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Lathan R. Exploring unconventional targets in myofibroblast transdifferentiation outside classical TGF- β signaling in renal fibrosis. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1296504. [PMID: 38808357 PMCID: PMC11130449 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1296504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
We propose that the key initiators of renal fibrosis are myofibroblasts which originate from four predominant sources-fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and macrophages. Increased accumulation of renal interstitial myofibroblasts correlates with an increase in collagen, fibrillar proteins, and fibrosis severity. The canonical TGF-β pathway, signaling via Smad proteins, is the central molecular hub that initiates these cellular transformations. However, directly targeting these classical pathway molecules has proven challenging due their integral roles in metabolic process, and/or non-sustainable effects involving compensatory cross-talk with TGF-β. This review explores recently discovered alternative molecular targets that drive transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Discovering targets outside of the classical TGF-β/Smad pathway is crucial for advancing antifibrotic therapies, and strategically targeting the development of myofibroblasts offers a promising approach to control excessive extracellular matrix deposition and impede fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashida Lathan
- School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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2
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Lei Y, Xu J, Xiao M, Wu D, Xu H, Yang J, Mao X, Pan H, Yu X, Shi S. Pirfenidone alleviates fibrosis by acting on tumour-stroma interplay in pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1505-1516. [PMID: 38454166 PMCID: PMC11058874 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02631-9] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy with a 5-year survival rate of 12%. The abundant mesenchyme is partly responsible for the malignancy. The antifibrotic therapies have gained attention in recent research. However, the role of pirfenidone, an FDA-approved drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains unclear in PDAC. METHODS Data from RNA-seq of patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models treated with pirfenidone were integrated using bioinformatics tools to identify the target of cell types and genes. Using confocal microscopy, qRT-PCR and western blotting, we validated the signalling pathway in tumour cells to regulate the cytokine secretion. Further cocultured system demonstrated the interplay to regulate stroma fibrosis. Finally, mouse models demonstrated the potential of pirfenidone in PDAC. RESULTS Pirfenidone can remodulate multiple biological pathways, and exerts an antifibrotic effect through inhibiting the secretion of PDGF-bb from tumour cells by downregulating the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB pathway. Thus, leading to a subsequent reduction in collagen X and fibronectin secreted by CAFs. Moreover, the mice orthotopic pancreatic tumour models demonstrated the antifibrotic effect and potential to sensitise gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone may alter the pancreatic milieu and alleviate fibrosis through the regulation of tumour-stroma interactions via the TGM2/NF-kB/PDGFB signalling pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in PDAC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Lei
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Mao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoqi Pan
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Yan Z, Shi Y, Yang R, Xue J, Fu C. ELABELA-derived peptide ELA13 attenuates kidney fibrosis by inhibiting the Smad and ERK signaling pathways. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:341-353. [PMID: 38584095 PMCID: PMC11009446 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300033] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is an inevitable result of various chronic kidney diseases (CKDs) and significantly contributes to end-stage renal failure. Currently, there is no specific treatment available for renal fibrosis. ELA13 (amino acid sequence: RRCMPLHSRVPFP) is a conserved region of ELABELA in all vertebrates; however, its biological activity has been very little studied. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of ELA13 on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated NRK-52E cells and unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO) mice. Our results demonstrated that ELA13 could improve renal function by reducing creatinine and urea nitrogen content in serum, and reduce the expression of fibrosis biomarkers confirmed by Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and western blot. Inflammation biomarkers were increased after UUO and decreased by administration of ELA13. Furthermore, we found that the levels of essential molecules in the mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways were reduced by ELA13 treatment in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, ELA13 protected against kidney fibrosis through inhibiting the Smad and ERK signaling pathways and could thus be a promising candidate for anti-renal fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Yan
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Ying Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Runling Yang
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jijun Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Caiyun Fu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Silkworm Bioreactor and Biomedicine, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
- Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Wang DX, Bao SY, Song NN, Chen WZ, Ding XQ, Walker RJ, Fang Y. FTO-mediated m6A mRNA demethylation aggravates renal fibrosis by targeting RUNX1 and further enhancing PI3K/AKT pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23436. [PMID: 38430461 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302041r] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden, with ineffective therapies leading to increasing morbidity and mortality. Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway in advanced CKD, resulting in kidney function and structure deterioration. In this study, we investigate the role of FTO-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its downstream targets in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. M6A modification, a prevalent mRNA internal modification, has been implicated in various organ fibrosis processes. We use a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) as an in vivo model and treated tubular epithelial cells (TECs) with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as in vitro models. Our findings revealed increased FTO expression in UUO mouse model and TGF-β1-treated TECs. By modulating FTO expression through FTO heterozygous mutation mice (FTO+/- ) in vivo and small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro, we observed attenuation of UUO and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by decreased fibronectin and N-cadherin accumulation and increased E-cadherin levels. Silencing FTO significantly improved UUO and TGF-β1-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and inhibition of autophagy. Further transcriptomic assays identified RUNX1 as a downstream candidate target of FTO. Inhibiting FTO was shown to counteract UUO/TGF-β1-induced RUNX1 elevation in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that FTO signaling contributes to the elevation of RUNX1 by demethylating RUNX1 mRNA and improving its stability. Finally, we revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway may be activated downstream of the FTO/RUNX1 axis in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In conclusion, identifying small-molecule compounds that target this axis could offer promising therapeutic strategies for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Xi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yu Bao
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Na-Na Song
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ze Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert J Walker
- Department of Nephrology, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
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Müller A, Lozoya M, Chen X, Weissig V, Nourbakhsh M. Farnesol Inhibits PI3 Kinase Signaling and Inflammatory Gene Expression in Primary Human Renal Epithelial Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3322. [PMID: 38137543 PMCID: PMC10741437 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation and elevated cytokine levels are closely associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is responsible for the manifestation of numerous complications and mortality. In addition to conventional CKD therapies, the possibility of using natural compounds with anti-inflammatory potential has attracted widespread attention in scientific research. This study aimed to study the potential anti-inflammatory effects of a natural oil compound, farnesol, in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell (RPTEC) culture. Farnesol was encapsulated in lipid-based small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) to overcome its insolubility in cell culture medium. The cell attachment of empty vesicles (SUVs) and farnesol-loaded vesicles (farnesol-SUVs) was examined using BODIPY, a fluorescent dye with hydrophobic properties. Next, we used multiple protein, RNA, and protein phosphorylation arrays to investigate the impact of farnesol on inflammatory signaling in RPTECs. The results indicated that farnesol inhibits TNF-α/IL-1β-induced phosphorylation of the PI3 kinase p85 subunit and subsequent transcriptional activation of the inflammatory genes TNFRSF9, CD27, TNFRSF8, DR6, FAS, IL-7, and CCL2. Therefore, farnesol may be a promising natural compound for treating CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Müller
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (X.C.)
| | - Maria Lozoya
- College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA; (M.L.); (V.W.)
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (X.C.)
| | - Volkmar Weissig
- College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ 85308, USA; (M.L.); (V.W.)
| | - Mahtab Nourbakhsh
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (X.C.)
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6
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de Oliveira AS, Convento MB, Razvickas CV, Castino B, Leme AM, da Silva Luiz R, da Silva WH, da Glória MA, Guirão TP, Bondan E, Schor N, Borges FT. The Nephroprotective Effects of the Allogeneic Transplantation with Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Were Potentiated by ω3 Stimulating Up-Regulation of the PPAR-γ. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1484. [PMID: 37895955 PMCID: PMC10610511 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from bone marrow are a promising tool for regenerative medicine, including kidney diseases. A step forward in MSCs studies is cellular conditioning through specific minerals and vitamins. The Omega-3 fatty acids (ω3) are essential in regulating MSCs self-renewal, cell cycle, and survival. The ω3 could act as a ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ). This study aimed to demonstrate that ω3 supplementation in rats could lead to the up-regulation of PPAR-γ in the MSCs. The next step was to compare the effects of these MSCs through allogeneic transplantation in rats subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Independent of ω3 supplementation in the diet of the rats, the MSCs in vitro conserved differentiation capability and phenotypic characteristics. Nevertheless, MSCs obtained from the rats supplemented with ω3 stimulated an increase in the expression of PPAR-γ. After allogeneic transplantation in rats subjected to UUO, the ω3 supplementation in the rats enhanced some nephroprotective effects of the MSCs through a higher expression of antioxidant enzyme (SOD-1), anti-inflammatory marker (IL-10), and lower expression of the inflammatory marker (IL-6), and proteinuria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Silva de Oliveira
- Translational Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil;
| | - Márcia Bastos Convento
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Clara Versolato Razvickas
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Bianca Castino
- Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo 01506-000, Brazil;
| | - Ala Moana Leme
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Rafael da Silva Luiz
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Wesley Henrique da Silva
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Maria Aparecida da Glória
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Tatiana Pinotti Guirão
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Eduardo Bondan
- Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo 04026-002, Brazil;
| | - Nestor Schor
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Fernanda Teixeira Borges
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 04038-901, Brazil; (M.B.C.); (C.V.R.); (A.M.L.); (R.d.S.L.); (W.H.d.S.); (M.A.d.G.); (T.P.G.); (N.S.)
- Interdisciplinary Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo 01506-000, Brazil;
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Zhang B, Chen ZY, Jiang Z, Huang S, Liu XH, Wang L. Nephroprotective Effects of Cardamonin on Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury/UUO-Induced Renal Fibrosis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:13284-13303. [PMID: 37646396 PMCID: PMC10510707 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury and chronic renal fibrosis are intractable pathological processes to resolve, yet limited strategies are able to effectively address them. Cardamonin (CAD) is a flavonoid with talented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory capacity, and satisfactory biosafety. In our study, animal and cellular models of renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were successfully constructed to confirm whether CAD confers protective effects and underlying mechanisms. Animal experiments demonstrated that CAD application (100 mg/kg) distinctly ameliorated tissue damage and improved renal function. Meanwhile, the continuous oral administration of CAD after UUO surgery efficiently inhibited renal fibrosis as confirmed by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson staining as well as the downregulated mRNA and protein expression of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen III, and fibronectin. Interestingly, in transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-exposed human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells, protective effects of CAD were again authenticated. Meanwhile, we performed bioinformatics analysis and constructed the "ingredient-target-pathway-disease" network to conclude that the potential mechanisms of CAD protection may be through the regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Furthermore, experimental data validated that CAD evidently decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and malondialdehyde (MDA) content while depressing the mRNA and protein expression of inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Il-1β) and inhibiting apoptosis as evidenced by decreased levels of P53, BAX, cleaved caspase-3, and apoptotic rate in renal I/R and UUO models. In addition, the impact of CAD on restraining oxidative stress and inflammation was attributed to its ability to elevate antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase, superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and to inhibit the inflammation-associated MARK/nuclear factor-κB (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling pathway. In conclusion, cardamonin restored the antioxidative capacity to block oxidative stress and suppressed the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway to alleviate inflammatory response, thus mitigating I/R-generated acute kidney injury/UUO-induced renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, which indicated the potential therapeutic advantage of cardamonin in attenuating acute and chronic kidney injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banghua Zhang
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Chen
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shiyu Huang
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
- Hubei
Key Laboratory of Digestive System Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiu-Heng Liu
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department
of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Wuhan
University Institute of Urological Disease, Wuhan 430060, China
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8
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Gluba-Sagr A, Franczyk B, Rysz-Górzyńska M, Ławiński J, Rysz J. The Role of miRNA in Renal Fibrosis Leading to Chronic Kidney Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2358. [PMID: 37760798 PMCID: PMC10525803 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health concern that is expected to be the fifth most widespread cause of death worldwide by 2040. The presence of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, ischemia, etc., stimulates the development and progression of CKD. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is a common pathomechanism of renal dysfunction, irrespective of the primary origin of renal injury. With time, fibrosis leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Many studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in the onset and development of fibrosis and CKD. miRNAs are vital regulators of some pathophysiological processes; therefore, their utility as therapeutic agents in various diseases has been suggested. Several miRNAs were demonstrated to participate in the development and progression of kidney disease. Since renal fibrosis is an important problem in chronic kidney disease, many scientists have focused on the determination of miRNAs associated with kidney fibrosis. In this review, we present the role of several miRNAs in renal fibrosis and the potential pathways involved. However, as well as those mentioned above, other miRs have also been suggested to play a role in this process in CKD. The reports concerning the impact of some miRNAs on fibrosis are conflicting, probably because the expression and regulation of miRNAs occur in a tissue- and even cell-dependent manner. Moreover, different assessment modes and populations have been used. There is a need for large studies and clinical trials to confirm the role of miRs in a clinical setting. miRNAs have great potential; thus, their analysis may improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gluba-Sagr
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rysz-Górzyńska
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Ławiński
- Department of Urology, Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-055 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
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Yu TH, Wu CC, Tsai IT, Hsuan CF, Lee TL, Wang CP, Wei CT, Chung FM, Lee YJ, Hung WC, Tang WH. Circulating mannose-binding lectin concentration in patients with stable coronary artery disease is associated with heart failure and renal function. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 548:117528. [PMID: 37640132 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) has been associated with cardiovascular disease and its complications, the progression of diabetic nephropathy, and complement-mediated renal interstitial injury. However, the relationship between plasma MBL concentration with both heart failure and renal function is unclear. In this study, we examined associations of plasma MBL with both renal function and heart failure in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS We enrolled 348 consecutive stable CAD patients and used ELISA to evaluate plasma concentrations of MBL. Renal function was classified into KDIGO G1, G2 and G3a-G4 groups according to the eGFR of ≥ 90, 60-89 and 15-59, ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40 % were classified to have heart failure. RESULTS A significant positive association was found between MBL with diabetes mellitus, current smoker, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and brain natriuretic peptide, and a significant negative association was found between MBL with eGFR and LVEF. KDIGO stage G3a-G4 and heart failure increased along with tertiles of MBL (p for trend < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that compared to the patients with a low MBL concentration, the odds ratios of having KDIGO stage G3a-G4 were 1.89 (1.01-3.55) times and 2.37 (1.25-4.59) times higher for those with medium and high MBL concentrations. Furthermore, compared to the patients with a low MBL concentration, the OR of having heart failure were 1.97 (1.01-3.93) times higher for those with high MBL concentrations. Moreover, multivariate analysis showed an independent association between plasma MBL concentration with both KDIGO stage G3a-G4 and heart failure (LVEF < 40 %). In addition, the effect of MBL on both LVEF and eGFR was confirmed by structural equation model analysis. CONCLUSION There are associations between circulating MBL concentration with both heart failure and renal function in stable CAD patients, suggesting that increased plasma MBL may contribute to the pathogenesis of both chronic kidney disease and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng-Hung Yu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ching Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - I-Ting Tsai
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Department of Emergency, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Feng Hsuan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Dachang Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Thung-Lip Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Ping Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine for International Students, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ting Wei
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; The School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Mei Chung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | | | - Wei-Chin Hung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan; School of Medicine, College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Hua Tang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Yuli Branch, Hualien 98142, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112304, Taiwan.
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10
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Douté M, Sannier A, Even G, Tran TT, Gaston AT, Delbosc S, Loyau S, Bruneval P, Witko-Sarsat V, Mouthon L, Nicoletti A, Caligiuri G, Clement M. Thrombopoietin-Dependent Myelo-Megakaryopoiesis Fuels Thromboinflammation and Worsens Antibody-Mediated Chronic Renal Microvascular Injury. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1207-1221. [PMID: 37022108 PMCID: PMC10356147 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Kidney-derived thrombopoietin (TPO) increases myeloid cell and platelet production during antibody-mediated chronic kidney disease (AMCKD) in a mouse model, exacerbating chronic thromobinflammation in microvessels. The effect is mirrored in patients with extracapillary glomerulonephritis associated with thromboinflammation, TGF β -dependent glomerulosclerosis, and increased bioavailability of TPO. Neutralization of TPO in mice normalized hematopoiesis, reduced chronic thromboinflammation, and ameliorated renal disease. The findings suggest that TPO is a relevant biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for patients with CKD and other chronic thromboinflammatory diseases.Neutralization of TPO in mice normalized hematopoiesis, reduced chronic thromboinflammation, and ameliorated renal disease. The findings suggest that TPO is a relevant biomarker and a promising therapeutic target for patients with CKD and other chronic thromboinflammatory diseases. BACKGROUND Chronic thromboinflammation provokes microvascular alterations and rarefaction, promoting organ dysfunction in individuals with various life-threatening diseases. Hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs) released by the affected organ may sustain emergency hematopoiesis and fuel the thromboinflammatory process. METHODS Using a murine model of antibody-mediated chronic kidney disease (AMCKD) and pharmacological interventions, we comprehensively monitored the response to injury in the circulating blood, urine, bone marrow, and kidney. RESULTS Experimental AMCKD was associated with chronic thromboinflammation and the production of HGFs, especially thrombopoietin (TPO), by the injured kidney, which stimulated and skewed hematopoiesis toward myelo-megakaryopoiesis. AMCKD was characterized by vascular and kidney dysfunction, TGF β -dependent glomerulosclerosis, and microvascular rarefaction. In humans, extracapillary glomerulonephritis is associated with thromboinflammation, TGF β -dependent glomerulosclerosis, and increased bioavailability of TPO. Analysis of albumin, HGF, and inflammatory cytokine levels in sera from patients with extracapillary glomerulonephritis allowed us to identify treatment responders. Strikingly, TPO neutralization in the experimental AMCKD model normalized hematopoiesis, reduced chronic thromboinflammation, and ameliorated renal disease. CONCLUSION TPO-skewed hematopoiesis exacerbates chronic thromboinflammation in microvessels and worsens AMCKD. TPO is both a relevant biomarker and a promising therapeutic target in humans with CKD and other chronic thromboinflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélodie Douté
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Sannier
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Service d'Anatomie et Cytologie Pathologiques, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Even
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
| | - Thi-Thu Tran
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
| | - Ahn-Tu Gaston
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Delbosc
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Loyau
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
| | - Patrick Bruneval
- Departments of Nephrology Pathology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Véronique Witko-Sarsat
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Luc Mouthon
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Service de Médecine Interne, Centre de Référence Maladies Autoimmunes Systémiques Rares d'Ile de France, Hôpital Cochin, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Paris, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)-CUP-CUP, Hôpital Cochin, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Antonino Nicoletti
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
| | - Giuseppina Caligiuri
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
- Department of Cardiology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Nord Val-de-Seine, Site Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Marc Clement
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM U1148, Laboratory for vascular science (LVTS), Paris, France
- Laboratoire d'Excellence INFLAMEX, Paris, France
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11
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Gandhi DB, Al Saeedi M, Krier JD, Jiang K, Glockner JF, Lerman LO. Evaluation of Renal Fibrosis Using Magnetization Transfer Imaging at 1.5T and 3T in a Porcine Model of Renal Artery Stenosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082956. [PMID: 37109291 PMCID: PMC10140905 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is an important marker in the progression of chronic kidney disease, and renal biopsy is the current reference standard for detecting its presence. Currently, non-invasive methods have only been partially successful in detecting renal fibrosis. Magnetization transfer imaging (MTI) allows estimates of renal fibrosis but may vary with scanning conditions. We hypothesized that MTI-derived renal fibrosis would be reproducible at 1.5T and 3T MRI and over time in fibrotic kidneys. Fifteen pigs with unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS, n = 9) or age-matched sham controls (n = 6) underwent MTI-MRI at both 1.5T and 3T 6 weeks post-surgery and again 4 weeks later. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) measurements of fibrosis in both kidneys were compared between 1.5T and 3T, and the reproducibility of MTI at the two timepoints was evaluated at 1.5T and 3T. MTR at 3T with 600 Hz offset frequency successfully distinguished between normal, stenotic, and contralateral kidneys. There was excellent reproducibility of MTI at 1.5T and 3T over the two timepoints and no significant differences between MTR measurements at 1.5T and 3T. Therefore, MTI is a highly reproducible technique which is sensitive to detect changes in fibrotic compared to normal kidneys in the RAS porcine model at 3T.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deep B Gandhi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Mina Al Saeedi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - James D Krier
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Kai Jiang
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - James F Glockner
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Lilach O Lerman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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12
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Wang C, Li SW, Zhong X, Liu BC, Lv LL. An update on renal fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies with a focus on extracellular vesicles. Kidney Res Clin Pract 2023; 42:174-187. [PMID: 37037480 PMCID: PMC10085720 DOI: 10.23876/j.krcp.22.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major global public health concern. Despite the complicated pathogenesis of CKD, renal fibrosis represents the most common pathological condition, comprised of progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the diseased kidney. Over the last several decades, tremendous progress in understanding the mechanism of renal fibrosis has been achieved, and corresponding potential therapeutic strategies targeting fibrosis-related signaling pathways are emerging. Importantly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute significantly to renal inflammation and fibrosis by mediating cellular communication. Increasing evidence suggests the potential of EV-based therapy in renal inflammation and fibrosis, which may represent a future direction for CKD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lin-Li Lv
- Correspondence: Lin-Li Lv Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, 87 Ding Jia Qiao Road, Nanjing 210009, China. E-mail:
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13
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Denicolò S, Nair V, Leierer J, Rudnicki M, Kretzler M, Mayer G, Ju W, Perco P. Assessment of Fibrinogen-like 2 (FGL2) in Human Chronic Kidney Disease through Transcriptomics Data Analysis. Biomolecules 2022; 13:89. [PMID: 36671474 PMCID: PMC9855364 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like 2 (FGL2) was recently found to be associated with fibrosis in a mouse model of kidney damage and was proposed as a potential therapeutic target in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We assessed the association of renal FGL2 mRNA expression with the disease outcome in two independent CKD cohorts (NEPTUNE and Innsbruck CKD cohort) using Kaplan Meier survival analysis. The regulation of FGL2 in kidney biopsies of CKD patients as compared to healthy controls was further assessed in 13 human CKD transcriptomics datasets. The FGL2 protein expression in human renal tissue sections was determined via immunohistochemistry. The regulators of FGL2 mRNA expression in renal tissue were identified in the co-expression and upstream regulator analysis of FGL2-positive renal cells via the use of single-cell RNA sequencing data from the kidney precision medicine project (KPMP). Higher renal FGL2 mRNA expression was positively associated with kidney fibrosis and negatively associated with eGFR. Renal FGL2 mRNA expression was upregulated in CKD as compared with healthy controls and associated with CKD progression in the Innsbruck CKD cohort (p-value = 0.0036) and NEPTUNE cohort (p-value = 0.0048). The highest abundance of FGL2 protein in renal tissue was detected in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle and macula densa, proximal tubular cells, as well as in glomerular endothelial cells. The upstream regulator analysis identified TNF, IL1B, IFNG, NFKB1, and SP1 as factors potentially inducing FGL2-co-expressed genes, whereas factors counterbalancing FGL2-co-expressed genes included GLI1, HNF1B, or PPARGC1A. In conclusion, renal FGL2 mRNA expression is elevated in human CKD, and higher FGL2 levels are associated with fibrosis and worse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Denicolò
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Viji Nair
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Johannes Leierer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Rudnicki
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthias Kretzler
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gert Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Wenjun Ju
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paul Perco
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Nephrology and Hypertension), Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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14
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Septembre-Malaterre A, Boina C, Douanier A, Gasque P. Deciphering the Antifibrotic Property of Metformin. Cells 2022; 11:cells11244090. [PMID: 36552855 PMCID: PMC9777391 DOI: 10.3390/cells11244090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic progressive and incurable disease leading to organ dysfunction. It is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins produced by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiating into myofibroblasts. Given the complexity of its pathophysiology, the search for effective treatments for fibrosis is of paramount importance. Metformin, a structural dimethyl analog of the galegine guanide extracted from the "French Lilac" (Fabaceae Galega officinalis), is the most widely used antidiabetic drug, recently recognized for its antifibrotic effects through ill-characterized mechanisms. The in vitro model of TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in human primary pulmonary mesenchymal stem cells (HPMSCs), identified as CD248+ and CD90+ cells, was used to study the effects of metformin extracts. These effects were tested on the expression of canonical MSC differentiation markers, immune/inflammatory factors and antioxidative stress molecules using qRT-PCR (mRNA, miRNA), immunofluorescence and ELISA experiments. Interestingly, metformin is able to reduce/modulate the expression of different actors involved in fibrosis. Indeed, TGF-β1 effects were markedly attenuated by metformin, as evidenced by reduced expression of three collagen types and Acta2 mRNAs. Furthermore, metformin attenuated the effects of TGF-β1 on the expression of PDGF, VEGF, erythropoietin, calcitonin and profibrotic miRs, possibly by controlling the expression of several key TGF/Smad factors. The expression of four major fibrogenic MMPs was also reduced by metformin treatment. In addition, metformin controlled MSC differentiation into lipofibroblasts and osteoblasts and had the ability to restore redox balance via the Nox4/Nrf2, AMP and Pi3K pathways. Overall, these results show that metformin is a candidate molecule for antifibrotic effect and/or aiming to combat the development of chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Septembre-Malaterre
- Unité de Recherche, EPI ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’, Université de la Réunion, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
- Laboratoire D’immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone de L’océan Indien (LICE-OI), CHU La Réunion Site Félix Guyon Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Chailas Boina
- Unité de Recherche, EPI ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’, Université de la Réunion, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
- Laboratoire D’immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone de L’océan Indien (LICE-OI), CHU La Réunion Site Félix Guyon Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
| | - Audrey Douanier
- Unité de Recherche, EPI ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’, Université de la Réunion, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
- Laboratoire D’immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone de L’océan Indien (LICE-OI), CHU La Réunion Site Félix Guyon Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
| | - Philippe Gasque
- Unité de Recherche, EPI ‘Etudes en Pharmaco-Immunologie’, Université de la Réunion, Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
- Laboratoire D’immunologie Clinique et Expérimentale de la Zone de L’océan Indien (LICE-OI), CHU La Réunion Site Félix Guyon Allée des Topazes, CS11021, 97400 Saint Denis, France
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15
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Zhou B, Zhang Y, Dang X, Li B, Wang H, Gong S, Li S, Meng F, Xing J, Li T, He L, Zou P, Wan Y. Up-regulation of the human-specific CHRFAM7A gene protects against renal fibrosis in mice with obstructive nephropathy. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 27:52-65. [PMID: 36479618 PMCID: PMC9806291 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a major factor in the progression of chronic kidney diseases. Obstructive nephropathy is a common cause of renal fibrosis, which is also accompanied by inflammation. To explore the effect of human-specific CHRFAM7A expression, an inflammation-related gene, on renal fibrosis during obstructive nephropathy, we studied CHRFAM7A transgenic mice and wild type mice that underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) injury. Transgenic overexpression of CHRFAM7A gene inhibited UUO-induced renal fibrosis, which was demonstrated by decreased fibrotic gene expression and collagen deposition. Furthermore, kidneys from transgenic mice had reduced TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 expression following UUO compared with those from wild type mice with UUO. In addition, the overexpression of CHRFAM7A decreased release of inflammatory cytokines in the kidneys of UUO-injured mice. In vitro, the overexpression of CHRFAM7A inhibited TGF-β1-induced increase in expression of fibrosis-related genes in human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). Additionally, up-regulated expression of CHRFAM7A in HK-2 cells decreased TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited activation f TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathways. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that overexpression of the human-specific CHRFAM7A gene can reduce UUO-induced renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling pathway to reduce inflammatory reactions and EMT of renal tubular epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingru Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Yudian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Xitong Dang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Research, The Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of EducationSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Shu Gong
- Science and Technology DivisionSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Siwen Li
- Department of Health Toxicology, Xiangya School of Public HealthCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Fanyin Meng
- Indiana Center for Liver Research, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Juan Xing
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Longfei He
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Ping Zou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
| | - Ying Wan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical ScienceSouthwest Medical UniversityLuzhouChina
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16
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Yan D, Li T, Yang Y, Niu N, Wang D, Ge J, Wang L, Zhang R, Wang D, Tang BZ. A Water-Soluble AIEgen for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Kidney Fibrosis via SWIR Fluorescence and Photoacoustic Imaging. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2206643. [PMID: 36222386 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of renal fibrosis is crucially significant on account of its worldwide prevalent tendency. Optical imaging in the near-infrared window has been recognized as an appealing technique for the timely detection of renal dysfunction. However, formulating a contrast agent that allows early monitoring of renal fibrosis and concurrently renally clearable in a normal group is still challenging. Herein, a nanosized fluorophore with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) features, namely AIE-4PEG550 NPs, is well-tailored and amenable to longitudinal visualization of the fibrosis progression specifically in the early-stage via short-wave infrared (SWIR, 900-1700 nm) fluorescence and photoacoustic bimodal imaging. The small size (≈26 nm), renally filtrable molecular weight (3.3 kDa), high renal clearance efficiency (93.1 ± 1.7% excretion through the kidneys within 24 h), outstanding imaging performance, and good biocompatibility, together make AIE-4PEG550 NPs remarkably impressive and far superior to clinical diagnostic assays. The finding in this study would provide a blueprint for the next generation of diagnostic agents for the extent of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingyuan Yan
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, P. R. China
- The Radiology Department of Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, P. R. China
| | - Yilin Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, P. R. China
- The Radiology Department of Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, P. R. China
| | - Niu Niu
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Deliang Wang
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Jinyin Ge
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Lei Wang
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Ruiping Zhang
- The Radiology Department of Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030000, P. R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Center for AIE Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Polymer Science and Technology, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, P. R. China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China
- Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Molecular Functional Materials, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Division of Biomedical Engineering and Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
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17
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TGF-β Inhibitors for Therapeutic Management of Kidney Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121485. [PMID: 36558936 PMCID: PMC9783223 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is a common pathophysiological mechanism of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression caused by several underlying kidney diseases. Among various contributors to kidney fibrosis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is the major factor driving fibrosis. TGF-β1 exerts its profibrotic attributes via the activation of canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways, which induce proliferation and activation of myofibroblasts and subsequent accumulation of extracellular matrix. Over the past few decades, studies have determined the TGF-β1 signaling pathway inhibitors and evaluated whether they could ameliorate the progression of CKD by hindering kidney fibrosis. However, therapeutic strategies that block TGF-β1 signaling have usually demonstrated unsatisfactory results. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic concepts of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway and its inhibitors and review the current state of the art regarding regarding TGF-β1 inhibitors in CKD management.
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18
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The Protective Effect of Zebularine, an Inhibitor of DNA Methyltransferase, on Renal Tubulointerstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214045. [PMID: 36430531 PMCID: PMC9697081 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, the final pathway of chronic kidney disease, is caused by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Although DNA methylation has drawn attention as a developing mechanism of renal fibrosis, its contribution to renal fibrosis has not been clarified. To address this issue, the effect of zebularine, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, on renal inflammation and fibrosis in the murine unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was analyzed. Zebularine significantly attenuated renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and inflammation. Zebularine decreased trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen IV, and transforming growth factor-β1 staining by 56.2%. 21.3%, 30.3%, and 29.9%, respectively, at 3 days, and by 54.6%, 41.9%, 45.9%, and 61.7%, respectively, at 7 days after UUO. Zebularine downregulated mRNA expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, fibronectin, and Snail1 by 48.6%. 71.4%, 31.8%, and 42.4%, respectively, at 7 days after UUO. Zebularine also suppressed the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, by 69.8%, 74.9%, and 69.6%, respectively, in obstructed kidneys. Furthermore, inhibiting DNA methyltransferase buttressed the nuclear expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like factor 2, which upregulated downstream effectors such as catalase (1.838-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.01), superoxide dismutase 1 (1.494-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.05), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreduate-1 (1.376-fold increase at 7 days, p < 0.05) in obstructed kidneys. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibiting DNA methylation restores the disrupted balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways to alleviate renal inflammation and fibrosis. Therefore, these results highlight the possibility of DNA methyltransferases as therapeutic targets for treating renal inflammation and fibrosis.
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Wu J, Xu Y, Geng Z, Zhou J, Xiong Q, Xu Z, Li H, Han Y. Chitosan oligosaccharide alleviates renal fibrosis through reducing oxidative stress damage and regulating TGF-β1/Smads pathway. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19160. [PMID: 36357407 PMCID: PMC9649626 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-20719-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis (RF) is the common pathway for a variety of chronic kidney diseases that progress to end-stage renal disease. Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has been identified as possessing many health functions. However, it is not clear whether COS can prevent RF. The purpose of this paper was to explore the action and mechanism of COS in alleviating RF. First, an acute unilateral ureteral obstruction operation (UUO) in male BALB/c mice was performed to induce RF, and COS or fosinopril (positive control drug) were administered for 7 consecutive days. Data from our experiments indicated that COS treatment can significantly alleviate kidney injury and decrease the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) in the UUO mouse model. More importantly, our results show that COS can reduce collagen deposition and decrease the expression of fibrosis proteins, such as collagen IV, fibronectin, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and E-cadherin, ameliorating experimental renal fibrosis in vivo. In addition, we also found that COS suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation in RF model mice. Further studies indicated that the mechanism by which COS alleviates renal fibrosis is closely related to the regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. COS has a therapeutic effect on ameliorating renal fibrosis similar to that of the positive control drug fosinopril. Taken together, COS can alleviate renal fibrosis induced by UUO by reducing oxidative stress damage and regulating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, 264199 Shandong People’s Republic of China ,grid.411866.c0000 0000 8848 7685Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingtao Xu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, 264199 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Zikai Geng
- grid.440653.00000 0000 9588 091XSchool of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003 Shandong People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqing Zhou
- grid.511252.0Department of Food, Jiangsu Food and Pharmaceutical Science College, Huai’an, 223003 Jiangsu China
| | - Qingping Xiong
- grid.417678.b0000 0004 1800 1941Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Regional Resource Exploitation and Medicinal Research, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai’an, 223003 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhimeng Xu
- grid.417678.b0000 0004 1800 1941Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Regional Resource Exploitation and Medicinal Research, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huai’an, 223003 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Hailun Li
- grid.417303.20000 0000 9927 0537Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 223002, Huai’an, Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Han
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, 264199 Shandong People’s Republic of China ,grid.440653.00000 0000 9588 091XSchool of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003 Shandong People’s Republic of China
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20
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Jo H, Choi BY, Jang G, Lee JP, Cho A, Kim B, Park JH, Lee J, Kim YH, Ryu J. Three-dimensional Bio-Printed Autologous Omentum Patch Ameliorates UUO-Induced Renal Fibrosis
. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2022; 28:672-682. [DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2022.0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hyunwoo Jo
- ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., R&D, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
- Korea University, 34973, Department of Biomicrosystem Technology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Bo Young Choi
- ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., R&D, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Giup Jang
- ROKIT Genomics, Inc., R&D, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, 65633, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 37990, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 37990, Translational Medicine Major, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Ara Cho
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 37990, Translational Medicine Major, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Boyun Kim
- ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., R&D, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Jeong Hwan Park
- Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, 65633, Department of Pathology, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 37990, Department of Pathology, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Jeonghwan Lee
- Seoul National University Seoul Metropolitan Government Boramae Medical Center, 65633, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, 37990, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Asan Medical Center, 65526, Department of Surgery, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
| | - Jina Ryu
- ROKIT Healthcare, Inc., R&D, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of),
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21
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Ike T, Doi S, Nakashima A, Sasaki K, Ishiuchi N, Asano T, Masaki T. The hypoxia-inducible factor-α prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor FG4592 ameliorates renal fibrosis by inducing the H3K9 demethylase JMJD1A. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2022; 323:F539-F552. [PMID: 36074918 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00083.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factors hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α/2α) are the major regulators of the cellular response to hypoxia and play a key role in renal fibrosis associated with acute and chronic kidney disease. Jumonji domain-containing 1a (JMJD1A), a histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) demethylase, is reported to be an important target gene of HIF-α. However, whether JMJD1A and H3K9 methylation status play a role in renal fibrosis is unclear. Here, we investigated the involvement of HIF-α, JMJD1A, and monomethylated/dimethylated H3K9 (H3K9me1/H3K9me2) levels in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of FG4592, an inhibitor of HIF-α prolyl hydroxylase, which controls HIF-α protein stability, significantly attenuated renal fibrosis on days 3 and 7 following UUO. FG4592 concomitantly increased JMJD1A expression, decreased H3K9me1/me2 levels, reduced profibrotic gene expression, and increased erythropoietin expression in renal tissues of UUO mice. The beneficial effects of FG4592 on renal fibrosis were inhibited by the administration of JMJD1A-specific siRNA to mice immediately following UUO. Incubation of normal rat kidney-49F and/or -52E cells with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in vitro resulted in upregulated expression of α-smooth muscle actin and H3K9me1/me2, and these effects were inhibited by cotreatment with FG4592. In contrast, FG4592 treatment further enhanced the TGF-β1-stimulated upregulation of JMJD1A but had no effect on TGF-β1-stimulated expression of the H3K9 methyltransferase euchromatic histone-lysine N-methyltransferase 2. Collectively, these findings establish a crucial role for the HIF-α1/2-JMJD1A-H3K9me1/me2 regulatory axis in the therapeutic effect of FG4592 in renal fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using a mouse model of renal fibrosis and transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated rat cell lines, we show that treatment with FG4592, an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and -2α (HIF-1α/2α) prolyl hydroxylase decreases renal fibrosis and concomitantly reduces methylated lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9) levels via upregulation of Jumonji domain-containing 1a (JMJD1A). The results identify a novel role for the HIF-1α/2α-JMJD1A-H3K9 regulatory axis in suppressing renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ike
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shigehiro Doi
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ayumu Nakashima
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kensuke Sasaki
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoki Ishiuchi
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomoichiro Asano
- Department of Medical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takao Masaki
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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22
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Wang EY, Zhao Y, Okhovatian S, Smith JB, Radisic M. Intersection of stem cell biology and engineering towards next generation in vitro models of human fibrosis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1005051. [PMID: 36338120 PMCID: PMC9630603 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1005051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Human fibrotic diseases constitute a major health problem worldwide. Fibrosis involves significant etiological heterogeneity and encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases affecting various organs. To date, many fibrosis targeted therapeutic agents failed due to inadequate efficacy and poor prognosis. In order to dissect disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic solutions for fibrosis patients, in vitro disease models have gone a long way in terms of platform development. The introduction of engineered organ-on-a-chip platforms has brought a revolutionary dimension to the current fibrosis studies and discovery of anti-fibrotic therapeutics. Advances in human induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering technologies are enabling significant progress in this field. Some of the most recent breakthroughs and emerging challenges are discussed, with an emphasis on engineering strategies for platform design, development, and application of machine learning on these models for anti-fibrotic drug discovery. In this review, we discuss engineered designs to model fibrosis and how biosensor and machine learning technologies combine to facilitate mechanistic studies of fibrosis and pre-clinical drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Yan Wang
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sargol Okhovatian
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob B. Smith
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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β-Elemene Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Model by Inhibition of STAT3 and Smad3 Signaling via Suppressing MyD88 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105553. [PMID: 35628363 PMCID: PMC9143890 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a chronic pathological process that seriously endangers human health. However, the current therapeutic options for this disease are extremely limited. Previous studies have shown that signaling factors such as JAK2/STAT3, Smad3, and Myd88 play a regulatory role in renal fibrosis, and β-elemene is a plant-derived sesquiterpenoid organic compound that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory effects. In the present study, the anti-fibrotic effect of β-elemene was demonstrated by in vivo and in vitro experiments. It was shown that β-elemene inhibited the synthesis of extracellular matrix-related proteins in unilateral ureteral obstruction mice, and TGF-β stimulated rat interstitial fibroblast cells, including α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and connective tissue growth factor, etc. Further experiments showed that β-elemene reduced the expression levels of the above-mentioned fibrosis-related proteins by blocking the phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT3, Smad3, and the expression or up-regulation of MyD88. Notably, knockdown of MyD88 attenuated the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and Smad3 in TGF-β stimulated NRK49F cell, which may be a novel molecular mechanism by which β-elemene affects renal interstitial fibrosis. In conclusion, this study elucidated the anti-interstitial fibrosis effect of β-elemene, which provides a new direction for future research and development of drugs related to chronic kidney disease.
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24
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Gu C, Li W, Ju Q, Yao H, Yang L, An B, Hu W, Li X. Synthesis and evaluation of new pirfenidone derivatives as anti-fibrosis agents. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14492-14501. [PMID: 35702193 PMCID: PMC9102048 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00990k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two series of new pirfenidone derivatives, in which phenyl groups or benzyl groups are attached to the nitrogen atom of the pyridin-2(1H)-one moiety were synthesized and evaluated as anti-fibrosis agents. Among them, compound 5d, with a (S)-2-(dimethylamino) propanamido group in the R2 position (series 1) exhibited 10 times the anti-fibrosis activity (IC50: 0.245 mM) of pirfenidone (IC50: 2.75 mM). Compound 9d (series 2) gave an IC50 of 0.035 mM against the human fibroblast cell line HFL1. The mechanism of the optimal compound inhibiting fibrosis was also studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Qing Ju
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Yantai Shandong Province 264003 PR China
| | - Han Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Lisheng Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Baijiao An
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Yantai Shandong Province 264003 PR China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Xingshu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
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25
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Cyanidin-3-galactoside ameliorates silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast differentiation via Nrf2/p38/Akt/NOX4. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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26
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Vojtusek IK, Laganovic M, Burek Kamenaric M, Bulimbasic S, Hrkac S, Salai G, Ivkovic V, Coric M, Novak R, Grgurevic L. First Characterization of ADAMTS-4 in Kidney Tissue and Plasma of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-A Potential Novel Diagnostic Indicator. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030648. [PMID: 35328201 PMCID: PMC8947148 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030648] [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: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: We have previously shown that metzincin protease ADAMTS-4 accompanies renal fibrogenesis, as it appears in the blood of hemodialysis patients. Methods: Native kidney (NKB) and kidney transplant (TXCI) biopsy samples as well as plasma from patients with various stages of CKD were compared to controls. In paired analysis, 15 TXCI samples were compared with their zero-time biopsies (TX0). Tissues were evaluated and scored (interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) for NKB and Banff ci for TXCI). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for ADAMTS-4 and BMP-1 was performed. Plasma ADAMTS-4 was detected using ELISA. Results: ADAMTS-4 IHC expression was significantly higher in interstitial compartment (INT) of NKB and TXCI group in peritubular capillaries (PTC) and interstitial stroma (INT). Patients with higher stages of interstitial fibrosis (ci > 1 and IFTA > 1) expressed ADAMTS-4 in INT more frequently in both groups (p = 0.005; p = 0.013; respectively). In paired comparison, TXCI samples expressed ADAMTS-4 in INT and PTC more often than TX0. ADAMTS-4 plasma concentration varied significantly across CKD stages, being highest in CKD 2 and 3 compared to other groups (p = 0.0064). Hemodialysis patients had higher concentrations of ADAMTS-4 compared to peritoneal dialysis (p < 0.00001). Conclusion: ADAMTS-4 might have a significant role in CKD as a potential novel diagnostic indicator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Kovacevic Vojtusek
- Department of Nephrology, Arterial Hypertension, Dialysis and Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.K.V.); (V.I.)
| | - Mario Laganovic
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Merkur, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Marija Burek Kamenaric
- Tissue Typing Center, Clinical Department for Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Stela Bulimbasic
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Stela Hrkac
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Department of Proteomics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.S.); (R.N.)
| | - Grgur Salai
- Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Department of Proteomics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.S.); (R.N.)
- Teaching Institute of Emergency Medicine of the City of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vanja Ivkovic
- Department of Nephrology, Arterial Hypertension, Dialysis and Transplantation, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (I.K.V.); (V.I.)
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marijana Coric
- Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Rudjer Novak
- Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Department of Proteomics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.S.); (R.N.)
| | - Lovorka Grgurevic
- Center for Translational and Clinical Research, Department of Proteomics, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.S.); (R.N.)
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-91-589-52-40
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27
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Shen-Shuai-Ling Formulation Attenuates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in Chronic Kidney Disease by Regulating SHH-Gli1 Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3754985. [PMID: 35190746 PMCID: PMC8858066 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3754985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Shen-Shuai-Ling Formulation (SSLF) has apparent effects on improving renal function, delaying the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Sham group, Model group, SSLF group, CPN group, and C + S group. The morphological changes and the collagen fibers of the rat kidneys were observed by HE staining. The expression of α-SMA, Col I, SHH, Gli1, and snail1 was detected by Western blot and qPCR. Then, the cells were divided into the control group, SHH group, and SHH + SSLF serum group. Results Compared with the Model group, the fibrosis in SSLF, CPN, and C + S groups was significantly alleviated. And, compared with those in the Model group, the expression of α-SMA, Col I, SHH, Gli1, Snail in SSLF, CPN, and C + S groups decreased remarkably. Conclusions SSLF remarkably improves renal function and alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats.
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28
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Yuan Q, Ren Q, Li L, Tan H, Lu M, Tian Y, Huang L, Zhao B, Fu H, Hou FF, Zhou L, Liu Y. A Klotho-derived peptide protects against kidney fibrosis by targeting TGF-β signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:438. [PMID: 35064106 PMCID: PMC8782923 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28096-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of Klotho, an anti-aging protein, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney diseases. As Klotho is a large transmembrane protein, it is challenging to harness it as a therapeutic remedy. Here we report the discovery of a Klotho-derived peptide 1 (KP1) protecting kidneys by targeting TGF-β signaling. By screening a series of peptides derived from human Klotho protein, we identified KP1 that repressed fibroblast activation by binding to TGF-β receptor 2 (TβR2) and disrupting the TGF-β/TβR2 engagement. As such, KP1 blocked TGF-β-induced activation of Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinases. In mouse models of renal fibrosis, intravenous injection of KP1 resulted in its preferential accumulation in injured kidneys. KP1 preserved kidney function, repressed TGF-β signaling, ameliorated renal fibrosis and restored endogenous Klotho expression. Together, our findings suggest that KP1 recapitulates the anti-fibrotic action of Klotho and offers a potential remedy in the fight against fibrotic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huishi Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meizhi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Huang
- Analysis and Test Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Boxin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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29
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Fang P, Han L, Liu C, Deng S, Zhang E, Gong P, Ren Y, Gu J, He L, Yuan ZX. Dual-Regulated Functionalized Liposome-Nanoparticle Hybrids Loaded with Dexamethasone/TGFβ1-siRNA for Targeted Therapy of Glomerulonephritis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:307-323. [PMID: 34968038 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c20053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mesangial cell (MC)-mediated glomerulonephritis is a frequent cause of end-stage renal disease, with immune inflammatory damage and fibrosis as its basic pathological processes. However, the treatment of glomerulonephritis remains challenging owing to limited drug accumulation and serious side effects. Hence, the specific codelivery of "anti-inflammatory/antifibrosis" drugs to the glomerular MC region is expected to yield better therapeutic effects. In this study, liposome-nanoparticle hybrids (Au-LNHy) were formed by coating the surface of gold nanoparticles with a phospholipid bilayer; the Au-LNHys formed were comodified with PEG and α8 integrin antibodies to obtain gold nanoparticle immunoliposomes (Au-ILs). Next, the Au-ILs were loaded with dexamethasone and TGFβ1 siRNA to obtain DXMS/siRNA@Au-ILs. Our results showed that the functionalized nanoparticles had a core-shell structure, a uniform and suitable particle size, low cytotoxicity, and good MC entry, and lysosomal escape abilities. The nanoparticles were found to exhibit enhanced retention in glomerular MCs due to anti-α8 integrin antibody mediation. In vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamic studies showed the enhanced efficacy of DXMS/siRNA@Au-ILs modified with α8 integrin antibodies in the treatment of glomerulonephritis. In addition, DXMS/siRNA@Au-ILs were capable of effectively reducing the expression levels of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and other cytokines, thereby improving pathological inflammatory and fibrotic conditions in the kidney, and significantly mediating the dual regulation of inflammation and fibrosis. In summary, our results demonstrated that effectively targeting the MCs of the glomerulus for drug delivery can inhibit local inflammation and fibrosis and produce better therapeutic effects, providing a new strategy and promising therapeutic approach for the development of targeted therapies for glomerular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchao Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
- Lab of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Lu Han
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chunping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 610031, PR China
| | - Shichen Deng
- College of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - E Zhang
- Officers College of PAP, Chengdu 610213, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Puyang Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yan Ren
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lili He
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
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30
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Chen F, Xie Y, Lv Q, Zou W, Xiong L. Curcumin mediates repulsive guidance molecule B (RGMb) in the treatment mechanism of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction. Ren Fail 2021; 43:1496-1505. [PMID: 34751624 PMCID: PMC8583759 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2021.1997764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of repulsive guidance molecule B (RGMb, also known as Dragon) in the protective effects of curcumin against renal fibrosis and verified Dragon's effect on renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and cell programmability. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was surgically induced in rats to establish a model of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). The rats were then treated with curcumin. Curcumin prominently decreased the serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, and also improved the tubular injury in the UUO-induced rats. Curcumin significantly downregulated the TGF-β1, P-Smad2/3, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 and Dragon levels. Dragon knockdown also markedly reduced the TGF-β1, P-Smad2/3, Smad2/3, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8, fibronectin, collagen I, collagen IV, vimentin, and α-SMA expression levels. Conversely, Dragon overexpression caused higher expression levels of these proteins, and curcumin reversed this effect. Furthermore, Dragon knockdown increased the E-cadherin levels, whereas Dragon overexpression decreased these levels. Overexpressing Dragon significantly decreased the cell viability, and curcumin reversed this effect. In conclusion, curcumin acted on Dragon and attenuated RIF in UUO rat models. Curcumin downregulated the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and inhibited Dragon and fibrogenic molecules in both rats and HK-2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Yu Xie
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Qin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
| | - Wei Zou
- Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Liyan Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, China
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31
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Jiao B, An C, Du H, Tran M, Wang P, Zhou D, Wang Y. STAT6 Deficiency Attenuates Myeloid Fibroblast Activation and Macrophage Polarization in Experimental Folic Acid Nephropathy. Cells 2021; 10:3057. [PMID: 34831280 PMCID: PMC8623460 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a pathologic feature of chronic kidney disease, which can lead to end-stage kidney disease. Myeloid fibroblasts play a central role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms pertaining to myeloid fibroblast activation remain to be elucidated. In the present study, we examine the role of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) in myeloid fibroblast activation, macrophage polarization, and renal fibrosis development in a mouse model of folic acid nephropathy. STAT6 is activated in the kidney with folic acid nephropathy. Compared with folic-acid-treated wild-type mice, STAT6 knockout mice had markedly reduced myeloid fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the kidney with folic acid nephropathy. Furthermore, STAT6 knockout mice exhibited significantly less CD206 and PDGFR-β dual-positive fibroblast accumulation and M2 macrophage polarization in the kidney with folic acid nephropathy. Consistent with these findings, STAT6 knockout mice produced less extracellular matrix protein, exhibited less severe interstitial fibrosis, and preserved kidney function in folic acid nephropathy. Taken together, these results have shown that STAT6 plays a critical role in myeloid fibroblasts activation, M2 macrophage polarization, extracellular matrix protein production, and renal fibrosis development in folic acid nephropathy. Therefore, targeting STAT6 may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for fibrotic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baihai Jiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
| | - Changlong An
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
| | - Hao Du
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
| | - Melanie Tran
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
| | - Penghua Wang
- Department of Immunology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Dong Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
| | - Yanlin Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (B.J.); (C.A.); (H.D.); metr (M.T.); (D.Z.)
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
- Renal Section, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
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32
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Zhang J, Chen H, Weng X, Liu H, Chen Z, Huang Q, Wang L, Liu X. RCAN1.4 attenuates renal fibrosis through inhibiting calcineurin-mediated nuclear translocation of NFAT2. Cell Death Discov 2021; 7:317. [PMID: 34707090 PMCID: PMC8551295 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00713-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is thus deemed to a global health problem. Renal fibrosis, characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the kidney, is considered a common pathway leading to CKD. Regulator of calcineurin1 (RCAN1), identified as a competitive endogenous inhibitor of the phosphatase calcineurin, participates in ECM deposition in various organs. However, the role of RCAN1 in renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), a well-known model to induce renal fibrosis in vivo, was performed on mice for a week. To overexpress RCAN1.4 in vivo, recombinant adeno-associated virus 9-packed RCAN1.4 over-expression plasm was employed in mice kidney. Lentivirus-packed RCAN1.4 over-expression plasm was employed to transfer into HK-2 and NRK-49F cells in vitro. The results indicated that RCAN1.4 expression was impaired both in UUO-induced renal fibrosis in vivo and TGF-β1-induced renal fibrosis in vitro. However, knocking in of RCAN1.4 suppressed the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, in vitro, the apoptosis-related proteins, including the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase3, were elevated in cells transfected with RCAN1.4 overexpression plasmid. In addition, we found that RCAN1.4 could rugulated NFAT2 nuclear distribution by inhibiting calcineurin pathway. So overexpression of RCAN1.4 could reverse renal fibrosis, attenuate ECM related protein accumulation, promote apoptosis of myofibroblast via inhibiting Calcineurin/NFAT2 signaling pathway. Taken together, our study demonstrated that targeting RCAN1.4 may be therapeutic efficacy in renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaodong Weng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Qin Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 430060, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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33
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Wu SB, Hou TY, Kau HC, Tsai CC. Effect of Pirfenidone on TGF-β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis of Human Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101424. [PMID: 34680057 PMCID: PMC8533421 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pirfenidone is a pyridinone derivative that has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in animal models and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its effect on orbital fibroblasts remains poorly understood. We investigated the in vitro effect of pirfenidone in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in primary cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The expression of fibrotic proteins, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin, and collagen type I, was determined by Western blots. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) responsible for the ECM homeostasis were examined. After pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone (250, 500, and 750 μg/mL, respectively) for one hour followed by TGF-β1 for another 24 h, the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type I decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone not only abolished TGF-β1-induced TIMP-1 expression but recovered the MMP-2/-9 activities. Notably, pirfenidone inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the critical mediators in the TGF-β1 pathways. These findings suggest that pirfenidone modulates TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and ECM homeostasis by attenuating downstream signaling of TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Bei Wu
- Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Tzu-Yu Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813414, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Kau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei 11259, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chih Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-28757325; Fax: +886-2-28213984
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34
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Wang M, Wang L, Zhou Y, Feng X, Ye C, Wang C. Icariin attenuates renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease by inhibiting interleukin-1β/transforming growth factor-β-mediated activation of renal fibroblasts. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6204-6215. [PMID: 34426999 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Icariin (ICA) is a bioactive flavonoid extracted from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim and exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities including antiinflammatory and antioxidant effects. Recently, icariin has shown renoprotective role by inhibiting pathological matrix. However, the underlying mechanisms of the efficacy remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the effects of icariin on renal fibrosis and explore its molecular mechanisms. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was induced in rats with 5/6 ablation and infarction (A/I) operation. Four weeks later, rats were treated with vehicle or 20 mg/kg (low dose) or 40 mg/kg (high dose) of icariin by daily gavage. Furthermore, to further elucidate the effect mechanisms of icariin, in vitro, NRK-49F cells stimulated by 8 ng/ml IL-1β were treated with icariin in the presence or absence of SB431542 or the neutralizing antibody of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) for 24 h. We showed that icariin treatment for 8 weeks dose-dependently improved 5/6 (A/I)-induced kidney injury and fibrosis, and blocked the release of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. In vitro, icariin inhibited IL-1β/TGF-β-mediated activation of renal fibroblasts. In summary, anti-fibrotic effects of icariin were interconnected with the inhibition of renal fibroblast activation caused by IL-1β/TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingchen Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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35
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Chen JH, Wu CH, Chiang CK. Therapeutic Approaches Targeting Proteostasis in Kidney Disease and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168674. [PMID: 34445377 PMCID: PMC8395452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathological insults usually disturb the folding capacity of cellular proteins and lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which leads to so-called “ER stress”. Increasing evidence indicates that ER stress acts as a trigger factor for the development and progression of many kidney diseases. The unfolded protein responses (UPRs), a set of molecular signals that resume proteostasis under ER stress, are thought to restore the adaptive process in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal fibrosis. Furthermore, the idea of targeting UPRs for CKD treatment has been well discussed in the past decade. This review summarizes the up-to-date literature regarding studies on the relationship between the UPRs, systemic fibrosis, and renal diseases. We also address the potential therapeutic possibilities of renal diseases based on the modulation of UPRs and ER proteostasis. Finally, we list some of the current UPR modulators and their therapeutic potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Huang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (C.-H.W.)
| | - Chia-Hsien Wu
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (C.-H.W.)
- Department of Physiology of Visceral Function and Body Fluid, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki 852-8523, Japan
| | - Chih-Kang Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100233, Taiwan; (J.-H.C.); (C.-H.W.)
- Department of Integrated Diagnostics & Therapeutics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100225, Taiwan
- Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10672, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 88347)
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A small-molecule inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase improves obesity, nephropathy and cardiomyopathy in obese ZSF1 rats. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255022. [PMID: 34339435 PMCID: PMC8328318 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolyl hydroxylase (PH) enzymes control the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), a transcription factor known to regulate erythropoiesis, angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. HIF-PH inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) correct anemia in patients with renal disease and in animal models of anemia and kidney disease. However, the effects of HIF-PHIs on comorbidities associated with kidney disease remain largely unknown. We evaluated the effects of the HIF-PHI FG-2216 in obese ZSF1 (Ob-ZSF1) rats, an established model of kidney failure with metabolic syndrome. Following unilateral nephrectomy (Nx) at 8 weeks of age, rats were treated with 40 mg/kg FG-2216 or vehicle by oral gavage three times per week for up to 18 weeks. FG-2216 corrected blood hemoglobin levels and improved kidney function and histopathology in Nx-Ob-ZSF1 rats by increasing the glomerular filtration rate, decreasing proteinuria, and reducing peritubular fibrosis, tubular damage, glomerulosclerosis and mesangial expansion. FG-2216 increased renal glucose excretion and decreased body weight, fat pad weight, and serum cholesterol in Nx-Ob-ZSF1 rats. Additionally, FG-2216 corrected hypertension, improved diastolic and systolic heart function, and reduced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. In conclusion, the HIF-PHI FG-2216 improved renal and cardiovascular outcomes, and reduced obesity in a rat model of kidney disease with metabolic syndrome. Thus, in addition to correcting anemia, HIF-PHIs may provide renal and cardiac protection to patients suffering from kidney disease with metabolic syndrome.
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37
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Yoon YM, Go G, Yoon S, Lim JH, Lee G, Lee JH, Lee SH. Melatonin Treatment Improves Renal Fibrosis via miR-4516/SIAH3/PINK1 Axis. Cells 2021; 10:1682. [PMID: 34359852 PMCID: PMC8307213 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation in mitophagy, in addition to contributing to imbalance in the mitochondrial dynamic, has been implicated in the development of renal fibrosis and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the current understanding of the precise mechanisms behind the pathogenic loss of mitophagy remains unclear for developing cures for CKD. We found that miR-4516 is downregulated and its target SIAH3, an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase that reduces PINK1 accumulation to damaged mitochondria, is upregulated in the renal cortex of CKD mice. Here, we demonstrated that melatonin injection induces miR-4516 expression and suppresses SIAH3, and promotes PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that melatonin injection attenuates the pathological features of CKD by improving mitochondrial homeostasis. Our data supports that mitochondrial autophagy regulation by activating miR-4516/SIAH3/PINK1 mitophagy signaling axis can be a viable new strategy for treating CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeo Min Yoon
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Korea;
| | - Gyeongyun Go
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (G.G.); (J.H.L.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, BK21FOUR Project2, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Sungtae Yoon
- Stembio. Ltd., Entrepreneur 306, Soonchunhyang-ro 22, Sinchang-myeon, Asan 31538, Korea;
| | - Ji Ho Lim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (G.G.); (J.H.L.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, BK21FOUR Project2, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Gaeun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (G.G.); (J.H.L.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, BK21FOUR Project2, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea;
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Department of Oral Anatomy, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Korea;
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea; (G.G.); (J.H.L.); (G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, BK21FOUR Project2, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
- Stembio. Ltd., Entrepreneur 306, Soonchunhyang-ro 22, Sinchang-myeon, Asan 31538, Korea;
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Solagna F, Tezze C, Lindenmeyer MT, Lu S, Wu G, Liu S, Zhao Y, Mitchell R, Meyer C, Omairi S, Kilic T, Paolini A, Ritvos O, Pasternack A, Matsakas A, Kylies D, zur Wiesch JS, Turner JE, Wanner N, Nair V, Eichinger F, Menon R, Martin IV, Klinkhammer BM, Hoxha E, Cohen CD, Tharaux PL, Boor P, Ostendorf T, Kretzler M, Sandri M, Kretz O, Puelles VG, Patel K, Huber TB. Pro-cachectic factors link experimental and human chronic kidney disease to skeletal muscle wasting programs. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:135821. [PMID: 34060483 PMCID: PMC8159690 DOI: 10.1172/jci135821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle wasting is commonly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. However, the link between kidney and muscle function remains poorly understood. Here, we took a complementary interorgan approach to investigate skeletal muscle wasting in CKD. We identified increased production and elevated blood levels of soluble pro-cachectic factors, including activin A, directly linking experimental and human CKD to skeletal muscle wasting programs. Single-cell sequencing data identified the expression of activin A in specific kidney cell populations of fibroblasts and cells of the juxtaglomerular apparatus. We propose that persistent and increased kidney production of pro-cachectic factors, combined with a lack of kidney clearance, facilitates a vicious kidney/muscle signaling cycle, leading to exacerbated blood accumulation and, thereby, skeletal muscle wasting. Systemic pharmacological blockade of activin A using soluble activin receptor type IIB ligand trap as well as muscle-specific adeno-associated virus-mediated downregulation of its receptor ACVR2A/B prevented muscle wasting in different mouse models of experimental CKD, suggesting that activin A is a key factor in CKD-induced cachexia. In summary, we uncovered a crosstalk between kidney and muscle and propose modulation of activin signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy for skeletal muscle wasting in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Solagna
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Caterina Tezze
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Maja T. Lindenmeyer
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shun Lu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guochao Wu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Shuya Liu
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yu Zhao
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Mitchell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Meyer
- Renal Division, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Saleh Omairi
- College of Medicine, University of Wasit, Kut, Iraq
| | - Temel Kilic
- Renal Division, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Centre, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Paolini
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Olli Ritvos
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arja Pasternack
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antonios Matsakas
- Molecular Physiology Laboratory, Centre for Atherothrombosis and Metabolic Disease, Hull York Medical School, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Dominik Kylies
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Eric Turner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Wanner
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Viji Nair
- Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Ina V. Martin
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology and
| | | | - Elion Hoxha
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clemens D. Cohen
- Nephrological Center, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic IV, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Pierre-Louis Tharaux
- Paris Centre de Recherche Cardiovasculaire, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Peter Boor
- Department of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology and
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | | | - Marco Sandri
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Oliver Kretz
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Victor G. Puelles
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ketan Patel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies and Center for Biological System Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B. Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies and Center for Biological System Analysis, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Wu F, Zhao Y, Shao Q, Fang K, Dong R, Jiang S, Lu F, Luo J, Chen G. Ameliorative Effects of Osthole on Experimental Renal Fibrosis in vivo and in vitro by Inhibiting IL-11/ERK1/2 Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:646331. [PMID: 34054526 PMCID: PMC8155534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.646331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Natural product, osthole, has been proven to have a protective effect on organ fibrosis, including renal fibrosis. All of these studies are mainly focused on the regulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. However, due to the pleiotropic roles of TGF-β/Smad signaling, direct TGF-β-targeted treatments are unlikely to be therapeutically feasible in clinic. Recently, the downstream IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling of TGF-β has become an attractive therapeutic target without upstream disadvantages. Based on that, this study was designed to identify the potential effects of osthole on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in renal fibrosis. Methods: The renal fibrosis model was established in vivo and in vitro, we investigated the effects of osthole on unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis and TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells. After preliminarily confirming the antifibrogenic effects of osthole and the link between its antifibrogenic effects and the inhibition of IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling, we applied a direct IL-11-induced HK-2 cells fibrosis model to further explore the inhibitory effects of osthole on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Results: Our results confirmed that osthole can decrease the secretion of fibrosis proteins, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin, ameliorate experimental renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, and the effect was associated with suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling. More importantly, we found that IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling in UUO-induced renal fibrosis and TGF-β-induced HK-2 cell model was obviously upregulated, and osthole treatment also significantly inhibited the abnormal IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling activation. Given the direct link between TGF-β/Smad signaling and IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway, we have verified that osthole has a direct inhibitory effect on IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling independent of TGF-β signaling by using an IL-11-induced HK-2 cells fibrosis model. Osthole treatment decreased the protein expression of α-SMA, collagen I and fibronectin without changing their mRNA levels in IL-11-induced HK-2 cells. Moreover, it was observed that the IL-11/ERK1/2 inhibitor, U0126, partly blocked the antifibrogenic effects of osthole. Conclusion: In this study, we found that osthole has a previously unrecognized role in inhibiting IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our work demonstrated that the antifibrogenic effect of osthole is not only mediated by TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling, but also directly mediated by IL-11/ERK1/2 signaling pathway independent of TGF-β1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qingqing Shao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruolan Dong
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Jiang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fuer Lu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinlong Luo
- Department of Emergency, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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40
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Luo XM, Yan C, Feng YM. Nanomedicine for the treatment of diabetes-associated cardiovascular diseases and fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 172:234-248. [PMID: 33417981 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyopathy and fibrosis are the main causes of heart failure in diabetes patients. For therapeutic purposes, a delivery system is required to enhance antidiabetic drug efficacy and specifically target profibrotic pathways in cardiomyocytes. Nanoparticles (NPs) have distinct advantages, including biocompatibility, bioavailability, targeting efficiency, and minimal toxicity, which make them ideal for antidiabetic treatment. In this review, we overview the latest information on the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy and fibrosis in diabetes patients. We summarize how NP applications improve insulin and liraglutide efficacy and their sustained release upon oral administration. We provide a comprehensive review of the results of NP clinical trials in diabetes patients and of animal studies investigating the effects of NP-mediated anti-fibrotic treatments. Collectively, the application of advanced NP delivery systems in the treatment of cardiomyopathy and fibrosis in diabetes patients is a promising and innovative therapeutic strategy.
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41
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Kanemitsu N, Kiyonaga F, Mizukami K, Maeno K, Nishikubo T, Yoshida H, Ito H. Chronic treatment with the (iso-)glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor PQ529 is a novel and effective approach for glomerulonephritis in chronic kidney disease. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:751-761. [PMID: 33159802 PMCID: PMC8007495 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-02013-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glomeruli and renal tubule injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is reported to involve induction of macrophage activation through the CCL2/CCR2 axis. The effects of inhibitors of the CCL2/CCR2 axis, such as anti-CCL2 antibody and CCR2 antagonist, on kidney function in animal models or humans with kidney dysfunction have been demonstrated. The N-terminal glutamine on immature CCL2 is replaced with pyroglutamate (pE) by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) and isoQC. pE-CCL2 is stable and resistant to peptidases. We hypothesized that inhibiting QC/isoQC activity would lead to the degradation of CCL2, thereby ameliorating CKD and reducing kidney inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the renoprotective properties of the QC/isoQC inhibitor PQ529 in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody-induced glomerulonephritis Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Three-week repeated administration of PQ529 (30 and 100 mg/kg, twice daily) significantly reduced the serum and urine CCL2 and urinary protein excretion in a dose-dependent manner. Correlations between the urinary protein level and serum or urinary CCL2 levels were confirmed in tested animals. Repeated administration of PQ529 significantly reduced the expression of CD68, a macrophage marker, in the kidney cortex and mononuclear infiltration into the tubulointerstitium. In addition, decreased levels of urinary KIM-1, β2 microglobulin, and clusterin were detected, suggesting the inhibition of inflammation in both the proximal and distal tubules. These results suggest that PQ529 suppresses the progression of inflammation-induced renal dysfunction by inhibiting the CCL2/CCR2 axis. Inhibition of QC/isoQC may thus be a viable alternative therapeutic approach for treating glomerulonephritis and CKD patients.
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MESH Headings
- Aminoacyltransferases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Benzimidazoles/pharmacokinetics
- Benzimidazoles/pharmacology
- Benzimidazoles/therapeutic use
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/urine
- Chemokine CCL2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Chemokine CCL2/blood
- Chemokine CCL2/metabolism
- Chemokine CCL2/urine
- Clusterin/urine
- Glomerulonephritis/blood
- Glomerulonephritis/drug therapy
- Glomerulonephritis/metabolism
- Glomerulonephritis/urine
- Imidazolines/pharmacokinetics
- Imidazolines/pharmacology
- Imidazolines/therapeutic use
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Kidney/drug effects
- Kidney/metabolism
- Male
- Protective Agents/pharmacokinetics
- Protective Agents/pharmacology
- Protective Agents/therapeutic use
- Rats, Inbred WKY
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/blood
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/drug therapy
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/metabolism
- Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/urine
- beta 2-Microglobulin/urine
- Rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotoshi Kanemitsu
- Development, Astellas Pharma Inc., 2-5-1, Nihonbashi-Honcho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8411, Japan.
| | - Fumiko Kiyonaga
- Corporate Advocacy, Astellas Pharma Inc., Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-8411, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Mizukami
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Maeno
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishikubo
- Astellas Innovation Management LLC, 1030 Massachusetts Ave. Suite 310, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Ito
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki, 305-8585, Japan
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42
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Zhou J, Li R, Zhang J, Liu Q, Wu T, Tang Q, Huang C, Zhang Z, Huang Y, Huang H, Zhang G, Zhao Y, Zhang T, Mo L, Li Y, He J. Targeting Interstitial Myofibroblast-Expressed Integrin αvβ3 Alleviates Renal Fibrosis. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:1373-1385. [PMID: 33544609 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final manifestation of various chronic kidney diseases. Interstitial myofibroblasts, which are reported to highly express integrin αvβ3, are the effector cells in renal fibrogenesis. Since current therapies do not efficiently target these cells, there is no effective therapeutic method for preventing or mitigating the disease. Here, we modified sterically stable PEGylated liposomes with the pentapeptide cRGDfC (RGD-Lip), which has a high affinity for αvβ3, to specifically deliver drug to renal interstitial myofibroblasts. Our results showed that attaching cRGDfC to liposomes significantly increased their uptake by activated renal fibroblasts NRK-49F cells, and this effect was greatly abolished by adding excess-free cRGDfC or a knockdown of αvβ3. Systemic administration of RGD-Lip gave rise to significant accumulation in a fibrotic kidney, which is ascribed to the specific recognition with integrin αvβ3 on interstitial myofibroblasts. When loaded with celastrol, RGD-guided liposomes dramatically depressed the proliferation and activation of NRK-49F cells in vitro. Additionally, celastrol-loaded RGD-Lip markedly attenuated renal fibrosis, injury, and inflammation induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in mice, without inducing significant systemic toxicity. Thus, this liposomal system shows great promise for delivering therapeutic agents to interstitial myofibroblasts for renal fibrosis treatment with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Rui Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Cuiyuan Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zijing Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ya Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Guorong Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yingnan Zhao
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Li Mo
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.,Department of Pharmacy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Dai Q, Zhang Y, Liao X, Jiang Y, Lv X, Yuan X, Meng J, Xie Y, Peng Z, Yuan Q, Tao L, Huang L. Fluorofenidone Alleviates Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Necroptosis Through RIPK3/MLKL Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:534775. [PMID: 33390935 PMCID: PMC7772387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.534775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death and sterile inflammation are major mechanisms of renal fibrosis, which eventually develop into end-stage renal disease. “Necroptosis” is a type of caspase-independent regulated cell death, and sterile inflammatory response caused by tissue injury is strongly related to necrosis. Fluorofenidone (AKF-PD) is a novel compound shown to ameliorate renal fibrosis and associated inflammation. We investigated whether AKF-PD could alleviate renal fibrosis by inhibiting necroptosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was used to induce renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in C57BL/6J mice. AKF-PD (500 mg/kg) or necrostatin-1 (Nec-1; 1.65 mg/kg) was administered simultaneously for 3 and 7 days. Obstructed kidneys and serum were harvested after euthanasia. AKF-PD and Nec-1 ameliorated renal tubular damage, inflammatory-cell infiltration, and collagen deposition, and the expression of proinflammatory factors (interlukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) decreased. AKF-PD or Nec-1 treatment protected renal tubular epithelial cells from necrosis and reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase in serum. Simultaneously, production of receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK)3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) was also reduced 3 and 7 days after UUO. AKF-PD and Nec-1 significantly decreased the percentage of cell necrosis, inhibiting the phosphorylation of MLKL and RIPK3 in TNF-α- and Z-VAD–stimulated human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells. In conclusion, AKF-PD and Nec-1 have effective anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activity in UUO-induced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, potentially mediated by the RIPK3/MLKL pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohua Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yupeng Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangning Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jie Meng
- Department of Respirology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanyun Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangzhe Peng
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiongjing Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - LiJian Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ling Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Abstract
Application of MRE for noninvasive evaluation of renal fibrosis has great potential for noninvasive assessment in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD leads to severe complications, which require dialysis or kidney transplant and could even result in death. CKD in native kidneys and interstitial fibrosis in allograft kidneys are the two major kidney fibrotic pathologies where MRE may be clinically useful. Both these conditions can lead to extensive morbidity, mortality, and high health care costs. Currently, biopsy is the standard method for renal fibrosis staging. This method of diagnosis is painful, invasive, limited by sampling bias, exhibits inter- and intraobserver variability, requires prolonged hospitalization, poses risk of complications and significant bleeding, and could even lead to death. MRE based methods can potentially be useful to noninvasively detect, stage, and monitor renal fibrosis, reducing the need for renal biopsy. In this chapter, we describe experimental procedure and step by step instructions to run MRE along with some illustrative applications. We also includes sections on how to perform data quality check and analysis methods.This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj D Serai
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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45
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Abstract
Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an emerging imaging modality that maps the elastic properties of tissue such as the shear modulus. It allows for noninvasive assessment of stiffness, which is a surrogate for fibrosis. MRE has been shown to accurately distinguish absent or low stage fibrosis from high stage fibrosis, primarily in the liver. Like other elasticity imaging modalities, it follows the general steps of elastography: (1) apply a known cyclic mechanical vibration to the tissue; (2) measure the internal tissue displacements caused by the mechanical wave using magnetic resonance phase encoding method; and (3) infer the mechanical properties from the measured mechanical response (displacement), by generating a simplified displacement map. The generated map is called an elastogram.While the key interest of MRE has traditionally been in its application to liver, where in humans it is FDA approved and commercially available for clinical use to noninvasively assess degree of fibrosis, this is an area of active research and there are novel upcoming applications in brain, kidney, pancreas, spleen, heart, lungs, and so on. A detailed review of all the efforts is beyond the scope of this chapter, but a few specific examples are provided. Recent application of MRE for noninvasive evaluation of renal fibrosis has great potential for noninvasive assessment in patients with chronic kidney diseases. Development and applications of MRE in preclinical models is necessary primarily to validate the measurement against "gold-standard" invasive methods, to better understand physiology and pathophysiology, and to evaluate novel interventions. Application of MRE acquisitions in preclinical settings involves challenges in terms of available hardware, logistics, and data acquisition. This chapter will introduce the concepts of MRE and provide some illustrative applications.This publication is based upon work from the COST Action PARENCHIMA, a community-driven network funded by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) program of the European Union, which aims to improve the reproducibility and standardization of renal MRI biomarkers. This introduction chapter is complemented by another separate chapter describing the experimental protocol and data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj D Serai
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Chen H, Fan Y, Jing H, Tang S, Huang Z, Liao M, Lin S, Zhong J, Zhou J. LncRNA Gm12840 mediates WISP1 to regulate ischemia-reperfusion-induced renal fibrosis by sponging miR-677-5p. Epigenomics 2020; 12:2205-2218. [PMID: 33351669 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We aimed to identify that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in ischemia-reperfusion (IR)-induced late fibrosis of kidney and may constitute novel therapeutic strategies for acute kidney injury-induced chronic kidney disease. Materials & methods: We performed the mouse model of IR later induced renal fibrosis and analyzed lncRNA profiles using second-generation sequencing during the pathogenesis. Results: The expression levels of 43 lncRNAs and 141 lncRNAs were respectively changed significantly 7 days and 2 weeks after IR treatment. Based on the correlation analysis of the differentially expressed genes, the interaction networks of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNA were structured. Conclusion: LncRNA (Gm12840) could act as a sponge for miR-677-5p to mediate fibroblast activation induced by TGF-β1 via the WISP1/PKB (Akt) signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, 8 Huaying Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, PR China
| | - Youling Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Panyu Central Hospital, 8 Fuyu West Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 511400, PR China
| | - Huan Jing
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, 183 Zhongshan West Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, PR China
| | - Simin Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, 183 Zhongshan West Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, PR China
| | - Zhenxing Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 81 North Lingnan Avenue, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, PR China
| | - Meijuan Liao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 81 North Lingnan Avenue, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, PR China
| | - Sen Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 81 North Lingnan Avenue, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, PR China
| | - Jiying Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, 81 North Lingnan Avenue, Foshan, Guangdong 528000, PR China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, 183 Zhongshan West Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, PR China
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Anders HJ, Peired AJ, Romagnani P. SGLT2 inhibition requires reconsideration of fundamental paradigms in chronic kidney disease, 'diabetic nephropathy', IgA nephropathy and podocytopathies with FSGS lesions. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2020; 37:1609-1615. [PMID: 33313878 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfaa329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, the Dapagliflozin and Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) trial first demonstrated that inhibition of the sodium-glucose transporter-2 (SGLT2) with dapagliflozin attenuates the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with proteinuria in patients with or without diabetes at an unprecedented effect size. These results have far-reaching implications for a series of traditional concepts in Nephrology. It now became obvious that CKD with and without diabetes involves a predominant SGLT2-driven pathophysiology compared with the other pathogenic pathways currently under consideration. As SGLT2 inhibition is similarly efficacious in diabetic and non-diabetic CKD with proteinuria, treating CKD rather than 'diabetic nephropathy' becomes the central paradigm. Indeed, in older adults with type 2 diabetes, CKD is rather of multifactorial origin. As the DAPA-CKD trial included more patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) than any of the previous IgAN trials, dual renin-angiotensin/SGLT2 inhibition may become the new standard. The same applies for patients with podocytopathy-related focal segmental glomerulosclerosis lesions. From now on, IgAN and podocytopathy trials without SGLT2 inhibition as background therapy and without glomerular filtration rate decline as primary outcome criterion will be of limited value. These and other potential implications will trigger broad discussions and secondary research activities with conclusions difficult to predict today. However, one is for sure: Nephrology after the DAPA-CKD trial will be not the same as it was before. Finally!
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Joachim Anders
- Division of Nephrology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Julie Peired
- Excellence Centre for Research, Transfer and High Education for the Development of DE NOVO Therapies (DENOTHE), University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence and Nephrology Unit, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Romagnani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence and Nephrology Unit, Florence, Italy.,Nephrology Unit, Anna Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, Italy
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Contreras-Salinas H, Meza-Rios A, García-Bañuelos J, Sandoval-Rodriguez A, Sanchez-Orozco L, García-Benavides L, De la Rosa-Bibiano R, Monroy Ramirez HC, Gutiérrez-Cuevas J, Santos-Garcia A, Armendariz-Borunda J. Fibrosis regression is induced by AdhMMP8 in a murine model of chronic kidney injury. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243307. [PMID: 33275619 PMCID: PMC7717566 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral vector AdhMMP8 (human Metalloproteinase-8 cDNA) administration has been proven beneficial in various experimental models of liver injury improving liver function and decreasing fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic AdhMMP8 effect in a chronic kidney damage experimental model. Chronic injury was induced by orogastric adenine administration (100mg/kg/day) to Wistar rats for 4 weeks. AdhMMP8 (3x1011vp/kg) was administrated in renal vein during an induced-ligation-ischemic period to facilitate kidney transduction causing no-additional kidney injury as determined by histology and serum creatinine. Animals were sacrificed at 7- and 14-days post-Ad injection. Fibrosis, histopathological features, serum creatinine (sCr), BUN, and renal mRNA expression of αSMA, Col-1α, TGF-β1, CTGF, BMP7, IL-1, TNFα, VEGF and PAX2 were analyzed. Interestingly, AdhMMP8 administration resulted in cognate human MMP8 protein detection in both kidneys, whereas hMMP8 mRNA was detected only in the left kidney. AdhMMP8 significantly reduced kidney tubule-interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Also, tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation were clearly decreased rendering improved histopathology, and down regulation of profibrogenic genes expression. Functionally, sCr and BUN were positively modified. The results showed that AdhMMP8 decreased renal fibrosis, suggesting that MMP8 could be a possible therapeutic candidate for kidney fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homero Contreras-Salinas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Meza-Rios
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jesús García-Bañuelos
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ana Sandoval-Rodriguez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Laura Sanchez-Orozco
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Leonel García-Benavides
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tonala University Center, University of Guadalajara, Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Ricardo De la Rosa-Bibiano
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Hugo Christian Monroy Ramirez
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Jorge Gutiérrez-Cuevas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Arturo Santos-Garcia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Juan Armendariz-Borunda
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Institute for Molecular Biology in Medicine and Gene Therapy, Health Sciences University Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
- * E-mail:
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49
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An Y, Zhang C, Xu F, Li W, Zeng C, Xie L, Liu Z. Increased urinary miR-196a level predicts the progression of renal injury in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2020; 35:1009-1016. [PMID: 30521014 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfy326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest that miR-196a is predominantly expressed in the kidney and plays an inhibitory role in the progress of renal interstitial fibrosis (IF). However, the predictive value of miR-196a in diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains unknown. We validated the role of urinary miR-196a in the progression of renal injury in a cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS Our study included 209 patients with biopsy-proven DN. The mean follow-up time was 54.03 ± 32.94 months. Histological lesions were assessed using the pathological classification established by the Renal Pathology Society. Percentages of IF and tubular atrophy were assessed using the Aperio ScanScope system. We measured the correlation of urinary miR-196a with clinical and pathological parameters using the Spearman's correlation test. The influence of urinary miR-196a on renal outcomes was assessed using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Urinary miR-196a levels correlated positively with proteinuria (ρ = 0.385, P < 0.001), duration of diabetes mellitus (ρ = 0.255, P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (ρ = 0.267, P < 0.001). The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hemoglobin level showed a negative correlation with urinary miR-196a (ρ = -0.247, P < 0.001 and ρ = -0.236, P = 0.001, respectively). Pathologically, urinary miR-196a levels correlated with glomerular sclerosis and IF in patients with DN. Urinary miR-196a was significantly associated with progression to end-stage renal disease [hazard ratio (HR) 2.03, P < 0.001] and a 40% reduction of baseline eGFR (HR 1.75, P = 0.001), independent of age, gender, body mass index, mean arterial pressure and hemoglobinA1c level. However, urinary miR-196a did not improve predictive power to proteinuria and eGFR in DN patients. CONCLUSIONS Increased urinary miR-196a was significantly associated with the progression of renal injury and might be a noninvasive prognostic marker of renal fibrosis in DN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu An
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Changming Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Xu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Research Technology, Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Caihong Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Xie
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Research Technology, Shanghai Academy of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Liu
- National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Diseases, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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50
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Norcantharidin protects against renal interstitial fibrosis by suppressing TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. Life Sci 2020; 260:118488. [PMID: 32979359 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the role and mechanism of action of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), and its involvement in the anti-RIF effect of norcantharidin (NCTD). MAIN METHODS Mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction and BUMPT mouse proximal tubular cells exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used as in vivo and in vitro models of RIF, respectively. NCTD was administered to mice by intraperitoneal injection (0.075 mg kg-1·day-1). Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess pathologic changes in the kidney. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of TWEAK and the fibrotic factors fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (Col-I). The role of TWEAK in RIF and in the anti-RIF effect of NCTD was evaluated by TWEAK overexpression and neutralization with a specific antibody, and specific inhibitor of Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3 (SIS3) was used to examine the involvement of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. KEY FINDINGS TWEAK was mainly expressed in renal tubules in mice; the level was markedly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro RIF models. TWEAK overexpression in BUMPT cells increased the levels of phosphorylated Smad3, FN, and Col-I, which were reduced by treatment with SIS3. NCTD suppressed FN and Col-I expression by blocking TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE Upregulation of TWEAK contributes to RIF by promoting Smad3 phosphorylation, while NCTD inhibits this process.
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