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Feng L, Chen C, Xiong X, Wang X, Li X, Kuang Q, Wei X, Gao L, Niu X, Li Q, Yang J, Li L, Luo P. PS-MPs promotes the progression of inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 273:116102. [PMID: 38382346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Understanding the progressive etiology of DN is critical for the development of effective health policies and interventions. Recent research indicated that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) contaminate our diets and accumulate in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and muscles. METHODS In this study, ten-week-old db/db mice and db/m mice were fed. Besides, db/db mice were divided into two groups: PS-MPs group (oral administration of 0.5 µm PS-MPs) and an H2O group, and they were fed for three months. A type II diabetes model was established using db/db mice to investigate the effects of PS-MPs on body weight, blood glucose level, renal function, and renal fibrosis. RESULTS The results demonstrated that PS-MPs significantly exacerbated various biochemical indicators of renal tissue damage, including fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and blood uric acid. Additionally, PS-MPs worsened the pathological alterations and degree of fibrosis in renal tissue. An increased oxidative stress state and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were identified. Furthermore, PS-MPs significantly enhanced renal fibrosis by inhibiting the transition from epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, specifically through the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and cleaved Caspase-1, which are inflammasome proteins, were significantly elevated in the PS-MPs group. CONCLUSION The findings suggested that PS-MPs could aggravate kidney injury and renal fibrosis in db/db mice by promoting NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways. These findings had implications for elucidating the role of PS-MPs in DN progression, underscoring the necessity for additional research and public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qihui Kuang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Likun Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Xuan Niu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qingwen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430060, China.
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2
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Jiang P, Yao C, Guo DA. Traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of immune-related nephropathy: A review. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:38-66. [PMID: 38239236 PMCID: PMC10793104 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune-related nephropathy (IRN) refers to immune-response-mediated glomerulonephritis and is the main cause of end-stage renal failure. The pathogenesis of IRN is not fully understood; therefore, treatment is challenging. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have potent clinical effects in the treatment of the IRN conditions immunoglobulin A nephropathy, lupus nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. The underlying mechanisms mainly include its inhibition of inflammation; improvements to renal interstitial fibrosis, oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis; and regulation of immunity. In this review, we summarize the clinical symptoms of the three IRN subtypes and the use of TCM prescriptions, herbs, and bioactive compounds in treating IRN, as well as the potential mechanisms, intending to provide a reference for the future study of TCM as IRN treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of TCM Standardization Technology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changliang Yao
- Shanghai Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of TCM Standardization Technology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - De-an Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of TCM Standardization Technology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
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3
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Lai YW, Wang SW, Lin CL, Chen SS, Lin KH, Lee YT, Chen WC, Hsieh YH. Asiatic acid exhibits antimetastatic activity in human prostate cancer cells by modulating the MZF-1/Elk-1/Snail signaling axis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 951:175770. [PMID: 37209940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer metastasis is associated with poor prognosis and is difficult to treat clinically. Numerous studies have shown that Asiatic Acid (AA) has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. However, the effect of AA on prostate cancer metastasis is still unclear. This purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of AA on prostate cancer metastasis and to better understand its molecular mechanisms of action. Our results indicate that AA ≤ 30 μM did not influence cell viability and cell cycle distribution in PC3, 22Rv1 and DU145 cells. AA inhibited the migratory and invasive capabilities of three prostate cancer cells to be due to its effects on Snail, but did not have activity on Slug. We observed that AA inhibited the Myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF-1) and ETS Like-1 (Elk-1) protein interaction and affected the complex's binding capacity to the Snail promoter region, ultimately blocking Snail transcription activity. Kinase cascade analysis revealed that phosphorylation of MEK3/6 and p38MAPK was inhibited by AA treatment. Moreover, knockdown of p38MAPK enhanced AA-suppressed protein levels of MZF-1, Elk-1, and Snail, suggesting that p38MAPK influences prostate cancer cell metastasis. These results provide promise for AA as a future candidate in the development of drug therapies to prevent or treat prostate cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Lai
- Division of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Urology, College of Medicine and Shu-Tien Urological Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MstacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Natural Products, College of Pharmacy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Liang Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MstacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Sheng Chen
- Division of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Zhong Xiao Branch, Taipei, Taiwan; General Education Center, University of Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hung Lin
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, MstacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Tung Lee
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Chen
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Division of Sports Medicine & Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
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4
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Liu C, Ma K, Zhang Y, He X, Song L, Chi M, Han Z, Li G, Zhang Q, Liu C. Kidney diseases and long non-coding RNAs in the limelight. Front Physiol 2022; 13:932693. [PMID: 36299256 PMCID: PMC9589442 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.932693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The most extensively and well-investigated sequences in the human genome are protein-coding genes, while large numbers of non-coding sequences exist in the human body and are even more diverse with more potential roles than coding sequences. With the unveiling of non-coding RNA research, long-stranded non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of transcripts >200 nucleotides in length primarily expressed in the nucleus and rarely in the cytoplasm, have drawn our attention. LncRNAs are involved in various levels of gene regulatory processes, including but not limited to promoter activity, epigenetics, translation and transcription efficiency, and intracellular transport. They are also dysregulated in various pathophysiological processes, especially in diseases and cancers involving genomic imprinting. In recent years, numerous studies have linked lncRNAs to the pathophysiology of various kidney diseases. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in lncRNAs, their impact on kidney diseases, and associated complications, as well as the value of lncRNAs as emerging biomarkers for the prevention and prognosis of kidney diseases, suggesting their potential as new therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Liu
- Reproductive and Women-Children Hospital, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Kuai Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yunchao Zhang
- Reproductive and Women-Children Hospital, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xing He
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Linjiang Song
- Reproductive and Women-Children Hospital, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingxuan Chi
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Sichuan Renal Disease Clinical Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongyu Han
- Reproductive and Women-Children Hospital, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guanhua Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Guanhua Li, ; Qinxiu Zhang, ; Chi Liu,
| | - Qinxiu Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Guanhua Li, ; Qinxiu Zhang, ; Chi Liu,
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Sichuan Renal Disease Clinical Research Center, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Guanhua Li, ; Qinxiu Zhang, ; Chi Liu,
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5
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Chi MH, Chao J, Ko CY, Huang SS. An Ethnopharmaceutical Study on the Hypolipidemic Formulae in Taiwan Issued by Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:900693. [PMID: 36188612 PMCID: PMC9520573 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.900693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, approximately one-third of ischemic heart diseases are due to hyperlipidemia, which has been shown to cause various metabolic disorders. This study was aimed to disassemble and analyze hypolipidemic formulae sold by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacies. Using commonly used statistical parameters in ethnopharmacology, we identified the core drug combination of the hypolipidemic formulae, thereby exploring the strategy by which the Taiwanese people select hypolipidemic drugs. Most important of all, we preserved the inherited knowledge of TCM. We visited 116 TCM pharmacies in Taiwan and collected 91 TCM formulae. The formulae were mainly disassembled by macroscopical identification, and the medicinal materials with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) >0.2 were defined as commonly used medicinal materials. Subsequently, we sorted the information of medicinal materials recorded in the Pharmacopeia, searched for modern pharmacological research on commonly used medicinal materials using PubMed database, and visualized data based on the statistical results. Finally, the core hypolipidemic medicinal materials used in folk medicine were obtained. Of the 91 TCM formulae collected in this study, 80 traditional Chinese medicinal materials were used, belonging to 43 families, predominantly Lamiaceae. Roots were the most commonly used part as a medicinal material. There were 17 commonly used medicinal materials. Based on medicinal records in Pharmacopeia, most flavors and properties were warm and pungent, the majority traditional effects were “tonifying and replenishing” and “blood-regulating.” Besides, the targeted diseases searching from modern pharmacological studies were diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. The core medicinal materials consisted of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge, and the core formulae were Bu-Yang-Huan-Wu-Tang and Xie-Fu-Zhu-Yu-Tang. In addition, 7 groups of folk misused medicinal materials were found. Although these TCMs have been used for a long period of time, their hypolipidemic mechanisms remain unclear, and further studies are needed to validate their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Han Chi
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jung Chao
- Master Program for Food and Drug Safety, Chinese Medicine Research Center, Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Ko
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shyun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Shyh-Shyun Huang,
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6
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You X, Wu Y, Li Q, Sheng W, Zhou Q, Fu W. Astragalus–Scorpion Drug Pair Inhibits the Development of Prostate Cancer by Regulating GDPD4-2/PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Autophagy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:895696. [PMID: 35847007 PMCID: PMC9277392 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.895696] [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: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Prostate cancer (PCa) is an epithelial malignancy of the prostate that currently lacks effective treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can play an anticancer role through regulating the immune system, anti-tumor angiogenesis, regulating tumor cell apoptosis, autophagy dysfunction, and other mechanisms. This study attempted to explore the active ingredients and potential mechanism of action of the Astragalus–Scorpion (A–S) drug pair in PCa, in order to provide new insights into the treatment of PCa. Methods: Network pharmacology was used to analyze the A–S drug pair and PCa targets. Bioinformatics analysis was used to analyze the LncRNAs with significant differences in PCa. The expression of LC3 protein was detected by immunofluorescence. CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation. The expressions of GDPD4-2, AC144450.1, LINC01513, AC004009.2, AL096869.1, AP005210.1, and BX119924.1 were detected by RT-qPCR. The expression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot. LC-MS/MS was used to identify the active components of Astragalus and Scorpion. Results: A–S drug pair and PCa have a total of 163 targets, which were mainly related to the prostate cancer and PI3K/AKT pathways. A–S drug pair inhibited the formation of PCa, promoted the expression of LC3Ⅱ and Beclin1 proteins, and inhibited the expression of P62 and PI3K–AKT pathway proteins in PCa mice. Astragaloside IV and polypeptide extract from scorpion venom (PESV) were identified as the main active components of the A–S drug pair. GDPD4-2 was involved in the treatment of PCa by Astragaloside IV-PESV. Silencing GDPD4-2 reversed the therapeutic effects of Astragaloside IV-PESV by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Conclusion: Astragaloside IV-PESV is the main active components of A–S drug pair treated PCa by regulating the GDPD4-2/PI3K–AKT/mTOR pathway and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xujun You
- Graduate School of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongrong Wu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qixin Li
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wen Sheng
- Andrology Laboratory, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhou, ; Wei Fu,
| | - Wei Fu
- Department of Andrology, Shenzhen Bao’an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhou, ; Wei Fu,
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7
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Ghezelayagh Z, Zabihi M, Zarkesh I, Gonçalves CAC, Larsen M, Hagh-Parast N, Pakzad M, Vosough M, Arjmand B, Baharvand H, Larijani B, Grapin-Botton A, Aghayan HR, Tahamtani Y. Improved Differentiation of hESC-Derived Pancreatic Progenitors by Using Human Fetal Pancreatic Mesenchymal Cells in a Micro-scalable Three-Dimensional Co-culture System. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 18:360-377. [PMID: 34586606 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal cells of diverse origins differ in gene and protein expression besides producing varying effects on their organ-matched epithelial cells' maintenance and differentiation capacity. Co-culture with rodent's tissue-specific pancreatic mesenchyme accelerates proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of pancreatic epithelial progenitors. Therefore, in our study, the impact of three-dimensional (3D) co-culture of human fetal pancreatic-derived mesenchymal cells (hFP-MCs) with human embryonic stem cell-derived pancreatic progenitors (hESC-PPs) development towards endocrine and beta cells was assessed. Besides, the ability to maintain scalable cultures combining hFP-MCs and hESC-PPs was investigated. hFP-MCs expressed many markers in common with bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs). However, they showed higher expression of DESMIN compared to BM-MSCs. After co-culture of hESC-PPs with hFP-MCs, the pancreatic progenitor (PP) spheroids generated in Matrigel had higher expression of NGN3 and INSULIN than BM-MSCs co-culture group, which shows an inductive impact of pancreatic mesenchyme on hESC-PPs beta-cells maturation. Pancreatic aggregates generated by forced aggregation through scalable AggreWell system showed similar features compared to the spheroids. These aggregates, a combination of hFP-MCs and hESC-PPs, can be applied as an appropriate tool for assessing endocrine-niche interactions and developmental processes by mimicking the pancreatic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghezelayagh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Zabihi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ibrahim Zarkesh
- Department of Cell Engineering, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Carla A C Gonçalves
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Larsen
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Newsha Hagh-Parast
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Pakzad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Developmental Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in Biology, University of Science and Culture, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anne Grapin-Botton
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Biology (DanStem), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hamid Reza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Yaser Tahamtani
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Reproductive Epidemiology Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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8
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Zhang Q, Liu X, Sullivan MA, Shi C, Deng B. Protective Effect of Yi Shen Pai Du Formula against Diabetic Kidney Injury via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in db/db Mice. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7958021. [PMID: 34504642 PMCID: PMC8423573 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7958021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common chronic microvascular complications of diabetes; however, there remains a lack of effective therapeutic strategies. Yi Shen Pai Du Formula (YSPDF), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, has been clinically used in treating chronic kidney disease (CKD) for more than 20 years. However, whether YSPDF has a therapeutic effect on DKD has not been studied. METHODS This study was conducted to investigate the effect of YSPDF administration on db/db mice, a model of type 2 diabetes that develops DKD, and reveal its underlying mechanism of action through a high glucose- (HG-) induced renal injury cell model. RESULTS We found that YSPDF significantly improved numerous biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, 24 h urine total protein, total cholesterol, and total triglycerides) and ameliorated the abnormal histology and fibrosis of renal tissue. Moreover, the status of oxidative stress and levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MCP-1) were markedly inhibited by YSPDF treatment. YSPDF treatment significantly mitigated renal fibrosis, with evidence suggesting that this was by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Interestingly, the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, proteins known to be associated with oxidative stress, were significantly increased upon administration of YSPDF. The levels of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins, including NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, and cleaved caspase-1 were decreased in the YSPDF-treated group. Cell experiments showed that YSPDF inhibited EMT and the NLRP3 inflammasome in HG-exposed HK-2 cells, possibly via activation of Nrf2. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that YSPDF may ameliorate renal damage in db/db mice via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and EMT, with the mechanism potentially being related to the activation of the Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaocui Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, No. 32 South Renmin Road, Huibei, Shiyan 442000, China
| | - Mitchell A. Sullivan
- Glycation and Diabetes Group, Mater Research Institute-the University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Chen Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, 430030 Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030 Wuhan, China
- Hubei Province Clinical Research Center for Precision Medicine for Critical Illness, 430030 Wuhan, China
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9
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Tao M, Zheng D, Liang X, Wu D, Hu K, Jin J, He Q. Tripterygium glycoside suppresses epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition of diabetic kidney disease podocytes by targeting autophagy through the mTOR/Twist1 pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:592. [PMID: 34165172 PMCID: PMC8222798 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tripterygium glycoside (TG) is a traditional Chinese medicine extract with immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and anti-renal fibrosis effects. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell apoptosis are considered to be the major cause of podocyte injury in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). However, it remains unknown as to whether TG is able to alleviate podocyte injury to prevent DKD progression. Therefore, the present study aimed to clarify the podocyte protective effects of TG on DKD. TG, Twist1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and Twist1 overexpression vector were added to DKD mouse serum-induced podocytes in vitro. Autophagic and EMT activities were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Apoptotic activity was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC/PI flow cytometric analysis. The results revealed that after treatment with DKD mouse serum, autophagy was decreased, whereas EMT and apoptotic rate were increased, in podocytes. In addition, Twist1 expression was increased in DKD-induced podocytes. Furthermore, following Twist1-small interfering RNA transfection, the DKD-induced podocyte EMT and apoptotic rate were markedly reduced, indicating that Twist1 may be a promising therapeutic target for DKD. The present results also revealed that overexpression of Twist1 increased podocyte apoptosis, although this was decreased after TG treatment, indicating that TG may exhibit a protective effect on podocytes by inhibiting the Twist1 signaling pathway. After the addition of 3-benzyl-5-((2-nitrophenoxy) methyl)-dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one, an activator of mTORC1, the effects of TG on podocyte EMT, apoptosis and the autophagy were reversed. These findings indicated that TG may alleviate EMT and apoptosis by upregulating autophagy through the mTOR/Twist1 signaling pathway in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tao
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, P.R. China
| | - Danna Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Xudong Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Diandian Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Kang Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Juan Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Nephrology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital and Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
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Moore CL, Savenka AV, Basnakian AG. TUNEL Assay: A Powerful Tool for Kidney Injury Evaluation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22010412. [PMID: 33401733 PMCID: PMC7795088 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay is a long-established assay used to detect cell death-associated DNA fragmentation (3'-OH DNA termini) by endonucleases. Because these enzymes are particularly active in the kidney, TUNEL is widely used to identify and quantify DNA fragmentation and cell death in cultured kidney cells and animal and human kidneys resulting from toxic or hypoxic injury. The early characterization of TUNEL as an apoptotic assay has led to numerous misinterpretations of the mechanisms of kidney cell injury. Nevertheless, TUNEL is becoming increasingly popular for kidney injury assessment because it can be used universally in cultured and tissue cells and for all mechanisms of cell death. Furthermore, it is sensitive, accurate, quantitative, easily linked to particular cells or tissue compartments, and can be combined with immunohistochemistry to allow reliable identification of cell types or likely mechanisms of cell death. Traditionally, TUNEL analysis has been limited to the presence or absence of a TUNEL signal. However, additional information on the mechanism of cell death can be obtained from the analysis of TUNEL patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L. Moore
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Alena V. Savenka
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
| | - Alexei G. Basnakian
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham Street, #638, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA; (C.L.M.); (A.V.S.)
- John L. McClellan Memorial VA Hospital, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, 4300 West 7th Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-501-352-2870
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Emerging Roles of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Renal Fibrosis. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10080131. [PMID: 32752143 PMCID: PMC7460436 DOI: 10.3390/life10080131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is an unavoidable consequence that occurs in nearly all of the nephropathies. It is characterized by a superabundant deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). All compartments in the kidney can be affected, including interstitium, glomeruli, vasculature, and other connective tissue, during the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. The development of this process eventually causes destruction of renal parenchyma and end-stage renal failure, which is a devastating disease that requires renal replacement therapies. Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been emerging as key regulators governing gene expression and affecting various biological processes. These versatile roles include transcriptional regulation, organization of nuclear domains, and the regulation of RNA molecules or proteins. Current evidence proposes the involvement of lncRNAs in the pathologic process of kidney fibrosis. In this review, the biological relevance of lncRNAs in renal fibrosis will be clarified as important novel regulators and potential therapeutic targets. The biology, and subsequently the current understanding, of lncRNAs in renal fibrosis are demonstrated—highlighting the involvement of lncRNAs in kidney cell function, phenotype transition, and vascular damage and rarefaction. Finally, we discuss challenges and future prospects of lncRNAs in diagnostic markers and potential therapeutic targets, hoping to further inspire the management of renal fibrosis.
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