Matrix metalloproteinase-9 regulates afferent arteriolar remodeling and function in hypertension-induced kidney disease.

This study tested if matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 promoted microvascular pathology that initiates hypertensive (HT) kidney disease in salt-sensitive (SS) Dahl rats. SS rats lacking Mmp9 (Mmp9) and littermate control SS rats were studied after one week on a normotensive 0.3% sodium chloride (Pre-HT SS and Pre-HT Mmp9) or a hypertension-inducing diet containing 4.

Dietary salt initiates redox signaling between endothelium and vascular smooth muscle through NADPH oxidase 4.

Prevention of phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells is an important determinant of normal vascular physiology. Hydrogen peroxide (HO) promotes osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells through expression of Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). In this study, an increase in dietary NaCl increased endothelial HO generation through NOX4, a NAD(P)H oxidase.

Cellular antioxidant mechanisms control immunoglobulin light chain-mediated proximal tubule injury.

A major cause of morbidity and mortality in multiple myeloma is kidney injury from overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (FLC). FLC can induce damage through the production of hydrogen peroxide, which activates pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic pathways. The present study focused on catalase, a highly conserved antioxidant enzyme that degrades hydrogen peroxide.