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Biomedical subjects

Olivier Devuyst

Publications and source records attributed to Olivier Devuyst.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

High citrate diet delays progression of renal insufficiency in the ClC-5 knockout mouse model of Dent's disease.

BACKGROUND: Dent's disease, an X-linked renal tubular disorder, is characterized by low-molecular-weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, and progressive renal failure. Dent's disease results from mutations of the voltage-gated chloride channel CLC-5. METHODS: We studied the effect of zero and high citrate diet on renal function of ClC-5 knockout mice and wild-type mice. The mice were placed in metabolic cages from which the urine was collected. Mice were sacrificed to obtain serum and tissues for analysis. RESULTS: ClC-5 knockout mice fed zero or high citrate diet had significantly increased urinary calcium excretion compared with wild-type mice fed the same diets. Nine-month-old ClC-5 knockout mice on a zero citrate diet had significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), whereas 9-month-old ClC-5 knockout mice on a high citrate diet had normal renal function. ClC-5 knockout mice fed a zero citrate diet had significantly increased tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, cystic changes, and nephrocalcinosis compared to ClC-5 knockout mice fed a high citrate diet. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was significantly increased in 9-month-old ClC-5 knockout mice on zero citrate diet compared to 9-month-old wild-type mice on the same diet. CONCLUSION: High citrate diet preserved renal function and delayed progression of renal disease in ClC-5 knockout mice even in the apparent absence of stone formation. We conclude from this that long-term control of hypercalciuria is an important factor in preventing renal failure in these mice.

Animals↗

Chloride channels and endocytosis: new insights from Dent's disease and ClC-5 knockout mice.

Dent's disease is a hereditary renal tubular disorder characterized by low-molecular weight (LMW) proteinuria, hypercalciuria and nephrolithiasis. The disease is due to mutations of ClC-5, a member of the family of voltage-gated CLC chloride channels. ClC-5 is expressed in part in cells lining the proximal tubule (PT) of the kidney, where it colocalizes with albumin-containing endocytic vesicles belonging to the receptor-mediated endocytic pathway that ensures efficient reabsorption of ultrafiltrated LMW proteins. Since progression along the endocytic apparatus requires endosomal acidification, it has been suggested that dysfunction of ClC-5 in endosomes may lead to inefficient reabsorption of LMW proteins and dysfunction of PT cells. Analysis of a ClC-5 knockout (KO) mouse model, displaying all the characteristic renal tubular defects of Dent's disease, showed evidence of a severe LMW proteinuria. Cytochemical studies with the endocytic tracer, peroxidase, showed poor transfer into early endocytic vesicles, suggesting that impairment of receptor-mediated endocytosis in PT cells is the basis for the defective uptake of LMW proteins in patients with Dent's disease. Endocytosis and processing of LMW proteins involve the multiligand tandem receptors, megalin and cubilin, that are abundantly expressed at the brush border of PT cells. Characterization of the endocytic defect in ClC-5 KO mice revealed that ligands of both megalin and cubilin were affected. The total kidney content of megalin and especially cubilin at the protein level was decreased but, more importantly, using analytical subcellular fractionation and quantitative immunogold labelling we demonstrated a selective disappearance of megalin and cubilin at the brush border of PT cells. These observations allowed us to conclude that defective protein endocytosis linked to ClC-5 inactivation is due at least in part to a major and selective loss of megalin and cubilin at the brush border, reflecting a trafficking defect in renal PT cells. These results improve our understanding of Dent's disease, taken as a paradigm for renal Fanconi syndrome and nephrolithiasis, and demonstrate multiple roles for ClC-5 in the kidney. These studies also provided insights into important functions such as apical endocytosis, handling of proteins by renal tubular cells, calcium metabolism, and urinary acidification.

Animals↗

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase reverses permeability changes in a mouse model of acute peritonitis.

Acute peritonitis is the most frequent complication of peritoneal dialysis. Previous studies have suggested a major role for nitric oxide (NO) in the permeability changes and loss of ultrafiltration induced by acute peritonitis. In this study, we further investigated the potential role of NO in a mouse model of peritonitis induced by Escherichia coli Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A 2-hour peritoneal equilibration test was performed in control and LPS-treated mice using 7% glucose dialysate supplemented or not with the NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The levels of NO metabolites in the dialysate were maximal 18 hours after LPS injection. At that time, acute peritonitis induced by LPS was reflected by an increased recruitment of leukocytes, an increased intraperitoneal release of interleukin-6, a significant increase in the peritoneal permeability for small solutes, a loss of sodium sieving, and a loss of ultrafiltration in comparison with controls. Addition of L-NAME in LPS-treated mice significantly reversed permeability modifications and prevented the release of NO metabolites into the dialysate. These results confirm that increased NO mediates permeability modifications during acute peritonitis, and illustrate the potential of mouse models to investigate the molecular mechanisms regulating peritoneal permeability.

Acute Disease↗

Impaired osmoregulation in anorexia nervosa: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa (AN) has been associated with abnormal osmoregulation and impaired urinary concentrating capacity. Conflicting results suggest that the disorder may be related to hypothalamic dysfunction and/or a primary renal defect. The role of antidepressants, which are increasingly prescribed in AN patients, has not been evaluated. METHODS: We analysed renal function as well as electrolyte disturbances and osmoregulation parameters at baseline and following a water deprivation test in 12 well-defined AN patients (all females, 10 taking antidepressants) vs 12 age-matched controls and 11 young female patients taking antidepressants. RESULTS: In comparison with matched controls, patients with AN were characterized by a significant alteration of osmoregulation both at baseline [lower plasma sodium and osmolality, abnormally high levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and tendency towards more concentrated urine] and after water deprivation (impaired ADH reaction and lower urinary concentrating ability). The AN patients had no electrolyte abnormalities. The two patients with the shortest duration of AN showed a normal urinary concentrating ability. Patients taking antidepressants showed similar but less marked changes than AN patients, including a lower urinary concentrating ability. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that AN patients are characterized by abnormal osmoregulation at baseline and a lack of reactivity of ADH with a significant urinary concentrating defect after water deprivation. The origin of these defects in AN patients is probably multifactorial, but the duration of the disease and the prescription of antidepressants could play a role.

Adult↗

Metabolic effects of amino acid solutions infused for renal protection during therapy with radiolabelled somatostatin analogues.

BACKGROUND: Infusion of amino acids (AAs) can reduce renal uptake of radiolabelled somatostatin analogues resulting in a lower kidney exposure during peptide radiotherapy of patients with neuroendocrine tumours. In this study, we investigated the metabolic effects related to the infusion of large amounts of amino acids in patients undergoing positron emission tomography (PET) studies with [(86)Y]DOTA(0)-D-Phe(1)-Tyr(3)-octreotide. METHODS: Twenty-four patients, in four consecutive groups of six, received a 4 h infusion of 120 g of mixed AAs and, in addition, either a 4 h infusion of 50 g of L-lysine (n = 6), a 10 h infusion of 240 g of mixed AAs (n = 6), a 4 h infusion of 50 g of L-lysine + L-arginine (Lys-Arg; n = 6) or no infusion (control; n = 6) in randomly ordered crossover studies. A number of clinical and biochemical parameters in blood and urine were measured over 24 h, including calculation of creatinine clearance, tubular reabsorption of inorganic phosphate (TRP) and fractional urate excretion. RESULTS: No clinical side effects occurred during the infusions except for nausea and vomiting under mixed AAs. Patients in the latter group showed an increase in serum urea, whereas patients receiving L-lysine showed an increase in serum potassium and chloride. Inorganic phosphate levels dropped at 2.5 h in all groups except controls, and a significant decrease in TRP was observed with mixed AAs but not with L-lysine or Lys-Arg. CONCLUSION: Although infusion of AA solutions can improve the effect of therapy by allowing the administration of higher doses of radiolabelled somatostatin analogues, each preparation has specific sides effects that should be taken into account with this type of therapy.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

The triggering of human peritoneal mesothelial cell apoptosis and oncosis by glucose and glycoxydation products.

BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) have been shown to alter mesothelial cell functions. To further determine the mechanisms involved, we investigated the effects of glucose, glucose degradation products (GDPs) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on the inhibition of human peritoneal mesothelial cell (HPMC) proliferation and the induction of apoptosis and oncosis. METHODS: Four PDF solutions, heat-sterilized dextrose-lactate, filtered dextrose-lactate and heat-sterilized dextrose-bicarbonate-lactate, each containing 15 or 45 g/l glucose, and heat-sterilized icodextrin-lactate, containing 75 g/l icodextrin, were tested. In addition, we analysed the independent and synergistic effects of two glucose compounds, i.e. 3-deoxyglucosone (3-DG), a major GDP, and Nepsilon-(carboxymethyl)-lysine (CML), a high-affinity AGE receptor (RAGE) ligand on HPMC viability. Cell proliferation was measured by methyl-[(3)H]thymidine incorporation. Oncosis was quantified by nuclear propidium iodide (PI) DNA-intercalating capability, and apoptosis by the decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential ( triangle up psim). RESULTS: It was found that heat-sterilized dextrose-lactate inhibited HPMC proliferation to a greater extent than filtered dextrose-lactate, heat-sterilized dextrose-bicarbonate-lactate, or heat-sterilized icodextrin-lactate (P<0.001). Compared to filtered dextrose-lactate, heat-sterilized dextrose-lactate induced a significantly greater degree of apoptosis (P<0.05) and oncosis (P<0.01). Glucose-induced cell death and antiproliferative activity were significantly potentiated by the action of 3-DG or CML-albumin. By blocking the AGE-RAGE interaction recombinant soluble-RAGE reduced the PDF-induced inhibitory effect on cell proliferation (P<0.001) and apoptosis (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Heat-sterilized PDFs that contain high glucose concentrations and GDPs, which are AGE precursors, reduce cell proliferation, induce mesothelial cell apoptosis and oncosis, and may be involved in peritoneal damage. PDFs containing lower glucose derivative products are more biocompatible.

Apoptosis↗

Hypertonicity increases CLC-5 expression in mouse medullary thick ascending limb cells.

Genetic studies indicated that mutations of the chloride channel CLC-5 in the kidney are responsible for a group of clinical disorders, collectively called Dent's disease. In the kidney, CLC-5 was found to be expressed in the proximal tubule, medullary thick ascending limb (mTAL) of loop of Henle, and intercalated cells of the collecting tubule. In proximal tubular cells, CLC-5 was found to play an important role in receptor-mediated endocytosis. However, the functional roles of CLC-5 in mTAL and collecting tubules remain unclear. Because mTAL is normally exposed to a hypertonic environment, we aimed to examine the effect of hypertonicity on CLC-5 expression in this nephron segment. Our studies revealed that exposure to hypertonicity (up to 550 mosM) increased CLC-5 mRNA and protein levels in a murine mTAL cell line (MTAL) but not in an opossum kidney (OK) proximal tubular cell line. A similar effect was also found in mouse kidneys, where CLC-5 expression was enhanced in renal medulla, but not cortex, after 48 h of water deprivation. We also tested the effect of hypertonicity on endocytotic activity and found that exposure to hypertonicity caused a significant decrease in cellular uptake of FITC-labeled albumin in OK but not in MTAL cells. Our results suggest that CLC-5 expression is upregulated by hypertonicity in mTAL cells but not in proximal tubular cells. We speculate that the increased CLC-5 levels in mTAL may serve to maintain the endocytotic activity in a hypertonic environment.

Animals↗

Mutations in SEC63 cause autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease.

Mutations in PRKCSH, encoding the beta-subunit of glucosidase II, an N-linked glycan-processing enzyme in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), cause autosomal dominant polycystic liver disease. We found that mutations in SEC63, encoding a component of the protein translocation machinery in the ER, also cause this disease. These findings are suggestive of a role for cotranslational protein-processing pathways in maintaining epithelial luminal structure and implicate noncilial ER proteins in human polycystic disease.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6↗

Genotyping: a new application for the spent dialysate in peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The dialysate of patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) is used to determine the concentration of growth factors and cytokines, and as a source of resident peritoneal cells for subsequent culture experiments. We hypothesized that the cells contained in spent dialysate samples obtained at the time of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and subsequently stored may represent a source of DNA from a given PD patient. METHODS: We characterized a protocol of DNA extraction from dialysates obtained in PD patients after a long dwell during the initial PET and kept frozen up to several years. After amplification of the source DNA by strand displacement using the bacteriophage phi 29 DNA polymerase, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis for the Glu298Asp polymorphism of ENOS to demonstrate the suitability of the extracted DNA for genotyping. RESULTS: A significant amount of DNA (mean yield 12 microg/ml dialysate) was extracted from frozen dialysate samples. The extraction yield was not influenced by the duration of storage at -20 degrees C. Following amplification, the DNA extracted from the dialysate was used successfully for genotyping the Glu298Asp polymorphism of ENOS, as demonstrated by parallel analyses using DNA extracted from the peripheral blood and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that the dialysis effluent obtained at the time of the initial PET and stored at -20 degrees C is a reliable source of DNA that can be used subsequently for PCR amplification, RFLP analysis and sequencing.

Base Sequence↗

Recombinant adenovirus administration in rat peritoneum: endothelial expression and safety concerns.

BACKGROUND: Initial studies of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer to the peritoneum have shown transgene expression in the mesothelium from the parietal peritoneum. Using a replication-deficient adenovirus encoding beta-galactosidase (Ad beta Gal), we investigated the expression efficiency and the distribution of the transgene to different areas of both visceral and parietal peritoneum and to extra-peritoneal tissues. METHODS: Male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 15 ml of 0.9% NaCl alone or containing 1 x 10(9) or 3 x 10(9) p.f.u. of Ad beta Gal. Evaluations of the histology of the peritoneum, the transgene expression and the safety of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer, using measurement of both beta Gal activity and staining, were performed 1, 3 and 5 days post-injection. RESULTS: At 1 day post-injection of 3 x 10(9) p.f.u. of Ad beta Gal, significant beta Gal activity and staining were detected in the omentum and mesenteric peritoneum. beta Gal staining was observed in endothelial cells, mesothelial cells and adipocytes. Focal mononuclear infiltrates restricted to the submesothelial area of the visceral peritoneum were also observed. No expression was detected in the mesocolon and parietal peritoneum, where the mesothelium was damaged. Significant beta Gal activity and staining were observed in lymph nodes, lungs, liver, heart and kidneys, in the absence of inflammatory changes. CONCLUSIONS: Intraperitoneal delivery of adenoviral vectors allows highly efficient transgene expression in mesothelial cells, but also in endothelial cells and adipocytes of the visceral peritoneum. Adverse focal mononuclear infiltrates, as well as spreading of the adenoviral vector from the abdominal cavity to the systemic circulation, were observed in parallel. Transgene expression in endothelial cells is potentially important since the latter play a key role in the alterations of the peritoneal membrane associated with long-term peritoneal dialysis. However, these data emphasize the need for less immunogenic adenoviral vectors, ideally containing an endothelial cell-specific promoter, to overcome immune response-related problems and spreading to extra-peritoneal tissues.

Adenoviridae↗

Comparative ontogeny, processing, and segmental distribution of the renal chloride channel, ClC-5.

BACKGROUND: The renal chloride channel ClC-5, which is responsible for Dent's disease, is coexpressed with the vacuolar H+-ATPase in proximal tubules (PT) and alpha-type intercalated cells (IC) of the mature kidney. Neonatal cases of Dent's disease suggest that ClC-5 distribution must be acquired before birth. However, the ontogeny of ClC-5, and its processing and segmental distribution with respect to related proteins during nephrogenesis remain unknown. METHODS: Immunoblotting, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunostaining, and deglycosylation studies were used to investigate the expression, distribution, and maturation of ClC-5 during mouse and human nephrogenesis, in comparison with H+-ATPase, type II carbonic anhydrase (CAII), and aquaporin-1 (AQP1). RESULTS: An early induction (E13.5-E14.5) of ClC-5 was observed in mouse kidney, with persistence at high levels through late nephrogenesis. This pattern contrasted with the progressive expression of H+-ATPase and AQP1, and the postnatal upregulation of CAII. Immunostaining showed expression of ClC-5 in ureteric buds and, from E14.5, its location in developing PT. From E15.5, ClC-5 codistributed with H+-ATPase in PT cells and alpha-type IC. In the human kidney, ClC-5 was detected from 12 gestation weeks; its distribution was similar to that observed in mouse, except for a later detection in IC. Although mouse and human ClC-5 proteins are glycosylated, biochemical differences between fetal and adult proteins were observed in both species. CONCLUSION: The segmental expression of ClC-5 and H+-ATPase is essentially achieved during early nephrogenesis, in parallel with the onset of glomerular filtration. These data give insight into PT and IC maturation, and explain early phenotypic variants of Dent's disease.

Animals↗

Comparison between siblings and twins supports a role for modifier genes in ADPKD.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by intrafamilial variability in renal disease progression, which could result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Although a role for modifier genes has been evidenced in mouse models, direct evidence in ADPKD patients is lacking. The analysis of variability in affected siblings and monozygotic (MZ) twins would help evaluate the relative contribution of environment and genetic factors on renal disease progression in ADPKD. METHODS: The difference in the age at end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were quantified in a large series of ADPKD siblings from western Europe and compared with the values obtained in a series of MZ ADPKD twins from the same geographic area. RESULTS: Fifty-six sibships (including 129 patients) and nine pairs of MZ twins were included. The difference in the age at ESRD was significantly higher in siblings (6.9 +/- 6.0 years, range 2 months to 23 years) than in MZ twins (2.1 +/- 1.9 years, range 1 month to 6 years; P = 0.02). Furthermore, the intraclass correlation coefficient was significantly lower in siblings than in MZ twins (0.49 vs. 0.92, respectively; P = 0.003). The intrafamilial difference in the age at ESRD was not influenced by gender. CONCLUSION: These data substantiate the existence of a large intrafamilial variability in renal disease progression in ADPKD siblings. The fact that the variability in siblings is in a significant excess of that found in MZ twins strongly suggests that modifier genes account for a significant part of this variability.

Adult↗

Cofilin interacts with ClC-5 and regulates albumin uptake in proximal tubule cell lines.

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is a constitutive high capacity pathway for the reabsorption of proteins from the glomerular filtrate by the renal proximal tubule. ClC-5 is a voltage-gated chloride channel found in the proximal tubule where it has been shown to be essential for protein uptake, based on evidence from patients with Dent's disease and studies in ClC-5 knockout mice. To further delineate the role of ClC-5 in albumin uptake, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen with the C-terminal tail of ClC-5 to identify any interactions of the channel with proteins involved in endocytosis. We found that the C-terminal tail of ClC-5 bound the actin depolymerizing protein, cofilin, a result that was confirmed by GST-fusion pulldown assays. In cultured proximal tubule cells, cofilin was distributed in nuclear, cytoplasmic, and microsomal fractions and co-localized with ClC-5. Phosphorylation of cofilin by overexpressing LIM kinase 1 resulted in a stabilization of the actin cytoskeleton. Phosphorylation of cofilin in two proximal tubule cell models (porcine renal proximal tubule and opossum kidney) was also accompanied by a pronounced inhibition of albumin uptake. This study identifies a novel interaction between the C-terminal tail of ClC-5 and cofilin, an actin-associated protein that is crucial in the regulation of albumin uptake by the proximal tubule.

Actin Depolymerizing Factors↗

Loss of chloride channel ClC-5 impairs endocytosis by defective trafficking of megalin and cubilin in kidney proximal tubules.

Loss of the renal endosome-associated chloride channel, ClC-5, in Dent's disease and knockout (KO) mice strongly inhibits endocytosis of filtered proteins by kidney proximal tubular cells (PTC). The underlying mechanism remains unknown. We therefore tested whether this endocytic failure could primarily reflect a loss of reabsorption by the multiligand receptors, megalin, and cubilin, caused by a trafficking defect. Impaired protein endocytosis in PTC of ClC-5 KO mice was demonstrated by (i) a major decreased uptake of injected 125I-beta 2-microglobulin, but not of the fluid-phase tracer, FITC-dextran, (ii) reduced labeling of endosomes by injected peroxidase and for the endogenous megalin/cubilin ligands, vitamin D- and retinol-binding proteins, and (iii) urinary appearance of low-molecular-weight proteins and the selective cubilin ligand, transferrin. Contrasting with preserved mRNA levels, megalin and cubilin abundance was significantly decreased in kidney extracts of KO mice. Percoll gradients resolving early and late endosomes (Rab5a, Rab7), brush border (villin, aminopeptidase M), and a dense peak comprising lysosomes (acid hydrolases) showed a disappearance of the brush border component for megalin and cubilin in KO mice. Quantitative ultrastructural immunogold labeling confirmed the overall decrease of megalin and cubilin in PTC and their selective loss at the brush border. In contrast, total contents of the rate-limiting endocytic catalysts, Rab5a and Rab7, were unaffected. Thus, impaired protein endocytosis caused by invalidation of ClC-5 primarily reflects a trafficking defect of megalin and cubilin in PTC.

Absorption↗

Aristolochic acid nephropathy and the peritoneum: Functional, structural, and molecular studies.

BACKGROUND: Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a rapidly progressive interstitial nephropathy linked to the exposure to aristolochic acid (AA) and characterized by extensive fibrosis and urothelial atypia. Although the fibrotic process has been documented in extrarenal tissues, the involvement of the peritoneum, as well as the efficacy of peritoneal dialysis in AAN patients, remain uncertain. METHODS: The structure of the peritoneal membrane and the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), collagen type III, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and aquaporin-1 (AQP1) were investigated in peritoneal biopsies from an index AAN patient, four other AAN patients, four regular peritoneal dialysis patients, and two controls. Similar methods were used to investigate a rabbit model of AAN after intraperitoneal exposure to high-dose AA. AA-DNA adducts were screened by 32P-postlabeling analysis. RESULTS: The AAN patients had renal failure, renal fibrosis, and urothelial atypia. The peritoneum of AAN patients had a normal structure, lacked cellular atypia, and, in comparison with regular peritoneal dialysis patients and controls, did not show abnormal regulation of fibrotic and endothelial markers. Furthermore, specific AA-DNA adducts were not identified in the peritoneum of AAN patients. In contrast, AA-DNA adducts were detected in peritoneal and kidney tissues of all exposed rabbits, and one of them developed a malignant mesothelioma. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the lack of fibrotic and vascular alterations and the absence of cellular atypia in the peritoneum from AAN patients. Thus, peritoneal dialysis should not be discouraged in these patients. Nevertheless, studies in a rabbit model of high-dose AA exposure may suggest a potential risk of peritoneal malignancy.

Aged↗

Altered polarity and expression of H+-ATPase without ultrastructural changes in kidneys of Dent's disease patients.

BACKGROUND: Dent's disease is a proximal tubule (PT) disorder characterized by low-molecular-weight proteinuria (LWMP) that may be associated with hypercalciuria, nephrocalcinosis, and renal failure. It is caused by inactivating mutations of the renal chloride channel ClC-5, which colocalizes with the vacuolar H+-ATPase in PT cells and alpha-type intercalated cells. Examinations of knockout mice have established the role of ClC-5 in PT endocytosis, but the consequences of ClC-5 mutations on the polarity of H+-ATPase and other plasma membrane proteins remain unknown. METHODS: We have studied renal biopsies from eight patients with Dent's disease, due to inactivating ClC-5 mutations, by light and electron microscopy, and by immunohistochemical staining. All patients exhibited LMWP, and renal function ranged from normal to end-stage renal failure. RESULTS: Light microscopy revealed either normal renal architecture or glomerulosclerosis, tubular dedifferentiation and atrophy, and mild interstitial fibrosis. Focal, hyaline casts, sometimes calcified, were identified at all stages. Electron microscopy did not reveal any ultrastructural abnormalities in PT cells, and the endocytic apparatus was apparently normal. However, immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a consistent inversion of H+-ATPase polarity in PT cells to a basolateral distribution contrasting with its apical location in the normal kidney. This inversion of polarity was specific for H+-ATPase and did not affect distribution of aminopeptidase, megalin, and Na+/K+-ATPase. Furthermore, apical H+-ATPase expression was absent in alpha-type intercalated cells. CONCLUSION: ClC-5 mutations are associated with modifications in the polarity and expression of H+-ATPase, but not ultrastructural alterations in PT cells. These findings help further understanding of the role of ClC-5 and the pathophysiology of Dent's disease.

Adolescent↗

Influence of ACE (I/D) and G460W polymorphism of alpha-adducin in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: The deleterious effect of the DD genotype of ACE in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) remains controversial. Small sample size, population admixture and lack of consideration of parameters modulating the effects of ACE genotype, such as gender or alpha-adducin (ADD) genotype, might explain the discrepancy. METHODS: We investigated the effect of ACE (I/D) polymorphism on the age at end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a homogeneous population of 191 ADPKD patients, according to gender and genotype for the G460W polymorphism of ADD. Cumulative renal survival was assessed in 276 patients from the same families. RESULTS: Though no effect was detected in the whole population, analysis of the male subset (n = 97) showed that patients harbouring the DD genotype of ACE had a 5-year lower mean age at ESRD than DI + II patients [47.8 +/- 1.8 (n = 31) vs 52.8 +/- 1.1 (n = 66), respectively] (P = 0.02). Furthermore, cumulative renal survival was lower in the corresponding pedigrees [47 +/- 1 years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 45-49, vs 51 +/- 1 years, 95% CI 48-54]. The G460W polymorphism of ADD had no effect on the age at ESRD and cumulative renal survival, either alone or in combination with the ACE (I/D) polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS: In this large series of ADPKD patients, we found no effect of the ACE (I/D) polymorphism on the age at ESRD, either alone or in combination with the G460W polymorphism of ADD. However, a deleterious effect of the DD genotype of ACE on renal disease progression was observed in ADPKD males.

Age Distribution↗