Nobiletin Protects from Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Suppressing Inflammatory Cytokines and Regulating iNOS-eNOS Expressions

Screening of active components in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula for anti-fibrosis in CKD: nobiletin inhibits Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling to improve renal fibrosis

The Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula (A&P) has been clinically shown to effectively slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and has demonstrated significant anti-fibrosis effects in experimental CKD model. However, the specific active ingredients and underlying mechanism are still unclear. The active ingredients of A&P were analyzed by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR-MS). A mouse model of CKD was constructed by 5/6 nephrectomy. Renal function was assessed by creatinine and urea nitrogen. Real-time PCR and Western Blot were performed to detect the mRNA and protein changes in kidney and cells. An in vitro fibrotic cell model was constructed by TGF-β induction in TCMK-1 cells. The results showed that thirteen active ingredients of A&P were identified by UPLC-HR-MS, nine of which were identified by analysis with standards, among which the relative percentage of NOB was high. We found that NOB treatment significantly improved renal function, pathological damage and reduced the expression level of fibrotic factors in CKD mice. The results also demonstrated that Lgals1 was overexpressed in the interstitial kidney of CKD mice, and NOB treatment significantly reduced its expression level, while inhibiting PI3K and AKT phosphorylation. Interestingly, overexpression of Lgals1 significantly increased fibrosis in TCMK1 cells and upregulated the activity of PI3K and AKT, which were strongly inhibited by NOB treatment. NOB is one of the main active components of A&P. The molecular mechanism by which NOB ameliorates renal fibrosis in CKD may be through the inhibition of Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

The ameliorative potential of platelet-rich plasma and exosome on renal ischemia/reperfusion-induced uremic encephalopathy in rats

Uremic Encephalopathy results from the elevation of toxins and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury is the principal cause of acute kidney injury and brain tissue injury. The present study was crafted to estimate the restorative impact of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosome injection before the reperfusion phase on the kidney following renal I/R injury and its influence on brain tissue by tracking the histopathological, biochemical, and Doppler ultrasonography alternations in both kidney and brain tissue. Forty mature male rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, I/R, PRP, exosome, and Exosome + PRP. Renal Doppler ultrasonography was traced for all rats. Serum kidney functions and acetylcholine esterase enzyme (AchE) were evaluated. Both Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate were assessed in brain tissues. The oxidative stress (malondialdehyde), anti-oxidative (glutathione and catalase), and pro-inflammatory (Tumor necrosis factor- α and interleukin-6) markers were estimated in renal tissues. Additionally, morphometric histological examination was performed in both renal and brain tissues. Both PRP and exosome-received rats exhibited a significant improvement in both serum kidney functions and AchE compared to I/R rats. There was a 3.39-fold increase in GABA and a 2.27-fold decrease in glutamate levels in the brain tissue of PRP rats compared to the I/R rats. A significant elevation (P ≤ 0.0001) of glutathione and catalase besides a significant reduction in the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 was observed in renal tissue compared to I/R rats. A significant severe reduction (P < 0.0001) in the number of Purkinje cells, pyramidal cells in the cerebellar cortex, and the CA1 region in the hippocampus was observed in I/R rats which was significantly alleviated by both PRP and exosome. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in Doppler parameters. PRP exerted a significant superior impact on the restoration of kidney functions and repairing uremic-induced damage in brain tissue.

Nephroprotective role of resveratrol in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: a preclinical study in Sprague-Dawley rats

BACKGROUND

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a significant contributor to renal dysfunction, acute kidney injury (AKI), and associated morbidity and mortality. Resveratrol, a polyphenol and phytoalexin, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study investigates the nephroprotective potential of resveratrol in a rat model of renal IRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Sham, IRI, DMSO, and Resveratrol. The Sham group underwent identical procedures without renal pedicle clamping, while the IRI group experienced 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of reperfusion. The DMSO group received dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia, and the Resveratrol group received 30 mg/kg resveratrol intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemia. Biochemical parameters (Urea, creatinine, IL-1β, NF-κβ, SOD, GSH, Bcl-2, and caspase-3) and histopathological changes were assessed.

RESULTS

IRI caused a substantial increase in serum creatinine, Urea, IL-1β, NF-κβ, and caspase-3 levels, while simultaneously decreasing SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 levels. Resveratrol treatment mitigated these effects by lowering inflammatory and apoptotic markers, enhancing antioxidant defenses, and improving histological outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol demonstrates significant nephroprotective effects in renal IRI, primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties.

Construction of New MRI Contrast Agents for Spatiotemporal Visualization of Nitric Oxide in Ischemia/Reperfusion Organs

Noninvasive and real-time nitric oxide (NO) visualization in vivo is still a challenge. Herein, we constructed a series of NO-responsive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents Gd1b-e by modifying Gd-DO3A using a bis-pyridyl-ethylamine side chain as a signal-amplifying moiety and o-phenylenediamine as a NO-responsive linker. It was found that Gd1b, d, and e can form macromolecular ternary complexes (Gd-Zn2+-HSA) with high longitudinal relaxivity (r1) (12.2-16.2 mM-1 s-1). Once reacting with NO, the o-phenylenediamine linker was hydrolyzed to produce a small molecular Gd complex with sharply decreased r1 (4.7-6.3 mM-1 s-1). Among them, Gd1d with a desirable pharmacokinetic profile (t1/2 = 5.91 h) could clearly distinguish the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) liver with excessive NO in rats. Meanwhile, the temporarily reduced amount of NO in the IR liver and brain by the NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl could enhance the signal of Gd1d, suggesting anticipated NO-responsive property. This research offers a new avenue for insight into the NO spatiotemporal property in multiple IR organs.

Drug pair of Cornus officinalis and Radix achyranthis bidentatae improves renal injury of hypertension by regulating metabolic reprogramming mediated by eNOS

Objective

To explore the effects and possible mechanisms of the drug pair Cornus officinalis and Radix achyranthis bidentatae (SYR-NX) on improving hypertensive kidney damage.

Method

SYR-NX, a formulation of Cornus officinalis and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae with a dose ratio 1:2.5, was used in this experiment. We investigated the effects of SYR-NX on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed with a high-salt diet and Human Kidney-2 (HK2) cells exposed to hypoxia. After 8 weeks of treatment with SYR-NX, blood pressure was tested, and β 2-Microglobulin(β2-MG), blood creatinine (S-cr), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), M2 pyruvate kinase (PKM2), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), pyruvate, lactate, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)were measured. HK2 cells pre-treated with SYR-NX were cultured in a three-gas hypoxic incubator chamber (5 % CO2, 1 % O2, 94 % N2) for 12 h, and then eNOS, PKM2, NADPH, ATP, pyruvate, lactate, CTGF and TNF-α were assessed.

Results

SYR-NX significantly reduced SBP, DBP, β2-MG, S-cr, PKM2, pyruvate, lactate, CTGF and TNF-α, and increased eNOS, NADPH, and ATP.

Conclusion

SYR-NX can regulate metabolic reprogramming through eNOS and improves hypertensive kidney injury.

Application and mechanisms of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion is a process in which the blood supply to the brain is temporarily interrupted and subsequently restored. However, it is highly likely to lead to further aggravation of pathological damage to ischemic tissues or the nervous system., and has accordingly been a focus of extensive clinical research. As a traditional Chinese medicinal formulation, Sanhua Decoction has gradually gained importance in the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Its main constituents include Citrus aurantium, Magnolia officinalis, rhubarb, and Qiangwu, which are primarily used to regulate qi. In the treatment of neurological diseases, the therapeutic effects of the Sanhua Decoction are mediated via different pathways, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotransmitter regulatory pathways, as well as through the protection of nerve cells and a reduction in cerebral edema. Among the studies conducted to date, many have found that the application of Sanhua Decoction in the treatment of neurological diseases has clear therapeutic effects. In addition, as a natural treatment, the Sanhua Decoction has received widespread attention, given that it is safer and more effective than traditional Western medicines. Consequently, research on the mechanisms of action and efficacy of the Sanhua Decoctions in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury is of considerable significance. In this paper, we describe the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and review the current status of its treatment to examine the therapeutic mechanisms of action of the Sanhua Decoction. We hope that the findings of the research presented herein will contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of this formulation in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion, and provide a scientific basis for its application in clinical practice.

Protective effects of limb remote ischemic per-conditioning on the heart injury induced by renal ischemic-reperfusion through the interaction of the apelin with the RAS/iNOS pathway

Introduction

Remote ischemic conditioning upregulates endogenous protective pathways in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury. This study tested the hypothesis that limb remote ischemic per- conditioning (RIPerC) exerts cardioprotective effects via the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)/apelin pathway.

Methods

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (I/R) was induced by bilateral occlusion of the renal pedicles for 60 minutes, followed by 24 hours of reperfusion; sham-operated rats served as controls. RIPerC was induced by four cycles (5 minutes) of limb ischemia-reperfusion along with bilateral renal ischemia. The functional disturbance was evaluated by renal (BUN and creatinine) and cardiac (troponin I and lactate dehydrogenase) injury biomarkers.

Results

Renal I/R injury increased renal and cardiac injury biomarkers that were reduced in the RIPerC group. Histopathological findings of the kidney and heart were also suggestive of amelioration injury-induced changes in the RIPerC group. Assessment of cardiac electrophysiology revealed that RIPerC ameliorated the decline in P wave duration without significantly affecting other cardiac electrophysiological changes. Further, renal I/R injury increased the plasma (322.40±34.01 IU/L), renal (8.27±1.10 mIU/mg of Protein), and cardiac (68.28±10.28 mIU/mg of protein) angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activities in association with elevations in the plasma and urine nitrite (25.47±2.01 & 16.62±3.05 μmol/L) and nitrate (15.47±1.33 & 5.01±0.96 μmol/L) levels; these changes were reversed by RIPerC. Further, renal ischemia-reperfusion injury significantly (P=0.047) decreased the renal (but not cardiac) apelin mRNA expression, while renal and cardiac ACE2 (P<0.05) and iNOS (P=0.043) mRNA expressions were significantly increased compared to the sham group; these effects were largely reversed by RIPerC.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that RIPerC protects the heart against renal ischemia- reperfusion injury, likely via interaction of the apelin with the RAS/iNOS pathway.

The potential renoprotective effect of Raloxifene in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in a male rat model

Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury is caused by a temporary reduction in oxygen-carrying blood flow to the kidney, followed by reperfusion. During ischemia, kidney tissue damage induces overproduction of reactive oxygen species, which produces oxidative stress. The blood flow restoration during the reperfusion period causes further production of reactive oxygen species that ends with apoptosis and cell death. This study aimed to investigate the potential renoprotective effects of Raloxifene on bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by looking into kidney function biomarkers, urea and creatinine, inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Additionally, antioxidant markers such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the pro-apoptotic marker caspase-3 were assessed. Histopathological scores were also employed for evaluation. Our experimental design involved 20 rats divided into four groups: the sham group underwent median laparotomy without ischemia induction, the control group experienced bilateral renal ischemia for 30 minutes followed by 2 hours of reperfusion, the vehicle group received pretreatment with a mixture of corn oil and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) before ischemia induction, and the Raloxifene-treated group was administered Raloxifene at a dose of 10 mg/kg before ischemia induction, followed by ischemia-reperfusion. Urea and creatinine, TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-3 in the Raloxifene group were significantly lower compared to the control and vehicle groups. On the other hand, TAC levels in the Raloxifene group were significantly higher than in the control and vehicle groups. This study concluded that Raloxifene had a renoprotective impact via multiple actions as an anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant agent.

THE POTENTIAL RENOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF TILIANIN IN RENAL ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY IN MALE RAT MODEL

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To determine whether Tilianin (TIL) may have Nephroprotective effects on bilateral renal IRI in rats by analyzing kidney function biomarkers U and Cr, inflammatory cytokines like TNF α and IL-1β, antioxidant marker total anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), anti-apoptotic markers caspase-3, and histopathological scores.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: 20 rats divided into even 4 groups as: Sham group: Rats underwent median laparotomies without having their ischemia induced. Control group: Rats had bilateral renal ischemia for 30 minutes, followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. Vehicle group: 30 minutes prior to the onset of ischemia, rats were given a pretreatment of corn oil and DMSO. Tilianin treated group: Rats administered Tilianin 5 mg/kg for 30 min prior to ischemia induction, then IRI.

RESULTS

Results: The study found that the serum levels of TNF, IL-1, caspase-3, urea and creatinine, as well as TNF and creatinine in the Tilianin group were significantly lower than those of the control and vehicle groups. On the other hand, it revealed that TAC levels are remarkably higher in the Tilianin group than they are in the control and vehicle groups.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: This study concluded that Tilianin have a Nephroprotective effect via multiple impacts as anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant agents.

Nobiletin prevents amyloid β1-40-induced cognitive impairment via inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is presented as an age-related neurodegenerative disease with multiple cognitive deficits and amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation is the most important involved factor in its development. Nobiletin is a bioflavonoid isolated from citrus fruits peels with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activity as well as anti-dementia property that has shown potency to ameliorate intracellular and extracellular Ab. The aim of the present study was to assess protective effect of nobiletin against Aβ_1-40-induced cognitive impairment as a consistent model of AD. After bilateral intrahippocampal (CA1 subfield) injection of Aβ_1-40, rats were treated with nobiletin (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.) from stereotaxic surgery day (day 0) till day + 7. Cognition function was evaluated in a battery of behavioral tasks at week 3 with final assessment of hippocampal oxidative stress and inflammation besides Nissl staining and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunohistochemistry. Analysis of behavioral data showed notable and significant improvement of alternation in Y maze test, discrimination ratio in novel object recognition task, and step through latency in passive avoidance test in nobiletin-treated Aβ group. Additionally, nobiletin treatment was associated with lower hippocampal levels of MDA and ROS and partial reversal of SOD activity and also improvement of Nrf2 with no significant effect on GSH and catalase. Furthermore, nobiletin attenuated hippocampal neuroinflammation in Aβ group as shown by lower tissue levels of TLR4, NF-kB, and TNFa. Histochemical findings showed that nobiletin prevents CA1 neuronal loss in Nissl staining in addition to its alleviation of 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT) immunoreactivity as a marker of nitrosative stress. Collectively, these findings indicated neuroprotective and anti-dementia potential of nobiletin that is partly attributed to its anti-oxidative, anti-nitrosative, and anti-inflammatory property associated with proper modulation of TLR4/NF-kB/Nrf2 pathways.

Sevoflurane activates MEF2D-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via microRNA-374b-5p to affect renal ischemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

The inhaled sevoflurane (Sev) has been demonstrated to protect multiple organs against ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). However, the mechanisms of Sev in renal IRI remain largely unknown. This study intends to explore the effect of Sev on renal IRI and the molecular mechanism behind.

METHODS

Following Sev preconditioning, a mouse model with renal IRI was established. The effects of Sev on IRI in mice were assessed by BUN, Scr, MDA and SOD kits, Western blot, HE staining, and TUNEL. Subsequently, we performed microarray analysis on renal tissues from mice with Sev to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs). Then, the mice were treated with agomiR-374b-5p combined with Sev to observe the renal histopathology after IRI. The targeting mRNA of miR-374b-5p was verified using bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assay, followed by KEGG enrichment analysis. Rescue experiments were implemented with simultaneous miR-374b-5p and MEF2D overexpression to detect renal histopathology and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity in the mice.

RESULTS

Sev significantly reduced the levels of BUN and Scr in mouse serum, prevented cell apoptosis, decreased MDA content and increased SOD levels in renal tissues. Moreover, Sev downregulated the miR-374b-5p expression in the renal tissues. Overexpression of miR-374b-5p attenuated the protective effects of Sev on mouse renal tissues. miR-374b-5p targeted MEF2D and blocked the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Overexpression of MEF2D activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and attenuated the supporting effects of miR-374b-5p on renal IRI.

CONCLUSION

Sev promotes MEF2D and activates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through inhibition of miR-374b-5p expression to affect renal IRI.

Renoprotective effect of vinpocetine against ischemia/reperfusion injury: Modulation of NADPH oxidase/Nrf2, IKKβ/NF-κB p65, and cleaved caspase-3 expressions

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) during kidney transplantation is a serious clinical problem with a high mortality rate and a lack of therapy. Therefore, there is a need to improve the ability of the kidney to tolerate IRI during transplantation. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of vinpocetine; a derivative of vincamine alkaloid; against renal IRI in rats with the elucidation of the involved mechanisms. Vinpocetine (25 mg/kg; i.p.) was administered for 10 successive days before the induction of ischemia by bilateral clamping of both renal pedicles for 45 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Blood and renal tissue samples were then collected for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. Vinpocetine significantly reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels in rats subjected to IRI. It also reduced mRNA expression of NADPH oxidase and renal content of malondialdehyde, while enhanced Nrf2 protein expression and renal content of reduced glutathione. The suppression of the provoked inflammatory response was evident by the downregulation of IKKβ and NF-κB p65 protein expressions, as well as their downstream inflammatory markers; tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and myeloperoxidase. In addition, vinpocetine reduced protein expression of the apoptotic executioner cleaved caspase-3. These nephroprotective effects were confirmed by the improvement in histopathological features. Collectively, the protective effect of vinpocetine against IRI could be attributed to modulation of NADPH oxidase/Nrf2, IKKβ/NF-κB p65, and cleaved caspase-3 expressions. Thus, vinpocetine could improve oxidant/antioxidant balance, suppress triggered inflammatory response, and promote renal cell survival after IRI.

Nobiletin Protects Endothelial Cell Function via Upregulation of eNOS/ET-1 and Antioxidant Status-Related Genes under Nonstimulated and Inflammatory Conditions

Nobiletin, a natural polymethoxylated flavonoid compound, has been shown to exert a wide range of biological activities. However, there is limited evidence on the molecular mechanisms by which nobiletin modulates endothelial cell function. Our aim was to investigate the potential of nobiletin to enhance endothelial cell functionality under nonstimulated and inflammatory conditions. To this end, gene expression relevant to nitric oxide (NO) production, endothelin 1 (ET-1), and antioxidant status in human endothelial cells EA.hy926 was determined using real-time PCR. The fluorescence probe 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) was used to measure NO production. The results demonstrated significant upregulation of eNOS and antioxidant genes as well as downregulation of ET-1 by nobiletin under nonstimulated and TNF-α-stimulated inflammatory conditions. These findings suggest a promising protective effect of nobiletin with relevance for cardiovascular health, likely through the NO/ET-1 dynamics and Nrf2 signaling pathway.

The role of flavonoids in inhibiting IL-6 and inflammatory arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the synovial joints. RA has well-known clinical manifestations and can cause progressive disability and premature death along with socioeconomic burdens. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been implicated in the pathology of RA where it can stimulate pannus formation, osteoclastogenesis, and oxidative stress. Flavonoids are plant metabolites with beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and others. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds found in a variety of plants, vegetables, and fruits. Many flavonoids have demonstrated anti-arthritic activity mediated mainly through the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This review thoroughly discusses the accumulate data on the role of flavonoids on IL-6 in RA.

Utilizing Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Integrated Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology to Investigate the Potential Targets and Mechanisms of Tripterygium wilfordii against Pulmonary Artery Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is a rare, life-limiting cardiopulmonary disorder characterized by the progressive and remodeling of pulmonary vasculature. Although the development of the technology brings us many approaches for the treatment of PAH, the effect of treatment is unsatisfactory. Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used in anti-inflammation, anticancer, and other fields. However, the potential of TW in treating PAH is currently unclear.

METHODS

Active ingredients and their corresponding genes were harvested from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), CTD, and STITCH. Meanwhile, genes associated with PAH were adopted from OMIM and GeneCards databases. Through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, potential targeting KEGG pathways and functions were further collected. Then, STRING was used to generate the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The "ingredients-targets-pathway" network was built by Cystoscope. Finally, the binding between active ingredients of TW and corresponding targets of PAH was identified via molecular docking technology and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments.

RESULTS

The network pharmacology analysis revealed 36 active ingredients in TW and 150 potential targets related to the treatment of PAH with TW. Moreover, GO enrichment analysis showed that the key function in molecular function (MF) was related to enzyme binding, the key function in biological process (BP) was related to cellular response to organic substance, and the key function in cellular component (CC) was related to KEGG enrichment analysis and found that it was closely related to the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and apoptosis. At last, molecular docking results revealed that the main active ingredients of TW had a strong binding ability with the PAH target protein. In addition, the SPR experiment revealed that kaempferol was combined with the CASP3 protein rather than PARP1, while triptolide was combined with PARP1 rather than the CASP3 protein.

CONCLUSION

TW may have therapeutic effects on PAH through multitargets and multimethods, which provide a scientific basis for further elaborating the mechanism of Tripterygium wilfordii in the treatment of PAH.

Targeting circadian PER2 as therapy in myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury

The cycle of day and night dominates life on earth. Therefore, almost all living organisms adopted a molecular clock linked to the light-dark cycles. It is now well established that this molecular clock is crucial for human health and wellbeing. Disruption of the molecular clockwork directly results in a myriad of disorders, including cardiovascular diseases. Further, the onset of many cardiovascular diseases such as acute myocardial infarction exhibits a circadian periodicity with worse outcomes in the early morning hours. Based on these observations, the research community became interested in manipulating the molecular clock to treat cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, several exciting discoveries of pharmacological agents or molecular mechanisms targeting the molecular clockwork have paved the way for circadian medicine's arrival in cardiovascular diseases. The current review will outline the most recent circadian therapeutic advances related to the circadian rhythm protein Period2 (PER2) to treat myocardial ischemia and summarize future research in the respective field.

Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 Alleviates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Antioxidant Stress and Anti-inflammatory Responses and Improves Intestinal Microbial Distribution

Background: Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the main causes of acute kidney injury. Our previous results have shown that anti-oxidative stress decreased in the renal IRI model. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 on oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal flora in renal IRI.

Methods: The model of renal IRI was established by cross-clamping the renal pedicle with non-traumatic vascular forceps. H&E staining was applied to observe the damage of kidney tissue in each group. The concentrations of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected by biochemical kit. ELISA measured the concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, IL-4, and IL-10. qRT-PCR was performed to detect molecular expressions of ATCC 4356, oxidative stress-related factors [nuclear factor-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)], inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-8, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-4, IL-10], and apoptosis-related factors [caspase 3, Bax, Bcl2, high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1)]. Except for ATCC 4356, the protein expression of the above indicators was detected by Western blot. The apoptosis level of renal tissue cells was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). 16S rDNA gene sequencing was used to detect the changes of microbial species in the contents of the duodenum and screen out the differentially expressed flora.

Results: Both the glomeruli and renal tubules of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) mice were severely damaged. H&E result displayed that L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 attenuated the infiltration of inflammatory cells caused by I/R. ATCC 4356 reduced the high expression of BUN and Cre in I/R mice with a dose effect. It also reduced the high expression of MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, IFN-γ, caspase 3, Bax, and HMGB1 in I/R mice, while it increased the low expression of SOD, GSH, Nrf2, HO-1, IL-4, IL-10, and Bcl2 in I/R mice. ATCC 4356 inhibited the high level of apoptosis in the kidney tissue of I/R mice. In IRI mice, the top 3 different gut microbiota were Helicobacter, cultivated_bacterium, and k__Bacteria_ASV_3 compared with sham mice. Oral L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 reversed this change.

Conclusion:L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 attenuated renal IRI through anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory response and improved the intestinal microbial distribution.

Nobiletin ameliorates cardiac impairment and alleviates cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction in rats via JNK regulation

Nobiletin was found to protect against acute myocardial infarction (AMI)-induced cardiac function decline and myocardial remodeling, although the dose-effect relationship and underlying pathways remained unclear. In the current research, different doses of Nobiletin (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day) were administered to AMI rat model for 21 days. Survival rate, echocardiography, and histological analysis were assessed in vivo. In addition, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were conducted to explore Nobiletin's cytotoxicity and antiapoptotic effect on H9C2 cells. Mechanistically, the activation of MAPK effectors and p38 in vivo was studied. The results showed medium- and high-dose Nobiletin could significantly improve survival rate and cardiac function and reduce the area of infarction and cardiac fibrosis. Medium dose showed the best protection on cardiac functions, whereas high dose showed the best protective effect on cellular apoptosis and histological changes. JNK activation was significantly inhibited by Nobiletin in vivo, which could help to explain the partial contribution of autophagy to AMI-induced apoptosis and the discrepancy on dose-effect relationships. Together, our study suggested that JNK inhibition plays an important role in Nobiletin-induced antiapoptotic effect in myocardial infarction, and medium-dose Nobiletin demonstrated the strongest effect in vivo.

The effect of desloratadine on ischemia reperfusion induced oxidative and inflammatory renal injury in rats

Purpose: To examine the effect of desloratadine on kidney ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in albino Wistar male rats using biochemical and histopathological methods.Methods: The treated with ischemia-reperfusion + 5 mg/kg desloratadine (IRD) group (n-6) was given 5 mg/kg desloratadine by gavage orally, and applied renal ischemia-reperfusion (BIR) group (n-6) and control (SG) group undergoing Sham operation (n-6) rats were given distilled water as solvent one hour before ketamine anesthesia. During the anesthesia period, ischemia was induced for 2 h unilaterally in the left kidney of all rats followed by reperfusion for 6 h. The kidneys of the SG group had sham operation without any intervention.Results: Our biochemical test results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin one beta (IL-1β), creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were significantly increased in the BIR group compared to the healthy control and IRD groups treated with desloratadine. Histopathological results were revealed tubular dilatation, tubular necrosis, loss of brushy margins, cast formation, and apoptotic bodies in tubular epithelial cells in the BIR group. There were no histopathological findings except for the swelling of tubule epithelial cells and the accumulation of proteinous material in some tubule lumens in renal tissue of desloratadine-treated rats.Conclusions: Experimental results suggested that desloratadine may be useful in the treatment of renal I/R injury.

Systematically Deciphering the Pharmacological Mechanism of Fructus Aurantii via Network Pharmacology

Fructus Aurantii (FA) is a traditional herbal medicine that has been widely used for thousands of years in China and possesses a variety of pharmacological effects. However, the active ingredients in FA and the potential mechanisms of its therapeutic effects have not been fully explored. Here, we applied a network pharmacology approach to explore the potential mechanisms of FA. We identified 5 active compounds from FA and a total of 209 potential targets to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Prostaglandin G/H synthase 2 (PTGS2), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), cell division protein kinase 6 (CDK6), caspase 3 (CASP3), apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (Bcl-2), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) were identified as key targets of FA in the treatment of multiple diseases. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment demonstrated that FA was highly related to transcription initiation from RNA polymerase II promoter, DNA-templated transcription, positive regulation of transcription, regulation of apoptosis process, and regulation of cell proliferation. Various signaling pathways involved in the treatment of FA were identified, including pathways in cancer and pathways specifically related to prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, PI3K-Akt, apoptosis, and non-small-cell lung cancer. TP53, AKT1, caspase 3, MAPK3, PTGS2, and BAX/BCL2 were related key targets in the identified enriched pathways and the PPI network. In addition, our molecular docking results showed that the bioactive compounds in FA can tightly bind to most target proteins. This article reveals via network pharmacology research the possible mechanism(s) by which FA exerts its activities in the treatment of various diseases and lays a foundation for further experiments and the development of a rational clinical application of FA.

Interaction of nobiletin with methotrexate ameliorates 7-OH methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity through endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent PERK/CHOP signaling pathway

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a frequent adverse event that contributes to acute kidney injury with tubular and/or glomerular lesions. Methotrexate (MTX) is a folate analog used against a myriad of malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, ambiguous renal toxicology limits its safe clinical usage. Based on our previous studies, 7-OH MTX as an overlooked oxidative metabolite of MTX was proposed to be the main culprit responsible for nephrotoxicity, while nobiletin, a naturally occurring polymethoxylated flavonoid screened from our prepared total phenolic extracts of Citrus aurantium L. (TPE-CA), was employed as a therapeutic agent for drug-drug interactions. According to the present study, nobiletin can ameliorate the renal accumulation of 7-OH MTX through the interaction with aldehyde oxidase. RNA-seq analysis revealed that 7-OH MTX was mainly related to protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, with the PERK/CHOP pathway selected as the most significant for metabolic nephrotoxicity. Meanwhile, the cross-linked proteins and conducted signals were investigated by western blotting and further verified by GSK inhibition analyses. These results indicated that nobiletin protected renal function from MTX-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating metabolism and ameliorated the metabolic toxicity of 7-OH MTX on ER stress-induced PERK/CHOP conduction by maintaining Ca²⁺ homeostasis and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species.

Nobiletin ameliorates high-fat diet-induced vascular and renal changes by reducing inflammation with modulating AdipoR1 and TGF-β1 expression in rats

AIMS

We investigate the effect of nobiletin on vascular and renal alterations and possible mechanisms involved in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed rats.

MAIN METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a HFD with fructose 15% in drinking water for 16 weeks. HFD-fed rats were treated with nobiletin (20 or 40 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for the last 4 weeks.

KEY FINDINGS

HFD-fed rats treated with nobiletin was significantly reduced obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and hyperinsulinemia. Nobiletin improved vascular endothelial function, restored creatinine clearance, and reduced plasma urea and creatinine levels, as well as urinary protein excretion. Nobiletin markedly alleviated vascular medial cross-sectional area (CSA) and collagen deposition, glomerular extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, and renal fibrosis. Nobiletin significantly elevated plasma adiponectin levels, together with upregulated adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and suppressed transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression in kidney. In addition, an increase of plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) was significantly attenuated after nobiletin treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that nobiletin attenuates HFD-induced vascular and renal alterations in rats, which is possibly related to the modulation of AdipoR1 and TGF-β1expression, and suppression of inflammation.

Nobiletin in Cancer Therapy: How This Plant Derived-Natural Compound Targets Various Oncogene and Onco-Suppressor Pathways

Cancer therapy is a growing field, and annually, a high number of research is performed to develop novel antitumor drugs. Attempts to find new antitumor drugs continue, since cancer cells are able to acquire resistance to conventional drugs. Natural chemicals can be considered as promising candidates in the field of cancer therapy due to their multiple-targeting capability. The nobiletin (NOB) is a ubiquitous flavone isolated from Citrus fruits. The NOB has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as antidiabetes, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Among them, the antitumor activity of NOB has been under attention over recent years. In this review, we comprehensively describe the efficacy of NOB in cancer therapy. NOB induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells. It can suppress migration and invasion of cancer cells via the inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EMT-related factors such as TGF-β, ZEB, Slug, and Snail. Besides, NOB inhibits oncogene factors such as STAT3, NF-κB, Akt, PI3K, Wnt, and so on. Noteworthy, onco-suppressor factors such as microRNA-7 and -200b undergo upregulation by NOB in cancer therapy. These onco-suppressor and oncogene pathways and mechanisms are discussed in this review.