Harmine mitigates LPS-induced acute kidney injury through inhibition of the TLR4-NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signalling pathway in mice

Alirocumab boosts antioxidant status and halts inflammation in rat model of sepsis-induced nephrotoxicity via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, PCSK9/HMGB1/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3 and Fractalkine/CX3CR1 hubs

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a devastating consequence of sepsis, accompanied by high mortality rates. It was suggested that inflammatory pathways are closely linked to the pathogenesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI. Inflammatory signaling, including PCSK9, HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB, NLRP3/caspase-1 and Fractalkine/CX3CR1 are considered major forerunners in this link. Alirocumab, PCSK9 inhibitor, with remarkable anti-inflammatory features. Accordingly, this study aimed to elucidate the antibacterial effect of alirocumab against E. coli in vitro. Additionally, evaluation of the potential nephroprotective effects of alirocumab against LPS-induced AKI in rats, highlighting the potential underlying mechanisms involved in these beneficial actions. Thirty-six adult male Wistar rats were assorted into three groups (n=12). Group I; was a normal control group, whereas sepsis-mediated AKI was induced in groups II and III through single-dose intraperitoneal injection of LPS on day 16. In group III, animals were given alirocumab. The results revealed that LPS-induced AKI was mitigated by alirocumab, evidenced by amelioration in renal function tests (creatinine, cystatin C, KIM-1, and NGAL); oxidative stress biomarkers (Nrf2, HO-1, TAC, and MDA); apoptotic markers and renal histopathological findings. Besides, alirocumab pronouncedly hindered LPS-mediated inflammatory response, confirmed by diminishing HMGB1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-1 contents; the gene expression of PCSK9, RAGE, NF-ᴋB and Fractalkine/CX3CR1, along with mRNA expression of TLR4, MYD88, and NLRP3. Regarding the antibacterial actions, results showed that alirocumab displayed potential anti-bacterial activity against pathogenic gram-negative E. coli. In conclusion, alirocumab elicited nephroprotective activities against LPS-induced AKI via modulation of Nrf2/HO-1, PCSK9, HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/MYD88/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1, Fractalkine/CX3R1 and apoptotic axes.

Metabolomics analysis of rice fermented by medicinal fungi providing insights into the preparation of functional food

Rice, a primary staple food, may be improved in value via fermentation. Here, ten medicinal basidiomycetous fungi were separately applied for rice fermentation. After preliminary screening, Ganoderma boninense, Phylloporia pulla, Sanghuangporus sanghuang and Sanghuangporus weigelae were selected for further LC-MS based determination of the changes in metabolic profile after their fermentation with rice, and a total of 261, 296, 312, and 355 differential compounds were identified, respectively. Most of these compounds were up-regulated and involved in the metabolic pathways of amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism and the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. Sanghuangporus weigelae endowed the rice with the highest nutritional and bioactive values. The metabolic network of the identified differential compounds in rice fermented by S. weigelae illustrated their close relationships. In summary, this study provides insights into the preparation and application of potential functional food via the fermentation of rice with medicinal fungi.

Effects of natural products on angiogenesis in melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and originates from genetic mutations in melanocytes. The disease is multifactorial, but its main cause is overexposure to UV radiation. Currently, available chemotherapy expresses little to no results, which may justify the extensive use of natural products to treat this cancer. In this study, we reviewed the inhibition of melanoma angiogenesis by natural products and its potential mechanisms using literature from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. According to summarizes 27 natural products including alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and steroids that effectively inhibit angiogenesis in melanoma. In addition to these there are 15 crude extracts that can be used as promising agents to inhibit angiogenesis, but their core components still deserve further investigation. There are current studies on melanoma angiogenesis involving oxidative stress, immune-inflammatory response, cell proliferation and migration and capillary formation. The above natural products can be involved in melanoma angiogenesis through core targets such as VE-cadherin, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, bFGF, FGF2,MMP2,MMP9,IL-1β,IL-6 play a role in inhibiting melanoma angiogenesis. Effective excavation of natural products can not only clarify the mechanism of drug action and key targets, but also help to promote the preclinical research of natural products for melanoma treatment and further promote the development of new clinical drugs, which will bring the gospel to the vast number of patients who are deeply afflicted by melanoma.

Anti-inflammatory effect of proanthocyanidins from blueberry through NF-κβ/NLRP3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response. Proanthocyanidins (PC) is a general term of polyphenol compounds widely existed in blueberry fruits and can treat inflammation-related diseases. This study aimed to explore the regulatory effect of PC on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced systemic inflammation and its potential mechanism, providing effective strategies for the further development of PC.

METHODS

Here, RAW264.7 macrophages were stimulated with LPS to establish an inflammation model in vitro, while endotoxin shock mouse models were constructed by LPS in vivo. The function of PC was investigated by MTT, ELISA kits, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Functionally, PC could demonstrate the potential to mitigate mortality in mice with endotoxin shock, as well as attenuated the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and biochemical indicators (AST, ALT, CRE and BUN). Moreover, it had a significant protective effect on lung and kidney tissues damage. Mechanistically, PC exerted anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

PC might have the potential ability of anti-inflammatory effects via modulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Harmine ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury through suppression of autophagy and inflammation

CCl4-induced acute liver injury (ALI) is characterized by heightened autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Accumulating evidence suggests that harmine exerts beneficial effects in countering CCl4-induced ALI by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, the impact of autophagy on CCl4-induced ALI and the protective role of harmine remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of harmine against CCl4-induced ALI in mice by suppressing autophagy and inflammation. Male Kunming mice were orally administered harmine or bifendate for seven days. Subsequently, one hour after the final administration, the model group and treatment groups were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 to induce ALI. The findings revealed that harmine significantly reduced the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in serum, and ameliorated the liver histopathological changes induced by CCl4. Furthermore, harmine diminished the levels of TNF-α and IL-6, restored the levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and suppressed the production of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. Mechanistically, harmine down-regulated LC3B II/I, p38 MAPK, TLR4, and NF-κB levels, while upregulating p62, Bcl-2, Beclin1, ULK1, and p-mTOR expression. In conclusion, harmine mitigated CCl4-induced ALI by inhibiting autophagy and inflammation through the p38 MAPK/mTOR autophagy pathway, the Bcl-2/Beclin1 pathway, and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Astaxanthin treatment reduces kidney damage and facilitates antioxidant recovery in lithium-intoxicated rats

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of astaxanthin against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, focusing on histopathological changes, oxidative stress modulation, and alteration in the expression of key proteins related to apoptosis and inflammation.

METHODS

In this study, 56 male rats were utilized and divided into experimental groups subjected to lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, with and without astaxanthin treatment, over 14 and 28 days. The parameters assessed included oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, SOD), protein expression levels of BCL-2, BAX, TNF- α, PI3K, NF-κ B-p65, IL-1β, and comprehensive histopathological examinations to evaluate the integrity of renal tissue.

RESULTS

Lithium exposure led to significant renal damage, as evidenced by histological distortions in renal architecture, increased oxidative stress indicated by elevated MDA levels, and dysregulated expressions of apoptotic and inflammatory proteins. Notably, histopathological analysis revealed glomerular and tubular degeneration in lithium-treated groups. Astaxanthin treatment effectively mitigated these effects, demonstrating its efficacy in reducing lipid peroxidation, rebalancing apoptotic proteins, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, and preserving renal histological structure. The concurrent use of lithium and astaxanthin showed a considerable amelioration of lithium-induced damage, suggesting astaxanthin's role in attenuating the nephrotoxic effects of lithium, both at a molecular and structural level.

CONCLUSION

Astaxanthin demonstrates significant renoprotective effects against lithium-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting its utility as an effective adjunctive therapy. Through its potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic actions, astaxanthin effectively reduces renal damage associated with lithium treatment, underscoring its potential for enhancing renal health in patients receiving lithium therapy.

Prevention of the Lachnum polysaccharide and its selenium derivatives on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice

To investigate the renal protective effects of the polysaccharide LEP-1a and derivatives of selenium (SeLEP-1a) from Lachnum YM38, cisplatin (CP) was used to establish an acute kidney model. LEP-1a and SeLEP-1a could effectively reverse the decrease in renal index and improved renal oxidative stress. LEP-1a and SeLEP-1a significantly reduced the contents of the inflammatory cytokines. They could inhibit the release of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and increase the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). At the same time, the PCR results indicated that SeLEP-1a could significantly inhibit the mRNA expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB) p65 and inhibitor of kappa B-alpha (IκBα). Western blot analysis showed that LEP-1a and SeLEP-1a significantly downregulated the expression levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 and upregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein expression levels in the kidney. LEP-1a and SeLEP-1a could improve CP-induced acute kidney injury by regulating the oxidative stress response, NF-κB-mediated inflammation and the PI3K/Akt-mediated apoptosis signalling pathway.

Peganum harmala L.: A Review of Botany, Traditional Use, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Quality Marker, and Toxicity

BACKGROUND

Peganum harmala L. is a perennial herb of Peganum in Zygophyllaceae family. It has been used as a national medicinal herb with the efficacy of strengthening muscle, warming stomach, dispelling cold, and removing dampness in Chinese folk. Clinically, it is mainly used to treat diseases such as weak muscles and veins, joint pain, cough and phlegm, dizziness, headache, and irregular menstruation.

METHODS

The relevant information about P. harmala L. in this review is based on online databases, including Elsevier, Willy, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, SpringLink, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, ACS publications, SciHub, Scopus, and CNKI. The other information was acquired from ancient books and classical works about P. harmala L.

RESULTS

P. harmala L. is an important medicinal plant with a variety of traditional uses according to the theory of Chinese medicine. Phytochemical research revealed that P. harmala L. contained alkaloids, volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenoids, coumarins, lignins, anthraquinones. Modern studies showed P. harmala L. possessed multiple bioactivities, including anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-asthmatic, and insecticidal activities. Furthermore, the contents of the quality marker and toxicity of P. harmala L. were summarized and analyzed in this review.

CONCLUSION

The botany, traditional use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, quality marker, and toxicity of P. harmala L. were reviewed in this paper. It will not only provide an important clue for further studying P. harmala L., but also supply an important theoretical basis and valuable reference for in-depth research and exploitations of this plant in the future.

Phytocompounds from Amazonian Plant Species against Acute Kidney Injury: Potential Nephroprotective Effects

There are several Amazonian plant species with potential pharmacological validation for the treatment of acute kidney injury, a condition in which the kidneys are unable to adequately filter the blood, resulting in the accumulation of toxins and waste in the body. Scientific production on plant compounds capable of preventing or attenuating acute kidney injury-caused by several factors, including ischemia, toxins, and inflammation-has shown promising results in animal models of acute kidney injury and some preliminary studies in humans. Despite the popular use of Amazonian plant species for kidney disorders, further pharmacological studies are needed to identify active compounds and subsequently conduct more complex preclinical trials. This article is a brief review of phytocompounds with potential nephroprotective effects against acute kidney injury (AKI). The classes of Amazonian plant compounds with significant biological activity most evident in the consulted literature were alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. An expressive phytochemical and pharmacological relevance of the studied species was identified, although with insufficiently explored potential, mainly in the face of AKI, a clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality.

Enhanced anti-inflammatory effect of Rosmarinic acid by encapsulation and combination with the exosome in mice with LPS-induced endometritis through suppressing the TLR4-NLRP3 signaling pathway

The TLR4-NLRP3 signaling pathway plays an essential role in the development of inflammation and especially endometritis. Rosmarinic acid (RA) can have potent anti-inflammatory effects in the drug-loading system. The purpose of this was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of RA loaded to exosomes (RLE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis in mice. RA was loaded into serum-derived exosome, using sonication methods. Animals in the treatment groups were subjected to uterine horn injection of RA, exosome, RA combination with exosome (R+E), and RA loaded to exosome (RLE) in uterine horn by two dosages in each group (5 and 10 mg/kg of RA or exosome), 24 h after inducing endometritis. Histopathological analysis, MPO production, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR were used to determine whether the treatment groups were adequate in controlling inflammation. The results showed that treatment groups, and mainly RLE10 and R10 +E10 groups, could modulate pathological changes, inhibit myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and significantly reduce the gene and protein expression of TLR4, NLRP3, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, and TNF-α, and lastly, GSDM-D as a pyroptosis factor. In conclusion, RA loaded and combination with exosomes at a dosage of 10 mg/kg (RLE10 and R10 +E10) improved endometritis in mice through a suppressing TLR4-NLRP3 signaling pathway.

A Novel Aniline Derivative from Peganum harmala L. Promoted Apoptosis via Activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR-Mediated Autophagy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a common clinical malignant tumor with limited therapeutic drugs. Leading by cytotoxicity against NSCLC cell lines (A549 and PC9), bioactivity-guided isolation of components from Peganum harmala seeds led to the isolation of pegaharoline A (PA). PA was elucidated as a structurally novel aniline derivative, originating from tryptamine with a pyrrole ring cleaved and the degradation of carbon. Biological studies showed that PA significantly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, suppressed DNA synthesis, arrested the cell cycle, suppressed colony formation and HUVEC angiogenesis, and blocked cell invasion and migration. Molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrated PA could bind with CD133, correspondingly decreased CD133 expression to activate autophagy via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and increased ROS levels, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 to promote apoptosis. PA could also decrease p-cyclinD1 and p-Erk1/2 and block the EMT pathway to inhibit NSCLC cell growth, invasion, and migration. According to these results, PA could inhibit NSCLC cell growth by blocking PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EMT pathways. This study provides evidence that PA has a promising future as a candidate for developing drugs for treating NSCLC.

Combining Upconversion Luminescence, Photothermy, and Electrochemistry for Highly Accurate Triple-Signal Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide by Optically Trapping Single Microbeads

The detection of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), the third gas signaling molecule, is a promising strategy for identifying the occurrence of certain diseases. However, the conventional single- or dual-signal detection can introduce false-positive or false-negative results, which ultimately decreases the diagnostic accuracy. To address this limitation, we developed a luminescent, photothermal, and electrochemical triple-signal detection platform by optically trapping the synthetic highly doped upconversion coupled SiO₂ microbeads coated with metal-organic frameworks H-UCNP-SiO₂@HKUST-1 (H-USH) to detect the concentration of H₂S. The H-USH was first synthesized and proved to have stable structure and excellent luminescent, photothermal, and electrochemical properties. Under 980 nm optical trapping and 808 nm irradiation, H-USH showed great detection linearity, a low limit of detection, and high specificity for H₂S quantification via triple-signal detection. Moreover, H-USH was captured by optical tweezers to realize quantitative detection of H₂S content in serum of acute pancreatitis and spontaneously hypertensive rats. Finally, by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we concluded that triple-signal detection of H₂S was more accurate than single- or dual-signal detection, which overcame the problem of false-negative/positive results in the detection of H₂S in actual serum samples.

miR-21-5p in extracellular vesicles obtained from adipose tissue-derived stromal cells facilitates tubular epithelial cell repair in acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND AIMS

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is often associated with poor patient outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have a marked therapeutic effect on renal recovery. This study sought to explore the functional mechanism of EVs from adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) in tubular epithelial cell (TEC) repair in AKI.

METHODS

ADSCs were cultured and EVs were isolated and identified. In vivo and in vitro AKI models were established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

RESULTS

EVs increased human kidney 2 (HK-2) cell viability; decreased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells and levels of kidney injury molecule 1, cleaved caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD, gasdermin D-N, IL-18 and IL-1β; and elevated pro-caspase-1. EVs carried miR-21-5p into LPS-induced HK-2 cells. Silencing miR-21-5p partly eliminated the ability of EVs to suppress HK-2 cell pyroptosis and inflammation. miR-21-5p targeted toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and inhibited TEC pyroptosis and inflammation after AKI by inhibiting TLR4. TLR4 overexpression blocked the inhibitory effects of EVs on TEC pyroptosis and inflammation. EVs suppressed the nuclear factor-κB/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NF-κB/NLRP3) pathway via miR-21-5p/TLR4. Finally, AKI mouse models were established and in vivo assays verified that ADSC-EVs reduced TEC pyroptosis and inflammatory response and potentiated cell repair by mediating miR-21-5p in AKI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

ADSC-EVs inhibited inflammation and TEC pyroptosis and promoted TEC repair in AKI by mediating miR-21-5p to target TLR4 and inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway.

Saroglitazar, a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist, alleviates LPS-induced hepatic and renal injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin within gram-negative bacteria, is associated with systemic acute inflammatory response after invading living tissues and results in sepsis. The liver and kidney are both major target organs in sepsis. Septic acute hepatic-renal injury is a serious clinical condition with high risk of morbidity and mortality. Nevertheless, effective treatment is still lacking.

AIM

This study highlights saroglitazar (SAR), a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist, as a proposed prophylactic drug against LPS-induced hepatic-renal injury.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were pretreated with SAR (2 and 4 mg/kg/day) for 15 days, while sepsis was induced by LPS injection (10 mg/kg) on day 15 one hour following SAR oral administration.

KEY FINDINGS

SAR pretreatment could successfully mitigate LPS-induced hepatic-renal injury, evidenced by enhancement of renal and hepatic functions and a decrease of tissue pathological injury. Meanwhile, SAR alleviated LPS-induced oxidative stress; it reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and ameliorated decreased levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). LPS-induced elevations in hepatic and renal nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa B alpha (p-IκBα), interferon-beta (IFN-β), and hepatic high mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) contents were significantly attenuated in SAR-treated groups. SAR showed an advantageous impact against LPS-induced activation of non-canonical inflammasome and pyroptosis via a significant reduction in cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-11 (Caspase-11) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) expressions. Moreover, Nucleotide-Binding Oligomerization Domain (NOD)-Like Receptor Protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation with concomitant expression and activation of caspase-1 and release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were considerably diminished following SAR pretreatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

SAR could be considered a prophylactic anti-inflammatory antioxidant drug against LPS-induced liver and kidney injury.

KCNQ1OT1 Influences HK-2 Apoptosis and Inflammation in LPS-Induced Acute Renal Injury via Modulating miR-30a-5p/NLRP3 Axis

Objective

To investigate the influence of KCNQ1OT1 on HK-2 apoptosis and inflammation in ARI and its molecular mechanism.

Methods

Normal cultivated HK-2 cells were used as negative control (NC) group. Three different concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to treat the cells (5 μg/mL, 10 μg/mL, and 20 μg/mL). The groups included si-KCN1OT1+ LPS, si-NC + LPS, miR-30a-5p + LPS, pcDNA-NLRP3+si-KCNQ1OT1 + LPS group, miR-NC + LPS group, and pcDNA + si-KCNQ1OT1 + LPS group. CCK-8 and flow cytometry are used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, while RT-qPCR and Western blotting are used to detect KCNQ1OT1, miR-30a-5p, and NLRP3 mRNA. ELISA was used to detect the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in HK-2 cells. The targeting relationship among KCNQ1OT1, miR-30a-5p, and NLRP3 was verified.

Results

After the intervention of LPS, the viability of HK-2 cells was decreased, while the apoptosis rates were increased. The mRNA and protein expressions of NLRP3 and KCNQ1OT1 were increased, while the mRNA and protein levels of miR-30a-5p were decreased (P < 0.05). The expressions of Bax and Cleaved-caspase-3 were downregulated after silencing KCNQ1OT1 and overexpressed miR-30a-5p. In addition, the viability of HK-2 cells was improved, and the apoptosis was reduced by inhibiting KCNQ1OT1 and overexpressed miR-30a-5p. Thus, KCNQ1OT1 modulated NLRP3 via targeting miR-30a-5p. Overexpression of NLRP3 reverses KCNQ1OT1 inhibition of LPS-induced apoptosis, activity, and inflammation in HK-2 cells.

Conclusions

Through modulating the miR-30a-5p/NLRP3 axis, inhibition of KCNQ1OT1 may reduce HK-2 apoptosis and inflammation in LPS-induced ARI.

Harmine Inhibits Multiple TLR-Induced Inflammatory Expression through Modulation of NF-κB p65, JNK, and STAT1

Harmine is a beta-carboline alkaloid present in various plants, including in the seeds of Peganum harmala L. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of harmine using macrophages stimulated with various toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists and a model of endotoxemia. The expression of inflammatory mediators induced by ligands of TLRs 2, 3, 4, and 9 were examined in thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages isolated from BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse strains. Further, the activation of NF-κB, MAPK, AP-1, and STAT1 was explored using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)). Finally, the liver inflammatory response during endotoxemia was examined. Harmine inhibited inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12, and other markers induced by various TLR agonists. The inhibition of NF-κB activity by harmine occurred via the modulation of p65 phosphorylation, independent of IκBα degradation. The inhibition of AP-1 activity by harmine was associated with the modulation of JNK. Harmine inhibited the LPS-induced serine and tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT1, but only affected serine phosphorylation by poly(I:C) treatment. In vivo, harmine inhibited iNOS and COX-2 expression during endotoxemia. Collectively, the results show that harmine can be effective against infectious inflammation through modulation of NF-κB, JNK, and STAT1.

Akkermansia muciniphila attenuates LPS-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a global public health hazard with high morbidity and mortality. Sepsis accounts for nearly half of all causes of AKI. Scientists have made a great effort to explore effective therapeutic agents with limited side effects in the treatment of AKI, but have had little success. With the development of gut flora study, Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) has been proven to prevent different organs by regulating the inflammatory response. However, the reno-protective function is still unknown. Here, the AKI model was induced using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice with or without pretreatment of A. muciniphila. Renal function and histological change were measured. Inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA and rt-PCR. TLR4/NF-κB signaling factors and NLRP3 inflammasome were tested by western blot and immunohistochemistry. Pretreatment of A. muciniphila markedly inhibited inflammatory response and ameliorated kidney histopathological changes. Furthermore, the TLR4, p-NF-κB p65, and downstream IκBα were notably activated in the model group and inhibited by A. muciniphila. A similar effect was found in the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. In conclusion, pretreatment with A. muciniphila could protect against LPS-induced AKI by inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. It may be a new therapeutic strategy for AKI prevention and treatment in the future.

Augmenter of Liver Regeneration (ALR) Protects Kidney from Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) Injury via Regulation of TLR4/MAPK Signaling Pathway

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can mediate innate activation and inflammation, and it is typically expressed within the ischemic kidney. Augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) acts as an immunoregulator with a high expression in the kidney induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Exogenous ALR has indicated a role in protecting the kidney from I/R injury. The protective effect of ALR is due to the immune regulatory function which remains to be elucidated. In this study, rats induced by renal I/R were treated with recombinant human ALR (rhALR) and demonstrated that the animals were protected from kidney I/R injury, implying that the rhALR-treated rats had less tubular damage than those untreated rats. Meanwhile, tubular epithelial cell apoptosis, neutrophil (24 h) and macrophage (72 h) infiltration to tubulointerstitium, and levels of inflammatory cytokines were decreased considerably in the rhALR-treated rats as compared to control. Additionally, rhALR could downregulate mRNA expression of TLR4 endogenous ligands and restrain its activation in renal I/R injury rats. It has also been proved that anti-rhALR antibody blocked the inhibition of rhALR of the immune inflammatory response in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in vitro. In rhALR+anti-rhALR antibody-intervened H/R cells, the expression of inflammatory cytokines was upregulated compared with the rhALR-treated cells. Taken together, rhALR could regulate the TLR4 signaling pathway to relieve inflammatory response, thereby protecting renal I/R injury, indicating that ALR is likely to be introduced to develop novel immune therapies for renal I/R injury.

Ethnobotanical, pharmacological, phytochemical, and clinical investigations on Moroccan medicinal plants traditionally used for the management of renal dysfunctions

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Renal disease is a significant public health concern that affects people all over the world. The main limitations of conventional therapy are the adverse reaction on human health and the expensive cost of drugs. Indeed, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies that are less expensive and have fewer side effects. As a consequence of their natural compounds, medicinal plants can be used as an alternative therapy to cure various ailments including kidney diseases.

OBJECTIVE

of the study: This review paper has two principal goals: (1) to inventory and describe the plants and their ancestral use by Moroccan society to cure renal problems, (2) to link traditional use with scientific confirmations (preclinical and clinical).

METHODS

To analyze pharmacological effects, phytochemical, and clinical trials of plants, selected for renal therapy, a bibliographical search was undertaken by examining ethnobotanical investigations conducted in Morocco between 1991 and 2019 and consulting peer-reviewed papers from all over the world.

RESULTS

Approximately 290 plant species, spanning 81 families and 218 genera have been reported as being utilized by Moroccans to manage renal illness. The most frequently mentioned species in Morocco were Herniaria hirsuta subsp. cinerea (DC.), Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Fuss and Rosmarinus officinalis L. The leaves were the most frequently used plant parts, followed by the whole plant. Decoction and infusion were the most popular methods of preparation. A record of 71 plant species was studied in vitro and/or in vivo for their therapeutic efficacy against kidney disorders, including 10 plants attempting to make it to the clinical stage. Twenty compounds obtained from 15 plants have been studied for the treatment of kidney diseases.

CONCLUSION

Medicinal herbs could be a credible alternative therapy for renal illness. However, additional controlled trials are required to confirm their efficiency in patients with kidney failure. Overall, this work could be used as a database for future exploration.

Docosahexaenoic acid-acylated curcumin diester alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by regulating the effect of gut microbiota on the lipopolysaccharide- and trimethylamine-N-oxide-mediated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice

An increasing number of studies have reported the effects of curcumin (Cur) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on alleviating acute kidney injury (AKI). In this work, we have performed a comparative investigation to determine the effect of dietary DHA-acylated Cur esters, ester derivatives of Cur, and recombination of curcumin and DHA on alleviating acute kidney injury in a mouse model induced by a single intraperitoneal injection with cisplatin (20 mg kg^-1). The results showed that the DHA-acylated Cur diesters significantly decreased the abnormally increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in serum caused by AKI. Histopathological results confirmed that DHA-acylated Cur diesters clearly reduced the degree of renal tubular injury. The renal protective effect of the DHA-acylated Cur diester was better than that of the monoester and the recombination of Cur and DHA. Notably, we found that the DHA-acylated Cur diester treatment remarkably changed the relative abundance of microbiota related to LPS and TMAO/trimethylamine (TMA) metabolism. Moreover, dietary DHA-acylated Cur diesters clearly reduced the MDA content and elevated GSH levels in the kidney of AKI mice, as well as changed the fatty acid composition in the kidney. Further mechanism studies showed that DHA-acylated Cur diesters significantly inhibited inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by preventing the LPS and TMAO-mediated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. The above results indicate that DHA-acylated Cur diesters are a potentially novel candidate or targeted dietary pattern to prevent and treat drug-induced acute kidney injury.

Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates LPS-induced chronic renal injury by inhibiting NOX4-NLRP3 signaling in mice

Chronic renal injury (CRI) is a common pathological damage in chronic renal disease, and the therapeutic options for preventing its progression are limited at present. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is reported to have a protective effect on renal injury by improving oxidative stress and inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays important roles in inducing inflammatory and high-dose LPS is often used to perform acute renal injury. However, little is known about the effect of low-dose LPS on CRI, and the protective effect of Rg1 against chronic LPS-induced CRI. Here, we reported the protective effect and mechanism of Rg1 against LPS-induced CRI in mice. In this study, the results demonstrated that low-dose LPS (0.25 mg/kg) exposure for 14 days significantly induced renal function impairment and renal injury and fibrosis. Meanwhile, LPS exposure significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and NLRP3 inflammasome expression in renal cortex. However, treatment with Rg1, tempol (a superoxide dismutase mimetic), and apocynin (a NOX inhibitor) significantly improved renal function impairment and renal fibrosis, and significantly decreased the levels of TGF-β, IL-1β, KIM-1, β-Gal, and collagen IV in the kidneys. And Rg1 treatment also significantly reduced ROS generation and inhibited the activation of NOX4 and NLRP3 inflammasome. Overall, these results suggest that Rg1 treatment can ameliorate LPS-induced chronic kidney injury and renal fibrosis, the mechanisms may be involved in reducing NOX2-mediated oxidative stress and inhibiting NLRP1 inflammasome.

Several Alkaloids in Chinese Herbal Medicine Exert Protection in Acute Kidney Injury: Focus on Mechanism and Target Analysis

Objectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a loose set of kidney diseases accompanied by a variety of syndromes, which is a serious threat to human life and health. Some alkaloids are derived from various Chinese herbs have been widely concerned in the improvement of AKI. This review provides the research progress of alkaloids in AKI experimental models and discusses the related molecular mechanisms. Key Findings. Alkaloids can protect AKI through various mechanisms including antioxidant stress, improvement of mitochondrial damage, reduction of cell death, induction of autophagy, and inhibition of inflammation. These mechanisms are mainly related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferroptosis and apoptosis, regulation of PINK1/Parkin pathway, inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, upregulation of Klotho protein level and so on. In addition, there are a few alkaloids that have certain toxicity on the kidney.

Conclusion

Alkaloids have been shown to significantly improve AKI, but only in pharmacological studies. This paper summarizes the main experimental models currently used in AKI research and describes some representative alkaloids based on recent research. Their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of AKI through different mechanisms are highlighted.

Piperazine ferulate attenuates gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury via the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

BACKGROUND

Piperazine ferulate (PF) is widely used in chronic nephritis and nephrotic syndrome in clinic. PF can improve diseases related inflammation by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signal. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is usually associated with the occurrence and development of renal inflammation. However, the nephroprotective effect and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of PF on AKI are not clear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of PF on gentamicin (GM) induced AKI in rats and its potential mechanisms.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were intraperitoneally injected with GM (100 mg/kg/day) with or without PF (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) for 7 consecutive days. In vitro, the NRK-52e cells were exposed to GM (7 mg/ml) with or without PF (62.5 μg/ml) treatment. The renal injury and cell damage were assessed subsequently.

RESULTS

Our findings showed that PF treatment can significantly improve renal function, reduce renal pathological changes, and attenuate inflammatory response in rats treated with gentamicin. Besides, PF could significantly reduce the cell damage and cellular inflammatory response. In terms of mechanisms, our study revealed that PF can evidently inhibit the activation of NF-κB and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Meanwhile, it could down regulate the expressions of protein and gene of p-IKKα, p-IKKβ, p-p65, p65, p50, p105, NLRP3 and IL-1β.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that PF may improve inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, so as to attenuate AKI.

Components of Banisteriopsis caapi, a Plant Used in the Preparation of the Psychoactive Ayahuasca, Induce Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Microglial Cells

Banisteriopsis caapi is used to prepare the psychoactive beverage ayahuasca, and both have therapeutic potential for the treatment of many central nervous system (CNS) conditions. This study aimed to isolate new bioactive compounds from B. caapi extract and evaluate their biological activity, and that of the known β-carboline components of the plant (harmine, harmaline, and tetrahydroharmine), in BV-2 microglial cells, the in vivo activation of which is implicated in the physiopathology of CNS disorders. B. caapi extract was fractionated using semipreparative liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and the exact masses ([M + H]⁺m/z) of the compounds in the 5 isolated fractions were determined by high-resolution LC-MS/MS: F1 (174.0918 and 233.1289), F2 (353.1722), F3 (304.3001), F4 (188.1081), and F5 (205.0785). Harmine (75.5–302 µM) significantly decreased cell viability after 2 h of treatment and increased the number of necrotic cells and production of reactive oxygen species at equal or lower concentrations after 24 h. F4 did not impact viability but was also cytotoxic after 24 h. Most treatments reduced proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-2, IL-6, IL-17, and/or TNF), especially harmaline and F5 at 2.5 µM and higher concentrations, tetrahydroharmine (9.3 µM and higher), and F5 (10.7 µM and higher). The results suggest that the compounds found in B. caapi extract have anti-inflammatory potential that could be explored for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Novel insights into NOD-like receptors in renal diseases

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors (NLRs), including NLRAs, NLRBs (also known as NAIPs), NLRCs, and NLRPs, are a major subfamily of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Owing to a recent surge in research, NLRs have gained considerable attention due to their involvement in mediating the innate immune response and perpetuating inflammatory pathways, which is a central phenomenon in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including renal diseases. NLRs are expressed in different renal tissues during pathological conditions, which suggest that these receptors play roles in acute kidney injury, obstructive nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, crystal nephropathy, uric acid nephropathy, and renal cell carcinoma, among others. This review summarises recent progress on the functions of NLRs and their mechanisms in the pathophysiological processes of different types of renal diseases to help us better understand the role of NLRs in the kidney and provide a theoretical basis for NLR-targeted therapy for renal diseases.

Sodium butyrate alleviates LPS-induced kidney injury via inhibiting TLR2/4 to regulate rBD2 expression

Defensins represent an integral part of the innate immune system to ward off potential pathogens. The study used a rat model to investigate mechanisms by which sodium butyrate (NaB) regulates β-defensin to inhibit lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nephrotoxicity. We found that NaB alleviated LPS-induced renal structural damage, as judged by reduced renal lesions and improved glomerular vascular structure. In addition, elevated levels of indicators of kidney damage creatinine and blood urine nitrogen, inflammatory mediators TNF-α, and IL-6 dropped after NaB administration. Rat β-defensin 2 (rBD2), as estimated by mRNA level, was significantly higher in LPS-treated kidneys, whereas the changes of rBD2 reduced in NaB-treated kidneys. In addition, NaB alleviated LPS-induced increase in TLRs mRNA expression. Mechanistically, the present study indicates that NaB has nephroprotective activity resulting from modulation of TLR2/4 to regulate rBD2 expression hence curbing inflammation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In practice, adding NaB to diet can improve animal performance. Our results suggest that dietary supplementation of NaB increases animal feed intake and improves the body's defense ability to relieve inflammation caused by bacteria. Especially in the age of resistance prohibition, sodium butyrate can partially replace antibiotics to induce the expression of body defensin. It may become a health care product to enhance the body's immunity.

Potential Therapeutic Applications of Plant-Derived Alkaloids against Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Alkaloids are a type of natural compound possessing different pharmacological activities. Natural products, including alkaloids, which originate from plants, have emerged as potential protective agents against neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) and chronic inflammations. A wide array of prescription drugs are used against these conditions, however, not free of limitations of potency, side effects, and intolerability. In the context of personalized medicine, further research on alkaloids to unravel novel therapeutic approaches in reducing complications is critical. In this review, a systematic survey was executed to collect the literature on alkaloids and their health complications, from which we found that majority of alkaloids exhibit anti-inflammatory action via nuclear factor-κB and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and neuroprotective interaction through acetylcholinesterase (AChE), COX, and β-site amyloid precursor protein activity. In silico ADMET and ProTox-II-related descriptors were calculated to predict the pharmacological properties of 280 alkaloids isolated from traditional medicinal plants towards drug development. Out of which, eight alkaloids such as tetrahydropalmatine, berberine, tetrandrine, aloperine, sinomenine, oxymatrine, harmine, and galantamine are found to be optimal within the categorical range when compared to nicotine. These alkaloids could be exploited as starting materials for novel drug synthesis or, to a lesser extent, manage inflammation and neurodegenerative-related complications.

Harmine Alleviated Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Modulating Macrophage Polarization via the STAT/MAPK/NF-κB Pathway

Sepsis is a dysregulated systemic inflammatory response that often leads to cardiac dysfunction, which is termed sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC). Harmine, a natural β-carboline alkaloid compound, has been shown to exert pharmacological effects on several diseases. Here, we investigated whether harmine protected against SIC development and the underlying mechanisms. In vitro, the expression of the M1 phenotype markers iNOS and COX-2 was increased in RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), but this effect was reversed by the harmine intervention. Furthermore, LPS-induced increases in the levels of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, COX-2, PGE2 and TXB2, generated by macrophages were suppressed when the cells were pretreated with harmine. Meanwhile, our findings showed that harmine administration effectively attenuated inflammation and apoptosis in H9c2 cells in the proinflammatory environment produced by macrophages, as evidenced by reductions in NLRP3 and cleaved caspase 3 levels and the p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio. The western blot results indicated that the mechanisms underlying harmine-mediated inhibition of M1 polarization might be associated with suppression of STAT1/3, NF-κB and MAPK activation. Furthermore, an LPS injection induced cardiac dysfunction and decreased the survival rate of mice, which were alleviated by harmine treatment, and the relevant mechanism was possibly attributed to a drug-induced attenuation of the inflammatory and apoptotic processes in cardiomyocytes. Collectively, these results implied that harmine treatment protected against SIC by suppressing M1 phenotypic polarization and inflammation in macrophages.

Self-developed NF-κB inhibitor 270 protects against LPS-induced acute kidney injury and lung injury through improving inflammation

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute lung injury (ALI) have high morbidity and mortality, with no effective clinically available drugs. Anti-inflammation is effective strategy in the therapy of AKI and ALI. NF-κB is a target for the development of anti‑inflammatory agents. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of 270, self-developed NF-κB inhibitor, in LPS-induced AKI and ALI. LPS-induced macrophages were used to examine the anti-inflammation activity of 270 in vitro. Sepsis-induced AKI and ALI mice models were established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg) for 24 h. Oral administration 270 for 14 days before LPS stimulation. Plasma, kidney and lung tissues were collected and used for histopathology, biochemical assay, ELISA, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses. In vitro, we showed that 270 suppressed the inflammation response in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages and bone marrow derived macrophages. In vivo, we found that 270 ameliorated LPS-induced AKI and ALI, as evidenced by improving various pathological changes, reducing the expression of pro-inflammation genes, blocking the activation of NF-κB and JNK pathways, attenuating the elevated myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, ameliorating the activated ER stress, reversing the inhibition effect on autophagy in kidney and lung tissues, and alleviating the enhanced plasma level of creatinine (Crea), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and pro-inflammation cytokines. Our investigations provides evidence that NF-κB inhibitor 270 is a potential drug that against LPS-induced AKI and ALI in the future.

Harmine is an effective therapeutic small molecule for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy

Harmine is a β-carboline alkaloid isolated from Banisteria caapi and Peganum harmala L with various pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-depressant, and anti-leishmanial capabilities. Nevertheless, the pharmacological effect of harmine on cardiomyocytes and heart muscle has not been reported. Here we found a protective effect of harmine on cardiac hypertrophy in spontaneously hypertensive rats in vivo. Further, harmine could inhibit the phenotypes of norepinephrine-induced hypertrophy in human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in vitro. It reduced the enlarged cell surface area, reversed the increased calcium handling and contractility, and downregulated expression of hypertrophy-related genes in norepinephrine-induced hypertrophy of human cardiomyocytes derived from embryonic stem cells. We further showed that one of the potential underlying mechanism by which harmine alleviates cardiac hypertrophy relied on inhibition of NF-κB phosphorylation and the stimulated inflammatory cytokines in pathological ventricular remodeling. Our data suggest that harmine is a promising therapeutic agent for cardiac hypertrophy independent of blood pressure modulation and could be a promising addition of current medications for cardiac hypertrophy.

Targeting the Nod-like receptor protein 3 Inflammasome with inhibitor MCC950 rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced inhibition of osteogenesis in Human periodontal ligament cells

OBJECTIVE

We aim to investigate whether lipopolysaccharide-stimulated activition of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) Inflammasome inhibits osteogenesis in Human periodontal ligament cells (HPDLCs). Futhermore, to study whether MCC950 (a inhibitor of NLRP3 Inflammasome) rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced inhibition of osteogenesis in HPDLCs as well as the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

HPDLCs were isolated from periodontal ligament of healthy orthodontic teeth from teenagers, and cells surface marker protein were detected by flow cytometry. Cells viability were determined by Cell Counting kit 8 assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the secretion of proinflammatory factors. Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were measured assessing the expression of NLRP3 and Caspase-1. RT-qPCR, Alizarin red staining and Alkaline phosphatase staining were tested to determine the osteogenic differentiation capacity of HPDLCs.

RESULTS

It was found that lipopolysaccharide in the range of concentrations from 10 to 100 μg/ml significantly inhibited HPDLCs viability at 24 h and significantly improved proinflammatory cytokine expressions at 8 h and 24 h. MCC950 reversed lipopolysaccharide-stimulated proinflammatory cytokine expressions including interleukin-1β and interleukin-18, but not tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, MCC950 rescued the lipopolysaccharide-inhibited osteogenic gene (Alkaline phosphatase, Runt-related transcription factor 2, and Osteocalcin). Moreover, MCC950 downregulated lipopolysaccharide-induced relative protein of NLRP3 Inflammasome signaling pathway, such as NLRP3 and Caspase-1.

CONCLUSION

MCC950 rescues lipopolysaccharide-induced inhibition of osteogenesis in HPDLCs via blocking NLRP3 Inflammasome signaling pathway, and it may be used as a promising therapeutic agent for periodontitis or periondontal regenerative related disease.

Lipopolysaccharide reduces urethral smooth muscle contractility via cyclooxygenase activation

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a component of gram-negative bacteria wall that elicits inflammatory response in the host through the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation. In the lower urinary tract (LUT), bacteria-derived LPS has been associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS); however, little is known about the effects of LPS in the urethral smooth muscle (USM). In the present study, we evaluated the functional and molecular effects of LPS in mouse USM in vitro, focusing on the LPS-induced TLR4-signaling pathway. Male C57BL6/JUnib and TLR4 knockout mice (TLR4 KO) were used. The USM contraction was performed in the presence of LPS (62.5-500 μg/mL), indomethacin (10 μM), L-NAME (100 μM), and TAK 242 (1 μM). The RT-PCR assay for the IL-1β, NF-kB, and COX-2 genes was also evaluated in the presence of LPS (125 μg/mL) and caspase 1 inhibitor (20 μM). Our results showed that LPS reduces mouse USM contraction elicited by phenylephrine and vasopressin. This LPS-induced urethral inhibitory effect was not reversed by the TLR4 inhibition or its absence in the TLR4 KO mice. Conversely, indomethacin (but not L-NAME) reversed the LPS-induced USM hypocontractility. Molecular protocols indicated upregulation of IL-1β, NF-kβ, and COX-2 mRNA upon LPS incubation, which were blunted by caspase 1 inhibition. Our data showed that LPS reduced mouse USM contraction independently of TLR4 activation, involving caspase 1 and IL1β, NF-kB, and COX-2 gene overexpression. Therefore, this alternative pathway might be a valuable target to reduce the LPS-induced urethral dysfunction under infection and inflammatory conditions.

Thalidomide reduces glycerol-induced acute kidney injury by inhibition of NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, COX-2 and inflammatory cytokines

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important clinical complication of rhabdomyolysis. The inflammatory processes are involved in the pathogenesis of AKI induced by rhabdomyolysis. Thalidomide is an anti-inflammatory agent that has been used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of thalidomide and its underlying mechanisms on a mouse model of rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI. Mice were injected with a single dose of glycerol (50%, 10 ml/kg, im) to induce AKI, and treated with thalidomide (40 and 80 mg/kg/day, orally) for 2 days. Renal tissue and blood samples were collected for histological and biochemical analysis. In thalidomide treated mice, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (59.3 ± 19.6 vs. 223 ± 33 mg/dl), plasma creatinine (0.58 ± 0.3 vs. 1.28 ± 0.3 mg/dl), relative kidney weight (0.93 ± 0.13% vs. 1.22 ± 0.1%) and histopathological damage (1.5 ± 0.8 vs. 3.3 ± 1.1 score) were significantly lower as compared to the glycerol group. The results also showed that the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (0.13 ± 0.02 vs. 0.2 ± 0.01 µM/mg), myeloperoxidase (MPO) (0.1 ± 0.05 vs. 0.25 ± 0.02 U/mg) and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (1.7-fold), NLRP3 inflammasome (1.4-fold) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (3-fold) in renal tissue were significantly lower in thalidomide treated group than those in the glycerol group. Thalidomide treatment resulted in lower renal pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (6.7 ± 0.8 vs. 12.3 ± 1.2 ng/ml), interleukin (IL)-1β (3.2 ± 0.5 vs. 5.1 ± 0.3 pg/mg), IL-6 (24.7 ± 2.4 vs. 33 ± 3 pg/mg) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (0.6 ± 0.17 vs. 1.56 ± 0.24 ng/ml) than those in the glycerol treated mice. In addition the levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 (9.5 ± 1 vs. 12.8 ± 1.1 pg/mg) and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 (22.8 ± 7.8 vs. 53.3 ± 5.5 pg/mg) were significantly lower in renal tissue of mice treated with thalidomide as compared to the glycerol treated mice. In conclusion these data revealed that thalidomide may be a potential therapeutic approach against rhabdomyolysis-induced AKI through inhibition of inflammatory responses.

Harmine protects mercuric chloride kidney-induced injury by antioxidant activity in male mice: a biochemical and histological study

Background and purpose

Mercuric chloride (Merc) can cause kidney toxicity. Harmine (Harm), an herbal alkaloid has various pharmacological and medicinal effects mainly because of its antioxidant activity. In this study, therefore, Harm's protective mechanisms on Merc-induced nephrotoxicity in BALB/c male mice were investigated.

Experimental approach

Forty-eight male mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8). Groups were received saline, Merc (0.5 mL/day of 0.5 ppm aqueous), Harm (5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day), Merc + Harm (5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day) for 14 consecutive days. Saline and Harm were administrated intraperitoneally and Merc dissolved in drinking water. Urea and creatinine serum levels, body weight, kidney weight, quantitative and qualitative histological alterations, apoptosis rate, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were evaluated.

Findings/Results

There was a significant reduction in total body and kidney weights, renal histological criteria, TAC, SOD levels in the Merc group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), whereas these parameters in the Merc + Harm groups, were significantly increased compared to the Merc group (P < 0.05). Urea and creatinine serum levels, levels of NO, and apoptosis were significantly higher in the Merc group than the control, while these parameters were decreased in the Merc + Harms groups in comparison with the Merc group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion and implications

Harm protected Merc-induced renal damage in mice. This protection was observed in both histological and biochemical respects. The beneficial effect of Harm was related to its antioxidant properties that diminish NO production and apoptosis induction in the kidney.

Angiotensin (1-7) Attenuates Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Regulating the NF-κB Pathway

This study explores the protective mechanism of angiotensin (1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] on kidneys by examining its effects on renal histomorphology, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and NF-κB signaling in mice suffering from sepsis-induced acute kidney injury. A sepsis-induced acute kidney injury mouse model was established by intracervically injecting lipopolysaccharides (LPS group), followed by the administration of Ang-(1-7) [LPS + Ang-(1-7) group]. The serum levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine and cystatin. c were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer, and changes in proinflammatory cytokines and angiotensin II (Ang II) in the serum and kidneys were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Changes in oxidative stress indices in the renal cortex were detected by colorimetry. The localization of Ang II in kidneys was examined by immunohistochemistry. Western blotting was used to examine phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 and IκBα levels in kidneys. Compared with the control group, the serum levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine and cystatin. c were increased, whereas the levels of Ang II, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and malondialdehyde (mda) were increased significantly. The levels of Ang II and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 were elevated in kidneys, whereas the levels of superoxide dismutase (sod), Total antioxidative capacity (TAOC), and inhibitor of NF-κB (IκBα) were reduced in the LPS group (p < 0.05). Pathological damage was also observed in kidneys of LPS-group mice. In Pearson correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between Ang II and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 levels, and a negative correlation between Ang II and IκBα levels (p < 0.05). After the application of Ang-(1-7), the levels of urea nitrogen, creatinine, cystatin. c, Ang II, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, and mda, as well as the expression of Ang II and phosphorylated NF-κB-p65 in kidneys of LPS + Ang-(1-7)-group mice, were lower than those in kidneys of LPS-group mice, but the levels of sod, TAOC, and IκBα were higher than those of LPS-group mice (p < 0.05). Pathological changes were less severe in mice of the LPS + Ang-(1-7) group. Overall, Ang-(1-7) can decrease the Ang II level, inhibit NF-κB signaling, reduce the inflammatory response, decrease oxidative stress, and mitigate sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.

Toll-like receptor 4: An attractive therapeutic target for acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a progressive renal complication which significantly affects the patient's life with huge economic burden. Untreated acute kidney injury eventually progresses to a chronic form and end-stage renal disease. Although significant breakthroughs have been made in recent years, there are still no effective pharmacological therapies for the treatment of acute kidney injury. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a well-characterized pattern recognition receptor, and increasing evidence has shown that TLR4 mediated inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury. The expression of TLR4 has been seen in resident renal cells, including podocytes, mesangial cells, tubular epithelial cells and endothelial cells. Activation of TLR4 signaling regulates the transcription of numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, resulting in renal inflammation. Therefore, targeting TLR4 and its downstream effectors could serve as an effective therapeutic intervention to prevent renal inflammation and subsequent kidney damage. For the first time, this review summarizes the literature on acute kidney injury from the perspective of TLR4 from year 2010 to 2020. In the current review, the role of TLR4 signaling pathway in AKI with preclinical evidence is discussed. Furthermore, we have highlighted several compounds of natural and synthetic origin, which have the potential to avert the renal TLR4 signaling in preclinical AKI models and have shown protection against AKI. This scientific review provides new ideas for targeting TLR4 in the treatment of AKI and provides strategies for the drug development against AKI.

Mangiferin inhibited neuroinflammation through regulating microglial polarization and suppressing NF-κB, NLRP3 pathway

Inflammation plays important roles in the progress of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Microglia is responsible for the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS), and involved in the neuroinflammation. Therefore, it could be potential in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases to suppress the microglia-mediated neuroinflammation. Mangiferin, a major glucoside of xanthone in Anemarrhena Rhizome, has anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetes, and anti-oxidative properties. However, the effect of mangiferin on the inflammatary responses of microglia cells are still poorly understand. In this study, we investigated the mechanism by which mangiferin inhibited inflammation in LPS-induced BV₂ microglia cells. BV₂ cells were pretreatment with mangiferin followed by LPS stimulation. In vitro assays, NO and cytokines production were quantified. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were used to examine the effect of mangiferin on the polarization of BV2 cells and signaling pathway. The results showed that mangiferin treatment significantly reduced NO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production, also reduced the mRNA and protein of iNOS and COX-2, promoted the polarization of inflammatory toward anti-inflammatory, and inhibited activation of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome. These data suggest that mangiferin has an anti-neuroinflammatory property via regulating microglia macrophage polarization and suppressing NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling pathway, and may act as a potential natural therapeutic candidate for neuroinflammatory diseases.

Assessment of the Anti-apoptotic Effects of Peganum harmala Leaf Extract on Type 2 Diabetes in the Kidney of Male Wistar Rats

Background: Growing evidence has shown that the apoptosis of cells plays an important role in the advancement of the Diabetic nephropathy (DN). Objectives: This study attempted to discover the therapeutic potential of Peganum harmala leaf extract in the apoptosis of diabetic kidney disease. Methods: In the present experimental research, 32 male Wistar rats were studied, and diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg). The animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=8, in each group) as follows: control, diabetic, control+leaf extract, diabetic+leaf extract. For our purposes, the methanolic extract of P. harmala leaves (150 mg/kg) was given by gavage for 28 days. Flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses were utilized to determine the percentages of apoptotic cells. Also, histological alterations and blood biochemical parameters were evaluated. Results: The P. harmala leaf extract has a high amount of flavonoids (25.84%), a lower percentage of alkaloids (0.14%), and some antioxidant properties. Serum urea (P<0.001) and apoptosis (P<0.05) significantly elevated in diabetic rats relative to the control ones. The mean of fasting blood creatinine, urea, and albumin level was not significantly changed in diabetic+leaf extract rats as compared to the diabetic ones. Histopathological results also displayed that diabetic complications in the kidney could not be improved following treatment by the leaf extract of P. harmala. In addition, the leaf extract could not significantly reduce the apoptosis and caspase-3 expression compared to diabetics in renal cells. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the leaf extract of P. harmala is unable to inhibit apoptosis in the diabetic kidney model.

Pharmacological effects of harmine and its derivatives: a review

Harmine is isolated from the seeds of the medicinal plant, Peganum harmala L., and has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East and China. Harmine has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Moreover, harmine exhibits insecticidal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Harmine derivatives exhibit pharmacological effects similar to those of harmine, but with better antitumor activity and low neurotoxicity. Many studies have been conducted on the pharmacological activities of harmine and harmine derivatives. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and associated mechanisms of harmine. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of harmine derivatives has been summarized.

Therapeutics potentiating microglial p21-Nrf2 axis can rescue neurodegeneration caused by neuroinflammation

Neurodegenerative disorders are caused by progressive neuronal loss, and there is no complete treatment available yet. Neuroinflammation is a common feature across neurodegenerative disorders and implicated in the progression of neurodegeneration. Dysregulated activation of microglia causes neuroinflammation and has been highlighted as a treatment target in therapeutic strategies. Here, we identified novel therapeutic candidate ALGERNON2 (altered generation of neurons 2) and demonstrate that ALGERNON2 suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines and rescued neurodegeneration in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease model. ALGERNON2 stabilized cyclinD1/p21 complex, leading to up-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which contributes to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory responses. Notably, ALGERNON2 enhanced neuronal survival in other neuroinflammatory conditions such as the transplantation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons into murine brains. In conclusion, we present that the microglial potentiation of the p21-Nrf2 pathway can contribute to neuronal survival and provide novel therapeutic potential for neuroinflammation-triggered neurodegeneration.

Psychedelics as a novel approach to treating autoimmune conditions

With a rise in the incidence of autoimmune diseases (AiD), health care providers continue to seek out more efficacious treatment approaches for the AiD patient population. Classic serotonergic psychedelics have recently been gaining public and professional interest as novel interventions to a number of mental health afflictions. Psychedelics have also been shown to be able to modulate immune functions, however, while there has been great interest to researching into their psychotherapeutic applications, there has so far been very little exploration into the potential to treat inflammatory and immune-related diseases with these compounds. A handful of studies from a variety of fields suggest that psychedelics do indeed have effects in the body that may attenuate the outcome of AiD. This literature review explores existing evidence that psychedelic compounds may offer a potential novel application in the treatment of pathologies related to autoimmunity. We propose that psychedelics hold the potential to attenuate or even resolve autoimmunity by targeting psychosomatic origins, maladaptive chronic stress responses, inflammatory pathways, immune modulation and enteric microbiome populations.

The Protein Kinase R Inhibitor C16 Alleviates Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury Through Modulation of the NF-κB and NLR Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 (NLPR3) Pyroptosis Signal Pathways

Background

Protein kinase R (PKR) is implicated in the inflammatory response to bacterial infection while the role of PKR in sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the specific PKR inhibitor C16 (C13H8N4OS) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI, and its mechanisms of action.

Material/Methods

C57BL/6J mice were injected intraperitoneally with C16 or vehicle 1 h before the LPS challenge and then injected intraperitoneally with LPS or 0.9% saline. After the LPS challenge, histopathological damage, renal function, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed. All the related signaling pathways were analyzed.

Results

C16 effectively inhibited LPS-induced renal elevation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. C16 prevented NF-κB activation and suppressed the PKR/eIF2α signaling pathway in AKI after the LPS challenge. Furthermore, C16 significantly inhibited pyroptosis during AKI, as evidenced by decreased renal levels of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein; NACHT, LRR, NLR Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3; caspase-1; interleukin (IL)-1β; and IL-18.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that inhibition by C16 ameliorated LPS-induced renal inflammation and injury, at least partly through modulation of the pyroptosis signal pathway in the kidney.

Nano-engineered nerolidol loaded lipid carrier delivery system attenuates cyclophosphamide neurotoxicity - Probable role of NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1

Neuroinflammation is one of the most common etiology in various neurological disorders and responsible for multi-array neurotoxic manifestations such as neurodegeneration, neurotransmitters alteration and cognitive dysfunction. NR (Nerolidol) is a natural bioactive molecule which possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, but suffers from glitches of low solubility, low bioavailability and fast hepatic metabolism. In the current study, we fabricated nano-engineered lipid carrier of nerolidol (NR-NLC) for its effective delivery into the brain and explored its effect on neuroinflammation, neurotransmitters level and on dysfunctional behavioral attributes induced by CYC (cyclophosphamide). The binding affinity of nerolidol with NLRP3 and TLR-4 was performed which showed stong interaction between them. NR-NLC was prepared by the ultrasonication methods and particle size was determined by Zeta-sizer. Swiss Albino mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 6), assessed for behavioral dysfunction, and sacrificed on the fifteenth day following cyclophosphamide treatment. Brains were then removed and used for biochemical, histopathological, immunohistochemical and fluorescence microscopic analysis. Biochemical analysis showed increased levels of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, acetylcholine esterase, BDNF, 5-HT and dopamine, and reduced levels of SOD, CAT, GSH, IL-10, along with significant behavioral dysfunction in cyclophosphamide-treated animals. Significant neuronal damage was also observed in the histological study. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated increased expression of NLRP3 and caspase-1. Fluorescence microscopic analysis showed significant availability of NR-NLC in the hippocampus and cortex region. In contrast, treatment with NR-NLC effectively mitigated the aforementioned neurotoxic manifestation as compared to NR suspension. Our results showed potent neuroprotective effect of NR-NLC via modulation of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasome, caspase-1 and neurotransmitter status.

[Isoflurane preconditioning inhibits caspase-11-related noncanonical pyroptosis pathway to alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To study the protective effect of isoflurane preconditioning on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury mediated by the noncanonical pyroptosis pathway.

METHODS

Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group, isoflurane group and I/R group, and in the latter two groups, hepatic I/R injury was induced by clamping the portal vein for 30 min. In isoflurane group, the mice were pretreated with 1.4% isoflurane 30 min before the surgery. The protective effect of isoflurane preconditioning against hepatic I/R injury was evaluated by assessing the pathological score of HE staining of the liver tissue and serum ALT and AST levels. Serum IL-1β and IL-18 levels and the protein expression of GSDMS were detected by ELISA and Western blotting to evaluate the inhibitory effect of isoflurane preconditioning on pyroptosis. Western blotting and immunofluroescence were used to detect the protein expression of caspase-11 in the liver tissues to evaluate the inhibitory effect of isoflurane preconditioning on noncanonical pyroptosis pathway.

RESULTS

The Suzuki's score of the liver tissue was significantly higher in I/R group than in the sham group (P &lt; 0.05), while the score in the isoflurane group was significantly lower than that in the I/R group (P &lt; 0.05). Serum ALT and AST levels significantly increased in the sham group (P &lt; 0.05), and were significantly lower in isoflurane group than in I/R group (P &lt; 0.05). The serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly higher in I/R group than in sham group (P &lt; 0.05), and were significantly lower in isoflurane group than in I/R group (P &lt; 0.05). The expression of GSDMD in the I/R group was significantly higher than that in sham group, and was significantly lower in isoflurane group than in I/R group (P &lt; 0.05). The hepatic expression of caspase-11 was significantly higher in I/R group than in sham group (P &lt; 0.05), and was significantly lower in isoflurane group than in I/R group (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Isoflurane preconditioning has protective effect against hepatic I/R injury, which is related to the inhibition of the noncanonical pyroptosis pathway.

β-Carboline Alkaloids from the Seeds of Peganum harmala and Their Anti-HSV-2 Virus Activities

Pegaharines A-G (1-6), six novel β-carboline alkaloids representing three types of skeleton, were isolated from the seeds of Peganum harmala. Compound 1 is a peculiar β-carboline alkaloid characterized by the unprecedented carbon skeleton of an azepine-indole system. Compounds 3-6 represent the first examples of heterodimers constructed from rare tetracyclic β-carboline and classic tricyclic β-carboline alkaloids. Compounds 1 and 2 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. Compound 4 exhibited strong antiviral activity against HSV-2, with an IC₅₀ value of 2.12 ± 0.14 μM.

Ameliorate effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone against cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity by activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting the NLRP3 pathway

AIMS

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is an effective anti-tumor and immunosuppressive agent, but it induces nephrotoxicity in clinical applications. The present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on CTX-induced nephrotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

We injected male ICR mice with CTX (80 mg/kg/day), and determined nephrotoxicity indices, MDA and antioxidant defenses, inflammatory cytokines, and the levels of main proteins in the Nrf2-HO-1 and NLRP3 signaling pathways.

KEY FINDINGS

PQQ has significantly decreased the serum levels of creatinine and urea compared to Model group. When treated with PQQ, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels have decreased, and SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activity have increased in the kidney tissues of CTX-induced mice. PQQ activated the Nrf2-mediated signaling pathway, as indicated by the increased expression of Nrf2, HO-1, GCLM, and NQO1. Moreover, PQQ inhibited the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway, as indicated by the reduced expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase-1.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results suggest that PQQ protects against CTX-induced nephrotoxicity, probably by activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathway and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammatory pathway.

Activation of TWIST Transcription by Chromatin Remodeling Protein BRG1 Contributes to Liver Fibrosis in Mice

Liver fibrosis is a complex pathophysiological process to which many different cell types contribute. Endothelial cells play versatile roles in the regulation of liver fibrosis. The underlying epigenetic mechanism is not fully appreciated. In the present study, we investigated the role of BRG1, a chromatin remodeling protein, in the modulation of endothelial cells in response to pro-fibrogenic stimuli in vitro and liver fibrosis in mice. We report that depletion of BRG1 by siRNA abrogated TGF-β or hypoxia induced down-regulation of endothelial marker genes and up-regulation of mesenchymal marker genes in cultured endothelial cells. Importantly, endothelial-specific BRG1 deletion attenuated CCl₄ induced liver fibrosis in mice. BRG1 knockdown in vitro or BRG1 knockout in vivo was accompanied by the down-regulation of TWIST, a key regulator of endothelial phenotype. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with and was recruited to the TWIST promoter by HIF-1α to activate TWIST transcription. BRG1 silencing rendered a more repressive chromatin structure surrounding the TWIST promoter likely contributing to TWIST down-regulation. Inhibition of HIF-1α activity dampened liver fibrosis in mice. Similarly, pharmaceutical inhibition of TWIST alleviated liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that epigenetic activation of TWIST by BRG1 contributes to the modulation of endothelial phenotype and liver fibrosis. Therefore, targeting the HIF1α-BRG1-TWIST axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions to treat liver fibrosis.

Omeprazole attenuates cisplatin-induced kidney injury through suppression of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Renal toxicity is the primary factor that limits clinical use of cisplatin (CP). A previous study showed that omeprazole (OME) protected against CP-induced toxicity in human renal tubular HK-2 cells and rat kidneys. However, the protective mechanisms of OME have not been characterized. We evaluated the ability of OME to inhibit CP-induced inflammation, and characterized the pathways responsible for this effect. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group). The OME groups were intraperitoneally injected with 1.8 or 3.6 mg OME /kg body weight once daily for 5 days. One hour after final administration of vehicle or OME, all rats (except those in control group and OME alone group) were intraperitoneally injected with 15 mg/kg CP. Twenty-four hours after CP injection, the surgery was applied. The time points and dosing of OME and CP were calculated based on previous studies and the therapeutic dose for patients. Omeprazole attenuated CP-induced apoptosis and damage in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by increased cell viability and prevention of structural damage. Omeprazole ameliorated CP-induced renal injury through inhibition of NF-κB activation and IκBα degradation, and down-regulation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3). Lipopolysaccharide, a TLR4 agonist, was used to verify this mechanism. The results indicated that OME inhibited CP-induced expression of inflammatory proteins, and this effect was blunted by co-treatment with LPS in HK-2 cells. These findings suggested that the protective effects of OME against CP-induced kidney damage may occur through inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. This study provided evidence that OME may be a promising agent to inhibit CP-induced nephrotoxicity.