Jiqian Huang

Angiotensin AT2 Receptor Stimulation Inhibits Early Renal Inflammation in Renovascular Hypertension

Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) counteracts most effects of angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). We hypothesized that direct AT2R stimulation reduces renal production of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and transforming growth factor-&bgr;1 (TGF-&bgr;1) and enhances the production of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cGMP) in the clipped kidney of 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) hypertension rat model. We used Sprague-Dawley rats to evaluate changes in renal interstitial fluid recovery levels of TNF-&agr;, IL-6, NO, and cGMP; renal expression of AT1R, AT2R, TGF-&bgr;1, TNF-&agr;, and IL-6 in sham and 2K1C rats treated for 4 days with vehicle, AT2R agonist compound 21 (C21), or AT2R antagonist PD123319 (PD), alone and combined (n=6, each group). Systolic blood pressure increased significantly in 2K1C and was not influenced by any treatment. Clipped kidneys showed significant increases in renal expression of AT1R, AT2R, TNF-&agr;, IL-6, TGF-&bgr;1 and decreases in NO and cGMP levels. These factors were not influenced by PD treatment. In contrast, C21 caused significant decrease in renal TNF-&agr;, IL-6, TGF-&bgr;1 and an increase in NO and cGMP levels. Combined C21 and PD treatment partially reversed the observed C21 effects. Compared to sham, there were no significant changes in TNF-&agr;, IL-6, TGF-&bgr;1, NO, or cGMP in the nonclipped kidneys of 2K1C animals. We conclude that direct AT2R stimulation reduces early renal inflammatory responses and improves production of NO and cGMP in renovascular hypertension independent of blood pressure reduction.

Pro)renin receptor contributes to diabetic nephropathy by enhancing renal inflammation

1. (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) binding to renin or prorenin mediates angiotensin (Ang) II‐dependent and ‐independent effects. Expression of the PRR is increased in kidneys of diabetic rats, but its role in diabetic nephropathy is unknown. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of the PRR to the development of diabetic nephropathy through enhancement of renal production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and interleukin (IL)‐1β.

Renal (pro)renin receptor upregulation in diabetic rats through enhanced angiotensin AT1 receptor and NADPH oxidase activity

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) in the glomerular mesangium and the subendothelial layer of the renal arteries. We hypothesized that diabetes upregulates PRR expression through enhanced angiotensin subtype 1 (AT1) receptor–NADPH oxidase cascade activity. Using real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot analysis and immunostaining, we studied renal localization of the PRR in the streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rat model and in response to 1 week of treatment with the AT1 receptor blocker valsartan (10 mg kg−1 day−1), the angiotensin AT2 receptor blocker PD123319 (0.5 mg kg−1 day−1) or the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI; 0.5 mg kg−1 day−1) 6 weeks post‐induction of diabetes. Both PRR mRNA and protein were expressed constitutively in the kidneys of normal rat renal cortex and medulla, mainly in glomerular mesangium, proximal, distal and collecting tubules. Compared with normal rats (100%), diabetic rats demonstrated an increase in renal PRR mRNA (184%), protein (228%) and immunostaining. Valsartan and DPI prevented the increase in the PRR mRNA (106 and 126%, respectively), protein (97 and 140%, respectively) and immunostaining that was seen in the kidneys of diabetic rats. The AT2 blocker PD123319 did not have significant effects on PRR mRNA (157%) or protein expression (200%) in the kidneys of diabetic rats. These results demonstrate that the PRR is constitutively expressed in renal glomeruli and tubules. Expression of the PRR is upregulated in diabetes via enhancement of AT1 receptor–NADPH oxidase activity.

Glucose Promotes the Production of Interleukine-1β and Cyclooxygenase-2 in Mesangial Cells via Enhanced (Pro)Renin Receptor Expression

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is present in renal glomeruli, and its expression is up-regulated in diabetes. Similarly, renal inflammation is increased in the presence of hyperglycemia. The linkage between PRR and renal inflammation is not well established. We hypothesized that glucose-induced up-regulation of PRR leads to increased production of the proinflammatory factors IL-1beta and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Studies were conducted in rat mesangial cells (RMCs) exposed to 30 mm D-glucose for 2 wk followed by PRR small interfering RNA knockdown, IL-1 receptor blockade with IL-1 receptor antagonist or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade with valsartan. The results showed that D-glucose treatment up-regulates prorenin, renin, angiotensin II, PRR, IL-1beta, and COX-2 mRNA and protein expression and increases phosphorylation of ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, c-Jun, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 (serine 276,468 and 536), respectively. PRR small interfering RNA attenuated PRR, IL-1beta, and COX-2 mRNA and protein expressions and significantly decreased angiotensin II production and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB p65 associated with high glucose exposure. Similarly, IL-1 receptor antagonist significantly reduced COX-2 mRNA and protein expression induced by high glucose. COX-2 inhibition reduced high-glucose-induced PRR expression. We conclude that glucose induces the up-regulation of PRR and its ligands prorenin and renin, leading to increased IL-1beta and COX-2 production via the angiotensin II-dependent pathway. It is also possible that PRR could enhance the production of these inflammatory cytokines through direct stimulation of ERK1/2-NF-kappaB signaling cascade.

Sodium Depletion Enhances Renal Expression of (Pro)Renin Receptor via Cyclic GMP-Protein Kinase G Signaling Pathway

(Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is expressed in renal vasculature, glomeruli, and tubules. The physiological regulation of this receptor is not well established. We hypothesized that sodium depletion increases PRR expression through cGMP- protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway. Renal PRR expressions were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats on normal sodium or low-sodium diet (LS) and in cultured rat proximal tubular cells and mouse renal inner medullary collecting duct cells exposed to LS concentration. LS augmented PRR expression in renal glomeruli, proximal tubules, distal tubules, and collecting ducts. LS also increased cGMP production and PKG activity. In cells exposed to normal sodium, cGMP analog increased PKG activity and upregulated PRR expression. In cells exposed to LS, blockade of guanylyl cyclase with 1H-(1,2,4)oxadiazolo(4,3-a)quinoxalin-1-one decreased PKG activity and downregulated PRR expression. PKG inhibition decreased phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A activity; suppressed LS-mediated phosphorylation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, c-Jun, and nuclear factor-&kgr;B p65; and attenuated LS-mediated PRR upregulation. LS also enhanced DNA binding of cAMP response element binding protein 1 to cAMP response elements, nuclear factor-&kgr;B p65 to nuclear factor-&kgr;B elements, and c-Jun to activator protein 1 elements in PRR promoter in proximal tubular cells. We conclude that sodium depletion upregulates renal PRR expression via the cGMP-PKG signaling pathway by enhancing binding of cAMP response element binding protein 1, nuclear factor-&kgr;B p65, and c-Jun to PRR promotor.

Regulation of (Pro)Renin Receptor Expression by Glucose-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Nuclear Factor-κB, and Activator Protein-1 Signaling Pathways

Renal (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression is increased in diabetes. The exact mechanisms involved in this process are not well established. We hypothesized that high glucose up-regulates PRR through protein kinase C (PKC)-Raf-ERK and PKC-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-c-Jun signaling pathways. Rat mesangial cells exposed to 30 mm d-glucose demonstrated significant increase in PRR mRNA and protein expression, intracellular phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK, JNK, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). By chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and EMSA, high glucose induced more functional NF-kappaB and activator protein (AP)-1 dimers bound to corresponding cis-regulatory elements in the predicted PRR promoter to up-regulate PRR transcription. Conventional and novel PKC inhibitors Chelerythrine and Rottlerin, Raf-1 inhibitor GW5074, MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, JNK inhibitor SP600125, NF-kappaB inhibitor Quinazoline, and AP-1 inhibitor Curcumin, respectively, attenuated glucose-induced PRR up-regulation. Chelerythrine and Rottlerin also inhibited glucose-induced phosphorylation of Raf-1 (Y340/341), ERK1/2, JNK, NF-kappaB p65 (S536), and c-Jun (S63). GW5074 and U0126 inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and NF-kappaB p65 (S536). SP600125 inhibited phosphorylation of NF-kappaB p65 (S536) and c-Jun (S63). We conclude that high glucose up-regulates the expression of PRR through mechanisms dependent on both PKC-Raf-ERK and PKC-JNK-c-Jun signaling pathways. NF-kappaB and AP-1 are involved in high-glucose-induced PRR up-regulation in rat mesangial cells.

Renal (pro)renin receptor contributes to development of diabetic kidney disease through transforming growth factor-β1-connective tissue growth factor signalling cascade.

1. Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) are expressed in renal glomeruli, and contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy. Recently, we showed that (pro)renin receptor (PRR) is upregulated in the kidneys of the streptozocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes rat model. We hypothesized that in the presence of hyperglycaemia, increased renal PRR expression contributes to enhanced TGF‐β1–CTGF signalling activity, leading to the development of diabetic kidney disease.

In vivo regulation of renal expression of (pro)renin receptor by a low-sodium diet.

Effects of low salt (LS) on (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression are not well established. We hypothesized that LS enhances renal PRR expression via the cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a normal-salt (NS) or LS diet associated with intrarenal cortical administration of vehicle (V), the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME), the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-dl-penicillamine (SNAP), the cGMP analog 8-bromoguanosine (8-Br)-cGMP, the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1, 2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), or a PKG inhibitor (PKGi) for 6 days via osmotic minipump. We evaluated the effects of each treatment on renal interstitial fluid (RIF) levels of nitrate/nitrite and cGMP and renal PRR expression. There were no significant changes in blood pressure with any of the treatments. Urinary sodium excretion was significantly lower in rats given a LS diet. Compared with NS + V, RIF nitrate/nitrite and cGMP levels increased in LS + V rats. In NS groups, RIF nitrate/nitrite and cGMP levels did not change with l-NAME, ODQ, or PKGi and increased in response to SNAP. 8-Br-cGMP increased RIF cGMP but not RIF nitrate/nitrite. In LS groups, RIF nitrate/nitrite decreased with l-NAME and did not change with ODQ or PKGi whereas RIF cGMP decreased with l-NAME, ODQ, and PKGi. PRR mRNA and protein increased in LS + V. In NS rats, PRR mRNA and protein increased in response to 8-Br-GMP and were not affected by any of other treatments. In LS rats, PRR mRNA and protein decreased significantly in response to l-NAME, ODQ, and PKGi. We conclude that LS intake enhances renal expression of PRR via cGMP-PKG signaling pathway.

Targeted Deletion of Murine CEACAM 1 Activates PI3K-Akt Signaling and Contributes to the Expression of (Pro)Renin Receptor via CREB Family and NF-κB Transcription Factors

The carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule 1 regulates insulin sensitivity by promoting hepatic insulin clearance. Mice bearing a null mutation of Ceacam1 gene (Cc1–/–) develop impaired insulin clearance followed by hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance, in addition to visceral obesity and increased plasma fatty acids. Because insulin resistance is associated with increased blood pressure, we investigated whether they develop higher blood pressure with activated renal renin-angiotensin system and whether this is mediated, in part, by the upregulation of renal (pro)renin receptor (PRR) expression. Compared with age-matched wild-type littermates, Cc1–/– mice exhibited increased blood pressure with increased activation of renal renin-angiotensin systems and renal PRR expression. Cytoplasmic and nuclear immunostaining of phospho-PI3K p85&agr; and phospho-Akt was enhanced in the kidney of Cc1–/– mice. In murine renal inner medullary collecting duct epithelial cells with lentiviral-mediated small hairpin RNA knockdown of carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell adhesion molecule 1, PRR expression was upregulated and phosphorylation of PI3K (Tyr508), Akt (Ser473), NF-&kgr;B p65 (Ser276), cAMP response element–binding protein/activated transcription factor (ATF)-1 (Ser133), and ATF-2 (Thr71) was enhanced. Inhibiting PI3K with LY294002 or Akt with Akt inhibitor VIII attenuated PRR expression. In conclusion, global null deletion of Ceacam1 caused an increase in blood pressure with increased renin-angiotensin system activation together with upregulation of PRR via PI3K-Akt activation of cAMP response element–binding protein 1, ATF-1, ATF-2, and NF-&kgr;B p65 transcription factors.

COMBINED ALISKIREN AND AMLODIPINE REDUCE ALBUMINURIA VIA REDUCTION IN RENAL INFLAMMATION IN DIABETIC RATS

Abstract We hypothesized that compared with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), the renin inhibitor aliskiren (ALISK) or amlodipine (AMLO) and their combination reduce albuminuria via reduction in renal inflammation, independent of blood pressure (BP) changes. We studied normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic (DM) Sprague-Dawley rats treated for 6 weeks with vehicle, ALISK, HCTZ, or AMLO individually and combined and evaluated the effects of treatments on BP, urine albumin to creatinine ratio, renal interstitial fluid levels of angiotensin II, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&agr;), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) and renal expression of TNF-&agr;, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, and nuclear factor kappa B. There were no differences in BP between treatments. Only ALISK and its combinations reduced renal interstitial fluid angiotensin II. Urine albumin to creatinine ratio increased in DM rats and decreased with ALISK alone or combined with HCTZ or AMLO. HCTZ or AMLO individually and combined did not influence urine albumin to creatinine ratio. Renal interstitial fluid TNF-&agr; and IL-6, and the renal expression of TNF-&agr;, IL-6, transforming growth factor beta 1, and nuclear factor kappa B were increased in DM rats. These renal inflammatory markers were reduced only with ALISK or AMLO individually or combined with other treatments. We conclude that ALISK alone and combined with HCTZ or AMLO reduced albuminuria in diabetes via reduction in renal inflammation, independent of BP changes.