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Abudoureyimu M, Tayier T, Zhang L. The role and mechanism of action of miR-483-3p in mediating the effects of IGF-1 on human renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15635. [PMID: 38972889 PMCID: PMC11228025 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66433-y] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the influence of miR-483-3p on human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) under high glucose conditions and to understand its mechanism. Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were exposed to 50 mmol/L glucose for 48 h to establish a renal tubular epithelial cell injury model, denoted as the high glucose group (HG group). Cells were also cultured for 48 h in a medium containing 5.5 mmol/L glucose, serving as the low glucose group. Transfection was performed in various groups: HK-2 + low glucose (control group), high glucose (50 mM) (HG group), high glucose + miR-483-3p mimics (HG + mimics group), high glucose +miR-483-3p inhibitor (HG + inhibitor group), and corresponding negative controls. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assessed the mRNA expression of miR-483-3p, bax, bcl-2, and caspase-3. Western blot determined the corresponding protein levels. Proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed using the fluorescence TUNEL method. Western blot and Masson's staining were conducted to observe alterations in cell fibrosis post miR-483-3p transfection. Furthermore, a dual-luciferase assay investigated the targeting relationship between miR-483-3p and IGF-1. The CCK8 assay demonstrated that the HG + mimics group inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation, while the fluorescent TUNEL method revealed induced cell apoptosis in this group. Conversely, the HG + inhibitor group promoted cell proliferation and suppressed cell apoptosis. The HG + mimics group upregulated mRNA and protein expression of pro-apoptotic markers (bax and caspase-3), while downregulating anti-apoptotic marker (bcl-2) expression. In contrast, the HG + inhibitor group showed opposite effects. Collagen I and FN protein levels were significantly elevated in the HG + mimics group compared to controls (P < 0.05). Conversely, in the HG + inhibitor group, the protein expression of Collagen I and FN was notably reduced compared to the HG group (P < 0.05). The dual luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-483-3p could inhibit the luciferase activity of IGF-1's 3'-UTR region (P < 0.05). miR-483-3p exerts targeted regulation on IGF-1, promoting apoptosis and fibrosis in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by high glucose conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maidina Abudoureyimu
- First Department of Comprehensive Internal Medicine of People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No.91 Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang, China
| | - Talaiti Tayier
- Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No.91 Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- First Department of Comprehensive Internal Medicine of People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, No.91 Tianchi Road, Urumqi, 830001, Xinjiang, China.
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2
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Cui Y, Chen C, Tang Z, Yuan W, Yue K, Cui P, Qiu X, Zhang H, Li T, Zhu X, Luo J, Sun S, Li Y, Feng C, Peng L, Xie X, Guo Y, Xie Y, Jiang X, Qi Z, Thomson AW, Dai H. TREM2 deficiency aggravates renal injury by promoting macrophage apoptosis and polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway in mice. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:401. [PMID: 38849370 PMCID: PMC11161629 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06756-w] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
The triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is an immune receptor that affects cellular phenotypes by modulating phagocytosis and metabolism, promoting cell survival, and counteracting inflammation. Its role in renal injury, in particular, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) or ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI)-induced renal injury remains unclear. In our study, WT and Trem2-/- mice were employed to evaluate the role of TREM2 in renal macrophage infiltration and tissue injury after UUO. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from both mouse genotypes were cultured and polarized for in vitro experiments. Next, the effects of TREM2 on renal injury and macrophage polarization in IRI mice were also explored. We found that TREM2 expression was upregulated in the obstructed kidneys. TREM2 deficiency exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis 3 and 7 days after UUO, in association with reduced macrophage infiltration. Trem2-/- BMDM exhibited increased apoptosis and poorer survival compared with WT BMDM. Meanwhile, TREM2 deficiency augmented M1 and M2 polarization after UUO. Consistent with the in vivo observations, TREM2 deficiency led to increased polarization of BMDM towards the M1 proinflammatory phenotype. Mechanistically, TREM2 deficiency promoted M1 and M2 polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway in the presence of TGF-β1, thereby affecting cell survival by regulating mTOR signaling. Furthermore, cyclocreatine supplementation alleviated cell death caused by TREM2 deficiency. Additionally, we found that TREM2 deficiency promoted renal injury, fibrosis, and macrophage polarization in IRI mice. The current data suggest that TREM2 deficiency aggravates renal injury by promoting macrophage apoptosis and polarization via the JAK-STAT pathway. These findings have implications for the role of TREM2 in the regulation of renal injury that justify further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cui
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Zhouqi Tang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Wenjia Yuan
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Kaiye Yue
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Pengcheng Cui
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Xia Qiu
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Hedong Zhang
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Tengfang Li
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xuejing Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Jiadi Luo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Siyu Sun
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yaguang Li
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Longkai Peng
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xubiao Xie
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Yixin Xie
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine (Zhengzhou People's Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Zhongquan Qi
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
| | - Angus W Thomson
- Starzl Transplantation Institute, Department of Surgery and Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Helong Dai
- Medical College, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China.
- Department of Kidney Transplantation, Center of Organ Transplantation, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.
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Li J, Qin X, Xu W, Zhang H, Huang S, Yang Y, Qin M, Mi Z, Zhong X. Herb pair of Rhubarb-Astragalus mitigates renal interstitial fibrosis through downregulation of autophagy via p38-MAPK/TGF-β1 and p38-MAPK/smad2/3 pathways. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 169:106549. [PMID: 38340950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a high incidence and poor prognosis; however, no effective treatment is currently available. Our previous study found that the improvement effect of the herb pair of Rhubarb-Astragalus on CKD is likely related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/p38-MAPK pathway. In the present study, a p38-MAPK inhibitor was used to further investigate the inhibitory effect of Rhubarb-Astragalus on the TGF-β1/p38-MAPK pathway and its relationship with autophagy. METHODS A rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was established, and a subgroup of rats was administered Rhubarb-Astragalus. Renal function and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) were assessed 21 d after UUO induction. In vitro, HK-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 and a subset of cells were treated with Rhubarb-Astragalus or p38-MAPK inhibitor. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR analyses were used to detect the relevant protein and mRNA levels. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes. RESULTS Rhubarb-Astragalus treatment markedly decreased the elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase; attenuated renal damage and RIF induced by UUO; and reduced the number of autophagosomes and lysosomes in UUO-induced renal tissues. Additionally, Rhubarb-Astragalus reduced the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, collagen I, LC3, Atg3, TGF-β1, p38-MAPK, smad2/3, and TAK1 in renal tissues of UUO rats. Rhubarb-Astragalus also reduced protein and mRNA levels of these indicators in vitro. Importantly, the effect of the p38-MAPK inhibitor was similar to that of Rhubarb-Astragalus. CONCLUSIONS Rhubarb-Astragalus improves CKD possibly by downregulating autophagy via the p38-MAPK/TGF-β1 and p38-MAPK/smad2/3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinxiu Li
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiping Qin
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Weimin Xu
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Songqing Huang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yufang Yang
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Mengyuan Qin
- Student Affairs Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhengcheng Mi
- Pharmacy Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhong
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Liu Y, Wu J, Liang S, Xu J, Wei M, Du Z, Qiang S. Guben Xiezhuo Decoction inhibits M1 polarization through the Raf1/p-Elk1 signaling axis to attenuate renal interstitial fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117189. [PMID: 37716490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Guben Xiezhuo Decoction (GBXZD) is an herbal compound used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its main components are Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf., Centella asiatica (L.) Urb., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Cuscuta chinensis Lam., and Rheum palmatum L.. Clinical studies have shown that it can relieve fatigue, nausea and other symptoms and improve kidney function in patients; however, its specific mechanism of action requires further study. AIM OF THE STUDY Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the ultimate characteristic manifestation of various CKD, that cannot be cured, and appropriate treatments to delay its progression require further exploration. GBXZD, widely used in clinical practice for RIF treatment, can effectively relieve the syndrome in patients with CKD. However, the specific mechanism of action of GBXZD in RIF is unknown and requires further study. This study aimed to explore the specific effects of GBXZD on RIF through the regulation of M1 macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS An in vivo RIF model was obtained through unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham operation, UUO, UUO + GBXZD-low dose (GBXZD-L) and UUO + GBXZD-high dose (GBXZD-H) groups. Pathological changes in rat kidney specimens were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The expression of collagen I (COL I), fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was detected using immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of CD86 and inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS) in kidney tissue. An in vitro experiment was performed using M1 polarization model in RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were divided into control, LPS, LPS + GBXZD-low dose (GBXZD-L) and LPS + GBXZD-high dose (GBXZD-H) groups. The changes in expression of CD86, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were measured using western blotting, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We analyzed the action pathway of GBXZD in regulating M1 polarization of macrophages using antibody microarray and verified the results using western blotting. RESULTS Histopathological results showed that the UUO group exhibited significant fibrotic injury compared to the sham group. After GBXZD treatment, the degree of kidney injury, RIF, and inflammatory factor expression were lower than those in the UUO group. Compared with LPS-treated cells, the expression of the M1 markers CD86, iNOS, and pathway proteins Raf1 and p-Elk1 was down-regulated in RAW 264.7 cells treated with LPS and GBXZD. The secretion of the inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the LPS group was more than that in the control group. However, the levels of these factors were significantly reduced in the GBXZD-H group compared to those in the LPS group. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that GBXZD ameliorates RIF and inhibits the inflammatory response and macrophage M1 polarization by a potential mechanism related to the downregulation of Raf1 and p-Elk1. GBXZD therefore has therapeutic potential value for patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China; Translational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyi Wu
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China; Translational Medical Innovation Center, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuo Liang
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhenfang Du
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Sheng Qiang
- Department of Nephropathy, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, 215600, Jiangsu, China.
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5
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Song L, Zhang W, Tang SY, Luo SM, Xiong PY, Liu JY, Hu HC, Chen YQ, Jia B, Yan QH, Tang SQ, Huang W. Natural products in traditional Chinese medicine: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of renal fibrosis and state-of-the-art drug delivery systems. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116039. [PMID: 38157643 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis (RF) is the end stage of several chronic kidney diseases. Its series of changes include excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells, fibroblast activation, immune cell infiltration, and renal cell apoptosis. RF can eventually lead to renal dysfunction or even renal failure. A large body of evidence suggests that natural products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have great potential for treating RF. In this article, we first describe the recent advances in RF treatment by several natural products and clarify their mechanisms of action. They can ameliorate the RF disease phenotype, which includes apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and EMT, by affecting relevant signaling pathways and molecular targets, thereby delaying or reversing fibrosis. We also present the roles of nanodrug delivery systems, which have been explored to address the drawback of low oral bioavailability of natural products. This may provide new ideas for using natural products for RF treatment. Finally, we provide new insights into the clinical prospects of herbal natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Song
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shi-Yun Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, China
| | - Si-Min Luo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Pei-Yu Xiong
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jun-Yu Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Heng-Chang Hu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ying-Qi Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Bo Jia
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qian-Hua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China.
| | - Song-Qi Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Wang J, Guo X, Zou Z, Yu M, Li X, Xu H, Chen Y, Jiao T, Wang K, Ma Y, Jiang J, Liang X, Wang J, Xie C, Zhong Y. Ootheca mantidis mitigates renal fibrosis in mice by the suppression of apoptosis via increasing the gut microbe Akkermansia muciniphila and modulating glutamine metabolism. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115434. [PMID: 37677965 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), a progressive process affecting the kidneys in chronic kidney disease (CKD), currently lacks an effective therapeutic intervention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promise in reducing RIF and slowing CKD progression. In this study, we demonstrated the dose-dependent attenuation of RIF by Ootheca mantidis (SPX), a commonly prescribed TCM for CKD, in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). RNA-sequencing analysis suggested that SPX treatment prominently downregulated apoptosis and inflammation-associated pathways, thereby inhibiting the fibrogenic signaling in the kidney. We further found that transplantation of fecal microbiota from SPX-treated mice conferred protection against renal injury and fibrosis through suppressing apoptosis in UUO mice, indicating that SPX ameliorated RIF via remodeling the gut microbiota and reducing apoptosis in the kidneys. Further functional exploration of the gut microbiota combined with fecal metabolomics revealed increased levels of some probiotics, including Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila), and modulations in glutamine-related amino acid metabolism in UUO mice treated with SPX. Subsequent colonization of A. muciniphila and supplementation with glutamine effectively mitigated cell apoptosis and RIF in UUO mice. Collectively, these findings unveil a functionally A. muciniphila- and glutamine-involved gut-renal axis that contributes to the action of SPX, and provide important clue for the therapeutic potential of SPX, A. muciniphila, and glutamine in combatting RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaozhen Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ziyuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Center for Fatty Liver, Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Minjun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xueling Li
- Division of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Hualing Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yiping Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Tingying Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kanglong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yuandi Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Jie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xinyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jiawen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cen Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Yifei Zhong
- Division of Nephrology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Yu M, Liang M, An Q, Wang W, Zhang B, Yang S, Zhou J, Yang X, Yang D, Zhang L, Du G, Lu Y. Versatile Solid Modifications of Multicomponent Pharmaceutical Salts: Novel Metformin-Rhein Salts Based on Advantage Complementary Strategy Design. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041196. [PMID: 37111681 PMCID: PMC10142746 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop an effective treatment for diabetes and diabetic complications, based on the advantage complementary strategy of drug-drug salt, by designing and synthesizing the multicomponent molecular salts containing metformin (MET) and rhein (RHE). Finally, the salts of MET-RHE (1:1), MET-RHE-H2O (1:1:1), MET-RHE-ethanol-H2O (1:1:1:1), and MET-RHE-acetonitrile (2:2:1) were obtained, indicating the polymorphism of salts formed by MET and RHE. The structures were analyzed by the combination of characterization experiments and theoretical calculation, and the formation mechanism of polymorphism was discussed. The obtained results of in vitro evaluation showed that MET-RHE had a similar hygroscopicity with metformin hydrochloride (MET·HCl), and the solubility of the component of RHE increased by approximately 93 times, which laid a foundation for improving the bioavailability of MET and RHE in vivo. The evaluation of hypoglycemic activity in mice (C57BL/6N) indicated that MET-RHE exhibited better hypoglycemic activity than the parent drugs and the physical mixtures of MET and RHE. The above findings demonstrate that this study achieved the complementary advantages of MET and RHE through the multicomponent pharmaceutical salification technique, and provides new possibilities for the treatment of diabetic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingchao Yu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meidai Liang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Qi An
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Baoxi Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shiying Yang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiuying Yang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Dezhi Yang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Targets Identification and Drug Screening, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yang Lu
- Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymorphic Drugs, Center of Pharmaceutical Polymorphs, Beijing 100050, China
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8
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Liu HJ, Miao H, Yang JZ, Liu F, Cao G, Zhao YY. Deciphering the role of lipoproteins and lipid metabolic alterations in ageing and ageing-associated renal fibrosis. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 85:101861. [PMID: 36693450 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the ultimate pathological feature of many chronic diseases, and ageing a major risk factor for fibrotic diseases. Current therapies are limited to those that reduce the rate of functional decline in patients with mild to moderate disease, but few interventions are available to specifically target the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In this context, new treatments that can significantly improve survival time and quality of life for these patients are urgently needed. In this review, we outline both the synthesis and metabolism of lipids and lipoproteins associated with ageing-associated renal fibrosis and the prominent contribution of lipids and lipidomics in the discovery of biomarkers that can be used for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of renal ageing and fibrosis. Next, we describe the effect of dyslipidaemia on ageing-related renal fibrosis and the pathophysiological changes in the kidney caused by dyslipidaemia. We then summarize the enzymes, transporters, transcription factors, and RNAs that contribute to dysregulated lipid metabolism in renal fibrosis and discuss their role in renal fibrosis in detail. We conclude by discussing the progress in research on small molecule therapeutic agents that prevent and treat ageing and ageing-associated renal fibrosis by modulating lipid metabolism. A growing number of studies suggest that restoring aberrant lipid metabolism may be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy to combat ageing and ageing-associated renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jiao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Hua Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China
| | - Jun-Zheng Yang
- Guangdong Nephrotic Drug Engineering Technology Research Center, Institute of Consun Co. for Chinese Medicine in Kidney Diseases, Guangdong Consun Pharmaceutical Group, No. 71 Dongpeng Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No. 17 South of Panjiayuan, Beijing 100021, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Antioxidant, Anti-Apoptotic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Farrerol in a Mouse Model of Obstructive Uropathy. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:337-352. [PMID: 36661510 PMCID: PMC9857068 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Obstructive uropathy is a clinical condition that can lead to chronic kidney disease. However, treatments that can prevent the progression of renal injury and fibrosis are limited. Farrerol (FA) is a natural flavone with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here, we investigated the effect of FA on renal injury and fibrosis in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Mice underwent a sham or UUO operation and received intraperitoneal injections of FA (20 mg/kg) daily for 8 consecutive days. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, Western blotting, gene expression analysis, and biochemical tests were performed. FA attenuated renal dysfunction (p < 0.05) and ameliorated renal tubular injury (p < 0.01) and interstitial fibrosis (p < 0.001) in UUO mice. FA alleviated 4-hydroxynonenal expression (p < 0.001) and malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.01) by regulating pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzymes. Apoptosis in the kidneys of UUO mice was inhibited by FA (p < 0.001), and this action was accompanied by decreased expression of cleaved caspase-3 (p < 0.01). Moreover, FA alleviated pro-inflammatory cytokine production (p < 0.001) and macrophage infiltration (p < 0.01) in the kidneys of UUO mice. These results suggest that FA ameliorates renal injury and fibrosis in the UUO model by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation.
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10
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Wang H, Jiang Q, Zhang L. Baicalin protects against renal interstitial fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1407-1416. [PMID: 35938471 PMCID: PMC9361769 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2097700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Baicalin, a flavonoid extracted from radix scutellariae, possesses various pharmacological effects, including protective effects on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), but its possible role and mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. OBJECTIVE This study explores the protective effects and mechanisms of baicalin on RIF. MATERIALS AND METHODS C57BL/6 male mice were divided into six groups: sham, model, low baicalin, middle baicalin, high baicalin and positive drug groups. The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model of RIF was constructed and treated with baicalin doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) and a positive control drug (valsartan, 8 mg/kg). H&E staining was used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissues, Masson staining was performed to evaluate collagen deposition in renal tissues, and immunohistochemical examination was adopted to determine α-SMA and extracellular matrix (ECM) expression. Primary mouse fibroblasts were isolated, extracted and treated with baicalin and/or TGF-β. qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the inflammatory responses. Moreover, ECM and TGF-β/Smad expression levels were evaluated by western blot assay. RESULTS Baicalin ameliorated RIF in UUO mice by inhibiting fibrosis and inflammatory responses. The TGF-β/Smad pathway was significantly suppressed in the UUO mouse model. Additionally, baicalin significantly inhibited ECM expression and inflammatory factors in fibroblasts treated with TGF-β. TGF-β/Smad pathway activation was significantly decreased in fibroblasts. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These findings support the use of baicalin as a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of RIF by possibly inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingtao Jiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Lizhu Zhang
- Department of Nanxin Pharm, Nanjing, China
- CONTACT Lizhu Zhang Department of Nanxin Pharm, No. 9 Weidi Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu210000, China
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11
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Protective Effects of Carnosol on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in a Murine Model of Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122341. [PMID: 36552549 PMCID: PMC9774539 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common feature of chronic kidney disease and is a promising therapeutic target. However, there is still limited treatment for renal fibrosis, so the development of new anti-fibrotic agents is urgently needed. Accumulating evidence suggest that oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress play a critical role in renal fibrosis. Carnosol (CS) is a bioactive diterpene compound present in rosemary plants and has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of CS on renal injury and fibrosis in a murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Male C57BL/6J mice underwent sham or UUO surgery and received intraperitoneal injections of CS (50 mg/kg) daily for 8 consecutive days. CS improved renal function and ameliorated renal tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. It suppressed oxidative injury by inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes and activating antioxidant enzymes. Activation of ER stress was also attenuated by CS. In addition, CS inhibited apoptotic and necroptotic cell death in kidneys of UUO mice. Furthermore, cytokine production and immune cell infiltration were alleviated by CS. Taken together, these findings indicate that CS can attenuate renal injury and fibrosis in the UUO model.
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12
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Zhu Y, Yang S, Lv L, Zhai X, Wu G, Qi X, Dong D, Tao X. Research Progress on the Positive and Negative Regulatory Effects of Rhein on the Kidney: A Review of Its Molecular Targets. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27196572. [PMID: 36235108 PMCID: PMC9573519 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27196572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are considered to be the leading public health problems with gradually increasing incidence rates around the world. Rhein is a monomeric component of anthraquinone isolated from rhubarb, a traditional Chinese medicine. It has anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-bacterial and other pharmacological activities, as well as a renal protective effects. Rhein exerts its nephroprotective effects mainly through decreasing hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic, playing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fibrotic effects and regulating drug-transporters. However, the latest studies show that rhein also has potential kidney toxicity in case of large dosages and long use times. The present review highlights rhein's molecular targets and its different effects on the kidney based on the available literature and clarifies that rhein regulates the function of the kidney in a positive and negative way. It will be helpful to conduct further studies on how to make full use of rhein in the kidney and to avoid kidney damage so as to make it an effective kidney protection drug.
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13
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Hao J, Huang X, Guan J, Feng J, Li D, Cao S, Li Y, Liao Y, Sun X, Liu D, Li X. Shenkang injection protects against renal fibrosis by reducing perforin expression through the STING/TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathways in natural killer cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154206. [PMID: 35724525 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune activation, chronic inflammation, and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) are associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The herbal formula, Shenkang injection (SKI), has been reported to attenuate RIF. However, the mechanisms by which SKI alleviates renal fibrosis, especially the role of natural killer (NK) cells, are unknown and require exploration. PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the mechanisms by which SKI alleviates RIF. METHODS Differential gene expression between CKD mice and control groups was explored using bioinformatics analysis. To reveal how SKI reduces RIF in CKD, a CKD mouse model was established using folic acid for in vivo studies, and human kidney-2 cells were used for in vitro experiments. The effects of various SKI doses were then determined. Immunohistochemical staining, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR were used for pathological and molecular expression detection. RESULTS We first investigated the potential immune dysfunction in CKD using bioinformatics analysis. Some differentially expressed genes were enriched in immune-related functions. The expressions of perforin and interferon (IFN)-γ, which are mainly released by NK cells, were significantly higher in patients with CKD (p< 0.05). In vivo experiments showed that SKI alleviated renal fibrosis in a folic acid-induced renal fibrosis model. Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were reduced in the high-dose SKI-treated group. Additionally, the mRNA and protein expression levels of type IV collagen and alpha-spinal muscular atrophy were reduced. Biochemical detection showed that SKI could also downregulate the activity of NK cells (by decreasing the expressions of perforin and IFN-γ). Increased levels of stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)/IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), phosphorylation of TBK1, and IRF3 in FA-induced RIF mice were alleviated by SKI treatment, which was consistent with the results of in vitro experiments. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that SKI could decrease the activation of NK cells via the STING/TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating RIF and protecting renal function in CKD. This may provide valuable evidence supporting the clinical use of SKI in the treatment of patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Hao
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Jibin Guan
- Masonic cancer center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA
| | - Jingwen Feng
- Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110005, China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Shenyang University of Chemical Technology, Shenyang 110005, China
| | - Shiyu Cao
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China
| | - Yong Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Maoming People's Hospital, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Xiaotian Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing South Medical District, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100161, China.
| | - Dajun Liu
- Department of General practice medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Nephrology, and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Autophagy and Major Chronic Non-communicable Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524001, China.
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14
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Wang Y, Yu F, Li A, He Z, Qu C, He C, Ma X, Zhan H. The progress and prospect of natural components in rhubarb (Rheum ribes L.) in the treatment of renal fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919967. [PMID: 36105187 PMCID: PMC9465315 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Renal fibrosis is a key pathological change that occurs in the progression of almost all chronic kidney diseases . CKD has the characteristics of high morbidity and mortality. Its prevalence is increasing each year on a global scale, which seriously affects people’s health and quality of life. Natural products have been used for new drug development and disease treatment for many years. The abundant natural products in R. ribes L. can intervene in the process of renal fibrosis in different ways and have considerable therapeutic prospects. Purpose: The etiology and pathology of renal fibrosis were analyzed, and the different ways in which the natural components of R. ribes L. can intervene and provide curative effects on the process of renal fibrosis were summarized. Methods: Electronic databases, such as PubMed, Life Science, MEDLINE, and Web of Science, were searched using the keywords ‘R. ribes L.’, ‘kidney fibrosis’, ‘emodin’ and ‘rhein’, and the various ways in which the natural ingredients protect against renal fibrosis were collected and sorted out. Results: We analyzed several factors that play a leading role in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis, such as the mechanism of the TGF-β/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Additionally, we reviewed the progress of the treatment of renal fibrosis with natural components in R. ribes L. and the intervention mechanism of the crucial therapeutic targets. Conclusion: The natural components of R. ribes L. have a wide range of intervention effects on renal fibrosis targets, which provides new ideas for the development of new anti-kidney fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Wang
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fangwei Yu
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ao Li
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijia He
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyan Qu
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiying He
- Clinical School of Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Ma, ; Huakui Zhan,
| | - Huakui Zhan
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Sichuan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao Ma, ; Huakui Zhan,
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15
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Li RJ, Xu JJ, Zhang ZH, Chen MW, Liu SX, Yang C, Li YL, Luo P, Liu YJ, Tang R, Shan ZG. Rhein ameliorates transverse aortic constriction-induced cardiac hypertrophy via regulating STAT3 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:940574. [PMID: 36091816 PMCID: PMC9459036 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.940574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure is difficult to reverse, in part due to extracellular matrix fibrosis and continuous activation of abnormal signaling pathways. Although the anthraquinone rhein has been examined for its many biological properties, it is not clear whether it has therapeutic value in the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. In this study, we report for the first time that rhein can ameliorate transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy and other cardiac damage in vivo and in vitro. In addition, rhein can reduce cardiac hypertrophy by attenuating atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, and β-MHC expression; cardiac fibrosis; and ERK phosphorylation and transport into the nucleus. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of rhein on myocardial hypertrophy was similar to that of specific inhibitors of STAT3 and ERK signaling. In addition, rhein at therapeutic doses had no significant adverse effects or toxicity on liver and kidney function. We conclude that rhein reduces TAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy via targeted inhibition of the molecular function of ERK and downregulates STAT3 and p38 MAPK signaling. Therefore, rhein might be a novel and effective agent for treating cardiac hypertrophy and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Run-Jing Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min-Wei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shi-Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan-Ling Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi-Jiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Tang, ; Zhong-Gui Shan,
| | - Zhong-Gui Shan
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Xiamen Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Rong Tang, ; Zhong-Gui Shan,
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Fu S, Zhou Y, Hu C, Xu Z, Hou J. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology-based predictive study of the active ingredients and potential targets of rhubarb for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy. BMC Complement Med Ther 2022; 22:210. [PMID: 35932042 PMCID: PMC9356435 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-022-03662-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and the main cause of end-stage renal failure. Rhubarb is a widely used traditional Chinese herb, and it has exhibited efficacy in reducing proteinuria, lowering blood sugar levels and improving kidney function in patients with DN. However, the exact pharmacological mechanism by rhubarb improves DN remain unclear due to the complexity of its ingredients. Hence, we systematically explored the underlying mechanisms of rhubarb in the treatment of DN. We adopted a network pharmacology approach, focusing on the identification of active ingredients, drug target prediction, gene collection, Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment. Molecular docking technology was used to verify the binding ability between the main active compounds and central therapeutic targets, and screen out the core active ingredients in rhubarb for the treatment of DN. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was performed for the optimal core protein-ligand obtained by molecular docking using GROMACS software. The network analysis identified 16 active compounds in rhubarb that were linked to 37 possible therapeutic targets related to DN. Through protein-protein interaction analysis, TP53, CASP8, CASP3, MYC, JUN and PTGS2 were identified as the key therapeutic targets. By validation of molecular docking, finding that the central therapeutic targets have good affinities with the main active compounds of rhubarb, and rhein, beta-sitosterol and aloe-emodin were identified as the core active ingredients in rhubarb for the treatment of DN. Results from molecular dynamics simulations showed that TP53 and aloe-emodin bound very stably with a binding free energy of - 26.98 kcal/mol between the two. The results of the gene enrichment analysis revealed that the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, p53 signalling pathway, AGE-RAGE signalling pathway and MAPK signalling pathway might be the key pathways for the treatment of DN, and these pathways were involved in podocyte apoptosis, glomerular mesangial cell proliferation, inflammation and renal fibrosis. Based on the network pharmacology approach and molecular docking technology, we successfully predicted the active compounds and their respective targets. In addition, we illustrated the molecular mechanisms that mediate the therapeutic effects of rhubarb against DN. These findings provided an important scientific basis for further research of the mechanism of rhubarb in the treatment of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Fu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Yena Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Cong Hu
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Prenatal Diagnosis, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Zhonggao Xu
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
| | - Jie Hou
- Department of Nephrology, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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17
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Inhibitory Effects of Rhein on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via the SHH-Gli1 Signal Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4398265. [PMID: 35966731 PMCID: PMC9374561 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4398265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Rhein is the main extract of Rheum palmatum L., which has been proved to improve the renal function of chronic kidney disease, but its mechanism is not clear. Therefore, this experiment explored the potential pharmacological effect of rhein on renal interstitial fibrosis rats. Methods. This study explores the potential pharmacological action of rhein. In this work, we investigate the potential pharmacological action of rhein in unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO) rats. Thirty Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham, UUO, and rhein (rhein-treated UUO rats) groups. The left ureters of the UUO group rats were exposed and bluntly dissected. The rhein group rats were administered an intragastric gavage of rhein (2 mg·kg−1·d−1) for 14 d. Kidney function-related indicators were monitored in these rats, while indexes of pathologic aspects were determined histologically. The expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, SHH, Gli1, and Snail was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The NRK-49F cells were incubated with and without SHH (100 ng·ml−1) for 48 hours. The SHH-activated NRK-49F cells were incubated with cyclopamine (CNP, 20 umol L−1) or rhein (1 ng·ml−1). The Gli1 and Snail mRNA and protein level were detected. Results. In the in vivo experiment, the results exhibited that UUO caused renal pathological damages. However, these changes could be significantly reversed by the administration of rhein. Compared with the untreated UUO group, the rhein group showed reduced kidney tubular atrophy and necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, hyperplasia, and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix. Rhein reduced the RNA and protein expression of SHH, Gli1, and Snail of the UUO rats. In the in vitro experiment, CNP or rhein treatment decreased the expression of Gli1 and Snail on mRNA and protein levels in SHH-induced NRK-49F cells, suggesting that CNP or rhein suppresses SHH-induced NRK-49F activation. Taken together, these results demonstrated that rhein suppresses SHH-Gli1-Snail signal pathway activation, with potential implications for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Conclusions. Treatment with rhein remarkably ameliorated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO rats by regulating the SHH-Gli1-Snail signal pathway.
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18
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Hao J, Zhou Y, Yu W, Li H, He D. Silencing of LncRNA KCNQ1OT1 confers an inhibitory effect on renal fibrosis through repressing miR-124-3p activity. Bioengineered 2022; 13:10399-10411. [PMID: 35443864 PMCID: PMC9161840 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2056816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
LncRNA have been increasingly shown that plays pivotal roles in the development of various diseases, including renal fibrosis. Nevertheless, the pathological function of Long non-coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 (KCNQ1OT1) in the renal fibrosis remains obscure. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was used to induce renal fibrosis. We detected the expression levels of KCNQ1OT1 in the TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells via RT-qPCR analysis. The functions of KCNQ1OT1 on the progression of renal fibrosis were examined by CCK-8, EdU, dual-luciferase reporter, and immunofluorescence analyses. In the present study, we found that sh-KCNQ1OT1 obviously attenuated UUO-induced renal fibrosis. Moreover, production of extracellular matrix (ECM), including α-SMA and Fibronectin levels, was significantly increased in kidney and HK-2 cells after UUO or TGF-β stimulation. Knockdown of KCNQ1OT1 inhibited cell proliferation and inhibits the α-SMA and Fibronectin expression of TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-124-3p was a target gene of KCNQ1OT1. Mechanistically, silencing miR-124-3p abolished the repressive effects of KCNQ1OT1 on TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. In conclusion, KCNQ1OT1 knockdown plays an anti-fibrotic effect through promotion of miR-124-3p expression in renal fibrosis, which provides a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hao
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.,Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Weimin Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Dandan He
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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19
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Xue L, Xu J, Lu W, Fu J, Liu Z. Iguratimod alleviates tubulo-interstitial injury in mice with lupus. Ren Fail 2022; 44:636-647. [PMID: 35387545 PMCID: PMC9004506 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2022.2058962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tubulo-interstitial injury is a poor prognostic factor for lupus nephritis (LN). Here, we tested whether iguratimod could inhibit tubulo-interstitial injury in LN. METHODS MRL/lpr mice, an animal model of lupus, were treated with iguratimod or vehicle solution. Pathological changes of kidney were evaluated blindly by the same pathologist. Renal type I collagen (COL-I), IgG, E-cadherin, fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1) were detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemical staining or quantitative real-time PCR. After treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and iguratimod, E-cadherin, fibronectin, Smad2/3, p38 MAPK, p-Smad2/3, and p-p38 MAPK, β-catenin and TGF-β type II receptor (TGFβRII) in HK2 cells were measured by western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR or immunofluorescence. RESULTS Iguratimod reduced immune deposition along the tubular basement membrane, inhibited the tubulo-interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells, and alleviated tubular injury in MRL/lpr mice. Moreover, Iguratimod eased the tubulo-interstitial deposition of collagen fibers, which was confirmed by decreased expression of COL-I. Furthermore, iguratimod suppressed the expression of FSP-1 and increased that of E-cadherin in renal tubular epithelial cells. In HK2 cells cultured with TGF-β1, iguratimod treatment not only reversed cellular morphological changes, but also prevented E-cadherin downregulation and fibronectin upregulation. In addition, iguratimod inhibited phosphorylation of TGFβRII, Smad2/3 and p38 MAPK in HK2 cells treated with TGF-β1, and also blocked nuclear translocation of β-catenin. CONCLUSION Iguratimod eased tubulo-interstitial lesions in LN, especially tubulo-interstitial fibrosis, and might have potential as a drug for inhibiting the progression of tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leixi Xue
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wentian Lu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinxiang Fu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhichun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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20
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Rhein Improves Renal Fibrosis by Restoring Cpt1a-Mediated Fatty Acid Oxidation through SirT1/STAT3/twist1 Pathway. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27072344. [PMID: 35408745 PMCID: PMC9000220 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27072344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest progress in the field of renal fibrosis mainly focuses on the new concept of “partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (pEMT)” to explain the contribution of renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells to renal fibrosis and the crucial role of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) dysfunction in RTE cells for the development of renal fibrosis. FAO depression is considered to be secondary or occur simultaneously with pEMT. We explored the relationship between pEMT and FAO and the effect of rhein on them. Intragastric administration of rhein significantly improved the levels of BUN, Scr, α-SMA, collagen 1A and histopathological changes in UUO-rats. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed that abnormal signaling pathways were involved in EMT and FAO disorders. RTE cell experiments showed that TGF-β could inhibit the activity of Cpt1a, resulting in ATP depletion and lipid deposition. Cpt1a inhibitor induced EMT, while Cpt1 substrate or rhein inhibited EMT, indicating that Cpt1a-mediated FAO dysfunction is essential for RTE cells EMT. Further studies showed that Cpt1a activity were regulated by SirT1/STAT3/Twist1 pathway. Rhein inhibits RTE cell EMT by promoting Cpt1a-mediated FAO through the SirT1/STAT3/Twist1 pathway. Surprisingly and importantly, our experiments showed that FAO depression occurs before EMT, and EMT is one of the results of FAO depression.
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21
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Sun R, Zheng Q. AKT/foxo3a signal pathway mediates the protective mechanism of resveratrol on renal interstitial fibrosis and oxidative stress in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction. Am J Transl Res 2022; 14:1788-1795. [PMID: 35422955 PMCID: PMC8991137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether protein kinase B (serine/threonrine kinase, AKT)/forkhead box protein O3a (foxo3a) pathway mediates the protective mechanism of resveratrol (RSV) on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and oxidative stress. METHODS Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were grouped into Sham group, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) group and UUO + RSV group. HE staining was used to test the pathological damage of RIF intervened by RSV, biochemical analyzer was used to measure serum renal injury indexes (creatinine, Cr, blood urea nitrogen, Bun), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect oxidative stress indexes (malondialdehyde, MDA; glutathione, GSH; superoxide dismutase, SOD). AKT/FoxO3a signaling pathway markers and renal interstitial indexes were measured by western blot analysis. RESULTS Compared with Sham group, HE staining in UUO group showed significant RIF pathological damage; Cr and Bun indexes were increased, and AKT/FoxO3a signal pathway was activated, as indicated by increased p-AKT/AKT and p-FoxO3a/FoxO3a; TGF-β1 and α-SMA protein levels in fibrosis indexes were increased, while E-cadherin decreased; MDA was increased, GSH and SOD were decreased in oxidative stress indexes, while those in UUO + RSV group were improved. CONCLUSION AKT/foxo3a signaling pathway mediates the protective mechanism of RSV on RIF and oxidative stress in UUO rats, and RSV can improve RIF and oxidative stress in UUO rats by inhibiting AKT/foxo3a signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical CollegeHaikou 570102, Hainan Province, China
| | - Qu Zheng
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Center for Post-doctoral StudiesShenyang 110032, Liaoning Province, China
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22
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Lin Q, Long C, Wang Z, Wang R, Shi W, Qiu J, Mo J, Xie Y. Hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor, attenuates TGF-β-induced fibrosis in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells by inhibition of protease-activated receptor 1 expression via S1P/S1PR2/S1PR3 signaling. Exp Ther Med 2021; 23:3. [PMID: 34815755 PMCID: PMC8593869 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the final common outcome of numerous chronic kidney diseases, contributing to end-stage renal disease. Hirudin, a thrombin inhibitor, has attracted increased attention as a potential treatment approach for renal fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effect of hirudin on fibrosis in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells. An in vivo mouse RIF model established using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and an in vitro of RIF using the renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 treated with TGF-β were used. Expressions of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors (S1PR)1-4 and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting in mice with UUO and TGF-β induced HK-2 cells. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of N-cadherin, Slug, E-cadherin, Collagen IV, fibronectin, MMP9 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to measure α-SMA level expression. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of S1PR1, S1PR2, S1PR3, S1PR4 and PAR1 were upregulated in both TGF-β-induced HK-2 cells and renal tissues from mice with unilateral ureteral ligation. Notably, hirudin inhibited TGF-β-induced PAR1, S1PR2 and S1PR3 upregulation in both HK-2 cells and renal tissues. Additionally, the inhibition of S1PR2 and S1PR3 resulted in PAR1 downregulation. Furthermore, treatment with S1P and PAR1 agonists abolished the effect of hirudin on the expression of EMT, fibrosis-related proteins and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. In conclusion, hirudin attenuated TGF-β-induced fibrosis in proximal renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells by inhibiting PAR1 expression via the S1P/S1PR2/S1PR3 signaling pathway. Therefore, hirudin may be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530023, P.R. China
| | - Chunli Long
- Department of Health Maintenance, Faculty of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, P.R. China
| | - Zhengang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530023, P.R. China
| | - Ronghui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530023, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530023, P.R. China
| | - Jiwei Qiu
- Department of Health Maintenance, Faculty of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, P.R. China
| | - Junlin Mo
- Department of Health Maintenance, Faculty of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530001, P.R. China
| | - Yongxiang Xie
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530023, P.R. China
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23
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Xu H, Wu T, Huang L. Therapeutic and delivery strategies of phytoconstituents for renal fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113911. [PMID: 34358538 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the most common diseases endangering human health and life. By 2030, 14 per 100,000 people may die from CKD. Renal fibrosis (RF) is an important intermediate link and the final pathological change during CKD progression to the terminal stage. Therefore, identifying safe and effective treatment methods for RF has become an important goal. In 2018, the World Health Organization introduced traditional Chinese medicine into its effective global medical program. Various phytoconstituents that affect the RF process have been extracted from different plants. Here, we review the potential therapeutic capabilities of active phytoconstituents in RF treatment and discuss how phytoconstituents can be structurally modified or combined with other ingredients to enhance efficiency and reduce toxicity. We also summarize phytoconstituent delivery strategies to overcome renal barriers and improve bioavailability and targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tianyi Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian 116029, People's Republic of China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
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24
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Yao W, Xu Z, Sun J, Luo J, Wei Y, Zou J. Deoxycholic acid-functionalised nanoparticles for oral delivery of rhein. Eur J Pharm Sci 2021; 159:105713. [PMID: 33453389 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2021.105713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rhein (RH) is a candidate for the treatment of kidney diseases. However, clinical application of RH is impeded by low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. Deoxycholic acid-conjugated nanoparticles (DNPs) were prepared by ionic interaction for enhancing intestinal absorption by targeting the apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter in the small intestine. Resultant DNPs showed relatively high entrapment efficiency (90.7 ± 0.73)% and drug-loading efficiency (6.5 ± 0.29)% with a particle size of approximately 190 nm and good overall dispersibility. In vitro release of RH from DNPs exhibited sustained and pH-dependent profiles. Cellular uptake and apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) of the DNPs were 3.25- and 5.05-fold higher than that of RH suspensions, respectively. An in vivo pharmacokinetic study demonstrated significantly enhanced oral bioavailability of RH when encapsulated in DNPs, with 2.40- and 3.33-fold higher Cmax and AUC0-inf compared to RH suspensions, respectively. DNPs are promising delivery platforms for poorly absorbed drugs by oral administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhishi Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiang Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jingwen Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinghui Wei
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jiafeng Zou
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, Zhejiang, China
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25
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Zhao M, Yu Y, Wang R, Chang M, Ma S, Qu H, Zhang Y. Mechanisms and Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Chronic Kidney Disease. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:619201. [PMID: 33854427 PMCID: PMC8039908 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.619201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the current treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited, it is necessary to seek more effective and safer treatment methods, such as Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). In order to clarify the modern theoretical basis and molecular mechanisms of CHMs, we reviewed the knowledge based on publications in peer-reviewed English-language journals, focusing on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated and antifibrotic effects of CHMs commonly used in kidney disease. We also discussed recently published clinical trials and meta-analyses in this field. Based on recent studies regarding the mechanisms of kidney disease in vivo and in vitro, CHMs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-apoptotic, autophagy-mediated, and antifibrotic effects. Several well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses demonstrated that the use of CHMs as an adjuvant to conventional medicines may benefit patients with CKD. Unknown active ingredients, low quality and small sample sizes of some clinical trials, and the safety of CHMs have restricted the development of CHMs. CHMs is a potential method in the treatment of CKD. Further study on the mechanism and well-conducted RCTs are urgently needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rumeng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meiying Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sijia Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Qu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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26
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Cheng L, Chen Q, Pi R, Chen J. A research update on the therapeutic potential of rhein and its derivatives. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 899:173908. [PMID: 33515540 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rhein is one of the anthraquinones components of Rheum. It shows excellent clinical efficacy and is widely used in the management of several disease conditions including tumors, inflammation, diabetic nephropathy, and viral infections. In this review, we summarize the recent studies on the pharmacological activities of rhein and its derivatives, as well as their association with different diseases and possible mechanisms based on our previous review. This review serves as an updated and a supplement to our previous report highlighting the use of rhein in nanotechnology. It also serves as a reference study and offers an overall picture of the use of rhein and its derivatives in nanotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qiuhe Chen
- College of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongbiao Pi
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jingkao Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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27
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He X, Li G, Chen Y, Xiao Q, Yu X, Yu X, Lu X, Xiang Z. Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Combination of Rhein and Curcumin in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:573118. [PMID: 33424589 PMCID: PMC7785804 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.573118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The interaction between the components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important basis for their synergy. Rhein and curcumin exert various pharmacological activities, including anti-tumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fibrosis and renoprotective effects. However, no investigation has reported the synergistic anti-fibrosis effect yet. This study aims at determine the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the combination of rhein and curcumin in the treatment for chronic kidney disease in rats. Design: Fifty two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into rhein group, curcumin group and their combination group for pharmacodynamics studies. HE and Masson staining was conducted to observe the changes of renal morphology. Kits were used to detect the level of urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Scr). For pharmacokinetic study, 36 SD rats were randomly divided into rhein group, curcumin group and a combination group, the content of rhein and curcumin in plasma and renal tissue was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In additon, molecular docking method and cell experiments was used to disclose the interaction mechanism between curcumin and rhein. Results: The pharmacodynamic results showed that the degree of renal fibrosis was improved obviously by co-administration rhein and curcumin. Meanwhile, compared to single administration, the Cmax and AUC of rhein and curcumin in plasma and renal tissue were enhanced significantly after co-administration. Moreover, the result of molecular docking and cell experiments showed that both two compounds could interact with P-gp, CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Conclusion: Together, these findings demonstrated that rhein and curcumin had a synergistic effect in ameliorateing chonic kidney disease, providing an important explanation on the synergistic mechanism of curcumin and rhein from a pharmacokinetic viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guowei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiming Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinwei Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xixi Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Drug Evaluation and Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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28
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Zheng X, Liu D. Adiponectin alleviates the symptoms of ischemic renal disease by inhibiting renal cell apoptosis. Life Sci 2020; 265:118825. [PMID: 33275989 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118825] [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: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Ischemic renal disease (IRD) can cause kidney damage and eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. Adiponectin (APN), a recently discovered collagen-like protein secreted by adipose tissues, plays an important role in regulating energy metabolism and inflammation. This study aimed to explore the specific mechanism by which APN affects IRD. MAIN METHODS We cultured human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) and created a mouse model of IRD to detect apoptosis-related indicators in vitro and in vivo. KEY FINDINGS Compared with those in the control group, the apoptosis rate and expression levels of Bax and Fas increased in the CoCl2-induced hypoxia model group. However, the expression of Bcl-2 decreased, and after the combined treatment with APN, the phenomenon mentioned above was reversed. Moreover, studies have found that stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) and uncoupling protein3 (UCP3) are also involved in the protective effect of APN. Additionally, we found that the glomeruli of the mice were significantly enlarged after the APN gene was knocked out; furthermore, the number of collagen fibers in the renal tubules, as well as the expression of the corresponding fibrogenic factors, increased significantly. More importantly, after the knockout of the APN gene, the expression of the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-1β and the apoptotic rate of renal tissue cells also increased. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that APN can alleviate the symptoms of IRD by inhibiting renal cell apoptosis. Thus, in the future, APN may be a new target for the treatment of IRD. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS Cobalt chloride (PubChem CID: 24643).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning, PR China
| | - Dajun Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, NO.39 Huaxiang Road, Tiexi District, Shenyang 110022, Liaoning, PR China.
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29
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Analysis of apoptosis of kidney tissue by the tunel method and histomorphological changes in rabbit kidney model due to unilateral supravesical obstruction. JOURNAL OF SURGERY AND MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.28982/josam.811241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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30
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Shen Y, Feng F, Sun H, Li G, Xiang Z. Quantitative and network pharmacology: A case study of rhein alleviating pathological progress of renal interstitial fibrosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 261:113106. [PMID: 32553981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The current network pharmacology model focuses mainly on static and qualitative characterisation between drugs and targets or molecular pathway networks, but it does not reflect the multi-scale, dynamic and quantitative process of drug action. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we developed a new model known as quantitative and network pharmacology (QNP) to characterise the dynamic and quantitative interventions of drugs within a multi-scale biological network. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, we used a systems biology method to construct a molecule-cell dynamic network model to simulate the pathological processes of diseases. Secondly, according to the principles of enzymatic kinetics, we generated a multi-scale drug intervention model to simulate the intervention of drugs in multi-scale networks at different concentrations and pathological stages. Finally, we took rhein treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) as an example to illustrate the QNP model. RESULTS We successfully constructed the a QNP model that includes both a multi-scale dynamic network disease model and drug intervention model. The QNP model accurately simulated the pathological process of RIF, and the simulation results were validated by a series of cell and animal experiments. Meanwhile, the QNP model demonstrated that rhein can delay the pathological process at the studied concentrations of 5 nM, 10 nM, and 20 nM, and can also exert a better therapeutic effect on fibrosis before the proliferation stage of RIF. Furthermore, through uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, we identified that FAK and Smad3 may be potential targets for RIF. CONCLUSION Our QNP model provides a molecular-cellular understanding of the pathological mechanisms of RIF, serving as a new approach and strategy for the construction of dynamic multi-scale network model of diseases and drug intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Shen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China; Pharmaceutical Department, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo, 315012, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Feng Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China; Pharmacy Department, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Guowei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Zheng Xiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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Down-regulation of LINC00667 hinders renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and fibrosis through miR-34c. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:572-581. [PMID: 32705492 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02451-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to down-regulate LINC00667 and inhibit apoptosis and fibrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells through miR-34c. METHODS Altogether, 98 patients with chronic kidney disease treated in our hospital were selected as the study group, and 67 normal people were selected as the control group. Epithelial cells of proximal convoluted tubules in human renal cortex were purchased. TGF-β1 was used to induce fibrosis of HK-2 renal tubular epithelial cells. The expression of LINC00667, miR-34c, type I collagen (Col 1) and type III collagen (Col 3) were detected by qRT-PCR and WB. RESULTS LINC00667 was highly expressed in cancer tissues and HK-2, while miR-34c was poorly expressed. Inhibition of LINC00667 and over-expression of miR-34c could inhibit the proliferation and invasion of chronic kidney disease cells, but increase the apoptosis rate. Down-regulation of LINC00667 could significantly reduce of Col 1 and Col 3 in renal interstitial fibroblasts induced by TGF-β1, while up-regulation of miR-34c could also achieve this effect. Double luciferase report confirmed that there was a targeted regulatory relationship between LINC00667 and miR-34c. CONCLUSION LINC00667 could reduce the proliferation and invasion of chronic kidney disease cells, increase the apoptosis rate by regulating miR-34c, and improve renal fibrosis.
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Ramirez LA, Gillis EE, Musall JB, Mohamed R, Snyder E, El-Marakby A, Sullivan JC. Hypertensive female Sprague-Dawley rats require an intact nitric oxide synthase system for compensatory increases in renal regulatory T cells. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F192-F201. [PMID: 32597687 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00228.2020] [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] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that hypertensive female rats have more regulatory T cells (Tregs), which contribute more to blood pressure (BP) control in female versus male rats. Based on known protective properties of Tregs, the goal of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms by which female rats maintain Tregs. The present study was designed to 1) compare the impact of three hypertension models on the percentage of renal Tregs and 2) test the hypothesis that nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition prevents increases in renal Tregs and exacerbates renal damage in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats (11-14 wk old) were randomized to one of the following four groups: control, norepinephrine (NE) infusion, angiotensin II infusion, or the NOS inhibitor Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) in drinking water. BP was measured via tail cuff. After 2 wk of treatment, kidneys were isolated and processed to measure Tregs via flow cytometric analysis and renal injury via urinary albumin excretion, plasma creatinine, and histological analyses. Hypertensive treatments increased BP in all experimental animals. Increases in BP in norepinephrine-and angiotensin II-treated rats were associated with increases in renal Tregs versus control. In contrast, l-NAME treatment decreased Tregs compared with all groups. l-NAME treatment modestly increased albumin excretion. However, plasma creatinine was comparable among the groups, and there was no histological evidence of glomerular or tubular injury. This study provides insights into the mechanisms regulating renal Tregs and supports that an intact NOS system is crucial for female rats to have BP-related increases in renal Tregs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey A Ramirez
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ellen E Gillis
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Jacqueline B Musall
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Riyaz Mohamed
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Elizabeth Snyder
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Ahmed El-Marakby
- Dental College of Georgia, Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer C Sullivan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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