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Yun QS, Bao YX, Jiang JB, Guo Q. Mechanisms of norcantharidin against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:263-272. [PMID: 38472637 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00578-5] [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: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RTIF) is a common feature and inevitable consequence of all progressive chronic kidney diseases, leading to end-stage renal failure regardless of the initial cause. Although research over the past few decades has greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RTIF, until now there has been no specific treatment available that can halt the progression of RTIF. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated analogue of cantharidin, a natural compound isolated from 1500 species of medicinal insect, the blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Many studies have found that NCTD can attenuate RTIF and has the potential to be an anti-RTIF drug. This article reviews the recent progress of NCTD in the treatment of RTIF, with emphasis on the pharmacological mechanism of NCTD against RTIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin-Su Yun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou and the 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 185 Juqian Street, Changzhou, 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu-Xin Bao
- Research Center for Medicine and Biology, Zunyi Medical University, 6 West Xuefu Road, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jie-Bing Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qian Guo
- Institute of Geriatrics (Shanghai University), Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 881 Yonghe Road, Nantong, 226001 , Jiangsu, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, 99 Shangda Road, Shanghai, 200444, China.
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2
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Yousef EH, El-Magd NFA, El Gayar AM. Norcantharidin potentiates sorafenib antitumor activity in hepatocellular carcinoma rat model through inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Transl Res 2023; 260:69-82. [PMID: 37257560 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), sorafenib (Sora) efficacy is limited by primary and/or acquired resistance. Emerging evidence shows that the inflammatory factor interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a role in Sora resistance. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a derivative of cantharidine, was identified as a potent IL-6 inhibitor. Thus, in this study, we evaluated NCTD ability to improve the Sora efficacy in HCC and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawely rats were administered NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day; orally) or Sora (10 mg/kg day; orally) or combination for 6 weeks after HCC induction using thioacetamide (200 mg/kg; ip; 2 times/wk) for 16 weeks. Our results showed that NCTD greatly enhanced Sora activity against HCC and potentiated Sora-induced oxidative stress. NCTD enhanced Sora-induced tumor immunity reactivation by decreasing both fibrinogen-like protein 1 level and increasing both tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression along with CD8+ T cells number. Also, NCTD augmented Sora attenuation activity against TAA-induced angiogenesis and metastasis by decreasing VEGFA, HIF-1α, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, and vimentin levels. The combined use of NCTD/Sora suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, neurogenic locus notch homolog protein, spalt-like transcription factor 4, and CD133. NCTD boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing Ccnd1 and BCL2 expressions along with increasing BAX and caspase-3 expressions. To our knowledge, this study represents the first study providing evidence for the potential novel therapeutic use of NCTD/Sora combination for HCC. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of NCTD on FGL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman H Yousef
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, Damietta, Egypt.
| | - Nada F Abo El-Magd
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amal M El Gayar
- Biochemistry department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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Chillappagari S, Schwarz J, Kesireddy V, Knoell J, Korfei M, Hoetzenecker K, Schmitz ML, Behl C, Bellusci S, Guenther A, Mahavadi P. Therapeutic induction of Bcl2-associated athanogene 3-mediated autophagy in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e935. [PMID: 35834635 PMCID: PMC9282656 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exaggerated fibroblast proliferation is a well-known feature in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) which may be - in part - due to insufficient autophagy, a lysosome dependent cellular surveillance pathway. Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a pivotal co-chaperone of the autophagy pathway. Here, we studied whether therapeutic modulation of BAG3-mediated autophagy can rescue insufficient autophagy and impact IPF fibroblast proliferation. METHODS Primary interstitial fibroblasts or precision cut lung slices (PCLS) of IPF lungs were treated with (1) the antifibrotic drug pirfenidone (Pirf), (2) the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine (Aza), (3) the BAG3 modulator cantharidin (Ctd). Autophagy flux was measured following pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitors or by GFP-RFP-LC3B transfection followed by drug treatments. Proliferation was measured by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine assay. BAG3, filamin C (FLNC), proliferating-cell-nuclear-antigen (PCNA), collagen1A1 (COL1A1) and autophagy proteins were assessed by immunoblotting or immunofluorescence. Loss of function experiments were performed by siRNA mediated knockdown of BAG3. RESULTS In comparison with healthy donors, increased BAG3 protein was observed in IPF lung homogenates and IPF fibroblasts. In addition, the substrate of BAG3-mediated autophagy, FLNC, was increased in IPF fibroblasts, implying insufficient activation of BAG3-dependent autophagy. Therapeutic modulation of this pathway using Aza and Ctd alone or in combination with the IPF therapy drug Pirf rescued the insufficient BAG3-mediated autophagy and decreased fibroblast proliferation. Such effects were observed upon therapeutic modulation of BAG3 but not upon knock down of BAG3 per se in IPF fibroblasts. Similarly, PCLS of IPF patients showed a significant decrease in collagen deposition in response to these drugs, either alone or in a more potent form in combination with Pirf. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that repurposing drugs that modulate autophagy regulating proteins render therapeutic benefits in IPF. Fine tuning of this pathway may hence signify a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate antifibrotic properties and augment the efficacy of current IPF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashipavan Chillappagari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, JLU Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Julian Schwarz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Vidyasagar Kesireddy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Knoell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Martina Korfei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Konrad Hoetzenecker
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- European IPF Network and European IPF Registry, Giessen, Germany
| | - M Lienhard Schmitz
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, JLU Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), JLU Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, The Autophagy Lab, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), JLU Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Guenther
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- European IPF Network and European IPF Registry, Giessen, Germany
- Member of the Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI), JLU Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Lung Clinic, Agaplesion Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mittelhessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Poornima Mahavadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Justus-Liebig University (JLU) Giessen, Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), Giessen, Hessen, Germany
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Norcantharidin induces G2/M arrest and apoptosis via activation of ERK and JNK, but not p38 signaling in human renal cell carcinoma ACHN cells. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2021; 71:267-278. [PMID: 33151174 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2021-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is generally acknowledged as the most resistant primary malignancy unresponsive to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Norcantharidin (NCTD), a therapeutic compound derived from medicinal plants, has been shown to trigger apoptosis, as well as antimetastatic and antioxidant activities in several tumor cells. However, NCTD's mechanism of antitumor activity in the RCC cell line remains unclear. In this study, we report that NCTD led to a time- and dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation. It had also markedly induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing the expressions of pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9, cyclin B1, and pCDC25C while increasing active caspase-3, cleaved-PARP, P21, and pCDC2 levels. Interestingly, NCTD treatment provoked the phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK), but not of p38 MAPK. Moreover, SCH772984 and SP600125, ERK and JNK inhibitors, respectively, could partially abolish NCTD-induced apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. Collectively, these findings suggest that NCTD might activate JNK and ERK signaling pathways, consequently inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest through the modulation of related proteins. This study provided evidence that NCTD is a promising therapeutic drug for the treatment of RCC.
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Norcantharidin protects against renal interstitial fibrosis by suppressing TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. Life Sci 2020; 260:118488. [PMID: 32979359 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the role and mechanism of action of tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) in the pathogenesis of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), and its involvement in the anti-RIF effect of norcantharidin (NCTD). MAIN METHODS Mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction and BUMPT mouse proximal tubular cells exposed to transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 were used as in vivo and in vitro models of RIF, respectively. NCTD was administered to mice by intraperitoneal injection (0.075 mg kg-1·day-1). Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess pathologic changes in the kidney. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and real-time PCR were performed to evaluate the expression of TWEAK and the fibrotic factors fibronectin (FN) and collagen type I (Col-I). The role of TWEAK in RIF and in the anti-RIF effect of NCTD was evaluated by TWEAK overexpression and neutralization with a specific antibody, and specific inhibitor of Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3 (SIS3) was used to examine the involvement of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling. KEY FINDINGS TWEAK was mainly expressed in renal tubules in mice; the level was markedly elevated in both in vivo and in vitro RIF models. TWEAK overexpression in BUMPT cells increased the levels of phosphorylated Smad3, FN, and Col-I, which were reduced by treatment with SIS3. NCTD suppressed FN and Col-I expression by blocking TWEAK-mediated Smad3 phosphorylation. SIGNIFICANCE Upregulation of TWEAK contributes to RIF by promoting Smad3 phosphorylation, while NCTD inhibits this process.
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Luo H, Yin D, Xiao Z, Wen L, Liao Y, Tang C, Zeng D, Xiao H, Li Y. Anti‐renal interstitial fibrosis effect of norcantharidin is exerted through inhibition of PP2Ac‐mediated C‐terminal phosphorylation of Smad3. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 97:293-304. [PMID: 32896083 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Han‐wen Luo
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Dan‐dan Yin
- Jiangsu Province Hospital Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Lu Wen
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Ying‐jun Liao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Cheng‐yuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Heng‐ting Xiao
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan The Second Xiangya Hospital Central South University Hunan China
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Liu C, Zhuo H, Ye MY, Huang GX, Fan M, Huang XZ. LncRNA MALAT1 promoted high glucose-induced pyroptosis of renal tubular epithelial cell by sponging miR-30c targeting for NLRP3. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 36:682-691. [PMID: 32391974 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN), characterized by the chronic loss of kidney function during diabetes, is a long-term kidney disease that affects millions of populations. However, the etiology of DN remains unclear. DN cell model was established by treating HK-2 cells with high glucose (HG) in vitro. Expression of metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript-1 (MALAT1), miR-30c, nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 in treated HK-2 cells were tested by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. HK-2 cell pyroptosis was assessed using flow cytometry analysis. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was examined with a LDH assay kit. Correlation among MALAT1, miR-30c, and NLRP3 was examined via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Here, we revealed that MALAT1 was upregulated, but miR-30c was downregulated in HG-treated HK-2 cells, leading to upregulation of NLRP3 expression and cell pyroptosis. Knockdown of MALAT1 or overexpression of miR-30c protected HK-2 cells from HG-induced pyroptosis. Meanwhile, we found that MALAT1 promoted NLRP3 expression by sponging miR-30c through dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the co-transfection of sh-MALAT1 and miR-30c inhibitor could reverse the protective effects of the sh-MALAT1 on the HG-induced pyroptosis. These results confirmed that MALAT1 regulated HK-2 cell pyroptosis by inhibiting miR-30c targeting for NLRP3, contributing to a better understanding of DN pathogenesis and help to find out the effective treatment for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Aging and Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhuo
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Aging and Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu-Yao Ye
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Gu-Xiang Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Aging and Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Fan
- Department of Geriatrics, Institute of Aging and Geriatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Zhe Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, People's Republic of China
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Protein Phosphatase 2A Inhibiting β-Catenin Phosphorylation Contributes Critically to the Anti-renal Interstitial Fibrotic Effect of Norcantharidin. Inflammation 2020; 43:878-891. [DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-01173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Xiao H, Liao Y, Tang C, Xiao Z, Luo H, Li J, Liu H, Sun L, Zeng D, Li Y. RNA‐Seq analysis of potential lncRNAs and genes for the anti‐renal fibrotic effect of norcantharidin. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:17354-17367. [PMID: 31104327 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hengting Xiao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Yingjun Liao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Zheng Xiao
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Hanwen Luo
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Dong Zeng
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University and Blood Purification Changsha China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha China
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Yin DD, Luo JH, Zhao ZY, Liao YJ, Li Y. Tranilast prevents renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking mast cell infiltration in a rat model of diabetic kidney disease. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:7356-7364. [PMID: 29568954 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is a final pathway that is observed in various types of kidney diseases, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The present study investigated the effect of tranilast on renal interstitial fibrosis and the association between its role and mast cell infiltration in a rat model of DKD. A total of 30 healthy 6‑week‑old male Sprague‑Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: Normal control group; DKD model group; low‑dose tranilast group (200 mg/kg/day); and high‑dose tranilast group (400 mg/kg/day). The morphological alterations of tubulointerstitial fibrosis were evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining, while mast cell infiltration into the renal tubular interstitium was measured by toluidine blue staining and complement C3a receptor 1 (C3aR) immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The expression of fibronectin (FN), collagen I (Col‑I), stem cell factor (SCF) and proto‑oncogene c‑kit (c‑kit) was detected by IHC, western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative‑polymerase chain reaction. The results demonstrated that tubulointerstitial fibrosis and mast cell infiltration were observed in DKD model rats, and this was improved dose‑dependently in the tranilast treatment groups. The expression of FN, Col‑I, SCF and c‑kit mRNA and protein was upregulated in the tubulointerstitium of DKD model rats compared with the normal control rats, and tranilast inhibited the upregulated expression of these markers. Furthermore, the degree of SCF and c‑kit expression demonstrated a significant positive correlation with C3aR‑positive mast cells and the markers of renal interstitial fibrosis. The results of the present study indicate that mast cell infiltration may promote renal interstitial fibrosis via the SCF/c‑kit signaling pathway. Tranilast may prevent renal interstitial fibrosis through inhibition of mast cell infiltration mediated through the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Dan Yin
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Hui Luo
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Zhu-Ye Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Jun Liao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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Ye K, Wei Q, Gong Z, Huang Y, Liu H, Li Y, Peng X. Effect of norcantharidin on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of human mesangial cells. Ren Fail 2017; 39:458-464. [PMID: 28393592 PMCID: PMC6014529 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2017.1308257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Norcantharidin (NCTD) regulates immune system function and reduces proteinuria. We sought to investigate the effect of NCTD on proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of cultured human mesangial cells (HMC) in vitro. METHODS HMC cells were divided into a normal control group, and various concentrations of NCTD group (2.5, 5, 10, 20, or 40 μg/mL). Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assays, and morphological analysis was performed by Hoechest 33258 staining. Finally, cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS NCTD dose and time dependently inhibits HMC proliferation significantly (p < .05). Apoptosis dose and time dependently increased after NCTD treatment. Cell-cycle analysis revealed that the number of cells in the G2 phase increased significantly, whereas the fraction of cells in the S phase decreased, especially 24 h after 5 μg/ml NCTD treatment. CONCLUSION NCTD inhibits HMC cell proliferation, induces apoptosis, and affects the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Ye
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Qiaoyu Wei
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Zhifeng Gong
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
| | - Hong Liu
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Ying Li
- b Department of Nephrology , The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University , Hunan , China
| | - Xiaomei Peng
- a Department of Nephrology , The People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , Guangxi , China
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Novel Omega-3 Fatty Acid Epoxygenase Metabolite Reduces Kidney Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050751. [PMID: 27213332 PMCID: PMC4881572 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450 (CYP) monooxygenases epoxidize the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid into novel epoxydocosapentaenoic acids (EDPs) that have multiple biological actions. The present study determined the ability of the most abundant EDP regioisomer, 19,20-EDP to reduce kidney injury in an experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) renal fibrosis mouse model. Mice with UUO developed kidney tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis. UUO mice had elevated kidney hydroxyproline content and five-times greater collagen positive fibrotic area than sham control mice. 19,20-EDP treatment to UUO mice for 10 days reduced renal fibrosis with a 40%-50% reduction in collagen positive area and hydroxyproline content. There was a six-fold increase in kidney α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) positive area in UUO mice compared to sham control mice, and 19,20-EDP treatment to UUO mice decreased α-SMA immunopositive area by 60%. UUO mice demonstrated renal epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with reduced expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and elevated expression of multiple mesenchymal markers (FSP-1, α-SMA, and desmin). Interestingly, 19,20-EDP treatment reduced renal EMT in UUO by decreasing mesenchymal and increasing epithelial marker expression. Overall, we demonstrate that a novel omega-3 fatty acid metabolite 19,20-EDP, prevents UUO-induced renal fibrosis in mice by reducing renal EMT.
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Zou C, Xie R, Bao Y, Liu X, Sui M, M S, Li S, Yin H. Iron chelator alleviates tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy rats by inhibiting the expression of tenascinC and other correlation factors. Endocrine 2013; 44:666-74. [PMID: 23468095 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-013-9907-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway to diabetic nephropathy. However, only a few drugs are responsible for this pathologic process. We investigated the possible effect of deferiprone (iron chelator) treatment on experimental diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats, as well as the mechanisms involved in this process. Diabetic nephropathy was induced in rats by feeding on high-carbohydrate-fat food and injecting streptozotocin. After 20 weeks of deferiprone treatment, tubulointerstitial morphology was detected by staining with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was measured using the point-counting technique. Biochemical parameters including fasting glucose, insulin resistance (IR), serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation (TS), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UA/C) were detected in diabetic nephropathy models. Semiquantitative RT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were utilized for evaluating mRNA and protein levels of tenascin C, fibronectin 1 (Fn1), TGF-β1, and collagen IV in nephridial tissue, respectively. Malonialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined by pyrogallol and thiobarbituric acid method. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis was significantly ameliorated after deferiprone treatment, and both mRNA and protein expressions of profibrotic factors were inhibited in treatment groups. Meanwhile, high levels of serum iron, ferritin, TS, and UA/C were observed in DN rats. These factors were down-regulated by deferiprone treatment. Furthermore, deferiprone effectively relieved serum IR and regulated oxidative stress process. Our results demonstrated the anti-fibrosis potential and renoprotective effects of deferiprone for diabetic nephropathy, and this process was partially mediated by tenascin C blocking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Zou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 23 Youzheng Str, Nangang District, Harbin, People's Republic of China
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Norcantharidin, derivative of cantharidin, for cancer stem cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:838651. [PMID: 24073010 PMCID: PMC3773992 DOI: 10.1155/2013/838651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2013] [Revised: 07/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) existing in human cancers have been demonstrated to be a major cause of cancer treatment resistance, invasion, metastasis, and relapse. Self-renewal pathways, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), and the Notch signaling pathway play critical roles in developing CSCs and lead to angiogenesis, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Multidrug resistance (MDR) is an unfavorable factor causing the failure of treatments against cancer cells. The most important and thoroughly studied mechanism involved in MDR is the active efflux of chemotherapeutic agents through membrane drug transporters. There is growing evidence that Norcantharidin (NCTD), a water-soluble synthetic small molecule derivative of naturally occurring cantharidin from the medicinal insect blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), is capable of chemoprevention and tumor inhibition. We summarize investigations into the modulation of self-renewal pathways and MDR in CSCs by NCTD. This review may aid in further investigation of using NCTD to develop more effective strategies for cancer treatment to reduce resistance and recurrence.
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Li Y, Sun Y, Liu F, Sun L, Li J, Duan S, Liu H, Peng Y, Xiao L, Liu Y, Xi Y, You Y, Li H, Wang M, Wang S, Hou T. Norcantharidin inhibits renal interstitial fibrosis by blocking the tubular epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66356. [PMID: 23825538 PMCID: PMC3692527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is thought to contribute to the progression of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a promising agent for inhibiting renal interstitial fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms of NCTD are unclear. In this study, a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model was established and treated with intraperitoneal NCTD (0.1 mg/kg/day). The UUO rats treated with NCTD showed a reduction in obstruction-induced upregulation of α-SMA and downregulation of E-cadherin in the rat kidney (P<0.05). Human renal proximal tubule cell lines (HK-2) stimulated with TGF-β1 were treated with different concentrations of NCTD. HK-2 cells stimulated by TGF-β1 in vitro led to downregulation of E-cadherin and increased de novo expression of α-SMA; co-treatment with NCTD attenuated all of these changes (P<0.05). NCTD reduced TGF-β1-induced expression and phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and downregulated the expression of Snail1 (P<0.05). These results suggest that NCTD antagonizes tubular EMT by inhibiting the Smad pathway. NCTD may play a critical role in preserving the normal epithelial phenotype and modulating tubular EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- Division of Nephrology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, PR China. mail:
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Manigrasso MB, Sawyer RT, Hutchens ZM, Flynn ER, Maric-Bilkan C. Combined inhibition of aromatase activity and dihydrotestosterone supplementation attenuates renal injury in male streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2012; 302:F1203-9. [PMID: 22301628 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00569.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies showed that streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats have increased estradiol and decreased testosterone levels that correlate with renal injury (Xu Q, Wells CC, Garman GH, Asico L, Escano CS, Maric C. Hypertension 51: 1218-1224, 2008). We further showed that either supplementing dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or inhibiting estradiol biosynthesis in these diabetic rats was only partially renoprotective (Manigrasso MB, Sawyer RT, Marbury DC, Flynn ER, Maric C. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 301: F634-F640, 2011; Xu Q, Prabhu A, Xu S, Manigrassso MB, Maric C. Am J Physiol 297: F307-F315, 2009). The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the combined therapy of DHT supplementation and inhibition of estradiol synthesis would afford better renoprotection than either treatment alone. The study was performed in 12-wk-old male nondiabetic (ND), STZ-induced diabetic (D), and STZ-induced diabetic rats that received the combined therapy of 0.75 mg/day of DHT along with 0.15 mg · kg(-1) · day(-1) of an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole (Dta), for 12 wk. Treatment with the combined therapy resulted in attenuation of albuminuria by 84%, glomerulosclerosis by 55%, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis by 62%. In addition, the combined treatment decreased the density of renal cortical CD68-positive cells by 70% and decreased protein expression of transforming growth factor-β protein expression by 60%, collagen type IV by 65%, TNF-α by 55%, and IL-6 by 60%. We conclude that the combined treatment of DHT and blocking aromatase activity in diabetic male STZ-induced diabetic rats provides superior treatment than either treatment alone in the prevention of diabetic renal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaele B Manigrasso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State St., Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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Norcantharidin inhibits the expression of extracellular matrix and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells induced by high glucose independent of calcineurin signal pathway. J Transl Med 2011; 91:1706-16. [PMID: 21931301 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Norcantharidin (NCTD) was shown in our previous studies to attenuate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in rat models with diabetic nephropathy (DN). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of NCTD on the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose and on calcineurin (CaN)/NFAT pathway. Whether or not the antifibrotic effect of NCTD on renal interstitium was dependent on its inhibition of CaN pathway was also investigated. Experimental concentrations of NCTD were verified by cytotoxic test and MTT assay. HK-2 cells were transfected with CaN small interference RNA (siRNA). The mRNA and protein expressions of FN, ColIV, TGF-β1, and CaN in HK-2 cells were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. The CaN/NFAT pathway was examined by indirect immunofluorescence and western blot. Our study revealed that NCTD concentrations over 5 mg/l had overt cytotoxicity on HK-2 cells. Meanwhile, both 2.5 and 5 mg/l NCTD inhibited HK-2 cell proliferation (P < 0.05). NCTD inhibited the upregulation of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 of HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05), and also significantly downregulated the expression of CaN mRNA and protein in HK-2 cells (P < 0.05). In addition, not only was the nuclear translocation of NFATc inhibited, but its protein level in the nucleus was also reduced. Following CaN siRNA transfection, CaN mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased. In contrast, the protein levels of FN, ColIV, and TGF-β1 increased in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose (P < 0.05). However, NCTD treatment downregulated their expression. These results indicated that NCTD could decrease the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 in HK-2 cells stimulated by high glucose, downregulate CaN expression, and block the CaN/NFAT signaling pathway. However, the effect of NCTD on inhibition of the expression of ECM and TGF-β1 was not associated with its inhibition of the CaN/NFAT pathway.
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Li Y, Ge Y, Liu FY, Peng YM, Sun L, Li J, Chen Q, Sun Y, Ye K. Norcantharidin, a protective therapeutic agent in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Mol Cell Biochem 2011; 361:79-83. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-011-1091-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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