Attenuation of nephritis in lupus-prone mice by thalidomide

作者：Lee Sang Won; Park Yong Beom; Yang Jaeseok; Park Kyu Hyung; Lee Soo Kon; Choi Kyu Hun; Kim Beom Seok^*

来源：Rheumatology, 2012, 51(12): 2131-2140.

DOI：10.1093/rheumatology/kes227

• thalidomide
• NZB/WF1 mice
• LN

Objectives. Thalidomide has various effects, such as immune modulation, anti-angiogenicity, anti-inflammation and anti-proliferation. Moreover, thalidomide modulates the activity of NF-kappa B, which can up-regulate the expression of downstream genes involved in the pathophysiology of LN. Here we investigated the efficacy of thalidomide monotherapy or thalidomide plus prednisolone (PL) on nephritis in NZB/WF1 mice at different doses and compared both with a combination therapy of MMF plus PL.
Methods. Forty-three female NZB/WF1 mice were divided into eight groups (untreated; 1.7, 5 or 10 mg/kg of thalidomide alone; 1.7, 5 or 10 mg/kg of thalidomide plus 1.5 mg/kg of PL and 33.3 mg/kg of MMF plus PL). Proteinuria and histological damage were evaluated. Immune complex deposition and nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B in kidney tissues were assessed by immunofluorescence staining. Serum concentrations of anti-dsDNA and IgG subclasses were also measured.
Results. In comparison with untreated mice, mice treated with 10 mg/kg of thalidomide monotherapy showed a significant decrease in proteinuria and significantly lower glomerular and tubular damage scores, comparable to 5 or 10 mg/kg of thalidomide plus PL or MMF plus PL. Also, treatment with 10 mg/kg of thalidomide significantly decreased immune complex accumulation, reduced the serum concentration of anti-dsDNA, IgG2a and IgG2b and inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-kappa B in kidney tissues, comparable to standard therapy for LN.
Conclusion. These data suggest that thalidomide might play an anti-inflammatory role in the pathophysiology of LN, and it could serve as a complementary therapy to standard induction regimens for refractory LN.

• 出版日期2012-12