Differential Expression of Proteins From Cultured Endothelial Cells Exposed to Uremic Versus Normal Serum

Background

Deficient hemostasis and accelerated atherosclerosis coexist in patients with chronic kidney disease. Endothelial dysfunction may be involved in the high incidence of atherothrombotic events in these patients. We established an in vitro model of endothelial dysfunction by exposing endothelial cells to uremic media and applied a proteomic approach to characterize endothelial cell dysfunction in uremia.

Study Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting and Participants

Serum samples from 8 patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis treatment were collected.

Predictor

Exposure of cultured endothelial cells to normal and uremic serum.

Outcome and Measurements

Proteins from lysed cells were characterized by isoelectric point and molecular weight by using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Spots were visualized by means of silver staining and identified by using mass spectrometry.

Results

Identification of the most prominent proteins showed molecules related to inflammation (high mobility group box 1, aldose reductase, and proteasome components) and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase), both associated with chronic kidney disease. These changes may be caused by activation of the nuclear factor-κB transcription factor. Changes in expression of cytoskeletal proteins (destrin and vimentin) also were detected.

Limitations

In vitro study.

Conclusion

Proteomic techniques proved to be a powerful tool to investigate endothelial dysfunction in uremia. A more exhaustive analysis will provide answers and potential therapeutic targets in the near future.

Index Words: Endothelial dysfunction, uremia, inflammation, oxidative stress, proteomics, SOD