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Superoxide dismutase activity in human glomerulonephritis
A Kashem1, M Endoh, F Yamauchi
1Division of Nephrology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Tokai University, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan.
Summary
Superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels are reduced in damaged kidney tissues, particularly the Cu,Zn-SOD form. Lower SOD activity correlates with slower renal function decline, suggesting a role in oxidative stress vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Immunoglobulin A nephropathy and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis are kidney diseases characterized by inflammation and damage.
- Oxidative stress, involving reactive oxygen species like superoxide, plays a role in the progression of kidney diseases.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key enzyme that neutralizes superoxide radicals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) at both protein and mRNA levels in patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy and mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis.
- To correlate SOD activity with the severity of kidney damage and renal function deterioration.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to quantify Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD protein and mRNA levels.
- Electron paramagnetic resonance/spin trapping measured total SOD activity.
- Histochemical staining with anti-Cu,Zn-SOD antibody assessed antigen distribution.
Main Results:
- Cu,Zn-SOD protein and mRNA levels were significantly lower in moderately or severely damaged renal tissues compared to normal or mildly damaged tissues.
- Manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) levels did not show significant differences between patient and control groups.
- Lower Cu,Zn-SOD staining intensity correlated with advanced histologic damage.
- Patients with SOD activity within normal ranges at biopsy exhibited slower renal function decline.
Conclusions:
- Reduced Cu,Zn-SOD activity, at both protein and mRNA levels, is associated with kidney damage in glomerulonephritis.
- Lower SOD levels may increase tissue vulnerability to oxidative stress, contributing to disease progression.
- SOD activity may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting renal function decline.