Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition downregulates Na(+)-H(+) exchanger NHE3 in rat renal proximal tubule

In the microvillar microdomain of the kidney brush border, sodium hydrogen exchanger type 3 (NHE3) exists in physical complexes with the serine protease dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV). The purpose of this study was to explore the functional relationship between NHE3 and DPPIV in the intact proximal tubule in vivo. To this end, male Wistar rats were treated with an injection of the reversible DPPIV inhibitor Lys [Z(NO(2))]-pyrrolidide (I40; 60 mg center dot kg(-1)center dot day(-1) ip) for 7 days. Rats injected with equal amounts of the noninhibitory compound Lys[ Z(NO(2))]-OH served as controls. Na(+) -H(+) exchange activity in isolated microvillar membrane vesicles was 45 +/- 5% decreased in rats treated with I40. Membrane fractionation studies using isopycnic centrifugation revealed that I40 provoked redistribution of NHE3 along with a small fraction of DPPIV from the apical enriched microvillar membranes to the intermicrovillar microdomain of the brush border. I40 significantly increased urine output ( 67 +/- 9%; P < 0.01), fractional sodium excretion ( 63 +/- 7%; P < 0.01), as well as lithium clearance ( 81 +/- 9%; P < 0.01), an index of end-proximal tubule delivery. Although not significant, a tendency toward decreased blood pressure and plasma pH/HCO(3)(-) was noted in I40-treated rats. These findings indicate that inhibition of DPPIV catalytic activity is associated with inhibition of NHE3-mediated NaHCO(3) reabsorption in rat renal proximal tubule. Inhibition of apical Na(+) -H(+) exchange is due to reduced abundance of NHE3 protein in the microvillar microdomain of the kidney brush border. Moreover, this study demonstrates a physiologically significant interaction between NHE3 and DPPIV in the intact proximal tubule in vivo.

Mechanisms underlying the long-term regulation of NHE3 by parathyroid hormone

The activity of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 is regulated by a number of factors including parathyroid hormone (PTH). In the current study, we used a renal epithelial cell line, the opossum kidney (OKP) cell, to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of PTH on NHE3 transport activity and expression. We observed that NHE3 activity was reduced 6 h after addition of PTH, and this reduction persisted almost unaltered after 24 h. The decrease in activity was associated with diminished NHE3 cell surface expression at 6, 16, and 24 h after PTH addition, total cellular NHE3 protein at 16 and 24 h, and NHE3 mRNA abundance at 24 h. The lower levels of NHE3 mRNA were associated to a small, but significant, decrease in mRNA stability. Additionally, by analyzing the rat NHE3 gene promoter activity in OKP cells, we verified that the regulatory region spanning the segment -152 to +55 was mildly reduced under the influence of PTH. This effect was completely abolished by the presence of the PKA inhibitor KT 5720. In conclusion, long-term exposure to PTH results in reduction of NHE3 mRNA levels due to a PKA-dependent inhibitory effect on the NHE3 promoter and a small reduction of mRNA half-life, and decrease in the total amount of protein which is preceded by endocytosis of the apical surface NHE3. The decreased NHE3 expression is likely to be responsible for the reduction of sodium, bicarbonate, and fluid reabsorption in the proximal tubule consistently perceived in experimental models of PTH disorders.

Transcriptional regulation of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE3 by chronic exposure to angiotensin II in renal epithelial cells

Angiotensin II (Ang II) exerts an acute bimodal effect on proximal tubule NHE3: while low doses stimulate the exchanger, high doses inhibit it. In the present study, we have investigated the chronic effects of Ang II on NHE3 expression and transcriptional regulation. Treatment of a tubular epithelial cell line, OKP, with Ang II 10(-11) M significantly increased NHE protein expression and mRNA levels, without evidence of bimodal effect. No change in mRNA half-life was detected, but transient transfection studies showed a significant increase in NHE3 promoter activity. Binding sites for Sp1/Egr-1 and AP2 transcription factors of the NHE3 proximal promoter were mutated and we observed that the Sp1/Egr-1 binding site integrity is necessary for Ang II stimulatory effects. Inhibition of cytochrome P450, PI3K, PKA and MAPK pathways prevented the Ang II stimulatory effect on the NHE3 promoter activity. Taking all the results together, our data reveal that chronic Ang II treatment exerts a stimulatory effect on NHE3 expression and promoter activity. The Ang II up-regulation of the NHE3 promoter activity appears to involve the Sp1/Egr-1 binding site and the interplay of several intracellular signaling pathways. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oxidative stress protection of Trypanosomes requires selenophosphate synthase

Selenoproteins are characterized by the incorporation of at least one amino acid selenocysteine (Sec-U) encoded by in-frame UGA stop codons. These proteins, as well as the components of the Sec synthesis pathway, are present in members of the bacteria, archaea and eukaryote domains. Although not a ubiquitous pathway in all organisms, it was also identified in several protozoa, including the Kinetoplastida. Genetic evidence has indicated that the pathway is non-essential to the survival of Trypanosoma growing in non-stressed conditions. By analyzing the effects of RNA interference of the Trypanosoma brucei selenophosphate synthetase SPS2, we found a requirement under sub-optimal growth conditions. The present work shows that SPS2 is involved in oxidative stress protection of the parasite and its absence severely hampers the parasite survival in the presence of an oxidizing environment that results in an apoptotic-like phenotype and cell death. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of secondary palate requires strict regulation of ECM remodeling: sequential distribution of RECK, MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9

We have evaluated RECK (reversion-inducing-cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs), MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2), MMP-3, and MMP-9 involvement during palate development in mice by using various techniques. Immunohistochemical features revealed the distribution of RECK, MMP-2, and MMP-3 in the mesenchymal tissue and in the midline epithelial seam at embryonic day 13 (E13), MMPs-2, -3, and -9 being particularly expressed at E14 and E14.5. In contrast, RECK was weakly immunostained at these times. Involvement of MMPs was validated by measuring not only their protein expression, but also their activity (zymograms). In situ hybridization signal (ISH) for RECK transcript was distributed in mesenchymal and epithelial regions within palatal shelves at all periods evaluated. Importantly, the results from ISH analysis were in accord with those obtained by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of RECK was found to be temporally regulated, which suggested possible roles in palatal ontogeny. Taken together, our results clearly show that remodeling of the extracellular matrix is finely modulated during secondary palate development and occurs in a sequential manner.

Transcriptional activation of MMP-13 by periodontal pathogenic LPS requires p38 MAP kinase

Matrix metal loprotease-13 (MMP-13) is induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased expression is associated with a number of pathological conditions such as tumor metastasis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal diseases. MMP-13 gene regulation and the signal transduction pathways activated in response to bacterial LPS are largely unknown. In these studies, the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the regulation of MMP-13 induced by lipopolysaccharide was investigated. Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans significantly (P < 0.05) increased MMP-13 steady-state mRNA (average of 27% and 46% increase, respectively) in murine periodontal ligament fibroblasts. MMP-13 mRNA induction was significantly reduced by inhibition of p38 MAP kinase. Immunoblot analysis indicated that p38 signaling was required for LPS-induced MMP-13 expression. Lipopolysaccharide induced proximal promoter reporter (-660/+32 mMMP-13) gene activity required p38 signaling. Collectively, these results indicate that lipopolysaccharide-induced murine MMP-13 is regulated by p38 signaling through a transcriptional mechanism.

Optimal clearance of Sporothrix schenckii requires an intact Th17 response in a mouse model of systemic infection

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Increased NHE3 abundance and transport activity in renal proximal tubule of rats with heart failure

Inoue BH, dos Santos L, Pessoa TD, Antonio EL, Pacheco BPM, Savignano FA, Carraro-Lacroix LR, Tucci PJF, Malnic G, Girardi ACC. Increased NHE3 abundance and transport activity in renal proximal tubule of rats with heart failure. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 302: R166-R174, 2012. First published October 26, 2011; doi:10.1152/ajpregu.00127.2011.-Heart failure (HF) is associated with a reduced effective circulating volume that drives sodium and water retention and extracellular volume expansion. We therefore hypothesized that Na(+)/H(+) exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3), the major apical transcellular pathway for sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule, is upregulated in an experimental model of HF. HF was induced in male rats by left ventricle radiofrequency ablation. Sham-operated rats (sham) were used as controls. At 6 wk after surgery, HF rats exhibited cardiac dysfunction with a dramatic increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. By means of stationary in vivo microperfusion and pH-dependent sodium uptake, we demonstrated that NHE3 transport activity was significantly higher in the proximal tubule of HF compared with sham rats. Increased NHE3 activity was paralleled by increased renal cortical NHE3 expression at both protein and mRNA levels. In addition, the baseline PKA-dependent NHE3 phosphorylation at serine 552 was reduced in renal cortical membranes of rats with HF. Collectively, these results suggest that NHE3 is upregulated in the proximal tubule of HF rats by transcriptional, translational, and posttranslational mechanisms. Enhanced NHE3-mediated sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule may contribute to extracellular volume expansion and edema, the hallmark feature of HF. Moreover, our study emphasizes the importance of undertaking a cardiorenal approach to contain progression of cardiac disease.

Mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of uroguanylin on NHE3 transport activity in renal proximal tubule

Lessa LM, Carraro-Lacroix LR, Crajoinas RO, Bezerra CN, Dariolli R, Girardi AC, Fonteles MC, Malnic G. Mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of uroguanylin on NHE3 transport activity in renal proximal tubule. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 303: F1399-F1408, 2012. First published September 5, 2012; doi: 10.1152/ajprenal.00385.2011.-We previously demonstrated that uroguanylin (UGN) significantly inhibits Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE)3-mediated bicarbonate reabsorption. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of UGN on NHE3 in rat renal proximal tubules and in a proximal tubule cell line (LLC-PK1). The in vivo studies were performed by the stationary microperfusion technique, in which we measured H+ secretion in rat renal proximal segments, through a H+-sensitive microelectrode. UGN (1 mu M) significantly inhibited the net of proximal bicarbonate reabsorption. The inhibitory effect of UGN was completely abolished by either the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor KT5823 or by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H-89. The effects of UGN in vitro were found to be similar to those obtained by microperfusion. Indeed, we observed that incubation of LLC-PK1 cells with UGN induced an increase in the intracellular levels of cAMP and cGMP, as well as activation of both PKA and PKG. Furthermore, we found that UGN can increase the levels of NHE3 phosphorylation at the PKA consensus sites 552 and 605 in LLC-PK1 cells. Finally, treatment of LLC-PK1 cells with UGN reduced the amount of NHE3 at the cell surface. Overall, our data suggest that the inhibitory effect of UGN on NHE3 transport activity in proximal tubule is mediated by activation of both cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways which in turn leads to NHE3 phosphorylation and reduced NHE3 surface expression. Moreover, this study sheds light on mechanisms by which guanylin peptides

Curcumin requires tumor necrosis Factor α signaling to alleviate cognitive impairment elicited by Lipopolysaccharide

A decline in cognitive ability is a typical feature of the normal aging process, and of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Although their etiologies differ, all of these disorders involve local activation of innate immune pathways and associated inflammatory cytokines. However, clinical trials of anti-inflammatory agents in neurodegenerative disorders have been disappointing, and it is therefore necessary to better understand the complex roles of the inflammatory process in neurological dysfunction. The dietary phytochemical curcumin can exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective actions. Here we provide evidence that curcumin ameliorates cognitive deficits associated with activation of the innate immune response by mechanisms requiring functional tumor necrosis factor α receptor 2 (TNFR2) signaling. In vivo, the ability of curcumin to counteract hippocampusdependent spatial memory deficits, to stimulate neuroprotective mechanisms such as upregulation of BDNF, to decrease glutaminase levels, and to modulate N-methyl- D –aspartate receptor levels was absent in mice lacking functional TNFRs. Curcumin treatment protected cultured neurons against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity by a mechanism requiring TNFR2 activation. Our results suggest the possibility that therapeutic approaches against cognitive decline designed to selectively enhance TNFR2 signaling are likely to be more beneficial than the use of anti-inflammatory drugs per se.

Uptake of oxLDL and IL-10 production by macrophages requires PAFR and CD36 recruitment into the same lipid rafts

Macrophage interaction with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) leads to its differentiation into foam cells and cytokine production, contributing to atherosclerosis development. In a previous study, we showed that CD36 and the receptor for platelet-activating factor (PAFR) are required for oxLDL to activate gene transcription for cytokines and CD36. Here, we investigated the localization and physical interaction of CD36 and PAFR in macrophages stimulated with oxLDL. We found that blocking CD36 or PAFR decreases oxLDL uptake and IL-10 production. OxLDL induces IL-10 mRNA expression only in HEK293T expressing both receptors (PAFR and CD36). OxLDL does not induce IL-12 production. The lipid rafts disruption by treatment with βCD reduces the oxLDL uptake and IL-10 production. OxLDL induces co-immunoprecipitation of PAFR and CD36 with the constitutive raft protein flotillin-1, and colocalization with the lipid raft-marker GM1-ganglioside. Finally, we found colocalization of PAFR and CD36 in macrophages from human atherosclerotic plaques. Our results show that oxLDL induces the recruitment of PAFR and CD36 into the same lipid rafts, which is important for oxLDL uptake and IL-10 production. This study provided new insights into how oxLDL interact with macrophages and contributing to atherosclerosis development.

Dose-dependent effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on the NHE3 exchanger and [Ca(2+)](i) in in vivo proximal tubules

The acute direct action of angiotensin-(1-7) [ANG-(1-7)] on bicarbonate reabsorption (JHCO(3)(-)) was evaluated by stationary microperfusions on in vivo middle proximal tubules in rats using H ion-sensitive microelectrodes. The control JHCO(3)(-) is 2.82 ± 0.078 nmol·cm(-2)·s(-1) (50). ANG-(1-7) (10(-12) or 10(-9) M) in luminally perfused tubules decreases JHCO(3)(-) (36 or 60%, respectively), but ANG-(1-7) (10(-6) M) increases it (80%). A779 increases JHCO(3)(-) (30%) and prevents both the inhibitory and the stimulatory effects of ANG-(1-7) on it. S3226 decreases JHCO(3)(-) (45%) and changes the stimulatory effect of ANG-(1-7) to an inhibitory effect (30%) but does not affect the inhibitory effect of ANG-(1-7). Our results indicate that in the basal condition endogenous ANG-(1-7) inhibits JHCO(3)(-) and that the biphasic dose-dependent effect of ANG-(1-7) on JHCO(3)(-) is mediated by the Mas receptors via the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3). The control value of intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), as monitored using fura-2 AM, is 101 ± 2 nM (6), and ANG-(1-7) (10(-12), 10(-9), or 10(-6)M) transiently (3 min) increases it (by 151, 102, or 52%, respectively). A779 increases the [Ca(2+)](i) (25%) but impairs the stimulatory effect of all doses of ANG-(1-7) on it. The use of BAPTA or thapsigargin suggests a correlation between the ANG-(1-7) dose-dependent effects on [Ca(2+)](i) and JHCO(3)(-). Therefore, the interaction of the opposing dose-dependent effects of ANG II and ANG-(1-7) on [Ca(2+)](i) and JHCO(3)(-) may represent an physiological regulatory mechanism of extracellular volume and/or pH changes. However, whether [Ca(2+)](i) modification is an important direct mechanism for NHE3 activation by these peptides or is a side effect of other signaling pathways will require additional studies.

Chickenpox is not always benign: postvaricella purpura fulminans requires prompt and aggressive treatment

We present 2 patients, who were admitted owing to rapidly progressing purpuric lesions due to postvaricella purpura fulminans, a coagulopathy leading to life- or limb-threatening thrombosis caused by a severe transient autoimmune protein S deficiency. Laboratory results were being consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation secondary to protein S deficiency; treatment with fresh frozen plasma, intravenous immunoglobulins, and prednisone was started. In our experience, a prompt therapy may limit the course and the extent of the disease. We present a review of the topic with supporting literature for the therapeutic options. Therefore, we should be reminded that purpura fulminans is a rare but severe complication of chickenpox, which demands quick action.