F(2)-isoprostanes mediate high glucose-induced TGF-beta synthesis and glomerular proteinuria in experimental type I diabetes

BACKGROUND

The recently discovered arachidonic acid derivatives, isoprostanes, are increased in pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress, such as diabetes. No role has yet been described for isoprostanes during the development of diabetic nephropathy. Cell culture in high ambient glucose has been used as a model in elucidating cellular mechanisms underlying diabetic nephropathy. Among the growth factors involved in the effect of high glucose, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been described as playing a key role in the development of nephropathy.

METHODS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were supplemented in their diet with the antioxidant vitamin E (1000 U/kg diet). Blood and urine samples were taken to determine renal function and isoprostane concentration, as determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Glomerular mesangial and endothelial cells were cultured in high ambient glucose to determine the synthesis of isoprostanes and the role of isoprostanes in high glucose-induced synthesis of TGF-beta.

RESULTS

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had marked increases in plasma levels and urinary excretion rates of F(2)-isoprostanes. Dietary supplementation with vitamin E normalized (plasma) and reduced (urine) isoprostane levels and, surprisingly, improved proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. High ambient glucose increased F(2)-isoprostane synthesis in glomerular endothelial and mesangial cells in culture. Incubation of glomerular cells with F(2)-isoprostanes stimulated the production of TGF-beta.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased F(2)-isoprostane synthesis during diabetes appears to be responsible in part for the increase in renal TGF-beta, a well-known mediator of diabetic nephropathy.

Reciprocal regulation of LTA(4) hydrolase expression in human monocytes by gamma-interferon and interleukins 4 and 13: potential relevance to leukotriene regulation in glomerular disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Leukotriene A(4) (LTA(4)) hydrolase catalyzes the final step in the synthesis of leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)). TH-1- and TH-2-derived cytokines may regulate LTB(4) synthesis by monocytes through their actions on the expression of LTA(4) hydrolase.

METHODS

Freshly isolated monocytes were incubated with pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines for 36 h. mRNA expression was determined by Northern blot, protein expression was determined by Western blot and LTB(4) synthesis was determined by ELISA.

RESULTS

Interferon-gamma (a TH-2-derived cytokine) increased significantly LTA(4) hydrolase mRNA expression, whereas interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 (both TH-2-derived cytokines) decreased LTA(4) hydrolase mRNA expression in these cells. The same effects were seen on the expression of immunoreactive LTA(4) hydrolase after incubating the monocytes with either TH-1- or TH-2-derived cytokines. The monocyte-derived cytokine IL-1 beta did not show any significant effect on LTA(4) hydrolase mRNA expression. When LTB(4) release was measured, both IL-1 beta and interferon-gamma significantly increased LTB(4) production by monocytes, while TH-2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) decreased it.

CONCLUSION

The opposing effects of TH-1- and TH-2-derived cytokines on the expression of LTA(4) hydrolase mRNA may regulate LTB(4) synthesis by monocytes during inflammation.

Transfection of rat kidney with human 15-lipoxygenase suppresses inflammation and preserves function in experimental glomerulonephritis

The human 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) gene was transfected into rat kidneys in vivo via intra-renal arterial injection. Three days later, acute (passive) or accelerated forms of antiglomerular basement membrane antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis were induced in transfected and nontransfected or sham-transfected controls. Studies of glomerular functions (filtration and protein excretion) and ex vivo glomerular leukotriene B(4) biosynthesis at 3 hr, and up to 4 days, after induction of nephritis revealed preservation or normalization of these parameters in transfected kidneys that expressed human 15-LO mRNA and mature protein, but not in contralateral control kidneys or sham-transfected animals. The results provide in vivo-derived data supporting a direct anti-inflammatory role for 15-LO during immune-mediated tissue injury.

Anti-inflammatory lymphokine mRNA expression in antibody-induced glomerulonephritis

T-helper subset 2 (Th2) lymphocytes produce interleukin 4 (IL-4) and IL-10, which exert anti-inflammatory actions on monocytes and macrophages. Th1 lymphocytes, on the other hand, secrete interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) which promotes tissue inflammation. The functional dichotomy between TH1 and Th2 lymphocyte subsets suggests that these cells play a regulatory role in inflammatory disease. The participation of Th subpopulations and their lymphokine products in experimental glomerulonephritis (GN) has not been previously evaluated. In this study, we examined renal expression of Th1 and Th2-type lymphokines in the first 48 hours of passive anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) GN in the rate. Using the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, apparent increase in expression of both TH1-type (IL-2 and IFN gamma) and Th2-type (IL-4 and IL-10) lymphokine mRNA was observed in glomerular-enriched renal tissue obtained from nephritic rats. Induction of monocyte-derived IL-1 alpha and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) mRNA expression was also detected shorted after initiation of GN. Evidence for influx of mononuclear cells including T lymphocytes into the kidney was noted during the same time period as cytokine mRNA expression. Utilizing a monoclonal anti-rat IL-4 antibody, we also detected interleukin 4-producing cells in the renal cortex 24 hours following induction of GN. these experiments demonstrate for the first time anti-inflammatory lymphokine (IL-4 and IL-10) mRNA expression and IL-4 protein production in the kidney during antibody-mediated GN. WE hypothesize that Th lymphocyte subsets modulate glomerular inflammation by producing lymphokines with opposing actions.

Effects of selective A1 receptor blockade on glomerular hemodynamics: involvement of renin-angiotensin system

We examined the renal effects of a specific adenosine A1-receptor antagonist, 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX, 10 micrograms.kg-1.min-1 iv). Since adenosine is a potent inhibitor of renin release, additional experiments were performed with an angiotensin AT1-receptor antagonist (losartan, 10 mg/kg i.v.). DP CPX alone induced a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in afferent arteriolar resistance (RA, 1.83 +/- 0.18 to 1.43 +/- 0.06 dyn.s.cm-5 x 10(10); P < 0.05). This led to a rise in the transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference (delta P, 35 +/- 1 to 43 +/- 2 mmHg; P < 0.05). Surprisingly, the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) fell (0.101 +/- 0.017 to 0.064 +/- 0.009 nl.s-1.mmHg-1, P < 0.05). Additionally, DPCPX infusion resulted in dramatic increases in both urine flow and sodium excretion. With losartan pretreatment, DPCPX did not cause significant changes in RA and delta P. Also, DPCPX increased Kf (0.057 +/- 0.005 to 0.075 +/- 0.008 nl.s-1.mmHg-1, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the large DPCPX-induced increases in urine flow and sodium excretion were largely suppressed by pretreatment with losartan. These data indicate that endogenous adenosine plays a significant role in maintaining afferent arteriolar tone and that the renin-angiotensin system may mediate some of the wide ranging renal effects of adenosine.

Consequences of acute nitric oxide synthesis inhibition in experimental glomerulonephritis

To assess the functional relevance of the enhanced glomerular nitric oxide (NO) synthesis during acute nephrotoxic serum (NTS) nephritis, a NO synthesis inhibitor (NOI) NG-monomethyl-L-arginine was administered to normal (N + NOI) and acutely nephritic (NTS + NOI) Munich-Wistar rats, and systemic and glomerular hemodynamic responses were contrasted with those observed in vehicle-treated normal and nephritic (NTS) controls. Urinary protein excretion rates were equal in normal and N + NOI rats but were markedly elevated in NTS animals and further increased in NTS+NOI. NO inhibition in normal animals (normal versus N + NOI) led to reductions in glomerular plasma flow rate and the glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient (Kf) and elevations in afferent and efferent arteriolar resistances and net transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference (delta P), as well as an increase in systemic arterial pressure. The increase in delta P offset the falls in glomerular plasma flow rate and Kf, and GFR was preserved. Directionally similar responses in efferent resistance occurred in NTS + NOI compared with NTS, however, afferent resistance was not further affected by NOI. Additionally, although Kf was severely depressed in the NTS group (approximately 60% versus normal), it was not further depressed by NOI treatment. Polymorphonuclear cell (PMN) infiltration/glomerulus was mildly increased in N + NOI over normal. In contrast, PMN number in NTS + NOI rats was diminished as compared with NTS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effects of surgery and acute rejection on glomerular hemodynamics in the transplanted rat kidney

The effects of surgery and acute rejection on glomerular hemodynamics in the transplanted rat kidney are examined. Kidneys were transplanted from Munich-Wistar (MW) rats to syngeneic controls and MHC-incompatible PVG strain recipients. We report on 4 groups of animals: (1) two-kidney control MW rats; (2) unilaterally nephrectomized MW rats (UNX); (3) renal transplantation from MHC-identical MW littermates and removal of native kidneys (SYN); and (4) transplantation from MW donors to MHC-incompatible PVG rats and removal of native kidneys (ALLO). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), single-nephron (SN)GFR, and glomerular capillary pressure (PGC) in SYN kidneys were depressed as compared to those in UNX (GFR, 1.41 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.80 +/- 0.08 ml/min; SNGFR, 67.2 +/- 4.8 vs. 44.7 +/- 6.6 nl/min; and PGC, 67 +/- 2 vs. 48 +/- 4 mmHg, UNX vs. SYN, respectively, P < 0.05). GFR and SNGFR in ALLO kidneys, however, were depressed even further (GFR, 0.40 +/- 0.05 ml/min; SNGFR, 13.8 +/- 1.8 nl/min; P < 0.05 for UNX vs. ALLO and SYN vs. ALLO). Afferent arteriolar resistance (RA) was increased greater than 4-fold (UNX, 1.01 +/- 0.15 10(10) dyn.sec.cm-5; SYN, 1.37 +/- 0.36 10(10) dyn.sec.cm-5; ALLO, 4.76 +/- 0.74 10(10) dyn.sec.cm-5 [P < 0.05, UNX vs. ALLO and SYN vs. ALLO]). This led to a precipitous fall in initial capillary flow rate in ALLO rats. These studies reveal the presence of moderate reductions in SNGFR and PGC in the nonrejecting transplanted kidney, which may relate to as yet unidentified consequences of the transplant surgery. More significantly, the principal mechanism leading to the reduced GFR characteristic of acute allograft rejection is identified as severe preglomerular vasoconstriction.

Maintenance of endothelin-induced renal arteriolar constriction in rats is cyclooxygenase dependent

Influence of arachidonate cyclooxygenase (COX) products on endothelin (ET)-evoked renal vasoconstriction was assessed. In microperfused rat afferent (AA) and efferent arterioles (EA), indomethacin had no effects on the maximal contraction of both AA and EA by ET, but reduced the duration of ET-induced constriction in both arterioles. ET infusion to rats in vivo resulted in a selective increase in efferent but not afferent arteriolar resistance, leading to a dramatic increase in transcapillary hydraulic pressure difference. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which fell progressively during infusion of ET alone, was markedly preserved by COX inhibition, but not during selective thromboxane A2 antagonism. In isolated glomeruli, release of prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha in response to 10(-6) mol/l ET exceeded that the PGE2 by a ratio of 3.2. Collectively, these data provide strong evidence that locally released COX products, possibly PGF2 alpha, play a key role in sustaining ET-induced renal arteriolar constriction. COX inhibition leads to acute vasorelaxation of AA despite continued ET administration, without affecting EA constriction in vivo, thereby resulting in a dramatic reversal of the effects of ET on GFR.

Induction of renal arachidonate cytochrome P-450 epoxygenase after uninephrectomy: counterregulation of hyperfiltration

After unilateral nephrectomy (UNx) in the rat, cytochrome P-450 (cP-450)-linked arachidonate enzymatic activity was markedly and specifically induced in microsomal fractions from the remaining kidney. The enzymatic activity reached 200% at 1 wk and 285% at 2 wk post-UNx as compared with non-UNx controls. Mean baseline values for GFR and RPF rate in the remaining kidney 2 wk after UNx were 1.56 +/- 0.10 and 6.47 +/- 0.35 mL/min, respectively. In these rats, the administration of ketoconazole, a cP-450 inhibitor, led to 75% inhibition of renal cP-450 arachidonate metabolism and was associated with acute augmentations in both GFR and RPF to 1.82 +/- 0.18 (P < 0.05 versus baseline) and 7.54 +/- 0.37 mL/min (P < 0.05 versus baseline), respectively. Because vasoconstrictor arachidonate epoxygenase products are endogenously generated in the rat kidney, these findings suggest that the stimulation of renal cP-450-mediated oxygenation of arachidonic acid may subserve an important counterregulatory function in mitigating the renal hyperperfusion and hyperfiltration that follow reductions in renal mass.

Localization of p35 (annexin I, lipocortin I) in normal adult rat kidney and during recovery from ischemia

The 35-kDa protein (p35, lipocortin I, annexin I), originally discovered as a Ca(++)-dependent substrate for the EGF receptor tyrosine kinase, binds Ca++ and phospholipids, is developmentally regulated in embryos and has restricted expression in adults. Immunohistochemistry of normal rat kidney shows that p35 is enriched in epithelia of Bowman's capsule, the macula densa, and medullary/papillary collecting ducts, suggesting that p35 is related to specialized renal functions. Light staining is observed in the thick ascending limb; elsewhere, immunoreactivity is nil. Since renal recovery from ischemia involves both hyperplasia and hypertrophy and reportedly is accelerated by EGF, we examined p35 distribution during this process. After 48 hours of recovery, both the distribution and amount of renal p35 are altered. Immunoblots show p35 levels increased at least threefold in whole-kidney homogenates. The expression of p35 is still highly restricted in recovering kidneys; however, the thick ascending limb now stains heavily. This is the first documentation of alterations in annexin levels during a pathophysiologic response. However, our attempts to discern effects of exogenous EGF on the recovery from ischemia were negative for both mitotic index and renal function assays.

A role for atrial natriuretic peptide in endothelin-induced natriuresis

Systemic administration of low-dose endothelin increases urinary sodium excretion rate despite mild to moderate reductions in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rates. The role of atrial natriuretic peptide in endothelin-induced natriuresis was investigated. Administration of 2.50 pmol/min of endothelin to euvolemic rats resulted in increases in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels from 127 +/- 18 to 169 +/- 23 pg/mL. However, a lower dose of endothelin (0.63 pmol/min) or saline did not increase plasma levels of atrial natriuretic peptide. Mean arterial pressure was unchanged at the lower dose of endothelin and increased only slightly in rats receiving 2.5 pmol/min. To assess functional significance, renal responses to endothelin (2.5 pmol/min) in the absence and presence of a specific anti-rat atrial natriuretic peptide antibody were compared. Equivalent reductions in renal blood flow were observed. Urinary sodium excretion rates increased significantly in non-ANP-antibody-treated rats by 33 +/- 7 and 82 +/- 20% at 10 and 30 min, respectively. Atrial natriuretic peptide antibody blunted markedly endothelin-induced natriuresis: urinary sodium excretion rates changed insignificantly by 18 +/- 10 and 30 +/- 14%, respectively. Thus, endothelin infusion results in increases in plasma atrial natriuretic peptide levels, which may contribute to endothelin-induced natriuresis, providing evidence for potentially significant interactions between these peptide hormones in the regulation of sodium balance and renal vascular tone.

Cyclooxygenase-dependent mediators of renal hemodynamic function in female rats

Previous studies have revealed a sex-dependent difference in response to cyclooxygenase inhibition in anesthetized male and female rats. Female rats have shown an unexpected vasodilation in response to prostaglandin (PG) inhibition. The present studies were designed to further investigate the sex-dependent role of the PG system in the control of normal renal hemodynamics in female Munich-Wistar rats. Renal hemodynamic studies were performed on anesthetized female rats before and during acute cyclooxygenase inhibition using a variety of protocols. One group underwent subacute unilateral renal denervation. A separate group was chronically catheterized and plasma catecholamines were measured during the awake state and then after anesthesia under the euvolemic protocol. Another group was administered the angiotensin II blocker, saralasin, before and during cyclooxygenase inhibition. In a final group, flow to the distal nephron was interrupted via placement of a wax block into the late proximal tubule to determine the role of distal nephron flow and tubuloglomerular feedback in the glomerular response to cyclooxygenase inhibition. It was determined that neither the wax block nor saralasin administration attenuated the vasodilatory response observed in normal female rats due to cyclooxygenase inhibition; however, subacute unilateral renal denervation completely blocked the vasodilatory response to PG inhibition in these female Munich-Wistar rats. Plasma catecholamines were found to be similar whether awake or under anesthesia. These studies indicate the importance of the adrenergic system in modulating PG production in the acutely anesthetized intact female rat.

Mediation of renal vascular effects of epidermal growth factor by arachidonate metabolites

In the rat, intrarenal infusion of epidermal growth factor decreases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces contraction of cultured rat mesangial cells. The present studies examined the role of arachidonic acid metabolites in this response. Intrarenal EGF infusion increased urinary iPGF2 alpha by 300%, and in isolated glomeruli EGF stimulated iPGF2 alpha by 38%, but did not affect thromboxane B2 production. Furthermore, the thromboxane A2 receptor antagonist, SQ29548, did not block EGF's vasoconstrictive effects. After selective cyclooxygenase inhibition with ibuprofen, intrarenal EGF infusion no longer produced local vasoconstriction but instead led to systemic vasodilation (SBP: 117 +/- 10 vs. 98 +/- 7; n = 5; P less than 0.05) that was accompanied by significant increases in RPF (3.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 5.6 +/- 0.2; P less than 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.1; P less than 0.05). When total arachidonate metabolism was inhibited by the additional administration of 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid, the EGF-induced vasodilation observed during cyclooxygenase inhibition alone was abolished, and vasoconstrictor responses to EGF were again noted. Similar effects were noted with concomitant administration of the c-P450 inhibitor ketoconazole. EGF's vasoconstrictive effects were unaltered by the simultaneous administration of the angiotensin II antagonist saralasin. Thus, the renal hemodynamic responses to EGF are mediated in part by arachidonic acid metabolites. Cyclooxygenase inhibition unmasks a potent renal and systemic vasodilator action of EGF owing to its stimulation of systemic release of noncyclooxygenase arachidonate metabolites.

Glomerular hemodynamic alterations during renal nerve stimulation in rats on high- and low-salt diets

Renal adrenergic nerve activity exerts a major influence on glomerular hemodynamics and tubular fluid reabsorption. Modulation of the functional expression of adrenergic activity in the kidney can be mediated, in part, by the renin-angiotensin system and by prostanoid activity. Alterations in dietary salt intake have been previously shown to modify the activity of various vasoactive systems, including angiotensin and prostaglandin activity and thereby have a potential of modifying the glomerular hemodynamic response to a given renal adrenergic stimulus. Munich-Wistar rats were fed either a high-, low-, or normal salt diet for 2 wk before the day of the study. Measurements of glomerular hemodynamics were performed in both unstimulated with basal renal nerve traffic eliminated and during exogenous renal nerve stimulation (RNS) (3 Hz). RNS decreased glomerular capillary hydrostatic pressure and single-nephron plasma flow to a similar extent in all three dietary conditions via increases in afferent arteriolar resistance. The data demonstrated that dietary preconditioning does not alter the glomerular hemodynamic response to an exogenous, fixed RNS. Glomerular prostaglandin E2 production and plasma renin activity were significantly greater in rats fed a low-salt diet compared with either normal- or high-salt diet. The constancy of glomerular hemodynamic responses to RNS in spite of wide variations in dietary salt intake indicates that functional renal hemodynamic differences observed as a result of NaCl intake must be primarily the consequence of differences in renal nerve traffic and not hormonal alterations.

High and low affinity binding sites for endothelin on cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells

Endothelin contracts glomerular mesangial cells, thereby influencing glomerular size and filtration rate. Here, we demonstrate the presence of two ET-specific binding sites on cultured rat mesangial cells with Kds of 0.76 and 44.70 nM, and maximal binding capacity (Bmax) values of 6.78 x 10(2) and 27.60 x 10(2) binding sites/cell, respectively. Binding of [125I]-ET was maximal at 120 min at 4 degrees C, stable for the subsequent 60 min, and selective. No competition for binding was observed with greater than 1000-fold concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide, angiotensin II, arginine vasopressin, nicardipine, or nifedipine. The presence of specific receptors for ET on glomerular mesangial cells suggests a major role for this peptide in the regulation of glomerular filtration rate.