Nodakenin alleviated obstructive nephropathy through blunting Snail1 induced fibrosis

Mechanism of Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules regulates the inflammatory response caused by M1 macrophage based on cellular experiments and computer simulations

PURPOSE

The polarization of macrophages with the resulting inflammatory response play a crucial part in tissue and organ damage due to inflammatory. Study has proved Lian Hua Qing Wen capsules (LHQW) can reduce activation of inflammatory response and damage of tissue derived from the inflammatory reactions. However, the mechanism of LHQW regulates the macrophage-induced inflammatory response is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the mechanism of LHQW regulated the inflammatory response of M1 macrophages by cellular experiments and computer simulations.

METHODS

This study has analysed the targets and mechanisms of macrophage regulating inflammatory response at gene and protein levels through bioinformatics. The monomeric components of LHQW were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). We established the in vitro cell model by M1 macrophages (Induction of THP-1 cells into M1 macrophages). RT-qPCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect changes in gene and protein levels of key targets after LHQW treatment. Computer simulations were utilized to verify the binding stability of monomeric components and protein targets.

RESULTS

Macrophages had 140,690 gene targets, inflammatory response had 12,192 gene targets, intersection gene targets were 11,772. Key monomeric components (including: Pinocembrin, Fargesone-A, Nodakenin and Bowdichione) of LHQW were screened by HPLC. The results of cellular experiments indicated that LHQW could significantly reduce the mRNA expression of CCR5, CSF2, IFNG and TNF, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response caused by M1 macrophage. The computer simulations further validated the binding stability and conformation of key monomeric components and key protein targets, and IFNG/Nodakenin was able to form the most stable binding conformation for its action.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the mechanism of LHQW inhibits the polarization of macrophages and the resulting inflammatory response was investigated by computer simulations and cellular experiments. We found that LHQW may not only reduce cell damage and death by acting on TNF and CCR5, but also inhibit the immune recognition process and inflammatory response by regulating CSF2 and IFNG to prevent polarization of macrophages. Therefore, these results suggested that LHQW may act through multiple targets to inhibit the polarization of macrophages and the resulting inflammatory response.

Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: From clinical evidence to potential mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a typical chronic microvascular complication of diabetes, characterized by proteinuria and a gradual decline in renal function. At present, there are limited clinical interventions aimed at preventing the progression of DN to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, Chinese herbal medicine presents a distinct therapeutic approach that can be effectively combined with conventional Western medicine treatments to safeguard renal function. This combination holds considerable practical implications for the treatment of DN.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review covers commonly used Chinese herbal remedies and decoctions applicable to various types of DN, and we summarize the role played by their active ingredients in the treatment of DN and their mechanisms, which includes how they might improve inflammation and metabolic abnormalities to provide new ideas to cope with the development of DN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With the keywords "diabetic nephropathy," "Chinese herbal medicine," "clinical effectiveness," and "bioactive components," we conducted an extensive literature search of several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang database, to discover studies on herbal formulas that were effective in slowing the progression of DN. The names of the plants covered in the review have been checked at MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org).

RESULTS

This review demonstrates the superior total clinical effective rate of combining Chinese herbal medicines with Western medicines over the use of Western medicines alone, as evidenced by summarizing the results of several clinical trials. Furthermore, the review highlights the nephroprotective effects of seven frequently used herbs exerting beneficial effects such as podocyte repair, anti-fibrosis of renal tissues, and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism through multiple signaling pathways in the treatment of DN.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential of herbs in treating DN is evident from their excellent effectiveness and the ability of different herbs to target various symptoms of the condition. However, limitations arise from the deficiencies in interfacing with objective bioindicators, which hinder the integration of herbal therapies into modern medical practice. Further research is warranted to address these limitations and enhance the compatibility of herbal therapies with contemporary medical standards.

Kaempferitrin attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting NOX4-mediated tubular ferroptosis

Tubular ferroptosis significantly contributes to renal inflammation and fibrosis, critical factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to investigate Kaempferitrin, a potent flavonoid glycoside from Bauhinia forficata leaves, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects, and to elucidate its potential mechanisms in mitigating inflammation and fibrosis induced by tubular ferroptosis. The study investigated Kaempferitrin's impact on tubular ferroptosis using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, erastin-induced ferroptosis in primary tubular epithelial cells (TECs) was utilized to further explore Kaempferitrin's effects. Additionally, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) transfection in TECs and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were conducted to identify Kaempferitrin's target protein. Kaempferitrin effectively improved renal function, indicated by reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. In the UUO model, it significantly reduced tubular necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Its renoprotective effects were linked to ferroptosis inhibition, evidenced by decreased iron, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased glutathione (GSH). Kaempferitrin also normalized glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11(SLC7A11) expression, critical ferroptosis mediators. In vitro, it protected TECs from ferroptosis and consistently suppressed NOX4 expression. NOX4 transfection negated Kaempferitrin's antiferroptosis effects, while CETSA confirmed Kaempferitrin-NOX4 interaction. Kaempferitrin shows promise as a nephroprotective agent by inhibiting NOX4-mediated ferroptosis in tubular cells, offering potential therapeutic value for CKD.

Optimized combination of Cervus nippon (Sika deer), Angelica (Dangui), and Rehmannia (Suk-jihwang) mitigates LPS-induced inflammation: exploring signaling pathways through plasma metabolomics

This study aimed to determine the optimal combination of three anti-inflammatory materials [i.e., Cervus nippon Temminck (CT), Angelica gigas Nakai (AN), and Rehmannia glutinosa (RG)] for the strongest anti-inflammatory potential. Eighteen combinations of the three materials were tested in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells via assessing nitric oxide (NO). The best combination from in vitro studies was administered to LPS-treated C57BL/6J mice for five days. Subsequently, plasma metabolites were profiled by bioinformatics analyses and validations. As results, 2, 20, and 50 µg/mL of CT, AN, and RG (TM) were the most effective combination suppressing inflammation. In mice, TM mitigated hepatic inflammatory markers. Similarly, the metabolomics indicated that TM may suppress NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating hepatic inflammation. TM also decreased systemic and hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines. Collectively, we found the optimal combination of TM for mitigating inflammation; thus further studies on safety, mechanisms, and clinical models are warranted for human applications.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01476-x.

Nodakenin alleviates ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis by modulating osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis

Osteoporosis, a systemic bone disease defined by decreased bone mass and deterioration of bone microarchitecture, is becoming a global concern. Nodakenin (NK) is a furanocoumarin-like compound isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Radix Angelicae biseratae (RAB). NK has been reported to have various pharmacological activities, but osteoporosis has not been reported to be affected by NK. In this study, we used network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation techniques to identify potential targets and pathways of NK in osteoporosis. We found that NK treatment significantly promoted osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs while activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway by measuring alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of various osteogenic markers. In contrast, LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, reversed these changes and inhibited the osteogenic differentiation-enabling effect of NK. Meanwhile, prevent the Akt and NFκB signalling pathways by down-regulating c-Src and TRAF6 thereby effectively inhibiting RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. In addition, oral administration of NK to mice significantly elevated bone mass and ameliorated ovariectomized (OVX)-mediated bone microarchitectural disorders. In conclusion, these data suggest that NK attenuates OVX-induced bone loss by enhancing osteogenesis and inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.

Research progress on the mechanism of renal interstitial fibrosis in obstructive nephropathy

Renal fibrosis is a common result for various chronic kidney diseases developing to the end stage. It is a pathological process characterized by the destruction of normal kidney structure and the subsequent replacement with fibrous tissue, which primarily involves fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. Obstruction is a common cause of renal fibrosis, and obstructive renal fibrosis is a common disease in urology. Obstructive renal fibrosis, characterized by its insidious onset, is the result of a complex interplay of multiple factors. These factors encompass renal tubular epithelial cell injury, the presence of a hypoxic microenvironment in affected kidney tissue, inflammatory cell infiltration, release of inflammatory mediators, and the release of renal fibrosis growth factors, among others. This paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism and treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis.

Formononetin ameliorates ferroptosis-associated fibrosis in renal tubular epithelial cells and in mice with chronic kidney disease by suppressing the Smad3/ATF3/SLC7A11 signaling

AIMS

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by interstitial fibrosis, while limited treatment drugs are available. Ferroptosis is a newly identified process that can trigger tubular atrophy and fibrosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of formononetin (FN), a bioflavonoid, on ferroptosis and renal fibrosis.

MAIN METHODS

In vivo experiments, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)- and folic acid (FA, 250 mg/kg)-induced CKD models were constructed in C57BL/6 mice of 6-8 weeks old, followed by the administration with 40 mg/kg/day FN by gavage. For in vitro experiments, ferroptosis was induced with RSL3 or erastin in primary mouse renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), followed by the addition of indicated concentrations of FN. Then, the levels of ferroptosis and fibrosis were analyzed. The translocation of Smad3, ATF3, and Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was checked by western blotting. The interaction of Smad3 and ATF3 was detected by Co-immunoprecipitation.

KEY FINDINGS

FN dramatically ameliorated tubular injury along with reduced expression of the profibrotic genes including α-SMA, Col1a1, and fibronectin in both two CKD mouse models and RSL3/erastin-treated TECs. Furthermore, FN administration also significantly suppressed ferroptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of SLC7A11 and GPX4, and decreased levels of 4-HNE. In mechanism, FN disrupted the interaction between Smad3 and ATF3, resulting in the blocking of their translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. In addition, FN also promoted the separation of the Nrf2/Keap1 complex and enhanced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation.

SIGNIFICANCE

FN alleviates CKD by impeding ferroptosis-associated fibrosis by suppressing the Smad3/ATF3/SLC7A11 signaling and could serve as a candidate therapeutic drug for CKD.

Diabetes exacerbated sepsis-induced intestinal injury by promoting M1 macrophage polarization via miR-3061/Snail1 signaling

Background

Macrophages play important roles in diabetes and sepsis-related intestinal injury. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) act as the fundamental link between macrophage polarization and tissue injury. However, the underlying mechanisms of miRNAs in regulating macrophage polarization–related intestinal injury under diabetes and sepsis conditions remain unclear.

Methods

The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)–induced sepsis models were established in male wild-type (WT) and diabetic mice. Clodronate liposome was used to deplete macrophage. H&E staining, inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6], and intestinal mucosal barrier function markers [occludin, ZO-1, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (iFABP)] were used to assess elevated intestinal damage. miRNA array, RNA-seq, and bioinformatic analysis were performed to detect the miRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and the potential regulation mechanism. In vitro, RAW264.7 cells were cultured in the absence or presence of high glucose and LPS, miR-3061 mimics, and Snail small interfering RNA stimulation, respectively, for further mechanism studies. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interplay between miRNA and its target genes.

Results

Compared with WT CLP mice, the diabetic CLP mice showed severe intestinal damage characterized by significant increases in Chui’s scores, expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), serum LPS and iFABP concentration, and significant reductions in tight junction protein occludin and ZO-1 levels. Macrophage depletion reversed the intestinal damage caused by CLP. The bioinformatic analysis revealed that miR-3061/Snail1 might be a potential regulation axis of macrophage polarization. Furthermore, high glucose and LPS stimulation increased M1 macrophage and reduced the levels of miR-3061, which was negatively associated with Snail1 in RAW264.7 cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that miR-3061 regulated macrophage polarization by targeting the Snail1 mRNA 3′‐untranslated region. Moreover, miR-3061 overexpression suppressed Snail1 expression and inhibited M1 macrophage and inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusion

This study elucidated that diabetes exacerbated sepsis-induced intestinal injury by promoting M1 macrophage polarization and further demonstrated that the miR-3061/Sani1 axis may be the potential target of macrophage polarization.

Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi Granule Alleviates Adriamycin-Induced Glomerular Fibrosis by Suppressing the BMP2/Smad Signaling Pathway

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common clinical condition with manifestations of nephrotic syndrome and fibrosis of the glomeruli and interstitium. Yi-Shen-Hua-Shi (YSHS) granule has been shown to have a good effect in alleviating nephrotic syndrome (NS) in clinical and in animal models of FSGS, but whether it can alleviate renal fibrosis in FSGS and its mechanism and targets are not clear. In this study, we explored the anti-fibrotic effect and the targets of the YSHS granule in an adriamycin (ADR)-induced FSGS model and found that the YSHS granule significantly improved the renal function of ADR-induced FSGS model mice and also significantly reduced the deposition of collagen fibers and the expression of mesenchymal cell markers FN, vimentin, and α-SMA in the glomeruli of ADR-induced FSGS mice, suggesting that the YSHS granule inhibited the fibrosis of sclerotic glomeruli. Subsequently, a network pharmacology-based approach was used to identify the potential targets of the YSHS granule for the alleviation of glomerulosclerosis in FSGS, and the results showed that the YSHS granule down-regulated the expressions of BMP2, GSTA1, GATS3, BST1, and S100A9 and up-regulated the expressions of TTR and GATM in ADR-induced FSGS model mice. We also proved that the YSHS granule inhibited the fibrosis in the glomeruli of ADR-induced FSGS model mice through the suppression of the BMP2/Smad signaling pathway.

The immune-enhancing effects of a mixture of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) or its active constituent nodakenin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A mixture (SH003) of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Trichosanthes Kirilowii (Maxim.) has beneficial effects against several carcinomas. There have been few reports on an immune-enhancing activity of SH003 and its active constituent nodakenin.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed at identifying the immune-enhancing effect of SH003 and nodakenin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The immune-enhancing effect was evaluated using RAW264.7 macrophages, mouse primary splenocytes, and a cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression murine model.

RESULTS

The results show that SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and nitric oxide (NO) and the expression levels of iNOS in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin also enhanced NF-κB p65 activation in RAW264.7 macrophages. SH003 or nodakenin stimulated the production levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, TNF-α, and NO and the expression levels of iNOS in splenocytes. SH003 or nodakenin increased the splenic lymphocyte proliferation and splenic NK cell activity. In addition, SH003 or nodakenin increased the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α in the serum and spleen of CP-treated mice, alleviating CP-induced immunosuppression.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results of this study show that SH003 improved immunosuppression through the activation of macrophages, splenocytes, and NK cells. These findings suggest that SH003 could be applied as a potential immunostimulatory agent for a variety of diseases caused or exacerbated by immunodeficiency.

Tectorigenin protects against unilateral ureteral obstruction by inhibiting Smad3-mediated ferroptosis and fibrosis

Renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury and fibrosis are the key factors of the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. Here, we reported that tectorigenin is effectively protected against obstructive nephropathy established by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). In vivo, tectorigenin administration significantly alleviated the deteriorations of renal functions including blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Meanwhile, results from the histology suggested that renal injury characterized by tubular cell damage and fibrosis lesions of kidneys in UUO group were markedly attenuated following tectorigenin treatment. Mechanistically, we found that tectorigenin treatment greatly inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation, and the transcription and protein level of Nox4, a newly identified direct downstream molecule of Smad3 and a modulator of ferroptosis, while it indirectly restored the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4, a negative regulator of ferroptosis. Consistent with in vivo studies, treatment with tectorigenin also suppressed the ferroptosis induced by erastin/RSL3 and fibrosis stimulated by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in primary renal TECs. What is more, treatment with ferroptosis inhibitor, ferrostatin-1, also impeded TGF-β1 stimulated the profibrotic effects in TECs, indicating that tectorigenin may relieve fibrosis by inhibiting ferroptosis in TECs. In addition, tectorigenin treatment exhibited a similar tendency, which inhibited Smad3 activation, and the docking analysis revealed that tectorigenin docked well into the Smad3 binding cavity with strong binding affinity (-7.9 kcal/mol). Thus, this study deciphers the protective effect of tectorigenin against obstructive nephropathy through inhibiting Smad3-mediated ferroptosis and fibrosis.

Therapeutic and delivery strategies of phytoconstituents for renal fibrosis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases endangering human health and life. By 2030, 14 per 100,000 people may die from CKD. Renal fibrosis (RF) is an important intermediate link and the final pathological change during CKD progression to the terminal stage. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment methods for RF has become an important goal. In 2018, the World Health Organization introduced traditional Chinese medicine into its effective global medical program. Various phytoconstituents that affect the RF process have been extracted from different plants. Here, we review the potential therapeutic capabilities of active phytoconstituents in RF treatment and discuss how phytoconstituents can be structurally modified or combined with other ingredients to enhance efficiency and reduce toxicity. We also summarize phytoconstituent delivery strategies to overcome renal barriers and improve bioavailability and targeting.

Nodakenin alleviated obstructive nephropathy through blunting Snail1 induced fibrosis

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis plays an important role in end‐stage renal failure, and there are only limited therapeutic options available to preserve organ function. In the present study, we identified that nodakenin, a coumarin isolated from the roots of Angelicae gigas, functions effectively against unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)‐induced fibrosis via down‐regulating Snail1 expression. We established UUO‐induced renal fibrosis in mice and then administered with nodakenin orally ata a dose of 1 and 10 mg/kg. The in‐vivo results indicated that nodakenin protected obstructive nephropathy through its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic properties. Nodakenin prevented the infiltration of inflammatory cells, alleviated the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reduced the polarization of macrophages and down‐regulating the aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix at the site of injury. Of note, nodakenin dramatically impeded Smad3, NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation and Snail1 expression. In line with in vivo studies, nodakenin suppressed the expression of Snail1, Smad3 phosphorylation and fibrogenesis in TGF‐β1‐treated renal epithelial cells in‐vitro. Furthermore, we found that the effect of nodaknin against fibrosis was reversed in Snail1 overexpressing cells, whereas nodakenin could not further reduce expression of fibrogenesis in Snail1 silenced cells, suggesting that nodaknein may function through a Snail1‐dependent manner. Collectively, this study reveal a critical role of nodakenin in the cure of renal fibrosis.