1
|
Shen P, Deng X, Chen Z, Chen M, Han L, Chen X, Tu S. Demethylzeylasteral ameliorates podocyte damage in murine lupus by inhibiting inflammation and enhancing autophagy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 134:155966. [PMID: 39241387 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with multiorgan and tissue involvement. Lupus nephritis (LN), an inflammatory condition of the kidneys associated with SLE, represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in SLE patients. Current immunosuppressive therapies for LN have limited efficacy and can lead to significant side effects. Demethylzeylasteral (DML) has shown promise in the treatment of LN, but its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. PURPOSE To assess the therapeutic effects and potential molecular mechanisms of DML in LN METHODS: The study evaluated the renal protective effects of DML in MRL/lpr mice through assessments of immune complex levels, renal function, and pathological changes. Network pharmacology and transcriptomics approaches were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Molecular docking, biacore assay, monoclonal antibody blocking experiments, and in vitro studies were conducted to verify the mechanisms of action. RESULTS DML treatment reduced levels of anti-Sm and anti-dsDNA IgG antibodies, as well as serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. DML also mitigated glomerular damage and fibrosis. Mechanistically, DML alleviated podocyte damage by suppressing inflammation and enhancing autophagy through inhibition of the IL-17A/JAK2-STAT3 pathways. Additionally, DML exhibited high binding affinity with IL17A, JAK2, and STAT3. CONCLUSION These findings provide strong evidence for the beneficial effects of DML in LN, suggesting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving renal function in autoimmune kidney diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pan Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University
| | - Xuan Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University
| | - Liang Han
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
| | - Xiaoqi Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University.
| | - Shenghao Tu
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu J, Wang S. Successful complementary therapy with Chinese herbal medicine in a patient with refractory symptoms from systemic lupus erythematosus: A case report. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:138-142. [PMID: 37385892 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.06.010] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study presents a unique case of a patient diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and a relatively rare type of traditional Chinese medicine known as Qi deficiency and cold-dampness syndrome. The patient's condition was successfully treated using a combination of complementary therapies, specifically the modified Buzhong Yiqi decoction and the Erchen decoction. CASE PRESENTATION A 34-year-old female patient experienced intermittent arthralgia and skin rash over three years. She also developed recurrent arthralgia and skin rashes in the last month, followed by low-grade fever, vaginal bleeding, alopecia, and fatigue. The patient was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and was prescribed prednisone, tacrolimus, anti-allergic medications (ebastine and loratadine), and norethindrone. While the arthralgia improved, the low-grade fever and rash persisted and, in some instances, worsened. Based on the evaluation of tongue coating and pulses, the patient's symptoms were attributed to Qi deficiency and cold-dampness syndrome. Consequently, the modified Buzhong Yiqi decoction and the Erchen decoction were added to her treatment regimen. The former was used to tonify Qi, while the latter was employed to resolve the phlegm dampness. As a result, the patient's fever subsided after three days, and all symptoms resolved within five days. CONCLUSION The modified Buzhong Yiqi decoction and the Erchen decoction could be considered complementary therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with Qi deficiency and cold-dampness syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junmiao Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou 310008, China
| | - Sihui Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou 310007, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang X, Yan P, Song X, Zhang S, Deng Y, Huang C, Zhao X, Liu S, Cheng X, Liao D. MT-CO1 expression in nine organs and tissues of different-aged MRL/lpr mice: Investigation of mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction at organ level in systemic lupus erythematosus pathogenesis. Arch Rheumatol 2022; 37:504-516. [PMID: 36879572 PMCID: PMC9985378 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2022.9168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to investigate the expression patterns of mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase 1 (MT-CO1) in different organs and tissues of MRL/lpr mice aged six and 18 weeks. Materials and methods Six-week-old female MRL/lpr mice (n=10) were considered young lupus model mice, and 18-week-old MRL/lpr mice (n=10) were considered old lupus model mice. Additionally, six-week-old (n=10) and 39-week-old (n=10) female Balb/c mice were used as the young and old controls, respectively. The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of MT-CO1 in nine organs/tissues were detected via quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined with thiobarbituric acid colorimetry. The correlation coefficient of MT-CO1 mRNA levels and MDA levels in each organ/tissue at different ages was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The results showed that most non-immune organs/tissues (heart, lung, liver, kidneys, and intestines) showed increased MT-CO1 expression levels in younger MRL/lpr mice (p<0.05) and decreased MT-CO1 expression in older mice (p<0.05). Expression of MT-CO1 in the lymph nodes was low in younger mice but high in older mice. In other immune organs (spleen and thymus), MT-CO1 expression was low in older MRL/lpr mice. Lower mRNA expression and higher MDA levels were observed in the brains of MRL/lpr mice. However, all MRL/lpr mice showed higher MDA levels than Balb/c mice in every organ no matter younger or older MRL/lpr mice. Conclusion Our study results suggest that lymphoid mitochondrial hyperfunction at organ level may be an important intrinsic pathogenesis in systemic lupus erythematosus activity, which may affect mitochondrial dysfunction in non-immune organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinglan Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinghua Song
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiying Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Dongguan Songshanhu Central Hospital, Dongguan, China
| | - Yuqiong Deng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Caifeng Huang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiping Cheng
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongjiang Liao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tan Y, Yang S, Liu Q, Li Z, Mu R, Qiao J, Cui L. Pregnancy-related complications in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102864. [PMID: 35872104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102864] [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: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that predominantly affects women of childbearing age and results in various adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs). Pregnancy was formerly discouraged in patients with SLE because of unstable disease activity during the gestation period, increased thrombosis risk, severe organ damage, and inevitable side effects of immunosuppressive agents. Currently, most patients with SLE have successful pregnancies due to preconception counselling, strict monitoring, and improved therapy with minimised complications for both the mother and foetus. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is extensively used and is beneficial for improving pregnancy outcomes. However, pregnant women with SLE have a high-risk of APOs, such as disease flare, preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preeclampsia, and pregnancy loss. Better understanding of the changes in maternal immunity and serum biomarkers, as well as their relationships with SLE-related APOs progression, would facilitate the investigation of molecular mechanisms for triggering and ameliorating APOs. Furthermore, it would enable us to explore and develop novel and effective therapeutic strategies to prevent disease activation. Therefore, this review briefly introduces the interaction between pregnancy outcomes and SLE, elucidates pathophysiological and immunological changes during SLE pregnancy. Furthermore, this review systematically expounds on the effective predictors of APOs and the molecular mechanisms underlying the SLE-related APOs to provide a solid foundation for the advanced management of lupus pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuo Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhongxin Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Rong Mu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Beijing, 100191, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Beijing, 100191, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Liyan Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China; Core Unit of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|