-Quraishy, Saleh A.

    2017-01-01

    The current study was designed to investigate the beneficial role of diosmin, a biologically active flavonoid, against methotrexate- (MTX-) induced hepatic, renal, and cardiac injuries in mice. Male Swiss albino mice received a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX (at 20 mg/kg, body weight) either alone or in combination with oral diosmin (at 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight, for 10 days). Serum was used to evaluate tissue injury markers, while hepatic, renal, and cardiac tissue samples were obtained for determination of antioxidant activity as well as histopathological examination. Diosmin treatment ameliorated the MTX-induced elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase, aminotransferases, urea, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinases as well as plasma proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1-beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). Additionally, both diosmin doses significantly reduced tissue levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and increased those of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, compared to the MTX-intoxicated group. Histopathological examination showed that diosmin significantly minimized the MTX-induced histological alterations and nearly restored the normal architecture of hepatic, renal, and cardiac tissues. Based on these findings, diosmin may be a promising agent for protection against MTX-induced cytotoxicity in patients with cancer and autoimmune diseases. PMID:28819543

  16. Rhynchophylline Ameliorates Endothelial Dysfunction via Src-PI3K/Akt-eNOS Cascade in the Cultured Intrarenal Arteries of Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats

    PubMed Central

    Hao, Hui-Feng; Liu, Li-Mei; Pan, Chun-Shui; Wang, Chuan-She; Gao, Yuan-Sheng; Fan, Jing-Yu; Han, Jing-Yan

    2017-01-01

    Objectives: To examine the protective effect of Rhynchophylline (Rhy) on vascular endothelial function in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs) and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Intrarenal arteries of SHRs and Wistar rats were suspended in myograph for force measurement. Expression and phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), Akt, and Src kinase (Src) were examined by Western blotting. NO production was assayed by ELISA. Results: Rhy time- and concentration-dependently improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in the renal arteries from SHRs, but had no effect on endothelium-independent relaxation in SHR renal arteries. Wortmannin (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase) or PP2 (an inhibitor of Src) inhibited the improvement of relaxation in response to acetylcholine by 12 h-incubation with 300 μM Rhy. Western blot analysis revealed that Rhy elevated phosphorylations of eNOS, Akt, and Src in SHR renal arteries. Moreover, wortmannin reversed the increased phosphorylations of Akt and eNOS induced by Rhy, but did not affect the phosphorylation of Src. Furthermore, the enhanced phosphorylations of eNOS, Akt, and Src were blunted by PP2. Importantly, Rhy increased NO production and this effect was blocked by inhibition of Src or PI3K/Akt. Conclusion: The present study provides evidences for the first time that Rhy ameliorates endothelial dysfunction in SHRs through the activation of Src-PI3K/Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. PMID:29187825

  17. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn Effectively Ameliorates the Uro- and Nephrotoxicities Induced by Cyclophosphamide Administration in Experimental Animals

    PubMed Central

    Murali, Vishnu Priya; Kuttan, Girija

    2015-01-01

    Background. Curculigo orchioides Gaertn is an ancient medicinal plant (Family: Amaryllidaceae), well known for its immunomodulatory and rejuvenating effects. Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an alkylating agent widely used for treating a variety of human malignancies, but associated with different toxicities too. Our previous reports regarding the hemoprotective and hepatoprotective effects of the plant against CPA toxicities provide the background for the present study, which is designed to analyze the ameliorative effect of the methanolic extract of C orchioides on the urotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by CPA. Methods. CPA was administered to male Swiss albino mice at a single dose of 1.5 mmol/kg body weight to induce urotoxicity after 5 days of prophylactic treatment with C orchioides extract (20 mg/kg body weight). Mesna (2-mercaptoethanesulfonate) was used as a control drug. Serum, tissue, and urine levels of kidney function markers and antioxidant levels were checked along with the serum cytokine levels. Results. The plant extract was found to be effective in ameliorating the urotoxic and nephrotoxic side effects of CPA. Upregulation of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-2 levels were observed with C orchioides treatment, which was decreased by CPA administration. Besides these, serum tumor necrosis factor-α level was also downregulated by C orchioides treatment. Conclusion. Curculigo orchioides was found to be effective against the CPA-induced bladder and renal toxicities by its antioxidant capability and also by regulating the pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. PMID:26424815

  18. Renal dysfunction in early adulthood following birth asphyxia in male spiny mice, and its amelioration by maternal creatine supplementation during pregnancy.

    PubMed

    Ellery, Stacey J; LaRosa, Domenic A; Cullen-McEwen, Luise A; Brown, Russell D; Snow, Rod J; Walker, David W; Kett, Michelle M; Dickinson, Hayley

    2017-04-01

    Acute kidney injury affects ~70% of asphyxiated newborns, and increases their risk of developing chronic kidney disease later in life. Acute kidney injury is driven by renal oxygen deprivation during asphyxia, thus we hypothesized that creatine administered antenatally would protect the kidney from the long-term effects of birth asphyxia. Pregnant spiny mice were fed standard chow or chow supplemented with 5% creatine from 20-d gestation (midgestation). One day prior to term (37-d gestation), pups were delivered by caesarean or subjected to intrauterine asphyxia. Litters were allocated to one of two time-points. Kidneys were collected at 1 mo of age to estimate nephron number (stereology). Renal function (excretory profile and glomerular filtration rate) was measured at 3 mo of age, and kidneys then collected for assessment of glomerulosclerosis. Compared with controls, at 1 mo of age male (but not female) birth-asphyxia offspring had 20% fewer nephrons (P < 0.05). At 3 mo of age male birth-asphyxia offspring had 31% lower glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.05) and greater glomerular collagen IV content (P < 0.01). Antenatal creatine prevented these renal injuries arising from birth asphyxia. Maternal creatine supplementation during pregnancy may be an effective prophylactic to prevent birth asphyxia induced acute kidney injury and the emergence of chronic kidney disease.

  19. Renal Heme Oxygenase-1 Induction with Hemin Augments Renal Hemodynamics, Renal Autoregulation, and Excretory Function

    PubMed Central

    Botros, Fady T.; Dobrowolski, Leszek; Navar, L. Gabriel

    2012-01-01

    Heme oxygenases (HO-1; HO-2) catalyze conversion of heme to free iron, carbon monoxide, and biliverdin/bilirubin. To determine the effects of renal HO-1 induction on blood pressure and renal function, normal control rats (n = 7) and hemin-treated rats (n = 6) were studied. Renal clearance studies were performed on anesthetized rats to assess renal function; renal blood flow (RBF) was measured using a transonic flow probe placed around the left renal artery. Hemin treatment significantly induced renal HO-1. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were not different (115 ± 5 mmHg versus 112 ± 4 mmHg and 331 ± 16 versus 346 ± 10 bpm). However, RBF was significantly higher (9.1 ± 0.8 versus 7.0 ± 0.5 mL/min/g, P < 0.05), and renal vascular resistance was significantly lower (13.0 ± 0.9 versus 16.6 ± 1.4 [mmHg/(mL/min/g)], P < 0.05). Likewise, glomerular filtration rate was significantly elevated (1.4 ± 0.2 versus 1.0 ± 0.1 mL/min/g, P < 0.05), and urine flow and sodium excretion were also higher (18.9 ± 3.9 versus 8.2 ± 1.0 μL/min/g, P < 0.05 and 1.9 ± 0.6 versus 0.2 ± 0.1 μmol/min/g, P < 0.05, resp.). The plateau of the autoregulation relationship was elevated, and renal vascular responses to acute angiotensin II infusion were attenuated in hemin-treated rats reflecting the vasodilatory effect of HO-1 induction. We conclude that renal HO-1 induction augments renal function which may contribute to the antihypertensive effects of HO-1 induction observed in hypertension models. PMID:22518281

  20. Comparative effects of vitamin E and kolaviron (a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola) on carbon tetrachloride-induced renal oxidative damage in mice.

    PubMed

    Adaramoye, O A

    2009-08-15

    It became evident in this study that carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), can induce renal oxidative damage. The hepatoprotective effects of vitamin E (Vit. E) and kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid complex from the seeds of Garcinia kola are well documented. The present study was designed to investigate and compare the renal protective effects of Vit. E and KV in mice given CCl4 (1.2 g kg(-1)) intra-peritoneally thrice a week for two weeks. CCl4 caused a marked increase in serum and renal lipid peroxidation (LPO) by 106 and 225%, respectively. Treatment with KV at 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) and Vit. E at 100 mg kg(-1) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the CCl4-mediated increase in LPO. Furthermore, CCl4-intoxication decreased the levels of renal reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by 44, 56 and 43%, respectively. Treatment with KV and Vit. E significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated the GSH and SOD levels. Specifically, KV at 100 and 200 mg kg(-1) increased GSH by 32 and 27% and SOD levels by 50 and 53%, respectively. Likewise, treatment with Vit. E increased GSH and SOD levels by 31 and 53%, respectively. Effects on markers of renal functions showed that CCl4-intoxication significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum urea and creatinine by 287 and 186%, respectively. While treatment with Vit. E decreased serum urea and creatinine by 60 and 55%, respectively, KV produced insignificant (p > 0.05) effect on these parameters. This study found KV unable to protect against CCl4-induced renal damage but confirmed the potency of Vit. E to enhance recovery from renal oxidative damage.

  1. Exercise training normalizes renal blood flow responses to acute hypoxia in experimental heart failure: role of the α1-adrenergic receptor.

    PubMed

    Pügge, Carolin; Mediratta, Jai; Marcus, Noah J; Schultz, Harold D; Schiller, Alicia M; Zucker, Irving H

    2016-02-01

    Recent data suggest that exercise training (ExT) is beneficial in chronic heart failure (CHF) because it improves autonomic and peripheral vascular function. In this study, we hypothesized that ExT in the CHF state ameliorates the renal vasoconstrictor responses to hypoxia and that this beneficial effect is mediated by changes in α1-adrenergic receptor activation. CHF was induced in rabbits. Renal blood flow (RBF) and renal vascular conductance (RVC) responses to 6 min of 5% isocapnic hypoxia were assessed in the conscious state in sedentary (SED) and ExT rabbits with CHF with and without α1-adrenergic blockade. α1-adrenergic receptor expression in the kidney cortex was also evaluated. A significant decline in baseline RBF and RVC and an exaggerated renal vasoconstriction during acute hypoxia occurred in CHF-SED rabbits compared with the prepaced state (P < 0.05). ExT diminished the decline in baseline RBF and RVC and restored changes during hypoxia to those of the prepaced state. α1-adrenergic blockade partially prevented the decline in RBF and RVC in CHF-SED rabbits and eliminated the differences in hypoxia responses between SED and ExT animals. Unilateral renal denervation (DnX) blocked the hypoxia-induced renal vasoconstriction in CHF-SED rabbits. α1-adrenergic protein in the renal cortex of animals with CHF was increased in SED animals and normalized after ExT. These data provide evidence that the acute decline in RBF during hypoxia is caused entirely by the renal nerves but is only partially mediated by α1-adrenergic receptors. Nonetheless, α1-adrenergic receptors play an important role in the beneficial effects of ExT in the kidney. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  2. The anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt on high-glucose-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic renal damage in rats.

    PubMed

    Yao, Lan; Li, Linlin; Li, Xinxia; Li, Hui; Zhang, Yujie; Zhang, Rui; Wang, Jian; Mao, Xinmin

    2015-09-07

    Diabetic nephropathy is a serious complication of diabetes whose development process is associated with inflammation, renal hypertrophy, and fibrosis. Coreopsis tinctoria Nutt, traditionally used as a healthcare tea, has anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemia, and glycemic regulation activities. The aim of our study was to investigate the renal protective effect of ethyl acetate extract of C. tinctoria Nutt (AC) on high-glucose-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A diabetic rat model was induced by high-glucose-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of 35 mg/kg STZ. After treatment with AC at a daily dose of 150, 300 or, 600 mg/kg for 4 weeks, metabolic and renal function parameters of serum and urine were examined. Degree of renal damage, renal proinflammatory cytokines, and fibrotic protein expression were analyzed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Renal AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/Smad signaling pathway were determined by western blotting. Diabetic rats showed obvious renal dysfunction, inflammation and fibrosis. However, AC significantly reduced levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and urinary albumin, as well as expression of kidney proinflammatory cytokines of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1. AC also ameliorated renal hypertrophy and fibrosis by reducing fibronectin and collagen IV and suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Meanwhile, AMPKα as a protective cytokine was markedly stimulated by AC. In summary, AC controls blood glucose, inhibits inflammatory and fibrotic processes, suppresses the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, and activates phosphorylation of AMPKα in the kidneys, which confirms the protective effects of AC in the early stage of diabetic kidney disease.

  3. Renal perfusion scintiscan

    MedlinePlus

    ... Radionuclide renal perfusion scan; Perfusion scintiscan - renal; Scintiscan - renal perfusion Images Kidney anatomy Kidney - blood and urine flow Intravenous pyelogram References Rottenberg G, Andi AC. Renal ...

  4. Synergistic ameliorative effects of sesame oil and alpha-lipoic acid against subacute diazinon toxicity in rats: hematological, biochemical, and antioxidant studies.

    PubMed

    Abdel-Daim, Mohamed M; Taha, Ramadan; Ghazy, Emad W; El-Sayed, Yasser S

    2016-01-01

    Diazinon (DZN) is a common organophosphorus insecticide extensively used for agriculture and veterinary purposes. DZN toxicity is not limited to insects; it also induces harmful effects in mammals and birds. Our experiment evaluated the protective and antioxidant potential of sesame oil (SO) and (or) alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) against DZN toxicity in male Wistar albino rats. DZN-treated animals exhibited macrocytic hypochromic anemia and significant increases in serum biochemical parameters related to liver injury, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γGT), cholesterol, and triglycerides. They also had elevated levels of markers related to cardiac injury, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and increased biomarkers of renal injury, urea and creatinine. DZN also increased hepatic, renal, and cardiac lipid peroxidation and decreased antioxidant biomarker levels. SO and (or) ALA supplementation ameliorated the deleterious effects of DZN intoxication. Treatment improved hematology and serum parameters, enhanced endogenous antioxidant status, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Importantly, they exerted synergistic hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. Our findings demonstrate that SO and (or) ALA supplementation can alleviate the toxic effects of DZN via their potent antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities.

  5. Tesevatinib ameliorates progression of polycystic kidney disease in rodent models of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease

    PubMed Central

    Sweeney, William E; Frost, Philip; Avner, Ellis D

    2017-01-01

    AIM To investigate the therapeutic potential of tesevatinib (TSV), a unique multi-kinase inhibitor currently in Phase II clinical trials for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), in well-defined rodent models of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). METHODS We administered TSV in daily doses of 7.5 and 15 mg/kg per day by I.P. to the well characterized bpk model of polycystic kidney disease starting at postnatal day (PN) 4 through PN21 to assess efficacy and toxicity in neonatal mice during postnatal development and still undergoing renal maturation. We administered TSV by oral gavage in the same doses to the orthologous PCK model (from PN30 to PN90) to assess efficacy and toxicity in animals where developmental processes are complete. The following parameters were assessed: Body weight, total kidney weight; kidney weight to body weight ratios; and morphometric determination of a cystic index and a measure of hepatic disease. Renal function was assessed by: Serum BUN; creatinine; and a 12 h urinary concentrating ability. Validation of reported targets including the level of angiogenesis and inhibition of angiogenesis (active VEGFR2/KDR) was assessed by Western analysis. RESULTS This study demonstrates that: (1) in vivo pharmacological inhibition of multiple kinase cascades with TSV reduced phosphorylation of key mediators of cystogenesis: EGFR, ErbB2, c-Src and KDR; and (2) this reduction of kinase activity resulted in significant reduction of renal and biliary disease in both bpk and PCK models of ARPKD. The amelioration of disease by TSV was not associated with any apparent toxicity. CONCLUSION The data supports the hypothesis that this multi-kinase inhibitor TSV may provide an effective clinical therapy for human ARPKD. PMID:28729967

  6. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of pomegranate rind extract to ameliorate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.

    PubMed

    Karwasra, Ritu; Kalra, Prerna; Gupta, Yogendra Kumar; Saini, Deepika; Kumar, Ajay; Singh, Surender

    2016-07-13

    Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent, but the therapeutic utility is limited due to its dose dependent nephrotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of pomegranate in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury. Wistar rats were allocated into six groups as follows: the normal control, cisplatin-induced, pomegranate rind extract treatment (50, 100 and 200 mg kg(-1)) and pomegranate rind extract per se group. All the experimental test drugs/vehicle were administered orally for a period of ten days. Intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (8 mg kg(-1)) was administered on day 7 to all the groups except the normal control and pomegranate per se group. On day 10, cisplatin resulted in significant nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats with a drastic elevation of serum creatinine and BUN, a decline in the concentrations of GSH, MDA and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and an elevation in the TNF-α level in renal tissues. Pathological changes in renal tissues were examined by histopathology and dysfunction in mitochondria and proximal tubule cells was detected by transmission electron microscopy. The rate of apoptosis and the expression of caspase-3, Il-1β and IL-6 in rat renal tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The administration of pomegranate at a dose of 200 mg per kg body weight significantly (p < 0.001) ameliorates increased serum creatinine and BUN. In parallel to this, pomegranate also exhibits anti-apoptotic activity through the reduction of active caspase-3 expression in kidneys. Additionally, in-silico studies also confirmed a renoprotective effect of pomegranate. The above findings suggest that pomegranate can be used as a dietary supplement in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury by reducing apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation.

  7. Shenqi detoxification granule combined with P311 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal fibrosis via TGF-β1-Smad-ILK pathway.

    PubMed

    Cai, Pingping; Liu, Xiang; Xu, Yuan; Qi, Fanghua; Si, Guomin

    2017-01-01

    Shenqi detoxification granule (SDG), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been shown to have nephroprotective and anti-fibrotic activities in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, its mechanisms in renal fibrosis and the progression of CKD remain largely unknown. P311, a highly conserved 8-kDa intracellular protein, plays a key role in renal fibrosis by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previously, we found P311 might be involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis by inhibiting EMT via the TGF-β1-Smad-ILK pathway. We also found SDG combined with P311 could ameliorate renal fibrosis by regulating the expression of EMT markers. Here we further examined the effect and mechanism of SDG combined with P311 on TGF-β1-mediated EMT in a rat model of unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) renal fibrosis. After establishment of the UUO model successfully, the rats were gavaged with SDG daily and/or injected with recombinant adenovirus p311 (also called Ad-P311) through the tail vein each week for 4 weeks. Serum creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and albumin (ALB) levels were tested to observe renal function, and hematoxylin eosin (HE) and Masson staining were performed to observe kidney histopathology. Furthermore, the expression of EMT markers (E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)) and EMT-related molecules TGF-β1, pSmad2/3, Smad7 and ILK were observed using immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Treatment with SDG and P311 improved renal function and histopathological abnormalities, as well as reversing the changes of EMT markers and EMT-related molecules, which indicated SDG combined with P311 could attenuate renal fibrosis in UUO rats, and the underlying mechanism might involve TGF-β1-mediated EMT and the TGF-β1-Smad-ILK signaling pathway. Therefore, SDG might be a novel alternative therapy for treating renal fibrosis and delaying the progression of CKD. Furthermore, SDG combined with P311 might

  8. Systematic implantation of dedifferentiated fat cells ameliorated monoclonal antibody 1-22-3-induced glomerulonephritis by immunosuppression with increases in TNF-stimulated gene 6.

    PubMed

    Maruyama, Takashi; Fukuda, Noboru; Matsumoto, Taro; Kano, Koichiro; Endo, Morito; Kazama, Minako; Kazama, Tomohiko; Ikeda, Jin; Matsuda, Hiroyuki; Ueno, Takahiro; Abe, Masanori; Okada, Kazuyoshi; Soma, Masayoshi; Matsumoto, Koichi; Kawachi, Hiroshi

    2015-04-16

    Implantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has recently been reported to repair tissue injuries through anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. We established dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells that show identical characteristics to MSCs. We examined the effects of 10(6) of DFAT cells infused through renal artery or tail vein on monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1-22-3-induced glomerulonephritis (as an immunological type of renal injury) and adriamycin-induced nephropathy (as a non-immunological type of renal injury) in rats. The mAb 1-22-3-injected rats were also implanted with 10(6) of DFAT cells transfected with TSG-6 siRNA through tail vein. Although DFAT cells transfused into blood circulation through the tail vein were trapped mainly in lungs without reaching the kidneys, implantation of DFAT cells reduced proteinuria and improved glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Implantation of DFAT cells through the tail vein significantly decreased expression of kidney injury molecule-1, collagen IV and fibronectin mRNAs, whereas nephrin mRNA expression was increased. Implantation of DFAT cells did not improve adriamycin-induced nephropathy, but significantly decreased the glomerular influx of macrophages, common leukocytes and pan T cells. However, the glomerular influx of helper T cells, was increased. Implantation of DFAT cells decreased expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12β mRNAs and increased expression of TNF-stimulated gene (TSG)-6 mRNA in renal cortex from mAb 1-22-3-injected rats. The basal level of TSG-6 protein was significantly higher in DFAT cells than in fibroblasts. Expression of TSG-6 mRNA in MCs cocultured with DFAT cells was significantly higher than in mesangial cells or DFAT cells alone. Systematic implantation of DFAT cells with TSG-6 siRNA through tail vein did not improve proteinuria, renal dysfunction and renal degeneration in the mAb 1-22-3-injected rats. Systematic implantation of DFAT cells effectively ameliorated mAb 1

  9. P2Y12 Receptor Localizes in the Renal Collecting Duct and Its Blockade Augments Arginine Vasopressin Action and Alleviates Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yue; Peti-Peterdi, Janos; Müller, Christa E; Carlson, Noel G; Baqi, Younis; Strasburg, David L; Heiney, Kristina M; Villanueva, Karie; Kohan, Donald E; Kishore, Bellamkonda K

    2015-12-01

    P2Y12 receptor (P2Y12-R) signaling is mediated through Gi, ultimately reducing cellular cAMP levels. Because cAMP is a central modulator of arginine vasopressin (AVP)-induced water transport in the renal collecting duct (CD), we hypothesized that if expressed in the CD, P2Y12-R may play a role in renal handling of water in health and in nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. We found P2Y12-R mRNA expression in rat kidney, and immunolocalized its protein and aquaporin-2 (AQP2) in CD principal cells. Administration of clopidogrel bisulfate, an irreversible inhibitor of P2Y12-R, significantly increased urine concentration and AQP2 protein in the kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats. Notably, clopidogrel did not alter urine concentration in Brattleboro rats that lack AVP. Clopidogrel administration also significantly ameliorated lithium-induced polyuria, improved urine concentrating ability and AQP2 protein abundance, and reversed the lithium-induced increase in free-water excretion, without decreasing blood or kidney tissue lithium levels. Clopidogrel administration also augmented the lithium-induced increase in urinary AVP excretion and suppressed the lithium-induced increase in urinary nitrates/nitrites (nitric oxide production) and 8-isoprostane (oxidative stress). Furthermore, selective blockade of P2Y12-R by the reversible antagonist PSB-0739 in primary cultures of rat inner medullary CD cells potentiated the expression of AQP2 and AQP3 mRNA, and cAMP production induced by dDAVP (desmopressin). In conclusion, pharmacologic blockade of renal P2Y12-R increases urinary concentrating ability by augmenting the effect of AVP on the kidney and ameliorates lithium-induced NDI by potentiating the action of AVP on the CD. This strategy may offer a novel and effective therapy for lithium-induced NDI. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  10. Antiangiogenic treatment diminishes renal injury and dysfunction via regulation of local AKT in early experimental diabetes.

    PubMed

    Bai, Xiaoyan; Li, Xiao; Tian, Jianwei; Zhou, Zhanmei

    2014-01-01

    In view of increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression and renal dysfunction in early diabetes, we designed a study to test whether VEGF-A inhibition can prevent early renal injury and dysfunction. We investigated the relationship and mechanism between VEGF-A and AKT regulation. In vitro, VEGF-A small interfering RNA (siRNA) and AKT inhibitor MK-2206 were employed to podocytes and NRK-52 cells cultured in high glucose (30 mM). In vivo, the antiangiogenic drug endostatin was administered in 12 week-old streptozotocin-induced male Sprague Dawley rats. The levels of VEGF-A, AKT, phosphorylated Ser⁴⁷³-AKT, phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT, nephrin, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin type II receptor 1 (ATR1) were examined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Interactions between phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT and either nephrin in podocytes or Ang II in renal tubules were studied, respectively, using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoprecipitation. Silencing VEGF-A in podocytes upregulated phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT and nephrin. Silencing VEGF-A in NRK-52E cells upregulated phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT while downregulated Ang II and ATR1. MK-2206 enhanced VEGF-A expression in both podocytes and NRK-52E cells by inhibiting AKT activities. In diabetic rat kidneys, VEGF-A was upregulated and phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT colocalized with either nephrin in podocytes or Ang II in renal tubules. With the endostatin treatment, the level of VEGF-A decreased while phosphorylated Thr³⁰⁸-AKT increased in both glomeruli and renal tubules. Treatment with endostatin upregulated nephrin in podocytes while downregulated Ang II and AT1R in renal tubules. Glomerular mesangial expansion was attenuated by the endostatin treatment, however, differences did not reach statistical significance. Endostatin ameliorated the interstitial fibrosis

  11. Antiangiogenic Treatment Diminishes Renal Injury and Dysfunction via Regulation of Local AKT in Early Experimental Diabetes

    PubMed Central

    Zhou, Zhanmei

    2014-01-01

    In view of increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) expression and renal dysfunction in early diabetes, we designed a study to test whether VEGF-A inhibition can prevent early renal injury and dysfunction. We investigated the relationship and mechanism between VEGF-A and AKT regulation. In vitro, VEGF-A small interfering RNA (siRNA) and AKT inhibitor MK-2206 were employed to podocytes and NRK-52 cells cultured in high glucose (30 mM). In vivo, the antiangiogenic drug endostatin was administered in 12 week-old streptozotocin-induced male Sprague Dawley rats. The levels of VEGF-A, AKT, phosphorylated Ser473-AKT, phosphorylated Thr308-AKT, nephrin, angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin type II receptor 1 (ATR1) were examined using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Interactions between phosphorylated Thr308-AKT and either nephrin in podocytes or Ang II in renal tubules were studied, respectively, using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and immunoprecipitation. Silencing VEGF-A in podocytes upregulated phosphorylated Thr308-AKT and nephrin. Silencing VEGF-A in NRK-52E cells upregulated phosphorylated Thr308-AKT while downregulated Ang II and ATR1. MK-2206 enhanced VEGF-A expression in both podocytes and NRK-52E cells by inhibiting AKT activities. In diabetic rat kidneys, VEGF-A was upregulated and phosphorylated Thr308-AKT colocalized with either nephrin in podocytes or Ang II in renal tubules. With the endostatin treatment, the level of VEGF-A decreased while phosphorylated Thr308-AKT increased in both glomeruli and renal tubules. Treatment with endostatin upregulated nephrin in podocytes while downregulated Ang II and AT1R in renal tubules. Glomerular mesangial expansion was attenuated by the endostatin treatment, however, differences did not reach statistical significance. Endostatin ameliorated the interstitial fibrosis, urine albumin excretion rate

  12. Effect of Alprazolam on Redox Status in Renal Transplantation Donors and Recipients.

    PubMed

    Güner Can, Meltem; Ilgaz Koçyiğit, Özgen; Aksu, Uğur; Özer, Ali; Toraman, Fevzi

    2017-06-09

    BACKGROUND Benzodiazepines are the most popular premedication drugs thought to act through the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor complex and alprazolam is one of the most potent benzodiazepines that have a quick onset. While there is a growing body of evidence supporting alprazolam in the amelioration of redox status in animals, no study has been performed concerning its antioxidant activity in humans. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of alprazolam on redox status. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study was a four-group randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from Acibadem University Acibadem International Hospital and included a convenience sample of 82 donors and recipients undergoing renal transplantation. Patients were randomly divided into four groups. While donors and recipients in experimental groups (G1 and G3) were administered alprazolam 0.5 mg orally one hour before the operation, those in control groups (G2 and G4) were not. Serum advanced oxidative protein products, total thiol, free hemoglobin, ischemic modified albumin, and sialic acid levels at different time points were measured to evaluate the redox status. RESULTS All oxidative stress parameters were higher in the alprazolam premedication groups (G1, G3) at all time points than in the control groups (G2, G4). Basal values of oxidative parameters (at time point T1) in patients with CKD (G3, G4) were lower than in healthy donors (G1, G2). CONCLUSIONS Alprazolam premedication in donors and end-stage renal failure patients undergoing renal transplantation does not improve redox homeostasis but further experimental studies are needed.

  13. Effect of renal nerve stimulation on responsiveness of the rat renal vasculature.

    PubMed

    DiBona, Gerald F; Sawin, Linda L

    2002-11-01

    When the renal nerves are stimulated with sinusoidal stimuli over the frequency range 0.04-0.8 Hz, low (< or =0.4 Hz)- but not high (> or =0.4 Hz)-frequency oscillations appear in renal blood flow (RBF) and are proposed to increase responsiveness of the renal vasculature to stimuli. This hypothesis was tested in anesthetized rats in which RBF responses to intrarenal injection of norepinephrine and angiotensin and to reductions in renal arterial pressure (RAP) were determined during conventional rectangular pulse and sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation. Conventional rectangular pulse renal nerve stimulation decreased RBF at 2 Hz but not at 0.2 or 1.0 Hz. Sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation elicited low-frequency oscillations (< or =0.4 Hz) in RBF only when the basal carrier signal frequency produced renal vasoconstriction, i.e., at 5 Hz but not at 1 Hz. Regardless of whether renal vasoconstriction occurred, neither conventional rectangular pulse nor sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation altered renal vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine and angiotensin. The RBF response to reduction in RAP was altered by both conventional rectangular pulse and sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation only when renal vasoconstriction occurred: the decrease in RBF during reduced RAP was greater. Sinusoidal renal nerve stimulation with a renal vasoconstrictor carrier frequency results in a decrease in RBF with superimposed low-frequency oscillations. However, these low-frequency RBF oscillations do not alter renal vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor stimuli.

  14. Renoprotective effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid on cisplatin-induced acute renal injury in rats.

    PubMed

    Ali, Badreldin H; Al-Salam, Suhail; Al Za'abi, Mohammed; Al Balushi, Khalid A; AlMahruqi, Ahmed S; Beegam, Somyia; Al-Lawatia, Intisar; Waly, Mostafa I; Nemmar, Abderrahim

    2015-01-01

    To investigate the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on acute renal injury (ARI), we used here a rat model of acute tubular necrosis induced by the anticancer drug cisplatin (CP). GABA was given orally (100 or 500 mg/kg/day for ten consecutive days), and on the 6th day, some of the treated rats were also injected intraperitoneally with either saline or CP (6 mg/kg). Four days after CP treatment, urine was collected from all rats, which were then anaesthetized for blood pressure and renal blood flow monitoring. This was followed by intravenous injection of norepinephrine for the assessment of renal vasoconstrictor responses. Thereafter, blood and kidneys were collected for measurement of several functional, biochemical and structural parameters. GABA treatment (at 500 but not 100 mg/kg) significantly mitigated all the measured physiological and biochemical indices. Sections from saline- and GABA-treated rats showed apparently normal proximal tubules. However, kidneys of CP-treated rats had a moderate degree of necrosis. This was markedly lessened when CP was given simultaneously with GABA (500 mg/kg). The concentration of platinum in the cortical tissues was not significantly altered by GABA treatment. The results suggested that GABA can ameliorate CP nephrotoxicity in rats. Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, GABA may be considered a potentially useful nephroprotective agent in CP-induced ARI. © 2014 Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

  15. The Effects of Renal Denervation on Renal Hemodynamics and Renal Vasculature in a Porcine Model

    PubMed Central

    Verloop, Willemien L.; Hubens, Lisette E. G.; Spiering, Wilko; Doevendans, Pieter A.; Goldschmeding, Roel; Bleys, Ronald L. A. W.; Voskuil, Michiel

    2015-01-01

    Rationale Recently, the efficacy of renal denervation (RDN) has been debated. It is discussed whether RDN is able to adequately target the renal nerves. Objective We aimed to investigate how effective RDN was by means of functional hemodynamic measurements and nerve damage on histology. Methods and Results We performed hemodynamic measurements in both renal arteries of healthy pigs using a Doppler flow and pressure wire. Subsequently unilateral denervation was performed, followed by repeated bilateral hemodynamic measurements. Pigs were terminated directly after RDN or were followed for 3 weeks or 3 months after the procedure. After termination, both treated and control arteries were prepared for histology to evaluate vascular damage and nerve damage. Directly after RDN, resting renal blood flow tended to increase by 29±67% (P = 0.01). In contrast, renal resistance reserve increased from 1.74 (1.28) to 1.88 (1.17) (P = 0.02) during follow-up. Vascular histopathology showed that most nerves around the treated arteries were located outside the lesion areas (8±7 out of 55±25 (14%) nerves per pig were observed within a lesion area). Subsequently, a correlation was noted between a more impaired adventitia and a reduction in renal resistance reserve (β: -0.33; P = 0.05) at three weeks of follow-up. Conclusion Only a small minority of renal nerves was targeted after RDN. Furthermore, more severe adventitial damage was related to a reduction in renal resistance in the treated arteries at follow-up. These hemodynamic and histological observations may indicate that RDN did not sufficiently target the renal nerves. Potentially, this may explain the significant spread in the response after RDN. PMID:26587981

  16. Immunephenotype of glomerular and interstitial infiltrating cells in protocol renal allograft biopsies and histological diagnosis.

    PubMed

    Moreso, F; Seron, D; O'Valle, F; Ibernon, M; Gomà, M; Hueso, M; Cruzado, J M; Bestard, O; Duarte, V; del Moral, R García; Grinyó, J M

    2007-12-01

    Patients with a protocol renal allograft biopsy simultaneously displaying interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) and subclinical rejection (SCR) have a shortened graft survival than patients with a normal biopsy, or with a biopsy only displaying IF/TA or SCR. The poor outcome of these patients could be related with a more severe inflammation. We evaluate the immunophenotype of infiltrating cells in these diagnostic categories. Nonexhausted paraffin blocks from protocol biopsies done during the first year were stained with anti-CD45, CD3, CD20, CD68 and CD15 monoclonal antibodies. Glomerular and interstitial positive cells were counted. C4d deposition in peritubular capillaries was evaluated. Histological diagnoses were: normal (n = 80), SCR (n = 17), IF/TA (n = 42) and IF/TA + SCR (n = 17). Only interstitial CD20 positive cells were significantly increased in patients displaying IF/TA + SCR; normal (137 +/- 117), SCR (202 +/- 145), IF/TA (208 +/- 151) and IF/TA + SCR (307 +/- 180 cells/mm(2)), p < 0.01. The proportion of biopsies displaying C4d deposition was not different among groups. The upper tertile of CD20 positive interstitial cells was associated with a decreased death-censored graft survival (relative risk: 3.01, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-7.35; p = 0.015). These data suggest that B-cell interstitial infiltrates are associated with histological damage and outcome, but do not distinguish whether these infiltrates were the cause or the consequence of chronic tubulo-interstitial damage.

  17. The effect of thymoquinone treatment on the combined renal and pulmonary toxicity of cisplatin and diesel exhaust particles

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Badreldin H; Shalaby, Asem; Manoj, Priyadarsini; Waly, Mostafa I; Yasin, Javed; Fahim, Mohamed; Nemmar, Abderrahim

    2015-01-01

    Particulate air pollution (PAP) exposure is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, particularly in patients with renal disease. However, there are only a few studies on the interaction between PAP and renal injury, and none on agents that may ameliorate it. We studied the interaction between cisplatin (CP) nephrotoxicity and a single exposure to diesel exhaust particle (DEP) in rats 24 h before sacrifice, and assessed the effect of co-treatment with the active ingredient in Nigella Sativa seed oil, thymoquinone (TQ) thereon. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with CP (6 mg/kg) and four days later, they were exposed intratracheally to DEP (0.5 mg/kg), and were sacrificed 24 h later. Oral TQ (20 mg/kg) was given daily throughout the experimental period. CP alone caused several physiological, biochemical, and histopathological changes that included reduced growth and creatinine clearance, and raised plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine and urea concentrations, and urinary N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities. It adversely affected several indices of oxidative damage in the kidneys, and induced renal tubular necrosis. Most of these actions were significantly potentiated in rats given both CP and DEP. TQ significantly abrogated many of the effects of CP and DEP, given alone and in combination. These results provide experimental evidence that subjects with renal diseases can be at higher risk from PAP, and that TQ, pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, can be considered a useful agent in patients with renal diseases and exposed to PAP. PMID:25925792

  18. 27 CFR 24.304 - Chaptalization (Brix adjustment) and amelioration record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... or wine is ameliorated, the quantity of pure dry sugar added to juice will be included as..., the quantity of pure dry sugar added for chaptalization is not considered ameliorating material... quantities will be recorded in wine gallons, and, where sugar is used, the quantity will be determined either...

  19. 27 CFR 24.304 - Chaptalization (Brix adjustment) and amelioration record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... or wine is ameliorated, the quantity of pure dry sugar added to juice will be included as..., the quantity of pure dry sugar added for chaptalization is not considered ameliorating material... quantities will be recorded in wine gallons, and, where sugar is used, the quantity will be determined either...

  20. 27 CFR 24.304 - Chaptalization (Brix adjustment) and amelioration record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... or wine is ameliorated, the quantity of pure dry sugar added to juice will be included as..., the quantity of pure dry sugar added for chaptalization is not considered ameliorating material... quantities will be recorded in wine gallons, and, where sugar is used, the quantity will be determined either...

  1. 27 CFR 24.304 - Chaptalization (Brix adjustment) and amelioration record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... or wine is ameliorated, the quantity of pure dry sugar added to juice will be included as..., the quantity of pure dry sugar added for chaptalization is not considered ameliorating material... quantities will be recorded in wine gallons, and, where sugar is used, the quantity will be determined either...

  2. 27 CFR 24.304 - Chaptalization (Brix adjustment) and amelioration record.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... or wine is ameliorated, the quantity of pure dry sugar added to juice will be included as..., the quantity of pure dry sugar added for chaptalization is not considered ameliorating material... quantities will be recorded in wine gallons, and, where sugar is used, the quantity will be determined either...

  3. γ-Tocotrienol Protects against Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Renal Cell Death

    PubMed Central

    Bakajsova, Diana; Hayes, Corey; Hauer-Jensen, Martin; Compadre, Cesar M.

    2012-01-01

    Oxidative stress is a major mechanism of a variety of renal diseases. Tocopherols and tocotrienols are well known antioxidants. This study aimed to determine whether γ-tocotrienol (GT3) protects against mitochondrial dysfunction and renal proximal tubular cell (RPTC) injury caused by oxidants. Primary cultures of RPTCs were injured by using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in the absence and presence of GT3 or α-tocopherol (AT). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increased 300% in TBHP-injured RPTCs. State 3 respiration, oligomycin-sensitive respiration, and respiratory control ratio (RCR) decreased 50, 63, and 47%, respectively. The number of RPTCs with polarized mitochondria decreased 54%. F0F1-ATPase activity and ATP content decreased 31 and 65%, respectively. Cell lysis increased from 3% in controls to 26 and 52% at 4 and 24 h, respectively, after TBHP exposure. GT3 blocked ROS production, ameliorated decreases in state 3 and oligomycin-sensitive respirations and F0F1-ATPase activity, and maintained RCR and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) in injured RPTCs. GT3 maintained ATP content, blocked RPTC lysis at 4 h, and reduced it to 13% at 24 h after injury. Treatment with equivalent concentrations of AT did not block ROS production and cell lysis and moderately improved mitochondrial respiration and coupling. This is the first report demonstrating the protective effects of GT3 against RPTC injury by: 1) decreasing production of ROS, 2) improving mitochondrial respiration, coupling, ΔΨm, and F0F1-ATPase function, 3) maintaining ATP levels, and 4) preventing RPTC lysis. Our data suggest that GT3 is superior to AT in protecting RPTCs against oxidant injury and may prove therapeutically valuable for preventing renal injury associated with oxidative stress. PMID:22040679

  4. Targeting the Transcription Factor Nrf2 to Ameliorate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease

    PubMed Central

    Ruiz, Stacey; Pergola, Pablo E.; Zager, Richard A.; Vaziri, Nosratola D.

    2012-01-01

    Oxidative stress and inflammation are mediators in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications, and they are inseparably linked as each begets and amplifies the other. CKD-associated oxidative stress is due to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and diminished antioxidant capacity. The latter is largely caused by impaired activation of Nrf2, the transcription factor that regulates genes encoding antioxidant and detoxifying molecules. Protective effects of Nrf2 are evidenced by amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammation, and kidney disease in response to natural Nrf2 activators in animal models, while Nrf2 deletion amplifies these pathogenic pathways and leads to autoimmune nephritis. Given the role of impaired Nrf2 activity in CKD-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, interventions aimed at restoring Nrf2 may be effective in retarding CKD progression. Clinical trials of the potent Nrf2 activator bardoxolone methyl showed significant improvement in renal function in CKD patients with type 2 diabetes. Results of the ongoing BEACON trial investigating the effect of this drug on time to end-stage renal disease or cardiovascular death will help further characterize the efficacy of Nrf2 pharmacological modulation in CKD. This article provides an overview of the role of impaired Nrf2 activity in the pathogenesis of CKD-associated oxidative stress and inflammation and the potential utility of targeting Nrf2 in the treatment of CKD. PMID:23325084

  5. CYP24 inhibition as a therapeutic target in FGF23-mediated renal phosphate wasting disorders

    PubMed Central

    Bai, Xiuying; Miao, Dengshun; Xiao, Sophia; Qiu, Dinghong; St-Arnaud, René; Petkovich, Martin; Gupta, Ajay; Goltzman, David; Karaplis, Andrew C.

    2016-01-01

    CYP24A1 (hereafter referred to as CYP24) enzymatic activity is pivotal in the inactivation of vitamin D metabolites. Basal renal and extrarenal CYP24 is usually low but is highly induced by its substrate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Unbalanced high and/or long-lasting CYP24 expression has been proposed to underlie diseases like chronic kidney disease, cancers, and psoriasis that otherwise should favorably respond to supplemental vitamin D. Using genetically modified mice, we have shown that renal phosphate wasting hypophosphatemic states arising from high levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are also associated with increased renal Cyp24 expression, suggesting that elevated CYP24 activity is pivotal to the pathophysiology of these disorders. We therefore crossed 2 mouse strains, each with distinct etiology for high levels of circulating FGF23, onto a Cyp24-null background. Specifically, we evaluated Cyp24 deficiency in Hyp mice, the murine homolog of X-linked dominant hypophosphatemic rickets, and transgenic mice that overexpress a mutant FGF23 (FGF23R176Q) that is associated with the autosomal dominant form of hypophosphatemic rickets. Loss of Cyp24 in these murine models of human disease resulted in near-complete recovery of rachitic/osteomalacic bony abnormalities in the absence of any improvement in the serum biochemical profile. Moreover, treatment of Hyp and FGF23R1760-transgenic mice with the CYP24 inhibitor CTA102 also ameliorated their rachitic bones. Our results link CYP24 activity to the pathophysiology of FGF23-dependent renal phosphate wasting states and implicate pharmacologic CYP24 inhibition as a therapeutic adjunct for their treatment. PMID:26784541

  6. Inflammation in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension.

    PubMed

    Montecucco, Fabrizio; Pende, Aldo; Quercioli, Alessandra; Mach, François

    2011-01-01

    In spite of the huge amount of research recently performed in this area, the pathogenesis of human hypertension remains elusive. Thus, hypertension has to be defined as "essential" for the majority of patients with high blood pressure. Given the lack of animal models useful to investigate essential hypertension, we analyze and discuss both clinical and basic research studies indicating that essential hypertension should be considered as a potential multifactorial inflammatory disease. The pathophysiology of essential hypertension might result from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Morphological abnormalities in the renal parenchyma and arteries have also been shown to determine hypertension. Inflammatory processes might induce renal vasoconstriction, ischemia and injury that can sustain systemic hypertension. Arterial and tubulointerstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells in response to renal damage might further increase renal and vascular alterations through the production of oxidants and other soluble inflammatory mediators. The present review gives an update regarding the latest research on the possible direct role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension.

  7. The role of the renal specialist nurse in prevention of renal failure.

    PubMed

    Hurst, J

    2002-01-01

    This article will investigate the care required for those with reduced renal function before renal replacement therapy (RRT) commences. Renal nurses are often involved with the technical, monitoring and evaluative aspects of RRT for those with end stage renal failure. However, many patients may experience reduced renal function many years before reaching the stage of needing RRT. Renal nurses are already involved in the preparation of patients for RRT, but are not presently exercising their specialist skills in the period before this time by contributing to the prevention of end stage renal failure (ESRF). Screening programmes carried out in various parts of the world demonstrate that many members of the population have undetected renal insufficiency, and may benefit from intervention from the nephrology team to prevent further renal dysfunction. It is for this group of patients that this article will consider the potential for the renal nurse to expand their scope of practice.

  8. Transarterial Embolization of a Renal Artery Aneurysm Concomitant With Renal Arteriovenous Fistula.

    PubMed

    Hongsakul, Keerati; Bannangkoon, Kittipitch; Boonsrirat, Ussanee; Kritpracha, Boonprasit

    2018-01-01

    Congenital renal artery aneurysm is uncommon. Moreover, renal artery aneurysm concomitant with a congenital renal arteriovenous fistula is extremely rare. Transarterial embolization is the first-line treatment for these conditions. We report a case of a patient with congenital renal artery aneurysm concomitant with a congenital renal arteriovenous fistula of the upper polar left renal artery which was successfully treated by transarterial embolization with coil, glue, and Amplatzer vascular plug.

  9. EET Enhances Renal Function in Obese Mice Resulting in Restoration of Mfn1/2 -HO-1 Signaling, and Decrease in Hypertension through Inhibition of Sodium Chloride Co-Transporter.

    PubMed

    Schragenheim, Joseph; Bellner, Lars; Cao, Jian; Singh, Shailendra P; Bamshad, David; McClung, John A; Maayan, Omri; Meissner, Aliza; Grant, Ilana; Stier, Charles T; Abraham, Nader G

    2018-05-19

    We have previously reported that epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) has multiple beneficial effects on renal and adipose tissue function, in addition to its vasodilatory action; it increases insulin sensitivity and inhibits inflammation. In an examination of the signaling mechanisms by which EET reduces renal and peri-renal fat function, we hypothesized that EET ameliorates obesity-induced renal dysfunction by improving sodium excretion, reducing the sodium-chloride cotransporter NCC, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing mitochondrial and thermogenic gene levels in PGC-1α dependent mice. EET-agonist treatment normalized glucose metabolism, renal ENaC and NCC protein expression, urinary sodium excretion and blood pressure in obese (db/db) mice. A marked improvement in mitochondrial integrity, thermogenic genes, and PGC-1α-HO-1-adiponectin signaling occurred. Knockout of PGC-1α in EET-treated mice resulted in a reversal of these beneficial effects including a decrease in sodium excretion, elevation of blood pressure and an increase in the pro-inflammatory adipokine nephroblastoma overexpressed gene (NOV). In the elucidation of the effects of EET on peri-renal adipose tissue, EET increased adiponectin, mitochondrial integrity, thermogenic genes and decreased NOV, i.e. "Browning' peri-renal adipose phenotype that occurs under high fat diets. Taken together, these data demonstrate a critical role of an EET agonist in the restoration of healthy adipose tissue with reduced release of inflammatory molecules, such as AngII and NOV, thereby preventing their detrimental impact on sodium absorption and NCC levels and the development of obesity-induced renal dysfunction. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  10. CD44-targeted hyaluronic acid-curcumin prodrug protects renal tubular epithelial cell survival from oxidative stress damage.

    PubMed

    Hu, Jing-Bo; Li, Shu-Juan; Kang, Xu-Qi; Qi, Jing; Wu, Jia-Hui; Wang, Xiao-Juan; Xu, Xiao-Ling; Ying, Xiao-Ying; Jiang, Sai-Ping; You, Jian; Du, Yong-Zhong

    2018-08-01

    Based on the abnormally increased expression of CD44 receptors on renal tubule epithelial cells during ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), we developed a hyaluronic acid-curcumin (HA-CUR) polymeric prodrug targeting to epithelial cells and then relieving oxidative stress damages. The water solubility of HA-CUR was significantly enhanced and approximately 27-fold higher than that of CUR. Cellular uptake test showed HA-CUR was preferably internalized by H 2 O 2 -pretreated tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells compared with free CUR benefiting from the specific binding between HA and CD44 receptors. Biodistribution results further demonstrated the increased accumulation of HA-CUR in kidneys with 13.9-fold higher than that of free CUR. Pharmacodynamic studies indicated HA-CUR effectively ameliorated AKI, and the exact mechanism was that HA-CUR protected renal tubule epithelial cells from oxidative stress damage via inhibiting PtdIns3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, this study provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AKI based on the pathogenesis of the disease. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Renal Blood Flow, Glomerular Filtration Rate, and Renal Oxygenation in Early Clinical Septic Shock.

    PubMed

    Skytte Larsson, Jenny; Krumbholz, Vitus; Enskog, Anders; Bragadottir, Gudrun; Redfors, Bengt; Ricksten, Sven-Erik

    2018-06-01

    Data on renal hemodynamics, function, and oxygenation in early clinical septic shock are lacking. We therefore measured renal blood flow, glomerular filtration rate, renal oxygen consumption, and oxygenation in patients with early septic shock. Prospective comparative study. General and cardiothoracic ICUs. Patients with norepinephrine-dependent early septic shock (n = 8) were studied within 24 hours after arrival in the ICU and compared with postcardiac surgery patients without acute kidney injury (comparator group, n = 58). None. Data on systemic hemodynamics and renal variables were obtained during two 30-minute periods. Renal blood flow was measured by the infusion clearance of para-aminohippuric acid, corrected for renal extraction of para-aminohippuric acid. Renal filtration fraction was measured by renal extraction of chromium-51 labeled EDTA. Renal oxygenation was estimated from renal oxygen extraction. Renal oxygen delivery (-24%; p = 0.037) and the renal blood flow-to-cardiac index ratio (-21%; p = 0.018) were lower, renal vascular resistance was higher (26%; p = 0.027), whereas renal blood flow tended to be lower (-19%; p = 0.068) in the septic group. Glomerular filtration rate (-32%; p = 0.006) and renal sodium reabsorption (-29%; p = 0.014) were both lower in the septic group. Neither renal filtration fraction nor renal oxygen consumption differed significantly between groups. Renal oxygen extraction was significantly higher in the septic group (28%; p = 0.022). In the septic group, markers of tubular injury were elevated. In early clinical septic shock, renal function was lower, which was accompanied by renal vasoconstriction, a lower renal oxygen delivery, impaired renal oxygenation, and tubular sodium reabsorption at a high oxygen cost compared with controls.

  12. Gum acacia mitigates genetic damage in adenine-induced chronic renal failure in rats.

    PubMed

    Ali, B H; Al Balushi, K; Al-Husseini, I; Mandel, P; Nemmar, A; Schupp, N; Ribeiro, D A

    2015-12-01

    Subjects with chronic renal failure (CRF) exhibit oxidative genome damage, which may predispose to carcinogenesis, and Gum acacia (GumA) ameliorates this condition in humans and animals. We evaluated here renal DNA damage and urinary excretion of four nucleic acid oxidation adducts namely 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoGua), 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG), 8-oxoguanosine (8-oxoGuo) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanisone (8-OHdg) in rats with adenine (ADE)-induced CRF with and without GumA treatment. Twenty-four rats were divided into four equal groups and treated for 4 weeks. The first group was given normal food and water (control). The second group was given normal food and GumA (15% w/v) in drinking water. The third group was fed powder diet containing adenine (ADE) (0·75% w/w in feed). The fourth group was fed like in the third group, plus GumA in drinking water (15%, w/v). ADE feeding induced CRF (as measured by several physiological, biochemical and histological indices) and also caused a significant genetic damage and significant decreases in urinary 8-oxo Gua and 8-oxoGuo, but not in the other nucleic acids. However, concomitant GumA treatment reduced the level of genetic damage in kidney cells as detected by Comet assay and significantly reversed the effect of adenine on urinary 8-oxoGuo. Treatment with GumA is able to mitigate genetic damage in renal tissues of rats with ADE-induced CRF. © 2015 Stichting European Society for Clinical Investigation Journal Foundation.

  13. Renal perfusion index reflects cardiac systolic function in chronic cardio-renal syndrome.

    PubMed

    Lubas, Arkadiusz; Ryczek, Robert; Kade, Grzegorz; Niemczyk, Stanisław

    2015-04-17

    Cardiac dysfunction can modify renal perfusion, which is crucial to maintain sufficient kidney tissue oxygenation. Renal cortex perfusion assessed by dynamic ultrasound method is related both to renal function and cardiac hemodynamics. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that Renal Perfusion Index (RPI) can more closely reflect cardiac hemodynamics and differentiate etiology of chronic cardio-renal syndrome. Twenty-four patients with hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) at 2-4 stage (12 with hypertensive nephropathy and 12 with CKD prior to hypertension) were enrolled in the study. Blood tests, 24-h ABPM, echocardiography, and ultrasonography with estimation of Total renal Cortical Perfusion intensity and Renal Perfusion Index (RPI) were performed. In the group of all patients, RPI correlated with left ventricular stoke volume (LVSV), and cardiac index, but not with markers of renal function. In multiple stepwise regression analysis CKD-EPI(Cys-Cr) (b=-0.360), LVSV (b=0.924) and MAP (b=0.376) together independently influenced RPI (R2=0.74; p<0.0001). RPI<0.567 allowed for the identification of patients with chronic cardio-renal syndrome with sensitivity of 41.7% and specificity of 83.3%. Renal perfusion index relates more strongly to cardiac output than to renal function, and could be helpful in recognizing chronic cardio-renal syndrome. Applicability of RPI in diagnosing early abnormalities in the cardio-renal axis requires further investigation.

  14. Multiple Renal Artery Pseudoaneurysms in Patients Undergoing Renal Artery Embolization Following Partial Nephrectomy: Correlation with RENAL Nephrometry Scores

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gupta, Nakul; Patel, Anish; Ensor, Joe

    PurposeTo describe the incidence of multiple renal artery pseudoaneurysms (PSA) in patients referred for renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy and to study its relationship to RENAL nephrometry scores.Materials and MethodsThe medical records of 25 patients referred for renal artery embolization after partial nephrectomy were retrospectively reviewed for the following parameters: size and number of tumors, RENAL nephrometry scores, angiographic abnormalities, technical and clinical outcomes, and estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) after embolization.ResultsTwenty-four patients had primary renal tumors, while 1 patient had a pancreatic tumor invading the kidney. Multiple tumors were resected in 4 patients. Most patients (92 %) were symptomatic,more » presenting with gross hematuria, flank pain, or both. Angiography revealed PSA with (n = 5) or without (n = 20) AV fistulae. Sixteen patients (64 %) had multiple PSA involving multiple renal vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry scores were associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple PSA. Multiple vessels were embolized in 14 patients (56 %). Clinical success was achieved after one (n = 22) or two (n = 3) embolization sessions in all patients. Post-embolization eGFR values at different time points after embolization were not significantly different from the post-operative eGFR.ConclusionA majority of patients requiring renal artery embolization following partial nephrectomy have multiple pseudoaneurysms, often requiring selective embolization of multiple vessels. Higher RENAL nephrometry score is associated with an increasing likelihood of multiple pseudoaneurysms. We found transarterial embolization to be a safe and effective treatment option with no long-term adverse effect on renal function in all but one patient with a solitary kidney.« less

  15. Effect of Gum Arabic on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Adenine–Induced Chronic Renal Failure in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Badreldin H.; Al-Husseni, Isehaq; Beegam, Sumyia; Al-Shukaili, Ahmed; Nemmar, Abderrahim; Schierling, Simone; Queisser, Nina; Schupp, Nicole

    2013-01-01

    Inflammation and oxidative stress are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease in humans, and in chronic renal failure (CRF) in rats. The aim of this work was to study the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in adenine-induced CRF and the effect thereon of the purported nephroprotective agent gum arabic (GA). Rats were divided into four groups and treated for 4 weeks as follows: control, adenine in feed (0.75%, w/w), GA in drinking water (15%, w/v) and adenine+GA, as before. Urine, blood and kidneys were collected from the rats at the end of the treatment for analysis of conventional renal function tests (plasma creatinine and urea concentration). In addition, the concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the oxidative stress markers glutathione and superoxide dismutase, renal apoptosis, superoxide formation and DNA double strand break frequency, detected by immunohistochemistry for γ-H2AX, were measured. Adenine significantly increased the concentrations of urea and creatinine in plasma, significantly decreased the creatinine clearance and induced significant increases in the concentration of the measured inflammatory mediators. Further, it caused oxidative stress and DNA damage. Treatment with GA significantly ameliorated these actions. The mechanism of the reported salutary effect of GA in adenine-induced CRF is associated with mitigation of the adenine-induced inflammation and generation of free radicals. PMID:23383316

  16. Whole-exome sequencing reveals genetic variants associated with chronic kidney disease characterized by tubulointerstitial damages in North Central Region, Sri Lanka.

    PubMed

    Nanayakkara, Shanika; Senevirathna, S T M L D; Parahitiyawa, Nipuna B; Abeysekera, Tilak; Chandrajith, Rohana; Ratnatunga, Neelakanthi; Hitomi, Toshiaki; Kobayashi, Hatasu; Harada, Kouji H; Koizumi, Akio

    2015-09-01

    The familial clustering observed in chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) characterized by tubulointerstitial damages in the North Central Region of Sri Lanka strongly suggests the involvement of genetic factors in its pathogenesis. The objective of the present study is to use whole-exome sequencing to identify the genetic variants associated with CKDu. Whole-exome sequencing of eight CKDu cases and eight controls was performed, followed by direct sequencing of candidate loci in 301 CKDu cases and 276 controls. Association study revealed rs34970857 (c.658G > A/p.V220M) located in the KCNA10 gene encoding a voltage-gated K channel as the most promising SNP with the highest odds ratio of 1.74. Four rare variants were identified in gene encoding Laminin beta2 (LAMB2) which is known to cause congenital nephrotic syndrome. Three out of four variants in LAMB2 were novel variants found exclusively in cases. Genetic investigations provide strong evidence on the presence of genetic susceptibility for CKDu. Possibility of presence of several rare variants associated with CKDu in this population is also suggested.

  17. Atheroembolic renal disease

    MedlinePlus

    Renal disease - atheroembolic; Cholesterol embolization syndrome; Atheroemboli - renal; Atherosclerotic disease - renal ... disorder of the arteries. It occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls ...

  18. Inhibiting aerobic glycolysis suppresses renal interstitial fibroblast activation and renal fibrosis.

    PubMed

    Ding, Hao; Jiang, Lei; Xu, Jing; Bai, Feng; Zhou, Yang; Yuan, Qi; Luo, Jing; Zen, Ke; Yang, Junwei

    2017-09-01

    Chronic kidney diseases generally lead to renal fibrosis. Despite great progress having been made in identifying molecular mediators of fibrosis, the mechanism that governs renal fibrosis remains unclear, and so far no effective therapeutic antifibrosis strategy is available. Here we demonstrated that a switch of metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) in renal fibroblasts was the primary feature of fibroblast activation during renal fibrosis and that suppressing renal fibroblast aerobic glycolysis could significantly reduce renal fibrosis. Both gene and protein assay showed that the expression of glycolysis enzymes was upregulated in mouse kidneys with unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) surgery or in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated renal interstitial fibroblasts. Aerobic glycolysis flux, indicated by glucose uptake and lactate production, was increased in mouse kidney with UUO nephropathy or TGF-β1-treated renal interstitial fibroblasts and positively correlated with fibrosis process. In line with this, we found that increasing aerobic glycolysis can remarkably induce myofibroblast activation while aerobic glycolysis inhibitors shikonin and 2-deoxyglucose attenuate UUO-induced mouse renal fibrosis and TGF-β1-stimulated myofibroblast activation. Furthermore, mechanistic study indicated that shikonin inhibits renal aerobic glycolysis via reducing phosphorylation of pyruvate kinase type M2, a rate-limiting glycolytic enzyme associated with cell reliance on aerobic glycolysis. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the critical role of aerobic glycolysis in renal fibrosis and support treatment with aerobic glycolysis inhibitors as a potential antifibrotic strategy. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Effects of Renal Denervation from the Intima and the Adventitia of Renal Arteries on Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Dogs: A Comparative Study.

    PubMed

    Bai, Minfu; Yang, Chaokuan; Gao, Chuanyu; Wang, Xianpei; Liu, Hongzhi; Zhang, You; Liu, Jun; Wu, Jintao; Jian, Dongdong; Zhu, Lijie; Zhao, Wenli; Ma, Peiyao; Han, Yaqi

    2015-01-01

    This study was designed to observe the efficacy and safety of renal denervation from the inside and outside of renal arteries. Fourteen beagles were randomly divided into a control group (n = 4) and treatment group (n = 10). One renal artery in every beagle of the treatment group was randomly assigned to an intimal group (10 renal arteries) which underwent percutaneous renal denervation from the inside, and another renal artery was assigned to an adventitial group (10 renal arteries) which underwent renal denervation from the outside by laparotomy. Compared with the intimal group, the renal norepinephrine (NE) concentration in the adventitial group had significantly decreased (p = 0.003) at 3 months postsurgery. Renal artery HE staining showed that the perineurium from the adventitial group appeared thickened. Western blotting showed that renal tissue tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein expression in the adventitial group was significantly lower than that in the intimal group (p < 0.01) at 3 months postsurgery. There was a renal artery stenosis and a renal atrophy in the intimal group after 1 month of follow-up. The inhibitory effect on renal sympathetic nerve activity was more effective in the adventitial group than the intimal group, and renal denervation in the former group was safe. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  20. Renal cell carcinoma

    MedlinePlus

    Renal cancer; Kidney cancer; Hypernephroma; Adenocarcinoma of renal cells; Cancer - kidney ... 2016:chap 57. National Cancer Institute website. Renal cell cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. February 23, 2018. ...

  1. Can MR Measurement of Renal Artery Flow and Renal Volume Predict the Outcome of Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Angioplasty?

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Binkert, Christoph A.; Debatin, Jorg F.; Schneider, Ernst

    2001-07-15

    Purpose: Predicting therapeutic benefit from percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) in patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) remains difficult. This study investigates whether magnetic resonance (MR)-based renal artery flow measurements relative to renal parenchymal volume can predict clinical outcome following PTRA.Methods: The data on 23 patients (13 men, 10 women; age range 47-82 years, mean age 64 years) were analyzed. The indication for treatment was hypertension (n = 18) or renal insufficiency (n = 5). Thirty-four cases of RAS were identified: bilateral disease was manifest in 11 and unilateral disease in 12 patients. The MR imaging protocol included a breath-hold,more » cardiac-gated cine phase-contrast sequence for renal flow measurement and a fast multiplanar spoiled gradient-echo sequence for renal volume measurement. MR measurements were performed on the day prior to and the day following PTRA. Clinical success was defined as (a) a reduction in diastolic blood pressure > 15% or (b) a reduction in serum creatinine > 20%. Kidneys were categorized as normal volume or low volume. A renal flow index (RFI) was calculated by dividing the renal flow (ml/min) by the renal volume (cm{sup 3}).Results: Clinical success was observed in 11 patients. Twelve patients did not benefit from angioplasty. Normal kidney volume was seen in 10 of 11 responders and in 8 of 12 nonresponders, resulting in a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 33%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 56% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%. A RFI below a threshold of 1.5 ml/min/cm{sup 3} predicted successful outcome with 100% sensitivity, 33% specificity, 58% PPV, and 100% NPV. The combination of normal renal volume and a RFI below 1.5 ml/min/cm{sup 3} identified PTRA responders with a sensitivity of 91%, a specificity of 67%, a PPV of 71%, and a NPV of 89%. PTRA resulted in a greater increase in renal flow in responders compared with nonresponders (p < 0.001).Conclusion

  2. Head-to-head comparison of structurally unrelated dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors in the setting of renal ischemia reperfusion injury.

    PubMed

    Reichetzeder, Christoph; von Websky, Karoline; Tsuprykov, Oleg; Mohagheghi Samarin, Azadeh; Falke, Luise Gabriele; Dwi Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko; Hasan, Ahmed Abdallah; Antonenko, Viktoriia; Curato, Caterina; Rippmann, Jörg; Klein, Thomas; Hocher, Berthold

    2017-07-01

    Results regarding protective effects of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inhibitors in renal ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) are conflicting. Here we have compared structurally unrelated DPP4 inhibitors in a model of renal IRI. IRI was induced in uninephrectomized male rats by renal artery clamping for 30 min. The sham group was uninephrectomized but not subjected to IRI. DPP4 inhibitors or vehicle were given p.o. once daily on three consecutive days prior to IRI: linagliptin (1.5 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ), vildagliptin (8 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) and sitagliptin (30 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ). An additional group received sitagliptin until study end (before IRI: 30 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ; after IRI: 15 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ). Plasma-active glucagon-like peptide type 1 (GLP-1) increased threefold to fourfold in all DPP4 inhibitor groups 24 h after IRI. Plasma cystatin C, a marker of GFR, peaked 48 h after IRI. Compared with the placebo group, DPP4 inhibition did not reduce increased plasma cystatin C levels. DPP4 inhibitors ameliorated histopathologically assessed tubular damage with varying degrees of drug-specific efficacies. Renal osteopontin expression was uniformly reduced by all DPP4 inhibitors. IRI-related increased renal cytokine expression was not decreased by DPP4 inhibition. Renal DPP4 activity at study end was significantly inhibited in the linagliptin group, but only numerically reduced in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin group. Active GLP-1 plasma levels at study end were increased only in the prolonged/dose-adjusted sitagliptin treatment group. In rats with renal IRI, DPP4 inhibition did not alter plasma cystatin C, a marker of glomerular function, but may protect against tubular damage. © 2017 The Authors. British Journal of Pharmacology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Pharmacological Society.

  3. Dynamic analysis of patterns of renal sympathetic nerve activity: implications for renal function.

    PubMed

    DiBona, Gerald F

    2005-03-01

    Methods of dynamic analysis are used to provide additional understanding of the renal sympathetic neural control of renal function. The concept of functionally specific subgroups of renal sympathetic nerve fibres conveying information encoded in the frequency domain is presented. Analog pulse modulation and pseudorandom binary sequence stimulation patterns are used for the determination of renal vascular frequency response. Transfer function analysis is used to determine the effects of non-renal vasoconstrictor and vasoconstrictor intensities of renal sympathetic nerve activity on dynamic autoregulation of renal blood flow.

  4. Human Alpha-1-Antitrypsin (hAAT) therapy reduces renal dysfunction and acute tubular necrosis in a murine model of bilateral kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury

    PubMed Central

    Maicas, Nuria; van der Vlag, Johan; Bublitz, Janin; Florquin, Sandrine; Bakker-van Bebber, Marinka; Dinarello, Charles A.; Verweij, Vivienne; Masereeuw, Roos; Joosten, Leo A.

    2017-01-01

    Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), the major serum serine protease inhibitor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of human AAT (hAAT) monotherapy during the early and recovery phase of ischemia-induced acute kidney injury. Mild renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice by bilateral clamping of the renal artery and vein for 20 min. hAAT (80 mg/kg, Prolastin®) was administered daily intraperitoneally (i.p.) from day -1 until day 7 after surgery. Control animals received the same amount of human serum albumin (hAlb). Plasma, urine and kidneys were collected at 2h, 1, 2, 3, 8 and 15 days after reperfusion for histological and biochemical analysis. hAAT partially preserved renal function and tubular integrity after induction of bilateral kidney I/R injury, which was accompanied with reduced renal influx of macrophages and a significant decrease of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) protein levels in urine and plasma. During the recovery phase, hAAT significantly decreased kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) protein levels in urine but showed no significant effect on renal fibrosis. Although the observed effect size of hAAT administration was limited and therefore the clinical relevance of our findings should be evaluated carefully, these data support the potential of this natural protein to ameliorate ischemic and inflammatory conditions. PMID:28235038

  5. Galectin-9 ameliorates anti-GBM glomerulonephritis by inhibiting Th1 and Th17 immune responses in mice.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qian; Luan, Hong; Wang, Le; He, Fan; Zhou, Huan; Xu, Xiaoli; Li, Xingai; Xu, Qing; Niki, Toshiro; Hirashima, Mitsuomi; Xu, Gang; Lv, Yongman; Yuan, Jin

    2014-04-15

    Antiglomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM GN) is a Th1- and Th17-predominant autoimmune disease. Galectin-9 (Gal-9), identified as the ligand of Tim-3, functions in diverse biological processes and leads to the apoptosis of CD4(+)Tim-3(+) T cells. It is still unclear how Gal-9 regulates the functions of Th1 and Th17 cells and prevents renal injury in anti-GBM GN. In this study, Gal-9 was administered to anti-GBM GN mice for 7 days. We found that Gal-9 retarded the increase of Scr, ameliorated renal tubular injury, and reduced the formation of crescents. The infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells into the spleen and kidneys significantly decreased in Gal-9-treated nephritic mice. The reduced infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells might be associated with the downregulation of CCL-20, CXCL-9, and CXCL-10 mRNAs in the kidney. In parallel, the blood levels of IFN-γ and IL-17A declined in Gal-9-treated nephritic mice at days 21 and 28. In addition, an enhanced Th2 cell-mediated immune response was observed in the kidneys of nephritic mice after a 7-day injection of Gal-9. In conclusion, the protective role of Gal-9 in anti-GBM GN is associated with the inhibition of Th1 and Th17 cell-mediated immune responses and enhanced Th2 immunity in the kidney.

  6. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid ameliorates, but rapeseed oil and safflower oil accelerate renal injury in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats as compared with soybean oil, which is associated with expression for renal transforming growth factor-beta, fibronectin and renin.

    PubMed

    Miyazaki, M; Takemura, N; Watanabe, S; Hata, N; Misawa, Y; Okuyama, H

    2000-01-03

    We have noted that n-3 fatty acid-rich oils, such as fish oil, perilla oil and flaxseed oil as well as ethyl docosahexaenoate (DHA) prolonged the survival time of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) rats by approximately 10% as compared with linoleate (n-6)-rich safflower oil. Rapeseed oil with a relatively low n-6/n-3 ratio unusually shortened the survival time by approximately 40%, suggesting the presence of minor components unfavorable to SHRSP rats. This study examined the effects of dietary oils and DHA on renal injury and gene expression related to renal injury in SHRSP rats. Rats fed rapeseed oil- and safflower oil-supplemented diets developed more severe proteinuria than those fed soybean oil-supplemented diet used as a control, but there were no significant differences in blood pressure. In contrast, the DHA-supplemented diet inhibited the development of proteinuria and suppressed hypertension. The mRNA levels for renal TGF-beta, fibronectin and renin were higher in the rapeseed oil and safflower oil groups after 9 weeks of feeding of the experimental diet than in the soybean oil and DHA groups. The fatty acid composition of kidney phospholipids was markedly affected by these diets. These results indicate that the renal injury observed in the groups fed safflower oil with a high n-6/n-3 ratio and rapeseed oil with presumed minor components is accompanied by increased expression of the TGF-beta, renin and fibronectin genes, and that dietary DHA suppresses renal injury and gene expression as compared with soybean oil.

  7. [Aortic dissection spread to the renal arteries: role of renal volumetry after angioplasty].

    PubMed

    Vautrin, E; Thony, F; Chavanon, O; Hannachi, I; Barone-Rochette, G; Pierre, H; Baguet, J-P

    2012-06-01

    Type A or B aortic dissection can extend to renal arteries, causing a renal ischemia which treatment is usually endovascular. The aim of our study is to show the interest of the renal volumetry in the follow-up of these patients. Twenty-two patients (16 men, mean age 63.4±11.8years, BMI 25.2±3.4kg/m(2)) with a type A or B aortic dissection spread to one or to both renal arteries and followed at Grenoble university hospital were consecutively included. All patients underwent renal angiography with aorto-renal pressure gradients measurements and follow-up by renal volumetry (scanner Siemens(®)). A renal ischemia was defined by a decrease of 20% or more of the volumetry. Sixteen patients (73%) were hypertensive before the aortic dissection among which ten (62%) were treated. Eight patients (36%) have a significant renal pressure gradient among which five (62%) underwent renal endovascular therapy. The renal volumetry of these five patients remained unchanged while six of 17 patients (36%) without angioplasty have a decreasing volumetry. Renal volumetry appeared an effective and attractive option for the follow-up of the patients with aortic dissection spread to the renal arteries. These results should be taken into account to put the indication of an endovascular treatment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  8. Functions of the Renal Nerves.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Koepke, John P.; DiBona, Gerald F.

    1985-01-01

    Discusses renal neuroanatomy, renal vasculature, renal tubules, renin secretion, renorenal reflexes, and hypertension as related to renal nerve functions. Indicates that high intensitites of renal nerve stimulation have produced alterations in several renal functions. (A chart with various stimulations and resultant renal functions and 10-item,…

  9. Inhibition mechanism of compound ethanol extracts from wuweizi (fructus schisandrae chinensis) on renal interstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy model mice.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yanqiu; Zhang, Daning; Zhang, Mianzhi

    2012-12-01

    To evaluate inhibition effect and mechanism of compound ethanol extracts from Wuweizi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) and Muli (Cocha Ostreae) (FRC) on glomerular and tubular interstitial fibrosis in streptozocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (ND) model mice. Twenty-seven male C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into 3 groups: nondibetic (ND), STZ-induced diabetic (D), and STZ-induced diabetic that were treated with 5 g x kg(-1) x day(-1) of FRC by oral gavage (D(FRC)), with 9 in each group. The protein expressions of E-cadherin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAL-1) in renal tissues were investigated by Western blotting. The expressions of fibronectin (FN) and alpha-SMA were detected by immunohistochemical method. The morphological changes of renal tissues were observed under a microscope. Renal tissues in the D(FRC) group showed a lessened degree of fibrosis. Meanwhile, the expressions of FN, alpha-SMA and PAI-1 were significantly lower in the D(FRC) group than those in the D group (all P < 0.05). FRC can ameliorate the DN in the C57BL/6 mice, and its mechanism may relate to inhibition on the epithelial to mesenchymal transdifferentiation, endothelial-myofibroblast transition and PAL-1 expression.

  10. Endothelin-A Receptor Antagonism after Renal Angioplasty Enhances Renal Recovery in Renovascular Disease

    PubMed Central

    Tullos, Nathan; Stewart, Nicholas J.; Surles, Bret

    2015-01-01

    Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty/stenting (PTRAS) is frequently used to treat renal artery stenosis and renovascular disease (RVD); however, renal function is restored in less than one half of the cases. This study was designed to test a novel intervention that could refine PTRAS and enhance renal recovery in RVD. Renal function was quantified in pigs after 6 weeks of chronic RVD (induced by unilateral renal artery stenosis), established renal damage, and hypertension. Pigs with RVD then underwent PTRAS and were randomized into three groups: placebo (RVD+PTRAS), chronic endothelin-A receptor (ET-A) blockade (RVD+PTRAS+ET-A), and chronic dual ET-A/B blockade (RVD+PTRAS+ET-A/B) for 4 weeks. Renal function was again evaluated after treatments, and then, ex vivo studies were performed on the stented kidney. PTRAS resolved renal stenosis, attenuated hypertension, and improved renal function but did not resolve renal microvascular rarefaction, remodeling, or renal fibrosis. ET-A blocker therapy after PTRAS significantly improved hypertension, microvascular rarefaction, and renal injury and led to greater recovery of renal function. Conversely, combined ET-A/B blockade therapy blunted the therapeutic effects of PTRAS alone or PTRAS followed by ET-A blockade. These data suggest that ET-A receptor blockade therapy could serve as a coadjuvant intervention to enhance the outcomes of PTRAS in RVD. These results also suggest that ET-B receptors are important for renal function in RVD and may contribute to recovery after PTRAS. Using clinically available compounds and techniques, our results could contribute to both refinement and design of new therapeutic strategies in chronic RVD. PMID:25377076

  11. Evaluation of renal function in patients with a main renal stone larger than 1 cm and perioperative renal functional change in minimally invasive renal stone surgery: a prospective, observational study.

    PubMed

    Piao, Songzhe; Park, Juhyun; Son, Hwancheol; Jeong, Hyeon; Cho, Sung Yong

    2016-05-01

    To compare the perioperative relative renal function and determine predictors of deterioration and recovery of separate renal function in patients with renal stones >10 mm and who underwent mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or retrograde intra-renal surgery. A main stone >10 mm or stones growing, high-risk stone formers and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy-resistant stones were prospectively included in 148 patients. Patients with bilateral renal stones and anatomical deformities were excluded. Renal function was evaluated by estimated glomerular filtration rate, 99m-technetium dimercaptosuccinic acid and 99m-technetium diethylenetriamine pentaacetate prior to intervention and at postoperative 3 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to find predictors of functional deterioration and recovery. The overall stone-free rate was 85.1 %. A third of patients (53/148, 35.8 %) with renal stones >10 mm showed deterioration of separate renal function. Mean renal function of operative sites showed 58.2 % (36.8 %/63.2 %) of that of contralateral sites in these patients. Abnormal separate renal function showed postoperative recovery in 31 patients (58.5 %). Three cases (5.7 %) showed deterioration of separate renal function despite no presence of remnant stones. Improvement rates of the abnormal separate renal function did not differ according to the type of surgery. The presence of hydronephrosis and three or more stones were significant predictors for renal function deterioration. Female gender and three or more stones were significantly correlated with postoperative recovery. Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy or retrograde intra-renal surgery was effective and safe for renal function preservation. Patients with multiple large stones should be considered for candidates of active surgical removal.

  12. [Renal elastography].

    PubMed

    Correas, Jean-Michel; Anglicheau, Dany; Gennisson, Jean-Luc; Tanter, Mickael

    2016-04-01

    Renal elastography has become available with the development of noninvasive quantitative techniques (including shear-wave elastography), following the rapidly growing field of diagnosis and quantification of liver fibrosis, which has a demonstrated major clinical impact. Ultrasound or even magnetic resonance techniques are leaving the pure research area to reach the routine clinical use. With the increased incidence of chronic kidney disease and its specific morbidity and mortality, the noninvasive diagnosis of renal fibrosis can be of critical value. However, it is difficult to simply extend the application from one organ to the other due to a large number of anatomical and technical issues. Indeed, the kidney exhibits various features that make stiffness assessment more complex, such as the presence of various tissue types (cortex, medulla), high spatial orientation (anisotropy), local blood flow, fatty sinus with variable volume and echotexture, perirenal space with variable fatty content, and the variable depth of the organ. Furthermore, the stiffness changes of the renal parenchyma are not exclusively related to fibrosis, as renal perfusion or hydronephrosis will impact the local elasticity. Renal elastography might be able to diagnose acute or chronic obstruction, or to renal tumor or pseudotumor characterization. Today, renal elastography appears as a promising application that still requires optimization and validation, which is the contrary for liver stiffness assessment. Copyright © 2016 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.

  13. 27 CFR 24.178 - Amelioration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-04-01

    ... is calculated as tartaric acid for grapes, malic acid for apples, and citric acid for other fruit... natural wine from juice having a fixed acid level exceeding 5.0 grams per liter, the winemaker may adjust the fixed acid level by adding ameliorating material (water, sugar, or a combination of both) before...

  14. 27 CFR 24.178 - Amelioration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... is calculated as tartaric acid for grapes, malic acid for apples, and citric acid for other fruit... natural wine from juice having a fixed acid level exceeding 5.0 grams per liter, the winemaker may adjust the fixed acid level by adding ameliorating material (water, sugar, or a combination of both) before...

  15. Kefir administration reduced progression of renal injury in STZ-diabetic rats by lowering oxidative stress.

    PubMed

    Punaro, Giovana R; Maciel, Fabiane R; Rodrigues, Adelson M; Rogero, Marcelo M; Bogsan, Cristina S B; Oliveira, Marice N; Ihara, Silvia S M; Araujo, Sergio R R; Sanches, Talita R C; Andrade, Lucia C; Higa, Elisa M S

    2014-02-15

    This study aimed at assessing the effects of Kefir, a probiotic fermented milk, on oxidative stress in diabetic animals. The induction of diabetes was achieved in adult male Wistar rats using streptozotocin (STZ). The animals were distributed into four groups as follows: control (CTL); control Kefir (CTLK); diabetic (DM) and diabetic Kefir (DMK). Starting on the 5th day of diabetes, Kefir was administered by daily gavage at a dose of 1.8 mL/day for 8 weeks. Before and after Kefir treatment, the rats were placed in individual metabolic cages to obtain blood and urine samples to evaluate urea, creatinine, proteinuria, nitric oxide (NO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and C-reactive protein (CRP). After sacrificing the animals, the renal cortex was removed for histology, oxidative stress and NOS evaluation. When compared to CTL rats, DM rats showed increased levels of glycemia, plasmatic urea, proteinuria, renal NO, superoxide anion, TBARS, and plasmatic CRP; also demonstrated a reduction in urinary urea, creatinine, and NO. However, DMK rats showed a significant improvement in most of these parameters. Despite the lack of differences observed in the expression of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) was significantly lower in the DMK group when compared to DM rats, as assessed by Western blot analysis. Moreover, the DMK group presented a significant reduction of glycogen accumulation within the renal tubules when compared to the DM group. These results indicate that Kefir treatment may contribute to better control of glycemia and oxidative stress, which is associated with the amelioration of renal function, suggesting its use as a non-pharmacological adjuvant to delay the progression of diabetic complications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Use of computed tomography renal angiography for screening feline renal transplant donors.

    PubMed

    Bouma, Jennifer L; Aronson, Lillian R; Keith, Dennis G; Saunders, H Mark

    2003-01-01

    Preoperative knowledge of the renal vascular anatomy is important for selection of the appropriate feline renal donor. Intravenous urograms (IVUs) have been performed routinely to screen potential donors at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (VHUP), but the vascular phase views lack sufficient detail of the renal vascular anatomy. Computed tomography angiography (CTA), which requires a helical computed tomography (CT) scanner, has been found to provide superior renal vascular anatomic information of prospective human renal donors. The specific aims of this study were as follows: 1) develop the CTA technique for the feline patient; and 2) obtain preliminary information on feline renal vessel anatomy in potential renal donors. Ten healthy, potential feline renal donors were anesthetized and imaged using a third-generation helical CT scanner. The time delay between i.v. contrast medium injection and image acquisition, and other parameters of slice collimation, slice interval, pitch, exposure settings, and reconstruction algorithms were varied to maximize contrast medium opacification of the renal vascular anatomy. Optimal CTA acquisition parameters were determined to be: 1) 10-sec delay post-i.v. bolus of iodinated contrast medium; 2) two serially acquired (corresponding to arterial and venous phases) helical scans through the renal vasculature; 3) pitch of 2 (4 mm/sec patient translation, 2 mm slice collimation); and 4) 120-kVp, 160-mA, and 1-sec exposure settings. Retrospective reconstructed CTA transverse images obtained at a 2-mm slice width and a 1-mm slice interval in combination with two-dimensional reformatted images and three-dimensional reconstructed images were qualitatively evaluated for vascular anatomy; vascular anatomy was confirmed at surgery. Four cats had single renal arteries and veins bilaterally; four cats had double renal veins. One cat had a small accessory artery supplying the caudal pole of the left kidney. One cat had a

  17. Renal Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Tan, Puay Hoon; Cheng, Liang; Rioux-Leclercq, Nathalie; Merino, Maria J.; Netto, George; Reuter, Victor E.; Shen, Steven S.; Grignon, David J.; Montironi, Rodolfo; Egevad, Lars; Srigley, John R.; Delahunt, Brett; Moch, Holger

    2016-01-01

    The International Society of Urological Pathology convened a consensus conference on renal cancer, preceded by an online survey, to address issues relating to the diagnosis and reporting of renal neoplasia. In this report, the role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and assessment of prognosis of renal tumors is addressed. In particular we focused upon the use of immunohistochemical markers and the approach to specific differential diagnostic scenarios. We enquired whether cytogenetic and molecular tools were applied in practice and asked for views on the perceived prognostic role of biomarkers. Both the survey and conference voting results demonstrated a high degree of consensus in participants’ responses regarding prognostic/predictive markers and molecular techniques, whereas it was apparent that biomarkers for these purposes remained outside the diagnostic realm pending clinical validation. Although no individual antibody or panel of antibodies reached consensus for classifying renal tumors, or for confirming renal metastatic disease, it was noted from the online survey that 87% of respondents used immunohistochemistry to subtype renal tumors sometimes or occasionally, and a majority (87%) used immunohistochemical markers (Pax 2 or Pax 8, renal cell carcinoma [RCC] marker, panel of pan-CK, CK7, vimentin, and CD10) in confirming the diagnosis of metastatic RCC. There was consensus that immunohistochemistry should be used for histologic subtyping and applied before reaching a diagnosis of unclassified RCC. At the conference, there was consensus that TFE3 and TFEB analysis ought to be requested when RCC was diagnosed in a young patient or when histologic appearances were suggestive of the translocation subtype; whereas Pax 2 and/or Pax 8 were considered to be the most useful markers in the diagnosis of a renal primary. PMID:24025522

  18. Glutathione S-transferase Mu 2-transduced mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis by inhibiting oxidation and inflammation

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Oxidative stress is implicated in tissue inflammation, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated nephritis. Using the anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM-GN) mouse model, we found that increased expression of glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2) was related to reduced renal damage caused by anti-GBM antibodies. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has shed light on the treatment of immune-mediated kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if MSCs could be utilized as vehicles to deliver the GSTM2 gene product into the kidney and to evaluate its potential therapeutic effect on anti-GBM-GN. Methods The human GSTM2 gene (hGSTM2) was transduced into mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs via a lentivirus vector to create a stable cell line (hGSTM2-MSC). The cultured hGSTM2-MSCs were treated with 0.5mM H2O2, and apoptotic cells were measured by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The 129/svj mice, which were challenged with anti-GBM antibodies, were injected with 106 hGSTM2-MSCs via the tail vein. Expression of hGSTM2 and inflammatory cytokines in the kidney was assayed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Renal function of mice was evaluated by monitoring proteinuria and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal pathological changes were analyzed by histochemistry. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure inflammatory cell infiltration and renal cell apoptosis. Results MSCs transduced with hGSTM2 exhibited similar growth and differentiation properties to MSCs. hGSTM2-MSCs persistently expressed hGSTM2 and resisted H2O2-induced apoptosis. Upon injection into 129/svj mice, hGSTM2-MSCs migrated to the kidney and expressed hGSTM2. The anti-GBM-GN mice treated with hGSTM2-MSCs exhibited reduced proteinuria and BUN (58% and 59% reduction, respectively) and ameliorated renal pathological damage, compared with control mice. Mice

  19. Glutathione S-transferase Mu 2-transduced mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis by inhibiting oxidation and inflammation.

    PubMed

    Li, Yajuan; Yan, Mei; Yang, Jichen; Raman, Indu; Du, Yong; Min, Soyoun; Fang, Xiangdong; Mohan, Chandra; Li, Quan-Zhen

    2014-01-30

    Oxidative stress is implicated in tissue inflammation, and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated nephritis. Using the anti-glomerular basement membrane antibody-induced glomerulonephritis (anti-GBM-GN) mouse model, we found that increased expression of glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2) was related to reduced renal damage caused by anti-GBM antibodies. Furthermore, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy has shed light on the treatment of immune-mediated kidney diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if MSCs could be utilized as vehicles to deliver the GSTM2 gene product into the kidney and to evaluate its potential therapeutic effect on anti-GBM-GN. The human GSTM2 gene (hGSTM2) was transduced into mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs via a lentivirus vector to create a stable cell line (hGSTM2-MSC). The cultured hGSTM2-MSCs were treated with 0.5 mM H2O2, and apoptotic cells were measured by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The 129/svj mice, which were challenged with anti-GBM antibodies, were injected with 10⁶ hGSTM2-MSCs via the tail vein. Expression of hGSTM2 and inflammatory cytokines in the kidney was assayed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. Renal function of mice was evaluated by monitoring proteinuria and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and renal pathological changes were analyzed by histochemistry. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to measure inflammatory cell infiltration and renal cell apoptosis. MSCs transduced with hGSTM2 exhibited similar growth and differentiation properties to MSCs. hGSTM2-MSCs persistently expressed hGSTM2 and resisted H2O2-induced apoptosis. Upon injection into 129/svj mice, hGSTM2-MSCs migrated to the kidney and expressed hGSTM2. The anti-GBM-GN mice treated with hGSTM2-MSCs exhibited reduced proteinuria and BUN (58% and 59% reduction, respectively) and ameliorated renal pathological damage, compared with control mice. Mice injected with hGSTM2-MSCs showed

  20. Alterations of Hepatic Metabolism in Chronic Kidney Disease via D-box-binding Protein Aggravate the Renal Dysfunction.

    PubMed

    Hamamura, Kengo; Matsunaga, Naoya; Ikeda, Eriko; Kondo, Hideaki; Ikeyama, Hisako; Tokushige, Kazutaka; Itcho, Kazufumi; Furuichi, Yoko; Yoshida, Yuya; Matsuda, Masaki; Yasuda, Kaori; Doi, Atsushi; Yokota, Yoshifumi; Amamoto, Toshiaki; Aramaki, Hironori; Irino, Yasuhiro; Koyanagi, Satoru; Ohdo, Shigehiro

    2016-03-04

    Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increase in serum retinol; however, the underlying mechanisms of this disorder are poorly characterized. Here, we found that the alteration of hepatic metabolism induced the accumulation of serum retinol in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) mice. The liver is the major organ responsible for retinol metabolism; accordingly, microarray analysis revealed that the hepatic expression of most CYP genes was changed in 5/6Nx mice. In addition, D-box-binding protein (DBP), which controls the expression of several CYP genes, was significantly decreased in these mice. Cyp3a11 and Cyp26a1, encoding key proteins in retinol metabolism, showed the greatest decrease in expression in 5/6Nx mice, a process mediated by the decreased expression of DBP. Furthermore, an increase of plasma transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in 5/6Nx mice led to the decreased expression of the Dbp gene. Consistent with these findings, the alterations of retinol metabolism and renal dysfunction in 5/6Nx mice were ameliorated by administration of an anti-TGF-β1 antibody. We also show that the accumulation of serum retinol induced renal apoptosis in 5/6Nx mice fed a normal diet, whereas renal dysfunction was reduced in mice fed a retinol-free diet. These findings indicate that constitutive Dbp expression plays an important role in mediating hepatic dysfunction under CKD. Thus, the aggravation of renal dysfunction in patients with CKD might be prevented by a recovery of hepatic function, potentially through therapies targeting DBP and retinol. © 2016 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

  1. Effect of Γ-aminobutyric acid on kidney injury induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion in male and female rats: Gender-related difference.

    PubMed

    Vafapour, Marzieh; Nematbakhsh, Mehdi; Monajemi, Ramesh; Mazaheri, Safoora; Talebi, Ardeshir; Talebi, Nahid; Shirdavani, Soheyla

    2015-01-01

    The most important cause of kidney injury is renal ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), which is gender-related. This study was designed to investigate the protective role of Γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA (against IRI in male and female rats. Thirty-six female and male wistar rats were assigned to six experimental groups. The IRI was induced by clamping renal vessels for 45 min then was performed reperfusion for 24 h. The group sex posed to IRI were pretreated with GABA and were compared with the control groups. Serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, kidney weight, and kidney tissue damage score increased in the IRI alone groups, (P < 0.05), while GABA decreased these parameters in female significantly (P < 0.05), but not in male rats. Uterus weight decreased significantly in female rats treated with GABA. Testis weight did not alter in male rats. Serum level of nitrite and kidney level of malondialdehyde (MDA) had no significant change in both female and male rats. Kidney level of nitrite increased significantly in female rats experienced IRI and serum level of MDA increased significantly in males that were exposed to IRI (P < 0.05). GABA could ameliorate kidney injury induced by renal IRI in a gender dependent manner.

  2. Anatomic Patterns of Renal Arterial Sympathetic Innervation: New Aspects for Renal Denervation.

    PubMed

    Imnadze, Guram; Balzer, Stefan; Meyer, Baerbel; Neumann, Joerg; Krech, Rainer Horst; Thale, Joachim; Franz, Norbert; Warnecke, Henning; Awad, Khaled; Hayek, Salim S; Devireddy, Chandan

    2016-12-01

    Initial studies of catheter-based renal arterial sympathetic denervation to lower blood pressure in resistant hypertensive patients renewed interest in the sympathetic nervous system's role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. However, the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study failed to meet its prespecified blood pressure lowering efficacy endpoint. To date, only a limited number of studies have described the microanatomy of renal nerves, of which, only two involve humans. Renal arteries were harvested from 15 cadavers from the Klinikum Osnabruck and Schuchtermann Klinik, Bad Rothenfelde. Each artery was divided longitudinally in equal thirds (proximal, middle, and distal), with each section then divided into equal superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior quadrants, which were then stained. Segments containing no renal nerves were given a score value = 0, 1-2 nerves with diameter <300 µm a score = 1; 3-4 nerves or nerve diameter 300-599 µm a score = 2, and >4 nerves or nerve diameter ≥600 µm a score = 3. A total of 22 renal arteries (9 right-sided, 13 left-sided) were suitable for examination. Overall, 691 sections of 5 mm thickness were prepared. Right renal arteries had significantly higher mean innervation grade (1.56 ± 0.85) compared to left renal arteries (1.09 ± 0.87) (P < 0.001). Medial (1.30 ± 0.59) and distal (1.39 ± 0.62) innervation was higher than the proximal (1.17 ± 0.55) segments (p < 0.001). When divided in quadrants, the anterior (1.52 ± 0.96) and superior (1.71 ± 0.89) segments were more innervated compared to posterior (0.96 ± 0.72) and inferior (0.90 ± 0.68) segments (P < 0.001). That the right renal artery has significantly higher innervation scores than the left. The anterior and superior quadrants of the renal arteries scored higher in innervation than the posterior and inferior quadrants did. The distal third of the renal arteries are more innervated than the more

  3. Anatomic and physiologic changes of the aging kidney.

    PubMed

    Karam, Zeina; Tuazon, Jennifer

    2013-08-01

    Aging is associated with structural and functional changes in the kidney. Structural changes include glomerulosclerosis, thickening of the basement membrane, increase in mesangial matrix, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and arteriosclerosis. Glomerular filtration rate is maintained until the fourth decade of life, after which it declines. Parallel reductions in renal blood flow occur with redistribution of blood flow from the cortex to the medulla. Other functional changes include an increase in glomerular basement permeability and decreased ability to dilute or concentrate urine. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Clinical application of calculated split renal volume using computed tomography-based renal volumetry after partial nephrectomy: Correlation with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan data.

    PubMed

    Lee, Chan Ho; Park, Young Joo; Ku, Ja Yoon; Ha, Hong Koo

    2017-06-01

    To evaluate the clinical application of computed tomography-based measurement of renal cortical volume and split renal volume as a single tool to assess the anatomy and renal function in patients with renal tumors before and after partial nephrectomy, and to compare the findings with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. The data of 51 patients with a unilateral renal tumor managed by partial nephrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The renal cortical volume of tumor-bearing and contralateral kidneys was measured using ImageJ software. Split estimated glomerular filtration rate and split renal volume calculated using this renal cortical volume were compared with the split renal function measured with technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. A strong correlation between split renal function and split renal volume of the tumor-bearing kidney was observed before and after surgery (r = 0.89, P < 0.001 and r = 0.94, P < 0.001). The preoperative and postoperative split estimated glomerular filtration rate of the operated kidney showed a moderate correlation with split renal function (r = 0.39, P = 0.004 and r = 0.49, P < 0.001). The correlation between reductions in split renal function and split renal volume of the operated kidney (r = 0.87, P < 0.001) was stronger than that between split renal function and percent reduction in split estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). The split renal volume calculated using computed tomography-based renal volumetry had a strong correlation with the split renal function measured using technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. Computed tomography-based split renal volume measurement before and after partial nephrectomy can be used as a single modality for anatomical and functional assessment of the tumor-bearing kidney. © 2017 The Japanese Urological Association.

  5. Nephro-protective effect of a novel formulation of unopened coconut inflorescence sap powder on gentamicin induced renal damage by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory markers.

    PubMed

    Jose, Svenia P; S, Asha; Im, Krishnakumar; M, Ratheesh; Santhosh, Savitha; S, Sandya; B, Girish Kumar; C, Pramod

    2017-01-01

    Fresh oyster white translucent sap obtained from the tender unopened inflorescence of coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) is identified to have great health benefits. Drug induced Nephrotoxicity is one of the major causes of renal damage in present generation. As a therapeutic agent, gentamicin imparts direct toxicity to kidney, resulting in acute tubular necrosis, glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury, haemodynamically mediated damage and obstructive nephropathy.There exists an increasing demand for safe and natural agents for the treatment and/or preventionofchronic nephrotoxicity and pathogenesis of kidney diseases. Our study shows the nephro protective/curing effect of a novel powder formulation of micronutrient enriched, unfermented coconut flower sap (CSP). The study was performed on adult male Wistar rats. The animals were grouped into three and treated separately with vehicle, gentamicin and gentamicin+CSP for 16days. Initially, gentamicin treatment significantly (p<0.05)reduced thelevels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and GSH and increased (p<0.05) the levels of creatinine, uric acid, urea, inflammatory markers (nitrite, IL-6, TNF- α, iNOS) and lipid peroxidation. Supplementation of coconut flower sap powder showed significant (p<0.05) reversal of all these biochemical parameters indicating an effective inhibition of the pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity and kidney disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  6. Assessment of the relationship between renal volume and renal function after minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy: the role of computed tomography and nuclear renal scan.

    PubMed

    Bertolo, Riccardo; Fiori, Cristian; Piramide, Federico; Amparore, Daniele; Barrera, Monica; Sardo, Diego; Veltri, Andrea; Porpiglia, Francesco

    2018-05-14

    To evaluate the correlation between the loss of renal function as assessed by Tc99MAG-3 renal scan and the loss of renal volume as calculated by volumetric assessment on CT-scan in patients who underwent minimally-invasive partial nephrectomy (PN). PN prospectively-maintained database was retrospectively queried for patients who underwent minimally-invasive PN (2012-2017) for renal mass renal scan and contrast-enhanced CT-scan (both performed in our Institution) both at preoperative assessment and at the third postoperative month follow-up. Tc99MAG-3 renal scan was performed to get renal functional data; renal volume was calculated by dedicated software from CT-scan with a semiautomated method. Statistical analysis aimed to identify relationships between loss of renal volume and loss of renal function and other patients' and surgical variables, particularly regarding lesion complexity (assessed by PADUA score). 57 patients were analyzed. Both at univariate and multivariate analysis, the percentage of loss of renal function was significantly correlated to the loss of renal volume (p<0.001). Warm ischemia significantly correlated with the loss of renal volume (p=0.003). After stratification according to PADUA score categories, higher surgical complexity renal masses had stronger correlation between the loss of renal volume and the loss of renal function. The use of the semiautomated method for the 3D segmentation of the kidney to get the volumetric assessment could be a valid tool to support the future use of CT-scan as the tool to pair the oncological and the functional follow-up after PN.

  7. Exploring the effect and mechanism of Hibiscus sabdariffa on urinary tract infection and experimental renal inflammation.

    PubMed

    Chou, Shun-Ting; Lo, Hsin-Yi; Li, Chia-Cheng; Cheng, Lu-Chen; Chou, Pei-Chi; Lee, Yu-Chen; Ho, Tin-Yun; Hsiang, Chien-Yun

    2016-12-24

    Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., also known as roselle, is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent. Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common problem in long-term care facilities. However, effects of roselle on UTI and renal inflammation remained to be analyzed. Here we surveyed the effect of roselle drink on the prevention of UTI in long-term care facilities and analyzed the anti-inflammatory potential of roselle on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced renal inflammation in mice. Survey questionnaires and clinical observation were applied to evaluate the use of roselle and the incidence of UTI in long-term care facilities. Mice were administrated roselle orally for 7 consecutive days and then challenged with LPS. Anti-renal inflammatory effects of roselle were analyzed by microarray and immunohistochemical staining. Clinical observation showed that taking roselle drink in residents with urinary catheters reduced the incidence of UTI in long-term care facilities. Renal inflammation is a key event of UTI. Roselle suppressed LPS-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation in cells and LPS-induced interleukin-1β production in mice a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical staining showed that roselle inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory cell infiltration in kidney. Gene expression profiling further showed that roselle suppressed the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes and enzyme genes involved in the production of prostaglandin and nitric oxide. In addition, NF-κB was the main transcription factor involved in the regulation of roselle-regulated gene expression in kidney. This is the first report applying clinical observation-guided transcriptomic study to explore the application and mechanism of roselle on UTI. Our findings suggested that roselle drink ameliorated LPS-induced renal inflammation via downregulation of cytokine network, pro-inflammatory product production, and NF-κB pathway. Moreover, this report suggested the

  8. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor ameliorates early renal injury through its anti-inflammatory action in a rat model of type 1 diabetes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kodera, Ryo, E-mail: kodera@cc.okayama-u.ac.jp; Shikata, Kenichi; Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558

    Highlights: •DPP-4 inhibitor decreased urinary albumin excretion in a rat of type 1 diabetes. •DPP-4 inhibitor ameliorated histlogical changes of diabetic nephropathy. •DPP-4 inhibitor has reno-protective effects through anti-inflammatory action. •DPP-4 inhibitor is beneficial on diabetic nephropathy besides lowering blood glucose. -- Abstract: Introduction: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are incretin-based drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes. In our previous study, we showed that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist has reno-protective effects through anti-inflammatory action. The mechanism of action of DPP-4 inhibitor is different from that of GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is not obvious whether DPP-4 inhibitor prevents the exacerbationmore » of diabetic nephropathy through anti-inflammatory effects besides lowering blood glucose or not. The purpose of this study is to clarify the reno-protective effects of DPP-4 inhibitor through anti-inflammatory actions in the early diabetic nephropathy. Materials and methods: Five-week-old male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into three groups; non-diabetes, diabetes and diabetes treated with DPP-4 inhibitor (PKF275-055; 3 mg/kg/day). PKF275-055 was administered orally for 8 weeks. Results: PKF275-055 increased the serum active GLP-1 concentration and the production of urinary cyclic AMP. PKF275-055 decreased urinary albumin excretion and ameliorated histological change of diabetic nephropathy. Macrophage infiltration was inhibited, and inflammatory molecules were down-regulated by PKF275-055 in the glomeruli. In addition, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activity was suppressed in the kidney. Conclusions: These results indicate that DPP-4 inhibitor, PKF275-055, have reno-protective effects through anti-inflammatory action in the early stage of diabetic nephropathy. The endogenous biological active GLP-1 might be beneficial on diabetic nephropathy besides lowering blood glucose.« less

  9. Ghrelin Ameliorates Asthma by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

    PubMed

    Fu, Tian; Wang, Lei; Zeng, Qingdi; Zhang, Yan; Sheng, Baowei; Han, Liping

    2017-12-01

    This study aimed to confirm the ameliorative effect of ghrelin on asthma and investigate its mechanism. The murine model of asthma was induced by ovalbumin (OVA) treatment and assessed by histological pathology and airway responsiveness to methacholine. The total and differential leukocytes were counted. Tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were quantified by commercial kits. The protein levels in pulmonary tissues were measured by Western blot analysis. Ghrelin ameliorated the histological pathology and airway hyperresponsiveness in the OVA-induced asthmatic mouse model. Consistently, OVA-increased total and differential leukocytes and levels of tumor necrosis factor α, interferon γ, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly attenuated by ghrelin. Ghrelin prevented the increased protein levels of the endoplasmic reticulum stress markers glucose regulated protein 78 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein and reversed the reduced levels of p-Akt in asthmatic mice. Ghrelin might prevent endoplasmic reticulum stress activation by stimulating the Akt signaling pathway, which attenuated inflammation and ameliorated asthma in mice. Ghrelin might be a new target for asthma therapy. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  10. Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration

    PubMed Central

    Roberts, David A.; Paul, Nicholas A.; Dworjanyn, Symon A.; Bird, Michael I.; de Nys, Rocky

    2015-01-01

    Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum – brown seaweeds, and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma – red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity. PMID:25856799

  11. Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration.

    PubMed

    Roberts, David A; Paul, Nicholas A; Dworjanyn, Symon A; Bird, Michael I; de Nys, Rocky

    2015-04-09

    Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum--brown seaweeds, and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma--red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity.

  12. Biochar from commercially cultivated seaweed for soil amelioration

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roberts, David A.; Paul, Nicholas A.; Dworjanyn, Symon A.; Bird, Michael I.; de Nys, Rocky

    2015-04-01

    Seaweed cultivation is a high growth industry that is primarily targeted at human food and hydrocolloid markets. However, seaweed biomass also offers a feedstock for the production of nutrient-rich biochar for soil amelioration. We provide the first data of biochar yield and characteristics from intensively cultivated seaweeds (Saccharina, Undaria and Sargassum - brown seaweeds, and Gracilaria, Kappaphycus and Eucheuma - red seaweeds). While there is some variability in biochar properties as a function of the origin of seaweed, there are several defining and consistent characteristics of seaweed biochar, in particular a relatively low C content and surface area but high yield, essential trace elements (N, P and K) and exchangeable cations (particularly K). The pH of seaweed biochar ranges from neutral (7) to alkaline (11), allowing for broad-spectrum applications in diverse soil types. We find that seaweed biochar is a unique material for soil amelioration that is consistently different to biochar derived from ligno-cellulosic feedstock. Blending of seaweed and ligno-cellulosic biochar could provide a soil ameliorant that combines a high fixed C content with a mineral-rich substrate to enhance crop productivity.

  13. Renal Arterial Pseudoaneurysm and Renal Arteriovenous Fistula Following Partial Nephrectomy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Jinchao; Yang, Min; Wu, Pengjie; Li, Teng; Ning, Xianghui; Peng, Shuanghe; Wang, Jiangyi; Qi, Nienie; Gong, Kan

    2018-01-01

    Renal arterial pseudoaneurysm (RAP) and renal arteriovenous fistula (RAVF) are rare but can cause fatal bleeding. A retrospective review was conducted for patients undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) in our department. The clinical features and treatment methods were analysed, and the relationships between RAP/RAVF and the surgical methods and R.E.N.A.L. score were investigated. Eleven patients were diagnosed with RAP/RAVF (9 with RAP and 2 with RAVF). The incidence of RAP/RAVF after laparoscopic PN showed no significant difference compared to that after open PN (p = 0.47). A low R.E.N.A.L. score was present in 6 patients, while an intermediate/high score was present in the other 5 patients. The major clinical manifestations included haematuria and haemorrhagic shock, and the median time of occurrence was 8 days after the operation. Six patients underwent an ultrasound examination. Of the 4 patients who underwent enhanced CT, 2 patients were diagnosed with RAP. All 11 patients were diagnosed by renal angiography and were cured after super-selective arterial embolization. The serum creatinine levels before and after embolization showed no significant differences (p = 0.14). RAP/RAVF may not have any relationship with the surgical procedure or R.E.N.A.L. score. Renal angiography and super-selective arterial embolization are the preferred methods for diagnosing and treating RAP/RAVF. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  14. Pathophysiology of renal denervation procedures: from renal nerve anatomy to procedural parameters.

    PubMed

    Ammar, Sonia; Ladich, Elena; Steigerwald, Kristin; Deisenhofer, Isabel; Joner, Michael

    2013-05-01

    Endovascular renal denervation techniques have been clinically adopted for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension with great success. Despite the favourable early results achieved with this technology, a clear understanding of the pathophysiology underlying this novel treatment is lacking. In addition, non-responsiveness to renal denervation remains a nidus for treatment failure in distinct patients. In search of meaningful surrogate parameters relating to treatment responsiveness, the current article reviews the existing knowledge on renal nerve anatomy, changes occurring after denervation and procedural parameters collected during denervation. From preclinical experience, the most reliable morphological parameter reflecting successful renal denervation is the presence of axonal degeneration. Most procedural and clinical parameters need extended investigation before adopting them as potential surrogate parameters for successful renal denervation. As a consequence, there is an imperative need for dedicated research revealing the pathophysiology of renal denervation procedures. In this regard, close co-operation of engineers, researchers and clinicians is warranted to turn renal denervation into a milestone treatment of arterial hypertension.

  15. Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hylander attenuates renal inflammation and interstitial fibrosis via regulation of TGF-ß and Smad3 expression on unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model.

    PubMed

    Kim, Tae-Won; Kim, Young-Jung; Seo, Chang-Seob; Kim, Hyun-Tae; Park, Se-Ra; Lee, Mee-Young; Jung, Ju-Young

    2016-04-15

    Renal interstitial fibrosis is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, which leads to end-stage renal failure. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Elsholtzia ciliata (Thunb.) Hylander ethanol extract (ECE) on renal interstitial fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After quantitative analysis of ECE using the high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (HPLC-PDA) method, an in vitro study was performed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of ECE, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), respectively. For in vivo study, all male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n=10/group), except for those in the control group, underwent UUO. The rats were orally treated with water (control), captopril (positive control, 200 mg/kg), and ECE (300 and 500 mg/kg) for 14 days. In ECE, luteolin and rosmarinic acid were relatively abundant among the other flavonoids and phenolic acids. ECE treatment ameliorated LPS-induced overexpression of nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 and improved oxidative stress in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, ECE treatment suppressed TGF-ß-induced α-smooth muscle actin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in human renal mesangial cells. In the UUO model, 14 consecutive days of ECE treatment improved UUO-induced renal damage and attenuated histopathological alterations and interstitial fibrosis. Moreover, the renal expression of TNF-α, TGF-ß, and Smad 3 were inhibited by ECE treatment. Taken together, the effects of ECE may be mediated by blocking the activation of TGF-ß and inflammatory cytokines, leading subsequently to degradation of the ECM accumulation pathway. Based on these findings, ECE might serve as an improved treatment strategy for renal fibrotic disease. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

  16. CCN3/CCN2 regulation and the fibrosis of diabetic renal disease.

    PubMed

    Riser, Bruce L; Najmabadi, Feridoon; Perbal, Bernard; Rambow, Jo Ann; Riser, Melisa L; Sukowski, Ernest; Yeger, Herman; Riser, Sarah C; Peterson, Darryl R

    2010-03-01

    Prior work in the CCN field, including our own, suggested to us that there might be co-regulatory activity and function as part of the actions of this family of cysteine rich cytokines. CCN2 is now regarded as a major pro-fibrotic molecule acting both down-stream and independent of TGF-beta1, and appears causal in the disease afflicting multiple organs. Since diabetic renal fibrosis is a common complication of diabetes, and a major cause of end stage renal disease (ESRD), we examined the possibility that CCN3 (NOV), might act as an endogenous negative regulator of CCN2 with the capacity to limit the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM), and thus prevent, or ameliorate fibrosis. We demonstrate, using an in vitro model of diabetic renal fibrosis, that both exogenous treatment with CCN3 and transfection with the over-expression of the CCN3 gene in mesangial cells markedly down-regulates CCN2 activity and blocks ECM over-accumulation stimulated by TGF-beta1. Conversely, TGF-beta1 treatment reduces endogenous CCN3 expression and increases CCN2 activity and matrix accumulation, indicating an important, novel yin/yang effect. Using the db/db mouse model of diabetic nephropathy, we confirm the expression of CCN3 in the kidney, with temporal localization that supports these in vitro findings. In summary, the results corroborate our hypothesis that one function of CCN3 is to regulate CCN2 activity and at the concentrations and conditions used down-regulates the effects of TGF-beta1, acting to limit ECM turnover and fibrosis in vivo. The findings suggest opportunities for novel endogenous-based therapy either by the administration, or the upregulation of CCN3.

  17. Long-term administration of advanced glycation end-product stimulates the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and sparking the development of renal injury.

    PubMed

    Yeh, Wan-Ju; Yang, Hsin-Yi; Pai, Man-Hui; Wu, Chi-Hao; Chen, Jiun-Rong

    2017-01-01

    The accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and the enhanced interaction of AGE with their cellular receptor (RAGE) have been implicated in the progression of chronic kidney disease. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the AGE/RAGE-induced nephrotoxic effects are associated with inflammasome activation and endothelial dysfunction. Chronic renal injury was examined in BALB/c mice by the long-term administration of carbonyl-AGE for 16 weeks. Endothelial dysfunction was detected by measuring the number of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and the levels of nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) in kidneys. Results showed that administration of methylglyoxal-bovine serum albumin (MG-BSA) AGE accelerated renal MG, carboxyethyl lysine, carboxymethyl lysine and malondialdehyde formation and, in parallel, the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly increased. Expression of RAGE and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins (TXNIP, NLRP3, procaspase-1 and caspase-1) and IL (interleukin)-1β secretion were upregulated, whereas the levels of EPCs, eNOS and NO were lower in MG-BSA-treated mice. This induction by MG-BSA was significantly inhibited by RAGE antagonist. Our results firstly reveal a possible mechanism of AGE-mediated renal dysfunction upon NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therapeutic blockade of RAGE may ameliorate renal and endothelial functions in subjects under high AGE burden. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Renal venogram

    MedlinePlus

    ... be black. Other structures will be shades of gray. Veins are not normally seen in an x- ... Venogram - kidney; Renal vein thrombosis - venogram Images Kidney anatomy Kidney - blood and urine flow Renal veins References ...

  19. Resting Afferent Renal Nerve Discharge and Renal Inflammation: Elucidating the Role of Afferent and Efferent Renal Nerves in Deoxycorticosterone Acetate Salt Hypertension.

    PubMed

    Banek, Christopher T; Knuepfer, Mark M; Foss, Jason D; Fiege, Jessica K; Asirvatham-Jeyaraj, Ninitha; Van Helden, Dusty; Shimizu, Yoji; Osborn, John W

    2016-12-01

    Renal sympathetic denervation (RDNx) has emerged as a novel therapy for hypertension; however, the therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity has recently been implicated in trafficking renal inflammatory immune cells and inflammatory chemokine and cytokine release. Several of these inflammatory mediators are known to activate or sensitize afferent nerves. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of efferent and afferent renal nerves in renal inflammation and hypertension in the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt rat model. Uninephrectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats (275-300 g) underwent afferent-selective RDNx (n=10), total RDNx (n=10), or Sham (n=10) and were instrumented for the measurement of mean arterial pressure and heart rate by radiotelemetry. Rats received 100-mg DOCA (SC) and 0.9% saline for 21 days. Resting afferent renal nerve activity in DOCA and vehicle animals was measured after the treatment protocol. Renal tissue inflammation was assessed by renal cytokine content and T-cell infiltration and activation. Resting afferent renal nerve activity, expressed as a percent of peak afferent nerve activity, was substantially increased in DOCA than in vehicle (35.8±4.4 versus 15.3±2.8 %Amax). The DOCA-Sham hypertension (132±12 mm Hg) was attenuated by ≈50% in both total RDNx (111±8 mm Hg) and afferent-selective RDNx (117±5 mm Hg) groups. Renal inflammation induced by DOCA salt was attenuated by total RDNx and unaffected by afferent-selective RDNx. These data suggest that afferent renal nerve activity may mediate the hypertensive response to DOCA salt, but inflammation may be mediated primarily by efferent renal sympathetic nerve activity. Also, resting afferent renal nerve activity is elevated in DOCA salt rats, which may highlight a crucial neural mechanism in the development and maintenance of hypertension. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  20. [Anatomy character of renal artery and treatment of living-donor renal transplantation].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Lei; Fei, Ji-guang; Chen, Li-zhong; Wang, Chang-xi; Deng, Su-xiong; Qiu, Jiang; Li, Jun; Chen, Guo-dong; Huang, Gang

    2009-12-15

    To study the anatomy characters of renal artery and the treatment of multiple arteries in living donor renal grafts. Records of 142 living donors were analyzed in our center. We analyzed the anatomic structure of renal arteries by DSA and CTA pre-transplantation. Thirty-one kidneys with multiple arteries were transplanted after reconstruction. Then clinical effects were compared between multiple-renal-arteries group (n=31) and single-renal-artery group (n=111). The incidence of multiple renal artery was 30.99%, and there was no difference between both sides (left kidney 22.54%, right kidney 22.13%). If the multiple artery occurred in left or right kidney, the incidence of the multiple artery occurred in the other side was 56.25% and 60.00%, respectively. The diameter of left main renal artery was more magnanimous (P=0.001) and the first branch was more closed to abdominal aorta (P=0.004). Operation time and warm/cool ischemia time were longer in the multiple-renal-arteries group. However, estimated blood loss, delayed graft function, acute rejection and flow rate of arcuate artery were similar in both groups, the same as serum creatinine and serum creatinine clearance rate on day 7, 1 month and 3 month post-operation. It was shown by repeated measures ANOVA that graft with multiple arteries didn't affect the tendency of renal function at early time post-operation. Comprehending the character of renal artery and accurate treatment of multiple artery anastomosis are critical for the effect of the living kidney transplantation.

  1. Mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury via the activation of M2 macrophages

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Introduction The mortality of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is still high, as there is no effective therapy. It has been shown that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can induce M2 macrophages, which mediate MSC protection in other experimental inflammation-related organ injury. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of macrophage activation in MSC therapy of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. Methods MSCs were injected into glycerol-induced rhabdomyolysis mice. Renal injury was evaluated using the serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, renal pathology and acute tubular necrosis score. The distribution of MSCs was detected using two-photon fluorescence confocal imaging. Immunofluorescence of anti-F4/80 and anti-CD206 was performed to determine macrophages and M2 macrophages in the tissues of the kidney, and M2 macrophage infiltration was also evaluated using western blotting analyses. After depletion of macrophages using clodronate liposomes at the phase of kidney repair, renal injury was re-evaluated. RAW 264.7 macrophages were incubated with lipopolysaccharide and co-cultured with MSCs and subsequently visualised using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, disparate phenotype macrophages, including normal macrophages (M0), lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages (M1), and MSC-co-cultured macrophages (M2), were infused into mice with AKI, which were pre-treated with liposomal clodronate. Results In vivo infusion of MSCs protected AKI mice from renal function impairment and severe tubular injury, which was accompanied by a time-dependent increase in CD206-positive M2 macrophage infiltration. In addition, depleting macrophages with clodronate delayed restoration of AKI. In vitro, macrophages co-cultured with MSCs acquired an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, which was characterised by an increased expression of CD206 and the secretory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. The concentrations of IL-10, IL

  2. Geometric Alteration of Renal Arteries After Fenestrated Grafting and the Impact on Renal Function.

    PubMed

    Ou, Jiale; Chan, Yiu-Che; Chan, Crystal Yin-Tung; Cheng, Stephen W K

    2017-05-01

    This study aims to investigate the degree of geometric change on renal arteries and its impact on renal function after fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (fEVAR). Twenty-five patients with fEVAR were included. There were 47 renal arteries target vessels, and 43 of these (22 left and 21 right vessels) stented successfully. Their preoperative and first postoperative follow-up computed tomography (CT) images were reconstructed using the Aquarius workstation (TeraRecon, San Mateo, CA, USA). The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) or celiac axis (if SMA was stented) was appointed as reference origin. The longitudinal orientation of a renal artery or a stent was represented by a takeoff angle (ToA) between the renal artery or stent and the distal abdominal aorta. The postoperative stent ToAs were compared with those of preoperative renal arteries. Preoperative and short-term postoperative serum creatinine levels were measured. Renal function impairment was indicated as a >30% or >2.0 mg/dL rise in serum creatinine compared to the preoperative level. The relationship between postoperative renal function impairment and the stent orientation or geometric changes in renal arteries was correlated. The patency rate of renal arteries was 100% at the first postoperative CT review. The average ToAs of both renal arteries were significantly enlarged after stenting (P < 0.05). Seven stent deformations (16.3%) in four patients (16.0%) were observed. They were attributed to caudal misalignment of the fenestrated stent graft (n = 6) or inaccurate graft sizing (n = 1). There was no stent fracture or target vessel loss. Postoperatively, nine patients (36.0%) at day 1 and 10 patients (41.7%) after 3 months suffered the renal function impairment. This was found not to be associated with the stent angulation or angular change of the renal arteries (both P > 0.05). The three patients with stent deformation due to misalignment suffered postoperative renal function impairment and

  3. 27 CFR 24.178 - Amelioration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

    2012-04-01

    ... natural wine from juice having a fixed acid level exceeding 5.0 grams per liter, the winemaker may adjust... acid level of the juice or wine by 0.1 gram per liter (the fixed acid level of the juice or wine may not be less than 5.0 gram per liter after the addition of ameliorating material). (b) Limitations. (1...

  4. 27 CFR 24.178 - Amelioration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

    2014-04-01

    ... natural wine from juice having a fixed acid level exceeding 5.0 grams per liter, the winemaker may adjust... acid level of the juice or wine by 0.1 gram per liter (the fixed acid level of the juice or wine may not be less than 5.0 gram per liter after the addition of ameliorating material). (b) Limitations. (1...

  5. 27 CFR 24.178 - Amelioration.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

    2013-04-01

    ... natural wine from juice having a fixed acid level exceeding 5.0 grams per liter, the winemaker may adjust... acid level of the juice or wine by 0.1 gram per liter (the fixed acid level of the juice or wine may not be less than 5.0 gram per liter after the addition of ameliorating material). (b) Limitations. (1...

  6. Betulinic acid ameliorates experimental diabetic-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis via inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway.

    PubMed

    Wang, Shaogui; Yang, Zhiying; Xiong, Fengxiao; Chen, Cheng; Chao, Xiaojuan; Huang, Junying; Huang, Heqing

    2016-10-15

    Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure and is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as fibronectin (FN), in the glomerular mesangium and tubulointerstitium. Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpene derived from the bark of the white birch tree, has been demonstrated to have many pharmacological activities. However, the effect of BA on DN has not been fully elucidated. To explore the possible anti-inflammatory effects of BA and their underlying mechanisms, we used streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidneys and high glucose-treated glomerular mesangial cells. Our study showed BA could inhibit the degradation of IκBα and the activity of NF-κB in diabetic rat kidneys and high glucose-induced mesangial cells, resulting in reduction of FN expression. In addition, BA suppressed the DNA binding activity and transcriptional activity of NF-κB in high glucose-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs). Furthermore, BA enhanced the interaction between IκBα and β-arrestin2 in mesangial cells. Taken together, our data suggest BA inhibits NF-κB activation through stabilizing NF-κB inhibitory protein IκBα, thereby preventing diabetic renal fibrosis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Morphological characterization of ckd in cats: Insights of fibrogenesis to be recognized.

    PubMed

    Morais, G B; Viana, D A; Verdugo, J M; Roselló, M G; Porcel, J O; Rocha, D D; Xavier Júnior, F A F; Barbosa, K D S M; Silva, F M O; Brito, G A C; Sampaio, C M S; Evangelista, J S A M

    2018-01-01

    Renal fibrosis is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its pathogenesis is associated with the activity of mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts), being essentially characterized by a process of excessive accumulation resulting from the deposition of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological presentation of chronic and fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular compartments in feline CKD, as well as the possible participation of myofibroblasts in renal fibrotic processes in this species. Cat kidneys were collected and processed according to the conventional techniques for light microscopy, circular polarization, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Fibrotic alterations were present in all compartments analyzed. The main findings in the glomerular compartment were different degrees of glomerular sclerosis, synechia formation, Bowman's capsule calcification, in addition to glomerular basement membrane thickening and pericapsular fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial compartment had intense tubular degeneration and the immunostaining in tubular cells for mesenchymal cell markers demonstrated the possibility of mesenchymal epithelial transition and consequent involvement of myofibroblasts in the development of interstitial tubule damage. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, added to vessel thickening and fibrosis, demonstrated the severity and role of inflammation in the development and perpetuation of damage. Thus, we may conclude that fibrotic lesions play a relevant role in feline CKD and the mechanism of perpetuation of these lesions need further elucidation regarding the origin and participation of myofibroblasts and consequent mesenchymal epithelial transition in this species. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  8. Protective effects of AT1-receptor blocker and CA antagonist combination on renal function in salt loaded spontaneously hypertensive rats.

    PubMed

    Gjorgjievska, K; Zafirov, D; Jurhar-Pavlova, M; Cekovska, S; Atanasovska, E; Pavlovska, K; Zendelovska, D

    2015-01-01

    Salt sensitive hypertension is known to be a contributing factor for the progression of kidney disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of excessive dietary salt on renal function and to evaluate the effect of valsartan and amlodipin given as a combination therapy on blood pressure and parameters specific to the renal function in salt loaded SHR rats. 48 male SHR rats at age of 20 weeks and body weight ranging between 270-350 g were used. SHR rats were divided into 3 groups: control group of rats -SHRC (n = 16) given tab water ad libitum and two salt treated groups in which tab water was replaced with a solution of NaCl (1%) from age of 8 weeks given ad libitum: SHRVAL+AMLO group (n = 16) where investigated drugs were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/ b.w. (valsartan) and 5 mg/kg/ b.w. (amlodipin) by gavage and SHR NaCl group (n = 16) that received saline in the same volume and the same time intervals as the SHRVAL+AMLO group. For a period of 12 weeks we have investigated the effect of the VAL+AMLO drug combination on systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and renal function tests. Salt loading with 1% solution in the SHR NaCl group has lead to significant increase of blood pressure, proteinuria and decrease in creatinine clearance. Combined treatment with AT1 receptor blocker and calcium antagonist has managed to control blood pressure and ameliorated renal damage.

  9. [Polythelia and renal malformation].

    PubMed

    Jójárt, G; Seres, E

    1992-07-12

    The authors found 241 polythelia (5.86) among 4113 schoolchildren (aged 6-14 years). They investigated 236 of the 241 with ultrasound and found 10 renal malformations (4.24%). Among 280 controls with respiratory infection, accident or tonsillectomy they found 9 renal malformations (3.21%). With screening of 1635 neonates they found 66 with accessory nipples (4.05%). Two of the 66 had renal malformations (3.03%), while among the 1957 control neonates 37 had renal malformations (1.89%). In the hospital and ambulancy the authors found 106 polythelia, five of them had renal abnormalities (4.72%). The authors did not found association of polythelia and renal malformation with ultrasound investigation of 408 children with polythelia.

  10. Ameliorative Potentials of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and Unripe Plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) on the Relative Tissue Weights of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

    PubMed Central

    Eleazu, C. O.; Iroaganachi, M.; Eleazu, K. C.

    2013-01-01

    Aim. To investigate the ameliorating potentials of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) incorporated feeds on the renal and liver growths of diabetic rats, induced with 55 and 65 mg/kg body weight of Streptozotocin. Method. The blood glucose level of the rats was measured with a glucometer, the protein and glucose and specific gravity (SPGR) in the urine samples of the rats were measured using urine assay strips and urinometer respectively. The chemical composition and antioxidant screening of the test feeds were carried out using standard techniques. Results. Administration of the test feeds for 21 days to the diabetic rats of groups 4 and 5, resulted in 58.75% and 38.13% decreases in hyperglycemia and amelioration of their elevated urinary protein, glucose, SPGR, and relative kidney weights. The diabetic rats administered cocoyam incorporated feeds, had 2.71% and 19.52% increases in weight and growth rates, the diabetic rats administered unripe plantain incorporated feeds had 5.12% and 29.52% decreases in weight and growth rates while the diabetic control rats had 28.69%, 29.46%, 248.9% and 250.14% decreases in weights and growth rates. The cocoyam incorporated feeds contained higher antioxidants, minerals and phytochemicals except alkaloids than unripe plantain feed. Conclusion. Cocoyam and unripe plantain could be useful in the management of diabetic nephropathy. PMID:23971053

  11. Ameliorative potentials of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) on the relative tissue weights of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

    PubMed

    Eleazu, C O; Iroaganachi, M; Eleazu, K C

    2013-01-01

    To investigate the ameliorating potentials of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta L.) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca L.) incorporated feeds on the renal and liver growths of diabetic rats, induced with 55 and 65 mg/kg body weight of Streptozotocin. The blood glucose level of the rats was measured with a glucometer, the protein and glucose and specific gravity (SPGR) in the urine samples of the rats were measured using urine assay strips and urinometer respectively. The chemical composition and antioxidant screening of the test feeds were carried out using standard techniques. Administration of the test feeds for 21 days to the diabetic rats of groups 4 and 5, resulted in 58.75% and 38.13% decreases in hyperglycemia and amelioration of their elevated urinary protein, glucose, SPGR, and relative kidney weights. The diabetic rats administered cocoyam incorporated feeds, had 2.71% and 19.52% increases in weight and growth rates, the diabetic rats administered unripe plantain incorporated feeds had 5.12% and 29.52% decreases in weight and growth rates while the diabetic control rats had 28.69%, 29.46%, 248.9% and 250.14% decreases in weights and growth rates. The cocoyam incorporated feeds contained higher antioxidants, minerals and phytochemicals except alkaloids than unripe plantain feed. Cocoyam and unripe plantain could be useful in the management of diabetic nephropathy.

  12. Renal Salvage with Renal Artery Stenting Improves Long-term Survival.

    PubMed

    Modrall, J Gregory; Trimmer, Clayton; Tsai, Shirling; Kirkwood, Melissa L; Ali, Mujtaba; Rectenwald, John E; Timaran, Carlos H; Rosero, Eric B

    2017-11-01

    The Cardiovascular Outcomes in Renal Atherosclerotic Lesions (CORAL) Trial cast doubt on the benefits of renal artery stenting (RAS). However, the outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) were not analyzed separately in the CORAL Trial. We hypothesized that patients who experienced a significant improvement in renal function after RAS would have improved long-term survival, compared with patients whose renal function was not improved by stenting. This single-center retrospective study included 60 patients with stage 3 or worse CKD and renal artery occlusive disease who were treated with RAS for renal salvage. Patients were categorized as "responders" or "nonresponders" based on postoperative changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) after RAS. "Responders" were those patients with an improvement of at least 20% in eGFR over baseline; all others were categorized as "nonresponders." Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify predictors of long-term survival. The median age of the cohort was 66 years (interquartile range [IQR], 60-73). Median preoperative eGFR was 34 mL/min/1.73 m 2 (IQR, 24-45). At late follow-up (median 35 months, IQR, 22-97 months), 16 of 60 patients (26.7%) were categorized as "responders" with a median increase in postoperative eGFR of 40% (IQR, 21-67). Long-term survival was superior for responders, compared with nonresponders (P = 0.046 by log-rank test). Cox proportional hazards regression identified improved renal function after RAS as the only significant predictor of increased long-term survival (hazard ratio = 0.235, 95% confidence interval = 0.075-0.733; P = 0.0126 for improved versus worsened renal function after RAS). Successful salvage of renal function by RAS is associated with improved long-term survival. These data provide an important counter argument to the prior negative clinical trials that found no benefit to RAS

  13. NOD2 promotes renal injury by exacerbating inflammation and podocyte insulin resistance in diabetic nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Du, Pengchao; Fan, Baoxia; Han, Huirong; Zhen, Junhui; Shang, Jin; Wang, Xiaojie; Li, Xiang; Shi, Weichen; Tang, Wei; Bao, Chanchan; Wang, Ziying; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Bin; Wei, Xinbing; Yi, Fan

    2013-08-01

    An increasing number of clinical and animal model studies indicate that activation of the innate immune system and inflammatory mechanisms are important in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 2 (NOD2), a member of the NOD-like receptor family, plays an important role in innate immune response. Here we explore the contribution of NOD2 to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy and found that it was upregulated in kidney biopsies from diabetic patients and high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Further, NOD2 deficiency ameliorated renal injury in diabetic mice. In vitro, NOD2 induced proinflammatory response and impaired insulin signaling and insulin-induced glucose uptake in podocytes. Moreover, podocytes treated with high glucose, advanced glycation end-products, tumor necrosis factor-α, or transforming growth factor-β (common detrimental factors in diabetic nephropathy) significantly increased NOD2 expression. NOD2 knockout diabetic mice were protected from the hyperglycemia-induced reduction in nephrin expression. Further, knockdown of NOD2 expression attenuated high glucose-induced nephrin downregulation in vitro, supporting an essential role of NOD2 in mediating hyperglycemia-induced podocyte dysfunction. Thus, NOD2 is one of the critical components of a signal transduction pathway that links renal injury to inflammation and podocyte insulin resistance in diabetic nephropathy.

  14. Anatomic variations of the renal vessels: focus on the precaval right renal artery.

    PubMed

    Bouali, Ourdia; Labarre, David; Molinier, François; Lopez, Raphaël; Benouaich, Vincent; Lauwers, Frédéric; Moscovici, Jacques

    2012-07-01

    The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of precaval right renal artery and to investigate the distribution of renal arteries and veins. We discuss a theory of development of renal vascular variants. We retrospectively reviewed 120 arterial phase contrast material-enhanced spiral computerized tomography scans of the abdomen (1- to 2-mm section thickness) performed during a two-month period. Forty percent of the study group (48 patients) had one artery and one vein on each side, with typical course. There was a 9.17% prevalence of precaval right renal artery: 10 patients had a lower pole accessory artery in precaval position and one patient had the main and the accessory arteries that pass anterior to the inferior vena cava. In these cases, associated variations of renal vessels were higher than in the patients without precaval artery variant. There were multiple arteries in 28.3% of the right kidneys and in 26.7% of the left ones. Variants of the right renal vein consisted in multiple veins in 20% (24 cases). We detected no case of multiple left renal veins, but we described variations of its course (circum- or retroaortic vein) in 9.17% (11 cases). Twenty-six patients (21.7%) had associated variations of the renal pedicle. The current technical support allows for a minimally invasive study of vessels anatomy. In our study the prevalence of a precaval right renal artery appears to be higher than previously reported (9.17%). Knowledge on anatomical variations of right renal artery and associated renal vessels variations has major clinical implications.

  15. Enhanced renal prostaglandin production in the dog. I. Effects on renal function.

    PubMed

    Tannenbaum, J; Splawinski, J A; Oates, J A; Nies, A S

    1975-01-01

    The changes in renal function produced by endogenous synthesis of prostaglandins by the kidney were evaluated by infusing sodium arachidonate, the prescursor of the prostaglandins, into one renal artery of the dog. These changes were compared with those produced by similar infusions on performed prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2alpha.PGE2given at 0.01-0.3 mug/kg min--1 produced dose-related increases in urine flow, sodium and potassium excretion, free water clearance, and renal blood flow. The glomerular filtration rage increased only at the lowest dose and the calculated filtration fraction fell. Arachidonic acid at 1.0-30.0 mug/kg min--1 similarly produced dose-related increases in electrolyte excretion, but the increase in renal blood flow was much less than that produced by PGE2 and there were no changes in glomerular filtration rate, filtration fraction, or free water clearances. PGF2alpha had essentially no effects at infusion rates of 0.03-1.0 mug/kg min--1. All renal effects of arachidonic acid were inhibited by simultaneous infusions of an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthetase, 5, 8, 11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (20:4). None of the effects produced by PGE2 were inhibited by 20:4. These results indicate that enhanced endogenous renal prostaglandin synthesis, which can be produced by arachidonate infusion, results in significant alterations of renal function. This finding strengthens the hypothesis that renal prostaglandins formed in vivo have physiological importance as regulators of renal function.

  16. Renal Cysts

    MedlinePlus

    ... inside the renal cysts. Your doctor may use ultrasound imaging to monitor renal cysts for any changes over ... Related Articles and Media Ultrasound - Abdomen Children's (Pediatric) Ultrasound - Abdomen Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body Ultrasound - Pelvis Children's (Pediatric) Nuclear Medicine ...

  17. Early application of Met-RANTES ameliorates chronic allograft nephropathy.

    PubMed

    Song, Erwei; Zou, Hequn; Yao, Yousheng; Proudfoot, Amanda; Antus, Balazs; Liu, Shanying; Jens, Lutz; Heemann, Uwe

    2002-02-01

    Initial insults to kidney allografts, characterized by infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells, contribute to chronic allograft nephropathy. Chemokines such as RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed) are thought to be responsible for the recruitment and activation of infiltrating cells. The present study investigated whether early application of Met-RANTES, a chemokine receptor antagonist that blocks the effects of RANTES, can protect renal allografts from long-term deterioration. Fisher (F344) rat kidneys were orthotopically transplanted into Lewis recipients and treated with cyclosporine A (1.5 mg/kg/day) for the first 10 days following transplantation, together with either Met-RANTES at 40 microg/day, 200 microg/day or vehicle for the first 7 days. Animals were harvested at 2 and 28 weeks after transplantation for histologic, immunohistologic and molecular analysis. Met-RANTES treatment reduced the infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages in allografts at 2 weeks after transplantation, accompanied by decreased mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and RANTES. At post-transplantation week 28, Met-RANTES treatment at high and low doses reduced urinary protein excretion and significantly ameliorated glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, intimal proliferation of graft arteries and mononuclear cell infiltration. However, creatinine clearance was not influenced by Met-RANTES. Furthermore, Met-RANTES suppressed the mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and platelet-derived growth factor-B (PDGF-B). Blockade of chemokine receptors by Met-RANTES diminishes early infiltration and activation of mononuclear cells in the grafts, and thus reduces the pace of chronic allograft nephropathy.

  18. SLC30A9 mutation affecting intracellular zinc homeostasis causes a novel cerebro-renal syndrome.

    PubMed

    Perez, Yonatan; Shorer, Zamir; Liani-Leibson, Keren; Chabosseau, Pauline; Kadir, Rotem; Volodarsky, Michael; Halperin, Daniel; Barber-Zucker, Shiran; Shalev, Hanna; Schreiber, Ruth; Gradstein, Libe; Gurevich, Evgenia; Zarivach, Raz; Rutter, Guy A; Landau, Daniel; Birk, Ohad S

    2017-04-01

    A novel autosomal recessive cerebro-renal syndrome was identified in consanguineous Bedouin kindred: neurological deterioration was evident as of early age, progressing into severe intellectual disability, profound ataxia, camptocormia and oculomotor apraxia. Brain MRI was normal. Four of the six affected individuals also had early-onset nephropathy with features of tubulo-interstitial nephritis, hypertension and tendency for hyperkalemia, though none had rapid deterioration of renal function. Genome wide linkage analysis identified an ∼18 Mb disease-associated locus on chromosome 4 (maximal logarithm of odds score 4.4 at D4S2971; θ = 0). Whole exome sequencing identified a single mutation in SLC30A9 within this locus, segregating as expected within the kindred and not found in a homozygous state in 300 Bedouin controls. We showed that SLC30A9 (solute carrier family 30 member 9; also known as ZnT-9) is ubiquitously expressed with high levels in cerebellum, skeletal muscle, thymus and kidney. Confocal analysis of SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing SLC30A9 fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein demonstrated vesicular cytosolic localization associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, not co-localizing with endosomal or Golgi markers. SLC30A9 encodes a putative zinc transporter (by similarity) previously associated with Wnt signalling. However, using dual-luciferase reporter assay in SH-SY5Y cells we showed that Wnt signalling was not affected by the mutation. Based on protein modelling, the identified mutation is expected to affect SLC30A9's highly conserved cation efflux domain, putatively disrupting its transmembrane helix structure. Cytosolic Zn2+ measurements in HEK293 cells overexpressing wild-type and mutant SLC30A9 showed lower zinc concentration within mutant rather than wild-type SLC30A9 cells. This suggests that SLC30A9 has zinc transport properties affecting intracellular zinc homeostasis, and that the molecular mechanism of the disease is through

  19. SLC30A9 mutation affecting intracellular zinc homeostasis causes a novel cerebro-renal syndrome

    PubMed Central

    Perez, Yonatan; Shorer, Zamir; Liani-Leibson, Keren; Chabosseau, Pauline; Kadir, Rotem; Volodarsky, Michael; Halperin, Daniel; Barber-Zucker, Shiran; Shalev, Hanna; Schreiber, Ruth; Gradstein, Libe; Gurevich, Evgenia; Zarivach, Raz; Rutter, Guy A.; Landau, Daniel

    2017-01-01

    Abstract A novel autosomal recessive cerebro-renal syndrome was identified in consanguineous Bedouin kindred: neurological deterioration was evident as of early age, progressing into severe intellectual disability, profound ataxia, camptocormia and oculomotor apraxia. Brain MRI was normal. Four of the six affected individuals also had early-onset nephropathy with features of tubulo-interstitial nephritis, hypertension and tendency for hyperkalemia, though none had rapid deterioration of renal function. Genome wide linkage analysis identified an ∼18 Mb disease-associated locus on chromosome 4 (maximal logarithm of odds score 4.4 at D4S2971; θ = 0). Whole exome sequencing identified a single mutation in SLC30A9 within this locus, segregating as expected within the kindred and not found in a homozygous state in 300 Bedouin controls. We showed that SLC30A9 (solute carrier family 30 member 9; also known as ZnT-9) is ubiquitously expressed with high levels in cerebellum, skeletal muscle, thymus and kidney. Confocal analysis of SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing SLC30A9 fused to enhanced green fluorescent protein demonstrated vesicular cytosolic localization associated with the endoplasmic reticulum, not co-localizing with endosomal or Golgi markers. SLC30A9 encodes a putative zinc transporter (by similarity) previously associated with Wnt signalling. However, using dual-luciferase reporter assay in SH-SY5Y cells we showed that Wnt signalling was not affected by the mutation. Based on protein modelling, the identified mutation is expected to affect SLC30A9’s highly conserved cation efflux domain, putatively disrupting its transmembrane helix structure. Cytosolic Zn2+ measurements in HEK293 cells overexpressing wild-type and mutant SLC30A9 showed lower zinc concentration within mutant rather than wild-type SLC30A9 cells. This suggests that SLC30A9 has zinc transport properties affecting intracellular zinc homeostasis, and that the molecular mechanism of the disease is

  20. Renal pelvis urothelial carcinoma of the upper moiety in complete right renal duplex: a case report.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yiran; Yu, Quanfeng; Zhang, Zhihong; Liu, Ranlu; Xu, Yong

    2015-01-01

    Urothelial carcinoma (UC) originated from renal pelvis is the common tumor of the urinary system, however, neoplasia of the renal pelvis in duplex kidneys is extremely rare, especially in the complete renal and ureteral duplex cases. We present the first case of renal pelvis UC of the upper moiety in a complete right renal duplex. This male patient has bilateral complete renal and ureteral duplex. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of renal pelvis UC in a complete renal duplex system. After this experience we feel that the diagnosis of renal pelvis UC in duplex kidneys is not so easy, and once the diagnosis is determined, the whole renal duplex units and bladder cuff or ectopic orifice should be excised radically.