Eotaxin contributes to renal interstitial eosinophilia

Diclofenac Disrupts the Circadian Clock and through Complex Cross-Talks Aggravates Immune-Mediated Liver Injury-A Repeated Dose Study in Minipigs for 28 Days

Diclofenac effectively reduces pain and inflammation; however, its use is associated with hepato- and nephrotoxicity. To delineate mechanisms of injury, we investigated a clinically relevant (3 mg/kg) and high-dose (15 mg/kg) in minipigs for 4 weeks. Initially, serum biochemistries and blood-smears indicated an inflammatory response but returned to normal after 4 weeks of treatment. Notwithstanding, histopathology revealed drug-induced hepatitis, marked glycogen depletion, necrosis and steatosis. Strikingly, the genomic study revealed diclofenac to desynchronize the liver clock with manifest inductions of its components CLOCK, NPAS2 and BMAL1. The > 4-fold induced CRY1 expression underscored an activated core-loop, and the dose dependent > 60% reduction in PER2mRNA repressed the negative feedback loop; however, it exacerbated hepatotoxicity. Bioinformatics enabled the construction of gene-regulatory networks, and we linked the disruption of the liver-clock to impaired glycogenesis, lipid metabolism and the control of immune responses, as shown by the 3-, 6- and 8-fold induced expression of pro-inflammatory CXCL2, lysozyme and ß-defensin. Additionally, diclofenac treatment caused adrenocortical hypertrophy and thymic atrophy, and we evidenced induced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity by immunohistochemistry. Given that REV-ERB connects the circadian clock with hepatic GR, its > 80% repression alleviated immune responses as manifested by repressed expressions of CXCL9(90%), CCL8(60%) and RSAD2(70%). Together, we propose a circuitry, whereby diclofenac desynchronizes the liver clock in the control of the hepatic metabolism and immune response.

Renal expression of cytokines and chemokines in diabetic nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Inflammatory mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of DN, thus considered an inflammatory disease. However, further studies are required to assess the renal damage caused by the action of these molecules. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the expression of cytokines and chemokines in renal biopsies from patients with DN and to correlate it with interstitial inflammation and decreased renal function.

METHODS

Forty-four native renal biopsies from patients with DN and 23 control cases were selected. In situ expression of eotaxin, MIP-1α (macrophage inflammatory protein-1α), IL-8 (interleukin-8), IL-4, IL-10, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), TNFR1 (tumor necrosis factor receptor-1), IL-1β, and IL-6 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The DN group showed a significant increase in IL-6 (p < 0.0001), IL-1β (p < 0.0001), IL-4 (p < 0.0001) and eotaxin (p = 0.0012) expression, and a decrease in TNFR1 (p = 0.0107) and IL-8 (p = 0.0262) expression compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in IL-10 (p = 0.4951), TNF-α (p = 0.7534), and MIP-1α (p = 0.3816) expression among groups. Regarding interstitial inflammation, there was a significant increase in IL-6 in scores 0 and 1 compared to score 2 (p = 0.0035), in IL-10 in score 2 compared to score 0 (p = 0.0479), and in eotaxin in score 2 compared to scores 0 and 1 (p < 0.0001), whereas IL-8 (p = 0.0513) and MIP-1α (p = 0.1801) showed no significant differences. There was a tendency for negative correlation between eotaxin and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.0566).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated an increased in situ production of cytokines and chemokines in DN, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-4, and eotaxin. It was observed that, possibly, eotaxin may have an important role in the progression of interstitial inflammation in DN and in eGFR decrease of these patients.

Analysis of serum inflammatory mediators in type 2 diabetic patients and their influence on renal function

Aim

To evaluate the serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with or without renal alteration (RA) function.

Methods

Serum samples from 76 patients with T2DM and 24 healthy individuals were selected. Patients with T2DM were divided into two groups according to eGFR (> or < 60mL/min/1.73m²). Cytokines, chemokines and adipokines levels were evaluated using the Multiplex immunoassay and ELISA.

Results

TNFR1 and leptin were higher in the T2DM group with RA than in the T2DM group without RA and control group. All patients with T2DM showed increased resistin, IL-8, and MIP-1α compared to the control group. Adiponectin were higher and IL-4 decreased in the T2DM group with RA compared to the control group. eGFR positively correlated with IL-4 and negatively with TNFR1, TNFR2, and leptin in patients with T2DM. In the T2DM group with RA, eGFR was negatively correlated with TNFR1 and resistin. TNFR1 was positively correlated with resistin and leptin, as well as resistin with IL-8 and leptin.

Conclusion

Increased levels of TNFR1, adipokines, chemokines and decrease of IL-4 play important role in the inflammatory process developed in T2DM and decreased renal function. We also suggest that TNFR1 is a strong predictor of renal dysfunction in patients with T2DM.

High-fat diet-induced obesity causes an inflammatory microenvironment in the kidneys of aging Long-Evans rats

Background

Obesity is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, inflammation may be a consequence of obesity that directly impacts the kidneys. The aim of this study was to examine the inflammatory status of the kidneys and potential ongoing renal damage, i.e., tubular damage and fibrosis after long-term obesity maintained through persistent consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD).

Results

Twenty-four-week-old male Long-Evans (LEV) rats were continuously fed a control diet (CD) or HFD for 51 weeks. The mean body weight was higher in HFD-fed rats than in control diet-fed rats and markedly elevated during the last 24 weeks. Blood analyses revealed no substantial alterations in renal functional parameters by HFD consumption but a substantial increase in creatine kinase, a muscle loss marker. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to quantify rat quadriceps muscle mass. The data showed that HFD-induced obesity in LEV rats was accompanied by minor decreases in muscle mass and strength at 75 weeks of age. Rat kidney inflammatory status was evaluated using histological and immunohistological techniques. The number of foci with immune cell infiltrates and infiltrating monocytes/macrophages was significantly increased in HFD-fed rat kidneys at week 75. Renal fibrosis parameters, including glomerulosclerosis and tubular damage, were also markedly increased in renal tissues from HFD-fed rats compared to the controls. The significant increase in tubular protein casts in HFD-fed rat tissues indicated that renal function was already disturbed. Rat kidney inflammatory status was further evaluated using the simultaneous profiling of twenty-two inflammatory markers in kidney tissue extracts. Consistently, MCP-1 and eotaxin (CCL11) levels were elevated in obese LEV rat kidneys.

Conclusions

Compared to CD-fed rats, HFD-fed obese LEV rats show significant damage of renal structures with aging. These subtle changes may sensitize the kidneys to the development of progressive CKD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12950-019-0219-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Peripheral-Central Neuroimmune Crosstalk in Parkinson's Disease: What Do Patients and Animal Models Tell Us?

The brain is no longer considered an immune privileged organ and neuroinflammation has long been associated with Parkinson's disease. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that innate and adaptive responses take place in the CNS. The extent to which peripheral immune alterations impacts on the CNS, or vice and versa, is, however, still a matter of debate. Gaining a better knowledge of the molecular and cellular immune dysfunctions present in these two compartments and clarifying their mutual interactions is a fundamental step in understanding and preventing Parkinson's disease (PD) pathogenesis. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge on inflammatory processes evidenced both in PD patients and in toxin-induced animal models of the disease. It discusses differences and similarities between human and animal studies in the context of neuroinflammation and immune responses and how they have guided therapeutic strategies to slow down disease progression. Future longitudinal studies are necessary and can help gain a better understanding on peripheral-central nervous system crosstalk to improve therapeutic strategies for PD.

Induction of Adaptive Immunity Leads to Nigrostriatal Disease Progression in MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease

Although the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model is the most widely used animal model for Parkinson's disease (PD), it is known that nigrostriatal pathologies do not persist in the acute MPTP mouse model. This study highlights the importance of adaptive immunity in driving persistent and progressive disease in acute MPTP-intoxicated mice. Although marked infiltration of T cells into the nigra was found on 1 d of MPTP insult, T cell infiltration decreased afterward, becoming normal on 30 d of insult. Interestingly, twice-weekly supplementation of RANTES and eotaxin, chemokines that are involved in T cell trafficking, drove continuous T cell infiltration to the nigra and incessant glial inflammation. Supplementation of RANTES and eotaxin was also associated with the induction of nigral α-synuclein pathology, persistent loss of dopaminergic neurons and striatal neurotransmitters, and continuous impairment of motor functions in MPTP-intoxicated mice. In contrast, supplementation of TNF-α and IL-1β, widely studied proinflammatory cytokines, did not induce persistent disease in MPTP-insulted mice. Our results suggest that induction of adaptive immunity by RANTES and eotaxin could hold the key for driving persistent nigrostriatal pathologies in the MPTP mouse model, and that targeting these factors may halt disease progression in PD patients.

Neutralization of RANTES and Eotaxin Prevents the Loss of Dopaminergic Neurons in a Mouse Model of Parkinson Disease

Parkinson disease (PD) is second only to Alzheimer disease as the most common human neurodegenerative disorder. Despite intense investigation, no interdictive therapy is available for PD. Recent studies indicate that both innate and adaptive immune processes are active in PD. Accordingly, we found a rapid increase in RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted) and eotaxin, chemokines that are involved in T cell trafficking, in vivo in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the serum of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-intoxicated mice. RANTES and eotaxin were also up-regulated in the substantia nigra pars compacta of post-mortem PD brains as compared with age-matched controls. Therefore, we investigated whether neutralization of RANTES and eotaxin could protect against nigrostriatal degeneration in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Interestingly, after peripheral administration, functional blocking antibodies against RANTES and eotaxin reduced the infiltration of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells into the nigra, attenuated nigral expression of proinflammatory molecules, and suppressed nigral activation of glial cells. These findings paralleled dopaminergic neuronal protection, normalized striatal neurotransmitters, and improved motor functions in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Therefore, we conclude that attenuation of the chemokine-dependent adaptive immune response may be of therapeutic benefit for PD patients.

24-Week Exposure to Oxidized Tyrosine Induces Hepatic Fibrosis Involving Activation of the MAPK/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway in Sprague-Dawley Rats Model

SCOPE

Oxidized tyrosine (O-Tyr) has been widely detected in many consumer protein products. O-Tyr products such as dityrosine (Dityr) and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) are universal biomarkers of protein oxidation and have been demonstrated to be associated with metabolic disorders in biological system. Evaluation of potential intracorporal effects of dietary O-Tyr is important since the mechanism of biological impacts induced by oral oxidized protein products (OPPs) is still limited although we have proved that some dietary OPPs would induce oxidative injury to liver and kidney.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The present study aimed to investigate the dose-dependent hepatic injury caused by oral O-Tyr in rats. 24-week feeding of O-Tyr enhanced aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, increased total bilirubin (TBiL) content, and led to oxidative damage in rats liver. Besides, O-Tyr distinctly increased the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK2 MAPKs and enhanced fibrosis-related TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 levels. Higher extracellular matrix (ECM) indexes (ICTP, PIIINP) and histological examination (HE and Masson staining) also supported dose-dependent hepatic fibrosis caused by O-Tyr.

CONCLUSION

These findings reveal that O-Tyr may induce oxidative damage and hepatic fibrosis via MAPK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway, in which ROS together with malondialdehyde (MDA) and OPPs act as the pivotal mediators.

Attenuation of microglial RANTES by NEMO-binding domain peptide inhibits the infiltration of CD8(+) T cells in the nigra of hemiparkinsonian monkey

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Despite intense investigations, little is known about its pathological mediators. Here, we report the marked upregulation of RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) and eotaxin, chemokines that are involved in T cell trafficking, in the serum of hemiparkinsonian monkeys. Interestingly, 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), a Parkinsonian toxin, increased the expression of RANTES and eotaxin in mouse microglial cells. The presence of NF-κB binding sites in promoters of RANTES and eotaxin and down-regulation of these genes by NEMO-binding domain (NBD) peptide, selective inhibitor of induced NF-κB activation, in MPP(+)-stimulated microglial cells suggest that the activation of NF-κB plays an important role in the upregulation of these two chemokines. Consistently, serum enzyme-linked immuno assay (ELISA) and nigral immunohistochemistry further confirmed that these chemokines were strongly upregulated in MPTP-induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys and that treatment with NBD peptides effectively inhibited the level of these chemokines. Furthermore, the microglial upregulation of RANTES in the nigra of hemiparkinsonian monkeys could be involved in the altered adaptive immune response in the brain as we observed greater infiltration of CD8(+) T cells around the perivascular niche and deep brain parenchyma of hemiparkinsonian monkeys as compared to control. The treatment of hemiparkinsonian monkeys with NBD peptides decreased the microglial expression of RANTES and attenuated the infiltration of CD8(+) T cells in nigra. These results indicate the possible involvement of chemokine-dependent adaptive immune response in Parkinsonism.

Markers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation predict progression of diabetic nephropathy in African Americans with type 1 diabetes

African Americans with early-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus are at a high risk for severe diabetic nephropathy and end-stage renal disease. In order to determine whether baseline plasma levels of inflammatory markers predict incidence of overt proteinuria or renal failure in African Americans with type 1 diabetes mellitus, we re-examined data of 356 participants in our observational follow-up study of 725 New Jersey African Americans with type 1 diabetes. At baseline and 6-year follow-up, a detailed structured clinical interview was conducted to document medical history including kidney dialysis or transplant, other diabetic complications, and renal-specific mortality. Plasma levels of 28 inflammatory biomarkers were measured using a multiplex bead analysis system. After adjusting for baseline age, glycohemoglobin, and other confounders, the baseline plasma levels of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) in the upper two quartiles were, respectively, associated with a three- to fivefold increase in the risk of progression from no albuminuria or microalbuminuria to overt proteinuria. Baseline plasma levels of the chemokine eotaxin in the upper quartile were significantly associated with a sevenfold increase in risk of incident renal failure. These associations were independent of traditional risk factors for progression of diabetic nephropathy. Thus, in type 1 diabetic African Americans, sICAM-1 predicted progression to overt proteinuria and eotaxin-predicted progression to renal failure.

Glycyrrhizin and related compounds down-regulate production of inflammatory chemokines IL-8 and eotaxin 1 in a human lung fibroblast cell line

Glycyrrhizin (GL) is known to have various immunomodulating activities and has long been used clinically as an anti-allergic and anti-hepatitis agent. While the potency of GL against lung inflammatory diseases has been expected, the effect of GL on the lung has been poorly understood. Lung fibroblasts are known as a potent producer of inflammatory chemokines, IL-8 and eotaxin 1, by which neutrophils and eosinophils are strongly attracted during inflammation. Therefore, we studied the effects of GL on the production of these chemokines using a human fetal lung fibroblast cell line, HFL-1, stimulated with TNF-alpha and IL-4. Moreover, we examined the structure-activity relationships of GL to explore more beneficial compounds. 18alpha,beta-GL inhibited IL-8 dose-dependently and inhibited eotaxin 1 slightly. 18alpha,beta-Glycyrrhetic acid (GA) did not inhibit IL-8 but inhibited eotaxin 1. The effect of 18alpha,beta-glycyrrhetic acid monoglucuronide (MGA) resembled that of 18alpha,beta-GL but was weaker. Both 3beta-[(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl)oxy]-18beta-11-deoxo-olean-12-en-30-oic acid (11-deoxo-GL) and 3beta-[(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl)oxy]-olean-11,13,(18)-dien-30-oic acid (hetero-GL) exhibited inhibitory activity with significant cytotoxicity. 3beta-[(2-O-beta-D-Glucopyranuronosyl-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl)oxy]-18beta-olean-9,12-dien-30-oic acid (homo-GL) did not have cytotoxicity but its activity was mild like that of 18alpha,beta-GL. 3beta-[(2-O-beta-d-Glucopyranuronosyl-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl)oxy]-olean-11,13(18)-dien-30-ol (hetero-30-OH-GL) and 3beta-[(2-O-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl-beta-D-glucopyranuronosyl)oxy]-18beta-olean-9,12-dien-30-ol (homo-30-OH-GL) showed potent inhibitory effects, at concentrations lower than 18alpha,beta-GL with no significant cytotoxicity. These results suggest that GL-related compounds are effective in reducing chemokine production and that GL-modified compounds including hetero-30-OH-GL and homo-30-OH-GL appear most beneficial in view of their inhibitory capacity with less cytotoxicity.

Hemodialysis Membranes: Interleukins, Biocompatibility, and Middle Molecules

ABSTRACT. Maintenance hemodialysis patients display evidence of elevated interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha release after stimulation either by contaminated dialysate, bioincompatible membrane material, or both. This release is followed by the stimulated secretion of a large number of other interleukins, particularly IL-6, the cytokine principally responsible for acute-phase protein synthesis. It has been shown that high levels of the circulating proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and IL-13 are associated with mortality in hemodialysis patients. Essential functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes—that is, phagocytosis, oxygen species production, upregulation of specific cell surface receptor proteins, or apoptosis—are disturbed in patients with end-stage renal disease. These are further altered as a result of complement activation by the hemodialysis procedure, particularly if bioincompatible dialyzers are used. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte degranulation occurring during extracorporeal circulation does not depend on complement activation but rather on intracellular calcium and the presence or absence of the degranulation inhibitory proteins angiogenin and complement factor D. Clinical signs and symptoms of end-stage renal disease patients are at least in part related to the accumulation of middle molecules such as β2-microglobulin, parathyroid hormone, advanced glycation end products, advanced lipoxidation end products, advanced oxidation protein products (formed as a result of oxidative stress, carbonyl stress, or both), granulocyte inhibitory proteins, or leptin. Currently available membrane materials do not provide long-lasting, effective reduction of middle molecules in patients who require maintenance hemodialysis.

Chemokines in renal diseases

The interaction of activated leukocytes and renal resident cells is thought to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. Recent investigations of the pathophysiological roles of chemokines and their cognate receptors have shed light on the detailed molecular mechanisms of leukocyte trafficking and activation in the diseased kidneys. Chemokine/chemokine receptor systems may be essentially involved in the pathogenesis of phase-specific renal disorders and the measurement of urinary levels of chemokines may be clinically useful for monitoring the different disease phases and activities. In addition, chemokine receptors expressed in renal resident cells may be involved in proliferation, fibrogenesis, as well as chemotaxis. The selective intervention of chemokine/chemokine receptor systems (anti-chemokine therapy) may have the potential as the particular therapeutic strategies for renal diseases in future.

Disease of the month. The Churg Strauss Syndrome

The Churg Strauss Syndrome is an eosinophil-associated small vessel vasculitis. Although its pathogenesis may be distinctive and the association with severe late-onset asthma typical, the clinical features during the vasculitic phase widely overlap with those of the other forms of necrotizing vasculitis, and no single clinical or histologic feature is pathognomic of the condition. Renal involvement is common, although usually mild, and even when severe it tends to respond well to treatment. The prognosis for both patient and renal survival with adequate treatment is in general good. The optimal treatment strategy, however, is uncertain, and may differ from that for the other vasculitides. In particular, in contrast to Wegener's granulomatosis, the need for routine cyclophosphamide treatment is unconfirmed and requires further study.