Dietary polyphosphate has a greater effect on renal damage and FGF23 secretion than dietary monophosphate.

Phosphate (Pi)-containing food additives are used in several forms. Polyphosphate (PPi) salt has more harmful effects than monophosphate (MPi) salt on bone physiology and renal function. This study aimed to analyze the levels of parathyroid hormone PTH and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and the expression of renal / intestinal Pi transport-related molecules in mice fed with an MPi or PPi diet. There were no significant differences in plasma Pi concentration and fecal Pi excretion levels between mice fed with the high-MPi and PPi diet. However, more severe tubular dilatation, interstitial fibrosis, and calcification were observed in the kidneys of mice fed with the high PPi diet versus the MPi diet. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in serum FGF23 levels and a decrease in renal phosphate transporter protein expression in mice fed with the PPi diet versus the MPi diet. Furthermore, the high MPi diet was associated with significantly suppressed expression and activity of intestinal alkaline phosphatase protein. In summary, PPi has a more severe effect on renal damage than MPi, as well as induces more FGF23 secretion. Excess FGF23 may be more involved in inflammation, fibrosis, and calcification in the kidney. J. Med. Invest. 69 : 173-179, August, 2022.

Tmem174, a regulator of phosphate transporter prevents hyperphosphatemia.

Renal type II sodium-dependent inorganic phosphate (Pi) transporters NaPi2a and NaPi2c cooperate with other organs to strictly regulate the plasma Pi concentration. A high Pi load induces expression and secretion of the phosphaturic hormones parathyroid hormone (PTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) that enhance urinary Pi excretion and prevent the onset of hyperphosphatemia. How FGF23 secretion from bone is increased by a high Pi load and the setpoint of the plasma Pi concentration, however, are unclear. Here, we investigated the role of Transmembrane protein 174 (Tmem174) and observed evidence for gene co-expression networks in NaPi2a and NaPi2c function. Tmem174 is localized in the renal proximal tubules and interacts with NaPi2a, but not NaPi2c. In Tmem174-knockout (KO) mice, the serum FGF23 concentration was markedly increased but increased Pi excretion and hypophosphatemia were not observed. In addition, Tmem174-KO mice exhibit reduced NaPi2a responsiveness to FGF23 and PTH administration. Furthermore, a dietary Pi load causes marked hyperphosphatemia and abnormal NaPi2a regulation in Tmem174-KO mice. Thus, Tmem174 is thought to be associated with FGF23 induction in bones and the regulation of NaPi2a to prevent an increase in the plasma Pi concentration due to a high Pi load and kidney injury.

10-kV diffractive imaging using newly developed electron diffraction microscope.

A new electron diffraction microscope based on a conventional scanning electron microscope (SEM), for obtaining atomic-level resolution images without causing serious damage to the specimen, has been developed. This microscope in the relatively low-voltage region makes it possible to observe specimens at suitable resolution and record diffraction patterns. Using the microscope we accomplished 10-kV diffractive imaging with the iterative phase retrieval and reconstructed the structure of a multi-wall carbon nanotube with its finest feature corresponding to 0.34-nm carbon wall spacing. These results demonstrate the possibility of seamless connection between observing specimens by SEM and obtaining their images at high resolution by diffractive imaging.