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Fluorofenidone Inhibits UUO/IRI-Induced Renal Fibrosis by Reducing Mitochondrial Damage. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2453617. [PMID: 35355864 PMCID: PMC8958071 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2453617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective Mitochondrial damage contributes to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and renal fibrosis. In this study, we aimed (1) to investigate whether fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) can attenuate mitochondrial damage in two renal fibrosis models: unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), and (2) to explore the underlying mechanism. Method Mitochondrial damage and renal lesions were analyzed in the UUO and IRI models. Mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and oxidative stress were measured to assess the effect of AKF-PD on mitochondrial damage and to explore the underlying mechanism. In addition, HK-2 cells were stimulated with TGF-β with and without AKF-PD. The mitochondrial morphology, mtROS, ATP contents, and redox-related proteins were then examined. Results In both UUO and IRI models, AKF-PD relieved renal fibrosis, maintained mitochondrial structure, and increased mitochondrial DNA copy numbers. The protection was associated with (1) sustaining mitochondrial energy metabolism, evident by elevations of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes and mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes; (2) improving mitochondrial biogenesis with increases of TFAM, NRF1, PGC-1α, and SIRT1; and (3) reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress likely via regulating SOD2, SIRT3, and NOX4 expressions. In HK-2 cells treated with TGF-β, AKF-PD protected mitochondria along with improving mitochondrial morphology, enhancing ATP production, reducing mtROS, and regulating SOD2, SIRT3, and NOX4 expression. Conclusion We demonstrate that AKF-PD inhibited renal fibrosis at least in part via protecting mitochondria from damages developed in the UUO and IRI models. The mitochondrial protection was associated with sustaining mitochondrial energy metabolism, improving mitochondrial biogenesis, and reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. This research verified the protective effect of AKF-PD on mitochondria in the UUO and IRI models and elaborated the underlying mechanism.
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Dai Q, Zhang Y, Liao X, Jiang Y, Lv X, Yuan X, Meng J, Xie Y, Peng Z, Yuan Q, Tao L, Huang L. Fluorofenidone Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Necroptosis Through RIPK3/MLKL Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:534775. [PMID: 33390935 PMCID: PMC7772387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.534775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death and sterile inflammation are major mechanisms of renal fibrosis, which eventually develop into end-stage renal disease. “Necroptosis” is a type of caspase-independent regulated cell death, and sterile inflammatory response caused by tissue injury is strongly related to necrosis. Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel compound shown to ameliorate renal fibrosis and associated inflammation. We investigated whether AKF-PD could alleviate renal fibrosis by inhibiting necroptosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was used to induce renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice. AKF-PD (500 mg/kg) or necrostatin-1 (Nec-1; 1.65 mg/kg) was administered simultaneously for 3 and 7 days. Obstructed kidneys and serum were harvested after euthanasia. AKF-PD and Nec-1 ameliorated renal tubular damage, inflammatory-cell infiltration, and collagen deposition, and the expression of proinflammatory factors (interlukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) decreased. AKF-PD or Nec-1 treatment protected renal tubular epithelial cells from necrosis and reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase in serum. Simultaneously, production of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK)3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) was also reduced 3 and 7 days after UUO. AKF-PD and Nec-1 significantly decreased the percentage of cell necrosis, inhibiting the phosphorylation of MLKL and RIPK3 in TNF-α- and Z-VAD–stimulated human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. In conclusion, AKF-PD and Nec-1 have effective anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in UUO-induced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, potentially mediated by the RIPK3/MLKL pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohua Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yupeng Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangning Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respirology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - LiJian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Liao X, Jiang Y, Dai Q, Yu Y, Zhang Y, Hu G, Meng J, Xie Y, Peng Z, Tao L. Fluorofenidone attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting the mtROS-NLRP3 pathway in a murine model of folic acid nephropathy. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 534:694-701. [PMID: 33220928 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone agent that reduces the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in various models of renal fibrosis. However, there are no reports on the effect of AKF-PD in preventing fibrosis in the folic acid nephropathy model. Besides, the mechanisms of action of AKF-PD in preventing renal fibrosis are not fully understood. In the study, we observed that AKF-PD reduced folate-induced kidney injury, ameliorated the deterioration of renal function, and suppressed the deposition of ECM by decreasing the expression of collagen I, collagen III, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), fibronectin (FN), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the folic acid nephropathy model. Additionally, AKF-PD suppressed the activation of the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome to reduce the production of caspase-1 and IL-1β, and alleviated mitochondrial oxidative damage by promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism and reducing the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4). The results of in vitro experiments demonstrated that AKF-PD suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation in activated peritoneal-derived macrophages (PDMs) and renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs). AKF-PD increased the intracellular ATP content and decreased the expression of NOX4, while preventing the excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in activated PDMs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that AKF-PD inhibited renal fibrosis by suppressing the mtROS-NLRP3 pathway in the folic acid nephropathy model. These findings provide new evidence in support of the clinical use of AKF-PD in the treatment of diseases related to renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Yupeng Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Qin Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China.
| | - Lijian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan, China.
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Wang Y, Guo YF, Fu GP, Guan C, Zhang X, Yang DG, Shi YC. Protective effect of miRNA-containing extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells of old rats on renal function in chronic kidney disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:274. [PMID: 32641100 PMCID: PMC7346413 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-01792-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) play an important role in the prevention of cell and tissue fibrosis. Senescence may decrease the function of MSCs during recovery from tissue and organ damage. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from MSCs contribute to the repair of kidney injury. We explored the influence of senescence on EVs derived from MSCs (MSC-EVs) and detected the protective effects of MSC-EVs expressing low levels of miR-294/miR-133 derived from old rats against chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods The effects of MSC-EVs derived from 3-month-old and 18-month-old male Fisher 344 rats on renal fibrosis were explored in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. pLV-miR-294/pLV-miR-133 mimic/inhibitor were injected into young and old rats before UUO to detect the effects of miR-294/miR-133, which were decreased in MSC-EVs and sera from old rats, on renal function in CKD. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK2) cells were used to imitate the pathological process of renal fibrosis in vitro. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of epithelial/mesenchymal markers and phosphorylation of proteins in HK2 cells. Results The inhibition of UUO-induced CKD by MSC-EVs was weaker in old rats than in young rats. Downregulation of miRNAs (miR-294 and miR-133) in both MSC-EVs and sera from old rats obviously attenuated UUO-induced renal injury in old rats. miR-294 and miR-133 overexpression mitigated TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HK2 cells, and the obvious increase in the phosphorylation of both SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 induced by TGF-β1 was prevented in miR-294- and miR-133-overexpressing HK2 cells. Conclusions The ability of MSC-EVs to inhibit renal fibrosis decreased with age. miR-294/miR-133 in MSC-EVs and sera had an important effect on renal fibrosis in old rats and on EMT in HK2 cells. Furthermore, miR-294/miR-133 overexpression prevented SMAD2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in HK2 cells during TGF-β1-mediated EMT. These findings show that miR-294/miR-133 may be therapeutic in renal fibrosis and related renal dysfunction in elderly individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
| | - Yi Fang Guo
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Guang Ping Fu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Department of Forensic Medical, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Chang Guan
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Northern College, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China
| | | | - Yun Cong Shi
- Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Zhou Y, Zhu X, Wang X, Peng Y, Du J, Yin H, Yang H, Ni X, Zhang W. H 2S alleviates renal injury and fibrosis in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction by regulating macrophage infiltration via inhibition of NLRP3 signaling. Exp Cell Res 2019; 387:111779. [PMID: 31846625 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a key pathological feature in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Dysregulation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) homeostasis is implicated in the pathogenesis of CKDs. Here, C57/BL6 mice were allocated to Sham and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) groups, which were treated with NaHS or NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor 16673-34-0 for 3-14 days. UUO mice displayed downregulation of H2S production and increased macrophage infiltration in obstructed kidneys. H2S donor NaHS treatment attenuated renal damage and fibrosis and inhibited M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration. NLPR3 inflammasome was activated and levels of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 subunit, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and interleukin (IL)-4 protein were increased in the kidneys after UUO. NLRP3 inhibitor inactivated NF-κB and IL-4/STAT6 signaling, suppressed M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration and attenuated renal damage and fibrosis in UUO mice. NaHS treatment also suppressed NLRP3, NF-κB and IL-4/STAT6 activation in the obstructed kidneys. In conclusion, the therapeutic effects of H2S on UUO-induced renal injury and fibrosis are at least in part by inhibition of M1 and M2 macrophage infiltration. H2S suppresses NLRP3 activation and subsequently inactivates NF-κB and IL-4/STAT6 signaling, which may contribute to the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of H2S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyuan Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yi Peng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiankui Du
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongling Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National International Joint Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Yang H, Zhang W, Xie T, Wang X, Ning W. Fluorofenidone inhibits apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in rats with renal interstitial fibrosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 52:e8772. [PMID: 31664306 PMCID: PMC6826897 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20198772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) in treating renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with unilateral urinary obstruction (UUO). Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham, UUO, UUO + enalapril, and UUO + AKF-PD groups. All rats, except sham, underwent left urethral obstruction surgery to establish the animal model. Rats were sacrificed 14 days after surgery, and serum was collected for renal function examination. Kidneys were collected to observe pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess collagen I (Col I) protein expression, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labeling staining to observe the apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells. The expression of Fas-associated death domain (FADD), apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (Apaf-1), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. AKF-PD showed no significant effect on renal function in UUO rats. The pathological changes were alleviated significantly after enalapril or AKF-PD treatment, but with no significant differences between the two groups. Col I protein was overexpressed in the UUO group, which was inhibited by both enalapril and AKF-PD. The number of apoptotic renal tubular epithelial cells was much higher in the UUO group, and AKF-PD significantly inhibited epithelial cells apoptosis. The expression of FADD, Apaf-1, and CHOP proteins was significantly upregulated in the UUO group and downregulated by enalapril and AKF-PD. In conclusion, AKF-PD improved renal interstitial fibrosis by inhibiting apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells in rats with UUO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiru Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tingting Xie
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wangbin Ning
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Chen Y, Wang N, Yuan Q, Qin J, Hu G, Li Q, Tao L, Xie Y, Peng Z. The Protective Effect of Fluorofenidone against Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity. Kidney Blood Press Res 2019; 44:656-668. [PMID: 31387101 DOI: 10.1159/000500924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Cyclosporine A (CsA) is an immunosuppressant drug that is used during organ transplants. However, its utility is limited by its nephrotoxic potential. This study aimed to investigate whether fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) could provide protection against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. METHODS Eighty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups: drug solvent, CsA, CsA with AKF-PD (250, 500 mg/kg/day), and CsA with pirfenidone (PFD, 250 mg/kg/day). Tubulointerstitial injury index, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, expression of type I and IV collagen, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), Fas ligand (FASL), cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1, and the number of transferase-mediated nick end-labeling (TUNEL)-positive renal tubule cells were determined. In addition, levels of TGF-β1, FASL, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP-1, and number of annexin V-positive cells were determined in rat proximal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) treated with CsA (20 μmol/L), AKF-PD (400 μg/mL), PFD (400 μg/mL), and GW788388 (5 μmol/L). RESULTS AKF-PD (250, 500 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced tubulointerstitial injury, ECM deposition, expression of type I and IV collagen, TGF-β1, PDGF, FASL, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-PARP-1, and number of TUNEL-positive renal tubule cells in the CsA-treated kidneys. In addition, AKF-PD (400 μg/mL) significantly decreased TGF-β1, FASL, cleaved-caspase-3, and PARP-1 expression in NRK-52E cells and further reduced the number of annexin V-positive cells. CONCLUSION AKF-PD protect kidney from fibrosis and apoptosis in CsA-induced kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nasui Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiao Qin
- Department of Nephrology, Changsha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China,
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Zheng L, Zhang J, Yuan X, Tang J, Qiu S, Peng Z, Yuan Q, Xie Y, Mei W, Tang Y, Meng J, Hu G, Tao L. Fluorofenidone attenuates interleukin-1β production by interacting with NLRP3 inflammasome in unilateral ureteral obstruction. Nephrology (Carlton) 2018; 23:573-584. [PMID: 28437591 DOI: 10.1111/nep.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Zheng
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Xiangning Yuan
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Sisi Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Wenjuan Mei
- Department of Nephrology Medicine; First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University; Nanchang Jiangxi China
| | - Yiting Tang
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Department of Nephrology Medicine, Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha Hunan China
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Jin H, Wang Y, Wang D, Zhang L. Effects of Qingshen Granules on the Oxidative Stress-NF/kB Signal Pathway in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:4761925. [PMID: 29576795 PMCID: PMC5822778 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4761925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background. The activation of NF-kappa B (NF/kB) signaling pathway plays an important role in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in renal tubules. The process of oxidative stress reaction in kidney is via excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to activate NF/kB signaling pathway. Qingshen Granule (QSG) is an effective Chinese formula utilized to treat chronic renal failure. Previous studies confirmed that QSG could inhibit RIF in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. In this study, we used UUO rats to investigate the effects of QSG on oxidative stress and the activation of NF/kB signaling. Seventy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham group, UUO model group, Qingshen Granules (QSG) high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups, PDTC group, and candesartan group (10 rats in each group). Our study demonstrated that oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway contributed to the formation of UUO renal interstitial fibrosis. QSG may protect against RIF by inhibiting the oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway, reducing inflammation, and improving renal tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Jin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230031, China
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Zhang J, Zheng L, Yuan X, Liu C, Yuan Q, Xie F, Qiu S, Peng Z, Tang Y, Meng J, Qin J, Hu G, Tao L. Mefunidone ameliorates renal inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis via suppression of IKKβ phosphorylation. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2016; 80:109-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Wu YH, Li XW, Li WQ, Li XH, Li YJ, Hu GY, Liu ZQ, Li D. Fluorofenidone attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a (eIF3a) in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 773:42-50. [PMID: 26821114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluorofenidone is a novel derivative of l-mimosine. It has remarkable anti-fibrotic properties. In this study, we established that fluorofenidone ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis (PF) both in vivo and in vitro by specifically inhibiting the expression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a (eIF3a). eIF3a plays an important role in the development and progression of PF. An animal model of PF was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5mg/kg) in rats. Rats were orally administered with fluorofenidone (250, 500 mg/kg/d·[i.g.]) and pirfenidone (500 mg/kg/d·[i.g.]) for 28 days. Primary pulmonary fibroblasts were cultured to determine the effect of fluorofenidone on TGF-β1-induced (5 ng/ml) proliferation and differentiation of fibroblasts. The expression/level of eIF3a, TGF-β1, α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III were analyzed by ELISA, real-time PCR, and western blot. The cell proliferation rate was determined by MTS assay. The results indicate that fluorofenidone significantly improves the pathological changes in lung tissues and reduces the deposition of collagen by inhibiting eIF3a in rats with bleomycin-induced PF. Moreover, in a culture of pulmonary fibroblasts, fluorofenidone decreased the up-regulation of TGF-β1-induced eIF3a by inhibiting the proliferation of cells and reducing the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, and collagen III. These findings suggest that eIF3a is a new and special target of fluorofenidone, which could be potentially used in the development of a drug that treats PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Han Wu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xian-Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wen-Qun Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuan-Jian Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gao-Yun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dai Li
- National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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The Protective Mechanism of Fluorofenidone in Renal Interstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis. Am J Med Sci 2015; 350:195-203. [PMID: 26035627 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulated inflammation has been implicated in the development of renal interstitial fibrosis and progressive renal failure. Previous work has established that fluorofenidone, a pyridone agent, attenuates renal fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which fluorofenidone prevents renal fibrosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vivo effects of fluorofenidone on unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced fibrosis and the involved molecular mechanism in mouse peritoneal macrophages. METHODS Renal fibrosis was induced in rat by unilateral ureteral obstruction for 3, 7 or 14 days. Ipsilateral kidneys were harvested for morphologic analysis. Leukocyte infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of chemokines (MCP-1, RANTAS, IP-10, MIP-1α and MIP-1β) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mouse peritoneal macrophages and HK-2 cells were incubated with necrotic MES-13 cells or TNF-α in the presence or absence of fluorofenidone. The production of MCP-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK was quantified by Western blot. RESULTS Fluorofenidone treatment hampered renal pathologic change and interstitial collagen deposition. Leukocyte infiltration and the expression of chemokines (MCP-1, RANTES, IP-10, MIP-1α and MIP-1β) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α) in kidney were significantly reduced by fluorofenidone treatment. Mechanistically, fluorofenidone significantly inhibited TNF-α or necrotic cell-induced activation of MAP kinase pathways in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Fluorofenidone serves as a novel anti-inflammatory agent that attenuates ureteral obstruction-induced renal interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, possibly through the inhibition of the microtubule-associated protein kinase pathways.
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Mei W, Peng Z, Lu M, Liu C, Deng Z, Xiao Y, Liu J, He Y, Yuan Q, Yuan X, Tang D, Yang H, Tao L. Peroxiredoxin 1 inhibits the oxidative stress induced apoptosis in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Nephrology (Carlton) 2015; 20:832-42. [PMID: 25989822 DOI: 10.1111/nep.12515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Mei
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Miaomiao Lu
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Zhenghao Deng
- Division of Pathology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Yun Xiao
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Jishi Liu
- Division of Nephrology; The Third Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Ying He
- Division of Gastroenterology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Xiangning Yuan
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Damu Tang
- Division of Nephrology; Department of Medicine; McMaster University; Hamilton Ontario Canada
| | - Huixiang Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Division of Nephrology; Xiangya Hospital; Central South University; Changsha China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China; Central South University; Changsha China
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Fluorofenidone attenuates TGF-β1-induced lung fibroblast activation via restoring the expression of caveolin-1. Shock 2015; 43:201-7. [PMID: 25394239 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0000000000000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Caveolin-1 plays an important role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. We previously showed that fluorofenidone (FD), a novel pyridine agent, can attenuate bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis and restore the production of caveolin-1. In this study, we explore mainly whether caveolin-1 plays a critical role in the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effects of FD in vitro. The normal human lung fibroblasts (NHLFs) were cultured with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and then were treated with FD. Subsequently, NHLFs transfected with cav-1-siRNA were treated with TGF-β1 and/or FD. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen I, caveolin-1, phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK), and phosphorylated P38 were measured by Western blot and/or real-time polymerase chain reaction. Fluorofenidone attenuated TGF-β1-induced expressions of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I; inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38; and restored caveolin-1 protein expression but cannot increase caveolin-1 mRNA level in vitro. After caveolin-1 was silenced, FD could not downregulate TGF-β1-induced expressions of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I or phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and P38. These studies demonstrate that FD, a potential antifibrotic agent, may attenuate TGF-β1-induced activation of NHLFs by restoring the expression of caveolin-1.
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15
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Liu C, Mei W, Tang J, Yuan Q, Huang L, Lu M, Wu L, Peng Z, Meng J, Yang H, Shen H, Lv B, Hu G, Tao L. Mefunidone attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0129283. [PMID: 26042668 PMCID: PMC4456380 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0129283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation has a crucial role in renal interstitial fibrosis, which is the common pathway of chronic kidney diseases. Mefunidone (MFD) is a new compound which could effectively inhibit the proliferation of renal fibroblasts in vitro. However, the overall effect of Mefunidone in renal fibrosis remains unknown. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided intro 6 groups: sham operation, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO/Mefunidone (25, 50, 100mg/kg/day) and UUO/PFD (500mg/kg/day). The rats were sacrificed respectively on days 3, 7, and 14 after the operation. Tubulointerstitial injury index, interstitial collagen deposition, expression of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I and III collagen and the number of CD3+ and CD68+ cells were determined. The expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, p-ERK, p-IκB, and p-STAT3 were measured in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells of HK-2 or macrophages. RESULTS Mefunidone treatment significantly attenuated tubulointerstitial injury, interstitial collagen deposition, expression of FN, α-SMA, type I and III collagen in the obstructive kidneys, which correlated with significantly reduced the number of T cells and macrophages in the obstructive kidneys. Mechanistically, Mefunidone significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α-) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines. This effect is possibly due to the inhibition of phosphorylation of ERK, IκB, and STAT3. CONCLUSION Mefunidone treatment attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis in a rat model of UUO, at least in part, through inhibition of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenjuan Mei
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Juan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miaomiao Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respiration, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Huixiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ben Lv
- Department of Hematology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lijian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics of China, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail:
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Tang J, Liu CY, Lu MM, Zhang J, Mei WJ, Yang WJ, Xie YY, Huang L, Peng ZZ, Yuan QJ, Liu JS, Hu GY, Tao LJ. Fluorofenidone protects against renal fibrosis by inhibiting STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 407:77-87. [PMID: 26033204 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-015-2456-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Signaling through the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway, especially JAK2/STAT3, is involved in renal fibrosis. Fluorofenidone (FD), a novel pyridone agent, exerts anti-fibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo. Herein, we sought to investigate whether FD demonstrates its inhibitory function through preventing JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In this study, we examined the effect of FD on activation of rat renal interstitial fibroblasts, glomerular mesangial cells (GMC), and expression of JAK2/STAT3. Moreover, we explored the histological protection effects of FD in UUO rats, db/db mice, and phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3 cascade. Our studies found that pretreatment with FD resulted in blockade of activation of fibroblast and GMC manifested by fibronectin (FN) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression and decline of STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation induced by IL-6 or high glucose. In unilateral ureteral obstruction rats and a murine model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes (db/db mice), treatment with FD blocked the expression of FN and α-SMA, prevented renal fibrosis progression, and attenuated STAT3 activation. However, FD administration did not interfere with JAK2 activation both in vivo and in vitro. In summary, the molecular mechanism by which FD exhibits renoprotective effects appears to involve the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Tang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
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Fluorofenidone inhibits macrophage IL-1β production by suppressing inflammasome activity. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 27:148-53. [PMID: 25983199 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is a potent pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokine that plays an important role in renal fibrosis. Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone agent that exerts a strong renal anti-fibrotic effect. We previously found that administration of AKF-PD could significantly attenuate IL-1β production in vitro and in vivo. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here we show that AKF-PD has no effect on the expression of pro-IL-1β in activated mouse macrophages in vitro. Instead, AKF-PD inhibits the inflammasome, lowering caspase-1 levels and thereby decreasing cleavage of pro-IL-1β into IL-1β. AKF-PD was found to block inflammasome activity induced by various signals, including ATP, alum crystals, and Salmonella typhimurium. These results provide a novel mechanistic insight into how AKF-PD exerts its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities, and suggest that AKF-PD might block IL-1β production via suppression of inflammasomes in renal fibrosis. In addition, the results suggest that AKF-PD may be of therapeutic potential in other inflammasome-related diseases.
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18
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Wang S, Li B, Li C, Cui W, Miao L. Potential Renoprotective Agents through Inhibiting CTGF/CCN2 in Diabetic Nephropathy. J Diabetes Res 2015; 2015:962383. [PMID: 26421309 PMCID: PMC4572424 DOI: 10.1155/2015/962383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The development and progression of DN might involve multiple factors. Connective tissue growth factor (CCN2, originally known as CTGF) is the one which plays a pivotal role. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to CCN2 as a potential therapeutic target for DN. Up to date, there are also many drugs or agents which have been shown for their protective effects against DN via different mechanisms. In this review, we only focus on the potential renoprotective therapeutic agents which can specifically abolish CCN2 expression or nonspecifically inhibit CCN2 expression for retarding the development and progression of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songyan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
- Department of Nephrology, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Nephrology, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Chunguang Li
- Department of Urology, The 2nd Hospital of Changchun, Changchun 130061, China
| | - Wenpeng Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Lining Miao
- Department of Nephrology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
- *Lining Miao:
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19
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Therapeutic strategies of diabetic nephropathy: recent progress and future perspectives. Drug Discov Today 2014; 20:332-46. [PMID: 25448752 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2014.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Revised: 09/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes with high mortality rates worldwide. The treatment of DN has posed a formidable challenge to the scientific community. Simple control of risk factors has been insufficient to cope with the progression of DN. During the process of anti-DN drug discovery, multiple pathogeneses such as oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis should all be considered. In this review, the pathogenesis of DN is summarized. The major context focuses on a few small molecules toward the pathogenesis available in animal models and clinical trials for the treatment of DN. The perspectives of novel anti-DN agents and the future directions for the prevention of DN are discussed.
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Wang L, Chi YF, Yuan ZT, Zhou WC, Yin PH, Zhang XM, Peng W, Cai H. Astragaloside IV inhibits renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis by blocking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2014; 239:1310-24. [PMID: 24879422 DOI: 10.1177/1535370214532597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is a major active ingredient from Radix astragali, which has been considered as a renoprotective agent; however, its molecular mechanisms are unclear. Thus, we designed to investigate the renoprotective effects and mechanisms of AS-IV in rat model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo and TGF-β1-stimulated rat renal fibroblasts (NRK-49F) in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation, UUO, UUO/AS-IV (3.3, 10, 33 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)), and UUO/enalapril (4 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)). Renal function, tubulointerstitial damage index score, extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and the expressions of TGF-β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I, III, Smad2/3, phosphorylated-Smad2/3, and Smad7 were measured. In addition, the expressions of CTGF, α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I, III, Smad2/3, phosphorylated-Smad2/3, and Smad7 were measured in TGF-β1-stiumlated NRK-49F cell line. AS-IV significantly decreased UUO-induced renal fibrosis and functional impairment, which are associated with inhibition of TGF-β1, CTGF, α-SMA, and collagen matrix expression, and a decrease in serum creatinine and urea nitrogen. The renoprotective effects of AS-IV on fibrosis were associated with up-regulation of Smad7, thereby blocking up-regulations of TGF-β1, CTGF, and α-SMA, and activation of phosphorylated-Smad2/3. These effects were further conformed in NRK-49F cell line stimulated by TGF-β1. Moreover, knockdown of Smad7 gene in NRK-49F cells was able to prevent AS-IV-induced inhibition to Smad2/3 signaling activation, expression of CTGF, α-SMA, and ECM proteins in response to TGF-β1. Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis was attenuated by treatment with AS-IV, which was closely related to induction of Smad7, thereby inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yang-Feng Chi
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ze-Ting Yuan
- Experimental Research Center, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wen-Chao Zhou
- Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xue-Mei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wen Peng
- Laboratory of Renal Disease, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China Department of Nephrology, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Hui Cai
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA Section of Nephrology, Atlanta Veterans Administration Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30322, USA
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Li XW, Du J, Hu GY, Hu CP, Li D, Li YJ, Li XH. Fluorofenidone attenuates vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension of rats. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:58-69. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel pyridone derivate that targets transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. Previous studies have proven that AKF-PD functions as an antifibrotic agent in pulmonary fibrosis and renal fibrosis models. Activated TGF-β1 signaling is thought to be a major feature of pulmonary hypertension (PH). TGF-β1 exerts powerful pro-proliferation effects on pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), and hence, prompts vascular remodeling. This study is designed to investigate the effect of AKF-PD on vascular remodeling in a rat model of hypoxia-induced PH. PH was induced in rats by 4 weeks of hypoxia. The expression of TGF-β1, collagen I, and collagen III was analyzed by ELISA, immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, or Western blot. Proliferation of cultured PASMCs was determined by the BrdU incorporation method and flow cytometry. The results showed that AKF-PD treatment (0.5 or 1.0 g·(kg body mass)·d−1) for 4 weeks attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling and improved homodynamic parameters. TGF-β1 level was significantly down-regulated by AKF-PD both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, hypoxia- and TGF-β1-induced PASMC proliferation and collagen expression were both significantly suppressed by AKF-PD. These results suggest that AKF-PD ameliorates the progression of PH induced by hypoxia in rats through its regulation of TGF-β1 expression, PASMC proliferation, and the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Xiang-Ya Road No. 110, Changsha 410078, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241002, China
| | - Jie Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Xiang-Ya Road No. 110, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Gao-Yun Hu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Chang-Ping Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Xiang-Ya Road No. 110, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Dai Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 41008, China
| | - Yuan-Jian Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Xiang-Ya Road No. 110, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Xiang-Ya Road No. 110, Changsha 410078, China
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Kiwanuka E, Hackl F, Caterson EJ, Nowinski D, Junker JPE, Gerdin B, Eriksson E. CCN2 is transiently expressed by keratinocytes during re-epithelialization and regulates keratinocyte migration in vitro by the ras-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. J Surg Res 2013; 185:e109-19. [PMID: 24079812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.05.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CCN2 (previously known as connective tissue growth factor) is a multifunctional matricellular protein that has numerous effects on cell life and cell interactions with the connective tissue. Although the importance of CCN2 for the fibrotic process in wound healing has been well studied, the involvement of CCN2 in keratinocyte function has not yet been explored. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CCN2 in the epidermis during wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was done on sections from full-thickness porcine wounds. The effect of CCN2 on the migration of cultured human keratinocytes exposed to scratch wounds, the effect on phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinases (ERK), and the effect of adding inhibitors to the ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to human keratinocytes were studied. RESULTS The CCN2 protein was transiently expressed in vivo at the leading keratinocyte edge during re-epithelialization of full-thickness porcine wounds. In vitro, exogenous addition of CCN2 to human keratinocyte cultures regulated keratinocyte migration and resulted in phosphorylation of ERK. The addition of inhibitors of ERK/mitogen-activated protein kinase counteracted the effect of CCN2 on migration. CONCLUSIONS CCN2 was transiently expressed at the leading keratinocyte edge in vivo. The biologic importance of this was supported in vitro, because CCN2 regulated human keratinocyte migration through activation of the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-ERK signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kiwanuka
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgical Sciences, Plastic Surgery Unit, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the culmination of processes driven by signaling pathways involving transforming growth factor-β family of cytokines, connective-tissue growth factor, nuclear factor κB, Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and other growth factors. Many studies in experimental animal models have directly targeted these pathways and demonstrated efficacy in mitigating renal fibrosis. However, only a small fraction of these approaches have been attempted in human and even fewer have been successfully translated to clinical use for patient with kidney diseases. Drugs with proven efficacy for treatment of kidney diseases and tissue fibrosis exert some of their effects by interfering with components of these pathways. This review considers key molecular mediators of renal fibrosis and their potential as targets for treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Chuang
- Division of Nephrology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1243, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Fluorofenidone Attenuates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice Via Restoring Caveolin 1 Expression and Inhibiting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Shock 2012; 38:567-73. [DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e31826fe992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Zuehlke J, Ebenau A, Krueger B, Goppelt-Struebe M. Vectorial secretion of CTGF as a cell-type specific response to LPA and TGF-β in human tubular epithelial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2012; 10:25. [PMID: 22938209 PMCID: PMC3503564 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-10-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Increased expression of the pro-fibrotic protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been detected in injured kidneys and elevated urinary levels of CTGF are discussed as prognostic marker of chronic kidney disease. There is evidence that epithelial cells lining the renal tubular system contribute to uptake and secretion of CTGF. However, the role of different types of tubular epithelial cells in these processes so far has not been addressed in primary cultures of human cells. RESULTS Tubular epithelial cells of proximal and distal origin were isolated from human kidneys and cultured as polarized cells in insert wells. The pro-fibrotic stimuli lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) were used to induce CTGF secretion.LPA activated CTGF secretion in proximal tubular cells when applied from either the apical or the basolateral side as shown by immunocytochemistry. CTGF was secreted exclusively to the apical side. Signaling pathways activated by LPA included MAP kinase and Rho kinase signaling. TGF-β applied from either side also stimulated CTGF secretion primarily to the apical side with little basolateral release.Interestingly, TGF-β activation induced different signaling pathways depending on the side of TGF-β application. Smad signaling was almost exclusively activated from the basolateral side most prominently in cells of distal origin. Only part of these cells also synthesized CTGF indicating that Smad activation alone was not sufficient for CTGF induction. MAP kinases were involved in apical TGF-β-mediated activation of CTGF synthesis in proximal cells and a subset of epithelial cells of distal origin. This subpopulation of distal tubular cells was also able to internalize recombinant apical CTGF, in addition to proximal cells which were the main cells to take up exogenous CTGF. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of polarized human primary renal epithelial cells in a transwell system shows that vectorial secretion of the pro-fibrotic protein CTGF depends on the cell type, the stimulus and the signaling pathway activated. In all conditions, CTGF was secreted mainly to the apical side upon TGF-β and LPA treatment and therefore, likely contributes to increased urinary CTGF levels in vivo. Moreover, CTGF secreted basolaterally may be active as paracrine pro-fibrotic mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Zuehlke
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Astrid Ebenau
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Bettina Krueger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Waldstrasse 6, Erlangen, 91054, Germany
| | - Margarete Goppelt-Struebe
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 8, Erlangen 91054, Germany
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