MCP-1 induces inflammatory activation of human tubular epithelial cells: involvement of the transcription factors,nuclear factor-kappaB and activating protein-1

Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is a potent chemokine synthesized by several cell types, e.g., inflammatory cells, such as monocytes, and resident renal cells, such as human tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Besides induction of monocyte recruitment, MCP-1 has been suggested to induce non-leukocytes to produce cytokines and adhesion molecules. Inflammation of the tubulointerstitium is a hallmark of many renal diseases and contributes to progression of renal failure; the purpose therefore of this study was to investigate the influence of MCP-1 on markers of inflammatory activation in human TECs. MCP-1 stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In parallel, MCP-1 increased IL-6 and ICAM-1 mRNA expression in human TECs. Pretreatment with pertussis toxin, GF109203X, BAPTA-AM, and pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibited MCP-1-dependent IL-6 and ICAM-1 synthesis, suggesting the involvement of Gi-proteins, protein kinase C, intracellular Ca(2+), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in MCP-1 signaling. Using electrophoretic gel mobility shift assay, we observed that MCP-1 stimulated binding activity of NF-kappaB. Binding activity of the activator protein-1 (AP-1), which has been implicated to regulate induction of the IL-6 gene together with NF-kappaB, was also stimulated by MCP-1. In the present experiments, NF-kappaB and AP-1 were involved in the MCP-1-mediated induction of IL-6, as demonstrated by cis element double-stranded (decoy) oligonucleotides (ODN). In contrast to IL-6 release, MCP-1-induced ICAM-1 expression was predominantly dependent on NF-kappaB activation. These results document for the first time that MCP-1 induces an inflammatory response in human TECs. This may be an important new mechanism in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial inflammation.     

Effects of KIM-1 on high glucose induced the expression of MCP-1 and FN in rat tubular epithelial cells

Objective To evaluate the effects of KIM-1 on high glucose induced the expression of MCP-1 and FN in rat tubular epithelial cells and to explore the possible mechanisms of KIM-1 involved in renal interstitial fibrosis of DN. Methods The rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) were cultured in vitro and divided into five groups: Normal control group (D-glucose 5.6 mmol/L), Hypertonic group (D-glucose 5.6 mmol/L＋D-mannitol 24.4 mmol/L), High glucose group (D-glucose 30 mmol/L), Control siRNA group,KIM-1 siRNA group. ELISA assay was used to assess the levels of MCP-1 and FN in the cells supernatant; Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of KIM-1; RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression of KIM-1, MCP-1 and FN. Results Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of KIM-1 in the high glucose group were increased at 12 h (P＜0.05), and reached the peak at 48 h (P＜0.05); the protein and mRNA expression of MCP-1 and FN in high glucose group were increased at 24 h significantly (P＜0.05), and peaked at 48 h (P＜0.05). Compared with the high glucose group, the protein and mRNA expressions of MCP-1 and FN in KIM-1 siRNA group were decreased (P＜0.05). Conclusions Down-regulating the expression of KIM-1 can significantly inhibit the expression of MCP-1 and FN, which suggests that KIM-1 may be involved in renal interstitial fibrosis of DN by regulating expression of MCP-1 and FN.     

表面活性蛋白A在脂多糖诱导的人肾小管上皮细胞中的表达

目的 研究表面活性蛋白A（SP-A）及其亚型在人肾组织和人肾小管上皮细胞（HK-2）的表达和分布,同时分析脂多糖（LPS）对HK-2细胞中SP-A亚型的 mRNA和蛋白表达的影响。 方法 收集10例人的肾组织,以5例人的肺组织作为对照,同时培养HK-2细胞。免疫组化法检测SP-A在人肾组织的表达部位;RT-PCR法检测SP-A mRNA在人肾组织和HK-2细胞中的表达;限制性内切酶片段长度多态性（RFLP）和测序的方法分析SP-A亚型在HK-2细胞的表达;实时定量PCR法比较SP-A mRNA在人肾组织和在人肺组织中的相对含量;Western印迹法检测人肾组织和HK-2细胞中SP-A蛋白的表达;Western印迹和ELISA法检测人的尿液和HK-2细胞培养上清液中SP-A的分泌量。RT-PCR和Western印迹检测LPS在不同浓度（0、0.1、1、2、5、10 mg/L）作用8 h及5 mg/L LPS在不同时间（0、2、4、8、16、24 h）作用HK-2细胞后,SP-A mRNA和蛋白表达的变化情况。 结果 免疫组化结果显示SP-A主要表达在肾皮质的远曲和近曲小管的肾小管上皮细胞。RFLP和测序的方法均证实HK-2细胞可同时表达SP-A1和SP-A2亚型。实时定量PCR证实SP-A mRNA在人肾组织的表达量仅为肺组织的30%（n = 5）。Western印迹检测到人肾组织和HK-2细胞可表达SP-A蛋白。同时在人的尿液和HK-2细胞培养上清液中也检测到SP-A的分泌,其分泌量分别为（106.614±72.772） nmol/L（n = 30）和（85.533± 58.622） nmol/L（n = 10）。应用1、2、5、10 mg/L的 LPS刺激HK-2细胞8 h后,SP-A1和SP-A2 mRNA及SP-A蛋白表达较0、0.1 mg/L显著升高（P < 0.05）;同时,应用5 mg/L的LPS作用HK-2细胞4、8、16、24 h后, SP-A1和SP-A2 mRNA及SP-A蛋白表达较LPS作用0、2 h显著升高（P < 0.05）。 结论 HK-2细胞能同时表达SP-A1和SP-A2亚型,能产生和分泌SP-A蛋白。SP-A1和SP-A2可能在肾脏的天然免疫和炎性反应调节方面起重要作用。     

Simulated ischemia induces renal tubular cell apoptosis through a nuclear factor-kappaB dependent mechanism

PURPOSE: Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a relatively common cause of renal tubular cell death and acute renal failure. While nuclear factor-kappaB has been implicated in the pathophysiology of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury, the effect of nuclear factor-kappaB inhibition on ischemia induced renal tubular cell death remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal tubular cells (LLC-PK1) were exposed to simulated ischemia in the presence or absence of 10 microM. pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (nuclear factor-kappaB inhibitor). Nuclear factor-kappaB activation (electrophoretic mobility shift assay and immunohistochemistry) and the effect of pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate on nuclear factor-kappaB activation (electrophoretic mobility shift assay) and ischemia induced apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling) were determined. RESULTS: Simulated ischemia induced nuclear factor-kappaB activation and renal tubular cell apoptosis versus controls (mean plus or minus standard error of mean 62 +/- 5.2 versus 0.4 +/- 0.3 apoptotic nuclei per high power field, p <0.05). In contrast, previous cellular exposure to pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate effectively inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB activation and prevented ischemia induced apoptosis (mean 14 +/- 6 apoptotic nuclei per high power field). CONCLUSIONS: Simulated ischemia induces nuclear factor-kappaB intranuclear translocation and activation in renal tubular cells. Furthermore, nuclear factor-kappaB mediates ischemia induced renal tubular cell apoptosis. Further elucidation of the complex role of nuclear factor-kappaB in inflammatory injury may lead to the development of targeted therapeutic strategies that ameliorate ischemic renal injury.     

Soluble fibronectin induces chemokine gene expression in renal tubular epithelial cells

BACKGROUND: Increasing proteinuria in kidney disease is associated with an increased risk of renal failure. Urinary proteins such as albumin induce inflammatory signaling and gene expression in tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Fibronectin is an extracellular matrix protein that can exist in soluble form and is excreted in the urine of patients with glomerular disease. METHODS: To explore the impact of soluble fibronectin on tubular epithelium, murine TECs were stimulated with soluble fibronectin and chemokine mRNA was determined by RNase protection assay. RESULTS: Fibronectin induced the expression of inflammatory chemokine genes, including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) (CCL2) and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) within 2 hours in a dose-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of Src family tyrosine kinases was also increased in TECs following exposure to fibronectin. Src tyrosine kinases were involved in the fibronectin activation of MCP-1 since the Src inhibitors SU6656 and PP2 effectively reduced the induction of this chemokine. Fibronectin also induced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) within minutes in TECs. The ERK kinase (MEK1/2) inhibitor U0126 inhibited the fibronectin induction of MCP-1 mRNA suggesting that ERK1/2 was also involved in this inflammatory pathway. Furthermore, fibronectin also induced phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha within 20 minutes in TECs. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) inhibitors N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and pyrrolidinecarbodithioic acid (PDTC) effectively blocked fibronectin induction of MCP-1 mRNA. CONCLUSION: Soluble fibronectin activates MCP-1 gene expression in TECs via Src tyrosine kinases, ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB. These data provide further support to the concept that proteinuria per se contributes to the tubulointerstitial injury observed in glomerular disease.     

Mechanical deformation induced apoptosis in human proximal renal tubular epithelial cells is caspase dependent

PURPOSE: Ureteral obstruction (UO) results in apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. We postulated that mechanical deformation and inflammation contribute to the cellular loss that occurs as a result of UO and it is mediated through altered heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) expression and the caspase cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human HK-2 renal tubular cells were subjected to mechanical stretch. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry; HSP-70 and caspase 3 protein expression by Western blotting, and caspase 3 activity by fluorescence substrates. RESULTS: Mechanical stretch caused direct apoptosis induction and it also primed for tumor necrosis factor-alpha induced apoptosis, which was caspase 3 dependent. Although HSP-70 protein expression was increased during mechanical stretch, the protective effects of HSP-70 were only seen after further induction by heat shocking. CONCLUSIONS: Altering HSP-70 expression and manipulating the caspase cell death proteases represent a novel pathway to protect against renal tubular cell apoptosis and the potential for progression to renal failure in UO.     

Numb基因在大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化过程中的作用

目的 探讨Numb在大鼠肾小管上皮细胞转分化过程中的作用。 方法 重组人转化生长因子β1（TGF-β1）刺激大鼠近端肾小管上皮细胞(NRK52E细胞),不同浓度TGF-β1 （0、1、5、10、15、20 μg/L）作用48 h与TGF-β1 10 μg/L作用不同时间(0、24、48、72 h)后,采用RT-PCR、Western印迹和免疫荧光染色分别检测NRK52E细胞内E钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、α平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）和Numb 的表达。采用RNA干扰技术下调Numb表达,Western印迹观察改变Numb水平对E-cadherin、α-SMA蛋白水平的影响。 结果 TGF-β1以剂量及时间依赖的方式诱导NRK52E细胞E-cadherin 蛋白表达下调,α-SMA 蛋白表达增高。Numb蛋白的表达随TGF-β1浓度的增加而增高,在5、10、15和20 μg/L时分别为0 μg/L时的1.33倍（P = 0.024)、1.39倍（P = 0.035）、1.45倍（P = 0.025）和1.51倍（P = 0.000)。而Numb蛋白和mRNA的表达亦随TGF-β1作用时间的延长而增高,作用24 h、48 h、72 h,Numb蛋白分别为0 h的1.48倍（P = 0.046)、1.54倍（P = 0.011）、1.79倍（P = 0.028）,Numb mRNA分别为0 h的1.56倍（P = 0.012)、1.82倍（P = 0.008）、1.82倍（P = 0.002）;同时Numb的分布也发生了改变,大量聚集在胞质中。下调Numb表达可以显著抑制TGF-β1诱导的α-SMA表达上调（为Numb表达正常时的18.1%,P = 0.004）、E-cadherin表达下调（为Numb表达正常时的2.19倍,P = 0.004）。 结论 Numb可以促进肾小管上皮细胞发生转分化。     

Differential effects of albumin on cytokine gene expression in proximal tubular epithelial cells.

Sir, Protein-induced activation of proximal tubular epithelial cells(PTECs) plays a central role in mediating interstitial macrophageaccumulation in chronic glomerular diseases [1]. In vitro, short-termexposure of cultured PTECs to nephrotic-range concentrationsof native or modified (glycated or lipidated) plasma proteins     

转化生长因子β1诱导肾小管上皮细胞趋化因子的表达

近年来研究表明,肾间质损害的主要参与者炎性细胞在趋化因子招募下开始浸润至肾间质并进一步活化,因此趋化因子的表达与肾脏疾病,尤其是与肾小管间质病变的关系受到众多研究者的关注.     

Role of high glucose-induced nuclear factor-kappaB activation in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression by mesangial cells

Although high glucose (HG) has been shown to induce nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in vascular cells, the upstream regulation and the biologic significance of NF-kappaB activation in diabetic renal injury are not clear. It was, therefore, examined if HG-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein kinase C (PKC) activation are involved in NF-kappaB activation in mesangial cells (MC), and the role of NF-kappaB activation in HG-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression by MC was further investigated. Recent observations suggest that MCP-1 may play a role in the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy. HG rapidly induced NF-kappaB activation in MC as estimated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Supershift assay suggests that most of the binding activity arose from p50/p50 and p50/p65 dimers. Antioxidants, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, N-acetyl-L-cystein, and trolox effectively inhibited HG-induced NF-kappaB activation in MC. HG rapidly generated dichlorofluorescin-sensitive intracellular ROS in MC as measured by laser-scanning confocal microscopy. HG also activated PKC rapidly in MC. Inhibition of PKC effectively blocked HG-induced intracellular ROS generation and NF-kappaB activation in MC. HG increased MCP-1 mRNA expression by 1.9-fold and protein secretion by 1.6-fold that of control glucose in MC transfected with control vector but not in MC transfected with dominant negative mutant inhibitor of NF-kappaB (IkappaBalphaM). Inhibition of either PKC or ROS effectively blocked HG-induced, but not basal, MCP-1 protein secretion by MC transfected with control vector. Thus this study demonstrates that HG rapidly activates NF-kappaB in MC through PKC and ROS and suggests that HG-induced NF-kappaB activation in MC may play a role in diabetic renal injury through upregulation of MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression.     

1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 differentially regulates IL-1alpha-stimulated IL-8 and MCP-1 mRNA expression and chemokine secretion by human primary proximal tubular epithelial cells

Beside its role in calcium homeostasis, 1,25-D3 modulates multiple immunological functions in cells of the immune system. In tubular epithelial cells, it increases the expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 molecules. Since production of chemokines, such as IL-8 and MCP-1, by tubular epithelial cells is crucial for the inflammatory response in acute transplant rejection and interstitial nephritis, we tested whether 1,25-D3 influences the production of IL-8 and MCP-1 by primary human tubular epithelial cells (TEC). For chemokine detection we used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. We differentiated between chemokine secretion directed to the apical and basolateral environment by using cell culture inserts as a model for the tubular basement membrane. mRNA of IL-8 and MCP-1 after stimulation of TEC with IL-1alpha and/or 1,25-D3 was isolated and compared by competitive RT-PCR. We found that basolateral production of IL-8 was higher than luminal secretion. 1,25-D3 (10(-8) M) alone and in combination with IL-1alpha suppressed IL-8 production after 48 h. Basolateral compared to luminal MCP-1 secretion was higher after stimulation either with IL-1alpha alone or combined with 1,25-D3. After 72 h, 1,25-D3 enhanced the IL-1alpha-stimulated MCP-1 secretion. Increased IL-8 mRNA expression after stimulation with IL-1alpha was suppressed by coincubation with 1,25-D3, while MCP-1 mRNA synthesis was enhanced by 1,25-D3 alone and in combination with IL-1 alpha. We conclude that 1,25-D3 differently modulates the expression of CXC-chemokine IL-8 and CC-chemokine MCP-1 by human TEC. The differential effects of 1,25-D3 on renal tubular cytokine secretion have to be considered in therapeutic dials on this hormone, e.g. in renal transplant rejection.     

核因子κB诱捕物寡核苷酸对肾小管上皮细胞炎症因子表达的影响

目的 研究核因子(NF)κB结合位点诱捕物寡核苷酸(NF—κBdecoyODN)对肾小管上皮细胞的NF-κB活性及下游炎症因子表达的影响。方法 (1)鱼精蛋白-脂质体法转染NF-κBdecoy ODN：将NF-κBdecoyODN与鱼精蛋白、脂质体混合，转染至TNF—α刺激培养的大鼠肾小管上皮细胞内，测定转染率。(2)凝胶电泳迟滞分析测定转染NF-κBdecoy ODN后细胞NF-κB活性。(3)RT—PCR方法检测转染NF-κB decoy ODN后细胞ET-1、iNOS、ICAM-1、VCAM-1以及MCP-1mRNA表达水平。结果 当 ／一比例为4时，鱼精蛋白-脂质体法转染率高达93．20％；转染NF-κB decoy ODN可抑制TNF—α激活的NF-κB活性，从而进一步抑制ET-1、iNOS、ICAM-1、VCAM-1和MCP-1的mRNA表达。结论 (1)鱼精蛋白-脂质体法是一种不受血清影响的高效率转染方法。(2)NF—κBdecoy ODN在体外通过抑制NF-κB活性，进而影响肾小管上皮细胞炎症因子的表达。     

Glucose-mediated induction of TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 in mesothelial cells in vitro is osmolality and polyol pathway dependent

BACKGROUND: Glucose is converted to sorbitol and then to fructose via the polyol pathway that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of organ damage. The contribution of the polyol pathway to mesothelial cell activation has, however, not been fully determined. METHODS: The effect of increasing glucose concentrations on transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion by human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) was examined. The importance of the polyol pathway was identified by its specific inhibition with an aldose reductase inhibitor. RESULTS: Incubation of HPMC with 5 to 100 mmol/L glucose resulted in an induction of aldose reductase mRNA and intracellular sorbitol accumulation accompanied by the induction of TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression and protein secretion. Mannitol at the same concentrations also induced aldose reductase, TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 mRNA and protein expression but at a lower level than glucose. Sorbinil dose-dependently reduced both intracellular sorbitol levels (79.8% reduction of 60 mmol/L D-glucose induced intracellular sorbitol with 100 micromol/L sorbinil (N = 3, P < 0.01) and glucose-induced TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 secretion. Mannitol induced TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 secretion was not reduced by sorbinil. The addition of 15 to 40 mmol/L sodium lactate, either alone or in the presence of D-glucose enhanced TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 secretion, which was inhibited by sorbinil. In contrast, sodium pyruvate appeared to antagonize D-glucose-induced TGF-beta 1 and MCP-1 secretion. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the polyol pathway and osmolality contribute to the regulation of HPMC function by glucose. Control of polyol pathway activation might reduce glucose-mediated damage to the peritoneal membrane and promote its long-term survival.     

Angiotensin IV stimulates plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression in proximal tubular epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II (Ang II) has been shown to be implicated in the development of renal fibrosis in several forms of chronic glomerulonephritides, but the precise mechanisms of its effects remain unclear. It has recently been reported that Ang II stimulates the expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) in several cell lines. PAI-1 is a major physiological inhibitor of the plasminogen activator/plasmin system, a key regulator of fibrinolysis and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. PAI-1 induction by Ang II in endothelial cells seems to be mediated by Ang IV via a receptor that is different from Ang II type 1 and 2 receptors (AT1 and AT2). METHODS: In this study, we sought to evaluate the effects of Ang IV on PAI-1 gene and protein expression in a well-characterized and immortalized human proximal tubular cell line (HK2) by Northern blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Ang IV stimulated PAI-1 mRNA expression, whereas it did not induce a significant increase in tritiated thymidine uptake after 24 hours of incubation. This effect was dose and time dependent. Ang IV (10 nM) induced a 7.8 +/- 3.3-fold increase in PAI-1 mRNA expression. The PAI-1 antigen level was significantly higher in conditioned media and the ECM of cells treated with Ang II and Ang IV than in control cells (both P < 0.02). Although Ang II induced a 4.2 +/- 2. 1-fold increase in PAI-1 mRNA expression, its effect underwent a dose-dependent reduction when amastatin, a potent inhibitor of the endopeptidases that catalyzes the conversion of Ang II to Ang IV, was added. In contrast, amastatin was not able to prevent the expression of PAI-1 mRNA induced by Ang IV. Finally, pretreatment of HK2 cells with losartan and N-Nicotinoyl-Tyr-N3-(Nalpha-CBZ-Arg)-Lys-His-Pro-Ile, the specific antagonists of AT1 and AT2 receptors, failed to modify PAI-1 mRNA expression as induced by Ang II. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that Ang II stimulates PAI-1 mRNA expression and the production of its protein in human proximal tubular cells. This is mainly-if not exclusively-due to Ang IV, which acts on a receptor that is different than AT1 or AT2. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the induction of PAI-1 by Ang IV may be implicated in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis in several forms of chronic glomerulonephritides.