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Purpose: Hyperoxaluria-induced calcium oxalate crystallisation is associated with the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via mitochondria and NADPH oxidase. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has emerged as an organelle which could influence mitochondrial functioning and ROS generation. Plugging an upstream pathway of mitochondrial and NADPH oxidase-induced ROS generation may have better prophylaxis. Therefore, we propose to investigate the linkage of hyperoxaluria-induced ROS generation with ER stress by inhibiting the later with 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA)., Methods: Male wistar rats were divided into three groups: a normal control group, an ethylene glycol with ammonium chloride-induced hyperoxaluric group (EA) and a third group which has hyperoxaluric animals given 4-PBA at a dose of 300 mg/kg. After 9 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed and renal tissues were analysed for histopathological examination, ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress markers, inflammatory markers and NADPH oxidase subunits expression., Results: Hyperoxaluric rats exhibited a significant increase in the levels of ROS, subsequently up-regulated levels of ER stress markers, inflammatory indicators, NADPH oxidase subunits and compromised mitochondrial functioning. However, ER stress amelioration appreciably curtailed the alterations caused by hyperoxaluric abuse., Conclusions: Therefore, suggesting the major role of ER in hyperoxaluric manifestations thereby providing an opportunity to target ER stress for future therapeutic interventions.

Diminished mitochondrial activities were deemed to play an imperative role in surged oxidative damage perceived in hyperoxaluric renal tissue. Proteomics is particularly valuable to delineate the damaging effects of oxidative stress on mitochondrial proteins. The present study was designed to apply large-scale proteomics to describe systematically how mitochondrial proteins/pathways govern the renal damage and calcium oxalate crystal adhesion in hyperoxaluria. Furthermore, the potential beneficial effects of combinatorial therapy with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and apocynin were studied to establish its credibility in the modulation of hyperoxaluria-induced alterations in mitochondrial proteins. In an experimental setup with male Wistar rats, five groups were designed for 9 d. At the end of the experiment, 24-h urine was collected and rats were euthanized. Urinary samples were analyzed for kidney injury marker and creatinine clearance. Transmission electron microscopy revealed distorted renal mitochondria in hyperoxaluria but combinatorial therapy restored the normal mitochondrial architecture. Mitochondria were isolated from renal tissue of experimental rats, and mitochondrial membrane potential was analyzed. The two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) based comparative proteomic analysis was performed on proteins isolated from renal mitochondria. The results revealed eight differentially expressed mitochondrial proteins in hyperoxaluric rats, which were identified by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight/time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) analysis. Identified proteins including those involved in important mitochondrial processes, e.g. antioxidant defense, energy metabolism, and electron transport chain. Therapeutic administration of NAC with apocynin significantly expunged hyperoxaluria-induced discrepancy in the renal mitochondrial proteins, bringing them closer to the controls. The results provide insights to further understand the underlying mechanisms in the development of hyperoxaluria-induced nephrolithiasis and the therapeutic relevance of the combinatorial therapy.

Urinary glycoproteins such as Tamm Horsfall Protein (THP) and Osteopontin (OPN) are well established key regulators of renal stone formation. Additionally, recent revelations have highlighted the influence of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) and mitochondria of crucial importance in nephrolithiasis. However, till date conclusive approach highlighting the influence of ER stress on urinary glycoproteins and chaperone in nephrolithiasis remains elusive. Therefore, the present study was focussed on deciphering the possible effect of 4-PBA mitigating ER stress on urinary glycoproteins and calnexin (chaperone) with emphasis on interlinking calcium homeostasis in hyperoxaluric rats. Post 9 days of treatment, animals were sacrificed, and renal tissues were investigated for urinary glycoproteins, calnexin, calcium homeostasis, ER environment, redox status, and mitochondrial linkage. 4-PBA appreciably reversed the altered levels of THP, OPN, and calnexin observed along with curtailing the disrupted calcium homeostasis when assessed for SERCA activity and intra-cellular calcium levels. Additionally, significant improvement in the perturbed ER environment as verified by escalated ER stress markers, disturbed protein folding-aggregation-degradation (congo red assay) pathway, and redox status was found post 4-PBA intervention. Interestingly, linkage of ER stress and mitochondria was established under hyperoxaluric conditions when assessed for protein levels of VDAC1 and GRP75. 4-PBA treatment resulted in rectifying the repercussions of ER-mitochondrial caused distress when assessed for protein folding/aggregation/degradation events along with disturbed calcium homeostasis. The present study advocates the necessity to adopt a holistic vision towards hyperoxaluria with emphasis on glycoproteins and ER environment. [Display omitted] • Hyperoxaluric conditions affect the protein folding capacity. • 4-PBA rectified the levels of Tamm Horsfall Protein, Osteopontin, and Calnexin. • 4-PBA rescued the disrupted ER-Mitochondrial functioning, and calcium homeostasis. • Establishment of inter-linkage between GRP78, Ca2+ Channels/Pump, VDAC-1 and GRP75. • Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum stress curtailed the progression of hyperoxaluria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]