Somchit Eiam-Ong

Erythropoietin and its non‐erythropoietic derivative: Do they ameliorate renal tubulointerstitial injury in ureteral obstruction?

Objectives:  Pleiotropic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) have recently been discovered in many non‐renal animal models. The renoprotective effects of EPO and carbamylated‐erythropoietin (CEPO), a novel EPO which has a small stimulatory effect on hemoglobin, have never been explored in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), a chronic tubulointerstitial (TI) disease model which is independent of systemic factors.

Age-Related Changes in Renal Function, Membrane Protein Metabolism, and Na,K-ATPase Activity and Abundance in Hypokalemic F344 × BNF1 Rats

Background: Potassium depletion is a common electrolyte abnormality in elderly humans, usually as a consequence of diuretic use or poor oral intake. Hypokalemia is associated with a number of changes in renal function and an increase in some renal membrane transporters; its growth-promoting effect in young animals is well known. With aging, the renal adaptation to a number of challenges is often diminished. We hypothesized that aging is related to decreases in renal function, renal membrane protein metabolism, as well as Na,K-ATPase protein abundance and activity in both control animals as well as in those with potassium depletion. Objective: We examined the effects of dietary-induced hypokalemia in true-aged nonobese rats (30 months old) on renal function, cortical brush border membrane (BBM) and basolateral membrane (BLM) protein metabolism, and Na,K-ATPase protein abundance and activity. We compared the results obtained to those seen in their 4-month-old counterparts similarly treated. Methods: Young (4-month-old) and senescent (30-month-old) male Fisher 344 × Brown-Norway F1 rats (F344 × BNF1) were fed either a normal or potassium-deficient diet for 7 days. At 24 h, the U-14C-leucine incorporation was measured for determination of protein metabolism in renal BBM and BLM. Cortical BLM vesicle and microdissected proximal convoluted tubule (PCT) Na,K-ATPase activities were determined along with Western blot analysis of the cortical BLM α1 subunit of Na,K-ATPase. Metabolic and renal function parameters were also examined. Results: Hypokalemia caused hyperbicarbonatemia, hyperglycemia, and azotemia, but only in the senescent animals. The aged control rats had a higher basal level of urine volume, ammonium excretion, and fractional excretion of chloride. By contrast, aging in the F344 × BNF1 rats was associated with a decrease in plasma aldosterone (by 35%) and phosphate (by 40%) levels as compared with their young controls. Hypokalemia resulted in a significant reduction of plasma aldosterone and a rise in muscle sodium concentration in both age groups; it significantly increased renal BBM and BLM protein concentrations in the young group, while these parameters remained unchanged in the senescent rats. The aged potassium-depleted animals showed a 14% decrease in BBM protein biosynthesis, but there were no changes in the young hypokalemic rats. Both potassium-depleted elderly and young rats had a significant reduction (by 33%) in BLM protein biosynthesis. Hypokalemia significantly increased the Na,K-ATPase activity in both cortical BLM vesicles and in microdissected PCT. The percentage increase in microdissected PCT segments (Na,K-ATPase activity) in elderly potassium-depleted animals was significantly less than that seen in hypokalemic young ones. Aging, per se, was associated with decreased basal microdissected PCT Na,K-ATPase activity in control animals. Hypokalemia had no effect on cortical BLM α1 subunit Na,K-ATPase protein abundance in either age group. Conclusions: The present study provides the first evidence in nonobese aged rats as to the metabolic parameters, renal function, renal cortical membrane protein metabolism, and transporter Na,K-ATPase activity and abundance during potassium depletion. The aged nonobese F344 × BNF1 rats responded differently from their young nonobese counterparts following potassium depletion. These differences may contribute substantially to the effects often encountered in elderly humans receiving diuretics or having a poor dietary potassium intake.

Role of Angiotensin II on Dihydrofolate Reductase, GTP-Cyclohydrolase 1 and Nitric Oxide Synthase Expressions in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion

Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the role of renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) and angiotensin II (ANG II) on mRNA and protein levels of renal dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), GTP-cyclohydrolase 1 (GTP- CH 1), and endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS and iNOS, respectively). Methods: Male Wistar rats were sham operated or received IR (30 min occlusion, and reperfusion for 1 day). Each group was treated separately with water, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and ANG II receptor type 1 blocker (ARB) for 1 day before the sham operation or IR, and continuously for 1 day after the operation. The mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: IR decreased DHFR mRNA and protein levels (p < 0.01), both of which were restored by ACEI or ARB, whereas GTP-CH 1 expression was unaltered. IR suppressed eNOS dimer while enhancing the monomer (p < 0.01). IR augmented iNOS mRNA, total iNOS protein and iNOS monomer (all p < 0.01) which were attenuated by ACEI or ARB. Conclusion: Our study is the first to demonstrate that the heightened ANG II in IR, via stimulation of ANG II receptor type 1, suppresses DHFR and eNOS dimer, while activating both iNOS mRNA and protein levels.

Nongenomic effects of aldosterone on renal protein expressions of pEGFR and pERK1/2 in rat kidney.

Background: In vitro studies have demonstrated that aldosterone elicits nongenomic actions by enhancing protein expressions of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (pERK1/2). There are no available in vivo investigations regarding this action of aldosterone on renal pEGFR-pERK1/2 protein expressions. Methods: Male Wistar rats received normal saline solution, low-dose (LA: 150 µg/kg BW) or high-dose aldosterone (HA: 500 µg/kg BW) by intraperitoneal injection. After 30 min, protein abundances and localizations of renal pEGFR and pERK1/2 were determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: Plasma aldosterone levels were increased in LA and HA groups (p < 0.001). Aldosterone enhanced renal pEGFR and pERK1/2 protein abundances (p < 0.001). HA showed a greater stimulation on pEGFR immunoreactivity than LA in the glomerulus, vasa recta, and thin limb of Henle’s loop in the inner medulla area. LA provided more reactivity of pERK1/2 in the thick ascending limb of Henle’s loop, outer medullary collecting duct, and proximal straight tubule, whereas HA illustrated more pERK1/2 activation in the glomerulus, peritubular capillary, and inner medulla region. Conclusion: This is the first in vivo study which demonstrates that aldosterone, via the nongenomic pathway, could elevate pEGFR and pERK1/2 protein abundances and expressions in the rat kidney. These results indicate that aldosterone induces phosphorylation of EGFR upstream of ERK1/2.

Effects of aging and potassium depletion on renal collecting tubule K+‐controlling ATPases

SUMMARY: The effects of aging and potassium depletion (KD) on renal cortical and medullary collecting tubule (CCT and MCT) K+‐controlling ATPase activities, Na+,K+‐ATPase and H+,K+‐ATPase, were performed in 4 and 30 month‐old male Fischer 344 x Brown‐Norway F1 (F344xBNF1) rate. Following KD, which was induced by a K+‐deficient diet for 7 days, both animal age groups had comparable levels of hypokalaemia, but the decreased fractional excretion of K+ (FEK+) was more prominent in the old‐age group. the aged animals had a 37% lower basal Na+,K+‐ATPase activity in MCT (P < 0.05), but marked increases in basal H+,K+‐ATPase activity in both CCT and MCT (P<0.001) were noted. Potassium depletion resulted in 28% (P<0.05) and 66% (P<0.01) increases in CCT and MCT Na+,K+‐ATPase activities, respectively, in the young‐age group. In the old‐age group, KD caused a 125% (P< 0.001) increase in MCT Na+,K+‐ATPase activity, but had no effect on CCT Na+,K+‐ATPase activity. the collecting tubule H+,+‐ATPase activity was increased in both the young and old‐age KD groups. the increase of magnitude in the latter was much higher than in the former. In response to KD, the more prominent rises in CCT and MCT H+,K+‐ATPase activities (with an increased percentage in MCT Na+,K+‐ATPase activity) was observed in the old‐age animals when compared with the younger ones. This could result in an increased K+ reabsorption, leading to the lower value of FEk+. Thus, the K+‐controlling mechanisms in the renal collecting tubule of aging rats are still intact and effective in coping with KD.

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linnaeus aqueous extracts attenuate the progression of renal injury in 5/6 nephrectomy rats.

Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HS) is a tropical wild plant with antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering properties. In several animal models, HS aqueous extracts reduced the severity of the multi-organ injuries such as hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. One of the multiorgan injuries is chronic kidney disease (CKD), which results from the loss of nephron function. HS was used in a 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) rat model to determine if it could attenuate the progression of CKD. HS (250 mg/kg/day) or placebo was orally administered to 5/6 Nx male Sprague-Dawley rats. The Nx+HS group had fewer renal injuries as measured by blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and renal pathology when compared with the Nx group. In order to determine which property of HS, either vasodilatory and/or antioxidant, was important in attenuating the progression of CKD, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed. In the Nx+HS group, the SBP and the serum levels of MDA were significantly lower at Week 7. In conclusion, through either antihypertensive and/or antioxidant properties, HS was able to attenuate the progression of renal injury after 5/6 Nx. Hence, HS should be considered as one of the new, promising drugs that can be used to attenuate the progression of CKD.

Rapid Nongenomic Action of Aldosterone on Protein Expressions of Hsp90(α and β) and pc-Src in Rat Kidney

Previous in vitro studies indicated that aldosterone nongenomically phosphorylates epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through activation of upstream signals, heat shock protein 90β (Hsp90β), and cytosolic (c)-Src kinase. We demonstrated that aldosterone rapidly elevates EGFR phosphorylation in rat kidney. There are no in vivo data regarding renal Hsp90(α and β) and phosphorylated (p)c-Src protein expressions. The present study further investigates the expressions of these proteins. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with normal saline solution or aldosterone (Aldo: 150 μg/kg BW). After 30 minutes, abundances and localizations of these proteins were determined. Aldosterone enhanced renal Hsp90β protein abundance (P < 0.001), but Hsp90α and pc-Src protein levels remained unaltered. Expression of Hsp90(α and β) was induced prominently in the proximal convoluted tubules (PCTs). Activation of Hsp90α was observed in vascular and outer medulla regions, whereas Hsp90β was induced in the cortex. Immunoreactivity of pc-Src was elevated in PCT with obvious staining at the luminal membrane. This in vivo study is the first to demonstrate that aldosterone nongenomically elevates Hsp90(α and β) protein expressions in rat kidney. Aldosterone had no effect on pc-Src protein levels but modulated localization. These results indicate that aldosterone regulates upstream mediators of EGFR transactivation in vivo.

Apoptosis of circulating lymphocyte in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction: Role of angiotensin II

Background:  Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) could induce increased renal angiotensin II (ANG II), which enhances apoptosis of renal tubular cells and renal tissue loss. Systemic ANG II is also increased in UUO. There are no data available about whether UUO can induce apoptosis of circulating lymphocytes or not.

Vanadate-Induced Renal cAMP and Malondialdehyde Accumulation Suppresses Alpha 1 Sodium Potassium Adenosine Triphosphatase Protein Levels

It has been demonstrated that vanadate causes nephrotoxicity. Vanadate inhibits renal sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na, K-ATPase) activity and this is more pronounced in injured renal tissues. Cardiac cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is enhanced by vanadate, while increased cAMP suppresses Na, K-ATPase action in renal tubular cells. There are no in vivo data collectively demonstrating the effect of vanadate on renal cAMP levels; on the abundance of the alpha 1 isoform (α1) of the Na, K-ATPase protein or its cellular localization; or on renal tissue injury. In this study, rats received a normal saline solution or vanadate (5 mg/kg BW) by intraperitoneal injection for 10 days. Levels of vanadium, cAMP, and malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation were measured in renal tissues. Protein abundance and the localization of renal α1-Na, K-ATPase was determined by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Renal tissue injury was examined by histological evaluation and renal function was assessed by blood biochemical parameters. Rats treated with vanadate had markedly increased vanadium levels in their plasma, urine, and renal tissues. Vanadate significantly induced renal cAMP and MDA accumulation, whereas the protein level of α1-Na, K-ATPase was suppressed. Vanadate caused renal damage, azotemia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. Fractional excretions of all studied electrolytes were increased with vanadate administration. These in vivo findings demonstrate that vanadate might suppress renal α1-Na, K-ATPase protein functionally by enhancing cAMP and structurally by augmenting lipid peroxidation.

Nongenomic action of aldosterone on colocalization of angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors in rat kidney

Abstract Previous in vitro studies have demonstrated that angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptors (AT1R and AT2R) are co-localized and can form AT1R/AT2R dimerization in rat proximal tubular cells. Aldosterone non-genomically enhances angiotensin II receptor dimerization. We found no other in vivo studies in the literature regarding the effect of aldosterone on colocalization of AT1R and AT2R in whole kidney. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with either normal saline solution (sham group) or aldosterone (experimental group). Colocalization of renal AT1R and AT2R proteins was examined by double immunohistochemical staining. The colocalization of AT1R and AT2R proteins was more prominent in the glomerulus, distal convoluted tubules, and cortical collecting ducts while colocalization was weak and diffused in the proximal convoluted tubules and peritubular capillaries in both groups. Our in vivo study showed aldosterone did not alter a constitutive colocalization of AT1R and AT2R proteins in the renal cortex and medulla. However, these proteins were colocalized more prominently in the renal cortex.