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Huang W, Zhou P, Zou X, Liu Y, Zhou L, Zhang Y. Emodin ameliorates myocardial fibrosis in mice by inactivating the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Clin Exp Hypertens 2024; 46:2326022. [PMID: 38507311 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2024.2326022] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emodin is a traditional medicine that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Previous research has indicated that emodin can alleviate myocardial remodeling and inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which emodin affects myocardial fibrosis (MF) has not yet been elucidated. METHODS Fibroblasts were treated with ANGII, and a mouse model of MF was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cell proliferation was examined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Dihydroethidium (DHE) was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Masson and Sirius red staining were used to examine changes in collagen fiber levels. PI3K was over-expressed by lentiviral transfection to verify the effect of emodin on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Changes in cardiac function in each group were examined by echocardiography. RESULTS Emodin significantly inhibited fibroblast proliferation, decreased intracellular ROS levels, significantly upregulated collagen II expression, downregulated α-SMA expression, and inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo results were consistent with the in vitro. Emodin significantly decreased ROS levels in heart tissue and reduced collagen fibrillogenesis. Emodin could regulate the activity of PI3K to increase the expression of collagen II and downregulate α-SMA expression in part through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and emodin significantly improved cardiac structure and function in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that emodin targeted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit the development of myocardial fibrosis and may be an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Peiting Zhou
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Xinyun Zou
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Yunchuan Liu
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Longfu Zhou
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Yaolei Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P.R.China
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Huang S, Lu H, Chen J, Jiang C, Jiang G, Maduraiveeran G, Pan Y, Liu J, Deng LE. Advances in drug delivery-based therapeutic strategies for renal fibrosis treatment. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:6532-6549. [PMID: 38913013 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00737a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the result of all chronic kidney diseases and is becoming a major global health hazard. Currently, traditional treatments for renal fibrosis are difficult to meet clinical needs due to shortcomings such as poor efficacy or highly toxic side effects. Therefore, therapeutic strategies that target the kidneys are needed to overcome these shortcomings. Drug delivery can be attained by improving drug stability and addressing controlled release and targeted delivery of drugs in the delivery category. By combining drug delivery technology with nanosystems, controlled drug release and biodistribution can be achieved, enhancing therapeutic efficacy and reducing toxic cross-wise effects. This review discusses nanomaterial drug delivery strategies reported in recent years. Firstly, the present review describes the mechanisms of renal fibrosis and anti-renal fibrosis drug delivery. Secondly, different nanomaterial drug delivery strategies for the treatment of renal injury and fibrosis are highlighted. Finally, the limitations of these strategies are also discussed. Investigating various anti-renal fibrosis drug delivery strategies reveals the characteristics and therapeutic effects of various novel nanosystem-derived drug delivery approaches. This will serve as a reference for future research on drug delivery strategies for renal fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sida Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Formulation Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Hanqi Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, China.
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, China.
| | - Chengyi Jiang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Formulation Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Guanmin Jiang
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University (Dongguan people's hospital), 78 Wandao Road South, Dongguan, 523059 Guangdong, China.
| | - Govindhan Maduraiveeran
- Materials Electrochemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur - 603 203, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Ying Pan
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Formulation Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Jianqiang Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Drug Design and Formulation Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China.
| | - Li-Er Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Dongguan Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, China.
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Hou Y, Zhu L, Ye X, Ke Q, Zhang Q, Xie X, Piao JG, Wei Y. Integrated oral microgel system ameliorates renal fibrosis by hitchhiking co-delivery and targeted gut flora modulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:305. [PMID: 38822364 PMCID: PMC11143587 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02586-2] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is a progressive process associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to impaired kidney function. Active constituents in traditional Chinese herbs, such as emodin (EMO) and asiatic acid (AA), exhibit potent anti-fibrotic properties. However, the oral administration of EMO and AA results in low bioavailability and limited kidney accumulation. Additionally, while oral probiotics have been accepted for CKD treatment through gut microbiota modulation, a significant challenge lies in ensuring their viability upon administration. Therefore, our study aims to address both renal fibrosis and gut microbiota imbalance through innovative co-delivery strategies. RESULTS In this study, we developed yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs) encapsulating EMO and AA self-assembled nanoparticles (NPYs) and embedded them, along with Lactobacillus casei Zhang, in chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) microgels. The developed microgels showed significant controlled release properties for the loaded NPYs and prolonged the retention time of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) in the intestine. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution showed that the microgel-carried NPYs significantly accumulated in the obstructed kidneys of rats, thereby substantially increasing the accumulation of EMO and AA in the impaired kidneys. More importantly, through hitchhiking delivery based on yeast cell wall and positive modulation of gut microbiota, our microgels with this synergistic strategy of therapeutic and modulatory interactions could regulate the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and thus effectively ameliorate renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our work provides a new strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis based on hitchhiking co-delivery of nanodrugs and probiotics to achieve synergistic effects of disease treatment and targeted gut flora modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qiaoying Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qibin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Ji-Gang Piao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Yinghui Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
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Feng L, Lin Z, Tang Z, Zhu L, Xu S, Tan X, Wang X, Mai J, Tan Q. Emodin improves renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis through the mediation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α). Eur J Histochem 2024; 68:3917. [PMID: 38742403 PMCID: PMC11128849 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2024.3917] [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: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading public health issue associated with high morbidity worldwide. However, there are only a few effective therapeutic strategies for CKD. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound from rhubarb, can inhibit fibrosis in tissues and cells. Our study aims to investigate the antifibrotic effect of emodin and the underlying molecular mechanism. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced rat model was established to evaluate the effect of emodin on renal fibrosis development. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to analyze histopathological changes and fibrotic features after emodin treatment. Subsequently, a transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced cell model was used to assess the inhibition of emodin on cell fibrosis in vitro. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to validate the regulatory mechanism of emodin on renal fibrosis progression. As a result, emodin significantly improved histopathological abnormalities in rats with UUO. The expression of fibrosis biomarkers and mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins also decreased after emodin treatment. Moreover, emodin blocked TGF-β1-induced fibrotic phenotype, lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial homeostasis in NRK-52E cells. Conversely, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) silencing significantly reversed these features in emodin-treated cells. Collectively, emodin plays an important role in regulating PGC-1α-mediated mitochondria function and energy homeostasis. This indicates that emodin exhibits great inhibition against renal fibrosis and acts as a promising inhibitor of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuchang Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen.
| | - Zaoqiang Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen.
| | - Zeyong Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou.
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital; Department of Nephrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen.
| | - Shu Xu
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen.
| | - Xi Tan
- Medicopsychology, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen.
| | - Xinyuan Wang
- Medicopsychology, School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
| | - Jianling Mai
- Department of Hemodialysis, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou.
| | - Qinxiang Tan
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen.
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Azeredo PDS, Fan D, Murphy EA, Carver WE. Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds in Preventing and Reversing Organ Fibrosis and the Underlying Mechanisms. Cells 2024; 13:421. [PMID: 38474385 PMCID: PMC10930795 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050421] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased production of extracellular matrix is a necessary response to tissue damage and stress. In a normal healing process, the increase in extracellular matrix is transient. In some instances; however, the increase in extracellular matrix can persist as fibrosis, leading to deleterious alterations in organ structure, biomechanical properties, and function. Indeed, fibrosis is now appreciated to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Extensive research has illustrated that fibrosis can be slowed, arrested or even reversed; however, few drugs have been approved specifically for anti-fibrotic treatment. This is in part due to the complex pathways responsible for fibrogenesis and the undesirable side effects of drugs targeting these pathways. Natural products have been utilized for thousands of years as a major component of traditional medicine and currently account for almost one-third of drugs used clinically worldwide. A variety of plant-derived compounds have been demonstrated to have preventative or even reversal effects on fibrosis. This review will discuss the effects and the underlying mechanisms of some of the major plant-derived compounds that have been identified to impact fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia dos Santos Azeredo
- Laboratory of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Cell Therapy, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas—UNICAMP Campinas, Campinas 13083-970, Brazil;
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
| | - E. Angela Murphy
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
| | - Wayne E. Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29209, USA;
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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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7
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Zhou L, Wang X, Xia J, Zhang L, Xue L, Jia Q, Fu Z, Sun Z. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modeling of the active components of Shenkang injection in rats with chronic renal failure and its protective effect on damaged renal cells. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2023; 44:406-419. [PMID: 37679901 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.2377] [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: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to explore the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic alterations of the active components of Shenkang injection (i.e. hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A [HSYA], tanshinol, rheum emodin, and astragaloside IV) in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF), and establish a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model (PK-PD model) in order to provide a scientific and theoretical basis for the rational clinical use of Shenkang injection. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group, and Shenkang injection group. A rat model of CRF was induced by adenine gavage and then followed by drug administration via tail vein injection. Orbital blood was collected at different timepoints and the blood concentrations of the four active components were measured by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. Serum levels of creatinine (Scr), urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid (UA) were determined using an automatic biochemical analyzer. A PK-PD model was established, and DAS 3.2.6 software was used for model fitting as well as statistical analysis. TGF-β1 was utilized to induce normal rat kidney cells to construct a renal fibrosis model to investigate the protective effect of the pharmacological components on renal fibrosis. The pharmacokinetic analysis of hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A, tanshinol, rheum emodin, and astragaloside IV based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was stable. The linear regression equations for the four active components were as follows: Y = 0.031X + 0.0091 (R2 = 0.9986) for hydroxy saffron yellow pigment A, Y = 0.0389X + 0.164 (R2 = 0.9979) for tanshinol, Y = 0.0257X + 0.0146 (R2 = 0.9973) for rheum emodin, and Y = 0.0763X + 0.0139 (R2 = 0.9993) for astragaloside IV, which indicated good linear relationships. The methodological investigation was stable, with the interday and intraday precision RSD <10%. Meanwhile, the recoveries ranged between 90% and 120%, in accordance with the requirements for in vivo analysis of drugs. Compared with the model group, the levels of Scr, BUN, and UA were significantly decreased after 20 min in the Shenkang injection group (p < 0.01). The PK-PD model showed that the four active components in the Shenkang injection group could fit well with the three effect measures (i.e. Scr, BUN, and UA), with the measured values similar to the predicted values. The cell model of renal fibrosis showed that the connective tissue growth factor and FN1 protein expression levels were significantly lower in the Shenkang injection group than those in the model group, and the cell fibrosis was improved. The established method for in vivo analysis of Shenkang injection was highly specific, with good separation of the components and simple operation. The total statistical moment could well integrate the pharmacokinetic parameters of the four active components. After treatment with Shenkang injection, all indexes in the administered group improved and showed significant inhibition of renal cell fibrosis in vitro. This study could provide scientific reference ideas for the clinical rational use of traditional Chinese medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinlan Xia
- School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lianping Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingquan Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhihui Fu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhi Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Feng M, Luo F, Wu H, Chen Y, Zuo J, Weng X, Chen G, Zhong J. Network Pharmacology Analysis and Machine-Learning Models Confirmed the Ability of YiShen HuoXue Decoction to Alleviate Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Pyroptosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:3169-3192. [PMID: 37900883 PMCID: PMC10612518 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s420135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose YiShen HuoXue decoction (YSHXD) is a formulation that has been used clinically for the treatment of renal fibrosis (RF) for many years. We aimed to clarify therapeutic effects of YSHXD against RF and potential pharmacological mechanisms. Materials and Methods We used network pharmacology analysis and machine-learning to screen the core components and core targets of YSHXD against RF, followed by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to confirm the reliability of the results. Finally, we validated the network pharmacology analysis experimentally in HK-2 cells and a rat model of RF established by unilateral ureteral ligation (UUO). Results Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, beta-sitosterol, wogonin, stigmasterol, isorhamnetin, baicalein, and dihydrotanshinlactone progesterone were identified as the main active components of YSHXD in the treatment of unilateral ureteral ligation-induced RF, with IL-6, IL1β, TNF, AR, and PTGS2 as core target proteins. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the relationship between compounds and target proteins. The potential molecular mechanism of YSHXD predicted by network pharmacology analysis was confirmed in HK-2 cells and UUO rats. YSHXD downregulated NLRP3, ASC, NF-κBp65, Caspase-1, GSDMD, PTGS2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, α-SMA and upregulated HGF, effectively alleviating the RF process. Conclusion YSHXD exerts important anti-inflammatory and anti-cellular inflammatory necrosis effects by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis pathway, indicating that YSHXD represents a new strategy and complementary approach to RF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- MinChao Feng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - HuiMin Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yushan Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinjin Zuo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xueying Weng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nannig, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guozhong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhong
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanning, People’s Republic of China
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9
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Dai R, Lu JY, Chen WD, Hong BZ, Zhang L, Cheng M, Wang YP, Zhang Y. Simultaneous determination of multiple constituents, serum composition, and tissue distribution of Qingshen granule using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry. J Sep Sci 2023; 46:e2300159. [PMID: 37525329 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202300159] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Qingshen granule, composed of 14 herbal drugs, is primarily used as the assistant therapy for chronic kidney disease. Qingshen granule chemical composition was complex, but its chemical constituents and the pharmacodynamic material basis remain unreported. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry was applied to recognize the chemical constituents of Qingshen granule. The analysis was performed using the ACQUITY UHPLC BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The data were collected using heated electrospray ionization in positive and negative ion modes. This study successfully applied the UPHLC-quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry technique with the Compound Discoverer 3.3 platform to analyze Qingshen granule chemical composition. A total of 127 and 42 chemical components were identified in Qingshen granule in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In the tissue distribution of Qingshen granule, 9, 10, 11, 10, and 18 prototype components were detected in the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, respectively. Qingshen granule chemical constituents were characterized rapidly for the first time in this study, laying a foundation for further research on the substance basis and quality control of Qingshen granule in treating chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Dai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Yuan Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Bang-Zhen Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Meng Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Ping Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, P. R. China
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10
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Zhang F, Wu R, Liu Y, Dai S, Xue X, Li Y, Gong X. Nephroprotective and nephrotoxic effects of Rhubarb and their molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114297. [PMID: 36716659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhubarb, in the form of a traditional Chinese medicine, is used in the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have demonstrated that Rhubarb possesses a good nephroprotective effect, which primarily protects the kidneys from fibrosis, oxidation, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, studies have shown that the long-term inappropriate use of Rhubarb may cause damage to renal function. Therefore, how to correctly understand and scientifically evaluate the pharmacodynamics and toxicity of Rhubarb with regard to CKD is a scientific question that urgently needs to be answered. In this review, we explain and illustrate how Rhubarb exerts its nephroprotective effect against CKD. We also describe the mechanisms of action that may cause its nephrotoxicity. Valuable and practical clinical guidance is proposed with regard to methods for mitigating the nephrotoxicity of Rhubarb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Xiaohong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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11
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Wang H, Jiang Q, Kang L, Yuan L, Chen G, Cui X, Wang L, Zhang T, Wang L. Rheum officinale and Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibit renal fibrosis via miR-21/PTEN/Akt signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:115928. [PMID: 36513264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As one of the main components of many famous Chinese herbal formulas, Rheum palmatum L. and Salvia miltiorhiza Bunge (RS) are extensively used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD). RS has been proved to improve renal function and relieve renal fibrosis (RF), but the potential mechanism remains a mystery. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to determine whether microRNA-21 (miR-21) is associated with RF progression, as well as whether RS protects against RF through miR-21/PTEN/AKT signaling. MATERIALS AND METHODS (1) The rat model of RF was established using unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). After UUO surgery, miR-21 levels in plasma were detected by RT-PCR and RF scores were assessed by Masson's trichrome stain at days 3, 7, 14 and 21. The correlation analysis of the above two indexes was carried out by Spearman correlation analysis. (2) Human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) was transfected with miR-21 mimic and inhibitor, and then the levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) protein and mRNA were measured with Western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. (3) TGF-β (10 ng/mL) was added into HK-2 cells to induce fibrosis, followed by the intervention of RS-containing rat serum. PTEN and protein kinase-B (Akt) phosphorylation, as well as the expression of PTEN protein in HK-2 cells, were assessed by RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. (4) The rat models of RF were prepared by UUO and treated with RS. Serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured. RF score was determined by Masson's trichrome stain. RT-PCR was used to determine the expression of miR-21, PTEN, and Akt mRNA. Western blotting was used to determine the expression of PTEN and Akt proteins. RESULTS A positive correlation was found between plasma miR-21 levels and RF scores of rats after UUO surgery at Days 3, 7, 14 and 21. It was confirmed that miR-21 targeted PTEN. RS drug-containing serum could rise the expression of PTEN and reduce Akt phosphorylation of HK-2 cells induced by TGF-β. Moreover, RS drug-containing serum could increase PTEN expression and reduce Akt phosphorylation induced by miR-21 mimic in HK-2 cells. The rats treated with RS had significantly decreased serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels and a lower RF score. RS also decreased miR-21 and Akt expressions, increased PTEN expression of UUO rats. CONCLUSION There was a positive correlation between plasma miR-21 levels and RF scores. The inhibitory effect of RS on RF might be mediated by miR-21/PTEN/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Li Kang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Ling Yuan
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Guan Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Xiaoxue Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Luyao Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tianjin, 300020, China
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12
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Wang L, Wang X, Li G, Zhou S, Wang R, Long Q, Wang M, Li L, Huang H, Ba Y. Emodin ameliorates renal injury and fibrosis via regulating the miR-490-3p/HMGA2 axis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1042093. [PMID: 36937888 PMCID: PMC10020706 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1042093] [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: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a major pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD). While emodin is reported to elicit anti-fibrotic effects on renal injury, little is known about its effects on microRNA (miRNA)-modulated mechanisms in renal fibrosis. In this study, we established a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and a transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced normal rat renal tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E) model to investigate the protective effects of emodin on renal fibrosis and its miRNA/target gene mechanisms. Dual-luciferase assay was performed to confirm the direct binding of miRNA and target genes in HEK293 cells. Results showed that oral administration of emodin significantly ameliorated the loss of body weight and the increase in physicochemical parameters, including serum uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen in UUO mice. Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and interleukin (IL)-1β, but not IL-6, were down-regulated by emodin administration. Emodin decreased the expression levels of TGF-β1 and fibrotic-related proteins, including alpha-smooth muscle actin, Collagen IV, and Fibronectin, and increased the expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, miR-490-3p was decreased in UUO mice and negatively correlated with increased expression of high migration protein A2 (HMGA2). We further confirmed HMGA2 was the target of miR-490-3p. Transfection of miR-490-3p mimics decreased, while transfection of miR-490-3p inhibitors increased fibrotic-related proteins and HMGA2 expression levels in TGF-β1-induced NRK-52E cells. Furthermore, transfection of miR-490-3p mimics enhanced the anti-fibrotic effects of emodin, while transfection of miR-490-3p inhibitors abolished the protective effects of emodin. Thus, as a novel target of emodin that prevents renal fibrosis in the HMGA2-dependent signaling pathway, miR-490-3p has potential implications in CKD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liulin Wang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuerui Wang
- Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Basic Research With Traditional Chinese Medicine on Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Zhou
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Long
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Li
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Hai Huang
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuanming Ba
- Hubei Provincial Hospital of Tranditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Provincial Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanming Ba,
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13
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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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14
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Emodin-Mediated Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5699615. [PMID: 35356249 PMCID: PMC8959961 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5699615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI), a common condition associated with a high mortality rate, is characterized by declined glomerular filtration rate, retention of nitrogen products, and disturbances in balance of water, electrolyte, and acid-base. Up to date, there is no effective treatment for AKI. Despite the continuous improvement in blood purification techniques, a considerable proportion of patients with AKI still progress to end-stage renal disease. These patients with advanced stage of end-stage renal disease will require long-term renal replacement therapy, which places a heavy burden on the family and the society. In recent years, the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in AKI management has been gradually increasing. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that three-month treatment with TCM produced better clinical outcomes in terms of clinical effectiveness rate and improvement in renal function (serum creatinine, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and cystatin C) compared with Western medicine. Rhubarb is a commonly used herb in TCM for the treatment of AKI. The main active component of rhubarb is emodin, which was first recorded in Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It has been shown that emodin has a variety of pharmacological activities including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and immunosuppressive effects. Emodin has been found to be effective against renal fibrosis and has been widely studied for its effects on kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, renal fibrosis, and AKI. Moreover, promising results have been obtained from these studies. In this study, the results obtained from research on the use of emodin for AKI treatment has been reviewed.
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15
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Sun J, Xu Z, Hou Y, Yao W, Fan X, Zheng H, Piao J, Li F, Wei Y. Hierarchically structured microcapsules for oral delivery of emodin and tanshinone IIA to treat renal fibrosis. Int J Pharm 2022; 616:121490. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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Luo LP, Suo P, Ren LL, Liu HJ, Zhang Y, Zhao YY. Shenkang Injection and Its Three Anthraquinones Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis by Simultaneous Targeting IƙB/NF-ƙB and Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:800522. [PMID: 35002735 PMCID: PMC8729217 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.800522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress and inflammation are important and critical mediators in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. Shenkang injection (SKI) has been widely used to treat patients with CKD. Although the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activity was involved in SKI against CKD, its bioactive components and underlying mechanism remain enigmatic. A rat model of adenine-induced chronic renal failure (CRF) is associated with, and largely driven by, oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, we identified the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory components of SKI and further revealed their underlying mechanism in the adenine-induced CRF rats. Compared with control rats, the levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum were significantly increased in the adenine-induced CRF rats. However, treatment with SKI and its three anthraquinones including chrysophanol, emodin, and rhein could reverse these aberrant changes. They could significantly inhibit pro-fibrotic protein expressions including collagen I, α-SMA, fibronectin, and vimentin in the kidney tissues of the adenine-induced CRF rats. Of note, SKI and rhein showed the stronger inhibitory effect on these pro-fibrotic protein expressions than chrysophanol and emodin. Furthermore, they could improve dysregulation of IƙB/NF-ƙB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways. Chrysophanol and emodin showed the stronger inhibitory effect on the NF-κB p65 protein expression than SKI and rhein. Rhein showed the strongest inhibitory effect on p65 downstream target gene products including NAD(P)H oxidase subunits (p47phox, p67phox, and gp91phox) and COX-2, MCP-1, iNOS, and 12-LO in the kidney tissues. However, SKI and rhein showed the stronger inhibitory effect on the significantly downregulated anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative protein expression nuclear Nrf2 and its target gene products including HO-1, catalase, GCLC, and NQO1 in the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway than chrysophanol and emodin. This study first demonstrated that SKI and its major components protected against renal fibrosis by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via simultaneous targeting IƙB/NF-ƙB and Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathways, which illuminated the potential molecular mechanism of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of SKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Pu Luo
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Suo
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Li-Li Ren
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hong-Jiao Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yamei Zhang
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
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Miao J, He X, Hu J, Cai W. Emodin inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway to protect obese asthmatic rats from pathological damage via Visfatin. Tissue Cell 2021; 74:101713. [PMID: 34952398 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101713] [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: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Emodin has a protective effect on asthma. Obesity is closely related to asthma. We further explored the role of Emodin in obese asthmatic rats. METHODS Ovalbumin (OVA) was used to induce asthma model, and high fat diet (HFD) was used to induce obese rat model. Body weight was measured before and after the modeling. Serum lipid levels were evaluated using commercial kits. Then, lung tissue and airway tissue of rat were separated forin vivo. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) analyzed the extent of lung lesions. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR assessed the mRNA expression of Visfatin and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay measured NF-κB protein expression in airway tissues. MTT, Brdu and Western blot detected cell viability, proliferation and NF-κB level of human bronchial epithelial cells 16HBE, respectively. RESULTS Asthma and Emodin alone had no effect on the body weight of normal rats, while HFD promoted the body weight of rats and could be reversed by Emodin. Both asthma and obesity promoted the pathological damage of rat lungs, including emphysema, lipid accumulation, edema changes, lymphoid hypertrophy and airway smooth muscle hyperplasia as well as lipid accumulation in surum, and Emodin treatment could reduce the damage. In the airway tissues of asthma and obesity models, up-regulated Visfatin mRNA and NF-κB protein were observed. In 16HBE, Emodin reversed Visfatin's role in promoting cell viability, proliferation and activating NF-κB signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Emodin inhibited NF-κB expression to relieve the pathological symptoms of obese asthmatic rats by Visfatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Miao
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Xiaoming He
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Jiang Hu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China
| | - Wanru Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Clinical Medical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, China.
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18
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Qin MY, Huang SQ, Zou XQ, Zhong XB, Yang YF, Zhang YT, Mi ZC, Zhang YS, Huang ZG. Drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsule inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of HK-2 by downregulating TGF-β1/p38MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114414. [PMID: 34314804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rheum palmatum L; Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.), is referred to as 'Dahuang, Huangqi' in China. As an important medicinal plant, the rhizome of rhubarb and astragalus is traditionally used in the treatment of kidney diseases associated with renal failure, inflammation and tumors. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effect of a drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus capsules (composed of rhubarb and astragalus) and to elucidate its mechanism in the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) of HK-2 cells was induced by TGF-β1, and rhubarb-astragalus and losartan drug-containing serum from rats, as well as SB203580 (a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK), were used. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis was performed to determine the main components of the drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus from rats. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were used to determine the levels of protein expression, and real-time quantitative PCR analysis was used to detect the levels of gene expression. RESULTS The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus contained emodin (0.36 μg/ml) and danthraquinone (0.96 μg/ml). Rhubarb-astragalus significantly decreased the protein expression levels of α-SMA, FN, vimentin and N-cadherin in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1, while it significantly increased the E-cadherin protein expression level that was decreased by TGF-β1. Rhubarb-astragalus also significantly decreased the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and p38 MAPK and the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, p38 MAPK, Smad2 and Smad3 in HK-2 cells that were increased by TGF-β1. It is worth noting that SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) had similar effects as rhubarb-astragalus in this study. CONCLUSION The drug-containing serum of rhubarb-astragalus can inhibit EMT in HK-2 cells by downregulating the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK/Smad2/3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Qin
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Song-Qing Huang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Zhong
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Fang Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Yu-Ting Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zheng-Cheng Mi
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan-Song Zhang
- Postgraduate, Pharmacy Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhen-Guang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Carver W, Fix E, Fix C, Fan D, Chakrabarti M, Azhar M. Effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, on TGF-β1-induced cardiac fibroblast activation and function. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:7440-7449. [PMID: 34041746 PMCID: PMC8530838 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis accompanies a number of pathological conditions and results in altered myocardial structure, biomechanical properties and function. The signaling networks leading to fibrosis are complex, contributing to the general lack of progress in identifying effective therapeutic approaches to prevent or reverse this condition. Several studies have shown protective effects of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, in animal models of fibrosis. A number of questions remain regarding the mechanisms whereby emodin impacts fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and fibroblast activation. In the present study, experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of emodin on activation and function of cardiac fibroblasts following treatment with TGF-β1. We demonstrate that emodin attenuates TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and collagen accumulation in vitro. Emodin also inhibits activation of several canonical (SMAD2/3) and noncanonical (Erk1/2) TGF-β signaling pathways, while activating the p38 pathway. These results suggest that emodin may provide an effective therapeutic agent for fibrosis that functions via specific TGF-β signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Carver
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Ethan Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Charity Fix
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Daping Fan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mrinmay Chakrabarti
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
| | - Mohamad Azhar
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209
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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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21
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A Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6667791. [PMID: 34055995 PMCID: PMC8147530 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6667791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the main pathological manifestation of end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis and development of RIF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as an effective treatment for kidney diseases, can improve kidney damage by affecting the apoptotic signaling pathway mediated by ER stress. This article reviews the apoptotic pathways mediated by ER stress, including the three major signaling pathways of unfolded protein response, the main functions of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein. We also present current research on TCM treatment of RIF, focusing on medicines that regulate ER stress. A new understanding of using TCM to treat kidney disease by regulating ER stress will promote clinical application of Chinese medicine and discovery of new drugs for the treatment of RIF.
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22
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Liu W, Gu R, Lou Y, He C, Zhang Q, Li D. Emodin-induced autophagic cell death hinders epithelial-mesenchymal transition via regulation of BMP-7/TGF-β1 in renal fibrosis. J Pharmacol Sci 2021; 146:216-225. [PMID: 34116735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2021.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We aim to explore the effects of emodin and its mechanisms on renal fibrosis (RF). We firstly modeled adriamycin-induced rat RF with unilateral nephrectomy. In vivo and in vitro pharmacological experiments were performed in this study. The presence of collagen deposition was detected by Masson staining. To verify whether emodin attenuates RF by monitoring autophagy, the immunohistochemistry staining for autophagy protein LC3B was performed. We conducted western blot to detect the expression of the autophagy-related proteins in EMT in vitro model after treating with emotin and BMP-7. In vivo, we demonstrated that emodin could improve renal dysfunction and decrease pathological damage of the kidney by activation of autophagy and inhibition of EMT. Upregulation of BMP-7 was recorded in the RF rats subjected to emodin treatment. In vitro studies, emodin has the capacity of reversing EMT and activating autophagy, and emodin could regulate the expression of BMP-7. The results revealed that the attenuation of EMT by emodin could be blocked after the inhibition of BMP-7 and suppression of autophagy. Our findings demonstrated that emodin alleviates EMT during RF by actuating autophagy through BMP-7, suggesting a role of BMP-7 in RF treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- Department of Urology Surgery, PuTuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, PR China
| | - Renze Gu
- Department of Urology Surgery, PuTuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, PR China
| | - Yujiao Lou
- Department of Urology Surgery, PuTuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, PR China
| | - Chunfeng He
- Department of Urology Surgery, PuTuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, PR China
| | - Qingchuan Zhang
- Department of Urology Surgery, PuTuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200062, PR China.
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, PR China.
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23
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Tang PCT, Chan ASW, Zhang CB, García Córdoba CA, Zhang YY, To KF, Leung KT, Lan HY, Tang PMK. TGF-β1 Signaling: Immune Dynamics of Chronic Kidney Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:628519. [PMID: 33718407 PMCID: PMC7948440 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.628519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, imposing a great burden on the healthcare system. Regrettably, effective CKD therapeutic strategies are yet available due to their elusive pathogenic mechanisms. CKD is featured by progressive inflammation and fibrosis associated with immune cell dysfunction, leading to the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment, which ultimately exacerbating renal fibrosis. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) is an indispensable immunoregulator promoting CKD progression by controlling the activation, proliferation, and apoptosis of immunocytes via both canonical and non-canonical pathways. More importantly, recent studies have uncovered a new mechanism of TGF-β1 for de novo generation of myofibroblast via macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT). This review will update the versatile roles of TGF-β signaling in the dynamics of renal immunity, a better understanding may facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Chiu-Tsun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Alex Siu-Wing Chan
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Cai-Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Cristina Alexandra García Córdoba
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ka-Fai To
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Kam-Tong Leung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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