The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in inflammation. The signaling via the ANG II type 1 receptor in human lymphocytes and monocytes, which play key roles in pathophysiology of glomerulonephritis (GN), can enhance inflammation. However, the role of the (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR], a component of the RAS, in inflammatory reactions is unknown. We assessed whether (P)RR is expressed in human lymphocytes and monocytes by RT-PCR, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry, and whether (P)RR functions in inflammation. (P)RR mRNA and protein were expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Flow cytometric analysis revealed high expression of (P)RR on monocytes. (P)RR was present on PBMCs, infiltrating lymphocytes, and macrophages around glomeruli with a crescent in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated GN. Renin stimulation of PBMCs from healthy subjects in the presence of the ANG II type 1 receptor and ANG II type 2 receptor blockers induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and release of IL-6 and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The increases in cytokine release and COX-2 expression were inhibited in the presence of an ERK1/2 inhibitor. (P)RR knockdown by small interfering RNA in U937 cells, a human leukemic monocyte lymphoma cell line, significantly decreased ERK1/2 phosphorylation after renin stimulation. Thus (P)RR expressed in human inflammatory cells might contribute to inflammation in ANCA-associated GN.

(Pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is expressed in the kidney and is involved in renal injury. Although (P)RR is activated by indoxyl sulfate (IS) and may be related to renal injury, the details remain unclear. We used mouse mesangial cell line SV40 MES13 to investigate the association of (P)RR with mesangial fibrosis or expansion. Furthermore, we examined the correlation between serum soluble (P)RR [s(P)RR] and various laboratory data including serum IS, a uremic toxin that induces renal fibrosis through (P)RR, and pathological indices in chronic kidney disease and particularly in IgA nephropathy patients. In vitro study using SV40 MES13 cells revealed that (P)RR expression significantly increased in the presence of IS. IS stimulated the fibrotic factors’ expression, which was significantly suppressed by (P)RR knockdown. Moreover, it significantly increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 via the ERK1/2 pathway. In addition, the s(P)RR level significantly correlated with serum IS and mesangial injury markers in our patients. Our results suggest that (P)RR is associated with mesangial fibrosis and matrix expansion through the IS-(P)RR-ERK1/2 pathway. Clinically, s(P)RR may be a biomarker of mesangial fibrosis and matrix expansion.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is caused by various etiologies, with mitochondrial dysfunction being one of the causes. FSGS is known to be associated with mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS), which is a subclass of mitochondrial disease. However, it has rarely been reported in other mitochondrial disease subclasses. Here, we reported a 20-year-old man diagnosed with FSGS associated with chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia (CPEO) due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 3243A>G mutation. He presented with left ptosis, short stature, mild sensorineural deafness, and cardiac conduction block. A renal biopsy sample showed segmental sclerosis and adhesions between capillaries and Bowman’s capsule, indicating FSGS. Electron microscopy demonstrated abnormal aggregated mitochondria in podocytes, and the basement membrane and epithelial cells of Bowman’s capsule. Skeletal muscle biopsy also showed accumulation of abnormal mitochondria. mtDNA analysis identified heteroplasmic mtDNA 3243A>G mutation with no large-scale deletions. From these findings, we diagnosed the case as CPEO with multi-organ involvement including FSGS. Our report demonstrates that CPEO, as well as MELAS, can be associated with FSGS. Because mitochondrial disease presents with a variety of clinical symptoms, atypical cases with non-classical manifestations are observed. Thus, mitochondrial disease should be considered as an underlying cause of FSGS with systemic manifestations even with atypical phenotypes.

Background: Methotrexate (MTX), a folic acid antimetabolite, is administered at a high dose for the treatment of diseases such as leukemia and malignant lymphoma. Often, an effort is made to reduce the adverse effects of MTX by monitoring MTX concentration in the blood and administering a high dose of leucovorin. However, side effects of MTX are still reported. MTX is metabolized in the liver and eliminated via the kidneys; hence, blood purification therapy is useful for the reduction of MTX blood concentration in case of renal impairment. Case presentation: We performed various types of blood purification therapies in four cases of MTX poisoning that accompanied renal impairment. Conclusions: Based on our results, we concluded that hemodialysis or hemoperfusion with an activated carbon absorption column was useful for the elimination of MTX from the blood. It is important to choose an appropriate blood purification method understanding the characteristics of each blood purification method.

A recent systematic review showed that hematological malignancy is often complicated by membranous nephropathy (MN). Histologically, the deposition of IgG subclasses other than IgG4 may imply secondary MN, such as malignancy-associated MN (M-MN). We describe a very rare case of concurrent isolated IgG2-positive MN and B-cell lymphoma. An 83-year-old woman was hospitalized at our institute for facial and lower extremity edema persisting for 2 months. Laboratory tests showed urinary protein level of 10.8 g/day, serum albumin level of 1.6 g/dl, and serum creatinine level of 2.34 mg/dl. Soon after diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, treatment with corticosteroid was initiated, but it proved to be ineffective. Renal biopsy showed isolated IgG2-positive MN with highly infiltrated CD20-positive lymphoid cells in the kidney. Computed tomography revealed systemic lymphadenopathy, and aberrant B-cells with immunoglobulin light chain restriction were detected in peripheral blood and bone marrow, which led to the diagnosis of mature B-cell lymphoma. Although rituximab (375 mg/m/week) was administered, the patient suddenly died from gastrointestinal bleeding on day 40 of hospitalization. It is, thus, necessary to consider hematological malignancy when a diagnosis of MN is made. Further studies are expected to elucidate the pathogenesis and to help establish the adequate treatment for this rare situation.