ErbB4 deletion accelerates renal fibrosis following renal injury

Hippo/YAP signaling pathway: a new therapeutic target for diabetes mellitus and vascular complications

Diabetic angiopathy, which includes diabetic kidney disease (DKD), cardio-cerebrovascular disease, and diabetic retinopathy (DR) among other diseases, is one of the most common complications affecting diabetic patients. Among these, DKD, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, affects about 40% of diabetic patients. Similarly, DR involves retinal neovascularization and neurodegeneration as a result of chronic hyperglycemia and is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness. In addition, inflammation also promotes atherosclerosis and diabetes, with atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular diseases being often a main cause of disability or death in diabetic patients. Given that vascular diseases caused by diabetes negatively impact human health, it is therefore important to identify appropriate treatments. In this context, some studies have found that the Hippo/Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway is a highly evolutionarily conserved protein kinase signal pathway that regulates organ growth and size through its effector signaling pathway Transcriptional co-Activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and its YAP. YAP is a key factor in the Hippo pathway. The activation of YAP regulates gluconeogenesis, thereby regulating glucose tolerance levels; silencing the YAP gene thereby prevents the formation of glomerular fibrosis. YAP can combine with TEA domain family members to regulate the proliferation and migration of retinal vascular endothelial cells (ECs), so YAP plays a prominent role in the formation and pathology of retinal vessels. In addition, YAP/TAZ activation and translocation to the nucleus promote endothelial inflammation and monocyte-EC attachment, which can increase diabetes-induced cardiovascular atherosclerosis. Hippo/YAP signaling pathway provides a potential therapeutic target for diabetic angiopathy, which can prevent the progression of diabetes to DR and improve renal fibrosis and cardio-vascular atherosclerosis.

Epidermal growth factor receptor activation is essential for kidney fibrosis development

Fibrosis is the progressive accumulation of excess extracellular matrix and can cause organ failure. Fibrosis can affect nearly every organ including kidney and there is no specific treatment currently. Although Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway has been implicated in development of kidney fibrosis, underlying mechanisms by which EGFR itself mediates kidney fibrosis have not been elucidated. We find that EGFR expression increases in interstitial myofibroblasts in human and mouse fibrotic kidneys. Selective EGFR deletion in the fibroblast/pericyte population inhibits interstitial fibrosis in response to unilateral ureteral obstruction, ischemia or nephrotoxins. In vivo and in vitro studies and single-nucleus RNA sequencing analysis demonstrate that EGFR activation does not induce myofibroblast transformation but is necessary for the initial pericyte/fibroblast migration and proliferation prior to subsequent myofibroblast transformation by TGF-ß or other profibrotic factors. These findings may also provide insight into development of fibrosis in other organs and in other conditions.

Novel Model of Oxalate Diet-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Dahl-Salt-Sensitive Rats

Diet-induced models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) offer several advantages, including clinical relevance and animal welfare, compared with surgical models. Oxalate is a plant-based, terminal toxic metabolite that is eliminated by the kidneys through glomerular filtration and tubular secretion. An increased load of dietary oxalate leads to supersaturation, calcium oxalate crystal formation, renal tubular obstruction, and eventually CKD. Dahl-Salt-Sensitive (SS) rats are a common strain used to study hypertensive renal disease; however, the characterization of other diet-induced models on this background would allow for comparative studies of CKD within the same strain. In the present study, we hypothesized that SS rats on a low-salt, oxalate rich diet would have increased renal injury and serve as novel, clinically relevant and reproducible CKD rat models. Ten-week-old male SS rats were fed either 0.2% salt normal chow (SS-NC) or a 0.2% salt diet containing 0.67% sodium oxalate (SS-OX) for five weeks.Real-time PCR demonstrated an increased expression of inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p < 0.0001) and fibrotic marker Timp-1 metalloproteinase (p < 0.0001) in the renal cortex of SS-OX rat kidneys compared with SS-NC. The immunohistochemistry of kidney tissue demonstrated an increase in CD-68 levels, a marker of macrophage infiltration in SS-OX rats (p < 0.001). In addition, SS-OX rats displayed increased 24 h urinary protein excretion (UPE) (p < 0.01) as well as significant elevations in plasma Cystatin C (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the oxalate diet induced hypertension (p < 0.05). A renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) profiling (via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; LC-MS) in the SS-OX plasma showed significant (p < 0.05) increases in multiple RAAS metabolites including angiotensin (1-5), angiotensin (1-7), and aldosterone. The oxalate diet induces significant renal inflammation, fibrosis, and renal dysfunction as well as RAAS activation and hypertension in SS rats compared with a normal chow diet. This study introduces a novel diet-induced model to study hypertension and CKD that is more clinically translatable and reproducible than the currently available models.

Hippo signaling in acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition: current understandings and future targets

Acute kidney injury (AKI)-to-chronic kidney disease (CKD) transition is a slow but persistent progression toward end-stage kidney disease. Earlier reports have shown that Hippo components, such as Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog TAZ (Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), regulate inflammation and fibrogenesis during the AKI-to-CKD transition. Notably, the roles and mechanisms of Hippo components vary during AKI, AKI-to-CKD transition, and CKD. Hence, it is important to understand these roles in detail. This review addresses the potential of Hippo regulators or components as future therapeutic targets for halting the AKI-to-CKD transition.

In Vivo Inhibition of TRPC6 by SH045 Attenuates Renal Fibrosis in a New Zealand Obese (NZO) Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a significant worldwide public health challenge and is inextricably linked to adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes. The inhibition of the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily C member 6 (TRPC6) has been found to ameliorate renal outcomes in the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) of accelerated renal fibrosis. Therefore, the pharmacological inhibition of TPRC6 could be a promising therapeutic intervention in the progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. In the present study, we hypothesized that the novel selective TRPC6 inhibitor SH045 (larixyl N-methylcarbamate) ameliorates UUO-accelerated renal fibrosis in a New Zealand obese (NZO) mouse model, which is a polygenic model of metabolic syndrome. The in vivo inhibition of TRPC6 by SH045 markedly decreased the mRNA expression of pro-fibrotic markers (Col1α1, Col3α1, Col4α1, Acta2, Ccn2, Fn1) and chemokines (Cxcl1, Ccl5, Ccr2) in UUO kidneys of NZO mice compared to kidneys of vehicle-treated animals. Renal expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were diminished in SH045- versus vehicle-treated UUO mice. Furthermore, renal inflammatory cell infiltration (F4/80+ and CD4+) and tubulointerstitial fibrosis (Sirius red and fibronectin staining) were ameliorated in SH045-treated NZO mice. We conclude that the pharmacological inhibition of TRPC6 might be a promising antifibrotic therapeutic method to treat progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in hypertension and metabolic syndrome.

Genome-Wide Reduction in Chromatin Accessibility and Unique Transcription Factor Footprints in Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts in Scleroderma Skin

OBJECTIVE

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular complications. This study was undertaken to examine the chromatin landscape and transcription factor footprints in SSc, using an assay for genome-wide chromatin accessibility.

METHODS

Dermal endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy controls and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) was performed to assess genome-wide chromatin accessibility at a read depth of ~150 million reads per sample. Transcription factor footprinting and motif binding analysis were performed, followed by functional experiments.

RESULTS

Chromatin accessibility was significantly reduced in dcSSc patients compared to healthy controls. Differentially accessible chromatin loci were enriched in pathways and gene ontologies involved in the nervous system, cell membrane projections and cilia motility, nuclear and steroid receptors, and nitric oxide. In addition, chromatin binding of transcription factors SNAI2, ETV2, and ELF1 was significantly increased in dcSSc ECs, while recruitment of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was enriched in dcSSc fibroblasts. We found significant down-regulation of the neuronal gene NRXN1 and up-regulation of SNAI2 and ETV2 in dcSSc ECs. In dcSSc fibroblasts, down-regulation of the neuronal gene ENTPD1 and up-regulation of RUNX2 were confirmed. Further functional analysis revealed that ETV2 and NRXN1 dysregulation affected angiogenesis in ECs, while ENTPD1 enhanced profibrotic properties in dcSSc fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

Our data identify the chromatin blueprint of dcSSc, and suggest that neuronal-related characteristics of SSc ECs and fibroblasts could be a culprit for dysregulated angiogenesis and enhanced fibrosis. Targeting the key pathways and transcription factors identified might present novel therapeutic approaches in SSc.

Dasatinib mitigates renal fibrosis in a rat model of UUO via inhibition of Src/STAT-3/NF-κB signaling

This research aimed to investigate the reno-protective impact of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib (DAS) against renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats. DAS administration improved renal function and mitigated renal oxidative stress with paralleled reduction in the ligated kidney mass index, significant retraction in renal histopathological alterations and suppression of renal interstitial fibrosis. Nevertheless, DAS administration attenuated renal expression of phosphorylated Src (p-Src), Abelson (c-Abl) tyrosine kinases, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65, and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT-3)/STAT-3 with paralleled reduction in renal contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). DAS diminished interstitial macrophage infiltration and decreased renal profibrotic transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) levels and suppressed interstitial expression of renal α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibronectin. Collectively, DAS slowed the progression of renal interstitial fibrosis, possibly via attenuating renal oxidative stress, impairing Src/STAT-3/NF-κB signaling, and reducing renal inflammation.

The epidermal growth factor receptor axis and kidney fibrosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this study was to summarize recent findings about the role of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in acute kidney injury and in progression of chronic kidney injury.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is increasing evidence that EGFR activation occurs as a response to either ischemic or toxic kidney injury and EGFR signalling plays an important role in recovery of epithelial integrity. However, with incomplete recovery or in conditions predisposing to progressive glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury, aberrant persistent EGFR signalling is a causal mediator of progressive fibrotic injury. New studies have implicated activation of HIPPO/YAP signalling as a component of EGFR's actions in the kidney. There is also new evidence for sex disparities in kidney EGFR expression and activation after injury, with a male predominance that is mediated by androgens.

SUMMARY

There is increasing evidence for an important role for EGFR signalling in mediation of kidney injury, raising the possibility that interruption of the signalling cascade could limit progression of development of progressive kidney fibrosis.

Nifuroxazide suppresses UUO-induced renal fibrosis in rats via inhibiting STAT-3/NF-κB signaling, oxidative stress and inflammation

The current work explored the influences of nifuroxazide, an in vivo inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) activation, on tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rats with obstructive nephropathy using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into 4 groups (n = 8/group) at random. Sham and UUO groups were orally administered 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (2.5 mL/kg/day), while Sham-NIF and UUO-NIF groups were treated with 20 mg/kg/day of NIF (suspended in 0.5% CMC, orally). NIF or vehicle treatments were started 2 weeks after surgery and continued for further 2 weeks. NIF treatment ameliorated kidney function in UUO rats, where it restored serum creatinine, blood urea, serum uric acid and urinary protein and albumin to near-normal levels. NIF also markedly reduced histopathological changes in tubules and glomeruli and attenuated interstitial fibrosis in UUO-ligated kidneys. Mechanistically, NIF markedly attenuated renal immunoexpression of E-cadherin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), diminished renal oxidative stress (↓ malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and ↑ superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity), lessened renal protein expression of phosphorylated-STAT3 (p-STAT-3), phosphorylated-Src (p-Src) kinase, the Abelson tyrosine kinase (c-Abl) and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (pNF-κB p65), decreased renal cytokine levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and reduced number of cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68) immunolabeled macrophages in UUO renal tissues, compared to levels in untreated UUO kidneys. Taken together, NIF treatment suppressed interstitial fibrosis in UUO renal tissues, probably via inhibiting STAT-3/NF-κB signaling and attenuating renal oxidative stress and inflammation.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease worldwide and the major cause of renal failure among patients on hemodialysis. Numerous studies have demonstrated that transient activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is required for promoting kidney recovery from acute injury whereas its persistent activation is involved in the progression of various chronic kidney diseases including DKD. EGFR-mediated pathogenesis of DKD is involved in hemodynamic alteration, metabolic disturbance, inflammatory response and parenchymal cellular dysfunction. Therapeutic intervention of this receptor has been available in the oncology setting. Targeting EGFR might also hold a therapeutic potential for DKD. Here we review the functional role of EGFR in the development of DKD, mechanisms involved and the perspective about use of EGFR inhibitors as a treatment for DKD.

Associations between the concentrations of CD68, TGF-β1, renal injury index and prognosis in glomerular diseases

The present study aimed to investigate the association between the concentrations of CD68, TGF-β1, renal injury index and prognosis in glomerular diseases. Altogether 218 patients with glomerular diseases admitted to Weifang People's Hospital from January, 2014 to March, 2017 were used as the study group. A total of 100 healthy individuals who visited Weifang People's Hospital for a physical examination during the same time period were used as the control group. The levels of CD68 in peripheral blood obtained from the 2 groups of subjects were detected by flow cytometry, and the expression of TGF-β1 in serum was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The concentrations of CD68 and TGF-β1 between the 2 groups were compared. The correlation between the concentrations of CD68, TGF-β1 and renal injury indexes in the study group was analyzed, as well as prognostic significance. The diagnostic value of CD68 and TGF-β1 in patients with glomerular disease was analyzed using a ROC curve, and the recovery of the patients was observed. The serum concentrations of CD68 and TGF-β1 in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The concentrations of CD68 and TGF-β1 in the study group positively correlated with the renal injury indexes, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), uric acid (UA) and the 24-h urinary protein quantity (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis revealed that the area under the curve of CD68 and TGF-β1 as regards the diagnostic value in patients with glomerular disease was 0.808 and 0.738, respectively, while the area under the combined detection curve was 0.866. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression analysis revealed that the clinical classification and the concentrations of CD68 and TGF-β1 were independent prognostic factors in the study group. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that clinical classification, and the CD68 and TGF-β1 concentrations are independent prognostic factors for patients with glomerular disease. CD68 and TGF-β1 have certain value in the diagnosis of glomerular diseases, and may thus be used as predictors of the diagnosis and recovery of glomerular disease.

YAP/TAZ affects the development of pulmonary fibrosis by regulating multiple signaling pathways

YAP and TAZ are important co-activators of various biological processes in human body. YAP/TAZ plays a vital role in the development of pulmonary fibrosis. Dysregulation of the YAP/TAZ signaling pathway is one of the most important causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, considering its crucial role, summary of the signal mechanism of YAP/TAZ is of certain guiding significance for the research of YAP/TAZ as a therapeutic target. The present review provided a detailed introduction to various YAP/TAZ-related signaling pathways and clarified the specific role of YAP/TAZ in these pathways. In the meantime, we summarized and evaluated possible applications of YAP/TAZ in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Overall, our study is of guiding significance for future research on the functional mechanism of YAP/TAZ underlying lung diseases as well as for identification of novel therapeutic targets specific to pulmonary fibrosis.

Potential targeted therapy and diagnosis based on novel insight into growth factors, receptors, and downstream effectors in acute kidney injury and acute kidney injury-chronic kidney disease progression

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined as a rapid decline in renal function and is characterized by excessive renal inflammation and programmed death of resident cells. AKI shows high morbidity and mortality, and severe or repeated AKI can transition to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or even end-stage renal disease (ESRD); however, very few effective and specific therapies are available, except for supportive treatment. Growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are significantly altered in AKI models and have been suggested to play critical roles in the repair process of AKI because of their roles in cell regeneration and renal repair. In recent years, a series of studies have shown evidence that growth factors, receptors, and downstream effectors may be highly involved in the mechanism of AKI and may function in the early stage of AKI in response to stimuli by regulating inflammation and programmed cell death. Moreover, certain growth factors or correlated proteins act as biomarkers for AKI due to their sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, growth factors originating from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via paracrine signaling or extracellular vesicles recruit leukocytes or repair intrinsic cells and may participate in AKI repair or the AKI-CKD transition. In addition, growth factor-modified MSCs show superior therapeutic potential compared to that of unmodified controls. In this review, we summarized the current therapeutic and diagnostic strategies targeting growth factors to treat AKI in clinical trials. We also evaluated the possibilities of other growth factor-correlated molecules as therapeutic targets in the treatment of AKI and the AKI-CKD transition.

Mechanisms of the Multitasking Endothelial Protein NRG-1 as a Compensatory Factor During Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure is a complex syndrome whose phenotypic presentation and disease progression depends on a complex network of adaptive and maladaptive responses. One of these responses is the endothelial release of NRG (neuregulin)-1—a paracrine growth factor activating ErbB2 (erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog B2), ErbB3, and ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinases on various targets cells. NRG-1 features a multitasking profile tuning regenerative, inflammatory, fibrotic, and metabolic processes. Here, we review the activities of NRG-1 on different cell types and organs and their implication for heart failure progression and its comorbidities. Although, in general, effects of NRG-1 in heart failure are compensatory and beneficial, translation into therapies remains unaccomplished both because of the complexity of the underlying pathways and because of the challenges in the development of therapeutics (proteins, peptides, small molecules, and RNA-based therapies) for tyrosine kinase receptors. Here, we give an overview of the complexity to be faced and how it may be tackled.

ErbB4 deletion predisposes to development of metabolic syndrome in mice

ErbB4, a member of the EGF receptor family, plays a variety of roles in physiological and pathological states. Genetic studies have indicated a link between ErbB4 and type 2 diabetes and obesity, but its role in metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not been reported. In the current study we found that mice with ErbB4 deletion developed MetS after 24 wk on a medium-fat diet (MFD), as indicated by development of obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance, compared with wild-type mice. ErbB4 deletion mice also exhibited increased amounts of subcutaneous and visceral fat, with increased serum leptin levels, compared with wild-type mice, whereas levels of adiponectin were not significantly different. Histologically, severe inflammation, indicated by F4/80 immunostaining and M1 macrophage polarization, was detected in inguinal and epididymal white adipose tissue in ErbB4 deletion mice. ErbB4 expression decreased during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Administration of neuroregulin 4, a specific ligand for ErbB4, to 3T3-L1 adipocytes had no effect on adipogenesis and lipolysis but significantly inhibited lipogenesis, promoted browning, induced GLUT4 redistribution to the cell membrane, and increased glucose uptake. Neuroregulin 4 also significantly increased glucose uptake in adipocytes isolated from wild-type mice, while these effects were significantly decreased in adipocytes isolated from ErbB4 deletion mice. In conclusion, our results indicate that ErbB4 may play an important role in glucose homeostasis and lipogenesis. ErbB4 deficiency-related obesity and adipose tissue inflammation may contribute to the development of MetS.

Inflammation and kidney injury attenuated by prior intake of Brazil nuts in the process of ischemia and reperfusion

Introduction:

Ischemia and reperfusion (IR) is a process inherent to the procedures involved in the transplantation of organs that causes inflammation, cell death and cell injury, and may lead to rejection of the graft. It is possible that the anti-inflammatory properties of the Brazil nuts (BN) can mitigate the renal injury caused by IR.

Objective:

To investigate whether the previous intake of BN reduces the expression of markers of inflammation, injury, and cell death after renal IR.

Methods:

Male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups (N = 6/group): SHAM (control), SHAM treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN, IR, and IR treated with 75 or 150 mg of BN. The IR procedure consisted of right nephrectomy and occlusion of the left renal artery with a non-traumatic vascular clamp for 30 min. BN was given daily from day 1 to 7 before surgery (SHAM or IR), and maintained until sacrifice (48 h after surgery). Inflammation was evaluated by renal expression of COX-2 and TGF-β, injury by the expression of vimentin, and cell death by apoptosis through caspase-3 expression (immunohistochemistry).

Results:

Pretreatment with 75 mg of BN reduced renal expression of the COX-2, TGF-β, vimentin, and caspase-3. The dose of 150 mg caused increased expression of COX-2.

Conclusion:

In experimental IR, the damage can be minimized with a prior low-dose intake of BN, improving inflammation, injury, and cell death.

Specific Inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) Attenuates Fibrosis, Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction Kidneys by Inhibition of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β)/Smad3 Signaling

Background

Fibrosis is the common pathological feature in most kinds of chronic kidney disease (CKD). TGF-β/Smads signaling is the master pathway regulating kidney fibrosis pathogenesis, in which Smad3 acts as the integrator of various pro-fibrosis signals. In this study, we analyzed the role of SIS3, a specific inhibitor of Smad3, in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidneys.

Material/Methods

UUO mice were intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 mg/kg/day or 2 mg/kg/day of SIS3 or control saline for 7 days, followed by analysis of structure injury, fibrosis status, inflammation, apoptosis, and TGF-β/Smads signaling activity.

Results

Our results indicated that SIS3 treatment dosage-dependently relieved the gross structure injury and tubular necrosis in UUO kidneys. Masson staining, immunohistochemistry, and real-time PCR showed significantly decreased extracellular matrix deposition, fibronectin staining intensity, and RNA levels of collagen I and collagen III in SIS3-treated UUO kidneys. SIS3 treatment also suppressed the activation of myofibroblasts, as evidenced by decreased expression levels of α-SMA and vimentin in UUO kidneys. The TGF-β/Smads signaling activity analysis showed that SIS3 inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3 but not Smad2 and decreased the protein level of TGF-β1, suggesting specific inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway in UUO kidneys. Furthermore, SIS3 treatment also ameliorated the increased pro-inflammatory TNF-α and COX2 in UUO kidneys and circulating IL-1β in UUO mice, and inhibited caspase-3 activity and the number of apoptotic cells.

Conclusions

SIS3 ameliorated fibrosis, apoptosis, and inflammation through inhibition of TGF-β/Smad3 signaling in UUO mouse kidneys.