Effect of mycophenolate and rapamycin on renal fibrosis in lupus nephritis

2019 ◽  
Vol 133 (15) ◽  
pp. 1721-1744 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chenzhu Zhang ◽  
Caleb C.Y. Chan ◽  
Kwok Fan Cheung ◽  
Mel K.M. Chau ◽  
Desmond Y.H. Yap ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Tubular Atrophy ◽  
Kidney Fibrosis ◽  
Renal Histology ◽  
Dsdna Antibodies ◽  
Tgf Β1

Abstract Lupus nephritis (LN) leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD) through progressive fibrosis. Mycophenolate inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase and is a standard treatment for LN. The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is activated in LN. Rapamycin inhibits mTOR and is effective in preventing kidney transplant rejection, with the additional merits of reduced incidence of malignancies and viral infections. The effect of mycophenolate or rapamycin on kidney fibrosis in LN has not been investigated. We investigated the effects of mycophenolate and rapamycin in New Zealand Black and White first generation (NZB/W F1) murine LN and human mesangial cells (HMCs), focusing on mechanisms leading to kidney fibrosis. Treatment of mice with mycophenolate or rapamycin improved nephritis manifestations, decreased anti-double stranded (ds) DNA antibody titer and reduced immunoglobulin G (IgG) deposition in the kidney. Both mycophenolate and rapamycin, especially the latter, decreased glomerular mTOR Ser2448 phosphorylation. Renal histology in untreated mice showed mesangial proliferation and progressive glomerulosclerosis with tubular atrophy, and increased expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN) and collagen. Both mycophenolate and rapamycin ameliorated the histopathological changes. Results from in vitro experiments showed that both mycophenolate and rapamycin decreased mesangial cell proliferation and their binding with anti-dsDNA antibodies. Mycophenolate and rapamycin also down-regulated mTOR and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and inhibited fibrotic responses in mesangial cells that were induced by anti-dsDNA antibodies or TGF-β1. Our findings suggest that, in addition to immunosuppression, mycophenolate and rapamycin may reduce fibrosis in LN, which has important implications in preventing CKD in patients with LN.

scholarly journals Nephroprotective effect of losartan in IgA model rat

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (10) ◽  
pp. 5205-5215
Author(s):  
Li Xing ◽  
Er Lin Song ◽  
Xi Bei Jia ◽  
Jing Ma ◽  
Bing Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Model Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Tubulointerstitial Injury ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Losartan Group ◽  
Tgf Β1

Objective This study was performed to investigate the possible nephroprotective effects of losartan in a rat model of experimental IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Methods Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. The rats in the model group were treated with bovine serum albumin (oral gavage), lipopolysaccharide (tail vein injection), and carbon tetrachloride (subcutaneous injection); rats in the losartan group received treatments similar to those of the model group, and were orally gavaged with losartan; and rats in the control group received phosphate-buffered saline alone (both orally and intravenously). Results Losartan treatment lowered the 24-hour urinary protein, serum blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels. Proliferating mesangial cells with a variable increase in the mesangial matrix were detected in the model group, whereas injury in the losartan group was significantly attenuated. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin were significantly elevated in the model group but reduced in the losartan group. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were minimal in the control group, significantly increased in the model group, and reduced in the losartan group. Conclusion Losartan has a protective effect against tubulointerstitial injury in IgAN.

scholarly journals Mice overexpressing latent TGF-β1 are protected against renal fibrosis in obstructive kidney disease

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (1) ◽  
pp. F118-F127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao R. Huang ◽  
Arthur C. K. Chung ◽  
Xiao J. Wang ◽  
Kar Neng Lai ◽  
Hui Y. Lan
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Renal Fibrosis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Collagen I ◽  
Collagen Iii ◽  
Renal Histology ◽  
Tgf Β1

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, once activated, binds to its receptors and mediates renal fibrosis via the downstream Smad signaling pathway. We reported here that mice overexpressing latent TGF-β1 in keratinocytes were protected against renal fibrosis in a model of obstructive kidney disease. In normal mice, both transgenic (Tg) and wild-type (WT) mice had normal renal histology and function, despite a 10-fold increase in plasma latent TGF-β1 in Tg mice. A severe renal fibrosis was developed in WT mice at 7 days after urinary obstruction. Unexpectedly, renal fibrosis was prevented in Tg mice, although levels of latent TGF-β1 in both circulation and renal tissues remained high. Compared with the WT mice, quantitative real-time PCR showed that upregulation of renal α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen I, and collagen III mRNA was inhibited in Tg mice (60–70% reduced, all P < 0.01). These were further confirmed by immunohistochemistry with a marked inhibition of tubulointerstitial accumulation of α-SMA+ fibroblasts, collagen I, and collagen III matrix in Tg mice (all P < 0.001). Further studies showed that inhibition of renal fibrosis in Tg mice was associated with a significant reduction in renal TGF-β1 and CTGF (60% reduced, P < 0.05), an increase in renal Smad7, a suppression of TSP-1 (a critical factor for TGF-β1 activation), and an inhibition of Smad2/3 activation (all P < 0.001). In conclusion, latent TGF-β may play a protective role in renal fibrosis. Inhibition of renal TGF-β1 expression and activation, thereby blocking the downstream TGF-β signaling pathway, may be a critical mechanism by which latent TGF-β1 protects against renal fibrosis.

Abstract 3054: Comparison of Transforming Growth Factor-β1 Expression in Aortic Wall of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Versus Dissection

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shouguo Yang ◽  
Guanggen Cui ◽  
Ramin Beygui ◽  
Fardad Esmailian ◽  
Abbas Ardehali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Aneurysm ◽  
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm ◽  
Aortic Wall ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Fluorescent Intensity ◽  
Nucleus Density ◽  
Tgf Β1

Background The underlying mechanism of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and dissection(TAD) was undetermined, and one controversy lies in whether they represent the different dvelopement period of the same disorder or totally diferent diseases. This study is in aim to compare the expression and distribution of Transforming Growth Factors(TGF) β1 in the aortic wall of TAA versus TAD patients. Method Aortic specimens were obtained from patients underwent to aortic procedures for TAA (n=38) and TAD (n=20) at UCLA , and control aorta (CN) from organ donnor (n=20). Double immunofluorescent stainning of TGF-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin were performed with paraffin embeded slides for all aortic samples and semiquantified by fluorescent intensity analysis. Histopathologic examination were performed with HE, Verhoeff van-Gieson and Masson’s trichrome stain. Results TAA and TAD patients exhibited an up-regulation of TGF-β1 to 120.3% and 109.6% compared with CN separately (P<0.05), with TAA higher than TAD (P<0.05). TGF-β1 distributed unevenly across aortic wall with the highest levels expression in tunica media, followed by intima then adventitia. In intima, TGF-β1 was expressed at the same level for TAD as CN, but was increased to 115.2% for TAA compared to CN (P<0.05). In media, TGF-β1 increased by 127.2% in TAA and 116.1% in TAD compared to CN (P<0.01), with TAA being higher than TAD (P<0.05). In adventitia, TGF- β1 was up-regulated to 119.6% and 116.7% for TAA and TAD compared to CN (P<0.05). Nucleus density analysis showed cellular plasia in adventitia of TAA and TAD than CN (P<0.05 ), while TAD patients demonstrated a higher nucleus density than TAA in intima and adventitia (P<0.05). α-actin was increased in media of TAA and TAD to 164.5% and 120% than CN (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Attenuated and interrupted elastin and mild to severe cystic medial degeneration were characteristic histopathologic finding in 29 (76.3%) TAA and 17(85%) TAD patients. Conclusions TGF- β1 expression was up-regulated in aortic wall of TAA and TAD compared to CN. The significant higher levels of TGF- β1 in intima and media in TAA versus TAD patients implicated a probable positive effect of TGF- β1 to maintain aortic wall integrity, and/or greater comsamption of TGF- β1 in the aortic dissection.

Histological and Biochemical Evaluation of Urethral Scar following Three Different Hypospadias Repairs: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 420-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao-Hui Tan ◽  
Chun-Lan Long ◽  
De-Ying Zhang ◽  
Tao Lin ◽  
Da-Wei He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
White Male ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Rational Approach ◽  
Hypospadias Repair ◽  
Tubularized Incised Plate ◽  
Biochemical Evaluation ◽  
Tubularized Incised Plate Urethroplasty ◽  
Tgf Β1

Introduction Several urethroplasties have been employed in the surgical treatment of hypospadias. Neourethral strictures are among the most common postoperative complications that often require reoperation. Materials and Methods We created a hypospadias model in New Zealand white male rabbits through a hypospadias-like defect and acute repair. A total of 24 animals were randomly allocated into three groups: tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty (TIPU) group (8), perimeatal-based flap urethroplasty (Mathieu) group (8), onlay island flap urethroplasty (onlay) group (8), and corresponding surgical procedures were immediately performed to reconstruct neourethra. The rabbits were killed postoperatively at 5 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, respectively. The penile tissue was harvested for histological and biochemical investigations to evaluate the expressions of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMactin) in all groups. Results All rabbits were operated on uneventfully. The amount of collagen content was increased in the Mathieu and onlay groups than in the TIPU group (p < 0.05). Biochemical analysis showed that the expression of TGF-β1 in the TIPU group was decreased compared with the two other groups at 2 or 6 weeks postoperatively (p < 0.01). The expression pattern regarding α-SMactin was similar at 6 weeks or 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.01). Conclusion The neourethra repaired by TIPU was practically resumed to normal anatomy and scarring was less apparent than the two other groups. Therefore, TIPU is considered as a relatively rational approach for hypospadias repair. The activity of fibroblasts has been increased in the long term, which may be the pathogenesis of neourethral stricture following hypospadias repair.

Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor induces TGF-β1 expression in mesangial cells via ERK: proliferative and fibrotic signals

1999 ◽  
Vol 276 (6) ◽  
pp. F922-F930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasjit S. Grewal ◽  
Yurii V. Mukhin ◽  
Maria N. Garnovskaya ◽  
John R. Raymond ◽  
Eddie L. Greene
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β1 ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Extracellular Signal Regulated Kinase ◽  
Mrna Induction ◽  
Kinase C ◽  
Extracellular Signal ◽  
Signaling Components ◽  
Tgf Β1

We examined the links between fibrotic and proliferative pathways for the 5-HT2A receptor in rat mesangial cells. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) mRNA in a concentration-dependent (peak at 30 nM 5-HT) and time-dependent fashion. For 10 nM 5-HT, the effect was noticeable at 1 h and maximal by 6 h. Inhibition of 1) protein kinase C (PKC), 2) mitogen- and extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK1) with 2′-amino-3′-methoxyflavone (PD-90859), and 3) extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) with apigenin attenuated this effect. The effect was blocked by antioxidants, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and α-lipoic acid, and mimicked by direct application of H2O2. TGF-β1 mRNA induction was also blocked by diphenyleneiodonium and 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzenesulfonyl fluoride, which inhibit NAD(P)H oxidase, a source of oxidants. 5-HT increased the amount of TGF-β1 protein, validating the mRNA studies and demonstrating that 5-HT potently activates ERK and induces TGF-β1 mRNA and protein in mesangial cells. Mapping studies strongly supported relative positions of the components of the signaling cascade as follow: 5-HT2A receptor → PKC → NAD(P)H oxidase/reactive oxygen species → MEK → ERK → TGF-β1 mRNA. These studies demonstrate that mitogenic signaling components (PKC, MEK, and oxidants) are directly linked to the regulation of TGF-β1, a key mediator of fibrosis. Thus a single stimulus can direct both proliferative and fibrotic signals in renal mesangial cells.

scholarly journals FAK Inhibition Attenuates Corneal Fibroblast Differentiation In Vitro

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1682
Author(s):  
Vincent Yeung ◽  
Sriniwas Sriram ◽  
Jennifer A. Tran ◽  
Xiaoqing Guo ◽  
Audrey E. K. Hutcheon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Myofibroblast Differentiation ◽  
Corneal Scarring ◽  
Corneal Fibroblast ◽  
Corneal Fibroblasts ◽  
Corneal Wound ◽  
Tgf Β1

Corneal fibrosis (or scarring) occurs in response to ocular trauma or infection, and by reducing corneal transparency, it can lead to visual impairment and blindness. Studies highlight important roles for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and -β3 as modulators in corneal wound healing and fibrosis, leading to increased extracellular matrix (ECM) components and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), a myofibroblast marker. In this study, human corneal fibroblasts (hCF) were cultured as a monolayer culture (2D) or on poly-transwell membranes to generate corneal stromal constructs (3D) that were treated with TGF-β1, TGF-β3, or TGF-β1 + FAK inhibitor (FAKi). Results show that hCF 3D constructs treated with TGF-β1 or TGF-β3 impart distinct effects on genes involved in wound healing and fibrosis—ITGAV, ITGB1, SRC and ACTA2. Notably, in the 3D construct model, TGF-β1 enhanced αSMA and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) protein expression, whereas TGF-β3 did not. In addition, in both the hCF 2D cell and 3D construct models, we found that TGF-β1 + FAKi attenuated TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, as shown by abrogated αSMA expression. This study concludes that FAK signaling is important for the onset of TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation, and FAK inhibition may provide a novel beneficial therapeutic avenue to reduce corneal scarring.

Acceleration of Palatal Wound Healing in Smad3-deficient Mice

2009 ◽  
Vol 88 (8) ◽  
pp. 757-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Jinno ◽  
T. Takahashi ◽  
K. Tsuchida ◽  
E. Tanaka ◽  
K. Moriyama
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1 ◽  
Inflammatory Protein ◽  
Complex Process ◽  
Dermal Cells ◽  
Macrophage Inflammatory Protein ◽  
Tgf Β1

Wound healing is a well-orchestrated complex process leading to the repair of injured tissues. It is suggested that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad3 signaling is involved in wound healing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in palatal wound healing in Smad3-deficient (Smad3−/−) mice. Histological examination showed that wound closure was accelerated by the proliferation of epithelium and dermal cells in Smad3−/− mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Macrophage/monocyte infiltration at wounded regions in Smad3−/− mice was decreased in parallel with the diminished production of TGF-β1, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α compared with WT mice. Fibrocytes, expressing hematopoietic surface marker and fibroblast products, were recruited and produced α-smooth-muscle actin in WT mice, but were not observed in Smad3−/− mice. These results suggest that TGF-β/Smad3 signaling may play an important role in the regulation of palatal wound healing.

scholarly journals Store-operated calcium entry suppressed the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway in glomerular mesangial cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 313 (3) ◽  
pp. F729-F739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarika Chaudhari ◽  
Weizu Li ◽  
Yanxia Wang ◽  
Hui Jiang ◽  
Yuhong Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Mesangial Cells ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Glomerular Mesangial Cells ◽  
Critical Pathway ◽  
Smad3 Phosphorylation ◽  
Tgf Β1

Our previous study demonstrated that the abundance of extracellular matrix proteins was suppressed by store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) in mesangial cells (MCs). The present study was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism focused on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 pathway, a critical pathway for ECM expansion in diabetic kidneys. We hypothesized that SOCE suppressed ECM protein expression by inhibiting this pathway in MCs. In cultured human MCs, we observed that TGF-β1 (5 ng/ml for 15 h) significantly increased Smad3 phosphorylation, as evaluated by immunoblot. However, this response was markedly inhibited by thapsigargin (1 µM), a classical activator of store-operated Ca2+channels. Consistently, both immunocytochemistry and immunoblot showed that TGF-β1 significantly increased nuclear translocation of Smad3, which was prevented by pretreatment with thapsigargin. Importantly, the thapsigargin effect was reversed by lanthanum (La3+; 5 µM) and GSK-7975A (10 µM), both of which are selective blockers of store-operated Ca2+channels. Furthermore, knockdown of Orai1, the pore-forming subunit of the store-operated Ca2+channels, significantly augmented TGF-β1-induced Smad3 phosphorylation. Overexpression of Orai1 augmented the inhibitory effect of thapsigargin on TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of Smad3. In agreement with the data from cultured MCs, in vivo knockdown of Orai1 specific to MCs using a targeted nanoparticle small interfering RNA delivery system resulted in a marked increase in abundance of phosphorylated Smad3 and in nuclear translocation of Smad3 in the glomerulus of mice. Taken together, our results indicate that SOCE in MCs negatively regulates the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

scholarly journals IL-15 regulates fibrosis and inflammation in a mouse model of chronic pancreatitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 315 (6) ◽  
pp. G954-G965 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murli Manohar ◽  
Hemanth Kumar Kandikattu ◽  
Alok Kumar Verma ◽  
Anil Mishra
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pancreatitis ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Interferon Γ ◽  
Cancer Tissue ◽  
Inkt Cells ◽  
Interleukin 15 ◽  
Potential Strategy ◽  
Tgf Β1

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the induction of several proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-1. Recently, the multifunctional innate cytokine IL-15 has been implicated in the protection of several diseases, including cancer. Tissue fibrosis is one of the major problems in successfully treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) treatment may induce innate tissue responses and its overexpression will improve the pathogenesis of cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis, associated remodeling, and fibrosis. We observed atrophy of acinar cells, increased inflammation, and increased deposition of perivascular collagen, the upregulated protein level of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen-1 in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Furthermore, we reported that rIL-15 treatment protects mice from the cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis, including acinar cell atrophy, and perivascular accumulation of tissue collagen followed by downregulation of profibrotic genes such as TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen-1, collagen-3, and fibronectin in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Mechanistically, we show that IL-15-mediated increase of interferon-γ-responsive invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in the blood and tissue protects cerulein-induced pancreatic pathogenesis in mice. Of note, a reduction in iNKT cells was also observed in human chronic pancreatitis compared with normal individuals. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-15 treatment may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating chronic pancreatitis pathogenesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic fibrosis is a major concern for the successful treatment of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Therefore, restriction in the progression of fibrosis is the promising approach to manage the pancreatitis pathogenesis. Herein, we present in vivo evidences that pharmacological treatment of recombinant interleukin-15 improves remodeling and fibrosis in cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis in mice. Our observations indicate that interleukin-15 immunotherapy may be a possible and potential strategy for restricting the progression of fibrosis in chronic pancreatitis.

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