RAGE activation in macrophages and development of experimental diabetic polyneuropathy

Sho Osonoi1,2, Hiroki Mizukami1, Yuki Takeuchi1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and.

JCI Insight
|December 8, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) activation drives inflammation in diabetic nerve damage. Blocking RAGE promotes anti-inflammatory macrophages, protecting against diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) and nerve deficits.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) involves macrophage infiltration and inflammation.
  • The role of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) in DPN pathogenesis is not fully understood.
  • RAGE activation is linked to proinflammatory responses in diabetic nerve tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of RAGE in the pathogenesis of DPN using modified macrophages.
  • To clarify the association between macrophage RAGE activation and downstream effects in DPN.
  • To explore RAGE as a potential therapeutic target for DPN.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized type 1 diabetic mice and RAGE-null mice.
  • Performed bone marrow (BM) transplantation experiments.
  • Conducted in vitro coculture of primary neuronal cells and macrophages.
  • Employed time-lapse recording to assess axonal transport.

Main Results:

  • Proinflammatory macrophages in diabetic mice impaired insulin sensitivity, caused neuronal atrophy, and slowed axonal transport.
  • RAGE-null mice exhibited anti-inflammatory macrophages, preserved insulin sensitivity, normalized neurons, and maintained axonal transport.
  • BM transplantation from RAGE-null to diabetic mice ameliorated peripheral nerve deficits.
  • In vitro studies confirmed that proinflammatory macrophages induce insulin resistance and axonal transport deficits.

Conclusions:

  • RAGE is a key determinant of macrophage polarization in DPN.
  • Targeting RAGE may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for DPN.
  • RAGE-mediated inflammation significantly contributes to the development of diabetic nerve damage.