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Absolute Quantification of Plasma MicroRNA Levels in Cynomolgus Monkeys, Using Quantitative Real-time Reverse Transcription PCR
Published on: February 12, 2018
[Urinary miRNA expression in cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) fed high salt rations]
S V Orlov1,2, D N Beresneva1, M I Zaraisky1
1Academician I.P. Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, 197022, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation.
Abstract:
High food intake of sodium chloride is associated with damage not only the cardiovascular system, but also the kidneys. The mechanisms of the potential negative effects of high-salt diets on the kidneys have not been established. The aim of the study was to trace the changes in relative expression of miRNA-21, 203 and 133 in urine of cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) fed high-salt diet with and without isolated soy proteins. Material and methods. The object of the study was 18 male cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) aged 6-8 years with a body weight of 5.1-9.7 kg. The animals were divided in 3 groups (6 individuals each). The animals of the first (control) group received a standard diet (2 g NaCl/kg feed). The animals of the second group were fed high-salt diet (8 g NaCl/kg feed), of the third - high-salt diet combined with SUPRO 760 isolated soy protein (200 g/kg feed; instead of milk and egg proteins, corn gluten). Access to water was free. The follow-up period in this study was 4 months. In animals blood pressure (BP) and relative level of microRNA (miRNA) expression in urine were measured. Results and discussion. Keeping monkeys on the studied diets for 4 months did not lead to significant changes in systolic or diastolic BP compared with the initial level. In the control group, there were no distinct changes in the expression of miRNA-21 in urine during observation. In the other two groups, there was a significant increase (approximately equally) of this parameter in comparison with the initial values. Both high-salt diets resulted in a significant increase in the relative level of expression of miRNA-133 and miRNA-203 in urine compared to basal values. However, the increase in these parameters in the group of animals fed a high-salt diet in combination with soy isolate was significantly less than in monkeys fed only a high-salt diet. Conclusion. Possible, potentially negative effects of high-salt diets on kidney may be mediated by epigenomic mechanisms and partially modulated by the inclusion of isolated soy proteins in the diet.
Insights
High salt intake damages kidneys, potentially via epigenomic changes. Isolated soy protein may mitigate these effects in cynomolgus macaques, as shown by altered urinary microRNA levels.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- High sodium chloride (salt) intake is linked to cardiovascular and kidney damage.
- The precise mechanisms by which high-salt diets harm the kidneys remain unclear.
- Epigenomic factors, such as microRNA (miRNA) expression, are potential mediators of salt-induced kidney injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of high-salt diets on urinary miRNA expression in cynomolgus macaques.
- To determine if isolated soy proteins can modulate these high-salt diet-induced changes.
- To explore the role of miRNA-21, miRNA-203, and miRNA-133 in high-salt diet nephrotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- 18 male cynomolgus macaques were divided into three groups: control (standard diet), high-salt diet, and high-salt diet with isolated soy protein.
- Animals were monitored for 4 months, with measurements of blood pressure and urinary miRNA expression.
- Relative expression levels of miRNA-21, miRNA-203, and miRNA-133 were analyzed in urine samples.
Main Results:
- High-salt diets did not significantly alter systolic or diastolic blood pressure over 4 months.
- Both high-salt diet groups showed increased urinary expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-133, and miRNA-203 compared to controls.
- The increase in miRNA-133 and miRNA-203 expression was significantly lower in the group receiving high-salt diet with isolated soy protein.
Conclusions:
- High-salt diets may exert detrimental effects on the kidneys through epigenomic mechanisms involving miRNA regulation.
- Dietary inclusion of isolated soy proteins appears to partially mitigate the adverse effects of high salt intake on kidney miRNA expression.
- These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for soy protein in managing high-salt diet-related kidney damage.
