Curcumenol improves renal function in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic renal failure rats via the SIRT1/NF-κB pathway

The role of SIRT1 in kidney diseases

SIRT1, a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +)-dependent class III histone deacetylase, exhibits a high level of expression within renal tissues. It has garnered considerable recognition for its pivotal role in modulating signaling pathways intricately linked with the aging process; however, it extends beyond this in the organism. The literature reports that SIRT1 regulates biological processes such as glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis. Therefore, our study reviews the primary mechanisms by which SIRT1 induces kidney disease and the regulation of related signaling pathways in different models of renal disease. We also discuss commonly studied SIRT1-targeted interventional drugs reported in the literature, including inhibitors (e.g., Ex-527) and activators (e.g., resveratrol). This study aims to provide theoretical foundations and clinical insights for the development and screening of clinical drugs targeting SIRT1, aiming at enhanced scientific approaches for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.

Indian Shot (Canna Indica L). Leaves Provide Valuable Insights into the Management of Inflammation and Other Associated Disorders Offering Health Benefits

Background

Throughout history, plants have played a crucial role in advancing medicinal treatments by providing a diverse range of compounds for the development of innovative therapies. Canna indica L. a tropical herb of the Cannaceae family, also known as Indian shot, has a rich history of traditional use in treating ailments like inflammation, malaria, dysentery, fever, dropsy, and diarrhea.

Objective

This comprehensive research invesigates the extract preparation of C. indica leaves using multidisciplinary analytical approaches for this extract in order to shed light on its therapeutic potentials.

Methods

The research, an international collaboration involving researchers from Bangladesh and China, utilized GC-MS/MS analysis to identify bioactive compounds across different C. indica extracts. Biological assays were conducted to assess antimicrobial activity using the disc diffusion method (in vitro), cytotoxicity through the brine shrimp lethality assay (in vitro), analgesic effects via the acetic acid-induced writhing test (in vivo), and antidiarrheal activity with the castor oil-induced diarrhea model (in vivo). Molecular docking studies were performed to determine binding affinities with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Dihydrofolate Reductase (DHFR), Delta Opioid Receptor (DOR), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) receptors.

Results

The GC-MS/MS analysis identified 35, 43, 27, and 20 compounds in dichloromethane, aqueous, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate extracts, respectively. The aqueous (AQSF) and dichloromethane (DCMSF) extracts showed notable antimicrobial activity, particularly against gram-negative bacteria. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that ethyl acetate (EASF) and dichloromethane (DCMSF) fractions were potent. Analgesic activity was highest in DCMSF, and antidiarrheal effects were dose-dependent, with DCMSF showing the greatest efficacy. Molecular docking revealed strong affinities of Ergostane-3,5,6,12,25-pentol, 25-acetate, (3.beta.,5.alpha.,6.beta.,12.beta).- for EGFR and Norgestrel for COX-2.

Conclusion

This research provides valuable insights into the bioactivity evaluation of C. indica, bridging the gap between its chemical composition and diverse biological effects. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge in natural product-based drug discovery and underscore the significance of C. indica as a potential source of novel therapeutic agents to treat inflammation and other disease states.

Combined use of Panax notoginseng and leech provides new insights into renal fibrosis: Restoration of mitochondrial kinetic imbalance

In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Panax notoginseng and leech (PL) on renal fibrosis and explore the mechanisms underlying their actions. For this study, we created an adenine-induced renal fibrosis model in SD rats to investigate the protective effect of PL on renal fibrosis and explore its underlying mechanism. Initially, we assessed the renal function in RF rats and found that Scr, BUN, and urine protein content decreased after PL treatment, indicating the protective effect of PL on renal function. Histological analysis using HE and Masson staining revealed that PL reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen fiber deposition in renal tissue. Subsequently, we analyzed the levels of α-SMA, Col-IV, and FN, which are the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), using IHC, RT-qPCR, and WB. The results demonstrated that PL was effective in reducing the accumulation of ECM, with PL1-2 showing the highest effectiveness. To further understand the underlying mechanisms, we conducted UPLC-MS/MS analysis on the incoming components of the PL1-2 group. The results revealed several associations between the differential components and antioxidant and mitochondrial functions. This was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical indexes, which showed that PL1-2 ameliorated oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA production and increasing GSH and SOD levels. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy results indicated that PL1-2 promoted partial recovery of mitochondrial morphology and cristae. Finally, using RT-qPCR and WB, an increase in the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins Mfn1, Mfn2, and Opa1 after PL1-2 treatment was observed, coupled with a decline in the expression and phosphorylation of mitochondrial cleavage proteins Fis and Drp1. These findings collectively demonstrate that PL1-2 ameliorates renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress and restoring mitochondrial balance.

The Extraction, Determination, and Bioactivity of Curcumenol: A Comprehensive Review

Curcuma wenyujin is a member of the Curcuma zedoaria (zedoary, Zingiberaceae) family, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its abundant biologically active constituents. Curcumenol, a component of Curcuma wenyujin, has several biological activities. At present, despite different pharmacological activities being reported, the clinical usage of curcumenol remains under investigation. To further determine the characteristics of curcumenol, the extraction, determination, and bioactivity of the compound are summarized in this review. Existing research has reported that curcumenol exerts different pharmacological effects in regard to a variety of diseases, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bactericidal, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer activity, and also ameliorates osteoporosis. This review of curcumenol provides a theoretical basis for further research and clinical applications.

Traditional Chinese medicine in human diseases treatment: New insights of their potential mechanisms

For millennia, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has relieved the pain of countless patients with its unique theory and treatment method, which has provoked researchers' interest for exploring the biological and molecular mechanisms. This special issue highlights recent advances of this ancient and mysterious medical system in the basic science research field. The authors in this volume explored the molecular characteristics of TCM syndromes and the disease-resistant mechanisms of acupuncture and Chinese herbs in the diseases effecting the human motor system, digestive system, nervous system, and other organ systems by applying high-throughput omics technologies, molecular biology experiments, animal models and other methods. Alongside enhancing their perception of TCM from these latest findings, readers can also understand how to cross the systematic theory of TCM with modern molecular biology techniques. These studies advance our understanding of the potential mechanisms of TCM in treating human diseases, and also provide inspiration for the development of novel TCM-based therapeutic strategies. We hope these efforts will promote extensive development in TCM research.