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Singh AK, Salunkhe SA, Chitkara D, Mittal A. Potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities of electrostatically complexed C-peptide nanospheres ameliorate diabetic nephropathy. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213935. [PMID: 38970881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
In the present era of "Diabetic Pandemic", peptide-based therapies have generated immense interest however, are facing odds due to inevitable limitations like stability, delivery complications and off-target effects. One such promising molecule is C-peptide (CPep, 31 amino acid polypeptide with t1/2 30 min); it is a cleaved subunit of pro-insulin, well known to suppress microvascular complications in kidney but has not been able to undergo translation to the clinic till date. Herein, a polymeric CPep nano-complexes (NPX) was prepared by leveraging electrostatic interaction between in-house synthesized cationic, polyethylene carbonate (PEC) based copolymer (Mol. wt. 44,767 Da) and negatively charged CPep (Mol. wt. 3299 Da) at pH 7.4 and further evaluated in vitro and in vivo. NPX exhibited a spherical morphology with a particle size of 167 nm and zeta potential equivalent to +10.3, with 85.70 % of CPep complexation efficiency. The cellular uptake of FITC-tagged CPep NPX was 95.61 % in normal rat kidney cells, NRK-52E. Additionally, the hemocompatible NPX showed prominent cell-proliferative, anti-oxidative (1.8 folds increased GSH; 2.8 folds reduced nitrite concentration) and anti-inflammatory activity in metabolic stress induced NRK-52E cells as well. The observation was further confirmed by upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein BCl2 by 3.5 folds, and proliferative markers (β1-integrin and EGFR) by 3.5 and 2.3 folds, respectively, compared to the high glucose treated control group. Pharmacokinetic study of NPX in Wistar rats revealed a 6.34 folds greater half-life than free CPep. In in-vivo efficacy study in STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy animal model, NPX reduced blood glucose levels and IL-6 levels significantly by 1.3 and 2.5 folds, respectively, as compared to the disease control group. The above findings suggested that NPX has tremendous potential to impart sustained release of CPep, resulting in enhanced efficacy to treat diabetes-induced nephropathy and significantly improved renal pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arihant Kumar Singh
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Shubham A Salunkhe
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Deepak Chitkara
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India
| | - Anupama Mittal
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS PILANI), Pilani, Rajasthan 333031, India.
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Hadpech S, Thongboonkerd V. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in kidney fibrosis. Genesis 2024; 62:e23529. [PMID: 37345818 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process contributing to kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. This process is characterized by decreased epithelial phenotypes/markers and increased mesenchymal phenotypes/markers. Tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are commonly susceptible to EMT by various stimuli, for example, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cellular communication network factor 2, angiotensin-II, fibroblast growth factor-2, oncostatin M, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasmin, interleukin-1β, and reactive oxygen species. Similarly, glomerular podocytes can undergo EMT via these stimuli and by high glucose condition in diabetic kidney disease. EMT of TECs and podocytes leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, respectively. Signaling pathways involved in EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis are diverse and complex. TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are the major venues triggering EMT in TECs and podocytes. These two pathways thus serve as the major therapeutic targets against EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis. To date, a number of EMT inhibitors have been identified and characterized. As expected, the majority of these EMT inhibitors affect TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to kidney fibrosis, these EMT-targeted antifibrotic inhibitors are expected to be effective for treatment against fibrosis in other organs/tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarat Hadpech
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Thongboonkerd
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Sun H, Liu F, Lin Z, Jiang Z, Wen X, Xu J, Zhang Z, Ma R. Silencing of NOTCH3 Signaling in Meniscus Smooth Muscle Cells Inhibits Fibrosis and Exacerbates Degeneration in a HEYL-Dependent Manner. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207020. [PMID: 37026620 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of meniscus fibrosis and novel ways to enhance fibrosis is unclear. This work reveals human meniscus fibrosis initiated at E24 weeks. Smooth muscle cell cluster is identified in embryonic meniscus, and the combined analysis with previous data suggests smooth muscle cell in embryonic meniscus as precursors of progenitor cells in the mature meniscus. NOTCH3 is constantly expressed in smooth muscle cells throughout embryogenesis to adulthood. Inhibition of NOTCH3 signaling in vivo inhibits meniscus fibrosis and exacerbates degeneration. Continuous histological sections show that HEYL, NOTCH3 downstream target gene, is expressed consistently with NOTCH3. HEYL knockdown in meniscus cells attenuated the COL1A1 upregulation by CTGF and TGF-β stimulation. Thus, this study discovers the existence of smooth muscle cells and fibers in the meniscus. Inhibition of NOTCH3 signaling in meniscus smooth muscle cells in a HEYL-dependent manner prevented meniscus fibrosis and exacerbated degeneration. Therefore, NOTCH3/HEYL signaling might be a potential therapeutic target for meniscus fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Fangzhou Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Zhencan Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Zongrui Jiang
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Xingzhao Wen
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, China
| | - Ruofan Ma
- Department of Orthopaedic surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510120, China
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Yang H, Bai J, Li L, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Lv H, Fu S. Association of C-peptide level with bone mineral density in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Osteoporos Int 2023:10.1007/s00198-023-06785-9. [PMID: 37204453 DOI: 10.1007/s00198-023-06785-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This study revealed that there was no significant linear relationship between fasting C-peptide (FCP) level and bone mineral density (BMD) or fracture risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. However, in the FCP ≤ 1.14 ng/ml group, FCP is positively correlated with whole body (WB), lumbar spine (LS), and femoral neck (FN) BMD and negatively correlated with fracture risk. PURPOSE To explore the relationship between C-peptide and BMD and fracture risk in T2DM patients. METHODS 530 T2DM patients were enrolled and divided into three groups by FCP tertiles, and the clinical data were collected. BMD was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The 10-year probability of major osteoporotic fractures (MOFs) and hip fractures (HFs) was evaluated by adjusted fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX). RESULTS In the FCP ≤ 1.14 ng/ml group, FCP level was positively correlated with WB, LS, and FN BMD, while FCP was negatively correlated with fracture risk and osteoporotic fracture history. However, FCP was not correlated with BMD and fracture risk and osteoporotic fracture history in the 1.14 < FCP ≤ 1.73 ng/ml and FCP > 1.73 ng/ml groups. The study has shown that FCP was an independent factor influencing BMD and fracture risk in the FCP ≤ 1.14 ng/ml group. CONCLUSIONS There is no significant linear relationship between FCP level and BMD or fracture risk in T2DM patients. In the FCP ≤ 1.14 ng/ml group, FCP is positively correlated with WB, LS, and FN BMD and negatively correlated with fracture risk, and FCP is an independent influencing factor of BMD and fracture risk. The findings suggest that FCP may predict the risk of osteoporosis or fracture in some T2DM patients, which has a certain clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jia Bai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lingling Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Ying Yang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yangyang Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haihong Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Songbo Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Al-Reshed F, Sindhu S, Al Madhoun A, Bahman F, AlSaeed H, Akhter N, Malik MZ, Alzaid F, Al-Mulla F, Ahmad R. Low carbohydrate intake correlates with trends of insulin resistance and metabolic acidosis in healthy lean individuals. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1115333. [PMID: 37006572 PMCID: PMC10061153 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1115333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Both obesity and a poor diet are considered major risk factors for triggering insulin resistance syndrome (IRS) and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Owing to the impact of low-carbohydrate diets, such as the keto diet and the Atkins diet, on weight loss in individuals with obesity, these diets have become an effective strategy for a healthy lifestyle. However, the impact of the ketogenic diet on IRS in healthy individuals of a normal weight has been less well researched. This study presents a cross-sectional observational study that aimed to investigate the effect of low carbohydrate intake in healthy individuals of a normal weight with regard to glucose homeostasis, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters. Methods The study included 120 participants who were healthy, had a normal weight (BMI 25 kg/m2), and had no history of a major medical condition. Self-reported dietary intake and objective physical activity measured by accelerometry were tracked for 7 days. The participants were divided into three groups according to their dietary intake of carbohydrates: the low-carbohydrate (LC) group (those consuming <45% of their daily energy intake from carbohydrates), the recommended range of carbohydrate (RC) group (those consuming 45-65% of their daily energy intake from carbohydrates), and the high-carbohydrate (HC) group (those consuming more than 65% of their daily energy intake from carbohydrates). Blood samples were collected for the analysis of metabolic markers. HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and HOMA of β-cell function (HOMA-β), as well as C-peptide levels, were used for the evaluation of glucose homeostasis. Results Low carbohydrate intake (<45% of total energy) was found to significantly correlate with dysregulated glucose homeostasis as measured by elevations in HOMA-IR, HOMA-β% assessment, and C-peptide levels. Low carbohydrate intake was also found to be coupled with lower serum bicarbonate and serum albumin levels, with an increased anion gap indicating metabolic acidosis. The elevation in C-peptide under low carbohydrate intake was found to be positively correlated with the secretion of IRS-related inflammatory markers, including FGF2, IP-10, IL-6, IL-17A, and MDC, but negatively correlated with IL-3. Discussion Overall, the findings of the study showed that, for the first time, low-carbohydrate intake in healthy individuals of a normal weight might lead to dysfunctional glucose homeostasis, increased metabolic acidosis, and the possibility of triggering inflammation by C-peptide elevation in plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Al-Reshed
- Immunology and Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Sardar Sindhu
- Animal and Imaging Core Facility, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ashraf Al Madhoun
- Animal and Imaging Core Facility, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fatemah Bahman
- Immunology and Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Halemah AlSaeed
- Immunology and Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Nadeem Akhter
- Immunology and Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Md Zubbair Malik
- Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Fawaz Alzaid
- Institute Necker Enfants Malades (INEM), French Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Immunity and Metabolism of Diabetes (IMMEDIAB), Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Dasman, Kuwait
| | - Rasheed Ahmad
- Immunology and Microbiology Department, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Guo R, Wang P, Zheng X, Cui W, Shang J, Zhao Z. SGLT2 inhibitors suppress epithelial-mesenchymal transition in podocytes under diabetic conditions via downregulating the IGF1R/PI3K pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:897167. [PMID: 36225569 PMCID: PMC9550168 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.897167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of podocyte is a characteristic pathological change of diabetic nephropathy (DN) which is associated with increased proteinuria. Many studies have shown that novel inhibitors of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2-is), such as dapagliflozin, exert nephroprotective effect on delaying DN progression. However, the mechanisms underlying SGLT2-associated podocyte injury are still not fully elucidated. Here, we generated streptozotocin-induced DN models and treated them with dapagliflozin to explore the possible mechanisms underlying SGLT2 regulation. Compared to mice with DN, dapagliflozin-treated mice exhibited remission of pathological lesions, including glomerular sclerosis, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), podocyte injury in the glomeruli, and decreased nephrotoxin levels accompanied by decreased SGLT2 expression. The mRNA expression profiles of these treated mice revealed the significance of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R)/PI3K regulatory axis in glomerular injury. KEGG analysis confirmed that the phosphatidylinositol signaling system and insulin signaling pathway were enriched. Western blotting showed that SGLT2-is inhibited the increase of mesenchymal markers (α-SMA, SNAI-1, and ZEB2) and the loss of podocyte markers (nephrin and E-cad). Additionally, SGLT2, IGF1R, phosphorylated PI3K, α-SMA, SNAI-1, and ZEB2 protein levels were increased in high glucose-stimulated human podocytes (HPC) and significantly decreased in dapagliflozin-treated (50 nM and 100 nM) or OSI-906-treated (inhibitor of IGF1R, 60 nM) groups. However, the use of both inhibitors did not enhance this protective effect. Next, we analyzed urine and plasma samples from a cohort consisting of 13 healthy people and 19 DN patients who were administered with (n = 9) or without (n = 10) SGLT2 inhibitors. ELISA results showed decreased circulating levels of IGF1 and IGF2 in SGLT2-is-treated DN patients compared with DN patients. Taken together, our study reported the key role of SGLT2/IGF1R/PI3K signaling in regulating podocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Modulating IGF1R expression may be a novel approach for DN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Guo
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuejun Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen Cui
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jin Shang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Laboratory of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Laboratory Animal Platform of Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Zhanzheng Zhao, ; Jin Shang,
| | - Zhanzheng Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Laboratory of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,Laboratory Animal Platform of Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China,*Correspondence: Zhanzheng Zhao, ; Jin Shang,
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Altered Expression of EMT-Related Factors Snail, Wnt4, and Notch2 in the Short-Term Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Kidneys. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101486. [PMID: 36294921 PMCID: PMC9605095 DOI: 10.3390/life12101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related transcription factors Snail, Wnt4, and Notch2 with key roles in renal fibrosis, in different renal areas of diabetic rats: glomeruli (G), proximal and distal convoluted tubules (PCT; DCT). Methods: Male Sprague Dawley rats were instilled with 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (diabetes mellitus type I model, DM group) or citrate buffer (control group). Kidney samples were collected 2 weeks and 2 months after DM induction and processed for immunohistochemistry. Results: Diabetic animals showed higher Wnt4 kidney expression both 2 weeks and 2 months post-DM induction, while Snail expression significantly increased only 2 weeks after DM initiation (p < 0.0001). We determined significantly higher expression of examined EMT-related genes in different kidney regions in diabetic animals compared with controls. The most substantial differences were observed in tubular epithelial cells in the period of 2 weeks after induction, with higher Snail and Wnt4 expression in PCT and increased Snail and Notch2 expression in DCT of diabetic animals (p < 0.0001; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The obtained results point to the EMT-related factors Snail, Wnt4, and Notch2 as a potential contributor to diabetic nephropathy development and progression. Changes in their expression, especially in PCT and DCT, could serve as diagnostic biomarkers for the early stages of DM and might be a promising novel therapeutic target in this condition.
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