Complement activation mechanism activated by autoantigen recognition during growth of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Hata J1, Onagi A1, Tanji R1, Takinami R1, Hoshi S1, Kurimura Y1, Sato Y1, Ogawa S1, Kataoka M1, Haga N1, Ishibashi K1, Kojima Y1

Research Type

Pure and Applied Science / Translational

Abstract Category

Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) / Voiding Dysfunction

Abstract 494
Basic Science: Stress Urinary Incontinence and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Scientific Podium Short Oral Session 27
Friday 31st August 2018
10:07 - 10:15
Hall D
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Physiology Molecular Biology
1. Fukushima Medical University
Presenter
Links

Abstract

Hypothesis / aims of study
The association between the pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and inflammation has recently received attention. We previously showed that not only the inflammation response pathway, but also the classical complement pathway is activated in BPH tissue from model rats with stroma-dominant BPH. The classical complement pathway is activated by autoantigens that recognize immunocomplexes and it is responsible for various diseases via a mechanism that amplifies inflammation. We postulated that immunocomplexes amplify inflammation through complement activation, which leads to prostatic proliferation. Therefore, we expressed complement factors, analyzed their functions, and identified autoantigens to understand the pathogenic mechanism of BPH.
Study design, materials and methods
Fetal urogenital sinus (UGS) isolated from male 20-day-old rat embryos was implanted into the ventral prostate of pubertal male rats to create rat models of BPH. Complement factors were expressed and functionally analyzed in BPH tissues, and then serum concentrations of IgG and the expression of complement factors in BPH tissues were assessed. We immunoprecipitated BPH protein using an anti-IgG antibody to identify antigens, and analyzed the protein by mass spectrometry after SDS-PAGE separation. The expression of complement factors in human BPH tissue was also analyzed.
Results
The expression of complement factors C1q, C3, MBL, Factor B, and MAC was significantly up-regulated in tissues from BPH rats compared with those from normal rats (Fig 1. p<0.01). The classical complement pathway was initially activated, followed by an alternative complement pathway activated in BPH. These complement factors were also up-regulated mostly in stromal areas of human BPH. The serum IgG concentration was significantly increased (398.1 ng/mL, p<0.01) in rat BPH and IgG was deposited in stromal areas of the BPH. Mass spectrometry of IgG binding protein identified Annexin, Hsp90, α-SMA, and β-actin as antigens of immunocomplexes.
Interpretation of results
Annexin, Hsp90, and β-actin are known to present in various cells. It has also been reported that these molecules are exposed as antigen on the cell surface due to cytotoxicity by stimulation such as ischemia. On the other hand, α-SMA is reported as a marker of myofibroblast in BPH and is thought to be involved in the BPH growth process. In this present study, antigen-antibody reaction recognizing these molecules as autoantigen is occurring in BPH growth processs. Subsequently, immunocomplexes activates classical complement pathway through binding to C1q , and then, lectin pathway, alternative pathway is activated. Complement system activation was thought to be responsible for the proliferation process of BPH by various inflammatory cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. In other words, the autoimmune reaction has possibilities to be involved in the growth process of BPH.
Concluding message
We clarified that the immune system is responsible for the development of BPH. Complement pathway activation by immunocomplexes recognizing Annexin, Hsp90, α-SMA, and β-actin as autoantigens might be responsible for the pathogenesis of BPH.
Figure 1
Disclosures
Funding None Clinical Trial No Subjects Animal Species Rat Ethics Committee Animal Care Committee of Fukushima Medical University
23/11/2024 00:23:02