Role of mesenchymal stem cells versus angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor in kidney repair

Stem Cells in Kidney Ischemia: From Inflammation and Fibrosis to Renal Tissue Regeneration

Ischemic nephropathy consists of progressive renal function loss due to renal hypoxia, inflammation, microvascular rarefaction, and fibrosis. We provide a literature review focused on kidney hypoperfusion-dependent inflammation and its influence on renal tissue's ability to self-regenerate. Moreover, an overview of the advances in regenerative therapy with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion is provided. Based on our search, we can point out the following conclusions: 1. endovascular reperfusion is the gold-standard therapy for RAS, but its success mostly depends on treatment timeliness and a preserved downstream vascular bed; 2. anti-RAAS drugs, SGLT2 inhibitors, and/or anti-endothelin agents are especially recommended for patients with renal ischemia who are not eligible for endovascular reperfusion for slowing renal damage progression; 3. TGF-β, MCP-1, VEGF, and NGAL assays, along with BOLD MRI, should be extended in clinical practice and applied to a pre- and post-revascularization protocols; 4. MSC infusion appears effective in renal regeneration and could represent a revolutionary treatment for patients with fibrotic evolution of renal ischemia.

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) fortified with Camellia sinensis mediates apoptosis, Notch-1 signaling, and mitigates obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver

The habit of drinking tea is highly prevalent and could be utilized to introduce more health benefits through fortification with medicinal plants. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the nutritional quality and health benefits of fortified Ziziphus tea (ZT) with green tea (GT) against obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were carried out on the fortified tea. In the in vivo study, 15 SD rats were used for each group. Flow cytometry was utilized for caspase 3 analysis. ELISA was used for the detection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and adiponectin levels. Real-time PCR was used to detect Notch-1 and Hes-1 gene expression. The composition of fortified (GT+ZT) showed a significant improvement in the nutritional value represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrate, mineral contents, and antioxidant capacity. Treatment with GT+ZT restored the disturbance in body weight, lipid profile, liver function, glucose, insulin sensitivity index, and oxidative status. It reversed the changes in TNF-α and adiponectin levels. Their protective effects against NAFLD were indicated by the inhibition of hepatic caspase-3 activity, suppression of Notch-1, and Hes-1 gene expression and amelioration of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced histological alterations. Collectively, our findings, elucidate the precise mechanism of fortified ZT+GT for the attenuation of obesity-induced metabolic disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, TNF-α, adiponectin, apoptosis, and Notch-1 signaling pathways, and provide a foundation for an easily implemented healthy habit of drinking. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The incorporation of bioactive compounds into functional foods is a growing market. Consumer attention in well-being has increased rapidly toward a fortified diet that provides additional health effects. The fortified (GT+ZT) tea may potentially serve as an easily implemented healthy drinking habit to prevent and manage obesity and NAFLD and reduce the risk of other diseases. Fortification with ZT improved the health-promoting functionality of GT through the enhancement of total protein, carbohydrates, antioxidant, and mineral contents. This was reflected by their synergetic therapeutic activity in ameliorating the disturbance in obesity-related disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and Notch-1 signaling pathways. Therefore, (GT+ZT) could be considered functional foods which attribute to functional improvement and reduction in disease risk.

Fortification of biscuit with sidr leaf and flaxseed mitigates immunosuppression and nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A

The focus of consumers in healthy food turned to the possible health benefits of particular foods and food ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the newly fortified biscuits supplemented with sidr leaves and flaxseed and to highlight their nutritional quality and health benefits against cyclosporine A-induced dexterous effects. Sidr leaves (SL), and flaxseed (FS) were used in the preparation of fortified biscuits. Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were carried out on the biscuits. In in vivo study, 15 male albino mice were used for each group. Groups were divided into control, CsA, SL, FS, and SL+FS-treated groups. Hematological analysis, kidney function tests, oxidative stress, and anti-oxidant status were estimated. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect apoptosis and autophagy levels. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for detection of interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) levels. The composition of biscuits complemented by SL and FS demonstrated significant improvement in the nutritional value represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents. Treatment with SL and FS restored the disturbance in hematological, kidney function, oxidative, and antioxidant biomarkers. CsA-induced apoptotic and autophagic renal cell death was suppressed. Cytokines and pro-inflammatory markers were ameliorated. The use of SL and FS in dietary products can be recommended as a functional food. Moreover, they showed renal-protective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-enhancing activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Sidr leaves (SL) and flaxseed (FS) were used in the preparation of fortified biscuits. The composition of biscuits complemented by SL and FS demonstrated a significant improvement in the nutritional values represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents. SL and FS showed a potential therapeutic activity in reversing CsA-induced dexterous side effects by acting as an antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiautophagic, anti-inflammatory, renal-protective, and immune-enhancing agents. The use of sidr leaves and flaxseed in dietary products can be recommended as a functional food. Supplementation of SL and/or FS to the diet is recommended to ensure a good health. Moreover, introducing awareness for the patients utilizing CsA to use SL and FS in their diets.

Impact of Proinflammatory Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms and Circulating CD3 on Long-Term Renal Allograft Outcome in Egyptian Patients

The extant study aimed to explore the influence of two cytokines TNF-α - 308 and IFN-γ + 874 gene polymorphism on development of renal transplant rejection and to investigate the feasibility of Th1 cytotoxic immune reaction (CD3). It includes 152 kidney recipients were divided into two subgroups: 76 stable graft functions (SGF) and 76 allograft dysfunctions (AD) compared with 56 healthy individuals as control group. TNF-α - 308 G > A and IFN-γ + 874 A > T genetic polymorphisms were characterized using ARMS-PCR technique. CD3 protein expression was measured using ELISA Kit. The effect on transplant outcome was analyzed where, statistically significant differences of TNF-a-308 G/A were observed between AD group when compared to SGF group (OR = 0.296, 95% CI = 0.091-0.965, p = .031) in AG genotype (intermediate producer genotype). Also, AD group displayed a statistically significant increase of IFN-γ + 874 TT (high producer genotype) when compared to SGF group (OR = 0.290, 95% CI = 0.127-0.665, p = .003). The expression of CD3⁺ T lymphocytes in recipients with allograft dysfunction was statistically higher than that with stable allograft function and control groups (732 ± 76, 235 ± 51 and 442 ± 50) respectively and (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, IFN-γ + 874 T and TNF-α - 308 A alleles are risk alleles for renal transplant rejection and these two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be implicated in the tendency of rejection after renal transplantation. CD3 may be used as non-invasive biomarker in monitoring of rejection and avoid exposing patients for biopsy risks and sampling error.

The role of apoptosis and autophagy in the insulin-enhancing activity of oxovanadium(IV) bipyridine complex in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice

Metal-based therapies (e.g. Vanadium) possess an attractive proposition in medicinal treatment of diabetes mellitus. Defective insulin secretion can result from impaired β-cell function which is mediated by many process including apoptosis and autophagy. In this study. diabetes was induced by administration of streptozotocin then treatment was performed by vanadyl sulfate and [VO(bpy)₂ Cl] Cl.H₂O complex. Blood glucose level, AST, ALT, BUN, CR, TCHO, TG and total protein were determined in serum. MDA, NO, erythrocyte GSH and SOD were estimated. LC3 and Caspase 3 levels in pancreatic cells were assessed by flow cytometer. Histopathological investigation of pancreatic tissue was performed. Results of Diabetic group showed a significant increase in transaminases activities, TCHO, TG, MDA, NO and Caspase 3 levels and significant decrease in TP, GSH, SOD and LC3 levels. Oral administration of vanadium complex resulted in normoglycemia, significant increase in blood GSH, SOD, TP and LC3 levels, significant decrease in ALT, AST, BUN, TCHO, TG, MDA and NO and Caspase 3 levels. In addition, proliferative effect of complex prevents islet atrophy. From previous results, the insulin-enhancing effect induced by this complex indicated that this new complex can be a valuable candidate as insulin-enhancing and antioxidant compound than inorganic vanadyl sulfate.

Possible Selective Cytotoxicity of Vanadium Complex on Breast Cancer Cells Involving Pathophysiological Pathways

Background:

Triple-Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) are among the most aggressive and therapyresistant breast tumors. Development of new treatment strategies that target pathways involved in cancer cells resistance is an attractive candidate to overcome therapeutic resistance.

Objective:

To clarify the antitumor activity of [VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex as a new therapeutic agent through studying the interplay between apoptosis, autophagy and notch signaling pathways.

Methods:

Proliferation of MDA-MB-231 cells and IC50 value of the vanadium complex were assessed by MTT assay. Flow cytometry was utilized to detect cell cycle distribution, apoptosis assay, LC3 levels and Acid Vascular Organelles (AVOs). Caspase 3 levels were detected by ELISA. Changes in Notch1 gene expression were assessed by real-time PCR. AVOs qualitative detection was assessed by a fluorescence microscope.

Results:

The growth of MDA-MB-231 cells was suppressed after treatment with [VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex, in a dose-dependent manner. The affinity for apoptotic cell death induction was shown through the increase in the sub G0 peak, the percentage of early and late apoptotic phases, and the elevation in caspase 3 levels. The affinity for autophagic cell death induction was observed through the increase in the G0/G1 phase, G2/M arrest, the increase of AVOs red fluorescence and elevated LC3 levels. The affinity for notch pathway inhibition was shown through the suppression of Notch 1 gene expression.

Conclusion:

[VO (bpy)2 Cl] Cl complex could be a promising candidate as therapeutic agent targeting different therapeutic targets including apoptosis, autophagy and notch signaling pathways.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells: a Promising Therapeutic Tool for Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a rapid loss of renal function. It has high mortality rates. Still, renal replacement therapy is considered the best solution for recovering AKI. This opens a line of thought to develop an alternative therapy for it without complications. Mesenchymal stem cells are considered a new therapy for treating kidney diseases. The aim of this work was to address the anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and pro-angiogenic effects of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) and bone marrow-MSCs (BM-MSCs) for treating AKI. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned into nine groups (n = 10): (1) the control group; (2) the AKI group, receiving cisplatin; (3) the AKI group treated with AD-MSCs (1 × 10⁶); (4) the AKI group treated with AD-MSCs (2 × 10⁶); (5) the AKI group treated with AD-MSCs (4 × 10⁶); (6) the AKI group treated with losartan; (7) the AKI group treated with BM-MSCs (1 × 10⁶); (8) the AKI group treated with BM-MSCs (2 × 10⁶); and (9) the AKI group treated with BM-MSCs (4 × 10⁶). The results showed a significant rise in creatinine, urea, and cystatin C (cys C) levels and upregulation of p38 mRNA, whereas a significant decline in NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1) protein and downregulation of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA were recorded in AKI. MSCs could improve renal functions manifested by decreased urea, creatinine, and cys C levels; downregulation of p38; and upregulation of Bcl-2 and VEGF. Moreover, MSC therapy could induce NQO-1 in the treated rats relative to the untreated rats. So, cell-based therapy can reduce AKI through the antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, and pro-angiogenic properties of MSCs. Therefore, the findings received in this attempt create a fertile base for the setup of cell therapy in patients with AKI.