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Yun QS, Bao YX, Jiang JB, Guo Q. Mechanisms of norcantharidin against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:263-272. [PMID: 38472637 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00578-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RTIF) is a common feature and inevitable consequence of all progressive chronic kidney diseases, leading to end-stage renal failure regardless of the initial cause. Although research over the past few decades has greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RTIF, until now there has been no specific treatment available that can halt the progression of RTIF. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated analogue of cantharidin, a natural compound isolated from 1500 species of medicinal insect, the blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Many studies have found that NCTD can attenuate RTIF and has the potential to be an anti-RTIF drug. This article reviews the recent progress of NCTD in the treatment of RTIF, with emphasis on the pharmacological mechanism of NCTD against RTIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Su Yun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou and the 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Xin Bao
- Research Center for Medicine and Biology, Zunyi Medical University, 6 West Xuefu Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jie-Bing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 881 Yonghe Road, Nantong, 226001 , Jiangsu, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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Mally A, Jarzina S. Mapping Adverse Outcome Pathways for Kidney Injury as a Basis for the Development of Mechanism-Based Animal-Sparing Approaches to Assessment of Nephrotoxicity. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2022; 4:863643. [PMID: 35785263 PMCID: PMC9242087 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2022.863643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In line with recent OECD activities on the use of AOPs in developing Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATAs), it is expected that systematic mapping of AOPs leading to systemic toxicity may provide a mechanistic framework for the development and implementation of mechanism-based in vitro endpoints. These may form part of an integrated testing strategy to reduce the need for repeated dose toxicity studies. Focusing on kidney and in particular the proximal tubule epithelium as a key target site of chemical-induced injury, the overall aim of this work is to contribute to building a network of AOPs leading to nephrotoxicity. Current mechanistic understanding of kidney injury initiated by 1) inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (mtDNA Polγ), 2) receptor mediated endocytosis and lysosomal overload, and 3) covalent protein binding, which all present fairly well established, common mechanisms by which certain chemicals or drugs may cause nephrotoxicity, is presented and systematically captured in a formal description of AOPs in line with the OECD AOP development programme and in accordance with the harmonized terminology provided by the Collaborative Adverse Outcome Pathway Wiki. The relative level of confidence in the established AOPs is assessed based on evolved Bradford-Hill weight of evidence considerations of biological plausibility, essentiality and empirical support (temporal and dose-response concordance).
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Du LJ, Feng YX, He ZX, Huang L, Wang Q, Wen CP, Zhang Y. Norcantharidin ameliorates the development of murine lupus via inhibiting the generation of IL-17 producing cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1521-1533. [PMID: 34552214 PMCID: PMC9159996 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00773-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disorder associated with severe organ damage. The abnormality of T cell apoptosis is considered as an important pathogenetic mechanism of SLE. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of Cantharidin, is an efficacious anti-cancer drug by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing cell apoptosis. Besides, NCTD has also been proved to protect the function of kidneys, while damaged renal function is the most important predictor of morbidity and mortality in SLE. All these suggest the potential effects of NCTD in SLE treatment. In this study we investigated whether NCTD exerted therapeutic effects in a mouse SLE model. Lupus prone female MRL/lpr mice were treated with NCTD (1, 2 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 8 weeks. We showed that NCTD administration significantly decreased mortality rate, diminished the expression of anti-dsDNA IgG antibody, a diagnostic marker for SLE, as well as restored renal structure and function in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, NCTD administration dose-dependently inhibited lymphoproliferation and T cell accumulation in the spleens of MRL/lpr mice. We further revealed that NCTD specifically inhibited DN T cell proliferation and Th17 cell differentiation both via blocking activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. On the other hand, NCTD did not affect T cell apoptosis in MRL/lpr mice. Taken together, our data suggest that NCTD may be as a promising therapeutic drug through targeting T cells for the treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-jun Du
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Yu-xiang Feng
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Zhi-xing He
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Lin Huang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Qiao Wang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Cheng-ping Wen
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
| | - Yun Zhang
- grid.268505.c0000 0000 8744 8924Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053 China
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Tian J, Xiao Z, Wei J, Shan Y, Zeng D, Tao Y, Fang X, Tang C, Chen X, Li Y. NCTD Prevents Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via Targeting Sp1/lncRNA Gm26669 Axis. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3118-3132. [PMID: 34421354 PMCID: PMC8375230 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.59195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In our previous study, we demonstrated that norcantharidin (NCTD) is a potential therapeutic agent for renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Recently, we found that lncRNA Gm26669 (Gm26669) contributed to the development of RIF and could be regulated by NCTD. However, the upstream mechanisms of Gm26669 and whether the anti-RIF effects of NCTD are related to its regulatory action on Gm26669 remain unclear. Our bioinformatics analysis indicated that special protein1 (Sp1), a transcription factor, may bind to the promoter of Gm26669. In the present study, we observed a significant increase in the nuclear translocation of Sp1 using both in vivo and in vitro models of RIF. Furthermore, the knockdown of Sp1 inhibited the expression of collagen type I (CoL-I) and fibronectin (Fn). Mechanistically, Sp1 promoted the expression levels of CoL-I and Fn by directly binding to the promoter of Gm26669 to elevate its expression level. Moreover, we found that NCTD alleviated RIF by inhibiting Gm26669 and the nuclear translocation of Sp1. Collectively, above results suggested that NCTD might prevent RIF via targeting the Sp1/Gm26669 axis, thus providing a new theoretical basis for the clinical application of NCTD in the treatment of RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Tian
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ju Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yi Shan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Yilin Tao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xi Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China.,Key laboratory of kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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Norcantharidin protects against renal interstitial fibrosis by suppressing TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. Life Sci 2020; 260:118488. [PMID: 32979359 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the role and mechanism of action of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), and its involvement in the anti-RIF effect of norcantharidin (NCTD). MAIN METHODS Mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction and BUMPT mouse proximal tubular cells exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used as in vivo and in vitro models of RIF, respectively. NCTD was administered to mice by intraperitoneal injection (0.075 mg kg-1·day-1). Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess pathologic changes in the kidney. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of TWEAK and the fibrotic factors fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (Col-I). The role of TWEAK in RIF and in the anti-RIF effect of NCTD was evaluated by TWEAK overexpression and neutralization with a specific antibody, and specific inhibitor of Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3 (SIS3) was used to examine the involvement of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. KEY FINDINGS TWEAK was mainly expressed in renal tubules in mice; the level was markedly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro RIF models. TWEAK overexpression in BUMPT cells increased the levels of phosphorylated Smad3, FN, and Col-I, which were reduced by treatment with SIS3. NCTD suppressed FN and Col-I expression by blocking TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE Upregulation of TWEAK contributes to RIF by promoting Smad3 phosphorylation, while NCTD inhibits this process.
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Luo H, Yin D, Xiao Z, Wen L, Liao Y, Tang C, Zeng D, Xiao H, Li Y. Anti‐renal interstitial fibrosis effect of norcantharidin is exerted through inhibition of PP2Ac‐mediated C‐terminal phosphorylation of Smad3. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:293-304. [PMID: 32896083 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Han‐wen Luo
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Dan‐dan Yin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Lu Wen
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Ying‐jun Liao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Cheng‐yuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Heng‐ting Xiao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
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7
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Protein Phosphatase 2A Inhibiting β-Catenin Phosphorylation Contributes Critically to the Anti-renal Interstitial Fibrotic Effect of Norcantharidin. Inflammation 2020; 43:878-891. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-01173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Ye K, Wei QY, Long TX, He HG, Huang YF, Xiong LJ, Lan J, Huang YY, Gong ZF, Peng XM, Wu QX. Norcantharidin Enhances High Concentrations of Fetal Bovine Serum-Induced Apoptosis in Human Mesangial Cells by Regulating the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway. Kidney Blood Press Res 2019; 44:1339-1351. [PMID: 31661692 DOI: 10.1159/000502524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on human mesangial cells (HMCs) apoptosis in vitro and further examine its molecular mechanism. METHODS HMCs were divided into 5 groups: control group, 25% fetal bovine serum (FBS)-treated group, and NCTD groups (NCTD [2.5, 5 and 10 µg/mL] + 25% FBS, respectively). Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay, while apoptosis was evaluated by Hoechest 33258 staining, the level of cytochrome c, immunohistochemistry, and apoptotic-related proteins/gene expression. RESULTS Cell viability was inhibited in NCTD-treated HMCs in a dose-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic cells and the content of cytochrome c were significantly increased by NCTD treatment but that of mitochondrial membrane was decreased. Moreover, the expression of bcl-2 and caspase-3 was prompted by NCTD, but the expression of bax, MMP-2, and MMP-9 in 25% FBS-treated HMCs was inhibited. In addition, NCTD markedly unregulated the expression of apoptosis-related gene/protein, including p-Erk1/2, phosphorylated-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p-p38, and p53. CONCLUSION NCTD enhances 25% FBS-treated HMC apoptosis in vitro, and this effect may be attributed to the modulation of the ERK, JNK, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ye
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Qiao-Yu Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Teng-Xiang Long
- Department of Sci-Tech Novelty Retrieval, Guangxi Medical Information Institute, Qingxiu, China
| | - Hong-Guang He
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Yun-Feng Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Li-Jia Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Jiao Lan
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Yi-Yun Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Gong
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Peng
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China,
| | - Qiu-Xia Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Qingxiu, China
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Xiao H, Liao Y, Tang C, Xiao Z, Luo H, Li J, Liu H, Sun L, Zeng D, Li Y. RNA‐Seq analysis of potential lncRNAs and genes for the anti‐renal fibrotic effect of norcantharidin. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:17354-17367. [PMID: 31104327 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hengting Xiao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Yingjun Liao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Hanwen Luo
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
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Activated renal tubular Wnt/β-catenin signaling triggers renal inflammation during overload proteinuria. Kidney Int 2018; 93:1367-1383. [PMID: 29605095 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Imbalance of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal cells is associated with renal dysfunction, yet the precise mechanism is poorly understood. Previously we observed activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in renal tubules during proteinuric nephropathy with an unknown net effect. Therefore, to identify the definitive role of tubular Wnt/β-catenin, we generated a novel transgenic "Tubcat" mouse conditionally expressing stabilized β-catenin specifically in renal tubules following tamoxifen administration. Four weeks after tamoxifen injection, uninephrectomized Tubcat mice displayed proteinuria and elevated blood urea nitrogen levels compared to non-transgenic mice, implying a detrimental effect of the activated signaling. This was associated with infiltration of the tubulointerstitium predominantly by M1 macrophages and overexpression of the inflammatory chemocytokines CCL-2 and RANTES. Induction of overload proteinuria by intraperitoneal injection of low-endotoxin bovine serum albumin following uninephrectomy for four weeks aggravated proteinuria and increased blood urea nitrogen levels to a significantly greater extent in Tubcat mice. Renal dysfunction correlated with the degree of M1 macrophage infiltration in the tubulointerstitium and renal cortical up-regulation of CCL-2, IL-17A, IL-1β, CXCL1, and ICAM-1. There was overexpression of cortical TLR-4 and NLRP-3 in Tubcat mice, independent of bovine serum albumin injection. Finally, there was no fibrosis, activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition or non-canonical Wnt pathways observed in the kidneys of Tubcat mice. Thus, conditional activation of renal tubular Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a novel transgenic mouse model demonstrates that this pathway enhances intrarenal inflammation via the TLR-4/NLRP-3 inflammasome axis in overload proteinuria.
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Ye K, Wei Q, Gong Z, Huang Y, Liu H, Li Y, Peng X. Effect of norcantharidin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of human mesangial cells. Ren Fail 2017; 39:458-464. [PMID: 28393592 PMCID: PMC6014529 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2017.1308257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Norcantharidin (NCTD) regulates immune system function and reduces proteinuria. We sought to investigate the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) in vitro. METHODS HMC cells were divided into a normal control group, and various concentrations of NCTD group (2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL). Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, and morphological analysis was performed by Hoechest 33258 staining. Finally, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS NCTD dose and time dependently inhibits HMC proliferation significantly (p < .05). Apoptosis dose and time dependently increased after NCTD treatment. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that the number of cells in the G2 phase increased significantly, whereas the fraction of cells in the S phase decreased, especially 24 h after 5 μg/ml NCTD treatment. CONCLUSION NCTD inhibits HMC cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and affects the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ye
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Qiaoyu Wei
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Zhifeng Gong
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Hong Liu
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Ying Li
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
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12
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Jia Y, Sun Y, Weng L, Li Y, Zhang Q, Zhou H, Yang B. Low molecular weight fucoidan protects renal tubular cells from injury induced by albumin overload. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31759. [PMID: 27545472 PMCID: PMC4992848 DOI: 10.1038/srep31759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Albuminuria is a causative and aggravating factor for progressive renal damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to determine if low molecular weight fucoidan (LMWF) could protect renal function and tubular cells from albumin overload caused injury. Treatment with 10 mg/g bovine serum albumin caused renal dysfunction, morphological changes, and overexpression of inflammation and fibrosis associated proteins in 129S2/Sv mice. LMWF (100 mg/kg) protected against kidney injury and renal dysfunction with decreased blood creatinine by 34% and urea nitrogen by 25%, increased creatinine clearance by 48%, and decreased significantly urinary albumin concentration. In vitro proximal tubule epithelial cell (NRK-52E) model showed that LMWF dose-dependently inhibited overexpression of proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, oxidative stress and apoptosis caused by albumin overload. These experimental results indicate that LMWF protects against albumin overload caused renal injury by inhibiting inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress and apoptosis, which suggests that LMWF could be a promising candidate drug for preventing CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingli Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Lin Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Yingjie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Quanbin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Baoxue Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, and Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, 100191, P.R. China
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Ding LH, Liu D, Xu M, Wu M, Liu H, Tang RN, Ma KL, Chen PS, Liu BC. TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB pathway is involved in tubulointerstitial inflammation caused by proteinuria. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 69:114-20. [PMID: 26485683 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Proteinuria is an important risk factor for chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Several studies have suggested that proteinuria initiates tubulointerstitial inflammation, while the mechanisms have not been fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized whether the activation of the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB pathway is involved in tubulointerstitial inflammation induced by proteinuria. We observed expression of TLR2, MyD88, NF-κB, as well as TNF-α and IL-6 detected by immunohistostaining, Western blotting and real-time PCR in albumin-overloaded (AO) nephropathy rats. In vitro, we observed these markers in HK-2 cells stimulated by albumin. We used TLR2 siRNA or the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 to observe the influence of TNF-α and IL-6 expression caused by albumin overload. Finally, we studied these markers in non-IgA mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) patients with different levels of proteinuria. It was demonstrated that expression of TLR2, MyD88 and NF-κB were significantly increased in AO rats and in non-IgA MsPGN patients with high levels of proteinuria, and TNF-α and IL-6 expressions were increased after NF-κB activation. Furthermore, TNF-α and IL-6 expression was positively correlated with the level of proteinuria. Albumin-overload induced TNF-α and IL-6 secretions by the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB pathway activation, which could be attenuated by the TLR2 siRNA or BAY 11-7082 in HK-2 cells. In summary, we demonstrated that proteinuria may exhibit an endogenous danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) that induces tubulointerstitial inflammation via the TLR2-MyD88-NF-κB pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hong Ding
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Xu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Wu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ri-Ning Tang
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Kun-Ling Ma
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping-Sheng Chen
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bi-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhong Da Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Li Y, Sun Y, Liu F, Sun L, Li J, Duan S, Liu H, Peng Y, Xiao L, Liu Y, Xi Y, You Y, Li H, Wang M, Wang S, Hou T. Norcantharidin inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking the tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66356. [PMID: 23825538 PMCID: PMC3692527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to contribute to the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising agent for inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of NCTD are unclear. In this study, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model was established and treated with intraperitoneal NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day). The UUO rats treated with NCTD showed a reduction in obstruction-induced upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin in the rat kidney (P<0.05). Human renal proximal tubule cell lines (HK-2) stimulated with TGF-β1 were treated with different concentrations of NCTD. HK-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1 in vitro led to downregulation of E-cadherin and increased de novo expression of α-SMA; co-treatment with NCTD attenuated all of these changes (P<0.05). NCTD reduced TGF-β1-induced expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and downregulated the expression of Snail1 (P<0.05). These results suggest that NCTD antagonizes tubular EMT by inhibiting the Smad pathway. NCTD may play a critical role in preserving the normal epithelial phenotype and modulating tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China. mail:
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Norcantharidin inhibits proliferation and fibronectin expression of HK-2 cells induced by albumin in vitro. Cell Biol Int 2012; 35:1239-41. [PMID: 21675961 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20100850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to observe the effects of NCTD (norcantharidin) on proliferation and FN (fibronectin) expression in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) induced by albumin in vitro. HK-2 cells were divided into control group, albumin group and different concentration of NCTD intervention groups. Proliferation of HK-2 cells was determined by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide], FN protein in culture media of HK-2 cells was examined by ELISA, and FN mRNA was analysed by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-PCR). We chose less than 5.0 mg/l of NCTD as the experimental concentration for the cytotoxicity test. MTT score was higher in the albumin group than in the control group (P<0.05). As compared with that of the albumin group, MTT score and FN protein concentration decreased, FN mRNA significantly down-regulated in NCTD intervention groups respectively (P<0.05). Our study showed that NCTD could inhibit the albumin-induced cell proliferation and FN expression in HK-2 cells, which might further prove the anti-fibrotic role of NCTD in proteinuria-associated tubulointerstitial damage.
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Zhang S, Li G, Ma X, Wang Y, Liu G, Feng L, Zhao Y, Zhang G, Wu Y, Ye X, Qin B, Lu J. Norcantharidin enhances ABT-737-induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by transcriptional repression of Mcl-1. Cell Signal 2012; 24:1803-9. [PMID: 22609455 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2012] [Revised: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 05/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Small-molecule cell-permeable Bcl-2/Bcl-xL antagonist ABT-737 has recently emerged as a novel cancer therapeutic agent because it potently induces apoptosis in certain cancer cells. However, since ABT-737 binds to Mcl-1 with low affinity, ABT-737-mediated apoptosis signaling is inhibited in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and other solid cancer cells due to the elevated expression of Mcl-1. Accordingly, strategies that target Mcl-1 are explored for overcoming ABT-737-resistance. In this study, we reported that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a small-molecule anticancer drug derived from Chinese traditional medicine blister beetle (Mylabris), induced transcriptional repression of Mcl-1 and considerably enhanced ABT-737-triggered cell viability inhibition and apoptosis in multiple HCC cell lines. Moreover, we observed that the enhancement of ABT-737-mediated apoptosis by NCTD was associated with activation of mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway, which involved cytosolic release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Additionally, knockdown of Bax/Bak, the key effectors permeabilizing mitochondrial outer membrane significantly attenuated the enhancement, indicating mitochondrial apoptosis pathway played an essential role in the execution of the apoptosis. Finally, knockdown of Mcl-1 substantially potentiated ABT-737-mediated apoptotic cell death, confirming the potency of Mcl-1 repression by NCTD in enhancing ABT-737-induced apoptosis. These results therefore suggest that combination treatment with NCTD can overcome ABT-737 resistance and enhance ABT-737 therapeutic efficacy in treating human HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuijun Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Anticubilin antisense RNA ameliorates adriamycin-induced tubulointerstitial injury in experimental rats. Am J Med Sci 2012; 342:494-502. [PMID: 22108171 DOI: 10.1097/maj.0b013e31821952a2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to determine the effects of in vivo anticubilin antisense RNA on the uptake of albumin in tubules and on the tubulointerstitial injury in adriamycin-induced proteinuric rats. Adriamycin-treated rats were subjected to intrarenal delivery of adenoviral vectors encoding empty plasmid, cubilin sense RNA expression vector pAd-CUB or anticubilin antisense RNA expression vector pAd-ACUB on day 3. On days 14 and 28, half of the rats in each group were randomly selected to be killed, and blood samples, kidney tissues and 24-hour urine were collected. The diseased rats treated with pAdEasy-ACUB showed a 60% decrease in serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate. Interestingly, the anticubilin antisense treatment led to a marked increase in albuminuria. Antisense treatment attenuated the histologic changes on both day 14 and day 28. The antisense treatment induced more than 60% recovery of adriamycin-induced injury, accompanied with 85% knockdown in the expression of cubilin protein and markedly decreased albumin deposition. Adriamycin induced an increase in the expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, transforming growth factor-β and regulated on activation in normal T-cell expressed and secreted and the number of infiltrating cells, which was reversed by the antisense treatment. Anticubilin antisense RNA delivered by an adenoviral vector ameliorates albuminuria-induced glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage in adriamycin nephrotic rats, indicating that cubilin could be a potential therapeutic target in proteinuric nephropathy.
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Cantharidin and norcantharidin inhibit caprine luteal cell steroidogenesis in vitro. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 64:37-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.etp.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Norcantharidin inhibits the expression of extracellular matrix and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose independent of calcineurin signal pathway. J Transl Med 2011; 91:1706-16. [PMID: 21931301 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) was shown in our previous studies to attenuate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NCTD on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose and on calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway. Whether or not the antifibrotic effect of NCTD on renal interstitium was dependent on its inhibition of CaN pathway was also investigated. Experimental concentrations of NCTD were verified by cytotoxic test and MTT assay. HK-2 cells were transfected with CaN small interference RNA (siRNA). The mRNA and protein expressions of FN, ColIV, TGF-β1, and CaN in HK-2 cells were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The CaN/NFAT pathway was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and western blot. Our study revealed that NCTD concentrations over 5 mg/l had overt cytotoxicity on HK-2 cells. Meanwhile, both 2.5 and 5 mg/l NCTD inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation (P < 0.05). NCTD inhibited the upregulation of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 of HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05), and also significantly downregulated the expression of CaN mRNA and protein in HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, not only was the nuclear translocation of NFATc inhibited, but its protein level in the nucleus was also reduced. Following CaN siRNA transfection, CaN mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased. In contrast, the protein levels of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 increased in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05). However, NCTD treatment downregulated their expression. These results indicated that NCTD could decrease the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose, downregulate CaN expression, and block the CaN/NFAT signaling pathway. However, the effect of NCTD on inhibition of the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 was not associated with its inhibition of the CaN/NFAT pathway.
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Li Y, Ge Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Sun L, Li J, Chen Q, Sun Y, Ye K. Norcantharidin, a protective therapeutic agent in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Li Y, Chen Q, Liu FY, Peng YM, Hou T, Duan SB, Li J, Luo JH, Sun L, Ling GH. Norcantharidin attenuates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy. Ren Fail 2011; 33:233-41. [PMID: 21332346 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2011.553305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of norcantharidin (NCTD) on tubulointerstitial fibrosis of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in streptozotocin-induced rat model. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, low-dose NCTD (0.05 mg/kg/day) group, and high-dose NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day) group. The model group was induced by injection intraperitoneally with 30 mg/kg streptozotocin in 0.1 mol/L sodium citrate solution (pH 4.5), after high-calorie foods were given for 2 months. NCTD was administered daily after the DN rat model was built. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the third and the eighth week; renal fibrosis and the expression of FN, collagen IV, TGF-β1, and calcineurin (CaN) were detected by Masson and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. RESULTS Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was observed in DN rats, this kind of pathological changes was ameliorated in NCTD treatment group (p < 0.05). The expressions of FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 protein increased in the tubulointerstitial field of DN rats compared with the rats in control group. NCTD treatment could dose-dependently decrease their expression and reverse the fibrotic degree (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of CaN was detected in tubular fields of normal kidney and increased in the tubulointerstitial field in DN rats. However, NCTD downregulated its expression in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS NCTD could downregulate FN, collagen IV, and TGF-β1 expression in tubulointerstitial fields and attenuate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the early stage of DN rats. NCTD also alleviated the expression of CaN in tubules in DN. The relationship between the role of NCTD's anti-tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its inhibition to CaN expression remains to be further elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Research Institute of Nephrology, Central South University, Changsha, PR China.
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Li Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Li J, Sun L, Chen X, Duan SB, Ling GH, Guo N, Liu YH. The relationship between the TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism and tubulointerstitial damage resulting from primary nephrotic syndrome. Ren Fail 2010; 32:420-7. [PMID: 20446778 DOI: 10.3109/08860221003646337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism and the susceptibility to primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS), and in particular to the severe degree of tubulointerstitial damage (TID) seen in Chinese. METHODS Ninety-eight PNS patients and 128 normal controls were studied. The extent of tubulointerstitial changes was evaluated and patients were divided into two groups according to the severe or mild degree of TID. The TGF-beta1gene -509C/T polymorphism was detected with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, and the serum level of TGF-beta1 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS No statistical differences in genotype or allele frequency of the TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T were found between PNS and normal subjects. However, T allele and CT + T T genotype frequency were higher in the PNS with severe TID than the mild TID and controls. Additionally, the serum concentration of TGF-beta1 was significantly higher in the PNS with severe TID group than the other two groups and in the T T genotype individuals than the CC and CT genotype individuals. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T genotype was the risk factor of TID in PNS patients [OR (odd ratio) 2.34, confidence interval (CI) 0.98-3.46, p = 0.012]. CONCLUSION. TGF-beta1 gene -509C/T polymorphism was associated with severe TID. The higher value in serum concentration of TGF-beta1 was also associated with severe TID and the T T genotype/T allele. T allele gene might be the important risk factor for susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Division of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Research Institute of Nephrology, Central-South University and The Key Laboratory of Nephrology and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, PR China.
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Faas MM, van der Schaaf G, Borghuis T, Jongman RM, van Pampus MG, de Vos P, van Goor H, Bakker WW. Extracellular ATP induces albuminuria in pregnant rats. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2010; 25:2468-78. [PMID: 20223894 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfq095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As circulating plasma ATP concentrations are increased in pre-eclampsia, we tested whether increased plasma ATP is able to induce albuminuria during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant (day 14) and non-pregnant rats were infused with ATP (3000 microg/kg bw) via a permanent jugular vein cannula. Albuminuria was determined, and blood samples were taken for leukocyte counts, plasma ATP and plasma haemopexin activity. At Day 20 of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed, fetuses and placentas weighed and kidney and placental tissue were snap frozen for immunohistology. RESULTS ATP infusion induced albuminuria exclusively in pregnant rats, together with increased neutrophil counts, decreased staining for glomerular sialoglycoproteins and CD39 expression, significant intraglomerular monocyte infiltration and increased glomerular intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression. Plasma haemopexin activity was increased in saline-infused pregnant rats as compared to non-pregnant rats but was inhibited in pregnant ATP-infused rats (to non-pregnant levels). At the end of pregnancy (Day 20), increased plasma ATP level was exclusively seen in ATP-infused pregnant rats. In pregnant rats as compared with non-pregnant rats, we found decreased expression of glomerular AT-1 receptors, which was increased after ATP infusion exclusively in pregnant animals. CONCLUSION The present study shows that ATP infusion induced a pro-inflammatory response leading to glomerular albuminuria exclusively in the pregnant rat. Why extracellular ATP showed this pro-inflammatory response exclusively in the pregnant condition is unclear but is probably related with relatively enhanced non-specific immunity and inflammatory reactions characteristic for the pregnant condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijke M Faas
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Centre Groningen and University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Chen YJ, Chang WM, Liu YW, Lee CY, Jang YH, Kuo CD, Liao HF. A small-molecule metastasis inhibitor, norcantharidin, downregulates matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression by inhibiting Sp1 transcriptional activity in colorectal cancer cells. Chem Biol Interact 2009; 181:440-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2009.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 07/03/2009] [Accepted: 07/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Chen YC, Chang SC, Wu MH, Chuang KA, Wu JY, Tsai WJ, Kuo YC. Norcantharidin reduced cyclins and cytokines production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Life Sci 2008; 84:218-26. [PMID: 19100750 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2008.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate potential agents of therapeutic value in tissue inflammation, we studied norcantharidin (NCTD) and its derivatives for their effects on immune responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. MAIN METHODS PBMC proliferation was evaluated by tritiated thymidine uptake method. The production and gene expression of cytokines were determined with enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), respectively. KEY FINDINGS Five derivatives from NCTD had no significant effect on cell proliferation in PBMC. NCTD inhibited PBMC proliferation induced by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) 42.1+/-2.3 microM. The inhibitory action of NCTD did not involve direct cytotoxicity. To localize the point in the PBMC proliferation where arrest occurred, a set of key regulatory events leading to the cell proliferation, including cell cycle progression, production and gene expression of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-10, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and cyclins was examined. Data demonstrated NCTD arrested the cell cycle progression of activated PBMC from the G1 transition to the S phase. The cyclin D3, E, A, and B transcripts and protein production in PHA-treated PBMC was reduced by NCTD. Whereas NCTD exerted no effect on IL-4 and IFN-gamma production, it significantly alleviated the production and mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-10 in activated PBMC. SIGNIFICANCE The suppressant effects of NCTD on proliferation of PBMC activated by PHA therefore appear to be mediated, at least in part, through inhibition of cyclins and IL-2 production and arrest of cell cycle progression in the cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chun Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taiwan, ROC
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