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Gu YY, Liu XS, Lan HY. Therapeutic potential for renal fibrosis by targeting Smad3-dependent noncoding RNAs. Mol Ther 2024; 32:313-324. [PMID: 38093516 PMCID: PMC10861968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.009] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that ultimately results in renal failure, leaving patients with few therapeutic options. TGF-β is a master regulator of renal fibrosis and mediates progressive renal fibrosis via both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. In the canonical Smad signaling, Smad3 is a key mediator in tissue fibrosis and mediates renal fibrosis via a number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). In this regard, targeting Smad3-dependent ncRNAs may offer a specific therapy for renal fibrosis. This review highlights the significance and innovation of TGF-β/Smad3-associated ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in renal fibrogenesis. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of these ncRNAs and their future perspectives in the treatment of renal fibrosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Renal angiotensin I-converting enzyme-deficient mice are protected against aristolochic acid nephropathy. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:391-403. [PMID: 36520238 PMCID: PMC9908662 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02779-4] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The renal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is involved in the development of chronic kidney disease. Here, we investigated whether mice with reduced renal angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE-/-) are protected against aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). To further elucidate potential molecular mechanisms, we assessed the renal abundances of several major RAS components. AAN was induced using aristolochic acid I (AAI). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined using inulin clearance and renal protein abundances of renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) 2, and Mas receptor (Mas) were determined in ACE-/- and C57BL/6J control mice by Western blot analyses. Renal ACE activity was determined using a colorimetric assay and renal angiotensin (Ang) (1-7) concentration was determined by ELISA. GFR was similar in vehicle-treated mice of both strains. AAI decreased GFR in controls but not in ACE-/- mice. Furthermore, AAI decreased renal ACE activity in controls but not in ACE-/- mice. Vehicle-treated ACE-/- mice had significantly higher renal ACE2 and Mas protein abundances than controls. AAI decreased renal ACE2 protein abundance in both strains. Furthermore, AAI increased renal Mas protein abundance, although the latter effect did not reach statistical significance in the ACE-/- mice. Renal Ang(1-7) concentration was similar in vehicle-treated mice of both strains. AAI increased renal Ang(1-7) concentration in the ACE-/- mice but not in the controls. Mice with reduced renal ACE are protected against AAN. Our data suggest that in the face of renal ACE deficiency, AAI may activate the ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas axis, which in turn may deploy its reno-protective effects.
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Negative regulators of TGF-β1 signaling in renal fibrosis; pathological mechanisms and novel therapeutic opportunities. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:275-303. [PMID: 33480423 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Elevated expression of the multifunctional cytokine transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is causatively linked to kidney fibrosis progression initiated by diabetic, hypertensive, obstructive, ischemic and toxin-induced injury. Therapeutically relevant approaches to directly target the TGF-β1 pathway (e.g., neutralizing antibodies against TGF-β1), however, remain elusive in humans. TGF-β1 signaling is subjected to extensive negative control at the level of TGF-β1 receptor, SMAD2/3 activation, complex assembly and promoter engagement due to its critical role in tissue homeostasis and numerous pathologies. Progressive kidney injury is accompanied by the deregulation (loss or gain of expression) of several negative regulators of the TGF-β1 signaling cascade by mechanisms involving protein and mRNA stability or epigenetic silencing, further amplifying TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling and fibrosis. Expression of bone morphogenetic proteins 6 and 7 (BMP6/7), SMAD7, Sloan-Kettering Institute proto-oncogene (Ski) and Ski-related novel gene (SnoN), phosphate tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN), protein phosphatase magnesium/manganese dependent 1A (PPM1A) and Klotho are dramatically decreased in various nephropathies in animals and humans albeit with different kinetics while the expression of Smurf1/2 E3 ligases are increased. Such deregulations frequently initiate maladaptive renal repair including renal epithelial cell dedifferentiation and growth arrest, fibrotic factor (connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1), TGF-β1) synthesis/secretion, fibroproliferative responses and inflammation. This review addresses how loss of these negative regulators of TGF-β1 pathway exacerbates renal lesion formation and discusses the therapeutic value in restoring the expression of these molecules in ameliorating fibrosis, thus, presenting novel approaches to suppress TGF-β1 hyperactivation during chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression.
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Wang L, Wang HL, Liu TT, Lan HY. TGF-Beta as a Master Regulator of Diabetic Nephropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7881. [PMID: 34360646 PMCID: PMC8345981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications in diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine and has been recognized as a key mediator of DN. However, anti-TGF-β treatment for DN remains controversial due to the diverse role of TGF-β1 in DN. Thus, understanding the regulatory role and mechanisms of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of DN is the initial step towards the development of anti-TGF-β treatment for DN. In this review, we first discuss the diverse roles and signaling mechanisms of TGF-β in DN by focusing on the latent versus active TGF-β1, the TGF-β receptors, and the downstream individual Smad signaling molecules including Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7. Then, we dissect the regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β/Smad signaling in the development of DN by emphasizing Smad-dependent non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and long-non-coding RNAs. Finally, the potential therapeutic strategies for DN by targeting TGF-β signaling with various therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Hong-Lian Wang
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Tong-Tong Liu
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Gu YY, Dou JY, Huang XR, Liu XS, Lan HY. Transforming Growth Factor-β and Long Non-coding RNA in Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:684236. [PMID: 34054586 PMCID: PMC8155637 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.684236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is one of the most characterized pathological features in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Progressive fibrosis eventually leads to renal failure, leaving dialysis or allograft transplantation the only clinical option for CKD patients. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the key mediator in renal fibrosis and is an essential regulator for renal inflammation. Therefore, the general blockade of the pro-fibrotic TGF-β may reduce fibrosis but may risk promoting renal inflammation and other side effects due to the diverse role of TGF-β in kidney diseases. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts with more than 200 nucleotides and have been regarded as promising therapeutic targets for many diseases. This review focuses on the importance of TGF-β and lncRNAs in renal inflammation, fibrogenesis, and the potential applications of TGF-β and lncRNAs as the therapeutic targets and biomarkers in renal fibrosis and CKD are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jing-Yun Dou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Nephrology, Weihai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weihai, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic kidney disease. Although considerable achievements in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis have been made, the underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis remain largely to be explored. Now we have reached the consensus that TGF-β is a master regulator of renal fibrosis. Indeed, TGF-β regulates renal fibrosis via both canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling. Moreover, ongoing renal inflammation promotes fibrosis as inflammatory cells such as macrophages, conventional T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells may directly or indirectly contribute to renal fibrosis, which is also tightly regulated by TGF-β. However, anti-TGF-β treatment for renal fibrosis remains ineffective and nonspecific. Thus, research into mechanisms and treatment of renal fibrosis remains highly challenging.
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Quan Y, Jin L, Luo K, Jin J, Lim SW, Shin YJ, Ko EJ, Chung BH, Yang CW. Assessment of nephrotoxicity of herbal medicine containing aristolochic acid in mice. Korean J Intern Med 2020; 35:400-407. [PMID: 31739654 PMCID: PMC7060994 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2018.280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS It is undetermined if herbal medicines (HM) containing aristolochic acid (AA)-containing have similar nephrotoxicity to AA itself. METHODS We administered HM containing a high concentration of AA for 5 days (short-term study) or a low concentration of AA for 30 days (long-term study) to C57BL/6 mice; for comparison, same dose of AA compound was used as controls. RESULTS The nephrotoxicity in the HM- and AA-treated mice was compared in terms of renal function, histopathology, oxidative stress, apoptotic cell death, and mitochondrial damage. Short-term HM treatment resulted in acute kidney injury (marked renal dysfunction, acute tubular necrosis, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin [NGAL] expression) in which the severity of renal dysfunction and histopathology was comparable with that induced by the administration of AA alone. Long-term HM treatment resulted in features of chronic kidney disease (CKD, mild renal dysfunction and tubular atrophy and dilatation). No significant differences in these parameters were observed between the HM- and AA-treated mice. HM-induced oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and manganese- dependent superoxide dismutase expression) and apoptotic cell death (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling [TUNEL]-positive cells and active caspase-3 expression) were similar in HM- and AA-treated mice in the short-term and long-term studies. Mitochondrial injury, evaluated by electron microscopy, was also similar in HM- and AA-treated mice in the short-term and long-term studies. CONCLUSION The nephrotoxic potential of HM containing AA was similar to that of AA itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Quan
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Long Jin
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang Luo
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jian Jin
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sun Woo Lim
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Shin
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jeong Ko
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Woo Yang
- Transplant Research Center, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Chul Woo Yang, M.D. Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 222 Banpo-Daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06591, Korea Tel: +82-2-2258-6851 Fax: +82-2-2258-6917 E-mail:
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Gu YY, Liu XS, Huang XR, Yu XQ, Lan HY. Diverse Role of TGF-β in Kidney Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:123. [PMID: 32258028 PMCID: PMC7093020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are two pathological features of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been long considered as a key mediator of renal fibrosis. In addition, TGF-β also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory cytokine that negatively regulates renal inflammation. Thus, blockade of TGF-β inhibits renal fibrosis while promoting inflammation, revealing a diverse role for TGF-β in CKD. It is now well documented that TGF-β1 activates its downstream signaling molecules such as Smad3 and Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs to transcriptionally and differentially regulate renal inflammation and fibrosis, which is negatively regulated by Smad7. Therefore, treatments by rebalancing Smad3/Smad7 signaling or by specifically targeting Smad3-dependent non-coding RNAs that regulate renal fibrosis or inflammation could be a better therapeutic approach. In this review, the paradoxical functions and underlying mechanisms by which TGF-β1 regulates in renal inflammation and fibrosis are discussed and novel therapeutic strategies for kidney disease by targeting downstream TGF-β/Smad signaling and transcriptomes are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Qing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Immunity and Genetics of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, China
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Anger EE, Yu F, Li J. Aristolochic Acid-Induced Nephrotoxicity: Molecular Mechanisms and Potential Protective Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1157. [PMID: 32050524 PMCID: PMC7043226 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acid (AA) is a generic term that describes a group of structurally related compounds found in the Aristolochiaceae plants family. These plants have been used for decades to treat various diseases. However, the consumption of products derived from plants containing AA has been associated with the development of nephropathy and carcinoma, mainly the upper urothelial carcinoma (UUC). AA has been identified as the causative agent of these pathologies. Several studies on mechanisms of action of AA nephrotoxicity have been conducted, but the comprehensive mechanisms of AA-induced nephrotoxicity and carcinogenesis have not yet fully been elucidated, and therapeutic measures are therefore limited. This review aimed to summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying AA-induced nephrotoxicity with an emphasis on its enzymatic bioactivation, and to discuss some agents and their modes of action to reduce AA nephrotoxicity. By addressing these two aspects, including mechanisms of action of AA nephrotoxicity and protective approaches against the latter, and especially by covering the whole range of these protective agents, this review provides an overview on AA nephrotoxicity. It also reports new knowledge on mechanisms of AA-mediated nephrotoxicity recently published in the literature and provides suggestions for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ji Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China; (E.E.A.); (F.Y.)
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Jiao H, Xie D, Qiao Y. LncRNA PRINS is involved in the development of nephropathy in patients with diabetes via interaction with Smad7. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:3203-3208. [PMID: 30936994 PMCID: PMC6434383 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA psoriasis-susceptibilityrelated RNA gene induced by stress (PRINS) is known to be involved in kidney ischemia reperfusion injury. The aim of the current study was to investigate the potential role of PRINS in diabetic nephropathy. The relative mRNA expression level of PRINS and SMAD family member 7 (Smad7) was examined in patients with diabetes, including patients without obvious complications (n=43), patients with diabetic nephropathy (n=33), diabetic retinopathy (n=37), diabetic cardiomyopathy (n=29), diabetic lung disease (n=38) and healthy controls (n=48). Correlation analysis between the expression level of PRINS and Smad7 was analyzed by Pearson's correlation analysis. In addition, overexpression of PRINS was confirmed in mouse podocyte cells and cell viability and Smad7 protein expression was detected by MTT assay and western blot analysis, respectively. The expression levels of PRINS and Smad7 were significantly increased in patients with diabetes compared with healthy controls. In addition, the expression levels of PRINS and Smad7 were significantly increased in patients with diabetic nephropathy compared with other diabetic complications. The expression level of PRINS in mouse podocyte cells was upregulated following treatment with high glucose. A significant positive correlation between the expression level of PRINS and Smad7 was observed in patients with diabetic nephropathy. However, there was no correlation was observed in other patient groups compared with healthy controls. Overexpression of PRINS decreased the viability of mouse podocyte cells and enhanced Smad7 protein expression. Taken together, these results suggest that PRINS may be involved in the development of nephropathy in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jiao
- Department of Nephrology, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Daolin Xie
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Qiao
- Department of Nephrology, Peace Hospital of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, Shanxi 046000, P.R. China
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Aristolochic Acids: Newly Identified Exposure Pathways of this Class of Environmental and Food-Borne Contaminants and its Potential Link to Chronic Kidney Diseases. TOXICS 2019; 7:toxics7010014. [PMID: 30893813 PMCID: PMC6468885 DOI: 10.3390/toxics7010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aristolochic acids (AAs) are nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acids naturally produced by Aristolochia plants. These plants were widely used to prepare herbal remedies until AAs were observed to be highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic to humans. Although the use of AA-containing Aristolochia plants in herbal medicine is prohibited in countries worldwide, emerging evidence nevertheless has indicated that AAs are the causative agents of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), an environmentally derived disease threatening numerous residents of rural farming villages along the Danube River in countries of the Balkan Peninsula. This perspective updates recent findings on the identification of AAs in food as a result of the root uptake of free AAs released from the decayed seeds of Aristolochia clematitis L., in combination with their presence and fate in the environment. The potential link between AAs and the high prevalence of chronic kidney diseases in China is also discussed.
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12
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Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and related molecules in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:287-313. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20180438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Yang C, Guo Y, Huang TS, Zhao J, Huang XJ, Tang HX, An N, Pan Q, Xu YZ, Liu HF. Asiatic acid protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1354-1362. [PMID: 30257350 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin is a well-known chemotherapeutic drug applied for the treatment of numerous human cancers. However, the use of cisplatin in clinic is limited by certain serious side effects, such as nephrotoxicity. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective therapeutic approach to prevent cisplatin-induced AKI. Increasing evidence suggests that apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells and renal inflammation mainly determine the progression and outcome of cisplatin-induced AKI. Asiatic acid (AA) has been reported have the functions of anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis, etc. But the effects of AA on kidney injury induced by cisplatin are still not known. The current study aimed to determine the potential renoprotective effects of AA on kidney injury induced by cisplatin. Twenty-four C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (CON), cisplatin-induced AKI (CIS), AKI with 50 mg/kg AA pretreatment (CIS + AA50), and AKI with 100 mg/kg AA pretreatment (CIS + AA100). Mice were anesthetized and sacrificed at 72 h after the cisplatin injection. Blood and kidney samples were collected for analyses. Compared with CON mice, cisplatin-treated mice exhibited severe tubular necrosis and elevated serum creatinine level. However, AA pretreatment (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) markedly suppressed the elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and histological changes. Moreover, AA pretreatment notably downregulated tubular expression of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and the number of apoptotic cells, and upregulated the expression of the apoptosis inhibitor survivin and promoted tubular proliferation as evidenced by an increase in the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells. In addition, AA suppressed the enhanced mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1 and caspase-1 in the kidneys. Furthermore, AA pretreatment inhibited NF-κB activation and the inflammatory response, which may result from Smad7 up-regulation. In conclusion, AA protects against cisplatin-induced AKI via anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Yun Guo
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Tong-Sheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Xi-Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Hao-Xuan Tang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Ning An
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Qingjun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Yong-Zhi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
| | - Hua-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang City, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China.
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14
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Tang PMK, Zhang YY, Mak TSK, Tang PCT, Huang XR, Lan HY. Transforming growth factor-β signalling in renal fibrosis: from Smads to non-coding RNAs. J Physiol 2018; 596:3493-3503. [PMID: 29781524 DOI: 10.1113/jp274492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is the key player in tissue fibrosis. However, antifibrotic therapy targeting this multifunctional protein may interfere with other physiological processes to cause side effects. Thus, precise therapeutic targets need to be identified by further understanding the underlying mechanisms of TGF-β1 signalling during fibrogenesis. Equilibrium of Smad signalling is crucial for TGF-β-mediated renal fibrosis, where Smad3 is pathogenic but Smad2 and Smad7 are protective. The activation of TGF-β1/Smad signalling triggers extracellular matrix deposition, and local myofibroblast generation and activation. Mechanistic studies have shown that TGF-β/Smad3 transits the microRNA profile from antifibrotic to profibrotic and therefore promotes renal fibrosis via regulating non-coding RNAs at transcriptional levels. More importantly, disease-specific Smad3-dependent long non-coding RNAs have been recently uncovered from mouse kidney disease models and may represent novel precision therapeutic targets for chronic kidney disease. In this review, mechanisms of TGF-β-driven renal fibrosis via non-coding RNAs and their translational capacities will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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15
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Dai XY, Huang XR, Zhou L, Zhang L, Fu P, Manthey C, Nikolic-Paterson DJ, Lan HY. Targeting c-fms kinase attenuates chronic aristolochic acid nephropathy in mice. Oncotarget 2017; 7:10841-56. [PMID: 26909597 PMCID: PMC4905443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) is a progressive kidney disease caused by some Chinese herbal medicines, but treatment remains ineffective. Macrophage accumulation is an early feature in human and experimental AAN; however, the role of macrophages in chronic AAN is unknown. We report here that targeting macrophages with fms-I, a selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activity of the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor, suppressed disease progression in a mouse model of chronic AAN. Treatment with fms-I (10mg/kg/BID) from day 0 to 28 (prevention study) or from day 14 to 28 (intervention study) substantially inhibited macrophage accumulation and significantly improved renal dysfunction including a reduction in proteinuria and tubular damage. Progressive interstitial fibrosis (myofibroblast accumulation and collagen deposition) and renal inflammation (increased expression of MCP-1, MIF, and TNF-α) were also attenuated by fms-I treatment. These protective effects involved inhibition of TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-kB signaling. In conclusion, the present study establishes that macrophages are key inflammatory cells that exacerbates progressive tubulointerstitial damage in chronic AAN via mechanisms associated with TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and NF-κB-driven renal inflammation. Targeting macrophages via a c-fms kinase inhibitor may represent a novel therapy for chronic AAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Y Dai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Nephrology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China.,Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao R Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Carl Manthey
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Radnor, PA, USA
| | - David J Nikolic-Paterson
- Department of Nephrology, Monash Health and Monash University Department of Medicine, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Hui Y Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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16
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Feng M, Tang PMK, Huang XR, Sun SF, You YK, Xiao J, Lv LL, Xu AP, Lan HY. TGF-β Mediates Renal Fibrosis via the Smad3-Erbb4-IR Long Noncoding RNA Axis. Mol Ther 2017; 26:148-161. [PMID: 29102563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad3 signaling plays a role in tissue fibrosis. We report here that Erbb4-IR is a novel long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) responsible for TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis and is a specific therapeutic target for chronic kidney disease. Erbb4-IR was induced by TGF-β1 via a Smad3-dependent mechanism and was highly upregulated in the fibrotic kidney of mouse unilateral ureteral obstructive nephropathy (UUO). Silencing Erbb4-IR blocked TGF-β1-induced collagen I and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressions in vitro and effectively attenuated renal fibrosis in the UUO kidney by blocking TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Mechanistic studies revealed that Smad7, a downstream negative regulator of TGF-β/Smad signaling, is a target gene of Erbb4-IR because a binding site of Erbb4-IR was found on the 3' UTR of Smad7 gene. Mutation of this binding site prevented the suppressive effect of Erbb4-IR on the Smad7 reporter activity; in contrast, overexpression of Erbb4-IR largely inhibited Smad7 but increased collagen I and α-SMA transcriptions. Thus, kidney-specific silencing of Erbb4-IR upregulated renal Smad7 and thus blocked TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the present study identified that Erbb4-IR is a novel lncRNA responsible for TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis by downregulating Smad7. Targeting Erbb4-IR may represent a precise therapeutic strategy for progressive renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Si-Fan Sun
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong-Ke You
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lin-Li Lv
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - An-Ping Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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17
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Smad7 protects against acute kidney injury by rescuing tubular epithelial cells from the G1 cell cycle arrest. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:1955-1969. [PMID: 28566468 DOI: 10.1042/cs20170127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Smad7 plays a protective role in chronic kidney disease; however, its role in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unexplored. Here, we report that Smad7 protects against AKI by rescuing the G1 cell cycle arrest of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) in ischemia/reperfusion-induced AKI in mice in which Smad7 gene is disrupted or restored locally into the kidney. In Smad7 gene knockout (KO) mice, more severe renal impairment including higher levels of serum creatinine and massive tubular necrosis was developed at 48 h after AKI. In contrast, restored renal Smad7 gene locally into the kidney of Smad7 KO mice protected against AKI by promoting TEC proliferation identified by PCNA+ and BrdU+ cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that worsen AKI in Smad7 KO mice was associated with a marked activation of TGF-β/Smad3-p21/p27 signaling and a loss of CDK2/cyclin E activities, thereby impairing TEC regeneration at the G1 cell cycle arrest. In contrast, restored Smad7 locally into the kidneys of Smad7 KO mice protected TECs from the G1 cell cycle arrest and promoted TEC G1/S transition via a CDK2/cyclin E-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, Smad7 plays a protective role in AKI. Blockade of TGF-β/Smad3-p21/p27-induced G1 cell cycle arrest may be a key mechanism by which Smad7 treatment inhibits AKI. Thus, Smad7 may be a novel therapeutic agent for AKI.
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18
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Jadot I, Declèves AE, Nortier J, Caron N. An Integrated View of Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy: Update of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020297. [PMID: 28146082 PMCID: PMC5343833 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2016] [Revised: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term “aristolochic acid nephropathy” (AAN) is used to include any form of toxic interstitial nephropathy that is caused either by ingestion of plants containing aristolochic acids (AA) as part of traditional phytotherapies (formerly known as “Chinese herbs nephropathy”), or by the environmental contaminants in food (Balkan endemic nephropathy). It is frequently associated with urothelial malignancies. Although products containing AA have been banned in most of countries, AAN cases remain regularly reported all over the world. Moreover, AAN incidence is probably highly underestimated given the presence of AA in traditional herbal remedies worldwide and the weak awareness of the disease. During these two past decades, animal models for AAN have been developed to investigate underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in AAN pathogenesis. Indeed, a more-in-depth understanding of these processes is essential to develop therapeutic strategies aimed to reduce the global and underestimated burden of this disease. In this regard, our purpose was to build a broad overview of what is currently known about AAN. To achieve this goal, we aimed to summarize the latest data available about underlying pathophysiological mechanisms leading to AAN development with a particular emphasis on the imbalance between vasoactive factors as well as a focus on the vascular events often not considered in AAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inès Jadot
- Molecular Physiology Research Unit-URPhyM, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), Namur 5000, Belgium.
| | - Anne-Emilie Declèves
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, University of Mons (UMons), Mons 7000, Belgium.
| | - Joëlle Nortier
- Nephrology Department, Erasme Academic Hospital and Laboratory of Experimental Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels 1070, Belgium.
| | - Nathalie Caron
- Molecular Physiology Research Unit-URPhyM, Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur (UNamur), Namur 5000, Belgium.
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19
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Mulay SR, Eberhard JN, Pfann V, Marschner JA, Darisipudi MN, Daniel C, Romoli S, Desai J, Grigorescu M, Kumar SV, Rathkolb B, Wolf E, Hrabě de Angelis M, Bäuerle T, Dietel B, Wagner CA, Amann K, Eckardt KU, Aronson PS, Anders HJ, Knauf F. Oxalate-induced chronic kidney disease with its uremic and cardiovascular complications in C57BL/6 mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 310:F785-F795. [PMID: 26764204 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00488.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) research is limited by the lack of convenient inducible models mimicking human CKD and its complications in experimental animals. We demonstrate that a soluble oxalate-rich diet induces stable stages of CKD in male and female C57BL/6 mice. Renal histology is characterized by tubular damage, remnant atubular glomeruli, interstitial inflammation, and fibrosis, with the extent of tissue involvement depending on the duration of oxalate feeding. Expression profiling of markers and magnetic resonance imaging findings established to reflect inflammation and fibrosis parallel the histological changes. Within 3 wk, the mice reproducibly develop normochromic anemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, FGF23 activation, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperparathyroidism. In addition, the model is characterized by profound arterial hypertension as well as cardiac fibrosis that persist following the switch to a control diet. Together, this new model of inducible CKD overcomes a number of previous experimental limitations and should serve useful in research related to CKD and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrikant R Mulay
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan N Eberhard
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Victoria Pfann
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julian A Marschner
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Murthy N Darisipudi
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Daniel
- Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Romoli
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jyaysi Desai
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Melissa Grigorescu
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Santhosh V Kumar
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Birgit Rathkolb
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Institute of Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University München, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz-Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen, Institute of Radiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Dietel
- Department of Cardiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carsten A Wagner
- Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Kerstin Amann
- Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Eckardt
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter S Aronson
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Joachim Anders
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Knauf
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; .,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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20
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Sureshbabu A, Muhsin SA, Choi ME. TGF-β signaling in the kidney: profibrotic and protective effects. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2016; 310:F596-F606. [PMID: 26739888 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00365.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is generally considered as a central mediator of fibrotic diseases. Indeed, much focus has been placed on inhibiting TGF-β and its downstream targets as ideal therapeutic strategies. However, pharmacological blockade of TGF-β has not yet translated into successful therapy for humans, which may be due to pleiotropic effects of TGF-β signaling. Equally, TGF-β signaling as a protective response in kidney injury has been relatively underexplored. An emerging body of evidence from experimental kidney disease models indicates multifunctionality of TGF-β capable of inducing profibrotic and protective effects. This review discusses recent advances highlighting the diverse roles of TGF-β in promoting not only renal fibrosis but also protective responses of TGF-β signaling. We review, in particular, growing evidence that supports protective effects of TGF-β by mechanisms which include inhibiting inflammation and induction of autophagy. Additional detailed studies are required to fully understand the diverse mechanisms of TGF-β actions in renal fibrosis and inflammation that will likely direct toward effective antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angara Sureshbabu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; and
| | - Saif A Muhsin
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Mary E Choi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York; and .,New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
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21
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Meng XM, Zhang Y, Huang XR, Ren GL, Li J, Lan HY. Treatment of renal fibrosis by rebalancing TGF-β/Smad signaling with the combination of asiatic acid and naringenin. Oncotarget 2015; 6:36984-97. [PMID: 26474462 PMCID: PMC4741910 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently showed that imbalance of TGF-β/Smad signaling with over-activation of Smad3 but lower levels of Smad7 is a central mechanism of tissue fibrosis. In the present study, we report here that inhibition of Smad3 with naringenin (NG) and upregulation of Smad7 with asiatic acid (AA) produced an additive effect on inhibition of renal fibrosis in a mouse model of obstructive nephropathy. We found that AA, a triterpene from Centella Asiatica, functioned as a Smad7 agonist and suppressed TGF-β/Smad3-mediated renal fibrosis by inducing Smad7. Whereas, NG, a flavonoid from grapefruits and citrus fruits, was a Smad3 inhibitor that inhibited renal fibrosis by blocking Smad3 phosphorylation and transcription. The combination of AA and NG produced an additive effect on inhibition of renal fibrosis by blocking Smad3 while upregulating Smad7. Thus, rebalancing the disorder of TGF-β/Smad signaling by treatment with AA and NG may represent as a novel and effective therapy for chronic kidney disease associated with fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-ming Meng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, An Hui, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Dermatology, Foshan Hospital of TCM, Foshan, China
| | - Xiao-Ru Huang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Gui-ling Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, An Hui, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, An Hui, China
| | - Hui Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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