ABSTRACT
Background and Aims: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent and intractable microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), the process of which is closely related to abnormal expression of angiogenesis-regulating factors (ARFs). Stem cell transplantation might be a novel strategy for treating DKD. This study aims to explore the effect of transplantation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) on renal microangiopathy in a type 1 DKD rat model (T1DRM). Methods: Seventy-two rats were randomly divided into three groups, including normal control group, DKD group, and hAMSCs transplantation group. T1DRM was established using a rat tail vein injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg). hAMSCs were obtained from placental amniotic membranes during cesarean delivery and transplanted at 3 and 4 weeks through penile veins. At 6, 8, and 12 weeks following transplantation, blood glucose levels, renal function, pathological kidney alterations, and the expressions of ARFs' mRNA and protein were analyzed. Results: In T1DRM, transplanted hAMSCs that were homed at the injured site of kidneys increased ARFs' expression and decreased blood glucose levels. Compared to the DKD group, the levels of 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were reduced in hAMSCs transplantation group. In terms of renal pathology such as the degree of basement membrane thickening, hAMSCs transplantation was also less severe than the DKD group, thereby alleviating kidney injury. Conclusion: hAMSCs transplantation might ameliorate STZ-induced chronic kidney injury through increasing ARFs' expression in kidneys and lowering blood glucose levels.
ABSTRACT
Objective: Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited kidney disease that can cause cystic enlargement of the kidneys, and lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) before the age of 30 years. Herein we describe a case of adolescent-onset NPHP with a novel homozygous mutation in the inversin gene (INVS). Methods: The patient was a 15-year-old Chinese boy who presented with ESRD. Genetic testing was performed via whole exome sequencing and validated via Sanger sequencing. A novel homozygous INVS mutation was identified (c. 1909C > T; p. Gln637Ter). Results: The results of laboratory examinations included urinary protein 1.05 g/24 h, urine erythrocyte count 5/high-power field, serum creatinine 1,026.2 µmol/L, and estimated glomerular filtration rate 5.8 ml/min/1.73 mm2. Extrarenal features included hypertension and moderate anemia, and his parents were consanguineous (first cousins). A homozygous 1-bp substitution resulting in a nonsense mutation (c. 1909C > T; p. Gln637Ter) in exon 15 of INVS was detected via whole exome sequencing, and validated via Sanger sequencing. According to the classification system of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the mutated gene in INVS is strongly pathogenic (PVS1+PM2+PP3+PP5). His parents and a younger brother were heterozygous carriers. Based on the above results he was diagnosed with juvenile type 2 NPHP. He underwent hemodialysis, and received a kidney transplant after 2 months. He is currently recovering well, with a serum creatinine level of 117 µmol/L and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 79.6 ml/min/1.73 mm2. Conclusion: Here we have described an extremely rare case of adolescent-onset type 2 NPHP caused by a homozygous INVS mutation. The patient had progressed to ESRD by the age of 15 years. The current report will deepen our understanding of the clinical and genetic basis of this disease.
ABSTRACT
miRNAs is a kind of noncoding small RNAs with negative regulation function. Some miRNAs play a crucial role in the growth of tumor cells. In this study, we analyzed the role of miR-335-5p and its target gene intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in thyroid cancer. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that the expression level of ICAM-1 in cancer tissues was higher than that in their adjacent tissues. The expression level of ICAM-1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma was also significantly higher than that in other types of tumors. However, the expression of miR-335-5p is opposite to that of ICAM-1. In human thyroid cancer cell lines TPC-1, FTC-133, TT and human thyroid follicular cell line Nthyori 3-1, the expression level of ICAM-1 in TPC-1 was significantly higher than that of other cells, while the expression level of miR-335-5p in TPC-1 was significantly lower than that of other cells. When ICAM-1 expression was downregulated and miR-335-5p expression was upregulated in TPC-1 cells, ICAM-1 expression was upregulated and miR-335-5p expression was downregulated in FTC-133 cells, we found that ICAM-1 could promote the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells, while miR-335-5p could inhibit the proliferation of thyroid cancer cells. miR-335-5p could combine with 3'UTR of ICAM-1 by bioinformatics prediction. Luciferase reporter gene analysis and Western blotting detection further confirmed that miR-335-5p could target ICAM-1 and inhibit its expression. The expression level of miR-335-5p was downregulated, while the expression level of ICAM-1 was upregulated in thyroid cancer. This study will help us better understand the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer and provide new insights into the treatment of this disease.
