Investigation of urinary components in rat model of ketamine-induced bladder fibrosis based on metabolomics

BackgroundKetamine abuse has been linked to the system''s damage, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). While the pathogenesis of ketamine-induced urinary damage is not fully understood, fibrosis is believed to be a potential mechanism. A metabolomic investigation of the urinary metabolites in ketamine abuse was conducted to gain insights into its pathogenesis.MethodsA rat model of ketamine induced bladder fibrosis was established through tail vein injection of ketamine hydrochloride and control group was established through tail vein injection of the equivalent normal saline. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson trichrome staining were performed to evaluated bladder pathology. Urinary components were detected based on a metabolomic approach using ultra-high performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOFMS platform). Orthogonal projections analyzed the data to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and bioinformatics analysis.ResultsThe rat model of ketamine induced bladder fibrosis was confirmed through H&E and Masson trichrome staining. There were marked differences in the urinary metabolites between the experimental group and the control group. Compared to the control group, 16 kinds of differential metabolites were up-regulated and 102 differential metabolites were down-regulated in the urine samples of the ketamine group. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the related metabolic pathways.ConclusionsUsing a ketamine-induced bladder fibrosis rat model, this study identified the differential urinary metabolites expressed following ketamine treatment. These results provide vital clues for exploring the pathogenesis of ketamine-induced LUTS and may further contribute to the disease''s diagnosis and treatment.     

Imbalance in the estrogen/androgen ratio may affect prostate fibrosis through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Objective

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of an imbalance in the estrogen/androgen ratio on prostate fibrosis.

Methods

Different concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or estradiol (E₂) dissolved in corn oil were injected subcutaneously into the nape of the castrated Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats over 28 consecutive days. Masson’s trichrome staining and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the content of collagen fibers and the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, and elastin in the rat prostate of each group, respectively. DHT?+?E₂ at different concentrations was administered to human normal prostate stromal immortalized cells (WPMY-1 cells) for 1 week. The expression of collagen I, fibronectin, elastin, transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁), Smad3, and Smad7 was detected by Western blotting (WB). Then, WPMY-1 cells treated with 10 nM DHT?+?5 pM E₂ were incubated with the TGF-β/Smad pathway inhibitor SD208 for 1 week, after which collagen I, fibronectin, and elastin expression was detected by WB.

Results

Compared with the uncastrated control and corn oil injection groups, the collagen fiber content and collagen I and fibronectin expression were increased and elastin expression was decreased in the castrated rat prostate with corn oil injection group (p?<?0.01). Compared to castrated corn oil injection group, collagen fiber content, collagen I, and fibronectin expression were significantly decreased, and elastin expression was significantly increased in the castrated rat prostate 0.15 mg/kg DHT treatment group (p?<?0.01). Following treatment with 0.15 mg/kg DHT, the content of collagen fibers, and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin were increased, and the expression of elastin was decreased in the rat prostate with increasing concentrations of E₂ treatment group compared to the 0.15 mg/kg DHT group (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). Following treatment with 0.05 mg/kg E₂, the collagen fiber content and the expression of collagen I and fibronectin were decreased, and the expression of elastin was increased in the rat prostate with increasing DHT concentration treatment group compared to the 0.05 mg/kg E₂ group (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). Compared with the Control group, the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, TGF-β₁ and Smad3 was decreased, and the expression of elastin and Smad7 was increased in WPMY-1 cells after treatment with 10 nM DHT (p?<?0.01). Following treatment with 10 nM DHT, the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, TGF-β₁, and Smad3 was increased, and the expression of elastin and Smad7 was decreased in WPMY-1 cells with increasing E₂ concentration treatment compared to the 10 nM DHT group (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). Following treatment with 5 pM E₂, the expression of collagen I, fibronectin, TGF-β₁, and Smad3 was decreased, and elastin and Smad7 expression was increased with increasing DHT concentration compared to the 5 pM E₂ group (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01). Compared to the 10 nM DHT?+?5 pM E₂ group, the expressions of collagen I and fibronectin were decreased; the expression of elastin was increased in WPMY-1 cells after the supplement of TGF-β/Smad pathway inhibitor SD208 group (p?<?0.05, p?<?0.01).

Conclusions

An imbalance in the estrogen/androgen ratio may affect prostate fibrosis. E₂ may activate the degree of prostate fibrosis. In contrast to the effect of E₂, DHT may inhibit the degree of prostate fibrosis, which might involve the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

     

Dual involvements of cyclooxygenase and nitric oxide synthase expressions in ketamine‐induced ulcerative cystitis in rat bladder

Aims

The aims of the present study were to investigate voiding patterns, tissue constituents and the expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) involved in ketamine‐induced ulcerative cystitis in rat urinary bladder.

Methods

Thirty Sprague–Dawley rats were distributed into three groups which received saline or ketamine (25 mg/kg/day) for a period of 14 and 28 days. In each group, cystometry was performed weekly and the concentration of ketamine and its metabolites (norketamine) was assayed. Paraffin‐embedded sections were stained with Masson's trichrome stain, and ketamine‐induced morphological changes were examined. Western blot analyses were carried out to examine the expressions of COX‐2 and different NOS isoforms in bladder tissues. Immunofluorescence study was done to evaluate the expressions of COX‐2 and macrophage infiltration (stained with ED‐1 macrophage cell surface antigen) within the bladder.

Results

Ketamine treatment resulted in bladder hyperactivity and the non‐voiding contractions were significantly increased. The urine concentrations of ketamine and norketamine were much higher in ketamine‐treated group. Moreover, ulcerated urothelium and mononuclear cell infiltration were noted in ketamine‐treated group. These alterations in urodynamic functions and tissue constituents were accompanied by increases in the expression of COX‐2. Two NOS isoforms (iNOS and eNOS) were also overexpressed, but no significant change was observed for nNOS. COX‐2 positive stained cells were significantly increased. Meanwhile, increased amounts of ED‐1 positive stained macrophages were present and most of COX‐2 expressed cells were co‐stained with ED‐1 in the early stage of ketamine treatment.

Conclusions

Ketamine treatment affected bladder tissues by enhancing interstitial fibrosis and accelerating macrophages infiltration. Ketamine also initiated the up‐regulations of COX‐2 and iNOS and eNOS expressions. These up‐regulated enzymes might play an important role in contributing to ketamine‐induced alterations in micturition patterns and ulcerative cystitis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32:1137–1143, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

The effect of simvastatin and erythropoietin on renal fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction

Prevention of fibrosis is a very important therapeutic strategy in the treatment of obstructive nephropathy (ON). The aim of this study is to show and compare the actions of Simvastatin (Simv) and Erythropoietin (Epo) in renal expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B), fibronectin and development of interstitial fibrosis in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). A total of 48 Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated to 4 groups of sham, Epo, Simv and control. Unilateral ureteral ligation was performed on all rats except the Sham group. For interstitial fibrosis Masson’s trichrome stain and for the expression of TGF-β, PDGF-B, bFGF, NFκB and fibronectin, immunohistochemical methods were used. In the Epo and Simv groups, expression of TGF-β and fibronectin and staining with Masson’s trichrome were less compared to the control group. In addition, fibronectin expression in the Epo group was less than the Simv group. Unlike the Simv group, NFκB and bFGF expression in the Epo group were less when compared to the control group. Consequently, it was seen that both Epo and Simv prevented fibrosis in ON. Epo was superior in this effect by suppressing the expressions of NFκB and bFGF more effectively than Simv. Based on this finding, Epo might be a better agent than Simv in the prevention of fibrosis in ON.     

Effect of angiotensin II pathway inhibitors on post-surgical adhesion band formation: a potential repurposing of old drugs

BackgroundIn this study we investigated the therapeutic potential of angiotensin II pathway inhibitors in attenuating post-surgical adhesion band formation in tendon injury.MethodWe assigned 30 Wistar albino rats to 5 groups, including negative control, positive control, sham, Telmisartan- and Enalapril-treated groups (n=6). Telmisartan and Enalapril at a dose of 10 mg/kg were administered intraperitoneally for 21 days. Hematoxylin-Eosin, and Masson's trichrome staining were used to measure the inflammatory cell accumulation and collagen deposition in the Achilles tendon tissue sections. Oxidative stress markers were analyzed in tissue samples by spectrophotometric methods. Properties of Achilles tendon adhesions were compared based on Tang and Ishiyama scoring systems in the presence and absence of angiotensin II pathway inhibitors.ResultsTelmisartan and Enalapril reduced severity, length, and density of surgical-induced tendon adhesion at site of injury (***p < 0.001). Our results showed that administration of angiotensin II pathway inhibitors decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells to the injured area (*p < 0.05) and suppressed inflammation by regulating oxidative stress markers including MDA (***p < 0.001), total thiol (***p < 0.001), CAT (***p < 0.001), and SOD (***p < 0.001), in post-operative Achilles tendon tissues. Significant lower collagen deposition and formation of fibrotic tissues was seen in Telmisartan- and Enalapril-treated groups as detected by Masson's trichrome staining which correlated with a decrease in quantity (**p < 0.01) and grading of fibrosis score (***p < 0.001), in adhesive tissues. Moreover, inhibition of angiotensin II pathway could also ameliorate mechanical properties including ultimate load (***p < 0.001), and ultimate stress (*p < 0.05) in injured Tendons.ConclusionOur results showed that ssuppression of inflammation and fibrosis are two mechanisms by which Telmisartan and Enalapril elicit potent protective responses post Achilles tendon injuries.     

Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation Attenuates Renal Fibrosis Following Acute Kidney Injury in Rats by Diminishing Pericyte-Myofibroblast Transition and Extracellular Matrix Augment

BackgroundRenal fibrosis is a common chronic outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI). Pericyte-myofibroblasts transition and production of abundant extracellular matrix are the important pathologic basis. This study investigated the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on the AKI kidney fibrosis and the possible mechanisms.MethodsBy constructing the animal and cell model of AKI pericyte injury, the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on pericyte-myofibroblasts transition was detected. The production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin were also tested. The mechanism was revealed by means of analysis of signal pathway.ResultsAfter AKI insult, many myofibroblasts emerged in the renal interstitium together with a large amount of extracellular matrix components. The BMSCs transplantation significantly decreased the number of myofibroblasts trans-differentiated from pericytes in the AKI model. The changes of vascular endothelial growth factor subtypes and Ang-I/AngII secreted by pericytes were also significantly reduced after BMSCs co-culture. At the same time, extracellular matrix components, including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin, decreased significantly. Transplantation treatment alleviated the fibrosis score. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) concentration decreased as well as the levels of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 with the presence of BMSCs therapy.ConclusionsBone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation diminished pericyte-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix augment after AKI by regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. It may be used as a novel therapeutic method for retarding renal fibrosis, which is worthy of further study.     

Suppression of TGF-beta activity with remobilization attenuates immobilization-induced joint contracture in rats

BackgroundJoint contracture is a common complication of joint injury. This study aimed to assess the effect of inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling during joint immobilization and remobilization on immobilization-induced joint contracture in rats.MethodsThe knees of rats were immobilized using Kirschner wires following trauma to the femoral condyles to generate joint contracture. After immobilization, levels of TGF-β and passive extension range of motion (ROM) were measured at different time points, joints were histologically analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome staining, and the expression of inflammatory or fibrosis-related mediators, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), phosphorylated Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen types I (Col 1) and III (Col 3), were examined in joint capsules using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Rats were also treated with LY2157299, a TGF-β receptor I kinase inhibitor, at different stages of immobilization and remobilization.ResultsTGF-β1 levels in the serum and the number of p-Smad2/3⁺ cells in the joint capsule were significantly elevated after immobilization. ROM decreased during the 6 weeks of immobilization and partly recovered after remobilization. After treatment with LY2157299 during immobilization, the restricted ROM moderately increased, but this effect was stronger when combined with active motion. Mechanistically, the expression of IL-1β, TGF-β, fibrosis-related factors, and the density of collagen significantly decreased after treatment with LY2157299.ConclusionsInhibiting TGF-β signaling paired with active motion effectively attenuated the formation of immobilization-induced joint contracture in rats.     

热休克蛋白47在转化生长因子β1诱导肾小管间质纤维化中的作用

目的 探讨热休克蛋白47（HSP47）在肾小管间质纤维化中的作用及其可能机制。 方法 常规培养人肾小管上皮细胞（HK-2）,分为对照组、转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）组、HSP47-siRNA组。RT-PCR检测HSP47、胶原Ⅳ、纤连蛋白（FN）、组织型纤溶酶原激活物抑制剂1（PAI-1）的mRNA表达。Western印迹检测HSP47、胶原Ⅳ、FN蛋白表达。ELISA检测PAI-1的蛋白量。 结果 HK-2细胞有HSP47表达。不同浓度TGF-β1（0、2.5、5、10 μg/L）干预不同时间（12、24、48 h）时,HSP47基因和蛋白表达呈浓度和时间依赖性增高,10 μg/L TGF-β1干预HK-2细胞48 h时,HSP47 mRNA和蛋白表达最强。不同浓度 TGF-β1（0、5、10 μg/L）干预HK-2不同时间（12、24、48 h）时,胶原Ⅳ、FN 、PAI-1 mRNA和蛋白表达亦呈浓度和时间依赖性增高,10 μg/L TGF-β1作用48 h时,3者mRNA和蛋白表达最强。与TGF-β1组比较,HSP47-siRNA组的HSP47、胶原Ⅳ、FN、PAI-1 mRNA和蛋白表达都明显下调。 结论 HSP47可促进肾小管间质纤维化,其机制可能与上调胶原Ⅳ、FN、PAI-1表达有关。     

Clusterin attenuates the development of renal fibrosis

Upregulation of clusterin occurs in several renal diseases and models of nephrotoxicity, but whether this promotes injury or is a protective reaction to injury is unknown. Here, in the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model, obstruction markedly increased the expression of clusterin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), type I collagen, and fibronectin. Compared with wild-type mice, clusterin-deficient mice exhibited higher levels of PAI-1, type I collagen, and fibronectin and accelerated renal fibrosis in response to obstruction. In cultured rat tubular epithelium-like cells, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of clusterin inhibited the expression of TGF-β-stimulated PAI-1, type I collagen, and fibronectin. Clusterin inhibited TGF-β-stimulated Smad3 activity via inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. Moreover, intrarenal delivery of adenovirus-expressing clusterin upregulated expression of clusterin in tubular epithelium-like cells and attenuated obstruction-induced renal fibrosis. In conclusion, clusterin attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy. These results suggest that upregulation of clusterin during renal injury is a protective response against the development of renal fibrosis.     

The effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on the cytokines and peritoneal function in rats with peritoneal fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Due to the long-term and chronic exposure to the peritoneal dialysis fluid, patients could develop peritoneal fibrosis and ultrafiltration failure which compromises treatment efficacy and outcome, and fibrosis is the major cause of peritoneal dialysis (PD) withdraw among patients. Methods: Twenty-one male WISTAR rats were randomly assigned to three groups, namely saline group, standard peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) group, and panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) group. Peritoneal fibrosis was induced by daily injection of PDF for 4 weeks. After execution, multiple histological techniques including HE and Masson's trichrome staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to observe the pathological changes and concentrations of multiple cytokines may involve in the process of fibrosis were determined by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Biochemistry parameters were determined by automated chemistry analyzer. Results: PNS can significantly inhibit the expression of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) in the peritoneum of rats. Furthermore, pathological damages, including extracellular matrix deposition, vascularization, and fibroblast, were ameliorated in PNS group when being compared with standard PDF group. Peritoneal functions were improved by regular PNS treatment with significantly elevated ultrafiltration. Conclusion: PNS is capable of improving peritoneal function in subjects with PDF exposure and can possibly applied in patients with PD after further verification.     

膀胱出口部分梗阻中转化生长因子β1/Smads信号通路的激活及低剂量紫杉醇的干预作用

目的探讨膀胱出口部分梗阻(BOO)后转化生长因子β1(TGF-β1)相关的Smads信号通路的激活及低剂量紫杉醇的干预作用。方法雌性Sprague-Dawley大鼠30只,随机分为空白对照组、BOO组和紫杉醇组。BOO组和紫杉醇组行尿道近端梗阻方式制备膀胱出口部分梗阻模型,空白对照组采用假手术方式处理。术后紫杉醇组给予低剂量紫杉醇腹腔注射(0.3mg/kg),每周2次。空白对照组与BOO组以等体积生理盐水同时间腹腔注射。4周后测量膀胱重量,行HE和Masson染色,并计算胶原纤维的含量;透射电镜观察逼尿肌超微结构改变;采用逆转录多聚酶链反应(RT-PCR)检测TGF-β1、Smad 7和α-SMA mRNA的表达;免疫组织化学法检测TGF-β1、磷酸化Smad 2(p-Smad 2)和α-SMA蛋白的表达和分布。结果相比空白对照组,BOO组膀胱重量明显增加,胶原纤维增多,膀胱组织中TGF-β1和α-SMA mRNA表达水平增高(P0.05),TGF-β1、p-Smad 2和α-SMA蛋白表达增高(P0.05)。相比BOO组,紫杉醇组膀胱重量显著降低,胶原纤维面积比值下降(P0.05)。TGF-β1、pSmad 2和α-SMA的表达减少(P0.05),Smad 7表达上升(P0.05)。结论 TGF-β1相关的Smads信号通路的激活可能是BOO后膀胱纤维化的机制之一,低剂量紫衫醇可能通过阻断这一信号通路,在一定程度上有延缓BOO膀胱纤维化进程的作用。     

Inhibition of Src kinase can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction mice

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Src kinase in renal interstitial fibrosis of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, including sham operation group (n=8), sham operation+PP2 group (n=8), UUO operation group (n=8) and UUO operation+PP2 group (n=8). The mice were injected 2 mg/kg PP2 by intraperitoneal everyday after surgery in sham+PP2 group and UUO+PP2 group. PP2 dissolved in 1% DMSO (formulated with normal saline). Sham and UUO group were given equal 1% DMSO. The mice were sacrificed at 7th day. Renal collagen was observed with Sirius red stain. The activities of Src, protein kinase B (PKB, AKT), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin (FN) were detected by Western blotting. The expression of collagen I (COLⅠ) was detected by immunohistochemistry and the expressions of matrix metalloprotein 9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with sham mice, UUO mice on 7th day displayed obvious renal fibrosis. Meanwhile, UUO mice had increased expressions of COLⅠ and FN, and activities of AKT, ERK and p38 MAPK (all P＜0.05). Their renal expressions of α-SMA, TGF-β1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, MCP-1 and IL-6 were also raised (all P＜0.05). Compared with those in UUO group, in UUO+PP2 group the activities of Src, AKT, p38 MAPK and ERK, and expressions of TGF-β1, MCP-1 and IL-6 decreased (all P＜0.05). Additionally, expressions of COLⅠ, FN and α-SMA, collagen deposition and renal fibrosis receded in UUO+PP2 group (all P＜0.05). However, the expressions of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were not influenced by PP2 treatment. Conclusions Src kinase promotes myofibroblasts accumulation and inflammatory reaction through activating its downstream signaling pathway in the progressing of renal interstitial fibrosis.     

Resveratrol as a therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction

Aims: Renal fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic kidney disease. This study was designed to examine the protective effects of resveratrol (RSV) against renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We also attempted to elucidate the potential mechanism involved. Methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated, UUO, and UUO/RSV (20?mg·kg^?1·day^?1). Histological changes were examined using periodic acid-Schiff and Masson’s trichrome staining after 14 days. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-OHdG levels were determined using a commercially available kit. ICAM-1, TNF-α, and TGF-β levels were measured using real-time PCR. Fibronectin levels were measured by western blot, and the Smad3 acetylation and Sirt1 were examined by immunoprecipitation and western blot. Results: Our study showed that RSV treatment significantly attenuated renal injury including extracellular matrix deposition and tubulointerstitium damage. Renal cortical mRNA levels of ICAM-1, TNF-α, and TGF-β, protein expression of fibronectin and Smad3 acetylation were significantly upregulated in the UUO group. However, treatment with RSV significantly decreased the expression of these proteins. Furthermore, RSV also decreased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including MDA and 8-OHdG, and increased the level of SOD, which protects cells against ROS damage. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that RSV treatment inhibits oxidative stress, Smad3 acetylation, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Therefore, RSV may have potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of chronic kidney disease.     

FTY720 attenuates tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in subtotally nephrectomized rats

Abstract

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common pathway that leads to kidney failure, and persistent tubulointerstitial inflammation is a key event in the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The new immunosuppressive drug FTY720 modifies lymphocyte migration into injured tissues by sequestering lymphocytes within secondary lymphoid organs. However, its therapeutic effect on tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis had not been well understood. This study was designed to explore the effect of FTY720 on tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in subtotally nephrectomized (SNX) rats. In total, 24 male Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Seven days after 5/6 nephrectomy, rats were randomized to FTY720 (1?mg/kg/d) and placebo-treated groups. Sham-operated rats served as controls. FTY720 significantly attenuated the rise in proteinuria, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity in SNX rats, and reduced the count of peripheral white blood cells and lymphocytes in SNX rats. Morphological analysis revealed that there was severe tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in SNX group and much more tubulointerstitial infiltrating inflammatory cells with high expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, CD163 and CCR-7 in SNX group, as compared with the controls, but the lesions were attenuated significantly by treatment with FTY720. Furthermore, the expressions of proinflammatory molecules (IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1), profibrotic molecule (TGF-β1) and production of extracellular matrix proteins such as fibronectin and types I and III collagens were upregulated in SNX rats. FTY720 administration significantly reduced these abnormalities. In summary, FTY720 exerts therapeutic effects on tubulointerstitial fibrosis in SNX rats by inhibiting the tubulointerstitial inflammatory response.     

Metformin alleviated EMT and fibrosis after renal ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess the potential effects of metformin on the development of EMT and tubulointerstitial fibrosis 12 weeks after acute renal ischemia–reperfusion. Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: Sham, IRI, transient administration of metformin (TAM), and continuous administration of metformin (CAM). Metformin was administered i.p. at a dose of 125?μg kg?^??1 d^???1 3 d prior to suffering from IRI (TAM), or from 3 d before suffering from IRI to 12 weeks after reperfusion (CAM). Renal function, histology, and expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Vimentin, and E-cadherin were analyzed. Results Tubulointerstitial fibrosis worsened further in IRI, accompanied by the increased expressions of interleukin-6, TNF-α, α-SMA, TGF-β1, Vimentin, and loss of E-cadherin. Although there were no significant differences between IRI and TAM (p?>?0.05). Compared with the IRI, expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and Vimentin were reduced and the expression of E-cadherin was restored in CAM (p?0.05). CAM also significantly promoted activation of AMPK (p?0.05), which showed no difference among Sham, IRI, and TAM (p?>?0.05). Conclusions CAM significantly attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis and EMT in rats, potentially via activation of AMPK and down-regulation of TGF-β1.     

Klotho mitigates cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in rats

Purpose

Klotho deficiency is implicated in various kidney diseases, including renal fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Klotho administration on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis induced by cyclosporine A (CsA) in rats.

Methods

CsA-induced renal fibrosis was established by oral administration of CsA (30 mg/kg) to rats on a low-salt diet for 28 days. Klotho was administered to rats by intraperitoneal injection. Renal pathological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining. The EMT response was assessed by measuring the level of TGF-β1, E-cadherin and α-SMA by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

Administration of CsA for 28 days induced renal damage, decreased Klotho expression and activated the EMT response (demonstrated as increased TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression accompanied by decreased in E-cadherin expression). Treatment with Klotho significantly ameliorated pathological lesions of the kidney by modulating the expression of EMT-associated proteins in the kidney.

Conclusions

Klotho inhibits CsA-induced EMT and renal fibrosis in rats. Klotho may serve as a therapeutic agent to minimize CsA-induced renal fibrosis.

     

Levels of transforming growth factor β1 during first six months of peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

Transforming-growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is a powerful cytokine involved in physiological processes of growth, differentiation, gene expression, embryogenesis, tissue remodelling, wound healing as well as tumorigenesis, immunosuppression and fibrosis, like peritoneal membrane fibrosis on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatment. The aims of this study were to determine TGF-β1 levels in serum (s) and drained dialysate (dd), to assess their relations to sex, age, diabetes, dialysis modality, peritonitis and use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs), inhibitors of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEi) and/or statins in 20 patients, 11 men and 9 women, mean age 62.90?±?12.69 years, free of peritonitis during the first 6 months of PD treatment. There was no statistically significant difference in TGF-β1 concentrations in serum and drained dialysate at the beginning and after first 6 months of chronic PD, in patients of different sex, age and diabetic patients versus non-diabetic. The significant positive correlations between sTGF-β1 levels and glycemia at the beginning and cholesterolemia after 6 months of PD treatment suggest higher TGF-β1 concentrations in patients with unfavorable metabolic profile. Expression of TGF-β1 in effluent dialysate was significantly lower in patients on chronic PD using ACEi therapy, suggesting ACEi to have a protective effect on peritoneal membrane. Patients on ESA had slightly lower sTGF-β1 concentrations after the first 6 months of PD treatment.