1
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Tanaka S. Targeting inflammation in perivascular cells and neuroimmune interactions for treating kidney disease. Clin Exp Nephrol 2024; 28:505-512. [PMID: 38630367 PMCID: PMC11116252 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-024-02494-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases. Kidney perivascular cells (pericytes/fibroblasts) are responsible for producing proinflammatory molecules, promoting immune cell infiltration, and enhancing inflammation. Vascular adhesion protein-1, expressed in kidney perivascular cells, is an ectoenzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of primary amines with the production of hydrogen peroxide in the extracellular space. Our study demonstrated that blocking this enzyme suppressed hydrogen peroxide production and neutrophil infiltration, thereby reducing renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) signaling was also observed to play an essential role in the regulation of perivascular inflammation. S1P, which is produced in kidney perivascular cells, is transported into the extracellular space via spinster homolog 2, and then binds to S1P receptor-1 expressed in perivascular cells. Upon injury, inflammatory signaling in perivascular cells is enhanced by this pathway, thereby promoting immune cell infiltration and subsequent fibrosis. Furthermore, inhibition of S1P transport by spinster homolog 2 reduces kidney fibrosis. Hypoxia-inducible factor-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors can restore the capacity for erythropoietin production in kidney perivascular cells. Animal data suggested that these drugs could also alleviate kidney and lipid inflammation although the precise mechanism is still unknown. Neuroimmune interactions have been attracting significant attention due to their potential to benefit patients with inflammatory diseases. Vagus nerve stimulation is one of the most promising strategies for harnessing neuroimmune interactions and attenuating inflammation associated with various diseases, including kidney disease. Using cutting-edge tools, the vagal afferents-C1 neurons-sympathetic nervous system-splenic nerve-spleen-kidney axis responsible for kidney protection induced by vagus nerve stimulation was identified in our study. Further research is required to decipher other crucial systems that control kidney inflammation and to determine whether these novel strategies can be applied to patients with kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, The University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
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2
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Husain Syed F, Okusa MD. Neuroimmune Control of Inflammation in Acute Kidney Injury: From Mouse Models to Human Disease. Nephron Clin Pract 2023; 147:754-758. [PMID: 37257419 DOI: 10.1159/000531293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is common in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and contributes to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The central nervous system plays an important role in the immune and inflammatory pathways of AKI. In this review, we discuss the preclinical evidence for the neural pathways associated with neuromodulation in AKI, as well as clinical trials that translate these observations into the clinical context. The ultimate goal of these trials is to design strategies using noninvasive approaches, such as splenic pulsed ultrasonography, to prevent or attenuate inflammatory conditions at the bedside, including AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faeq Husain Syed
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- The Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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3
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Xu H, Garcia-Ptacek S, Bruchfeld A, Fu EL, Shori TD, Lindholm B, Eriksdotter M, Carrero JJ. Association between cholinesterase inhibitors and kidney function decline in patients with Alzheimer's dementia. Kidney Int 2023; 103:166-176. [PMID: 36341731 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical evidence shows that activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) may have direct and indirect beneficial effects on the kidney. Cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) are specific Alzheimer's dementia (AD) therapies that block the action of cholinesterases and activate CAP. Here, we explored a plausible effect of ChEIs on slowing kidney function decline by comparing the risk of CKD progression among patients with newly diagnosed AD that initiated ChEI or not within 90 days. Using complete information of routine serum creatinine tests, we evaluated changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and defined the outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression as the composite of an eGFR decline of over 30%, initiation of dialysis/transplant or death attributed to CKD. A secondary outcome was death. Inverse probability of treatment-weighted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios. Among 11, 898 patients, 6,803 started on ChEIs and 5,095 did not. Mean age was 80 years (64% women) and the mean eGFR was 68 ml/min/1.73m2. During a median 3.0 years of follow-up, and compared to non-use, ChEI use was associated with 18% lower risk of CKD progression (1,231 events, adjusted hazard ratio 0.82; 95% confidence interval 0.71-0.96) and a 21% lower risk of death (0.79; 0.72-0.86). Results were consistent across subgroups, ChEI subclasses and after accounting for competing risks. Thus, in patients with AD undergoing routine care, use of ChEI (vs no-use) was associated with lower risk of CKD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Sara Garcia-Ptacek
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Bruchfeld
- Division of Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Edouard L Fu
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Taher Darreh Shori
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Lindholm
- Division of Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juan Jesus Carrero
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (MEB), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Nephrology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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4
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Clinical perspectives on vagus nerve stimulation: present and future. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:695-709. [PMID: 35536161 PMCID: PMC9093220 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The vagus nerve, the great wanderer, is involved in numerous processes throughout the body and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has the potential to modulate many of these functions. This wide-reaching capability has generated much interest across a range of disciplines resulting in several clinical trials and studies into the mechanistic basis of VNS. This review discusses current preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of VNS in different diseases and highlights recent advancements. Studies that provide insights into the mechanism of VNS are considered.
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5
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Vagus nerve stimulation activates two distinct neuroimmune circuits converging in the spleen to protect mice from kidney injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021758118. [PMID: 33737395 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021758118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury is highly prevalent and associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there are no approved drugs for its prevention and treatment. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) alleviates inflammatory diseases including kidney disease; however, neural circuits involved in VNS-induced tissue protection remain poorly understood. The vagus nerve, a heterogeneous group of neural fibers, innervates numerous organs. VNS broadly stimulates these fibers without specificity. We used optogenetics to selectively stimulate vagus efferent or afferent fibers. Anterograde efferent fiber stimulation or anterograde (centripetal) sensory afferent fiber stimulation both conferred kidney protection from ischemia-reperfusion injury. We identified the C1 neurons-sympathetic nervous system-splenic nerve-spleen-kidney axis as the downstream pathway of vagus afferent fiber stimulation. Our study provides a map of the neural circuits important for kidney protection induced by VNS, which is critical for the safe and effective clinical application of VNS for protection from acute kidney injury.
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Lei B, Sleiman MM, Cheng Q, Tu Z, Zhu P, Goddard M, Martins PN, Langerude L, Nadig S, Tomlinson S, Atkinson C. In Situ Pre-Treatment of Vascularized Composite Allografts With a Targeted Complement Inhibitor Protects Against Brain Death and Ischemia Reperfusion Induced Injuries. Front Immunol 2021; 12:630581. [PMID: 34394069 PMCID: PMC8358649 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.630581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Donor brain death (BD) is an unavoidable component of vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation and a key contributor to ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Complement is activated and deposited within solid organ grafts as a consequence of BD and has been shown to exacerbate IRI, although the role of BD and complement in VCA and the role it plays in IRI and VCA rejection has not been studied. Methods BD was induced in Balb/c donors, and the VCA perfused prior to graft procurement with UW solution supplemented with or without CR2-Crry, a C3 convertase complement inhibitor that binds at sites of complement activation, such as that induced on the endothelium by induction of BD. Following perfusion, donor VCAs were cold stored for 6 hours before transplantation into C57BL/6 recipients. Donor VCAs from living donors (LD) were also procured and stored. Analyses included CR2-Crry graft binding, complement activation, toxicity, injury/inflammation, graft gene expression and survival. Results Compared to LD VCAs, BD donor VCAs had exacerbated IRI and rejected earlier. Following pretransplant in-situ perfusion of the donor graft, CR2-Crry bound within the graft and was retained post-transplantation. CR2-Crry treatment significantly reduced complement deposition, inflammation and IRI as compared to vehicle-treated BD donors. Treatment of BD donor VCAs with CR2-Crry led to an injury profile not dissimilar to that seen in recipients of LD VCAs. Conclusion Pre-coating a VCA with CR2-Crry in a clinically relevant treatment paradigm provides localized, and therefore minimally immunosuppressive, protection from the complement-mediated effects of BD induced exacerbated IRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Lei
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - M. Mahdi Sleiman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Qi Cheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Institute of Organ Transplantation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenxiao Tu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Hepatic and Vascular Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Hepatic and Vascular Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Martin Goddard
- Pathology Department, Papworth Hospital NHS Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paulo N. Martins
- UMass Memorial Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Logan Langerude
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Satish Nadig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Lee Patterson Allen Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Microbiology and Immunology, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Stephen Tomlinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Lee Patterson Allen Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Microbiology and Immunology, Charleston, SC, United States
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Carl Atkinson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
- Department of Surgery, Lee Patterson Allen Transplant Immunobiology Laboratory, Medical University of South Carolina, Microbiology and Immunology, Charleston, SC, United States
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Hilderman M, Bruchfeld A. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in chronic kidney disease-review and vagus nerve stimulation clinical pilot study. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2021; 35:1840-1852. [PMID: 33151338 PMCID: PMC7643692 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfaa200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and autonomic dysfunction are common findings in chronic and end-stage kidney disease and contribute to a markedly increased risk of mortality in this patient population. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a vagal neuro-immune circuit that upholds the homoeostatic balance of inflammatory activity in response to cell injury and pathogens. CAP models have been examined in preclinical studies to investigate its significance in a range of clinical inflammatory conditions and diseases. More recently, cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) implants have been shown to be of potential benefit for patients with chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. We have previously shown that dialysis patients have a functional CAP ex vivo. Here we review the field and the potential role of the CAP in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD) as well as in hypertension. We also present a VNS pilot study in haemodialysis patients. Controlling inflammation by neuroimmune modulation may lead to new therapeutic modalities for improved treatment, outcome, prognosis and quality of life for patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hilderman
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annette Bruchfeld
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Renal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Gupta A, Kumar D, Puri S, Puri V. Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Signaling of Pain During Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:424. [PMID: 32850914 PMCID: PMC7427621 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a significant global health concern. The primary causes of AKI include ischemia, sepsis and nephrotoxicity. The unraveled interface between nervous system and immune response with specific focus on pain pathways is generating a huge interest in reference to AKI. The nervous system though static executes functions by nerve fibers throughout the body. Neuronal peptides released by nerves effect the immune response to mediate the hemodynamic system critical to the functioning of kidney. Pain is the outcome of cellular cross talk between nervous and immune systems. The widespread release of neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and immune cells contribute to bidirectional neuroimmune cross talks for pain manifestation. Recently, we have reported pain pathway genes that may pave the way to better understand such processes during AKI. An auxiliary understanding of the functions and communications in these systems will lead to novel approaches in pain management and treatment through the pathological state, specifically during acute kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aprajita Gupta
- Centre for Systems Biology & Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dev Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjeev Puri
- Department of Biotechnology, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Veena Puri
- Centre for Systems Biology & Bioinformatics, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Cai J, Nash WT, Okusa MD. Ultrasound for the treatment of acute kidney injury and other inflammatory conditions: a promising path toward noninvasive neuroimmune regulation. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F125-F138. [PMID: 32508112 PMCID: PMC7468827 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00145.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical disorder with high prevalence, serious consequences, and limited therapeutic options. Modulation of neuroimmune interaction by nonpharmacological methods is emerging as a novel strategy for treating inflammatory diseases, including AKI. Recently, pulsed ultrasound (US) treatment was shown to protect from AKI by stimulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Because of the relatively simple, portable, and noninvasive nature of US procedures, US stimulation may be a valuable therapeutic option for treating inflammatory conditions. This review discusses potential impacts of US bioeffects on the nervous system and how this may generate feedback onto the immune system. We also discuss recent evidence supporting the use of US as a means to treat AKI and other inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieru Cai
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virgnia
| | - William T Nash
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virgnia
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virgnia
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10
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Jarczyk J, Yard BA, Hoeger S. The Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway as a Conceptual Framework to Treat Inflammation-Mediated Renal Injury. Kidney Blood Press Res 2020; 44:435-448. [PMID: 31307039 DOI: 10.1159/000500920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, positioned at the interface of the nervous and immune systems, is the efferent limb of the "inflammatory reflex" which mainly signals through the vagus nerve. As such, the brain can modulate peripheral inflammatory responses by the activation of vagal efferent fibers. Importantly, immune cells in the spleen express most cholinergic system components such as acetylcholine (ACh), choline acetyltransferase, acetylcholinesterase, and both muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors, making communication between both systems possible. In general, this communication down-regulates the inflammation, achieved through different mechanisms and depending on the cells involved. SUMMARY With the awareness that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway serves to prevent or limit inflammation in peripheral organs, vagus nerve stimulation has become a promising strategy in the treatment of several inflammatory conditions. Both pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods have been used in many studies to limit organ injury as a consequence of inflammation. Key Messages: In this review, we will highlight our current knowledge of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, with emphasis on its potential clinical use in the treatment of inflammation-triggered kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Jarczyk
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Benito A Yard
- Vth Medical Department, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Simone Hoeger
- Vth Medical Department, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany, .,Bioassay GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany,
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11
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Tanaka S, Okusa MD. Crosstalk between the nervous system and the kidney. Kidney Int 2019; 97:466-476. [PMID: 32001065 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2019.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Under physiological states, the nervous system and the kidneys communicate with each other to maintain normal body homeostasis. However, pathological states disrupt this interaction as seen in hypertension, and kidney damage can cause impaired renorenal reflex and sodium handling. In acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), damaged kidneys can have a detrimental effect on the central nervous system. CKD is an independent risk factor for cerebrovascular disease and cognitive impairment, and many factors, including retention of uremic toxins and phosphate, have been proposed as CKD-specific factors responsible for structural and functional cerebral changes in patients with CKD. However, more studies are needed to determine the precise pathogenesis. Epidemiological studies have shown that AKI is associated with a subsequent risk for developing stroke and dementia. However, recent animal studies have shown that the renal nerve contributes to kidney inflammation and fibrosis, whereas activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, which involves the vagus nerve, the splenic nerve, and immune cells in the spleen, has a significant renoprotective effect. Therefore, elucidating mechanisms of communication between the nervous system and the kidney enables us not only to develop new strategies to ameliorate neurological conditions associated with kidney disease but also to design safe and effective clinical interventions for kidney disease, using the neural and neuroimmune control of kidney injury and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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12
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Hasegawa S, Inoue T, Inagi R. Neuroimmune interactions and kidney disease. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2019; 38:282-294. [PMID: 31422643 PMCID: PMC6727900 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.19.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays critical roles in maintaining homeostasis in humans, directly regulating inflammation by altering the activity of the immune system. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a well-studied neuroimmune interaction involving the vagus nerve. CD4-positive T cells expressing β2 adrenergic receptors and macrophages expressing the alpha 7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in the spleen receive neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and acetylcholine and are key mediators of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Recent studies have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation, ultrasound, and restraint stress elicit protective effects against renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. These protective effects are induced primarily via activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. In addition to these immunological roles, nervous systems are directly related to homeostasis of renal physiology. Whole-kidney three-dimensional visualization using the tissue clearing technique CUBIC (clear, unobstructed brain/body imaging cocktails and computational analysis) has illustrated that renal sympathetic nerves are primarily distributed around arteries in the kidneys and denervated after ischemia-reperfusion injury. In contrast, artificial renal sympathetic denervation has a protective effect against kidney disease progression in murine models. Further studies are needed to elucidate how neural networks are involved in progression of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Hasegawa
- Division of Nephrology and Endocrinology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Division of CKD Pathophysiology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Division of CKD Pathophysiology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Inagi
- Division of CKD Pathophysiology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Tanaka S, Hammond B, Rosin DL, Okusa MD. Neuroimmunomodulation of tissue injury and disease: an expanding view of the inflammatory reflex pathway. Bioelectron Med 2019; 5:13. [PMID: 32232102 PMCID: PMC7098254 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-019-0029-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroimmunomodulation through peripheral nerve activation is an important therapeutic approach to various disorders. Central to this approach is the inflammatory reflex pathway in which the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway represents the efferent limb. Recent studies provide a framework for understanding this control pathway, however our understanding remains incomplete. Genetically modified mice, using optogenetics and pharmacogenomics, have been invaluable resources that will allow investigators to disentangle neural pathways that provide a unifying mechanism by which vagal nerve stimulation (and other means of stimulating the pathway) leads to an anti-inflammatory and tissue protective effect. In this review we describe disease models that contribute to our understanding of how vagal nerve stimulation attenuates inflammation and organ injury: acute kidney injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease. The gut microbiota contributes to health and disease and the potential role of the vagus nerve in affecting the relationship between gut microbiota and the immune system and modifying diseases remains an intriguing opportunity to attenuate local and systemic inflammation that undergird disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia USA
| | | | - Diane L. Rosin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia USA
| | - Mark D. Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia USA
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14
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Abstract
Neuroimmune interaction is an emerging concept, wherein the nervous system modulates the immune system and vice versa. This concept is gaining attention as a novel therapeutic target in various inflammatory diseases including acute kidney injury (AKI). Vagus nerve stimulation or treatment with pulsed ultrasound activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to prevent AKI in mice. The kidneys are innervated by sympathetic efferent and sensory afferent neurons, and these neurons also may play a role in the modulation of inflammation in AKI. In this review, we discuss several neural circuits with respect to the control of renal inflammation and AKI as well as optogenetics as a novel tool for understanding these complex neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA.
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15
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Weaver JL, Matheson PJ, Matheson A, Graham VS, Downard C, Garrison RN, Smith JW. Direct peritoneal resuscitation reduces inflammation in the kidney after acute brain death. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F406-F412. [PMID: 29667907 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00225.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain death is associated with significant inflammation within the kidneys, which may contribute to reduced graft survival. Direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) has been shown to reduce systemic inflammation after brain death. To determine its effects, brain dead rats were resuscitated with normal saline (targeted intravenous fluid) to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 80 mmHg; DPR animals also received 30 cc of intraperitoneal peritoneal dialysis solution. Rats were euthanized at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after brain death. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using ELISA. Levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the kidney were significantly increased as early as 2 h after brain death and significantly decreased with DPR. Levels of leukocyte adhesion molecules ICAM and VCAM increased after brain death and were decreased with DPR (ICAM 2.33 ± 0.14 vs. 0.42 ± 0.04, P = 0.002; VCAM 82.6 ± 5.8 vs. 37.3 ± 1.9, P = 0.002 at 4 h) as were E-selectin and P-selectin (E-selectin 25,605 vs. 16,144, P = 0.005; P-selectin 82.5 ± 3.3 vs. 71.0 ± 2.3, P = 0.009 at 4 h). Use of DPR reduces inflammation and adhesion molecule expression in the kidneys, and is associated with reduced macrophages and neutrophils on immunohistochemistry. Using DPR in brain dead donors has the potential to reduce the immunologic activity of transplanted kidneys and could improve graft survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Weaver
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky.,Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Paul J Matheson
- Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Amy Matheson
- Robley Rex Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Victoria S Graham
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Cynthia Downard
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky
| | | | - Jason W Smith
- Department of Surgery, University of Louisville , Louisville, Kentucky
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16
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Tanaka S, Okusa MD. Optogenetics in Understanding Mechanisms of Acute Kidney Injury. Nephron Clin Pract 2018; 140:152-155. [PMID: 29990991 DOI: 10.1159/000491498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No approved pharmacological agents are available for the treatment and prevention of acute kidney injury (AKI). The nervous system has been reported to play an important role, directly or indirectly via the immune system, in the pathophysiology of AKI. Neuromodulation, such as vagus nerve stimulation and pulsed ultrasound, is emerging as an innovative therapeutic treatment for various diseases including AKI. However, lack of effective methods to selectively stimulate or inhibit neurons has hampered the complete understanding of the roles of the nervous system in AKI because electrical stimulation is nonspecific for cell types. SUMMARY A novel technique called optogenetics optically controls cells in living tissues, typically neurons, which have been genetically modified to express light-sensitive opsins. For example, channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2), an opsin, is a nonselective cation channel residing in a cell membrane, which rapidly opens its gate after exposing to monochromatic light in the "blue" wavelength. Unlike electrodes, blue light can selectively depolarize ChR2-expressing neurons, mainly via the Na+ entry, evoking an action potential. Optogenetics that use ChR2 and several variants to modulate kinetic properties and inhibitory opsins help in understanding the roles of the nervous system in AKI, thus leading to a clinical application of neuromodulation to AKI treatment.
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17
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Kamimura D, Ohki T, Arima Y, Murakami M. Gateway reflex: neural activation-mediated immune cell gateways in the central nervous system. Int Immunol 2018; 30:281-289. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxy034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kamimura
- Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takuto Ohki
- Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yasunobu Arima
- Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masaaki Murakami
- Molecular Psychoimmunology, Institute for Genetic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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18
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Chavan SS, Ma P, Chiu IM. Neuro-immune interactions in inflammation and host defense: Implications for transplantation. Am J Transplant 2018; 18:556-563. [PMID: 28941325 PMCID: PMC5820210 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.14515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Sensory and autonomic neurons of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) play a critical role in regulating the immune system during tissue inflammation and host defense. Recent studies have identified the molecular mechanisms underlying the bidirectional communication between the nervous system and the immune system. Here, we highlight the studies that demonstrate the importance of the neuro-immune interactions in health and disease. Nociceptor sensory neurons detect immune mediators to produce pain, and release neuropeptides that act on the immune system to regulate inflammation. In parallel, neural reflex circuits including the vagus nerve-based inflammatory reflex are physiological regulators of inflammatory responses and cytokine production. In transplantation, neuro-immune communication could significantly impact the processes of host-pathogen defense, organ rejection, and wound healing. Emerging approaches to target the PNS such as bioelectronics could be useful in improving the outcome of transplantation. Therefore, understanding how the nervous system shapes the immune response could have important therapeutic ramifications for transplantation medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta S. Chavan
- Center for Biomedical Science, Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Pingchuan Ma
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isaac M. Chiu
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Okusa MD, Rosin DL, Tracey KJ. Targeting neural reflex circuits in immunity to treat kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2017; 13:669-680. [PMID: 28970585 PMCID: PMC6049817 DOI: 10.1038/nrneph.2017.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neural pathways regulate immunity and inflammation via the inflammatory reflex and specific molecular targets can be modulated by stimulating neurons. Neuroimmunomodulation by nonpharmacological methods is emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory diseases, including kidney diseases and hypertension. Electrical stimulation of vagus neurons or treatment with pulsed ultrasound activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) and protects mice from acute kidney injury (AKI). Direct innervation of the kidney, by afferent and efferent neurons, might have a role in modulating and responding to inflammation in various diseases, either locally or by providing feedback to regions of the central nervous system that are important in the inflammatory reflex pathway. Increased sympathetic drive to the kidney has a role in the pathogenesis of hypertension, and selective modulation of neuroimmune interactions in the kidney could potentially be more effective for lowering blood pressure and treating inflammatory kidney diseases than renal denervation. Use of optogenetic tools for selective stimulation of specific neurons has enabled the identification of neural circuits in the brain that modulate kidney function via activation of the CAP. In this Review we discuss evidence for a role of neural circuits in the control of renal inflammation as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting these circuits in the settings of AKI, kidney fibrosis and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, PO Box 800133, 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue - West Complex, 5 th floor, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0133, USA
| | - Diane L Rosin
- Department of Pharmacology, PO Box 800735, 1304 Jefferson Park Avenue, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0735, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Center for Biomedical Science and Center for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, New York 11030, USA
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20
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Inoue T, Tanaka S, Okusa MD. Neuroimmune Interactions in Inflammation and Acute Kidney Injury. Front Immunol 2017; 8:945. [PMID: 28848551 PMCID: PMC5552660 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation contributes to the pathogenesis of a wide variety of disorders including kidney diseases. Recent advances have shown that neural pathways are able to regulate immunity and inflammation. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a well-studied neural circuit involving the vagus nerve that is thought to contribute to the response to inflammatory disorders. Expression of receptors for neurotransmitters is found in some immune cells, including β2 adrenergic receptors on CD4 T cells and alpha 7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor on macrophages. Once nerves are activated, neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and ACh are released at nerve terminals, and the neurotransmitters can activate immune cells located in close proximity to the nerve terminals. Thus, vagus nerve stimulation induces activation of immune cells, leading to an anti-inflammatory response. Recent studies demonstrate a non-pharmacological organ protective effect of electrical nerve stimulation, pulsed ultrasound treatment, or optogenetic C1 neuron activation. These modalities are thought to activate the CAP and attenuate inflammation. In this review, we will focus on the current understanding of the mechanisms regarding neuroimmune interactions with a particular focus on inflammation associated with kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology, Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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21
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Tanaka S, Inoue T, Hossack J, Okusa MD. Nonpharmacological, Biomechanical Approaches to Control Inflammation in Acute Kidney Injury. Nephron Clin Pract 2017; 137:277-281. [PMID: 28595190 PMCID: PMC5723253 DOI: 10.1159/000477218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is broadly recognized as an important factor in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI), but pharmacological approaches to alleviate inflammation in AKI have been without success in clinical trials. Neuromodulation by nonpharmacological methods is emerging as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat inflammatory diseases. Recently, our group and others have demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation and pulsed ultrasound ameliorated inflammation via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) in various animal models, including renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Delineating the precise mechanisms by which these methods activate the CAP and ameliorate inflammation is mandatory for the broad clinical application in the future. Novel techniques, such as optogenetics, are expected to elucidate these complex mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tanaka
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22901
| | - Tsuyoshi Inoue
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22901
| | - John Hossack
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22901
| | - Mark D. Okusa
- Division of Nephrology and Center for Immunity, Inflammation, and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22901
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22
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Pereira MR, Leite PEC. The Involvement of Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nerve in the Inflammatory Reflex. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:1862-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paulo Emílio Corrêa Leite
- Laboratory of Bioengineering and in Vitro Toxicology; Directory of Metrology Applied to Life Sciences (LABET)-Dimav; National Institute of Metrology Quality and Technology-INMETRO; Duque de Caxias Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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23
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Mundt HM, Yard BA, Krämer BK, Benck U, Schnülle P. Optimized donor management and organ preservation before kidney transplantation. Transpl Int 2015; 29:974-84. [DOI: 10.1111/tri.12712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Heiko M. Mundt
- 5th Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology); Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg; University Hospital Mannheim; Mannheim Germany
| | - Benito A. Yard
- 5th Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology); Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg; University Hospital Mannheim; Mannheim Germany
| | - Bernhard K. Krämer
- 5th Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology); Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg; University Hospital Mannheim; Mannheim Germany
| | - Urs Benck
- 5th Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology); Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg; University Hospital Mannheim; Mannheim Germany
| | - Peter Schnülle
- 5th Department of Medicine (Nephrology/Endocrinology/Rheumatology); Medical Faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg; University Hospital Mannheim; Mannheim Germany
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24
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Hilderman M, Qureshi AR, Al-Abed Y, Abtahi F, Lindecrantz K, Anderstam B, Bruchfeld A. Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway activity in dialysis patients: a role for neuroimmunomodulation? Clin Kidney J 2015; 8:599-605. [PMID: 26413288 PMCID: PMC4581391 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfv074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) modulates inflammatory responses through the vagus nerve and the α-7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on macrophages and immune cells. Sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance and chronic inflammation are both linked to poor outcome in dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to investigate CAP activity in these patients. Methods Twenty dialysis patients, 12 hemodialysis (HD) and 8 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients (12 male, 8 female; age range 47–83 years) and 8 controls (5 male, 3 female; age range 31–52 years) were analyzed for C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1b (IL-1b), IL-6 and IL-10 at baseline. The cytokines were then assessed after whole blood stimulation ex vivo with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 and 100 ng/mL) and again in the presence of 45 and 90 μmol/L GTS-21, a cholinergic α7nAChR agonist. Results CRP, TNF, IL-1 and IL-6 were significantly higher, whereas IL-10 was significantly lower at baseline in patients compared with controls. After LPS stimulation, TNF increased significantly more in patients than in controls but decreased to similar levels in both groups after addition of GTS-21. IL-6 attenuation was comparable with TNF and the IL-1b pattern was similar but remained significantly higher in patients. Interestingly, IL-10 increased after GTS-21 in a dose-dependent manner, but only in patients. Results in HD and PD patients did not differ. Conclusions The response of immune cells after LPS exposure and cholinergic stimulation suggests a functional CAP in dialysis patients. It may thus be possible to target the α7nAChR control of cytokine release as an anti-inflammatory strategy and thereby improve outcome in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Hilderman
- Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum , CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Abdul R Qureshi
- Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum , CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- Center for Biomedical Science , Feinstein Institute for Medical Research , Manhasset, NY , USA
| | - Farhad Abtahi
- Royal Institute of Technology , School of Technology and Health , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Kaj Lindecrantz
- Royal Institute of Technology , School of Technology and Health , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Björn Anderstam
- Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum , CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Annette Bruchfeld
- Renal Medicine and Baxter Novum , CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden
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