Collagen 17A1 in the Urothelium Regulates Epithelial Cell Integrity and Local Immunologic Responses in Obstructive Uropathy.

Collagen 17A1 (COL17A1), an epidermal hemidesmosome component, is ectopically induced in the urothelium of mouse and human renal pelvis (RP) in parallel with urinary tract-associated lymphoid structure development. Here, we found that COL17A1 was induced in obstructive uropathy-prone ureter of humans and cats. To ascertain its function, murine urinary organs with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were analyzed during 1 week after surgery. One day after UUO, COL17A1 expression increased in urothelial cells of RP and ureter, and was positively correlated with renal tubulointerstitial lesions. A portion of RP where the smooth muscle layer from the ureter was interrupted was sensitive to urothelium deciduation and COL17A1 induction, showing urine leaked from the RP lumen into the parenchyma. After urine stimulation, cultured immune cells expressed Cxcl2, also up-regulated in CD11b+ cells following COL17A1 stimulation. One day after UUO, CXCL2+ CD11b+ cells infiltrated the urothelium-disrupted area; however, these numbers were significantly lower in Col17a1-deficient mice. COL17A1+ urothelial cells partially co-expressed cytokeratin-14, a progenitor cell marker for urothelium, whereas Col17a1-deficient mice had lower numbers of cytokeratin-14+ cells. Gene Ontology analysis revealed that expression of epithelial- and immune-associated genes was up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, in the ureter of Col17a1-deficient mice 4 days after UUO. Thus, COL17A1 maintains urothelium integrity by regulating urothelial cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation, and activates local immune responses during obstructive uropathy in mammals.

Expression of Indian hedgehog signaling in murine oviductal infundibulum and its relationship with epithelial homeostasis.

Homeostasis of the oviductal infundibulum epithelium is continuously regulated by signaling pathways under physiological and pathological conditions. Herein, we investigated the expression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling-related components in the murine oviductal infundibulum, which is known to maintain homeostasis in the adult epithelium. Additionally, using autoimmune disease-prone MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice showing abnormal morphofunction of the ciliated epithelium of the infundibulum related to the oviductal inflammation, we examined the relationship between Hh signaling and pathology of the infundibulum. The expression and localization of Pax8, a marker for progenitor cells in the oviductal epithelium, and Foxj1, a marker for ciliogenesis, were examined in the infundibulum. The results showed that Pax8 was downregulated and Foxj1 was upregulated with aging, suggesting that homeostasis of the infundibulum epithelium of MRL/lpr mice was disturbed at 6 months of age. In all mice, the motile cilia of ciliated epithelial cells in the infundibulum harbored Hh signaling pathway-related molecules: patched (Ptch), smoothened (Smo), and epithelial cells harbor Gli. In contrast, Ptch, Smo, and Gli2 were significantly downregulated in the infundibulum of MRL/lpr mice at 6 months of age. The expression levels of Pax8 and Foxj1 were significantly positively correlated with those of Ptch1, Smo, and Gli2. Hh signaling is thought to be involved in homeostasis of the ciliated epithelium in the infundibulum. In MRL/lpr mice, which show exacerbated severe systemic autoimmune abnormalities, molecular alterations in Hh signaling-related components are considered to interact with local inflammation in the infundibulum, leading to disturbances in epithelial homeostasis and reproductive function.

Close Association between Altered Urine-Urothelium Barrier and Tertiary Lymphoid Structure Formation in the Renal Pelvis during Nephritis.

BACKGROUND: Kidneys with chronic inflammation develop tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs). Infectious pyelonephritis is characterized by renal pelvis (RP) inflammation. However, the pathologic features of TLSs, including their formation and association with non-infectious nephritis, are unclear. METHODS: RPs from humans and mice that were healthy or had non-infectious chronic nephritis were analyzed for TLS development, and the mechanism of TLS formation investigated using urothelium or lymphoid structure cultures. RESULTS: Regardless of infection, TLSs in the RP, termed urinary tract-associated lymphoid structures (UTALSs), formed in humans and mice with chronic nephritis. Moreover, urine played a unique role in UTALS formation. Specifically, we identified urinary IFN-γ as a candidate factor affecting urothelial barrier integrity because it alters occludin expression. In a nephritis mouse model, urine leaked from the lumen of the RP into the parenchyma. In addition, urine immunologically stimulated UTALS-forming cells via cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α) and chemokine (CXCL9, CXCL13) production. CXCL9 and CXCL13 were expressed in UTALS stromal cells and urine stimulation specifically induced CXCL13 in cultured fibroblasts. Characteristically, type XVII collagen (BP180), a candidate autoantigen of bullous pemphigoid, was ectopically localized in the urothelium covering UTALSs and associated with UTALS development by stimulating CXCL9 or IL-22 induction via the TNF-α/FOS/JUN pathway. Notably, UTALS development indices were positively correlated with chronic nephritis development. CONCLUSIONS: TLS formation in the RP is possible and altered urine-urothelium barrier-based UTALS formation may represent a novel mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of chronic nephritis, regardless of urinary tract infection.

Ameliorated Renal Pathological Feature in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr Background Interleukin-36 Receptor-Deficient Mice.

Systemic autoimmune diseases frequently induce lupus nephritis, causing altered balance and expression of interleukin 36 receptor (IL-36R) ligands, including agonists (IL-36α, ß, γ) and antagonists (IL-36Ra, IL-38), in kidneys. Here, we established and analyzed a mouse model of lupus nephritis, MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr with IL-36R-knockout (KO), compared to wild-type (WT) mice. In both genotypes, indices for immune abnormalities and renal functions were comparable, although female WT mice showed higher serum autoantibody levels than males. IL-36R ligand expression did not differ significantly between genotypes at the mRNA level or in IL-36α and IL-38 scores. However, glomerular lesions, especially mesangial matrix expansion, were significantly ameliorated in both sexes of IL-36R-KO mice compared to WT mice. Cell infiltration into the tubulointerstitium with the development of tertiary lymphoid structures was comparable between genotypes. However, the positive correlation with the IL-36α score in WT mice was not evident in IL-36R-KO mice. Fibrosis was less in female IL-36R-KO mice than in WT mice. Importantly, some IL-36α+ nuclei co-localized with acetylated lysine and GCN5 histone acetyltransferase, in both genotypes. Therefore, IL-36R ligands, especially IL-36α, contribute to the progression of renal pathology in lupus nephritis via IL-36R-dependent and IL-36R-independent pathways.

Scanning electron microscopy of Quilonia renniei from Asian elephants revealing variation in coronal leaflet number.

Although parasitic nematodes in the genera Murshidia and Quilonia (family Strongylidae) are recognized as major gastrointestinal parasites in Asian elephants, they have been poorly studied. Recently, light micrographs of these parasites in Myanmar have been presented, almost 100 years after the original drawings. However, the number of coronal leaflets, a key taxonomic feature of Quilonia species, has not been precisely determined based on light microscopy. The current study aimed to determine the exact number of coronal leaflets in Quilonia renniei specimens from Asian elephants in Myanmar. On the basis of scanning electron micrographs, leaflet number in females (19­20, average 19.7, n = 9) was significantly higher (P < 0.005) than that in males (16­19, average 18.1, n = 8). This compares with 18 coronal leaflets indicated in the original species description. Specimens bearing 19 coronal leaflets were most numerous, followed by those with 20 leaflets. Median-joining network analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene sequences with 16 haplotypes from 19 individuals revealed no clear association between parasite populations and the number of coronal leaflets. These results highlight the importance of determining the number of coronal leaflets in the taxonomy of Q. renniei and other related Quilonia species infecting Asian elephants.

Characterization of a copper transporter 1 from Dermanyssus gallinae as a vaccine antigen.

Poultry red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae, PRM) are dangerous ectoparasites that infest chickens and threaten the poultry industry worldwide. PRMs usually develop resistance to chemical acaricides, necessitating the development of more effective preventive agents, and vaccination could be an alternative strategy for controlling PRMs. The suitability of plasma membrane proteins expressed in the midguts as vaccine antigens was evaluated because these molecules are exposed to antibodies in the ingested blood and the binding of antibodies could potentially induce direct damage to midgut tissue and indirect damage via inhibition of the functions of target molecules. Therefore, in the present study, a copper transporter 1-like molecule (Dg-Ctr1) was identified and its efficacy as a vaccine antigen was assessed in vitro. Dg-Ctr1 mRNA was expressed in the midguts and ovaries and in all the life stages, and flow cytometric analysis indicated that Dg-Ctr1 was expressed on the plasma membrane. Importantly, nymphs fed on plasma derived from chickens immunized with the recombinant protein of the extracellular region of Dg-Ctr1 showed a significant reduction in the survival rate. These data indicate that the application of Dg-Ctr1 as a vaccine antigen could reduce the number of nymphs in the farms, contributing to reduction in the economic losses caused by PRMs in the poultry industry. To establish an effective vaccination strategy, the acaricidal effects of the combined use of Dg-Ctr1 with chemical acaricides or other vaccine antigens must be examined.

Cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) with a high prevalence of hydrocephalus without clinical symptoms.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a condition in which the ventricle is enlarged without elevated cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and it generally develops in later life and progresses slowly. A complete animal model that mimics human idiopathic NPH has not yet been established, and the onset mechanisms and detailed pathomechanisms of NPH are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate a high spontaneous prevalence (34.6%) of hydrocephalus without clinical symptoms in inbred cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus). In all 46 hydrocephalic cotton rats, the severity was mild or moderate and not severe. The dilation was limited to the lateral ventricles, and none of the hemorrhage, ventriculitis, meningitis, or tumor formation was found in hydrocephalic cotton rats. These findings indicate that the type of hydrocephalus in cotton rats is similar to that of communicating idiopathic NPH. Histopathological examinations revealed that the inner granular and pyramidal layers (layers IV and V) of the neocortex became thinner in hydrocephalic brains. A small number of pyramidal cells were positive for Fluoro-Jade C (a degenerating neuron marker) and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)-immunoreactive microglia were in contact with the degenerating neurons in the hydrocephalic neocortex, suggesting that hydrocephalic cotton rats are more or less impaired projections from the neocortex. This study highlights cotton rats as a candidate for novel models to elucidate the pathomechanism of idiopathic NPH. Additionally, cotton rats have some noticeable systemic pathological phenotypes, such as chronic kidney disease and metabolic disorders. Thus, this model might also be useful for researching the comorbidities of NPH to other diseases.

Histopathological Impact of Bleomycin on Lung Injury and Development of Mediastinal Fat-Associated Lymphoid Clusters in the Lymphoproliferative Mouse Model.

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the impact of bleomycin on the degree of lung injury and development of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) in the lymphoproliferative mouse model (MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr "Lpr") and its control strain (MRL/MpJ "MpJ"). We analyzed immune cells, the degree of proliferation, lymphatic vessels (LVs), and high endothelial venules (HEVs) in lungs and MFALCs in Lpr and MpJ mice on the 7th and 21st days following intranasal instillation of either bleomycin (BLM group) or PBS (PBS group). The BLM group showed a significant increase in the size of MFALCs, lung injury score, and positive area ratios of LVs, HEVs, and immune cells (especially macrophages, B- and T-lymphocytes) on both days 7 and 21. Interestingly, the lungs in the BLM group on day 21 showed higher collagen deposition and cellular infiltration in MpJ and Lpr, respectively. Moreover, significant positive correlations were observed between the size of MFALCs and lung injury. In conclusion, BLM could exert lung fibrosis or lymphoproliferative infiltration in chronic stages in MpJ and Lpr, respectively, and this varied effect could be due to the variations in the degree of immune cell proliferation and the development of LVs and HEVs among the studied strains.

The Ameliorative Effect of Dexamethasone on the Development of Autoimmune Lung Injury and Mediastinal Fat-Associated Lymphoid Clusters in an Autoimmune Disease Mouse Model.

In our previous study, we revealed the ameliorative therapeutic effect of dexamethasone (Dex) for Lupus nephritis lesions in the MRL/MpJ-Fas lpr/lpr (Lpr) mouse model. The female Lpr mice developed a greater number of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) and inflammatory lung lesions compared to the male mice. However, the effect of Dex, an immunosuppressive drug, on both lung lesions and the development of MFALCs in Lpr mice has not been identified yet. Therefore, in this study, we compared the development of lung lesions and MFALCs in female Lpr mice that received either saline (saline group "SG") or dexamethasone (dexamethasone group "DG") in drinking water as a daily dose along with weekly intraperitoneal injections for 10 weeks. Compared to the SG group, the DG group showed a significant reduction in the levels of serum anti-dsDNA antibodies, the size of MFALCs, the degree of lung injury, the area of high endothelial venules (HEVs), and the number of proliferating and immune cells in both MFALCs and the lungs. A significant positive correlation was observed between the size of MFALCs and the cellular aggregation in the lungs of Lpr mice. Therefore, this study confirmed the ameliorative effect of Dex on the development of lung injury and MFALCs via their regressive effect on both immune cells' proliferative activity and the development of HEVs. Furthermore, the reprogramming of MFALCs by targeting immune cells and HEVs may provide a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune-disease-associated lung injury.

Potential Role of Nonneutralizing IgA Antibodies in Cross-Protective Immunity against Influenza A Viruses of Multiple Hemagglutinin Subtypes.

IgA antibodies on mucosal surfaces are known to play an important role in protection from influenza A virus (IAV) infection and are believed to be more potent than IgG for cross-protective immunity against IAVs of multiple hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes. However, in general, neutralizing antibodies specific to HA are principally HA subtype specific. Here, we focus on nonneutralizing but broadly cross-reactive HA-specific IgA antibodies. Recombinant IgG, monomeric IgA (mIgA), and polymeric secretory IgA (pSIgA) antibodies were generated based on the sequence of a mouse anti-HA monoclonal antibody (MAb) 5A5 that had no neutralizing activity but showed broad binding capacity to multiple HA subtypes. While confirming that there was no neutralizing activity of the recombinant MAbs against IAV strains A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (H1N1), A/Adachi/2/1957 (H2N2), A/Hong Kong/483/1997 (H5N1), A/shearwater/South Australia/1/1972 (H6N5), A/duck/England/1/1956 (H11N6), and A/duck/Alberta/60/1976 (H12N5), we found that pSIgA, but not mIgA and IgG, significantly reduced budding and release of most of the viruses from infected cells. Electron microscopy demonstrated that pSIgA deposited newly produced virus particles on the surfaces of infected cells, most likely due to tethering of virus particles. Furthermore, we found that pSIgA showed significantly higher activity to reduce plaque sizes of the viruses than IgG and mIgA. These results suggest that nonneutralizing pSIgA reactive to multiple HA subtypes may play a role in intersubtype cross-protective immunity against IAVs.IMPORTANCE Mucosal immunity represented by pSIgA plays important roles in protection from IAV infection. Furthermore, IAV HA-specific pSIgA antibodies are thought to contribute to cross-protective immunity against multiple IAV subtypes. However, the mechanisms by which pSIgA exerts such versatile antiviral activity are not fully understood. In this study, we generated broadly cross-reactive recombinant IgG and pSIgA having the same antigen-recognition site and compared their antiviral activities in vitro These recombinant antibodies did not show "classical" neutralizing activity, whereas pSIgA, but not IgG, significantly inhibited the production of progeny virus particles from infected cells. Plaque formation was also significantly reduced by pSIgA, but not IgG. These effects were seen in infection with IAVs of several different HA subtypes. Based on our findings, we propose an antibody-mediated host defense mechanism by which mucosal immunity may contribute to broad cross-protection from IAVs of multiple HA subtypes, including viruses with pandemic potential.

Compartmentalization of interleukin 36 subfamily according to inducible and constitutive expression in the kidneys of a murine autoimmune nephritis model.

The interleukin (IL) 36 subfamily belongs to the IL-1 family and is comprised of agonists (IL-36α, IL-36ß, IL-36γ) and antagonists (IL-36Ra, IL-38). We previously reported IL-36α overexpression in renal tubules of chronic nephritis mice. To understand the localization status and biological relationships among each member of the IL-36 subfamily in the kidneys, MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice were investigated as autoimmune nephritis models using pathology-based techniques. MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice exhibited disease onset from 3 months and severe nephritis at 6-7 months (early and late stages, respectively). Briefly, IL-36γ and IL-36Ra were constitutively expressed in murine kidneys, while the expression of IL-36α, IL-36ß, IL-36Ra, and IL-38 was induced in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice. IL-36α expression was significantly increased and localized to injured tubular epithelial cells (TECs). CD44+-activated parietal epithelial cells (PECs) also exhibited higher IL-36α-positive rates, particularly in males. IL-36ß and IL-38 are expressed in interstitial plasma cells. Quantitative indices for IL-36α and IL-38 positively correlated with nephritis severity. Similar to IL-36α, IL-36Ra localized to TECs and PECs at the late stage; however, MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr and healthy MRL/MpJ mice possessed IL-36Ra+ smooth muscle cells in kidney arterial tunica media at both stages. IL-36γ was constitutively expressed in renal sympathetic axons regardless of strain and stage. IL-36 receptor gene was ubiquitously expressed in the kidneys and was induced proportional to disease severity. MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice kidneys possessed significantly upregulated IL-36 downstream candidates, including NF-κB- or MAPK-pathway organizing molecules. Thus, the IL-36 subfamily contributes to homeostasis and inflammation in the kidneys, and especially, an IL-36α-dominant imbalance could strongly impact nephritis deterioration.

Novel polychrome staining distinguishing osteochondral tissue and bone cells in decalcified paraffin sections.

The bone is a dynamic and metabolically active organ in which growth and resorption of the osteochondral matrix is orchestrated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. For decalcified paraffin-embedded specimens, decalcifying agents alter the staining intensity, and excess decalcification interferes with bone staining. Robust bone staining methods independent of the decalcification conditions and animal species are lacking. In this study, we have developed a novel polychrome staining method, named JFRL staining, which stains the components of osteochondral tissue in different colors. With this staining we could visualize the hyaline cartilage as blue by alcian blue, osteoid as red by picrosirius red, and mineralized bone as green by picro-light green SF or picro-naphthol green B and easily distinguished osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts. In mineralized bone, this staining revealed the obvious lamellar structures and woven bone. Notably, this staining was independent of the decalcification conditions and experimental animal species examined. To verify the usefulness of JFRL staining, we observed cotton rat tail which has shorter length and shows a false autotomy. The caudal vertebrae were normally developed via endochondral ossification without a fracture plane. At 6 months of age, the number of chondrocytes declined and the hypertrophic zone was absent at the epiphyseal plate, which might reflect the shorter tail. In conclusion, JFRL staining is the first method to simultaneously distinguish osteochondral matrix and bone cells in one section regardless of decalcifying conditions. This robust staining will provide new information for a wide number of biomedical fields, including bone development, physiology, and pathology.

Anatomy and histology of the foramen of ovarian bursa opening to the peritoneal cavity and its changes in autoimmune disease-prone mice.

The ovarian bursa is a small peritoneal cavity enclosed by the mesovarium and mesosalpinx, which surrounds the ovaries and oviductal infundibulum in mammals. The ovarian bursa is considered as the structure facilitating the transport of ovulated oocytes into the oviduct. Our previous study revealed reduced oocyte pick-up function in the oviduct of lupus-prone MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mouse, suggesting the possibility of an escape of ovulated oocytes into the peritoneal cavity, despite the presence of an almost complete ovarian bursa in the mouse. In this study, we revealed anatomical and histological characteristics of the ovarian bursa in C57BL/6 N, MRL/MpJ, and MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice. All strains had the foramen of ovarian bursa (FOB), with a size of approximately 0.04 to 0.12 cm2 , surrounded by the ligament of ovarian bursa (LOB), which is part of the mesosalpinx. The LOB was partially lined with the cuboidal mesothelial cells and consisted of a thick smooth muscle layer in all strains. In 6-month-old MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice, in which the systemic autoimmune abnormality deteriorated and oocyte pick-up function was impaired, the size of the FOB tended to be larger than that of other strains. Additionally, in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr/lpr mice at 6 months of age, there was infiltration by numerous immune cells in the mesosalpinx suspending the isthmus; however, the LOB prevented severe inflammation and showed deposition of collagen fibers. These results not only indicate that the FOB is a common structure within mice, but also imply the physiological function of the LOB and its role in maintaining the microenvironment around the ovary, as well as regulating healthy reproduction.

Intestinal Behçet's disease complicated by myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal lesions, which sometimes develop in Behçet's disease (BD), are referred to as intestinal BD. Although rare, intestinal BD can be accompanied by myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with abnormal karyotype trisomy 8, which is refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung complication of BD and MDS. Herein, we present an extremely rare case of intestinal BD presenting with MDS and several chromosomal abnormalities, followed by secondary pulmonary proteinosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old Japanese woman with a 3-year history of genital ulcers and oral aphthae was admitted to our hospital. The patient developed abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Colonoscopy revealed multiple, round, punched-out ulcers from the terminal ileum to the descending colon. Intestinal BD was diagnosed and the patient was treated with colchicine, prednisolone, and adalimumab. However, her symptoms were unstable. Bone marrow examination to investigate the persistent macrocytic anemia revealed the presence of trisomy 8, trisomy 9, and X chromosome abnormalities (48, + 8, + 9, X, i(X) (q10) in 12 out of the examined 20 cells). Based on her hypoplastic bone marrow, the patient was diagnosed with low-risk MDS (refractory anemia). At the age of 61, the patient developed pneumonia with fever and diffuse ground-glass opacities on the lung computed tomography (CT). Chest high-resolution CT and histopathology via transbronchial lung biopsy revealed the presence of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP). These findings combined with the underlying disease led to the diagnosis of secondary PAP. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary pulmonary proteinosis may accompany intestinal BD with MDS and several chromosomal abnormalities. Physicians should pay attention to lung complications, such as PAP, in patients with intestinal BD complicated by MDS. Genetic abnormalities may be associated with the development of such diseases.

Pathological Alternations of Mediastinal Fat-Associated Lymphoid Cluster and Lung in a Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mouse Model.

Diabetes is a devastating global health problem and is considered a predisposing factor for lung injury progression. Furthermore, previous reports of the authors revealed the role of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) in advancing respiratory diseases. However, no reports concerning the role of MFALCs on the development of lung injury in diabetes have been published. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the correlations between diabetes and the development of MFALCs and the progression of lung injury in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic mouse model. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis for immune cells (CD3+ T-lymphocytes, B220+ B-lymphocytes, Iba1+ macrophages, and Gr1+ granulocytes), vessels markers (CD31+ endothelial cells and LYVE-1+ lymphatic vessels "LVs"), and inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-5) was performed. In comparison to the control group, the diabetic group showed lung injury development with a significant increase in MFALC size, immune cells, LVs, and inflammatory marker, and a considerable decrease of CD31+ endothelial cells in both lung and MFALCs was observed. Furthermore, the blood glucose level showed significant positive correlations with MFALCs size, lung injury, immune cells, inflammatory markers, and LYVE-1+ LVs in lungs and MFALCs. Thus, we suggest that the development of MFALCs and LVs could contribute to lung injury progression in diabetic conditions.

Altered Renal Pathology in an Autoimmune Disease Mouse Model After Induction of Diabetes Mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a predisposing factor for renal disorder progression and is referred to as diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, there are no reports of DKD with an underlying autoimmune disorder. In this study, we compared the pathophysiological changes caused by DM induction after streptozotocin (STZ) injection in comparison with that in a control group receiving citrate buffer (CB) in the autoimmune disease model mice "BXSB/MpJ-Yaa" (Yaa) and the wild-type strain BXSB/MpJ. Both strains showed hyperglycemia after 12 weeks of STZ injection. Interestingly, the Yaa group developed membranous and proliferative glomerulonephritis, which tended to be milder glomerular lesions in the STZ group than in the CB group, as indicated by a decreased mesangial area and ameliorated albuminuria. Statistically, the indices for hyperglycemia and autoimmune abnormalities were negatively and positively correlated with the histopathological parameters for mesangial matrix production and glomerular proliferative lesions, respectively. STZ treatment induced renal tubular anisonucleosis and dilations in both strains, and they were more severe in Yaa. Significantly decreased cellular infiltration was observed in the Yaa group compared to the CB group. Thus, in DKD related to autoimmune nephritis, hyperglycemia modifies its pathology by decreasing the mesangial area and interstitial inflammation and aggravating renal tubular injury.

Morphological Features of the Testis among Autoimmune Mouse Model and Healthy Strains.

Autoimmune diseases play a critical role in the progression of infertility in both sexes and their severity has been reported to increase with age. However, few reports have discussed their effect on the morphological features of the testis. Therefore, we compared the morphological alterations in the testes of autoimmune model mice (MRL/MpJ-Faslpr) and the control strain (MRL/MpJ) with those of their background strain (C57BL/6N) at 3 and 6 months. Furthermore, we analyzed the changes in spermatocytes, Sertoli cells, immune cells, and Zonula occludens-1 junctional protein by immunohistochemical staining. The MRL/MpJ-Faslpr mice showed a significant increase in the serum Anti-double stranded DNA antibody level, relative spleen weight, and seminiferous luminal area when compared with other studied two strains. In contrast, a significant decrease in the relative testis weight, and numbers of both Sertoli, meiotic spermatocyte was observed in MRL/MpJ-Faslpr and MRL/MpJ mice compared with C57BL/6N mice especially at 6 months. Similarly, Zonula occludens-1 junctional protein positive cells showed a significant decrease in the same strains at 6 months. However, no immune cell infiltration could be observed among the studied three strains. Our findings suggest that the increase in autoimmune severity especially with age could lead to infertility through loss of spermatogenic and Sertoli cells, rather than the disturbance of the blood-testis barrier.

Possible Crosstalk of the Immune Cells within the Lung and Mediastinal Fat-Associated Lymphoid Clusters in the Acute Inflammatory Lung Asthma-Like Mouse Model.

Recently, we clarified the function of mediastinal fat-associated lymphoid clusters (MFALCs) in the progression of several respiratory diseases. However, their role has not yet been identified in the lung asthmatic condition. Hence, we compared the immune cells in lung and MFALCs of C57BL/6N mice on days 3 and 7 following intranasal instillation of either papain (papain group "PG") or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) (vehicle group "VG"). The PG showed significantly prominent MFALCs, numerous goblet cells (GCs), and higher index ratios of different immune cells (macrophages, natural helper cells (NHC), B- and T-lymphocytes) within the MFALCs and lung than in the VG on both days 3 and 7. Interestingly, a tendency of decreased size of MFALCs and a significant reduction in the number of GCs and immune cells were observed within the MFALCs and lung in the PG on day 7 than on day 3. Furthermore, the quantitative parameters of these immune cells in MFALCs were significantly and positively correlated with the size of MFALCs and immune cells in the lung. This suggested that the possible crosstalk between immune cells within MFALCs and the lung could play a critical role in the progression and recovery of the acute inflammatory lung asthma.

Age-related glomerular lesions with albuminuria in male cotton rats.

The increased prevalence of aging-related chronic kidney disease (CKD) among humans is a problem worldwide. Aged cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) are considered novel model animals for studying CKD, especially as the females develop severe tubulointerstitial lesions with anemia. To investigate the renal pathologic features in aged male cotton rats and their characteristic glomerular injuries, the animals were divided into young, adult, old-aged, and advanced-aged groups (1-4, 5-8, 9-12, and 13-17 months, respectively) and pathologically analyzed. Anemia and renal dysfunction, as indicated by hematologic and serologic parameters, were significantly milder in the advanced-aged males than in the old-aged females. The males had increased urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratios from the old-age period, with the advanced-aged males having significantly higher levels than those in the old-aged females and young males. The old-aged females did not show clear glomerular injuries, whereas the advanced-aged males showed membranous lesions characterized by irregular and thickened glomerular basement membranes (GBMs). Characteristically, several large-sized projections from the GBM toward the podocytes were observed by microscopy, and podocytes covering these projections effaced their foot processes. The advanced-aged males showed aging-related IgG immune-complex depositions in the paramesangial regions and along the GBM. Furthermore, the positive reaction for podocin (a podocyte molecule) was granulated along the GBM. Thus, we clarified the albuminuria associated with altered glomerular structures in advanced-aged cotton rats, and that these phenotypes were closely associated with aging. These data help to clarify the aging-related pathogenesis of glomerular injury.

Immune-associated renal disease found in caspase 3-deficient mice.

Caspase (CASP) 3 is known as a representative effector CASP of apoptosis and recently as a mediator in inflammatory cell death called pyroptosis. Interestingly, homozygotes of Casp3 knockout (KO) mice with 129-background show complete embryonic lethality; however, some of those with C57BL/6 (B6)-background (B6.129S1-Casp3tm1Flv/J) survived at a lower rate (KO, 11%; WT, 22%), developing immune abnormality-associated renal phenotypes. Homozygotes of Casp3 KO mice with B6-background that survived for 8-12 months showed abnormality in the kidney and spleen but not in other organs. Briefly, these Casp3 KO kidneys showed proliferative glomerular lesions characterized by increased cells, matrices, immune complex depositions containing IgA and complement 3 in the mesangial area, podocyte injuries and inflammatory cell infiltrations in the tubulointerstitium. However, severe membranous lesion or renal dysfunction was not observed. Increased expression of inflammation-associated gene sets and inflammatory Casps, including Casp12, was observed in these Casp3 KO kidneys. Moreover, these Casp3 KO mice showed mild splenomegaly compared with WT mice. Thus, the long-surviving Casp3 KO mice with B6-background developed renal lesions with altered immune conditions. CASP3 deficiency and aging factors could affect this phenotype by altering the function and/or development of each cell in the kidney and immune organs.