Schisandrin A from Schisandra chinensis Attenuates Ferroptosis and NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy through Mitochondrial Damage by AdipoR1 Ubiquitination

Chicoric acid advanced PAQR3 ubiquitination to ameliorate ferroptosis in diabetes nephropathy through the relieving of the interaction between PAQR3 and P110α pathway

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the impact of CA on DN and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms of inflammation.

METHODS

We fed C57BL/6 mice injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. In addition, we stimulated NRK-52E cells with 20 mmol/L d-glucose to mimic the diabetic condition.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrated that CA effectively reduced blood glucose levels, and improved DN in mice models. Additionally, CA reduced kidney injury and inflammation in both mice models and in vitro models. CA decreased high glucose-induced ferroptosis of NRK-52E cells by inducing GSH/GPX4 axis. Conversely, the ferroptosis activator or the PI3K inhibitor reversed positive effects of CA on DN in both mice and in vitro models. CA suppressed PAQR3 expression in DN models to promote PI3K/AKT activity. The PAQR3 activator reduced the positive effects of CA on DN in vitro models. Moreover, CA directly targeted the PAQR3 protein to enhance the ubiquitination of the PAQR3 protein.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our study has uncovered that CA promotes the ubiquitination of PAQR3, leading to the attenuation of ferroptosis in DN. This effect is achieved through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways by disrupting the interaction between PAQR3 and the P110α pathway. These findings highlight the potential of CA as a viable therapeutic option for the prevention of DN and other forms of diabetes.

Targeting ferroptosis as a prospective therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, causing a substantive threat to the public, which receives global concern. However, there are limited drugs targeting the treatment of DN. Owing to this, it is highly crucial to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of DN. The process of ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death (RCD) involving the presence of iron, distinct from autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. A primary mechanism of ferroptosis is associated with iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the accumulation of ROS. Recently, many studies testified to the significance of ferroptosis in kidney tissue under diabetic conditions and explored the drugs targeting ferroptosis in DN therapy. Our review summarized the most current studies between ferroptosis and DN, along with investigating the significant processes of ferroptosis in different kidney cells, providing a novel target treatment option for DN.

Regulation and targeting of SREBP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing burden on global public health and is associated with enhanced lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and lipid metabolic reprogramming. De novo lipogenesis is under the control of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and essentially contributes to HCC progression. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of SREBP-1 isoforms in HCC based on cellular, animal, and clinical data. Specifically, we (i) address the overarching mechanisms for regulating SREBP-1 transcription, proteolytic processing, nuclear stability, and transactivation and (ii) critically discuss their impact on HCC, taking into account (iii) insights from pharmacological approaches. Emphasis is placed on cross-talk with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase A (PKA), and other kinases that directly phosphorylate SREBP-1; transcription factors, such as liver X receptor (LXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1 (PGC-1), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), and Myc; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational modifications of SREBP-1; and SREBP-1-regulatory metabolites such as oxysterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. By carefully scrutinizing the role of SREBP-1 in HCC development, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, we shed light on the potential of SREBP-1-targeting strategies in HCC prevention and treatment.

Schisandrin A Alleviates Spatial Learning and Memory Impairment in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response and Through Modulation of the PI3K/AKT Pathway

Clinical and epidemiological research shows that people with diabetes mellitus frequently experience diabetic cognitive impairment. Schisandrin A (SchA), one of the lignans found in the dried fruit of Schisandra chinensis, has a variety of pharmacological effects on immune system control, apoptosis suppression, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation. The goal of the current investigation was to clarify the probable neuro-protective effects of SchA against streptozotocin-induced diabetes deficiencies of the spatial learning and memory in rats. The outcomes show that SchA therapy effectively improved impaired glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose level and serum insulin level in diabetic rats. Additionally, in the Morris water maze test, diabetic rats showed deficits in spatial learning and memory that were ameliorated by SchA treatment. Moreover, giving diabetic rats SchA reduced damage to the hippocampus structure and increased the production of synaptic proteins. Further research revealed that SchA therapy reduced diabetic-induced hippocampus neuron damage and the generation of Aβ, as demonstrated by the upregulated phosphorylation levels of insulin signaling pathway connected proteins and by the decreased expression levels of inflammatory-related factors. Collectively, these results suggested that SchA could improve diabetes-related impairments in spatial learning and memory, presumably by reducing inflammatory responses and regulating the insulin signaling system.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A induced ferroptosis of Osteosarcoma cancer cells by HIF-1α/HK2 and SLC7A11 pathway

Osteosarcoma is a very serious primary bone cancer with a high death rate and a dismal prognosis. Since there is no permanent therapy for this condition, it is necessary to develop a cure. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to assess the impacts and biological functions of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HYSA) in osteosarcoma cell lines (MG63). In this investigational study, MG63 cells were utilized. Microarray experiments, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescent staining, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), glucose consumption, lactate production, and ATP levels, proliferation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EDU) staining, and Western blot were performed. In MG63 cells, HYSA lowered cell proliferation and metastasis rates, suppressed EDU cell number, and enhanced caspase-3/9 activity levels. HYSA reduced the Warburg effect and induced ferroptosis (FPT) in MG63 cells. Inhibiting ferroptosis diminished HYSA's anti-cancer activities in MG63 cells. The stimulation of the HIF-1α/SLC7A11 pathway decreased HYSA's anti-cancer activities in MG63 cells. HIF-1α is one target spot for HYSA in a model of osteosarcoma cancer (OC). HYSA altered HIF-1α's thermophoretic activity; following binding with HYSA, HIF-1α's melting point increased from ~55°C to ~60°C. HYSA significantly enhanced the thermal stability of exogenous WT HIF-1α while not affecting Mut HIF-1α, suggesting that ARG-311, GLY-312, GLN-347, and GLN-387 may be involved in the interaction between HIF-1α and HYSA. Conclusively, our study revealed that HYSA induced FPT and reduced the Warburg effect of OC through mitochondrial damage by HIF-1α/HK2/SLC7A11 pathway. HYSA is a possible therapeutic option for OC or other cancers.

Autophagy, Pyroptosis and Ferroptosis are Rising Stars in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common microvascular complications in diabetes and can potentially develop into end-stage renal disease. Its pathogenesis is complex and not fully understood. Podocytes, glomerular endothelial cells (GECs), glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) play important roles in the normal function of glomerulus and renal tubules, and their injury is involved in the progression of DN. Although our understanding of the mechanisms leading to DN has substantially improved, we still need to find more effective therapeutic targets. Autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis are programmed cell death processes that are associated with inflammation and are closely related to a variety of diseases. Recently, a growing number of studies have reported that autophagy, pyroptosis and ferroptosis regulate the function of podocytes, GECs, GMCs and TECs. This review highlights the contributions of autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis to DN injury in these cells, offering potential therapeutic targets for DN treatment.

The research trends of ferroptosis in diabetes: a bibliometric analysis

Objective

Exploring the mechanism of ferroptosis as a potential avenue for investigating the pathogenesis and therapeutic outlook of diabetes mellitus and its complications has emerged as a focal point within recent years. Herein, we employ a bibliometric approach to delineate the current landscape of ferroptosis research in the context of diabetes mellitus. Our objective is to furnish insights and scholarly references conducive to the advancement of comprehensive investigations and innovations in related domains.

Methods

We included studies on ferroptosis in diabetes, obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection. All publications were transported in plaintext full-record format and were analyzed by CiteSpace 6.2.R4 for bibliometric analysis.

Results

Four hundred and forty-eight records that met the criteria were included. The publications released during the initial 3 years were relatively small, while there was a sudden surge of publications published in 2022 and 2023. Representing 41 countries and 173 institutions, China and Wuhan University led the research on ferroptosis in diabetes. The author with the highest number of published papers is Zhongming Wu, while Dixon SJ is the most frequently cited author. The journal with the highest number of co-citations is Cell. The most common keywords include oxidative stress, cell death, lipid peroxidation, and metabolism. Extracted keywords predominantly focus on NLRP3 inflammatory, diabetic kidney disease, mitochondria, iron overload, and cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion

The escalating recognition of ferroptosis as a potential therapeutic target for deciphering the intricate mechanisms underlying diabetes and its complications is underscored by a noteworthy surge in relevant research publications. This surge has catapulted ferroptosis into the spotlight as a burgeoning and vibrant research focus within the field.

Comprehensive review of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the Schisandra genus: anticancer potential, mechanistic insights and future prospects in oncology

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The search for novel and effective anticancer agents has been a significant area of research. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans (DBCLS), derived from the Schisandra genus plants like: S. chinensis, S. sphenanthera, S. henryi, S. rubriflora, S. grandiflora, S. propinqua, and S. glabra, have been traditionally used in various medicinal systems and are known for their myriad health benefits, including anticancer properties. This comprehensive review aimed to collate and critically analyse the recent literature on the anticancer properties of DBCLS, focusing on their mechanistic approaches against different cancer types. An exhaustive literature search was performed using databases like PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, TRIP database and Google Scholar from 1980 to 2023. Peer-reviewed articles that elucidated the mechanistic approach of these lignans on cancer cell lines, in vivo models and preliminary clinical studies were included. Studies were assessed for their experimental designs, cancer types studied, and the mechanistic insights provided. The studies demonstrate that the anticancer effects of DBCLS compounds are primarily driven by their ability to trigger apoptosis, arrest the cell cycle, induce oxidative stress, modulate autophagy, and disrupt essential signaling pathways, notably MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. Additionally, these lignans have been shown to amplify the impact of traditional chemotherapy treatments, suggesting their potential role as supportive adjuncts in cancer therapy. Notably, several studies also emphasise their capacity to target cancer stem cells and mitigate multi-drug resistance specifically. DBCLS from the Schisandra genus have showcased significant potential as anticancer agents. Their multi-targeted mechanistic approach makes them promising candidates for further research, potentially leading to developing of new therapeutic strategies in cancer management.

Phillygenin Alleviates Arthritis through the Inhibition of the NLRP3 Inflammasome and Ferroptosis by AMPK

We investigated the potential arthritis-inducing effects of Phillygenin and its underlying mechanisms. RAW264.7 cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation. Phillygenin was found to reduce arthritis score, histopathological changes, paw edema, spleen index, and ALP levels in a dose-dependent manner in a model of arthritis. Additionally, Phillygenin was able to decrease levels of inflammation markers in serum samples of mice with arthritis and also inhibited inflammation markers in the cell supernatant of an in vitro model of arthritis. Phillygenin increased cell viability and JC-1 disaggregation, enhanced calcien-AM/CoCl2, reduced LDH activity levels and IL-1a levels, and inhibited Calcein/PI levels and iron concentration in an in vitro model. Phillygenin was also found to reduce ROS-induced oxidative stress and Ferroptosis, and suppress the NLRP3 inflammasome in both in vivo and in vitro models through AMPK. In the in vivo model, Phillygenin was observed to interact with AMPK protein. These findings suggest that Phillygenin may be a potential therapeutic target for preventing arthritis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome and Ferroptosis through AMPK. This indicates that Phillygenin could have disease-modifying effects on arthritis.

Down-Regulation of CPEB4 Alleviates Preeclampsia through the Inhibition of Ferroptosis by PFKFB3

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicated with preeclampsia can lead to polyhydramnios, ketosis. Herein, we explored that CPEB4 in cancer progression of preeclampsia and its underlying mechanism. All the serum samples were collected from patients with preeclampsia. These was the induction of CPEB4 in patients with preeclampsia. The serum of CPEB4 mRNA expression was positive correlation with Proteinuria, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in patients. The serum of CPEB4 mRNA expression was also negative correlation with body weight of infant in patients. The serum of CPEB4 mRNA expression also was negative correlation with GPX4 level and GSH activity level in patients. The serum of CPEB4 mRNA expression was positive correlation with iron content in patients. CPEB4 gene inhibited trophoblast cell proliferation. CPEB4 gene promoted trophoblast cell ferroptosis by mitochondrial damage. CPEB4 gene induced PFKFB3 expression by the inhibition of PFKFB3 Ubiquitination. PFKFB3 inhibitor reduced the effects of CPEB4 on cell proliferation and ferroptosis of trophoblast cell. Taken together, the CPEB4 promoted trophoblast cell ferroptosis through mitochondrial damage by the induction of PFKFB3 expression, CPEB4 as an represents a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of preeclampsia or various types of GDM.

Targeting epigenetic and posttranslational modifications regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of diseases

Ferroptosis, a unique modality of cell death with mechanistic and morphological differences from other cell death modes, plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis and offers a new opportunity for modulating anticancer drug resistance. Aberrant epigenetic modifications and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) promote anticancer drug resistance, cancer progression, and metastasis. Accumulating studies indicate that epigenetic modifications can transcriptionally and translationally determine cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis and that ferroptosis functions as a driver in nervous system diseases (NSDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases. In this review, we first summarize the core molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then, the roles of epigenetic processes, including histone PTMs, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA regulation and PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, are concisely discussed. The roles of epigenetic modifications and PTMs in ferroptosis regulation in the genesis of diseases, including cancers, NSD, CVDs, liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases, as well as the application of epigenetic and PTM modulators in the therapy of these diseases, are then discussed in detail. Elucidating the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation mediated by epigenetic modifications and PTMs in cancer and other diseases will facilitate the development of promising combination therapeutic regimens containing epigenetic or PTM-targeting agents and ferroptosis inducers that can be used to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer and could be used to prevent other diseases. In addition, these mechanisms highlight potential therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in cancer or halt the genesis of other diseases.

Emerging significance and therapeutic targets of ferroptosis: a potential avenue for human kidney diseases

Kidney diseases remain one of the leading causes of human death and have placed a heavy burden on the medical system. Regulated cell death contributes to the pathology of a plethora of renal diseases. Recently, with in-depth studies into kidney diseases and cell death, a new iron-dependent cell death modality, known as ferroptosis, has been identified and has attracted considerable attention among researchers in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases and therapeutics to treat them. The majority of studies suggest that ferroptosis plays an important role in the pathologies of multiple kidney diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease, and renal cell carcinoma. In this review, we summarize recently identified regulatory molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, discuss ferroptosis pathways and mechanisms of action in various kidney diseases, and describe the protective effect of ferroptosis inhibitors against kidney diseases, especially AKI. By summarizing the prominent roles of ferroptosis in different kidney diseases and the progress made in studying ferroptosis, we provide new directions and strategies for future research on kidney diseases. In summary, ferroptotic factors are potential targets for therapeutic intervention to alleviate different kidney diseases, and targeting them may lead to new treatments for patients with kidney diseases.

Integrated 16S rRNA sequencing and nontargeted metabolomics analysis to reveal the mechanisms of Yu-Ye Tang on type 2 diabetes mellitus rats

Introduction

Yu-Ye Tang (YYT) is a classical formula widely used in treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the specific mechanism of YYT in treating T2DM is not clear.

Methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of YYT on T2DM by establishing a rat model of T2DM. The mechanism of action of YYT was also explored through investigating gut microbiota and serum metabolites.

Results

The results indicated YYT had significant therapeutic effects on T2DM. Moreover, YYT could increase the abundance of Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, UCG-005, Bacteroides and Blautia while decrease the abundance of and Allobaculum and Desulfovibrio in gut microbiota of T2DM rats. Nontargeted metabolomics analysis showed YYT treatment could regulate arachidonic acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, phenylalanine metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, terpenoid backbone biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, and tyrosine metabolism in T2DM rats.

Discussion

In conclusion, our research showed that YYT has a wide range of therapeutic effects on T2DM rats, including antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, YYT corrected the altered gut microbiota and serum metabolites in T2DM rats. This study suggests that YYT may have a therapeutic impact on T2DM by regulating gut microbiota and modulating tryptophan and glycerophospholipid metabolism, which are potential key pathways in treating T2DM.

The function of Foxp1 represses β-adrenergic receptor transcription in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer through STAT3 activity

Bladder cancer is a common malignant tumor. FOXP1 has been found to be abnormally expressed in tumors such as renal cell carcinoma and endometrial cancer. Here, this investigated the biological roles of Foxp1 in the occurrence and development of bladder cancer. Patients with bladder cancer were obtained from China-Japan Friendship Hospital. Bladder cancer cell lines (5637, UMUC3, J82, and T24 cell) were used in this experiment. Foxp1 mRNA and protein expression levels in patients with bladder cancer were increased, compared with paracancerous tissue (normal). OS and DFS of Foxp1 low expression in patients with bladder cancer were higher than those of Foxp1 high expression. Foxp1 promoted bladder cancer cell growth in vitro model. Foxp1 increased the Warburg effect of bladder cancer. Foxp1 suppressed β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) expression in vitro model. ChIP-seq showed that Foxp1 binding site (E1, TTATTTAT) was detected at -2,251 bp upstream of the β-AR promoter. β-AR Reduced the effects of Foxp1 on cell growth in vitro model. β-AR reduced the effects of Foxp1 on the Warburg effect in vitro model by STAT3 activity. Taken together, our findings reveal that Foxp1 promoted the occurrence and development of bladder cancer through the Warburg effect by the activation of STAT3 activity and repressing β-AR transcription, and which might serve as an important clue for its targeting and treatment of bladder cancer.

HP1 induces ferroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells through NRF2 pathway in diabetic nephropathy

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ferroptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the mechanism of its regulatory genes. HK-2 cells were cultured with high glucose and mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to establish DN models. GSE111154 was analyzed to identify the abnormal expression of genes associated with DN. Cell injury was evaluated through CCK-8 assay and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole/phenylindole double staining. The levels of iron, glutathione, malondialdehyde, urinary albumin, and urinary creatinine were determined by ELISA. Furthermore, western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect protein and mRNA levels, respectively. Our data showed that heterochromatin protein 1 is an abnormally elevated gene related to DN and is further elevated by ferroptosis activators. Inhibition of HP1 significantly inhibited ferroptosis but promoted cell viability. In addition, nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor2 (NRF2) was decreased in DN cell model, but increased under the action of ferroptosis activators. NRF2 silencing reversed the protective effects of HP1 inhibition on HK-2 cells. Additionally, HP1 silencing also alleviated kidney damage in DN mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that inhibiting HP1 inhibits ferroptosis via NRF2 pathway, thereby protecting renal tubular epithelial cells from damage.

Application of multiple machine learning approaches to determine key pyroptosis molecules in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective

Pyroptosis, a lytic and inflammatory programmed cell death, has been implicated in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications. Nonetheless, it remains elusive exactly which pyroptosis molecule exerts an essential role in T2DM, and this study aims to solve such issue.

Methods

Transcriptional profiling datasets of T2DM, i.e., GSE20966, GSE95849, and GSE26168, were acquired. Four machine learning models, namely, random forest, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting, and generalized linear modeling, were built based on pyroptosis genes. A nomogram of key pyroptosis genes was also generated, and the clinical value was appraised via calibration curves and decision curve analysis. Immune infiltration was inferred utilizing CIBERSORT. Drug-druggable target relationships were acquired from the Drug Gene Interaction Database. Through WGCNA, key pyroptosis-relevant genes were selected.

Results

Most pyroptosis genes exhibited upregulation in T2DM relative to controls, indicating the activity of pyroptosis in T2DM. The SVM model composed of BAK1, CHMP2B, NLRP6, PLCG1, and TIRAP exhibited the best performance in T2DM diagnosis, with AUC = 1. The nomogram can predict the risk of T2DM for clinical practice. NK cells resting exhibited a lower abundance in T2DM versus normal specimens, with a higher abundance of neutrophils. NLRP6 was positively linked with neutrophils. Drugs (keracyanin, 9,10-phenanthrenequinone, diclofenac, phosphomethylphosphonic acid adenosyl ester, acetaminophen, cefixime, aspirin, ustekinumab) potentially targeted the key pyroptosis genes. Additionally, CHMP2B-relevant genes were determined.

Conclusion

Altogether, this work proposes the key pyroptosis genes in T2DM, which might become possible molecules for the management and treatment of T2DM and its complications.

Broadening horizons: the multifaceted functions of ferroptosis in kidney diseases

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent programmed cell death pattern that is characterized by iron overload, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Growing viewpoints support that the imbalance of iron homeostasis and the disturbance of lipid metabolism contribute to tissue or organ injury in various kidney diseases by triggering ferroptosis. At present, the key regulators and complicated network mechanisms associated with ferroptosis have been deeply studied; however, its role in the initiation and progression of kidney diseases has not been fully revealed. Herein, we aim to discuss the features, key regulators and complicated network mechanisms associated with ferroptosis, explore the emerging roles of organelles in ferroptosis, gather its pharmacological progress, and systematically summarize the most recent discoveries about the crosstalk between ferroptosis and kidney diseases, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), renal fibrosis, lupus nephritis (LN) and IgA nephropathy. We further conclude the potential therapeutic strategies by targeting ferroptosis for the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases and hope that this work will provide insight for the further study of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of kidney-related diseases.

Ferroptosis: a new strategy for Chinese herbal medicine treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a serious microvascular complication of diabetes. It has become a leading cause of death in patients with diabetes and end-stage renal disease. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered pattern of programmed cell death. Its main manifestation is the excessive accumulation of intracellular iron ion-dependent lipid peroxides. Recent studies have shown that ferroptosis is an important driving factor in the onset and development of DN. Ferroptosis is closely associated with renal intrinsic cell (including renal tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, and mesangial cells) damage in diabetes. Chinese herbal medicine is widely used in the treatment of DN, with a long history and definite curative effect. Accumulating evidence suggests that Chinese herbal medicine can modulate ferroptosis in renal intrinsic cells and show great potential for improving DN. In this review, we outline the key regulators and pathways of ferroptosis in DN and summarize the herbs, mainly monomers and extracts, that target the inhibition of ferroptosis.

Emerging Role of Ferroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), and has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Although the exact pathogenic mechanism of DKD is still unclear, programmed cell death has been demonstrated to participate in the occurrence and development of diabetic kidney injury, including ferroptosis. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, has been identified to play a vital role in the development and therapeutic responses of a variety of kidney diseases, such as acute kidney injury (AKI), renal cell carcinoma and DKD. In the past two years, ferroptosis has been well investigated in DKD patients and animal models, but the specific mechanisms and therapeutic effects have not been fully revealed. Herein, we reviewed the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis, summarized the recent findings associated with the involvement of ferroptosis in DKD, and discussed the potential of ferroptosis as a promising target for DKD treatment, thereby providing a valuable reference for basic study and clinical therapy of DKD.

Natural products in attenuating renal inflammation via inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a prevalent and severe complications of diabetes and serves as the primary cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) globally. Increasing evidence indicates that renal inflammation is critical in the pathogenesis of DKD. The nucleotide - binding oligomerization domain (NOD) - like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is the most extensively researched inflammasome complex and is considered a crucial regulator in the pathogenesis of DKD. The activation of NLRP3 inflammasome is regulated by various signaling pathways, including NF- κB, thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), among others. Natural products are chemicals extracted from living organisms in nature, and they typically possess pharmacological and biological activities. They are invaluable sources for drug design and development. Research has demonstrated that many natural products can alleviate DKD by targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we highlight the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in DKD, and the pathways by which natural products fight against DKD via inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome activation, so as to provide novel insights for the treatment of DKD.

Therapeutic interventions target the NLRP3 inflammasome in ulcerative colitis: Comprehensive study

One of the significant health issues in the world is the prevalence of ulcerative colitis (UC). UC is a chronic disorder that mainly affects the colon, beginning with the rectum, and can progress from asymptomatic mild inflammation to extensive inflammation of the entire colon. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of UC pathogenesis emphasizes the need for innovative therapeutic approaches based on identifying molecular targets. Interestingly, in response to cellular injury, the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a crucial part of the inflammation and immunological reaction by promoting caspase-1 activation and the release of interleukin-1β. This review discusses the mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by various signals and its regulation and impact on UC.

The inhibition of ORMDL3 prevents Alzheimer's disease through ferroptosis by PERK/ATF4/HSPA5 pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease with high incidence and widespread attention. There is currently no clear clarification of the pathogenesis. However, ORMDL3 causes ferroptosis in AD, and the potential mechanisms remain unclear. So, this study explore the function of ORMDL3 on ferroptosis in AD and its potential regulatory mechanisms. APPswe/PS1dE9 mice and C57BL/6 mice were induced into the mice model. The murine microglial BV-2 cells also were induced into the vitro model. In serum samples of AD patients, ORMDL3 mRNA expression levels were upregulated. The serum ORMDL3 levels expression was positively related to the ADL score or MoCA score in AD patients. The serum ORMDL3 expression level was positively related to MMSE score or Hcy levels in AD patients. The mRNA expression of ORMDL3 in the hippocampal tissue of the mice model of AD was upregulated at one, four and eight months. The protein expression of ORMDL3 was upregulated in the mice model of AD. ORMDL3 promoted Alzheimer's disease, and increased oxidative response and ferroptosis in a model of AD. PERK/ATF4/HSPA5 pathway is one important signal pathway for the effects of ORMDL3 in a model of AD. Collectively, these data suggested that ORMDL3 promoted oxidative response and ferroptosis in a model of AD by the PERK/ATF4/HSPA5 pathway, which might be a novel target spot mechanism of ferroptosis in AD and may serve as a regulator of AD-induced ferroptosis.