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Zhang L, Mo X, Jiang Z, Mai W, Su H, Zhang Z, Ye K, Fu D, Zhao S, Shi C. Contralateral renal change in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2359642. [PMID: 38860328 PMCID: PMC11168327 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2359642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Most functional magnetic resonance research has primarily examined alterations in the affected kidney, often neglecting the contralateral kidney. Our study aims to investigate whether imaging parameters accurately depict changes in both the renal cortex and medulla in a unilateral ureteral obstruction rat model, thereby showcasing the utility of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) in evaluating contralateral renal changes. METHODS Six rats underwent MR scans and were subsequently sacrificed for baseline histological examination. Following the induction of left ureteral obstruction, 48 rats were scanned, and the histopathological examinations were conducted on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), pure molecular diffusion (D), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) values were measured using IVIM. RESULTS On the 10th day of obstruction, both cortical and medullary ADC values differed significantly between the UUO10 group and the sham group (p < 0.01). The cortical D values showed statistically significant differences between UUO3 group and sham group (p < 0.01) but not among UUO groups at other time point. Additionally, the cortical and medullary f values were statistically significant between the UUO21 group and the sham group (p < 0.01). Especially, the cortical f values exhibited significant differences between the UUO21 group and the UUO groups with shorter obstruction time (at time point of 3, 7, 10, 14 day) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Significant hemodynamic alterations were observed in the contralateral kidney following renal obstruction. IVIM accurately captures changes in the unobstructed kidney. Particularly, the cortical f value exhibits the highest potential for assessing contralateral renal modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingtao Zhang
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xukai Mo
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zijie Jiang
- Department of Medical Imaging Center, The Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenfeng Mai
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiwei Su
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Huizhou Central People’s Hospital, Huizhou, China
| | - Kunlin Ye
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Fu
- Medical Imaging Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Heyuan, China
| | - Shuangquan Zhao
- Medical Imaging Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changzheng Shi
- Medical Imaging Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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GAO X, QIANG P, CHANG J, FAN L, YANG F, XU Q. Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe inhibits macrophage-secreted vascular endothelial growth factor-a on angiogenesis and alleviates renal fibrosis in the contralateral kidneys of unilateral ureteral obstruction rats. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:458-467. [PMID: 38767629 PMCID: PMC11077158 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240423.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the mechanism by which Huoxue Jiedu Huayu recipe (, HJHR) regulates angiogenesis in the contralateral kidney of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats and the mechanism by which it reduces of renal fibrosis. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the sham group, UUO group (180 d of left ureter ligation), UUO plus eplerenone (EPL) group, and UUO plus HJHR group. After 180 d of oral drug administration, blood and contralateral kidneys were collected for analysis. Angiogenesis- and fibrosis-related indexes were detected. RESULTS HJHR and EPL improved structural damage and renal interstitial fibrosis in the contralateral kidney and reduced the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), vimentin and collagen I. Moreover, these treatments could reduce the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) by inhibiting the infiltration of macrophages. Furthermore, HJHR and EPL significantly reduced the expression of CD34 and CD105 by downregulating VEGFA production, which inhibited angiogenesis. Finally, the coexpressions of CD34, CD105 and α-SMA were decreased in the HJHR and EPL groups, indicating that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition was inhibited. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm that HJHR alleviates contralateral renal fibrosis by inhibiting VEGFA-induced angiogenesis, encourage the use of HJHR against renal interstitial fibrosis and provide a theoretical basis for the clinical management of patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng GAO
- 1 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Panpan QIANG
- 1 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Jingyue CHANG
- 1 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Lili FAN
- 1 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Fan YANG
- 2 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
| | - Qingyou XU
- 2 Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine; Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050091, China
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3
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Hao J, Qiang P, Fan L, Xiong Y, Chang Y, Yang F, Wang X, Shimosawa T, Mu S, Xu Q. Eplerenone reduces lymphangiogenesis in the contralateral kidneys of UUO rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9976. [PMID: 38693148 PMCID: PMC11063175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60636-z] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis often occur in the kidney after acute injury, resulting in chronic kidney disease and consequent renal failure. Recent studies have indicated that lymphangiogenesis can drive renal inflammation and fibrosis in injured kidneys. However, whether and how this pathogenesis affects the contralateral kidney remain largely unknown. In our study, we uncovered a mechanism by which the contralateral kidney responded to injury. We found that the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors and the increase in vascular endothelial growth factor C in the contralateral kidney after unilateral ureteral obstruction could promote lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, mineralocorticoid receptor activation in lymphatic endothelial cells resulted in the secretion of myofibroblast markers, thereby contributing to renal fibrosis. We observed that this process could be attenuated by administering the mineralocorticoid receptor blocker eplerenone, which, prevented the development of fibrotic injury in the contralateral kidneys of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying kidney injury and may have implications for the development of therapeutic strategies to mitigate renal fibrosis in the context of kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Shijiazhuang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Panpan Qiang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunzhao Xiong
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shengyu Mu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China.
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Thipboonchoo N, Fongsupa S, Sureram S, Sa-nguansak S, Kesornpun C, Kittakoop P, Soodvilai S. Altenusin, a fungal metabolite, alleviates TGF-β1-induced EMT in renal proximal tubular cells and renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24983. [PMID: 38318047 PMCID: PMC10839986 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD), progressing toward end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). The aim of this study is to investigate the therapeutic potential of altenusin, a farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist derived from fungi, on renal fibrosis. The effect of altenusin was determined (i) in vitro using the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human renal proximal tubular cells and (ii) in vivo using mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The findings revealed that incubation of 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 promotes morphological change in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, a human renal proximal tubular cell line, from epithelial to fibroblast-like cells. TGF-β1 markedly increased EMT markers namely α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), while decreased the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Co-incubation TGF-β1 with altenusin preserved the epithelial characteristics of the renal epithelial cells by antagonizing TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, specifically a decreased phosphorylation of Smad2/3 with an increased level of Smad7. Interestingly, the antagonizing effect of altenusin does not require FXR activation. Moreover, altenusin could reverse TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-like cells to epithelial-like cells. Treatment on UUO mice with 30 mg/kg altenusin significantly reduced the expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen type 1A1 (COL1A1). The reduction in the renal fibrosis markers is correlated with the decreased phosphorylation of Smad2/3 levels but does not improve E-cadherin protein expression. Collectively, altenusin reduces EMT in human renal proximal tubular cells and renal fibrosis by antagonizing the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natechanok Thipboonchoo
- Research Center of Transport Protein for Medical Innovation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Somsak Fongsupa
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus, Thailand
| | - Sanya Sureram
- Chulabhorn Research Institute, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Suliporn Sa-nguansak
- Chulabhorn Research Institute, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Kesornpun
- Chulabhorn Research Institute, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
| | - Prasat Kittakoop
- Chulabhorn Research Institute, Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Program in Chemical Sciences, Chulabhorn Royal Academy, Laksi, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Sunhapas Soodvilai
- Research Center of Transport Protein for Medical Innovation, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology (EHT), OPS, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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5
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Saad KM, Salles ÉL, Naeini SE, Baban B, Abdelmageed ME, Abdelaziz RR, Suddek GM, Elmarakby AA. Reno-protective effect of protocatechuic acid is independent of sex-related differences in murine model of UUO-induced kidney injury. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:98-111. [PMID: 38214881 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00565-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive nephropathy is a condition often caused by urinary tract obstruction either anatomical (e.g., tumors), mechanical (e.g., urolithiasis), or compression (e.g., pregnancy) and can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Studies have shown sexual dimorphism in CKD, where males were found to have a more rapid decline in kidney function following kidney injury compared to age-matched females. Protocatechuic acid (PCA), an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory polyphenolic compound, has demonstrated promising effects in mitigating drug-induced kidney injuries. The current study aims to explore sexual dimorphism in kidney injury after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and assess whether PCA treatment can mitigate kidney injury in both sexes. METHODS UUO was induced in 10-12 weeks old male and female C57BL/6J mice. Mice were categorized into four groups (n = 6-8/group); Sham, Sham plus PCA (100 mg/kg, I.P daily), UUO, and UUO plus PCA. RESULTS After 2 weeks of induction of UUO, markers of kidney oxidative stress (TBARs), inflammation (IL-1α and IL-6), tubular injury (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, NGAL and urinary kidney injury molecule-1, KIM-1), fibrosis (Masson's trichrome staining, collagen IV expression, MMP-2 and MMP-9) and apoptosis (TUNEL+ cells, active caspase-1 and caspase-3) were significantly elevated in both males and females relative to their sham counterparts. Males exhibited significantly greater kidney oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis after induction of UUO when compared to females. PCA treatment significantly attenuated UUO-induced kidney injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis in both sexes. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a differential gender response to UUO-induced kidney injury with males being more sensitive to UUO-induced kidney inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis than age-matched females. Importantly, PCA treatment reduced UUO-induced kidney injury in a sex-independent manner which might be attributed to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim M Saad
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Évila Lopes Salles
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Sahar Emami Naeini
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Marwa E Abdelmageed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Rania R Abdelaziz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Suddek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Elmarakby
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1450 Laney Walker Blvd, CL2126, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
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6
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Poolsri W, Noitem R, Jutabha P, Raveesunthornkiat M, Danova A, Chavasiri W, Muanprasat C. Discovery of a chalcone derivative as an anti-fibrotic agent targeting transforming growth factor-β1 signaling: Potential therapy of renal fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115098. [PMID: 37437378 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As a final common pathway of renal injuries, renal fibrosis leads to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Currently, there is no safe and effective therapy to prevent the progression of renal fibrosis to CKD. Inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) pathway is proposed as one of the most promising approaches for anti-renal fibrosis therapies. This study aimed to identify novel anti-fibrotic agents using the TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC) and characterize their mechanism of action as well as in vivo efficacy. By screening 362 natural product-based compounds for their ability to reduce collagen accumulation assessed by picro-sirius red (PSR) staining in RPTEC cells, a chalcone derivative AD-021 was identified as an anti-fibrotic agent with IC50 of 14.93 μM. AD-021 suppressed TGF-β1-induced collagen production, expression of pro-fibrotic proteins (fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)), and Smad-dependent and Smad-independent signaling pathways via suppression of TGF-β receptor II (TGFβRII) phosphorylation in RPTEC cells. Furthermore, TGF-β1-induced mitochondrial fission in RPTEC cells was ameliorated by AD-021 via mechanisms involving inhibition of Drp1 phosphorylation. In a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis, AD-021 reduced plasma TGF-β1, ameliorated renal fibrosis and improved renal function. Collectively, AD-021 represents a novel class of natural product-based anti-fibrotic agent that has therapeutic potential in the prevention of fibrosis-associated renal disorders including CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanangkan Poolsri
- Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand; Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn, Thailand
| | - Rattikarn Noitem
- Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand; Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn, Thailand
| | - Promsuk Jutabha
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn, Thailand
| | | | - Ade Danova
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Organic Chemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural, 16 Sciences, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Ganesa No.10, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Warinthorn Chavasiri
- Center of Excellence in Natural Products Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chatchai Muanprasat
- Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bang Phli, Samut Prakarn, Thailand.
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Abu El-Asrar AM, De Hertogh G, Allegaert E, Nawaz MI, Abouelasrar Salama S, Gikandi PW, Opdenakker G, Struyf S. Macrophage-Myofibroblast Transition Contributes to Myofibroblast Formation in Proliferative Vitreoretinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13510. [PMID: 37686317 PMCID: PMC10487544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are key features of proliferative vitreoretinal disorders. We aimed to define the macrophage phenotype and investigate the role of macrophage-myofibroblast transition (MMT) in the contribution to myofibroblast populations present in epiretinal membranes. Vitreous samples from proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and nondiabetic control patients, epiretinal fibrovascular membranes from PDR patients and fibrocellular membranes from PVR patients, human retinal Müller glial cells and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were studied by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. Myofibroblasts expressing α-SMA, fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α) and fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1) were present in all membranes. The majority of CD68+ monocytes/macrophages co-expressed the M2 macrophage marker CD206. In epiretinal membranes, cells undergoing MMT were identified by co-expression of the macrophage marker CD68 and myofibroblast markers α-SMA and FSP-1. Further analysis revealed that CD206+ M2 macrophages co-expressed α-SMA, FSP-1, FAP-α and ß-catenin. Soluble (s) CD206 and sFAP-α levels were significantly higher in vitreous samples from PDR and PVR patients than in nondiabetic control patients. The proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and the hypoxia mimetic agent cobalt chloride induced upregulation of sFAP-α in culture media of Müller cells but not of HRMECs. The NF-ĸß inhibitor BAY11-7085 significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of sFAP-α in Müller cells. Our findings suggest that the process of MMT might contribute to myofibroblast formation in epiretinal membranes, and this transition involved macrophages with a predominant M2 phenotype. In addition, sFAP-α as a vitreous biomarker may be derived from M2 macrophages transitioned to myofibroblasts and from Müller cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Abu El-Asrar
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- Dr. Nasser Al-Rashid Research Chair in Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gert De Hertogh
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eef Allegaert
- Laboratory of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (G.D.H.); (E.A.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mohd I. Nawaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Sara Abouelasrar Salama
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Priscilla W. Gikandi
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11411, Saudi Arabia; (M.I.N.); (P.W.G.); (G.O.)
- University Hospitals UZ Gasthuisberg, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Struyf
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, University of Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (S.A.S.); (S.S.)
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8
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Gao X, Chang J, Chang Y, Fan L, Liu Z, Zhang C, Shimosawa T, Yang F, Xu Q. Esaxerenone Inhibits Renal Angiogenesis and Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition via the VEGFA and TGF-β1 Pathways in Aldosterone-Infused Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11766. [PMID: 37511521 PMCID: PMC10380380 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is an inevitable process in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Angiogenesis plays an important role in this process. Vascular endothelial cells are involved in renal fibrosis by phenotypic transformation and secretion of extracellular matrix. Aldosterone stimulates mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation and induces inflammation, which is important for angiogenesis. Clinically, MR blockers (MRBs) have a protective effect on damaged kidneys, which may be associated with inhibition of angiogenesis. In this study, we used aldosterone-infused mice and found that aldosterone induced angiogenesis and that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in neovascular endothelial cells was involved in renal fibrosis. Notably, aldosterone induced inflammation and stimulated macrophages to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A to regulate angiogenesis by activating MR, whereas EndMT occurred in response to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) induction and participated in renal fibrosis. These effects were antagonized by the MRB esaxerenone. These findings suggest that reducing angiogenesis may be an effective strategy for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Jingyue Chang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Ziqian Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Cuijuan Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita 286-8686, Japan
| | - Fan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050200, China
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9
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Calvert ND, Kirby A, Suchý M, Pallister P, Torrens AA, Burger D, Melkus G, Schieda N, Shuhendler AJ. Direct mapping of kidney function by DCE-MRI urography using a tetrazinanone organic radical contrast agent. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3965. [PMID: 37407664 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI) are ongoing global health burdens. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the gold standard measure of kidney function, with clinical estimates providing a global assessment of kidney health without spatial information of kidney- or region-specific dysfunction. The addition of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to the anatomical imaging already performed would yield a 'one-stop-shop' for renal assessment in cases of suspected AKI and CKD. Towards urography by DCE-MRI, we evaluated a class of nitrogen-centered organic radicals known as verdazyls, which are extremely stable even in highly reducing environments. A glucose-modified verdazyl, glucoverdazyl, provided contrast limited to kidney and bladder, affording functional kidney evaluation in mouse models of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid-induced nephropathy (FAN). Imaging outcomes correlated with histology and hematology assessing kidney dysfunction, and glucoverdazyl clearance rates were found to be a reliable surrogate measure of GFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Calvert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Alexia Kirby
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Mojmír Suchý
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Peter Pallister
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Aidan A Torrens
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Dylan Burger
- Kidney Research Center, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Gerd Melkus
- Dept. Medical Imaging, The Ottawa Hospital, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
- Dept. Radiology, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Nicola Schieda
- Dept. Radiology, University of Ottawa, 501 Smyth Rd, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Adam J Shuhendler
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 150 Louis Pasteur Pvt., Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 6N5, Canada.
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute, 40 Ruskin St., Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4W7, Canada.
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10
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Geng F, Zhao L, Cai Y, Zhao Y, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Yang X, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Sun Y, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang F. Quercetin Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis in Silicotic Mice by Inhibiting Macrophage Transition and TGF-β-Smad2/3 Pathway. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3087-3101. [PMID: 37185726 PMCID: PMC10136623 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Silicosis is a pulmonary disease caused by the inhalation of silica. There is a lack of early and effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods, and addressing silicotic fibrosis is crucial. Quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, is known to have a suppressive effect on fibrosis. The present study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of quercetin on silicotic mice and macrophage polarity. We found that quercetin suppressed silicosis in mice. It was observed that SiO2 activated macrophage polarity and the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) by transforming the growth factor-β (TGF-β)-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in silicotic mice and MH-S cells. Quercetin also attenuated the MMT and the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. The present study demonstrated that quercetin is a potential therapeutic agent for silicosis, which acts by regulating macrophage polarity and the MMT through the TGF-β-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Yuhao Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Na Mao
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Ying Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Hong Xu
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063210, China
| | - Fang Yang
- School of Public Health, Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan 063000, China
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11
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Lima-Posada I, Stephan Y, Soulié M, Palacios-Ramirez R, Bonnard B, Nicol L, Kolkhof P, Jaisser F, Mulder P. Benefits of the Non-Steroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Finerenone in Metabolic Syndrome-Related Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032536. [PMID: 36768859 PMCID: PMC9916671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays an important role in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and associated cardiovascular complications. Antagonizing the overactivation of the MR with MR antagonists (MRA) is a therapeutic option, but their use in patients with CKD is limited due to the associated risk of hyperkalemia. Finerenone is a non-steroidal MRA associated with an improved benefit-risk profile in comparison to steroidal MRAs. In this study, we decided to test whether finerenone improves renal and cardiac function in male hypertensive and diabetic ZSF1 rats as an established preclinical HFpEF model. Finerenone was administered at 10 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. Cardiac function/hemodynamics were assessed in vivo. ZSF1 rats showed classical signs of CKD with increased BUN, UACR, hypertrophy, and fibrosis of the kidney together with characteristic signs of HFpEF including cardiac fibrosis, diastolic dysfunction, and decreased cardiac perfusion. Finerenone treatment did not impact kidney function but reduced renal hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. Interestingly, finerenone ameliorated diastolic dysfunction and cardiac perfusion in ZSF1 rats. In summary, we show for the first time that non-steroidal MR antagonism by finerenone attenuates cardiac diastolic dysfunction and improves cardiac perfusion in a preclinical HFpEF model. These cardiac benefits were found to be largely independent of renal benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ixchel Lima-Posada
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Yohan Stephan
- INSERM EnVI UMR 1096, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Matthieu Soulié
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- INSERM EnVI UMR 1096, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Roberto Palacios-Ramirez
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Benjamin Bonnard
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Lionel Nicol
- INSERM EnVI UMR 1096, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76183 Rouen, France
| | - Peter Kolkhof
- Cardiovascular Precision Medicines, Research and Early Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Frederic Jaisser
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, UMRS 1138, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- INSERM, Clinical Investigation Centre 1433, French-Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (F-CRIN) INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), 54500 Nancy, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-144276485
| | - Paul Mulder
- INSERM EnVI UMR 1096, Univ Rouen Normandie, 76183 Rouen, France
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12
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Han Y, Xian Y, Gao X, Qiang P, Hao J, Yang F, Shimosawa T, Chang Y, Xu Q. Eplerenone inhibits the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition in rats with UUO-induced type 4 cardiorenal syndrome through the MR/CTGF pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109396. [PMID: 36461595 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are the leading causes of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), accounting for approximately 50% of deaths. Despite significant advances in the understanding of cardiac disease due to CKD, the underlying mechanisms involved in many pathological changes have not been fully elucidated. In our previous study, we observed severe fibrosis in the contralateral kidney of a 6-month-old rat UUO model. In the present experiment, we also observed severe fibrosis in the hearts of rats subjected to UUO and the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). These effects were inhibited by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) blocker eplerenone. Notably, in vitro, aldosterone-activated MR induced the MMT and subsequently promoted the secretion of CTGF, the target of MR, from macrophages; these changes were inhibited by eplerenone. The CTGF also induced the MMT and both the aldosterone and CTGF-induced MMT could be alleviated by the CTGF blocker. In conclusion, our results suggest that targeting the MR/CTGF pathway to inhibit the MMT may be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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13
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Ram C, Gairola S, Syed AM, Verma S, Mugale MN, Sahu BD. Carvacrol preserves antioxidant status and attenuates kidney fibrosis via modulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling and inflammation. Food Funct 2022; 13:10587-10600. [PMID: 36156620 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01384c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with diverse aetiologies is emerging as a challenging kidney disorder associated with inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. Carvacrol (CVL) is a bioactive monoterpenoid found abundantly in oregano, thyme, and bergamot, having diverse pharmacological benefits. However, the effect of CVL against fibrotic changes in the kidneys is poorly defined. In the current study, a robust mouse model of renal fibrosis induced through unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is used to investigate the anti-fibrotic activity of CVL. The mice were treated with two different oral doses of CVL (25 mg kg-1 and 50 mg kg-1 body weight) for 14 consecutive days. The UUO induction resulted in impaired renal function, severe histological damage, and collagen deposition in the obstructed kidney. Our findings revealed profound activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and NF-κB (p65) signaling along with the downregulation of antioxidant proteins, nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the obstructed kidney. CVL administration markedly recovered antioxidant proteins and kidney histological changes. In addition, CVL blunted the NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) compared to the UUO control group. CVL also alleviated the increased fibrotic protein levels of TGF-β1, pSmad2/3, collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and myofibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, and vimentin in the kidneys. Findings from in vitro study also confirmed that CVL inhibits the EMT process in TGF-β1 stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK 52E cells). Collectively, our findings indicate that CVL administration attenuates kidney fibrosis by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chetan Ram
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
| | - Shobhit Gairola
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
| | - Abu Mohammad Syed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
| | - Shobhit Verma
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow-226 031, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow-226 031, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
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14
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Qiang P, Hao J, Yang F, Han Y, Chang Y, Xian Y, Xiong Y, Gao X, Liang L, Shimosawa T, Xu Q. Esaxerenone inhibits the macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition through mineralocorticoid receptor/TGF-β1 pathway in mice induced with aldosterone. Front Immunol 2022; 13:948658. [PMID: 36148244 PMCID: PMC9485811 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.948658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the inevitable pathway of the progression of chronic kidney disease to end-stage renal disease, which manifests as progressive glomerulosclerosis and renal interstitial fibrosis. In a previous study, we observed severe interstitial fibrosis in the contralateral kidneys of 6-month unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats, which was accompanied by increased macrophage infiltration and phenotypic transformation; after eplerenone administration, these effects were reduced. Therefore, we hypothesized that this effect was closely related to mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation induced by the increased aldosterone (ALD) level. In this study, we used uninephrectomy plus continuous aldosterone infusion in mice to observe whether aldosterone induced macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT) and renal fibrosis and investigated the signaling pathways. Notably, aldosterone induced predominantly M1 macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition by activating MR and upregulating TGF-β1 expression, which promoted renal fibrosis. These effects were antagonized by the MR blocker esaxerenone. These findings suggest that targeting the MR/TGF-β1 pathway may be an effective therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Qiang
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Juan Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yutong Han
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Chang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunqian Xian
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yunzhao Xiong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaomeng Gao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lijuan Liang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Japan
- *Correspondence: Qingyou Xu, ; Tatsuo Shimosawa,
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- *Correspondence: Qingyou Xu, ; Tatsuo Shimosawa,
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15
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Liu Z, Zhang C, Hao J, Chen G, Liu L, Xiong Y, Chang Y, Li H, Shimosawa T, Yang F, Xu Q. Eplerenone ameliorates lung fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction rats by inhibiting lymphangiogenesis. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:623. [PMID: 36160894 PMCID: PMC9468786 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves progressive and irreversible loss of renal function, often causing complications and comorbidities and impairing the function of various organs. In particular, lung injury is observed not only in advanced CKD but also in early-stage CKD. The present study investigated the potential involvement of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and lymphatic vessels in lung injury using a 180-day unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model for CKD. Changes in lung associated with lymphangiogenesis and inflammatory were analyzed in UUO rats. The pathology of the lung tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining. Detection of the expression of lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor-1 (LYVE-1), Podoplanin, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and VEGF C to investigate lymphangiogenesis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-1β, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor κB, phosphorylated serum and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase-1 and MR were evaluated using western blot, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence staining. In the present study, long-term UUO caused kidney damage, which also led to lung inflammation, accompanied by lymphangiogenesis. However, treatment with eplerenone, an MR blocker, significantly reduced the severity of lung injury and lymphangiogenesis. Therefore, lymphangiogenesis contributed to lung fibrosis in UUO rats due to activation of MRs. In addition, transdifferentiation of lymphatic epithelial cells into myofibroblasts may also be involved in lung fibrosis. Collectively, these findings provided a potential mechanism for lung fibrosis in CKD and suggested that the use of eplerenone decreased kidney damage and lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqian Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Cuijuan Zhang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Juan Hao
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Gege Chen
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Lingjin Liu
- Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Yunzhao Xiong
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Yi Chang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Tatsuo Shimosawa
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, School of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita, Chiba 108‑8329, Japan
| | - Fan Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
| | - Qingyou Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver‑Kidney Patterns, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050091, P.R. China
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16
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Immunomodulatory Potential of Diuretics. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121315. [PMID: 34943230 PMCID: PMC8698805 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In this review, diuretics and their immunomodulatory functions are described. The effects on the immune response of this group of drugs are reported in patients suffering from hypertension and under experimental conditions involving animal models and cell line studies. The pathogenesis of hypertension is strongly connected to chronic inflammation. The vast majority of diuretics modulate the immune response, changing it in favor of the anti-inflammatory response, but depending on the drug, these effects may differ. This topic is significantly important in medical practice regarding the treatment of patients who have coexisting diseases with chronic inflammatory pathogenesis, including hypertension or chronic heart failure. In patients with metabolic syndrome, allergies, or autoimmune disorders, the anti-inflammatory effect is favorable, because of the overstimulation of their immune system. Otherwise, in the geriatric population, it is important to find the proper anti- and pro-inflammatory balance to avoid an enhancement of immune response suppression, which can result in reducing the risk of serious infections that can occur due to the age-diminished function of the immune system. This article is intended to facilitate the selection of an antihypertensive drug that depends on the patient's immune situation.
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17
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Barrera-Chimal J, Jaisser F, Anders HJ. The mineralocorticoid receptor in chronic kidney disease. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:3152-3164. [PMID: 34786690 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern, affecting approximately 10% of the population worldwide. CKD of glomerular or tubular origin leads to the activation of stress mechanisms, including the renin angiotensin aldosterone system and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Over the last two decades, blockade of the MR has arisen as a potential therapeutic approach against various forms of kidney disease. In this review, we summarize the experimental studies that have shown a protective effect of MR antagonists (MRAs) in non-diabetic and diabetic CKD animal models. Moreover, we review the main clinical trials that have shown the clinical application of MRAs to reduce albuminuria and, importantly, to slow CKD progression. Recent evidence from the FIDELIO trial showed that the MRA finerenone can reduce hard kidney outcomes when added to the standard of care in CKD associated with type 2 diabetes. Finally, we discuss the effects of MRAs relative to those of SGLT2 inhibitors, as well as the potential benefit of combination therapy to maximize organ protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonatan Barrera-Chimal
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Fisiología Cardiovascular y Trasplante Renal, Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Frederic Jaisser
- INSERM, UMRS 1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,Université de Lorraine, INSERM Centre d'Investigations Cliniques-Plurithématique 1433, UMR 1116, CHRU de Nancy, French-Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (F-CRIN) INI-CRCT, Nancy, France
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstr. 1, D-80336, München
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