Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenic acids fraction attenuates kidney injury via AMPK-mTOR-regulated autophagy pathway in diabetic rats

Comprehensive machine learning models for predicting therapeutic targets in type 2 diabetes utilizing molecular and biochemical features in rats

Introduction

With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an urgent need to discover effective therapeutic targets for this complex condition. Coding and non-coding RNAs, with traditional biochemical parameters, have shown promise as viable targets for therapy. Machine learning (ML) techniques have emerged as powerful tools for predicting drug responses.

Method

In this study, we developed an ML-based model to identify the most influential features for drug response in the treatment of type 2 diabetes using three medicinal plant-based drugs (Rosavin, Caffeic acid, and Isorhamnetin), and a probiotics drug (Z-biotic), at different doses. A hundred rats were randomly assigned to ten groups, including a normal group, a streptozotocin-induced diabetic group, and eight treated groups. Serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis, while liver tissues (L) and adipose tissues (A) underwent histopathological examination and molecular biomarker extraction using quantitative PCR. Utilizing five machine learning algorithms, we integrated 32 molecular features and 12 biochemical features to select the most predictive targets for each model and the combined model.

Results and discussion

Our results indicated that high doses of the selected drugs effectively mitigated liver inflammation, reduced insulin resistance, and improved lipid profiles and renal function biomarkers. The machine learning model identified 13 molecular features, 10 biochemical features, and 20 combined features with an accuracy of 80% and AUC (0.894, 0.93, and 0.896), respectively. This study presents an ML model that accurately identifies effective therapeutic targets implicated in the molecular pathways associated with T2DM pathogenesis.

Jiao-tai-wan and its effective component-berberine improve diabetes and depressive disorder through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a classic herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong, has been used to alleviate sleep disorders since ancient times. In modern pharmacological research, JTW has been adopted for treating diabetes mellitus and even exerts antidepressant effects. However, the potential mechanisms deserve further elucidation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus combined with depressive disorder (DD) is continuing to increase, yet it is currently under-recognized and its treatment remains inadequate. The present study aims to explore the underlying therapeutics and mechanisms of JTW on DD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chronic restraint stress was used on db/db mice to construct a mouse model of DD. The therapeutic effects of JTW were assessed by glucolipid metabolic indexes, behavioral tests, and depression-related neurotransmitter levels. The inflammatory status and cell apoptosis of different mice were investigated and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were detected. Combining the results of fingerprinting with molecular docking, the active components of JTW were screened. A cellular model was constructed by intervention of glucose combined with corticosterone (CORT). The levels of apoptosis and depression-related neurotransmitters in HT-22 cells were examined, and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were tested. Finally, the activator and inhibitor of the PKA protein were used for reverse validation experiments.

RESULTS

JTW could improve the impaired glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism disorders, and depression-like symptoms in DD mice. Meanwhile, JTW could alleviate the inflammatory status, suppress the microglia activation, and improve hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DD mice. The dual effects of JTW might be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Berberine (Ber) was identified for the in vitro experiment, it could reverse the apoptosis of HT-22 cells and up-regulate the depression-related neurotransmitter levels, and the effects of Ber were related to the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway as well.

CONCLUSION

JTW could exert both hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects through activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, its active component, Ber, could improve the damage to HT-22 cells induced by glucose combined with CORT via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Ber may be one of the effective components of the dual effects of JTW.

Targeting autophagy with natural products as a potential therapeutic approach for diabetic microangiopathy

As the quality of life improves, the incidence of diabetes mellitus and its microvascular complications (DMC) continues to increase, posing a threat to people's health and wellbeing. Given the limitations of existing treatment, there is an urgent need for novel approaches to prevent and treat DMC. Autophagy, a pivotal mechanism governing metabolic regulation in organisms, facilitates the removal of dysfunctional proteins and organelles, thereby sustaining cellular homeostasis and energy generation. Anomalous states in pancreatic β-cells, podocytes, Müller cells, cardiomyocytes, and Schwann cells in DMC are closely linked to autophagic dysregulation. Natural products have the property of being multi-targeted and can affect autophagy and hence DMC progression in terms of nutrient perception, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This review consolidates recent advancements in understanding DMC pathogenesis via autophagy and proposes novel perspectives on treating DMC by either stimulating or inhibiting autophagy using natural products.

Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of immune-related nephropathy: A review

Immune-related nephropathy (IRN) refers to immune-response-mediated glomerulonephritis and is the main cause of end-stage renal failure. The pathogenesis of IRN is not fully understood; therefore, treatment is challenging. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have potent clinical effects in the treatment of the IRN conditions immunoglobulin A nephropathy, lupus nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The underlying mechanisms mainly include its inhibition of inflammation; improvements to renal interstitial fibrosis, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis; and regulation of immunity. In this review, we summarize the clinical symptoms of the three IRN subtypes and the use of TCM prescriptions, herbs, and bioactive compounds in treating IRN, as well as the potential mechanisms, intending to provide a reference for the future study of TCM as IRN treatments.

Triterpenoid Compounds from Cyclocarya paliurus: A Review of Their Phytochemistry, Quality Control, Pharmacology, and Structure-Activity Relationship

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus) is a single species of Cyclocarya paliurus in Juglandaceae. It is a unique rare medicinal plant resource in China that is mainly distributed in the south of China. The leaves of C. paliurus, as a new food ingredient, are processed into tea products in daily life. Triterpenoids are the main active ingredient in C. paliurus. So far, 164 triterpenoid compounds have been isolated and identified from C. paliurus, which are included 3,4-seco-dammaranes, dammaranes, oleanane, ursane, lupinanes, taraxeranes, and norceanothanes. Modern pharmacological studies manifested that these ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo, such as reducing blood sugar, lowering blood lipids, and anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and other activities. In addition, current results indicate that the pharmacological mechanisms of triterpenoids were closely related to their chemical structure, molecular signaling pathways, and the expression of related proteins. In order to further study C. paliurus based on the current research situation, this review summarizes the prospect and systematic summary of the triterpenes of C. paliurus from the aspects of structural characteristics, quality control, biological activity, and the structure-activity relationship, which provide a reference for further research and application of the triterpenoids from C. paliurus in the field of functional food and medicine.

Dendrobine rescues cognitive dysfunction in diabetic encephalopathy by inhibiting ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/GPX4 axis

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis playsa crucial role in the development of dementia and dendrobine (Den)possesseshypoglycemic and neuroprotective effects. However, the character of ferroptosis in diabetic encephalopathy (DE) and Den's therapeutic effect remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to verify the effects of Den on ferroptosis in treating DE and underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

Den's therapeutic effect was assessed in db/db mice and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced HT22 cells.

METHODS

After oral administration with Den orMetformin for 8-week, behavioral tests were used to assess cognitive capacity. Then, biochemical analysis was preformed to detect glucose and lipid metabolism levels; histological analysis and transmission electron microscope were applied to evaluate pathological injuries. Meanwhile, EdU staining and flow cytometry were applied to test cell apoptosis. Furthermore, mitochondrial dynamics, iron transport, and Nrf2/GPX4 axis related proteins were detected by western blot or immunofluorescence.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that Den remarkably alleviated glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, as well as ameliorated mnemonic deficits of db/db mice. Meanwhile, Den could protect AGEs-induced HT22 cells from death and apoptosis. In addition, we noted that Den inhibited lipid peroxidation by restoring mitochondrial function and reducing reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, ferroptosis was proven to exist in db/db mice brain and Den could inhibit it via activating Nrf2/GPX4 axis.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that Den could rescue cognitive dysfunction in DE by inhibiting ferroptosis via activating Nrf2/GPX4 axis.

Promising therapeutic mechanism for Chinese herbal medicine in ameliorating renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious chronic microvascular abnormalities of diabetes mellitus and the major cause of uremia. Accumulating evidence has confirmed that fibrosis is a significant pathological feature that contributes to the development of chronic kidney disease in DN. However, the exact mechanism of renal fibrosis in DN is still unclear, which greatly hinders the treatment of DN. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has shown efficacy and safety in ameliorating inflammation and albuminuria in diabetic patients. In this review, we outline the underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis in DN, including oxidative stress (OS) generation and OS-elicited ASK1-p38/JNK activation. Also, we briefly summarize the current status of CHM treating DN by improving renal fibrosis. The treatment of DN by inhibiting ASK1 activation to alleviate renal fibrosis in DN with CHM will promote the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for DN and provide a beneficial therapeutic method for DN.

The phytochemicals and health benefits of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja

Cyclocarya paliurus (C. paliurus), a nutritional and nutraceutical resource for human and animal diets, has been constantly explored. The available biological components of C. paliurus were triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. Recent studies in phytochemical-phytochemistry; pharmacological-pharmacology has shown that C. paliurus performed medicinal value, such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunological activities. Furthermore, C. paliurus and its extracts added to drinks would help to prevent and mitigate chronic diseases. This review provides an overview of the nutritional composition and functional applications of C. paliurus, summarizing the research progress on the extraction methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities. Therefore, it may be a promising candidate for developing functional ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. However, a more profound understanding of its active compounds and active mechanisms through which they perform biological activities is required. As a result, the plant needs further investigation in vitro and in vivo.

Asiatic acid attenuates tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease by regulating mitochondrial dynamics via the Nrf-2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Mitochondrial dynamics plays a crucial role in tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Asiatic acid (AA) has demonstrated renal protective effects in DKD; however, its therapeutic effect on tubular injury in DKD remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to verify the effects of AA on tubular injury in DKD and underlying mechanisms.

STUDY DESIGN

In the present study, the effects of AA on tubular injury were assessed in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-stimulated HK-2 cells models.

METHODS

After oral administration with or without AA for ten weeks, body weight and levels of fast blood glucose, serum creatinine (sCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary albumin, and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were detected. Histological analysis was performed to evaluate the renal function of rats. Moreover, the expression of proteins associated with the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics was analyzed. AGEs-stimulated HK-2 cells were examined to evaluate the tubular protection and the mechanism of AA in vitro.

RESULTS

AA remarkably decreased albumin levels, KIM-1 levels in urine, and serum Cr, and BUN levels. In addition, AA prevented tubular injury and mitochondrial injury by regulating the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics. Furthermore, the effects of AA on mitochondrial dynamics and tubular protection were eliminated after treatment with ML385 (Nrf2 inhibitor).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that AA might be developed as a potential candidate for the treatment of tubular injury in DKD, and its effects are potentially mediated via the regulation of the Nrf-2 pathway and mitochondrial dynamics.

Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds in attenuating renal injury via regulating autophagy in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the main cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide, and there is a lack of effective treatment strategies. Autophagy is a highly conserved lysosomal degradation process that maintains homeostasis and energy balance by removing protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Increasing evidence suggests that dysregulated autophagy may contribute to glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions in the kidney under diabetic conditions. Emerging studies have shown that Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds may ameliorate diabetic kidney injury by regulating autophagy. In this review, we summarize that dysregulation or insufficiency of autophagy in renal cells, including podocytes, glomerular mesangial cells, and proximal tubular epithelial cells, is a key mechanism for the development of DKD, and focus on the protective effects of Chinese herbal medicine and its active compounds. Moreover, we systematically reviewed the mechanism of autophagy in DKD regulated by Chinese herb compound preparations, single herb and active compounds, so as to provide new drug candidates for clinical treatment of DKD. Finally, we also reviewed the candidate targets of Chinese herbal medicine regulating autophagy for DKD. Therefore, further research on Chinese herbal medicine with autophagy regulation and their targets is of great significance for the realization of new targeted therapies for DKD.

New triterpenoids from the Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja and their anti-fibrotic activity

Cyclocarya paliurus, a Chinese herbal medicine and new food resource, contains a triterpenic-acid-rich extract that demonstrated ameliorative effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN). A more in-depth discovery of functional components led to the isolation of seven new triterpenoids including two pentacyclic triterpenes, 1α,2α,3β,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid and 2α,3β,22α-tirhydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and five tetracyclic triterpenoid glycosides (cypaliurusides N-R), together with twelve known compounds from the leaves of C. paliurus. Their structures were determined using a comprehensive analysis of chemical and spectroscopic data. Partial compounds were assessed for anti-fibrotic activities in high-glucose and TGF-β1 induced HK-2 cells. Compound 16 remarkably decreased the level of fibronectin with an inhibition rate of 37.1%. Furthermore, 16 effectively alleviated the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) process by upregulating E-cadherin expression and downregulating α-SMA expression, and it significantly decreased the level of the transcriptional inhibitors (Snail and Twist) of E-cadherin. The discovery of anti-fibrotic compounds from C. paliurus provides the potential utilization and functional candidates for the DN prevention.

Recent Advances in the Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Diabetic Kidney Diseases

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common causes of end-stage renal disease worldwide. The treatment of DKD is strongly associated with clinical outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus. Traditional therapeutic strategies focus on the control of major risk factors, such as blood glucose, blood lipids, and blood pressure. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors have been the main therapeutic measures in the past, but the emergence of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, and endothelin-1 receptor antagonists has provided more options for the management of DKD. Simultaneously, with advances in research on the pathogenesis of DKD, some new therapies targeting renal inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress have gradually entered clinical application. In addition, some recently discovered therapeutic targets and signaling pathways, mainly in preclinical and early clinical trial stages, are expected to provide benefits for patients with DKD in the future. This review summarizes the traditional treatments and emerging management options for DKD, demonstrating recent advances in the therapeutic strategies for DKD.

The critical role of dysregulated autophagy in the progression of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the major public health problems in society today. It is a renal complication caused by diabetes mellitus with predominantly microangiopathy and is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway for the intracellular degradation of cytoplasmic products and damaged organelles and plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis and function of the renal cells. The dysregulation of autophagy in the hyperglycaemic state of diabetes mellitus can lead to the progression of DKD, and the activation or restoration of autophagy through drugs is beneficial to the recovery of renal function. This review summarizes the physiological process of autophagy, illustrates the close link between DKD and autophagy, and discusses the effects of drugs on autophagy and the signaling pathways involved from the perspective of podocytes, renal tubular epithelial cells, and mesangial cells, in the hope that this will be useful for clinical treatment.

Autophagy in renal fibrosis: Protection or promotion?

Autophagy is a process that degrades endogenous cellular protein aggregates and damaged organelles via the lysosomal pathway to maintain cellular homeostasis and energy production. Baseline autophagy in the kidney, which serves as a quality control system, is essential for cellular metabolism and organelle homeostasis. Renal fibrosis is the ultimate pathological manifestation of progressive chronic kidney disease. In several experimental models of renal fibrosis, different time points, stimulus intensities, factors, and molecular mechanisms mediating the upregulation or downregulation of autophagy may have different effects on renal fibrosis. Autophagy occurring in a single lesion may also exert several distinct biological effects on renal fibrosis. Thus, whether autophagy prevents or facilitates renal fibrosis remains a complex and challenging question. This review explores the different effects of the dual regulatory function of autophagy on renal fibrosis in different renal fibrosis models, providing ideas for future work in related basic and clinical research.

Molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of autophagy in kidney diseases

Autophagy is a highly conserved cellular progress for the degradation of cytoplasmic contents including micromolecules, misfolded proteins, and damaged organelles that has recently captured attention in kidney diseases. Basal autophagy plays a pivotal role in maintaining cell survival and kidney homeostasis. Accordingly, dysregulation of autophagy has implicated in the pathologies of kidney diseases. In this review, we summarize the multifaceted role of autophagy in kidney aging, maladaptive repair, tubulointerstitial fibrosis and discuss autophagy-related drugs in kidney diseases. However, uncertainty still remains as to the precise mechanisms of autophagy in kidney diseases. Further research is needed to clarify the accurate molecular mechanism of autophagy in kidney diseases, which will facilitate the discovery of a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases.

Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenoids suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis via AMPK-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway

BACKGROUND

Abnormal enhancement of hepatic gluconeogenesis is a vital mechanism of the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); thus, its suppression may present an efficient therapeutic strategy for T2DM. Cyclocarya paliurus (CP), a plant species native to China, has been reported to have anti-hyperglycemia activity. Our previous studies have revealed that Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenic acids (CPT) exert the favorable glucose-lowering activity, but the regulatory effect of CPT on hepatic gluconeogenesis is still unclarified.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the potential role and mechanism of CPT in gluconeogenesis.

STUDY DESIGN

In this study, the ameliorative effect and underlying mechanism of CPT on gluconeogenesis were investigated: high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced T2DM mice and glucagon-challenged mouse primary hepatocytes.

METHODS

T2DM model mice with or without oral administration of CPT for 4 weeks were monitored for body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe liver lipid deposition. Real-time PCR assays were performed to examine the mRNA expression of glucose-6-phosphate (G6Pase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), two key enzymes involved in liver gluconeogenesis. Western blotting was used to determine AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) expression and induction of the glucagon signaling pathway. The possible mechanism of CPT on liver gluconeogenesis was further explored in glucagon-induced mouse primary hepatocytes.

RESULTS

In vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that CPT treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved insulin resistance. Furthermore, CPT could obviously decreased the mRNA and protein expression of G6Pase and PEPCK, the cyclic AMP content, the phosphorylation level of protein kinase A and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein. But CPT promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and activation of phosphodiesterase 4B. Mechanistically, intervention with Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) partially blocked the suppressive effect of CPT on hepatic gluconeogenesis.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that CPT may inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis against T2DM by activating AMPK.

The Leaves of Cyclocarya paliurus: A Functional Tea with Preventive and Therapeutic Potential of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a universal and chronic global public health concern and causes multiple complex complications. In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for T2DM treatment, increased research has been focused on hypoglycemic drugs. Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinsk is the only living species of the genus Cyclocarya Iljinskaja, whose leaves have been extensively used as a functional tea to treat obesity and diabetes in China. An enormous amount of very recent pharmacological research on the leaves of C. paliurus has demonstrated that they carry out numerous biological activities, such as hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and intestinal microbiota regulation. Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have also shown that the extracts of C. paliurus leaves are innocuous and safe. This study aims to provide an up-to-date review of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects against diabetes, toxicology, and clinical studies of C. paliurus leaves, in hopes of promoting a better understanding of their role in the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Insight into the Potential of Meehania fargesii var. Radicans against Hp-Induced Gastric Carcinoma Based on Phytochemical and Molecular Docking Studies

We used UV-guided method to isolate and identify 12 secondary metabolites from Meehania fargesii var. Radicans for the first time, including eight triterpenoids (1-8), two phenylpropanoid derivatives (9-10) and two flavone glycosides (11-12). Their structures were identified by NMR spectroscopic methods, as well as literature comparison. The identified compounds and positive drugs (amoxicillin, omeprazole and clarithromycin) were further analyzed for their in silico docking interactions with HtrA using igemdock. Docking studies revealed the high binding affinity of phytochemicals at significant sites with HtrA, compounds 11 and 12 exhibiting stronger binding ability than standard drug, 1 and 3-10 demonstrating comparable docking capacity to standard drugs. The chemotaxonomic relationships were carried out to exploring the possibilities of other medicinal plants against Hp-induced gastric carcinoma. The results demonstrated there are closely chemotaxonomic similarity among several genera of the Lamiaceae family as well as among Lamiaceae, Actinidiaceae and Rosaceae families, indicating a similar chemical compositions and anti-Hp-induces gastric carcinoma activity among them.

Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenoids attenuate glomerular endothelial injury in the diabetic rats via ROCK pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja. (C. paliurus) is a distinctive traditional Chinese herb, with remarkable hypoglycemic capacity. Emerging evidence suggested that glomerular endothelial injury is a crucial pathological process of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Our previous research found that C. paliurus triterpenoids fraction (CPT) has ameliorative effects on DKD. However, whether C. paliurus could counteract the glomerular endothelial injury of DKD is still undefined.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the effects of CPT on glomerular endothelial function and explore its underlying mechanisms with in vivo and in vitro experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The effects and possible mechanisms of CPT on glomerular endothelial injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and H₂O₂-challenged primary rat glomerular endothelial cells were successively investigated.

RESULTS

In vivo, we found that CPT treatment obviously decreased the levels of blood glucose, microalbumin, BUN and mesangial expansion. Additionally, CPT could ameliorate renal endothelium function by reducing the content of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, and blocking the loss of glycocalyx. In vitro, CPT could also alleviate H₂O₂-induced endothelial injury. Mechanistically, CPT remarkably increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt and eNOS, decreased the expression of ROCK and Arg₂in vivo and in vitro. Noticeably, the favorable effects mediated by CPT were abolished following ROCK overexpression with plasmid transfection.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that CPT could be sufficient to protect against glomerular endothelial injury in DKD through regulating ROCK pathway.

Asiatic acid from Cyclocarya paliurus regulates the autophagy-lysosome system via directly inhibiting TGF-β type I receptor and ameliorates diabetic nephropathy fibrosis

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) fibrosis is a major cause of end-stage renal disease with unsatisfactory therapy drugs and a low 5-year survival rate. There is a lack of specific and effective treatment drugs. In the present study, we report that asiatic acid (AA), a triterpenic acid found in Cyclocarya paliurus, has good anti-fibrosis activity both in vitro and in vivo. The STZ-induced diabetic model of rats was used to investigate the effects of AA on DN fibrosis. A 15-week AA treatment (10 mg kg^-1 or 30 mg kg^-1) markedly decreased urine albumin and blood urea nitrogen levels, and ameliorated increased mesangial matrix and glomerular fibrosis. HG + TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells were applied to evaluate the anti-fibrosis effect of AA. The results revealed AA selectively blocked the interaction of TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) with Smad3 by binding to TGF-βRI, suppressed the subsequent phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad3, and downregulated the major fibrotic protein expression of collagen I, fibronectin and a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), thereby switching the progress of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, the protein levels of LC3 and LAMP1 were significantly altered by AA administration, implying that the autophagy-lysosome system might be involved in DN fibrosis. However, the anti-fibrosis capacity of AA was partly counteracted by an autophagy-lysosome inhibitor (chloroquine). These findings indicate AA could decrease TGF-β1 secretion and suppress tubulointerstitial fibrosis by directly inhibiting TGF-βR1 and activating the autophagy-lysosome system. Altogether, AA may be a potential candidate drug for preventing DN fibrosis.

Calcitriol ameliorates renal injury with high-salt diet-induced hypertension by upregulating GLIS2 expression and AMPK/mTOR-regulated autophagy

The goal of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of calcitriol on high-salt diet-induced hypertension. The hypertension rat model was established by a long-term high-salt diet (8% NaCl). Rats were treated with calcitriol, losartan, or their combination. Histological staining was used to confirm renal pathology. Global transcriptome analysis of renal tissues was performed, and the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of calcitriol was analysed by functional annotation and pathway analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) as well as by Western blotting analysis. The core genes for potential therapeutic regulation were identified through the coexpression gene network. For in vitro HK-2 cell experiments, small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knockdown key a transcription factor (TF) Glis2 to validate the therapeutic target of calcitriol. MAPK1 and CXCL12 expression was downregulated and the apoptosis pathway was significantly enriched by calcitriol treatment. The western blotting results showed that calcitriol treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation and decreased downstream mTOR phosphorylation, which was accompanied by a decrease in autophagy protein p62 expression and an increase in LC3-II/I expression. GLIS2 was identified as a specific therapeutic target for calcitriol. GLIS2 expression was upregulated by calcitriol and confirmed by HK-2 cells in vitro. Our omics data show that calcitriol can alleviate oxidative stress and fibrosis. Moreover, calcitriol can regulate the CXCL12/ERK1/2 cascade to inhibit the inflammatory response and renal cell apoptosis and induce renal autophagy through the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Our study partially elucidate the pathogenesis and treatment mechanism underlying hypertension, and provide new insights into the treatment of hypertension.

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja: Botany, Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batalin) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus) also known as Sweet tea tree, Money tree, Money willow, green money plum, mountain willow and shanhua tree, is a native rare monocotyledonous plant in Southern China. It possesses numerous traditional benefits, including clearing heat, detoxification, producing saliva, slake thirst, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal, dispelling wind and relieving itching. It is also effective in preventing and treating diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, dizziness and swelling and pain, as well as reducing cholesterol, and modulating the functions of the immune system. The stem, leaves and bark of this plant are all medicinal parts, but the leaves have the highest research value.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This article summarized the plant's botanical description, distribution, ethnopharmacology, phytochemical profiles and pharmacological for the first time, to provide possible directions for future development and research in brief.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The literature for this current manuscript was obtained from reports published from 1992 to May 2021 in diverse databases such as the China Knowledge Resource Integrated databases (CNKI), SciFinder, Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, Elsevier and Pub-Med. The domestic and foreign references published about C. paliurus over recent years were collected, analyzed and summarized.

RESULTS

The botanical characteristics of the fruits of C. paliurus are unique in having a central nutlet surrounded by a circular wing to distinguish the living genera of Juglandaceae. In traditional medicine, C. paliurus leaves are used by the local people of Southern China to make tea to prevent diabetes. More than 210 compounds have been isolated from C. paliurus. Among them, the characteristic 3,4-seco-dammaranes accounted for the most. Other compounds include dammarane tetracyclic triterpenoids, various pentacyclic triterpenoids, flavonoids, isosclerones, phenolic derivatives and polysaccharides. The plant extracts and compounds have been reported to exert various pharmacological activities, such as anti-hyperglycemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-cancer, cytotoxic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-microbial activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive literature analysis shows that C. paliurus extract and its compounds have a variety of biological activities for the treatment of various diseases. The current modern pharmacology research is mostly related to the records of ethnic pharmacology, mainly in vitro research, relatively few in vivo research. Therefore, future studies should focus on this aspect. In addition, we also would like to recommend further research should concentrate on toxicity studies and quality control of C. paliurus to fill the study gap, as well as to provide theoretical support for the further development of the potential functions and clinical applications of the plant.

Arjunolic acid from Cyclocarya paliurus ameliorates diabetic retinopathy through AMPK/mTOR/HO-1 regulated autophagy pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) is a traditional Chinese herb and possesses a variety of biological activities including anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, antioxidant and anti-inflammation. Arjunolic acid (AA) is an abundant and bioactive ingredient in CP that shows significant protection against many metabolic diseases such as diabetic complication. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes and may lead to vision loss. However, the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of AA against DR is not still understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate whether AA activates AMPK/mTOR/HO-1 regulated autophagy pathway to alleviate DR.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the study, the STZ-induced diabetic model of rats was established, and AA with 10 and 30 mg/kg dosages was given orally for ten weeks to investigate their effect on retinal injury of DR. H₂O₂-induced ARPE-19 cells were applied to evaluate anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidant effect of AA.

RESULTS

The results revealed that AA could prevent STZ-induced weight loss and increase the retinal thickness and nuclei counts. The level of HO-1 protein was upregulated both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, AA prevented retinal damage and cell apoptosis through the AMPK-mTOR-regulated autophagy pathway. Furthermore, anti-apoptosis capacity, as well as the expression of HO-1 and LC3 protein, were effectively locked by AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin dihydrochloride (compound C).

CONCLUSIONS

This finding implies that AA may be a promising candidate drug by protecting retinal cells from STZ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation through the AMPK/mTOR/HO-1 regulated autophagy pathway.

AMPK signaling in diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance and diabetic complications: A pre-clinical and clinical investigation

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as a main challenge in both developing and developed countries, as lifestyle has changed and its management seems to be vital. Type I and type II diabetes are the main kinds and they result in hyperglycemia in patients and related complications. The gene expression alteration can lead to development of DM and related complications. The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an energy sensor with aberrant expression in various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and DM. The present review focuses on understanding AMPK role in DM. Inducing AMPK signaling promotes glucose in DM that is of importance for ameliorating hyperglycemia. Further investigation reveals the role of AMPK signaling in enhancing insulin sensitivity for treatment of diabetic patients. Furthermore, AMPK upregulation inhibits stress and cell death in β cells that is of importance for preventing type I diabetes development. The clinical studies on diabetic patients have shown the role of AMPK signaling in improving diabetic complications such as brain disorders. Furthermore, AMPK can improve neuropathy, nephropathy, liver diseases and reproductive alterations occurring during DM. For exerting such protective impacts, AMPK signaling interacts with other molecular pathways such as PGC-1α, PI3K/Akt, NOX4 and NF-κB among others. Therefore, providing therapeutics based on AMPK targeting can be beneficial for amelioration of DM.

3β,23-Dihydroxy-12-ene-28-ursolic Acid Isolated from Cyclocarya paliurus Alleviates NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Gout via PI3K-AKT-mTOR-Dependent Autophagy

Gout is regarded as a painful inflammatory arthritis induced by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joints and soft tissues. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production plays a crucial role in the pathological process of gout. Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) tea was found to have an effect on reducing the blood uric acid level of people with hyperuricemia and gout. However, its medicinal ingredients and mechanism for the treatment of gout are still unclear. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the effects of the active triterpenoids isolated from C. paliurus on gout and explore the underlying mechanism. The results showed that compound 2 (3β,23-dihydroxy-12-ene-28-ursolic acid) from C. paliurus significantly decreased the protein expression of IL-1β, caspase-1, pro-IL-1β, pro-caspase-1, and NLRP3. Furthermore, the production of ROS in the intracellular was reduced after compound 2 treatment. However, ROS agonist rotenone remarkably reversed the inhibitory effect of compound 2 on the protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Additionally, the expression level of LC3 and the ratio of LC3II/LC3I were increased, but the expression level of p62 was suppressed by compound 2 whereas an autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) significantly abolished the inhibitory effects of compound 2 on the generation of ROS and the protein expression of NLRP3 inflammasome. Moreover, compound 2 could ameliorate the expression ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR. Interestingly, mTOR activator MHY-1485 could block the promotion effect of compound 2 on autophagy regulation and inhibitory effect of compound 2 on induction of ROS and IL-1β. In conclusion, these findings suggested that compound 2 may effectively improve NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated gout via PI3K-AKT-mTOR-dependent autophagy and could be further investigated as a potential agent against gout.

A comprehensive insight into autophagy and its potential signaling pathways as a therapeutic target in podocyte injury

As part of the glomerular filtration membrane, podocyte is terminally differentiated, structurally unique, and highly specialized in maintaining kidney function. Proteinuria caused by podocyte injury (foot process effacement) is the clinical symptom of various kidney diseases (CKD), including nephrotic syndrome. Podocyte autophagy has become a powerful therapeutic strategy target in ameliorating podocyte injury. Autophagy is known to be associated significantly with sirtuin-1, proteinuria, and podocyte injury. Various key findings in podocyte autophagy were reported in the past ten years, such as the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in podocyte autophagy impairment, podocyte autophagy-related gene, essential roles of the signaling pathways: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR)/ Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3k)/ serine/threonine kinase 1 (Akt) in podocyte autophagy. These significant factors caused podocyte injury associated with autophagy impairment. Sirtuin-1 was reported to have a vital key role in mTOR signaling, 5'AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulation, autophagy activation, and various critical pathways associated with podocyte's function and health; it has potential value to podocyte injury pathogenesis investigation. From these findings, podocyte autophagy has become an attractive therapeutic strategy to ameliorate podocyte injury, and this review will provide an in-depth review on therapeutic targets he podocyte autophagy.

Phenolics from Physalis peruviana fruits ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in rats via induction of autophagy and apoptosis regression

The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of Physalis peruviana L. fruits in the management of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in relation to its metabolic profile. In-vitro α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition activities were assessed for the ethanolic extract (EtOH) and its subfractions. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition effect. In vivo antihyperglycemic testing of EtOAc in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats showed that it decreased the blood glucose level, prevented the reduction in body weight, improved serum indicators of kidney injury (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and function (albumin and total protein). EtOAc increased autophagic parameters (LC3B, AMPK) and depressed mTOR contents. Histopathology revealed that EtOAc ameliorated the pathological features and decreased the glycogen content induced by STZ. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EtOAc reduced P53 expression as compared to the STZ-diabetic group. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS metabolite profiling of EtOAc allowed the identification of several phenolic compounds. Among the isolated compounds, gallic acid, its methylated dimer and the glycosides of quercetin had promising α-amylase and β-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results suggest that the phenolic-rich fraction has a protective effects against diabetic nephropathy presumably via enhancing autophagy (AMPK/mTOR pathway) and prevention of apoptosis (P53 suppression).

Clinical efficacies, underlying mechanisms and molecular targets of Chinese medicines for diabetic nephropathy treatment and management

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been recognized as a severe complication of diabetes mellitus and a dominant pathogeny of end-stage kidney disease, which causes serious health problems and great financial burden to human society worldwide. Conventional strategies, such as renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade, blood glucose level control, and bodyweight reduction, may not achieve satisfactory outcomes in many clinical practices for DN management. Notably, due to the multi-target function, Chinese medicine possesses promising clinical benefits as primary or alternative therapies for DN treatment. Increasing studies have emphasized identifying bioactive compounds and molecular mechanisms of reno-protective effects of Chinese medicines. Signaling pathways involved in glucose/lipid metabolism regulation, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-fibrosis, and podocyte protection have been identified as crucial mechanisms of action. Herein, we summarize the clinical efficacies of Chinese medicines and their bioactive components in treating and managing DN after reviewing the results demonstrated in clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, with a thorough discussion on the relative underlying mechanisms and molecular targets reported in animal and cellular experiments. We aim to provide comprehensive insights into the protective effects of Chinese medicines against DN.

Dapagliflozin ameliorates pancreatic injury and activates kidney autophagy by modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in obese rats

Chronic consumption of a high-fat diet induces obesity and impairs the ultra-structure of organs and tissues. We examined the effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor-dapagliflozin on renal and pancreatic injuries in obese condition. Rats were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to induce obesity. After that, dapagliflozin or vildagliptin, 1.0 or 3.0 mg/kg/day, respectively, was administered by oral gavage for 4 weeks. The effects of dapagliflozin on insulin resistance, kidney autophagy, pancreatic oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in high-fat diet-induced obese rats were elucidated. High-fat-diet fed rats demonstrated metabolic abnormalities including increased body weight, visceral fat weight, plasma insulin, plasma cholesterol, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, and TAUCg, indicating the obese-insulin resistant and glucose intolerance conditions. Also, high-fat-diet fed rats exhibited significant pancreatic injury accompanied by decreased kidney autophagy. Dapagliflozin or vildagliptin treatment for 4 weeks ameliorated pancreatic oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and restored kidney autophagy in obese rats. Moreover, the morphology changes of the pancreas and kidney were improved in the treated groups. Interestingly, dapagliflozin showed higher efficacy than vildagliptin in improving body weight, visceral fat weight, plasma cholesterol level, and pancreatic oxidative stress in our model. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the therapeutic effects of dapagliflozin attenuated pancreatic injury, pancreatic oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and exerted renoprotective effects by restoring autophagic signaling in obese rats.

Ginkgetin alleviates high glucose-evoked mesangial cell oxidative stress injury, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in an AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy axis

Diabetic nephropathy constitutes the leading cause for end-stage kidney disease. Ginkgetin is a common natural non-toxic biflavone and fulfills pleiotropic pharmacological characterizations, such as anti-inflammation and kidney injury. Nevertheless, its efficacy in diabetic nephropathy remains elusive. Here, ginkgetin exhibited little cytotoxicity in glomerular mesangial cells. Of note, ginkgetin restrained high glucose (HG)-induced mesangial cell proliferation and oxidative stress by inhibiting ROS and malonaldehyde levels, but enhancing antioxidant SOD activity. Additionally, ginkgetin suppressed HG-evoked transcript and release of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Concomitantly, the increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in HG-treated glomerular mesangial cells was attenuated by ginkgetin via decreasing expression of collagen IV, fibronectin, and laminin. Intriguingly, ginkgetin-restored HG-impaired autophagy; whereas blocking autophagy by its inhibitor 3-MA overturned ginkgetin function against HG-evoked mesangial cell dysfunction. Mechanistically, ginkgetin-mediated AMPK/mTOR axis accounted for HG-impaired autophagy. Importantly, blockage of AMPK signaling reversed ginkgetin-restored autophagy and its protective efficacy against HG-induced dysfunction in mesangial cells. Thus, these findings highlight that ginkgetin may attenuate HG-evoked mesangial cell hyperplasia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and ECM accumulation by activating AMPk/mTOR-mediated autophagy pathway. Therefore, ginkgetin may alleviate the progression of diabetic nephropathy by regulating glomerular mesangial cell dysfunction, supporting a promising therapeutic agent against diabetic nephropathy.

Potential Role of Natural Plant Medicine Cyclocarya paliurus in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common chronic metabolic disease that has become increasingly prevalent worldwide. It poses a serious threat to human health and places a considerable burden on global social medical work. To meet the increasing demand for T2DM treatment, research on hypoglycemic drugs is rapidly developing. Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja is a medicinal plant that grows in China. The leaves of C. paliurus contain polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and other chemical components, which have numerous health benefits. Therefore, the use of this plant has attracted extensive attention in the medical community. Over the past few decades, contemporary pharmacological studies on C. paliurus extracts have revealed that it has abundant biological activities. Multiple in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that C. paliurus extracts are safe and can play a therapeutic role in T2DM through anti-inflammatory and antioxidation activities, and intestinal flora regulation. Its efficacy is closely related to many factors, such as extraction, separation, purification, and modification. Based on summarizing the existing extraction methods, this article further reviews the potential mechanism of C. paliurus extracts in T2DM treatment, and we aimed to provide a reference for future research on natural plant medicine for the prevention and treatment of T2DM and its related complications.

Effects of Cyclocarya paliurus Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts on Glucolipid Metabolism and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background and Aims:Cyclocarya paliurus (CP) has been used as an herbal tea to treat diabetes mellitus and obesity for hundreds of years. Previous research suggests that CP specifically restores glucolipid metabolic homeostasis, and the two most studied preparations are aqueous and ethanol extracts. In order to verify the effect of CP on glucolipid metabolism in animal models with metabolic syndrome, a meta-analysis was performed, and the active components and underlying mechanisms were systematically reviewed.

Methods: Four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify potential literature. Data of blood glucose (BG) level, area under curve (AUC) of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were extracted as indicators of the assessment of CP's effects. Follow-up analyses including subgroup analysis, meta-regressions, and publication bias were also conducted.

Results: A total of 96 papers were identified from the databases and 11 papers including 31 data reports were involved in the meta-analysis. CP had a positive effect in down-regulating BG, AUC of OGTT, TC, TG, and LDL, and up-regulating HDL (P < 0.001, 95% confidence interval of standard mean difference did not incorporate the null value 0).

Conclusion: CP showed definite activity of regulating glucolipid metabolism in animal models, and it exerted its function through multiple mechanisms including but not limited to: (1) improving insulin resistance; (2) protecting pancreatic β cells; (3) decreasing inflammatory infiltration; and (4) anti-oxidative stress.

AMPK allostery: A therapeutic target for the management/treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with approximately 30-40% of patients with DM developing nephropathy, and it is the leading cause of end-stage renal diseases and diabetic morbidity. The pathogenesis of DN is primarily associated with irregularities in the metabolism of glucose and lipid leading to hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, which has been a major target together with blood pressure regulation in the control of DN progression. However, the regulation of 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a highly conserved protein kinase for maintaining energy balance and cellular growth and repair has been implicated in the development of DM and its complications. Therefore, targeting AMPK pathway has been explored as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes and its complication, although most of the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss the structure of AMPK relevant to understanding its allosteric regulation and its role in the pathogenesis and progression of DN. We also identify therapeutic agents that modulate AMPK and its downstream targets with their specific mechanisms of action in the treatment of DN.

Mechanisms of Herbal Nephroprotection in diabetes mellitus

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of kidney morbidity. Despite the multilayered complexity of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DN, the conventional treatment is limited to just a few drug classes fraught with the risk of adverse events, including the progression of renal dysfunction. Phytoceuticals offer a promising alternative as they act on the many-sidedness of DN pathophysiology, multitargeting its intricacies. This paper offers a review of the mechanisms underlying the protective action of these phytoagents, including boosting the antioxidant capabilities, suppression of inflammation, averting the proliferative and sclerosing/fibrosing events. The pathogenesis of DN is viewed as a continuum going from the original offense, high glucose, through the noxious products it generates (advanced glycation end-products, products of oxidative and nitrosative stress) and the signaling chains consequently brought into action, to the harmful mediators of inflammation, sclerosis, and proliferation that eventually lead to DN, despite the countervailing attempts of the protective mechanisms. Special attention was given to the various pathways involved, pointing out the ability of the phytoagents to hinder the deleterious ones (especially those leading to, driven by, or associated with TGF-β activation, SREBP, Smad, MAPK, PKC, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase), to promote the protective ones (PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, EP4/Gs/AC/cAMP, Nrf2, AMPK, and SIRT1), and to favorably modulate those with potentially dual effect (PI3K/Akt). Many phytomedicines have emerged as potentially useful out of in vitro and in vivo studies, but the scarcity of human trials seriously undermines their usage in the current clinical practice-an issue that stringently needs to be addressed.

Morphological Characterization of Flower Buds Development and Related Gene Expression Profiling at Bud Break Stage in Heterodichogamous Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) lljinskaja

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja, a unique species growing in southern China, is a multi-function tree species with medicinal, healthcare, material, and ornamental values. So far, sexual reproduction is the main method for extensive cultivation of C. paliurus plantations, but this is limited by low seed plumpness resulted from the character of heterodichogamy. Phenological observations have revealed the asynchronism of flower development in this species. However, its molecular mechanism remains largely unknown. To reveal molecular mechanism of heterodichogamy in C. paliurus, transcriptome of female (F) and male (M) buds from two mating types (protandry, PA; protogyny, PG) at bud break stage were sequenced using Illumina Hiseq 4000 platform. The expression patterns of both 32 genes related to flowering and 58 differentially expressed transcription factors (DETFs) selected from 6 families were divided four groups (PG-F, PG-M, PA-F, and PA-M) into two categories: first flowers (PG-F and PA-M) and later flowers (PA-F and PG-M). The results indicated that genes related to plant hormones (IAA, ABA, and GA) synthesis and response, glucose metabolism, and transcription factors (especially in MIKC family) played significant roles in regulating asynchronism of male and female flowers in the same mating type. The expression of DETFs showed two patterns. One contained DETFs up-regulated in first flowers in comparison to later flowers, and the other was the reverse. Nine genes related to flowering were selected for qRT-PCR to confirm the accuracy of RNA-seq, and generally, the RPKM values of these genes were consistent with the result of qRT-PCR. The results of this work could improve our understanding in asynchronism of floral development within one mating type in C. paliurus at transcriptional level, as well as lay a foundation for further study in heterodichogamous plants.

Chinese Herbal Medicine in Ameliorating Diabetic Kidney Disease via Activating Autophagy

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), has become a serious public health problem worldwide and lacks effective therapies due to its complex pathogenesis. Recent studies suggested defective autophagy involved in the pathogenesis and progression of DKD. Chinese herbal medicine, as an emerging option for the treatment of DKD, could improve diabetic kidney injury by activating autophagy. In this review, we briefly summarize underlying mechanisms of autophagy dysregulation in DKD, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and the sirtuin (Sirt) pathways, and we particularly concentrate on the current status of Chinese herbal medicine treating DKD by regulating autophagy. The advances in our understanding regarding the treatment of DKD via regulating autophagy with Chinese herbal medicine will enhance the clinical application of Chinese medicine as well as discovery of novel therapeutic agents for diabetic patients.