Dolores Martin

The protective effect of alpha-tocopherol against dichromate-induced renal tight junction damage is mediated via ERK1/2

Renal tight junctions (TJ) play a central role in modulating the paracellular pathway. We examined the function, quantity and distribution of TJ proteins: occludin and claudin-2 (cln-2), on proximal tubule in a model of acute renal failure (ARF) associated with oxidative damage. Since ERK1/2-p modulates TJ integrity, we studied their participation in dichromate (Cr(6+)) toxicity. We evaluated whether co-administration of the antioxidant alpha-tocopherol (alpha-TOC) prevents Cr(6+) toxicity in TJ. Female Wistar rats received potassium dichromate 15 mg/kg, s.c. (5.3 mg/kg of Cr(6+)) single dose, with or without alpha-TOC (125 mg/kg, p.o., daily). Two and 7 days after Cr(6+) treatment, oxidative damage was assessed by renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), proximal function was estimated by sodium and glucose fractional excretions. Occludin, cln-2, and ERK1/2-p were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. ARF induced by Cr(6+) provoked augment in the sodium and glucose urinary looses, increases in occludin quantity (6.6- and 15-fold on days 2 and 7, respectively) and the mislocation of cln-2. Electrophoresis migration showed a higher molecular weight band only in the Cr(6+)-administered groups, suggesting occludin hyperphosphorylation. Alpha-TOC treatment diminished the LPO, improved tubular function, and preserved TJ location and expression. In summary, we show disruption of occludin and cln-2 in ARF induced by Cr(6+)-intoxication. This study provides evidence of the beneficial effect of alpha-TOC on TJ structure and function undergoing oxidative damage, and we suggest the participation of ERK1/2 in the mechanisms leading to protection by the antioxidant.

Zona occludens-2 protects against podocyte dysfunction induced by ADR in mice

Zona occludens-2 (ZO-2) is a protein present at the tight junction and nucleus of epithelial cells. ZO-2 represses the transcription of genes regulated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This pathway plays a critical role in podocyte injury and proteinuria. Here, we analyze whether the overexpression of ZO-2 in the glomerulus, by hydrodynamics transfection, prevents podocyte injury mediated by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the mouse model of adriamycin (ADR) nephrosis. By immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy, we show that ZO-2 is present in mice glomerulus, not at the slit diaphragms where nephrin concentrates, but in the cytoplasm and at processes of podocytes. Our results indicate that in the glomeruli of mice treated with ADR, ZO-2 overexpression increases the amount of phosphorylated β-catenin, inhibits the expression of the transcription factor snail, prevents nephrin and podocalyxin loss, reduces podocyte effacement and massive fusions, restrains proteinuria, and supports urea and creatinine clearance. These results suggest that ZO-2 could be a new target for the regulation of hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signaling in proteinuric kidney diseases.