Abstract-ACE2, initially cloned from a human heart, is a recently described homologue of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) but contains only a single enzymatic site that catalyzes the cleavage of angiotensin I to angiotensin 1-9 [Ang(1-9)] and is not inhibited by classic ACE inhibitors. It also converts angiotensin II to Ang(1-7). Although the role of ACE2 in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system is not known, the renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications and in particular in diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the possible involvement of this new enzyme in the kidney from diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats to compare and contrast it to ACE. ACE2 and ACE gene and protein expression were measured in the kidney after 24 weeks of streptozocin diabetes. ACE2 and ACE mRNA levels were decreased in diabetic renal tubules by Ϸ50% and were not influenced by ACE inhibitor treatment with ramipril. By immunostaining, both ACE2 and ACE protein were localized predominantly to renal tubules. In the diabetic kidney, there was reduced ACE2 protein expression that was prevented by ACE inhibitor therapy. The identification of ACE2 in the kidney, its modulation in diabetes, and the recent description that this enzyme plays a biological role in the generation and degradation of various angiotensin peptides provides a rationale to further explore the role of this enzyme in various pathophysiological states including diabetic complications. Key Words: angiotensin-converting enzyme Ⅲ diabetic nephropathy Ⅲ angiotensin Ⅲ diabetes mellitus A ngiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key enzyme in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). 1 It contains 2 active domains and converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor, growth modulator, and proinflammatory peptide. In addition, this enzyme degrades bradykinin, a vasodilator. 1 A chemically related enzyme, ACE-related carboxypeptidase, also known as ACE2, has recently been cloned and identified by 2 different groups. 2,3 ACE2 has 42% homology with ACE at the metalloprotease catalytic domain 2,3 but differs from ACE in having only one enzymatic site. In humans, ACE2 transcripts have been identified in the heart, kidney, and testis. 2,3 It has been shown that recombinant ACE2 hydrolyses the carboxy terminal leucine from angiotensin I to generate angiotensin(1-9). 2,3 ACE2 also has a high affinity for angiotensin II, 4 resulting in its degradation to the vasodilator, angiotensin(1-7). 2 Furthermore, ACE2 is not inhibited by classic ACE inhibitors such as captopril and lisinopril. 2 A rat homologue of ACE2 has been cloned (GenBank No. AF291820) that allows exploration of this metalloprotease in rodents in normal and disease states such as diabetes, in which the RAS is considered to play a pivotal role in the development of complications. 5
Abstract-The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on extracellular matrix components leads to accelerated increases in collagen cross linking that contributes to myocardial stiffness in diabetes. This study determined the effect of the crosslink breaker, ALT-711 on diabetes-induced cardiac disease.
OBJECTIVEProgressive fibrosis in the diabetic kidney is driven and sustained by a diverse range of profibrotic factors. This study examines the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the regulation of the key fibrotic mediators, TGF-β1 and TGF-β2.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSRat proximal-tubular epithelial cells (NRK52E) were treated with TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 for 3 days, and expression of markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibrogenesis were assessed by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The expression of miR-141 and miR-200a was also assessed, as was their role as translational repressors of TGF-β signaling. Finally, these pathways were explored in two different mouse models, representing early and advanced diabetic nephropathy.RESULTSBoth TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 induced EMT and fibrogenesis in NRK52E cells. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 also downregulated expression of miR-200a. The importance of these changes was demonstrated by the finding that ectopic expression miR-200a downregulated smad-3 activity and the expression of matrix proteins and prevented TGF-β–dependent EMT. miR-200a also downregulated the expression of TGF-β2, via direct interaction with the 3′ untranslated region of TGF-β2. The renal expression of miR-141 and miR-200a was also reduced in mouse models representing early and advanced kidney disease.CONCLUSIONSmiR-200a and miR-141 significantly impact on the development and progression of TGF-β–dependent EMT and fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. These miRNAs appear to be intricately involved in fibrogenesis, both as downstream mediators of TGF-β signaling and as components of feedback regulation, and as such represent important new targets for the prevention of progressive kidney disease in the context of diabetes.
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