Curcumin prevents maleate-induced nephrotoxicity: relation to hemodynamic alterations, oxidative stress, mitochondrial oxygen consumption and activity of respiratory complex I

Critical roles of tubular mitochondrial ATP synthase dysfunction in maleic acid-induced acute kidney injury

Maleic acid (MA) induces renal tubular cell dysfunction directed to acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI is an increasing global health burden due to its association with mortality and morbidity. However, targeted therapy for AKI is lacking. Previously, we determined mitochondrial-associated proteins are MA-induced AKI affinity proteins. We hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction in tubular epithelial cells plays a critical role in AKI. In vivo and in vitro systems have been used to test this hypothesis. For the in vivo model, C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 400 mg/kg body weight MA. For the in vitro model, HK-2 human proximal tubular epithelial cells were treated with 2 mM or 5 mM MA for 24 h. AKI can be induced by administration of MA. In the mice injected with MA, the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in the sera were significantly increased (p < 0.005). From the pathological analysis, MA-induced AKI aggravated renal tubular injuries, increased kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression and caused renal tubular cell apoptosis. At the cellular level, mitochondrial dysfunction was found with increasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.001), uncoupled mitochondrial respiration with decreasing electron transfer system activity (p < 0.001), and decreasing ATP production (p < 0.05). Under transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination, the cristae formation of mitochondria was defective in MA-induced AKI. To unveil the potential target in mitochondria, gene expression analysis revealed a significantly lower level of ATPase6 (p < 0.001). Renal mitochondrial protein levels of ATP subunits 5A1 and 5C1 (p < 0.05) were significantly decreased, as confirmed by protein analysis. Our study demonstrated that dysfunction of mitochondria resulting from altered expression of ATP synthase in renal tubular cells is associated with MA-induced AKI. This finding provides a potential novel target to develop new strategies for better prevention and treatment of MA-induced AKI.

Mitochondrial Signaling, the Mechanisms of AKI-to-CKD Transition and Potential Treatment Targets

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is increasing in prevalence and causes a global health burden. AKI is associated with significant mortality and can subsequently develop into chronic kidney disease (CKD). The kidney is one of the most energy-demanding organs in the human body and has a role in active solute transport, maintenance of electrochemical gradients, and regulation of fluid balance. Renal proximal tubular cells (PTCs) are the primary segment to reabsorb and secrete various solutes and take part in AKI initiation. Mitochondria, which are enriched in PTCs, are the main source of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells as generated through oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial dysfunction may result in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, impaired biogenesis, oxidative stress multiplication, and ultimately leading to cell death. Even though mitochondrial damage and malfunction have been observed in both human kidney disease and animal models of AKI and CKD, the mechanism of mitochondrial signaling in PTC for AKI-to-CKD transition remains unknown. We review the recent findings of the development of AKI-to-CKD transition with a focus on mitochondrial disorders in PTCs. We propose that mitochondrial signaling is a key mechanism of the progression of AKI to CKD and potential targeting for treatment.

Focus on Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain: Potential Therapeutic Target for Chronic Renal Failure

The function of the respiratory chain is closely associated with kidney function, and the dysfunction of the respiratory chain is a primary pathophysiological change in chronic kidney failure. The incidence of chronic kidney failure caused by defects in respiratory-chain-related genes has frequently been overlooked. Correcting abnormal metabolic reprogramming, rescuing the "toxic respiratory chain", and targeting the clearance of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species are potential therapies for treating chronic kidney failure. These treatments have shown promising results in slowing fibrosis and inflammation progression and improving kidney function in various animal models of chronic kidney failure and patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mitochondrial respiratory chain is a key target worthy of attention in the treatment of chronic kidney failure. This review integrated research related to the mitochondrial respiratory chain and chronic kidney failure, primarily elucidating the pathological status of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in chronic kidney failure and potential therapeutic drugs. It provided new ideas for the treatment of kidney failure and promoted the development of drugs targeting the mitochondrial respiratory chain.

Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin on 5/6Nx Hypertriglyceridemia: Association with the Improvement of Renal Mitochondrial β-Oxidation and Lipid Metabolism in Kidney and Liver

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is constantly increasing, and dyslipidemia in this disease is characteristic, favoring cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms of CKD dyslipidemia are not fully understood. The use of curcumin (CUR) in CKD models such as 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) has shown multiple beneficial effects, so it has been proposed to correct dyslipidemia without side effects. This work aimed to characterize CUR's potential therapeutic effect on dyslipidemia and alterations in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial ß-oxidation in the liver and kidney in 5/6Nx. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 5/6Nx and progressed by 4 weeks; meanwhile, CUR (120 mg/kg) was administered for weeks 5 to 8. Our results showed that CUR reversed the increase in liver and kidney damage and hypertriglyceridemia induced by 5/6Nx. CUR also reversed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and β-oxidation disorders in the kidney and the increased lipid uptake and the high levels of proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis in the liver and kidney. CUR also decreased lipogenesis and increased mitochondrial biogenesis markers in the liver. Therefore, we concluded that the therapeutic effect of curcumin on 5/6Nx hypertriglyceridemia is associated with the restoration of renal mitochondrial ß-oxidation and the reduction in lipid synthesis and uptake in the kidneys and liver.

Disruption of mitochondrial functions involving mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening caused by maleic acid in rat kidney

Propionic acid (PA) predominantly accumulates in tissues and biological fluids of patients affected by propionic acidemia that may manifest chronic renal failure along development. High urinary excretion of maleic acid (MA) has also been described. Considering that the underlying mechanisms of renal dysfunction in this disorder are poorly known, the present work investigated the effects of PA and MA (1-5 mM) on mitochondrial functions and cellular viability in rat kidney and cultured human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm), NAD(P)H content, swelling and ATP production were measured in rat kidney mitochondrial preparations supported by glutamate or glutamate plus malate, in the presence or absence of Ca²⁺. MTT reduction and propidium iodide (PI) incorporation were also determined in intact renal cells pre-incubated with MA or PA for 24 h. MA decreased Δψm and NAD(P)H content and induced swelling in Ca²⁺-loaded mitochondria either respiring with glutamate or glutamate plus malate. Noteworthy, these alterations were fully prevented by cyclosporin A plus ADP, suggesting the involvement of mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT). MA also markedly inhibited ATP synthesis in kidney mitochondria using the same substrates, implying a strong bioenergetics impairment. In contrast, PA only caused milder changes in these parameters. Finally, MA decreased MTT reduction and increased PI incorporation in intact HEK-293 cells, indicating a possible association between mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in an intact cell system. It is therefore presumed that the MA-induced disruption of mitochondrial functions involving mPT pore opening may be involved in the chronic renal failure occurring in propionic acidemia.

Discrimination of Curcuma species from Asia using intron length polymorphism markers in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase

Recently, Curcuma rhizome-related foods with claimed health benefits have been used worldwide; however, correct identification and quality assessment have not been conducted. Due to the wide distribution and morphological similarities of Curcuma species, the classification of some species is debated and nomenclature is inconsistent among countries. In this study, to elucidate specific molecular markers of medicinally used Curcuma species in Asia, and to solve the confusion on the reported botanical origin of crude drugs, molecular analysis based on the intron length polymorphism (ILP) in genes encoding diketide-CoA synthase and curcumin synthase and the trnK intron sequences was performed using 59 plant specimens and 42 crude drug samples from 13 Curcuma species, obtained from Asian countries. The ILP patterns of the respective species from both plant specimens and crude drug samples revealed high consistency in C. aromatica, C. zedoaria, C. phaeocaulis, C. aeruginosa, C. wenyujin, and C. zanthorrhiza, but showed intraspecies polymorphism in C. longa, C. kwangsiensis, C. amada, C. mangga and C. comosa. The C. longa specimens and samples were separated into three subgroups which were highly consistent with their geographical origins. Based on the ILP markers and the trnK intron sequences, the botanical origins of "Khamin oi" from Thailand were correctly determined to be C. longa or a hybrid between C. longa and other species, and "Wan narn kum" from Thailand and "Kasturi manjal" from India were correctly determined to be C. zanthorrhiza.

Involvement of Tricarboxylic Acid Cycle Metabolites in Kidney Diseases

Mitochondria are complex organelles that orchestrate several functions in the cell. The primary function recognized is energy production; however, other functions involve the communication with the rest of the cell through reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium influx, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels, cytochrome c release, and also through tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites. Kidney function highly depends on mitochondria; hence mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with kidney diseases. In addition to oxidative phosphorylation impairment, other mitochondrial abnormalities have been described in kidney diseases, such as induction of mitophagy, intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, and releasing molecules to communicate to the rest of the cell. The TCA cycle is a metabolic pathway whose primary function is to generate electrons to feed the electron transport system (ETS) to drives energy production. However, TCA cycle metabolites can also release from mitochondria or produced in the cytosol to exert different functions and modify cell behavior. Here we review the involvement of some of the functions of TCA metabolites in kidney diseases.

Microwave Enabled Physically Cross Linked Sodium Alginate and Pectin Film and Their Application in Combination with Modified Chitosan-Curcumin Nanoparticles. A Novel Strategy for 2nd Degree Burns Wound Healing in Animals

This study reports microwave assisted physically cross-linked sodium alginate and pectin film and their testing in combination with modified chitosan-curcumin nanoparticles for skin tissue regeneration following 2nd degree burn wound. Film was formulated by solution casting method and physically cross-linked using microwave irradiation at frequency of 2450 MHz, power 750 Watt for different time intervals for optimization. The optimized formulation was analyzed for various physiochemical attributes. Afterwards, the optimized film and optimized modified chitosan-curcumin nanoparticles were tested in combination for skin regeneration potential following burn wound in vivo and skin samples extracted and tested for different attributes. The results indicated that the optimized film formulation (5 min microwave treatment) physicochemical attributes significantly enhanced addressing the properties required of a wound healing platform. The vibrational analysis indicated that the optimized film experienced significant rigidification of hydrophilic domains while the hydrophobic domains underwent significant fluidization which also resulted in significant increase in the transition temperatures and system enthalpies of both polymer moieties with microwave treatment. The combined film and nanoparticles application significantly increased protein content in the wounds which were evident from higher absorbance ratios of amide-I and amide-II (2.15 ± 0.001), significantly higher melting transition temperature and enthalpy (∆T = 167.2 ± 15.4 °C, ∆H = 510.7 ± 20.1 J/g) and higher tensile strength (14.65 ± 0.8 MPa) with significantly enhanced percent re-epithelization (99.9934 ± 2.56) in comparison to other treatments. The combined application of film and nanoparticles may prove to be a new novel treatment strategy for 2nd degree burn wound healing.

Emergence of SGLT2 Inhibitors as Powerful Antioxidants in Human Diseases

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of oral glucose-lowering agents. Apart from their glucose-lowering effects, large clinical trials assessing certain SGLT2 inhibitors have revealed cardiac and renal protective effects in non-diabetic patients. These excellent outcomes motivated scientists and clinical professionals to revisit their underlying mechanisms. In addition to the heart and kidney, redox homeostasis is crucial in several human diseases, including liver diseases, neural disorders, and cancers, with accumulating preclinical studies demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors. In the present review, we aimed to update recent advances in the antioxidant roles of SGLT2 inhibitors in common but debilitating human diseases. We anticipate that this review will guide new research directions and novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, nephropathies, liver diseases, neural disorders, and cancers in the era of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Activation of ALDH1A1 by omeprazole reduces cell oxidative stress damage

Under physiological conditions, cells produce low basal levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, in pathologic conditions ROS production increases dramatically, generating high concentrations of toxic unsaturated aldehydes. Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are responsible for detoxification of these aldehydes protecting the cell. Due to the physiological relevance of these enzymes, it is important to design strategies to modulate their activity. It was previously reported that omeprazole activation of ALDH1A1 protected Escherichia coli cells overexpressing this enzyme, from oxidative stress generated by H2 O2 . In this work, omeprazole cell protection potential was evaluated in eukaryotic cells. AS-30D cell or hepatocyte suspensions were subjected to a treatment with omeprazole and exposure to light (that is required to activate omeprazole in the active site of ALDH) and then exposed to H2 O2 . Cells showed viability similar to control cells, total activity of ALDH was preserved, while cell levels of lipid aldehydes and oxidative stress markers were maintained low. Cell protection by omeprazole was avoided by inhibition of ALDHs with disulfiram, revealing the key role of these enzymes in the protection. Additionally, omeprazole also preserved ALDH2 (mitochondrial isoform) activity, diminishing lipid aldehyde levels and oxidative stress in this organelle, protecting mitochondrial respiration and transmembrane potential formation capacity, from the stress generated by H2 O2 . These results highlight the important role of ALDHs as part of the antioxidant system of the cell, since if the activity of these enzymes decreases under stress conditions, the viability of the cell is compromised.

Roles and mechanisms of stem cell in wound healing

Wound healing phases comprise of highly synchronized process that begins due to a damage and restores the integrity of the injured tissues. Wound healing reduces the damage in tissue and supply sufficient oxygen and tissue perfusion, provide proper nourishment and humid wound healing atmosphere to re-establish the essential status of exaggerated parts. The untreated wound becomes susceptible for pus development, bacterial infection and complications like sepsis. Traditional and modern approaches are in practice to treat acute, open and chronic injuries, however, present wound care management has met with challenges and minimal positive effects. Stem cells have possible wound healing capability to overwhelm restrictions of the current wound care practices as it produces faster tissue regeneration in wound repair. Stem cells are unspecialized cells derived from adult body tissues and embryos that differentiate into any cell of an organism and capable of self-regeneration. The understanding on molecular mechanisms of stem cells has become the central and promising field in scientific study. This review focuses on the pre-existing traditional and modern treatments for wound healing, and types and roles of stem cells in wound care management. This review also focuses on the fundamental molecular characterization and factors influencing the molecular mechanisms of stem cells in wound healing.

Novel Therapeutic Delivery of Nanocurcumin in Central Nervous System Related Disorders

Nutraceuticals represent complementary or alternative beneficial products to the expensive and high-tech therapeutic tools in modern medicine. Nowadays, their medical or health benefits in preventing or treating different types of diseases is widely accepted, due to fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, improved bioavailability and long half-life. Among herbal and natural compounds, curcumin is a very attractive herbal supplement considering its multipurpose properties. The potential effects of curcumin on glia cells and its therapeutic and protective properties in central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders is relevant. However, curcumin is unstable and easily degraded or metabolized into other forms posing limits to its clinical development. This is particularly important in brain pathologies determined blood brain barrier (BBB) obstacle. To enhance the stability and bioavailability of curcumin, many studies focused on the design and development of curcumin nanodelivery systems (nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, and diverse nanocarriers). These nanoconstructs can increase curcumin stability, solubility, in vivo uptake, bioactivity and safety. Recently, several studies have reported on a curcumin exosome-based delivery system, showing great therapeutical potential. The present work aims to review the current available data in improving bioactivity of curcumin in treatment or prevention of neurological disorders.

First Evidence of a Protective Effect of Plant Bioactive Compounds against H2O2-Induced Aconitase Damage in Durum Wheat Mitochondria

In order to contribute to the understanding of the antioxidant behavior of plant bioactive compounds with respect to specific subcellular targets, in this study, their capability to protect aconitase activity from oxidative-mediated dysfunction was evaluated for the first time in plant mitochondria. Interest was focused on the Krebs cycle enzyme catalyzing the citrate/isocitrate interconversion via cis-aconitate, as it possesses a [4Fe-4S]²⁺ cluster at the active site, making it an early and highly sensitive target of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced oxidative damage. In particular, the effect on the aconitase reaction of five natural phenols, including ferulic acid, apigenin, quercetin, resveratrol, and curcumin, as well as of the isothiocyanate sulforaphane, was investigated in highly purified mitochondria obtained from durum wheat (DWM). Interestingly, a short-term (10 min) DWM pre-treatment with all investigated compounds, applied at 150 µM (75 µM in the case of resveratrol), completely prevented aconitase damage induced by a 15 min exposure of mitochondria to 500 µM H₂O₂. Curcumin and quercetin were also found to completely recover DWM-aconitase activity when phytochemical treatment was performed after H₂O₂ damage. In addition, all tested phytochemicals (except ferulic) induced a significant increase of aconitase activity in undamaged mitochondria. On the contrary, a relevant protective and recovery effect of only quercetin treatment was observed in terms of the aconitase activity of a commercial purified mammalian isoform, which was used for comparison. Overall, the results obtained in this study may suggest a possible role of phytochemicals in preserving plant mitochondrial aconitase activity, as well as energy metabolism, against oxidative damage that may occur under environmental stress conditions. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the physiological role and the mechanism responsible for this short-term protective effect.

Compounds that extend longevity are protective in neurodegenerative diseases and provide a novel treatment strategy for these devastating disorders

While aging is the greatest risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative disease, the role of aging in these diseases is poorly understood. In the inherited forms of these diseases, the disease-causing mutation is present from birth but symptoms appear decades later. This indicates that these mutations are well tolerated in younger individuals but not in older adults. Based on this observation, we hypothesized that changes taking place during normal aging make the cells in the brain (and elsewhere) susceptible to the disease-causing mutations. If so, then delaying some of these age-related changes may be beneficial in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we examine the effects of five compounds that have been shown to extend longevity (metformin, rapamycin, resveratrol, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, curcumin) in four of the most common neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). While not all investigations observe a beneficial effect of these compounds, there are multiple studies that show a protective effect of each of these lifespan-extending compounds in animal models of neurodegenerative disease. Combined with genetic studies, this suggests the possibility that targeting the aging process may be an effective strategy to treat neurodegenerative disease.

Influence of curcumin on glycemic profile, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in HIV-infected individuals: A randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the influence of curcumin supplementation on the glycemic profile, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in HIV-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy. This double-blind, crossover, randomized clinical trial was composed of 20 subjects arranged initially into experimental group (n = 10) and placebo group (n = 10) groups, receiving 1,000 mg curcumin/day or microcrystalline cellulose/day, respectively, during a 30-day period and 12-day washout. Subsequently, the groups were switched to follow the crossover design. Fasting glucose and insulin, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha, malonialdehyde, and reduced glutathione were measured. Food consumption was evaluated as a control variable. Descriptive statistics are presented as mean and standard deviation, and inferential analyses were performed from two-way analysis of variance and the magnitude of the effect. No significant improvements were observed in the glycemic, inflammatory, or oxidative stress profiles. Although the mean serum fasting glucose levels and the homeostatic model assessment index presented qualitative improvement in the CG, this result should be interpreted with caution since the observed variation may represent acceptable fluctuation, in addition to the small difference between the means, added to the large variation observed in the standard deviation. Supplementation with curcumin in HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy and training did not improve the glycemic, inflammatory, or oxidative stress profiles.

Chronic treatment of curcumin improves hepatic lipid metabolism and alleviates the renal damage in adenine-induced chronic kidney disease in Sprague-Dawley rats

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), including nephrotic syndrome, is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The literature indicates that CKD is associated with profound lipid disorders due to the dysregulation of lipoprotein metabolism which progresses kidney disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of curcumin on dyslipidaemia associated with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease in rats.

Methods

Male SD rats (n = 29) were divided into 5 groups for 24 days: normal control (n = 5, normal diet), CKD control (n = 6, 0.75% w/w adenine-supplemented diet), CUR 50 (n = 6, 50 mg/kg/day curcumin + 0.75% w/w adenine-supplemented diet), CUR 100 (n = 6, 100 mg/kg/day curcumin + 0.75% w/w adenine-supplemented diet), and CUR 150 (n = 6, 150 mg/kg/day curcumin + 0.75% w/w adenine-supplemented diet). The serum and tissue lipid profile, as well as the kidney function test, were measured using commercial diagnostic kits.

Results

The marked rise in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acids in serum, as well as hepatic cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acids of CKD control rats were significantly protected by curcumin co-treatment (at the dose of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg). Furthermore, curcumin significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol compared to the CKD control rats but did not attenuate the CKD-induced weight retardation. Mathematical computational analysis revealed that curcumin significantly reduced indicators for the risk of atherosclerotic lesions (atherogenic index) and coronary atherogenesis (coronary risk index). In addition, curcumin improved kidney function as shown by the reduction in proteinuria and improvement in creatinine clearance.

Conclusion

The results provide new scientific evidence for the use of curcumin in CKD-associated dyslipidaemia and substantiates the traditional use of curcumin in preventing kidney damage.

Potential of Curcumin in Skin Disorders

Curcumin is a compound isolated from turmeric, a plant known for its medicinal use. Recently, there is a growing interest in the medical community in identifying novel, low-cost, safe molecules that may be used in the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that curcumin may represent an effective agent in the treatment of several skin conditions. We examined the most relevant in vitro and in vivo studies published to date regarding the use of curcumin in inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious skin diseases, providing information on its bioavailability and safety profile. Moreover, we performed a computational analysis about curcumin's interaction towards the major enzymatic targets identified in the literature. Our results suggest that curcumin may represent a low-cost, well-tolerated, effective agent in the treatment of skin diseases. However, bypass of limitations of its in vivo use (low oral bioavailability, metabolism) is essential in order to conduct larger clinical trials that could confirm these observations. The possible use of curcumin in combination with traditional drugs and the formulations of novel delivery systems represent a very promising field for future applicative research.

Combinations of the antioxidants sulforaphane or curcumin and the conventional antineoplastics cisplatin or doxorubicin as prospects for anticancer chemotherapy

Drugs used in clinical oncology have narrow therapeutic indices with adverse toxicity often involving oxidative damage. Chemoresistance to these conventional antineoplastics is usually mediated by oxidative stress-upregulated pathways such as those of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). Accordingly, the use of antioxidants in combinational approaches has begun to be considered for fighting cancer because of both the protective role against adverse effects and the ability to sensitize chemoresistant cancer cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has been identified as a mediator of the cytoprotection but it is not regularly associated with tumor chemosensitization. However, some Nrf2 inducers could be exerting cytoprotective and chemosensitizing roles through a simple integrated mechanism in which the cellular level of reactive oxygen species is controlled, thus inhibiting the oxidative damage in non-target tissues and the tumor chemoresistance mediated by NF-κB or HIF-1α. As examples to show the general idea of this antioxidant combination chemotherapy, this review explores the preclinical information available for four combinations, each composed by a paradigmatic oncological drug (cisplatin or doxorubicin) and a recognized antioxidant (sulforaphane or curcumin). The issues for translating these outcomes to clinical trials are briefly discussed.

Nutrition and Wound Healing: An Overview Focusing on the Beneficial Effects of Curcumin

Wound healing implicates several biological and molecular events, such as coagulation, inflammation, migration-proliferation, and remodeling. Here, we provide an overview of the effects of malnutrition and specific nutrients on this process, focusing on the beneficial effects of curcumin. We have summarized that protein loss may negatively affect the whole immune process, while adequate intake of carbohydrates is necessary for fibroblast migration during the proliferative phase. Beyond micronutrients, arginine and glutamine, vitamin A, B, C, and D, zinc, and iron are essential for inflammatory process and synthesis of collagen. Notably, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin might reduce the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) and restore the imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant activity. Since curcumin induces apoptosis of inflammatory cells during the early phase of wound healing, it could also accelerate the healing process by shortening the inflammatory phase. Moreover, curcumin might facilitate collagen synthesis, fibroblasts migration, and differentiation. Although curcumin could be considered as a wound healing agent, especially if topically administered, further research in wound patients is recommended to achieve appropriate nutritional approaches for wound management.

Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Nephrotoxic Agents

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is the one of the main phenolic ingredients in curcuma species rhizome. Curcuma species have traditionally been used for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular, and renal diseases.

METHODS

The present study was designed to review the scientific literature on the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents.

RESULTS

Studies have shown the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents such as gallic acid, glucose, tartrazine, streptozotocin, lead, cadmium, fluoride, maleate, malathion, nicotine, cisplatin, gentamicin, and methotrexate. However, further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy of curcumin as an antidote agent due to the lack of clinical trial studies. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects.

CONCLUSION

The current review indicated that curcumin may be effective against nephrotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Bioactivity, Health Benefits, and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin: Current Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives

Curcumin is a principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is commonly used as a spice in cooking and a yellow pigment in the food processing industry. Recent studies have demonstrated that curcumin has a variety of biological activities and pharmacological performances, providing protection and promotion of human health. In addition to presenting an overview of the gut metabolism of curcumin, this paper reviews the current research progress on its versatile bioactivity, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities, and also intensively discusses its health benefits, including the protective or preventive effects on cancers and diabetes, as well as the liver, nervous system, and cardiovascular systems, highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms. Besides, the beneficial effects of curcumin on human are further stated based on clinical trials. Considering that there is still a debate on the beneficial effects of curcumin, we also discuss related challenges and prospects. Overall, curcumin is a promising ingredient of novel functional foods, with protective efficacy in preventing certain diseases. We hope this comprehensive and updated review will be helpful for promoting human-based studies to facilitate its use in human health and diseases in the future.

The environmental pollutant, polychlorinated biphenyls, and cardiovascular disease: a potential target for antioxidant nanotherapeutics

Despite production having stopped in the 1970s, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) represent persistent organic pollutants that continue to pose a serious human health risk. Exposure to PCBs has been linked to chronic inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, as well as hepatic disorders, endocrine dysfunction, neurological deficits, and many others. This is further complicated by the PCB's strong hydrophobicity, resulting in their ability to accumulate up the food chain and to be stored in fat deposits. This means that completely avoiding exposure is not possible, thus requiring the need to develop intervention strategies that can mitigate disease risks associated with exposure to PCBs. Currently, there is excitement in the use of nutritional compounds as a way of inhibiting the inflammation associated with PCBs, yet the suboptimal delivery and pharmacology of these compounds may not be sufficient in more acute exposures. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge of PCB toxicity and some of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nanocarrier systems that may be useful as an enhanced treatment modality for reducing PCB toxicity.

Mitochondrial bioenergetics, redox state, dynamics and turnover alterations in renal mass reduction models of chronic kidney diseases and their possible implications in the progression of this illness

Nowadays, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is considered a worldwide public health problem. CKD is a term used to describe a set of pathologies that structurally and functionally affect the kidney, it is mostly characterized by the progressive loss of kidney function. Current therapeutic approaches are insufficient to avoid the development of this disease, which highlights the necessity of developing new strategies to reverse or at least delay CKD progression. Kidney is highly dependent on mitochondrial homeostasis and function, consequently, the idea that mitochondrial pathologies could play a pivotal role in the genesis and development of kidney diseases has risen. Although many research groups have recently published studies of mitochondrial function in acute kidney disease models, the existing information about CKD is still limited, especially in renal mass reduction (RMR) models. This paper focuses on reviewing current experimental information about the bioenergetics, dynamics (fission and fusion processes), turnover (mitophagy and biogenesis) and redox mitochondrial alterations in RMR, to discuss and integrate the mitochondrial changes triggered by nephron loss, as well as its relationship with loss of kidney function in CKD, in these models. Understanding these mechanisms would allow us to design new therapies that target these mitochondrial alterations.

Sulforaphane prevents maleic acid-induced nephropathy by modulating renal hemodynamics, mitochondrial bioenergetics and oxidative stress

Maleic acid (MA)-induced nephropathy that is characterized by proteinuria, glycosuria, phosphaturia and a deficient urinary acidification and concentration. Sulforaphane (SF) is an indirect antioxidant that shows nephroprotective effects. The aim of the present work was to test the pre-treatment with SF against the MA-induced nephropathy. Wistar rats (230-260 g) were separated in the following groups: control, MA (which received 400 mg/kg of MA), SF + MA (which received MA and 1 mg/kg of SF each day for four days) and SF (which only received SF). MA induced proteinuria, an increase in urinary excretion of N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase, and a decrease in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity, renal blood flow, and oxygenation and perfusion of renal cortex. All these impairments correlated with higher levels of oxidative damage markers and exacerbated superoxide anion production on renal cortex. Moreover, MA impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics associated to complex I, mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory control index and increased the mitochondrial production of hydrogen peroxide. Further it disrupted mitochondrial morphology. SF prevented all the above-described alterations. In conclusion, the protective effect of SF against MA-induced nephropathy is associated with preservation of mitochondrial bioenergetics, amelioration of oxidative stress and improvement of renal hemodynamics and renal cortex oxygenation.

Curcumin inhibits activation induced by urban particulate material or titanium dioxide nanoparticles in primary human endothelial cells

Curcumin has protective effects against toxic agents and shows preventive properties for various diseases. Particulate material with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤10 μm (PM10) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) induce endothelial dysfunction and activation. We explored whether curcumin is able to attenuate different events related to endothelial activation. This includes adhesion, expression of adhesion molecules and oxidative stress induced by PM10 and TiO2-NPs. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with 1, 10 and 100 μM curcumin for 1 h and then exposed to PM10 at 3 μg/cm2 or TiO2-NPs at 10 μg/cm2. Cell adhesion was evaluated by co-culture with U937 human myelomonocytic cells. Adhesion molecules expression was measured by flow cytometry after 3 or 24 h of exposure. Oxidative stress was determined by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (H2DCF) oxidation. PM10 and TiO2-NPs induced the adhesion of U937 cells and the expression of E- and P-selectins, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1). The expression of E- and P-selectins matched the adhesion of monocytes to HUVEC after 3 h. In HUVEC treated with 1 or 10 μM curcumin, the expression of adhesion molecules and monocytes adhesion was significantly diminished. Curcumin also partially reduced the H2DCF oxidation induced by PM10 and TiO2-NPs. Our results suggest an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role by curcumin attenuating the activation caused on endothelial cells by exposure to particles. Therefore, curcumin could be useful in the treatment of diseases where an inflammatory process and endothelial activation are involved.

Elevation in and persistence of multiple urinary biomarkers indicative of oxidative DNA stress and inflammation: Toxicological implications of maleic acid consumption using a rat model

Maleic acid (MA), an intermediate reagent used in many industrial products, instigated public health concerns in Taiwan when it was used to adulterate an array of starch-based delicacies to improve texture and storage time. Established studies reported that exposure to high concentrations of MA induce renal injury; little is known whether oxidative stress is induced at a relative low dose. This study aims to investigate the effect of oral single dose exposure of MA on the status of oxidative stress and inflammation. Single dose of MA at 0, 6 and 60 mg/kg (control, low- and high-dose groups, respectively) were orally administered to adult male and female rats. Urine samples were collected and analyzed to measure 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 8-iso-prostaglandin F_2α (8-IsoPGF_2α), 8-nitroguanine (8-NO₂Gua) and N-acetyl-S-(tetrahydro-5-hydroxy-2-pentyl-3-furanyl)-L-cysteine (HNE-MA) using LC-MS/MS. Results revealed that oral consumption of MA induced oxidative DNA damage and lipid peroxidation, as demonstrated by the statistically significant increases in urinary levels of 8-NO₂Gua, 8-OHdG, and 8-isoPGF_2α, in high-dosed male rats within 12 h of oral gavage (p < 0.05). Additionally, increases in concentration of these biomarkers persist for days after consumption; male rats appear to be more sensitive to oxidative burden compared to their counterparts. The aforementioned findings could help elucidate the mechanisms through which nephrotoxicity occur.

Curcumin prevents mitochondrial dynamics disturbances in early 5/6 nephrectomy: Relation to oxidative stress and mitochondrial bioenergetics

Five-sixths nephrectomy (5/6NX) is a widely used model to study the mechanisms leading to renal damage in chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, early alterations on renal function, mitochondrial dynamics, and oxidative stress have not been explored yet. Curcumin is an antioxidant that has shown nephroprotection in 5/6NX-induced renal damage. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of curcumin on early mitochondrial alterations induced by 5/6NX in rats. In isolated mitochondria, 5/6NX-induced hydrogen peroxide production was associated with decreased activity of complexes I and V, decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes, alterations in oxygen consumption and increased MDA-protein adducts. In addition, it was found that 5/6NX shifted mitochondrial dynamics to fusion, which was evidenced by increased optic atrophy 1 and mitofusin 1 (Mfn1) and decreased fission 1 and dynamin-related protein 1 expressions. These data were confirmed by morphological analysis and immunoelectron microscopy of Mfn-1. All the above-described mechanisms were prevented by curcumin. Also, it was found that curcumin prevented renal dysfunction by improving renal blood flow and the total antioxidant capacity induced by 5/6NX. Moreover, in glomeruli and proximal tubules 5/6NX-induced superoxide anion production by uncoupled nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) dependent way, this latter was associated with increased phosphorylation of serine 304 of p47phox subunit of NOX. In conclusion, this study shows that curcumin pretreatment decreases early 5/6NX-induced altered mitochondrial dynamics, bioenergetics, and oxidative stress, which may be associated with the preservation of renal function. © 2016 BioFactors, 43(2):293-310, 2017.

The nephroprotection exerted by curcumin in maleate-induced renal damage is associated with decreased mitochondrial fission and autophagy

We have previously reported that the antioxidant curcumin exerts nephroprotection in maleate-induced renal damage, a model associated with oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms involved in curcumin protective effect were not explored, to assess this issue, curcumin was administered daily by gavage (150 mg/kg) five days before a single maleate (400 mg/kg)-injection. Curcumin prevented maleate-induced proteinuria, increased heat shock protein of 72 KDa (Hsp72) expression, and decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity. Maleate-induced oxidative stress by increasing the nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) and mitochondrial complex I-dependent superoxide anion (O₂ •^- ) production, formation of malondialdehyde (MDA)- and 3-nitrotyrosine (3-NT)-protein adducts and protein carbonylation and decreased GSH/GSSG ratio. Curcumin treatment ameliorated all the above-described changes. The maleate-induced epithelial damage, evaluated by claudin-2 and occludin expressions, was ameliorated by curcumin. It was found that maleate-induced oxidative stress promoted mitochondrial fission, evaluated by dynamin-related protein (Drp) 1 and fission (Fis) 1 expressions and by electron-microscopy, and autophagy, evaluated by phospho-threonine 389 from p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p-Thr 389 p70S6K), beclin 1, microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 phosphatidylethanolamine conjugate (LC3-II), autophagy-related gene 5 and 12 (Atg5-Atg12) complex, p62, and lysosomal-associated membrane protein (LAMP)-2 expressions in isolated proximal tubules and by electron-microscopy and LC-3 immunolabelling. Curcumin treatment ameliorated these changes. Moreover, curcumin alone induced autophagy in proximal tubules. These data suggest that the nephroprotective effect exerted by curcumin in maleate-induced renal damage is associated with decreased mitochondrial fission and autophagy. © 2016 BioFactors, 42(6):686-702, 2016.

Protective effects of curcumin against mercury-induced hepatic injuries in rats, involvement of oxidative stress antagonism, and Nrf2-ARE pathway activation

Mercury (Hg) represents a ubiquitous environmental heavy metal that could lead to severe toxic effects in a variety of organs usually at a low level. The present study focused on the liver oxidative stress, one of the most important roles playing in Hg hepatotoxicity, by evaluation of different concentrations of mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) administration. Moreover, the protective potential of curcumin against Hg hepatotoxic effects was also investigated. Eighty-four rats were randomly divided into six groups for a three-days experiment: control, dimethyl sulfoxide control, HgCl₂ treatment (0.6, 1.2, and 2.4 mg kg^-1 day^-1), and curcumin pretreatment (100 mg kg^-1 day^-1) groups. Exposure of HgCl₂ resulted in acute dose-dependent hepatotoxic effects. Administration of 2.4 mg kg^-1 HgCl₂ significantly elevated total Hg, nonprotein sulfhydryl, reactive oxygen species formation, malondialdehyde, apoptosis levels, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and alanine transaminase activities, with an impairment of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver. Moreover, HgCl₂ treatment activated nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2-antioxidant response element (Nrf2-ARE) signaling pathway in further investigation, with a significant upregulation of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy subunit expression, relative to control. Pretreatment with curcumin obviously prevented HgCl₂-induced liver oxidative stress, which may be due to its free radical scavenging or Nrf2-ARE pathway-inducing properties. Taking together these data suggest that curcumin counteracts HgCl₂ hepatotoxicity through antagonizing liver oxidative stress.

Curcumin prevents cisplatin-induced decrease in the tight and adherens junctions: relation to oxidative stress

Curcumin is a polyphenol and cisplatin is an antineoplastic agent that induces nephrotoxicity associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, fibrosis and decrease in renal tight junction (TJ) proteins. The potential effect of curcumin against alterations in TJ structure and function has not been evaluated in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The present study explored whether curcumin is able to prevent the cisplatin-induced fibrosis and decreased expression of the TJ and adherens junction (AJ) proteins occludin, claudin-2 and E-cadherin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Curcumin (200 mg kg(-1)) was administered in three doses, and rats were sacrificed 72 h after cisplatin administration. Curcumin was able to scavenge, in a concentration-dependent way, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, peroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, peroxynitrite anion, hypochlorous acid and hydrogen peroxide. Cisplatin-induced renal damage was associated with alterations in plasma creatinine, expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and of kidney injury molecule-1, histological damage, increase in apoptosis, fibrosis (evaluated by transforming growth factor β1, collagen I and IV and α-smooth muscle actin expressions), increase in oxidative/nitrosative stress (evaluated by Hsp70/72 expression, protein tyrosine nitration, superoxide anion production in isolated glomeruli and proximal tubules, and protein levels of NADPH oxidase subunits p47(phox) and gp91(phox), protein kinase C β2, and Nrf2) as well as by decreased expression of occludin, claudin-2, β-catenin and E-cadherin. Curcumin treatment prevented all the above-described alterations. The protective effect of curcumin against cisplatin-induced fibrosis and decreased proteins of the TJ and AJ was associated with the prevention of glomerular and proximal tubular superoxide anion production induced by NADPH oxidase activity.

Controlled curcumin release via conjugation into PBAE nanogels enhances mitochondrial protection against oxidative stress

Mitochondria are considered to be the "power plants" of the cell, but can also initiate and execute cell death, stimulated by oxidative stress (OS). OS induced mitochondrial dysfunction is characterized by a loss in oxygen consumption and reduced ATP production. Curcumin, as a potential therapeutic, has been explored as a candidate for mitochondrial OS suppression, but rapid metabolism and aqueous insolubility has prevented it from being effective. Further, efficient delivery of curcumin via the incorporation into nanocarriers has again been limited due to low drug loading capacities and/or significant burst release, resulting in acute cytotoxicity. Hence, to increase the therapeutic potential and reduce the toxic effects of curcumin, curcumin conjugated poly(β-amino ester) nanogels (CNGs) were synthesized using Michael addition chemistry. This approach provided easy control over the nanogel size, with CNGs showing a uniform release of active curcumin over 48h with no burst release. This controlled release system significantly increased the safety limit for curcumin, with a ten fold increase in the cytotoxic threshold, as compared to free curcumin. Further, real-time mitochondrial response analysis with the Seahorse XF96 showed effective and prolonged suppression of H2O2 induced mitochondrial oxidative stress upon pre-treating endothelial cells with CNGs and this potential of nanogels was studied at different pre-treatment times prior to H2O2 exposure.

Mycophenolate mofetil and curcumin provide comparable therapeutic benefit in experimental chronic kidney disease: role of Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine pathways

Increased oxidative stress and inflammation have an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD). On the other hand, more affordable therapeutic alternatives for treating this disease are urgently needed. Therefore, we compared the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) model of CKD. Also, we evaluated whether both compounds provide benefit through the preservation of similar antioxidant mechanisms. Four groups of male Wistar were studied over a period of 4 wk. Control sham group (n= 12), 5/6 Nx (n = 12), 5/6 Nx + MMF (30 mg/k BW/day, n = 11) and 5/6 Nx + Curcumin (120 mg/k BW/day, n = 12). Renal function and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Also Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine, antioxidant pathways were assessed. 5/6 Nx induced an altered renal autoregulation response, proteinuria, and hypertension; these effects were in association with increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and renal inflammation. The mechanisms associated with these alterations included a reduced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and hyperphosphorylation of dopamine D1 receptor with a concurrent overactivation of renal NADPH oxidase. Treatments with MMF and curcumin provided equivalent therapeutic efficacy as both prevented functional renal alterations as well as preserved antioxidant capacity and avoided renal inflammatory infiltration. Moreover, both treatments preserved Nrf2-Keap1 and renal dopamine antioxidant pathways. In summary, therapeutic strategies aimed to preserve renal antioxidant pathways can help to retard the progression of CKD.

Curcumin Ameliorates Reserpine-Induced Gastrointestinal Mucosal Lesions Through Inhibiting IκB-α/NF-κB Pathway and Regulating Expression of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and Gastrin in Rats

The objective of our study was to investigate whether curcumin protects against reserpine-induced gastrointestinal mucosal lesions (GMLs) in rats and to explore the mechanism of curcumin's action. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, reserpine-treated group, reserpine treatment group with curcumin at high dose (200 mg/kg), and reserpine treatment group with curcumin at low dose (100 mg/kg). Rats in reserpine-treated group were induced by intraperitoneally administered reserpine (0.5 mg/kg) for 28 days. TUNEL staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the apoptotic cells and morphologic changes. In addition, to explore the mechanism of curcumin in protecting GMLs, we used serum of experimental rats to assess the level of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), gastrin, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ by ELISA and radioimmunoassay. The protein levels of NF-κB, p-IκB-α, IκB-α, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 were examined by western blot analysis. Data were analyzed with SPSS 19.0 software package. Curcumin treatment prevented tissue damage and cell death in the reserpine-treated rats and effectively decreased inflammatory response and balanced the expression of VIP and gastrin in the reserpine-treated rats. NF-κB, p-IκB-α, Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 were increased in the reserpine group, but the curcumin high-dose group inhibited them. Curcumin can target the IκB-α/NF-κB pathway to inhibit inflammatory response and regulate the level of VIP and gastrin in reserpine-induced GML rats.

Curcumin prevents paracetamol-induced liver mitochondrial alterations

OBJECTIVE

In the present study was evaluated if curcumin is able to attenuate paracetamol (PCM)-induced mitochondrial alterations in liver of mice.

METHODS

Mice (n = 5-6/group) received curcumin (35, 50 or 100 mg/kg bw) 90 min before PCM injection (350 mg/kg bw). Plasma activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was measured; histological analyses were done; and measurement of mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP synthesis, aconitase activity and activity of respiratory complexes was carried out.

KEY FINDINGS

Curcumin prevented in a dose-dependent manner PCM-induced liver damage. Curcumin (100 mg/kg) attenuated PCM-induced liver histological damage (damaged hepatocytes from 28.3 ± 7.7 to 8.3 ± 0.7%) and increment in plasma ALT (from 2300 ± 150 to 690 ± 28 U/l) and AST (from 1603 ± 43 to 379 ± 22 U/l) activity. Moreover, curcumin attenuated the decrease in oxygen consumption using either succinate or malate/glutamate as substrates (evaluated by state 3, respiratory control ratio, uncoupled respiration and adenosine diphosphate/oxygen ratio), in membrane potential, in ATP synthesis, in aconitase activity and in the activity of respiratory complexes I, III and IV.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that the protective effect of curcumin in PCM-induced hepatotoxicity is associated with attenuation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

On the occasion of world kidney day 2016; work together to better protect the kidney

Context: World kidney day is a yearly global alertness and education ceremony, held on the second Thursday in March.

Evidence Acquisition: Directory of open access journals (DOAJ), EMBASE, Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCO, and Web of Science have been searched.

Results: Once again we reached to March 14, the world kidney day of 2016. This is the 10th anniversary of world kidney day, a program of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). World kidney day first began in 2006 and the worldwide campaign highlights a specific theme each year. The theme for 2015 was to invite everybody to drink a glass of water and give one, too, to celebrate their kidneys. This is a symbolic action to memorize that kidneys are vital organs and that they might be cared.

Conclusions: It is a manner to make individuals more conscious about their lifestyle choices. In this year, world kidney day will be celebrated on Thursday March 10, 2016. The theme for 2016 will highlight on renal disease and children.

Oxidative stress and autophagy: crucial modulators of kidney injury

Both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) that lead to diminished kidney function are interdependent risk factors for increased mortality. If untreated over time, end stage renal disease (ESRD) is an inevitable outcome. Acute and chronic kidney diseases occur partly due to imbalance between the molecular mechanisms that govern oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy and cell death. Oxidative stress refers to the cumulative effects of highly reactive oxidizing molecules that cause cellular damage. Autophagy removes damaged organelles, protein aggregates and pathogens by recruiting these substrates into double membrane vesicles called autophagosomes which subsequently fuse with lysosomes. Mounting evidence suggests that both oxidative stress and autophagy are significantly involved in kidney health and disease. However, very little is known about the signaling processes that link them. This review is focused on understanding the role of oxidative stress and autophagy in kidney diseases. In this review, we also discuss the potential relationships between oxidative stress and autophagy that may enable the development of better therapeutic intervention to halt the progression of kidney disease and promote its repair and resolution.

•

The molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of oxidative stress responses and autophagy may exhibit considerable cross-talk.

•

The autophagy pathway may be regulated in the context of kidney diseases. Failure or disruption of the autophagy pathway may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney diseases.

•

Targeting the autophagy pathway may show considerable therapeutic potential in the treatment and management of kidney disorders.