Upregulation of miRNA-1228-3p alleviates TGF-β-induced fibrosis in renal tubular epithelial cells

The regulatory effect of growth differentiation factor 11 on different cells

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is one of the important factors in the pathophysiological process of animals. It is widely expressed in many tissues and organs of animals, showing its wide biological activity and potential application value. Previous research has demonstrated that GDF11 has a therapeutic effect on various diseases, such as anti-myocardial aging and anti-tumor. This has not only sparked intense interest and enthusiasm among academics but also spurred some for-profit businesses to attempt to develop GDF11 as a medication for regenerative medicine or anti-aging application. Currently, Sotatercept, a GDF11 antibody drug, is in the marketing application stage, and HS-235 and rGDF11 are in the preclinical research stage. Therefore, we believe that figuring out which cells GDF11 acts on and its current problems should be an important issue in the scientific and commercial communities. Only through extensive, comprehensive research and discussion can we better understand the role and potential of GDF11, while avoiding unnecessary risks and misinformation. In this review, we aimed to summarize the role of GDF11 in different cells and its current controversies and challenges, providing an important reference for us to deeply understand the function of GDF11 and formulate more effective treatment strategies in the future.

Shen Qi Wan-Containing Serum Alleviates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via Restraining Notch1-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Objective

Shen Qi Wan (SQW) is the most classic prescription for the clinical therapy of chronic kidney disease in China. Nevertheless, the function of SQW in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) has not been clearly clarified. Our purpose was to explore the protective function of SQW on RIF.

Methods

After intervention with SQW-containing serum alone at increasing concentrations (2.5, 5, and 10%) or in combination with siNotch1, the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-induced HK-2 cell viability, extracellular matrix (ECM)-, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and Notch1 pathway-associated protein expressions were assessed by cell counting kit-8, qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence assays.

Results

SQW-containing serum intensified the viability of TGF-β-mediated HK-2 cells. Besides, it augmented the collagen II and E-cadherin levels, and weakened the fibronectin, α-SMA, vimentin, N-cadherin, and collagen I levels in HK-2 cells triggered by TGF-β. Moreover, it is found that TGF-β led to the upregulation of Notch1, Jag1, HEY1, HES1, and TGF-β in HK-2 cells, which was partially offset by SQW-containing serum. Furthermore, cotreatment of SQW-containing serum and Notch1 knockdown further apparently alleviated the Notch1, vimentin, N-cadherin, collagen I, and fibronectin levels in HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings elucidated that SQW-containing serum attenuated RIF via restraining EMT through the repression of the Notch1 pathway.