FC 037NEUTROPHILS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN THE INITIATION OF GLOMERULAR HEMATURIA IN A POSTINFECTIOUS IGAN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL
Authors: Herencia Carmen , Guerrero Hue Melania , Vazquez-Carballo Cristina , De Tymowski Christian , Bex-Coudret Julie , Opazo-Ríos Lucas , García-Caballero Cristina , Morgado Pascual Jose Luis , Rayego-Mateos Sandra , Vallejo-Mudarra Mercedes , Berthelot Laureline , Sevillano Angel , Praga Manuel , Rodriguez de Cordoba Santiago , Egido Jesus , Monteiro Renato , Moreno Juan Antonio 
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Hematuria is a common finding in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN), occurring mainly after upper respiratory tract infections. Hematuria can lead to acute kidney injury and chronic loss of renal function in IgAN. However, the mechanisms involved in egression of erythrocytes from the glomerular capillaries into the urinary space are unknown. To answer this question, we developed an infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) in a humanized experimental IgAN model (α1KICD89tg mice) that resembles the pathological and clinical findings of disease (IgA1 and soluble CD89 mesangial deposits, complement activation, proteinuria and hematuria).

Method

α1KICD89tg mice (12 weeks old) received an intranasal instillation of SP (107 bacteria). Blood, urine and renal samples were obtained during 1 month after induction of respiratory infection. The presence of SP in lungs from these mice was confirmed by microbiological analysis. Hematuria was quantified in the urinary sediment and renal function was determined by biochemical analysis. Renal histological characteristics were evaluated by hematoxylin/eosin, masson's trichrome and PAS staining. IgA glomerular deposits, activation of complement system and infiltration of proinflammatory cells was examined by immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence. Circulating leukocyte populations were studied on a hemocytometer. Renal inflammatory cytokines, metalloproteases, as well as markers of tubular and glomerular damage were determined in kidneys by RT-PCR and western-blot. To further validate the role of neutrophils in this pathological setting, we selective depleted these cells through a single injection of anti-Ly6G mAb (200 µg/kg i.p).

Results

SP-intranasal instillation in α1KICD89tg mice increased hematuria, microalbuminuria and proteinuria, peaking at 48h after induction of the respiratory infection. SP instillation caused disruption of the glomerular basement membrane, with decreased expression of the slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and synaptopodin, as well as higher glomerular accumulation of IgA and proteins of complement system (C3, MBL). Hematuria intensity was positively correlated with the presence of interstitial F4/80+ macrophages, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CCL-2, CCL5 and CX3CL1/CX3CR1) as well as p65 NF-κB activation. Hematuria was negatively correlated with anti-inflammatory IL-10 mRNA expression, Factor H levels and collagen IV content. Notably, SP infection induced expression of the tubular injury markers N-GAL and KIM-1. Increased peripheral neutrophils levels were observed in the SP-infected α1KICD89tg mice. Mechanistically, anti-Ly6G-mediated neutrophil depletion reduced SP-mediated hematuria, proteinuria and albuminuria, prevented loss of synaptopodin and nephrin, decreased renal inflammation and MMP-9 expression in α1KICD89tg mice

Conclusion

In a humanized mouse model of IgAN, hematuria bouts following respiratory tract infections are caused by a neutrophil-mediated alteration of the glomerular filtration barrier (podocyte damage, complement deposits and loss of Collagen IV). These findings may help to unveil novel potential therapeutic approaches to combat one of the key elements in the progression of IgAN and related conditions.