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Liu SJ, Cao YL, Zhang C. Hirudin in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease. Molecules 2024; 29:1029. [PMID: 38474541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common public health concern. The global burden of CKD is increasing due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with it, indicating the shortcomings of therapeutic drugs at present. Renal fibrosis is the common pathology of CKD, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, renal tubular atrophy, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Natural hirudin is an active ingredient extracted from Hirudo medicinalis, which has been found to be the strongest natural specific inhibitor of thrombin. Evidence based on pharmacological data has shown that hirudin has important protective effects in CKD against diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, and renal interstitial fibrosis. The mechanisms of hirudin in treating CKD are mainly related to inhibiting the inflammatory response, preventing apoptosis of intrinsic renal cells, and inhibiting the interactions between thrombin and protease-activated receptors. In this review, we summarize the function and beneficial properties of hirudin for the treatment of CKD, and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Ji Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi-Ling Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Chen L, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Li Z, Wang Z, Miao Y, Du H, Liu D. The water-soluble subfraction from Artemisia argyi alleviates LPS-induced inflammatory responses via multiple pathways and targets in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117364. [PMID: 38380576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As a traditional Chinese medicine, Artemisia argyi has been used medicinally and eaten for more than 2000 years in China. It is widely reported in treating inflammatory diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, arthritis, allergic asthma and colitis. Although several studies claim that its volatile oil and organic reagent extracts have certain anti-inflammatory effects, the water-soluble fractions and molecular mechanisms have not been studied. AIM OF THE STUDY To evaluate the therapeutic effect of A. argyi water extract (AAWE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses and to identify the most effective water-soluble subfractions. Moreover, the relevant pharmacological and molecular mechanisms by which the active subfraction mitigates inflammation were further investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with LPS were treated with AAWE (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL) or the water-soluble subfractions separated by D101 macroporous resin (AAWE1-AAWE4, 100 μg/mL), and NO production and mRNA levels of inflammatory genes were evaluated to determine the most effective water-soluble subfractions. Secondly, the chemical components of the active subfraction (AAWE4) were analyzed by UPLC-QTOF-MS. Thirdly, transcriptome and network pharmacology analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blotting assays were conducted to explore the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism and active compounds of AAWE4. Subsequently, the binding ability of the potential active components in AAWE4 to the core targets was further determined by molecular docking. Eventually, the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AAWE4 (1.17, 2.34 and 4.68 g/kg, administered per day for 7 d) was evaluated in mice with LPS-induced systemic inflammation. RESULTS In this study, AAWE showed excellent anti-inflammatory effects, and its water-soluble subfraction AAWE4 exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect on NO concentration and inflammatory gene mRNA expression after LPS stimulation, indicating that it was the most effective subfraction. Thereafter, four main compounds in AAWE4 were confirmed or tentatively identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS, including three flavonoid glycosides and one phenolic acid. Furthermore, the transcriptome and network pharmacology analysis showed that AAWE4 inhibited inflammation via multiple pathways and multiple targets. Based on the RT-qPCR and Western blotting results, AAWE4 downregulated not only the p38, PI3K, CCL5, MMP9, AP-1, and BCL3 mRNA expression levels activated by LPS but also their upstream and downstream protein expression levels and protein phosphorylation (p-AKT/AKT, p-p38/p38, p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK). Moreover, four identified compounds (isochlorogenic acid A, vicenin-2, schaftoside and isoschaftoside) could significantly inhibit NO content and the overexpression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 mRNA induced by LPS, and the molecular docking confirmed the high binding activity of four active compounds with selected core targets (p38, AKT1, MMP9, and CCL5). In addition, the mRNA expression and immunohistochemical analysis showed that AAWE44 could inhibit lung inflammation via multiple pathways and multiple targets in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggest that the water-soluble subfraction AAWE4 from A. argyi ameliorated the inflammation caused by LPS through multiple pathways and multiple targets in vitro and in vivo, providing scientific support for the medicinal use of A. argyi. Importantly, it shows that the A. argyi subfraction AAWE4 can be developed as an anti-inflammatory drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yunyun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yuqiao Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Zhouyuan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Ziling Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Yuhuan Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Hongzhi Du
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Dahui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
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Xia X, Li M, Wei R, Li J, Lei Y, Zhang M. Intracerebral hirudin injection alleviates cognitive impairment and oxidative stress and promotes hippocampal neurogenesis in rats subjected to cerebral ischemia. Neuropathology 2023; 43:362-372. [PMID: 36918198 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia starts with cerebral blood flow interruption that causes severely limited oxygen and glucose supply, eliciting a cascade of pathological events, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and inflammatory response, which could ultimately result in neuronal death. Hirudin has beneficial effects in ischemic stroke and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, we investigated the biological functions of hirudin and its related mechanisms in cerebral ischemia. The ischemia-like conditions were induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). To investigate hirudin roles, intracerebroventricular injection of 10 U hirudin was given to the rats. Cognitive and motor functions were examined by beam walking and Morris water maze tests. 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride-stained brain sections were used to measure infarct volume. Oxidative stress was determined by assessment of oxidative stress markers. The proliferated cells were labeled by BrdU and Nestin double staining. Western blotting was performed to measure protein levels. Hirudin administration improved cognitive and motor deficits post-ischemia. Hirudin reduced brain infarction and neurological damage in MCAO-subjected rats. Hirudin alleviated oxidative stress and enhanced neurogenesis in ischemic rats. Hirudin facilitated the promotion of phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and serine-threonine kinase. In sum, hirudin alleviates cognitive deficits by attenuating oxidative stress and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis through the regulation of ERK1/2 and serine-threonine kinase in MCAO-subjected rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianfeng Xia
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Neurology, Baoji Third People's Hospital, Baoji, China
| | - Renxian Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yulin Lei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhucheng Street Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Meikui Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
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Ma Y, Wu S, Zhao F, Li H, Li Q, Zhang J, Li H, Yuan Z. Hirudin inhibits glioma growth through mTOR-regulated autophagy. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:2701-2713. [PMID: 37539490 PMCID: PMC10494300 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17851] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and survival is poor. Hirudin has anticancer pharmacological effects through suppression of glioma cell progression, but the molecular target and mechanism are poorly understood. In this study, we observed that hirudin dose- and time-dependently inhibited glioma invasion, migration and proliferation. Mechanistically, hirudin activated LC3-II but not Caspase-3 to induce the autophagic death of glioma cells by decreasing the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream substrates ULK1, P70S6K and 4EBP1. Furthermore, hirudin inhibited glioma growth and induced changes in autophagy in cell-derived xenograft (CDX) nude mice, with a decrease in mTOR activity and activation of LC3-II. Collectively, our results highlight a new anticancer mechanism of hirudin in which hirudin-induced inhibition of glioma progression through autophagy activation is likely achieved by inhibition of the mTOR signalling pathway, thus providing a molecular basis for hirudin as a potential and effective clinical drug for glioma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ma
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Senbin Wu
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Fanyi Zhao
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Huifeng Li
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiaohong Li
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
| | - Jingzhi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese MedicineThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hua Li
- Laboratory animal center, The Second Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhongmin Yuan
- Department of NeurologyInstitute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseaseGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong‐Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain‐Inspired IntelligenceGuangzhouChina
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Xu Y, Bi WD, Shi YX, Liang XR, Wang HY, Lai XL, Bian XL, Guo ZY. Derivation and elimination of uremic toxins from kidney-gut axis. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1123182. [PMID: 37650112 PMCID: PMC10464841 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1123182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Uremic toxins are chemicals, organic or inorganic, that accumulate in the body fluids of individuals with acute or chronic kidney disease and impaired renal function. More than 130 uremic solutions are included in the most comprehensive reviews to date by the European Uremic Toxins Work Group, and novel investigations are ongoing to increase this number. Although approaches to remove uremic toxins have emerged, recalcitrant toxins that injure the human body remain a difficult problem. Herein, we review the derivation and elimination of uremic toxins, outline kidney-gut axis function and relative toxin removal methods, and elucidate promising approaches to effectively remove toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Di Bi
- Brigade One Team, Basic Medical College, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Shi
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Rui Liang
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue-Li Lai
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Bian
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Changhai Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Ding J, Cui S, Li SY, Cui LY, Nan QY, Lin XJ, Xuan MY, Jin J, Piao SG, Jiang YJ, Zheng HL, Jin JZ, Chung BH, Yang CW, Cui JH, Li C. The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 attenuates renal fibrosis via ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPK-mediated apoptosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286903. [PMID: 37310976 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 affords superior cardioprotection and renoprotection compared with renin-angiotensin blockade monotherapy, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Herein, we evaluated whether LCZ696 attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting ASK1/JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-mediated apoptosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro. Rats with UUO were treated daily for 7 days with LCZ696, valsartan, or the selective ATP competitive inhibitor of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), GS-444217. The effects of LCZ696 on renal injury were examined by assessing the histopathology, oxidative stress, intracellular organelles, apoptotic cell death, and MAPK pathways. H2O2-exposed human kidney 2 (HK-2) cells were also examined. LCZ696 and valsartan treatment significantly attenuated renal fibrosis caused by UUO, and this was paralleled by downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased inflammatory cell influx. Intriguingly, LCZ696 had stronger effects on renal fibrosis and inflammation than valsartan. UUO-induced oxidative stress triggered mitochondrial destruction and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which resulted in apoptotic cell death; these effects were reversed by LCZ696. Both GS-444217 and LCZ696 hampered the expression of death-associated ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPKs. In H2O2-treated HK-2 cells, LCZ696 and GS-444217 increased cell viability but decreased the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and MitoSOX and apoptotic cell death. Both agents also deactivated H2O2-stimulated activation of ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPKs. These findings suggest that LCZ696 protects against UUO-induced renal fibrosis by inhibiting ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPK-mediated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Sheng Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Song Yu Li
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Lin Yan Cui
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Qi Yan Nan
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Xue Jing Lin
- Department of Radionuclide Medicine, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Mei Ying Xuan
- Department of Health Examination Central, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jian Jin
- Department of General Practice, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Shang Guo Piao
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Yu Ji Jiang
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Hai Lan Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Ji Zhe Jin
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
| | - Byung Ha Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul Woo Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Transplantation Research Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jing Hao Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Jiangsu Prov., Suzhou, China
| | - Can Li
- Department of Nephrology, Yanbian University Hospital, Yanji, China
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Kamt SF, Liu J, Yan LJ. Renal-Protective Roles of Lipoic Acid in Kidney Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15071732. [PMID: 37049574 PMCID: PMC10097220 DOI: 10.3390/nu15071732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The kidney is a crucial organ that eliminates metabolic waste and reabsorbs nutritious elements. It also participates in the regulation of blood pressure, maintenance of electrolyte balance and blood pH homeostasis, as well as erythropoiesis and vitamin D maturation. Due to such a heavy workload, the kidney is an energy-demanding organ and is constantly exposed to endogenous and exogenous insults, leading to the development of either acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Nevertheless, there are no therapeutic managements to treat AKI or CKD effectively. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches for fighting kidney injury are urgently needed. This review article discusses the role of α-lipoic acid (ALA) in preventing and treating kidney diseases. We focus on various animal models of kidney injury by which the underlying renoprotective mechanisms of ALA have been unraveled. The animal models covered include diabetic nephropathy, sepsis-induced kidney injury, renal ischemic injury, unilateral ureteral obstruction, and kidney injuries induced by folic acid and metals such as cisplatin, cadmium, and iron. We highlight the common mechanisms of ALA’s renal protective actions that include decreasing oxidative damage, increasing antioxidant capacities, counteracting inflammation, mitigating renal fibrosis, and attenuating nephron cell death. It is by these mechanisms that ALA achieves its biological function of alleviating kidney injury and improving kidney function. Nevertheless, we also point out that more comprehensive, preclinical, and clinical studies will be needed to make ALA a better therapeutic agent for targeting kidney disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulin F. Kamt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Jiankang Liu
- School of Health and Life Sciences, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Liang-Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Xu H, He Z, Zhang M, Zhou W, Xu C, He M, Wang Z, Wang X. RNA Seq and ceRNA Network Analysis of the Rat Model of Chronic Kidney Disease. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:116-125. [PMID: 35578844 DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220516145502] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) containing microRNA (miRNA) response elements (MREs) can be used as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate gene expression. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression profile and role of mRNAs and lncRNAs in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model rats and to explore any associated competing endogenous (ceRNA) network. METHODS Using the UUO model, the obstructed kidney was collected on the 15th day after surgery. RNA Seq analysis was performed on renal tissues of four UUO rats and four sham rats. Four mRNAs and four lncRNAs of differentially expressed genes were randomly selected for real-time quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed, and bioinformatics was used to predict MREs. By screening for ceRNAs combined with target gene prediction, a related ceRNA network was constructed and verified by RT-qPCR. RESULTS We identified 649 up-regulated lncRNAs, 518 down-regulated lncRNAs, 924 downregulated mRNAs and 2029 up-regulated mRNAs. We identified 30 pathways with the highest enrichment in GO and KEGG. According to the RNA Seq results and the expression of Nr4a1, the network was constructed based on Nr4a1 and included two MREs and ten lncRNAs. Furthermore, lncNONRATT011668.2/miR-361-3p/Nr4a1 was identified and verified according to ceRNA sequencing and target gene prediction. CONCLUSION mRNAs and lncRNAs are differentially expressed in UUO model rats, which may be related to the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease. The lncNONRATT011668.2/miR-361- 3p/Nr4a1 ceRNA network may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hepeng 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
| | - Zhen He
- 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
| | - Mengjuan Zhang
- 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
| | - Wenping Zhou
- 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
| | - Chang 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
| | - Ming He
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangting Wang
- College of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Liver-Kidney Patterns, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
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Kaneko S, Yanai K, Ishii H, Aomatsu A, Hirai K, Ookawara S, Ishibashi K, Morishita Y. miR-122-5p Regulates Renal Fibrosis In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315423. [PMID: 36499744 PMCID: PMC9736395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) in renal fibrosis is poorly understood. Here, the effect of exogenous miRNAs on renal fibrosis was investigated using a renal fibrosis mouse model generated by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). miRNA microarray analysis and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that miR-122-5p was the most downregulated (0.28-fold) miRNA in the kidneys of UUO mice. The injection of an miR-122-5p mimic promoted renal fibrosis and upregulated COL1A2 and FN1, whereas an miR-122-5p inhibitor suppressed renal fibrosis and downregulated COL1A2 and FN1. The expression levels of fibrosis-related mRNAs, which were predicted targets of miR-122-5p, were evaluated. The expression level of TGFBR2, a pro-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p mimic, and the expression level of FOXO3, an anti-fibrotic mRNA, was upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. The protein expressions of TGFBR2 and FOXO3 were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Additionally, the expression levels of LC3, downstream anti-fibrotic mRNAs of FOXO3, were upregulated by the miR-122-5p inhibitor. These results suggest that miR-122-5p has critical roles in renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Kaneko
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yanai
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ishii
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Akinori Aomatsu
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
- Division of Intensive Care Unit, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Keiji Hirai
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Susumu Ookawara
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Kenichi Ishibashi
- Department of Medical Physiology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Morishita
- Division of Nephrology, First Department of Integrated Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
- Correspondence:
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Liu X, Xiao X, Han X, Yao L, Lan W. A New Therapeutic Trend: Natural Medicine for Ameliorating Ischemic Stroke via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27227963. [PMID: 36432062 PMCID: PMC9694461 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke (IS) is an acute cerebrovascular disease caused by sudden arterial occlusion, which is characterized by a high morbidity, mortality, and disability rate. It is one of the most important causes of nervous system morbidity and mortality in the world. In recent years, the search for new medicine for the treatment of IS has become an attractive research focus. Due to the extremely limited time window of traditional medicine treatment, some side effects may occur, and accompanied by the occurrence of adverse reactions, the frequency of exploration with natural medicine is significantly increased. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway is a classical pathway for cell metabolism, growth, apoptosis, and other physiological activities. There is considerable research on medicine that treats various diseases through this pathway. This review focuses on how natural medicines (including herbs and insects) regulate important pathophysiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the role it plays in improving IS. We found that many kinds of herbal medicine and insect medicine can alleviate the damage caused by IS through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, the prescription after their combination can also achieve certain results. Therefore, this review provides a new candidate category for medicine development in the treatment of IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Xinyu Xiao
- Dermatological Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610015, China
| | - Xue Han
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Lan Yao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
| | - Wei Lan
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi 830017, China
- Correspondence:
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Liu B, Deng J, Jie X, Lu F, Liu X, Zhang D. Protective effects of the Bupi Yishen formula on renal fibrosis through PI3K/AKT signaling inhibition. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 293:115242. [PMID: 35367329 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Bupi Yishen Formula (BYF) is a patented Chinese herbal compound that has been long used to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the clinic. However, its main active ingredients and underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. AIM Identify the major active ingredients of BYF and investigate its protective effects and specific molecular mechanisms in renal fibrosis. METHODS First, we performed network pharmacology analysis combined with molecular docking to predict the main active compounds, potential therapeutic targets, and intervention pathways that might exert the anti-fibrotic effect of BYF in the kidney. Then, we validated the predictions in both adenine-induced CKD rats and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. RESULTS A total of 233 common targets, 25 core targets, and 10 main active compounds from BYF were selected by network pharmacology analyses. Then, GO and KEGG functional enrichment analyses indicated that the renoprotection conferred by BYF against renal fibrosis was mainly associated with the PI3K/AKT signaling. Besides, the molecular docking showed that the 10 main active compounds of BYF were closely docked with three main PI3K/AKT pathway proteins. During the experimental validations, BYF improved renal impairment and alleviated fibrosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling activity in the kidney of adenine-induced CKD model rats. Moreover, increased PI3K/AKT signaling activation was associated with fibrotic phenotype changes in adenine-induced CKD rats and TGFβ1-induced HK-2 cells. On the other hand, BYF treatment reduced PI3K/AKT signaling activation and decreased renal fibrogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, thereby indicating that PI3K/AKT signaling was essential for BYF to exert its anti-fibrotic effects. Finally, the inhibitory effect of BYF on renal fibrogenesis was not enhanced while blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway with a broad spectrum PI3K inhibitor (LY294002). CONCLUSION In the present study, we applied a comprehensive strategy based on systemic pharmacology to reveal the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of BYF, at least partially, through the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling activation. We also identified BYF as a potential therapeutic agent for renal fibrosis and CKD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingran Liu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Jiankun Deng
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, SHANTOU Central Hospital, Shantou, Guangdong, 515031, China
| | - Xina Jie
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Fuhua Lu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Xusheng Liu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Difei Zhang
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510405, China; Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, No.111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Yan L. Folic acid-induced animal model of kidney disease. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:329-342. [PMID: 34977484 PMCID: PMC8690981 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The kidneys are a vital organ that is vulnerable to both acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) which can be caused by numerous risk factors such as ischemia, sepsis, drug toxicity and drug overdose, exposure to heavy metals, and diabetes. In spite of the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of AKI and CKD as well AKI transition to CKD, there is still no available therapeutics that can be used to combat kidney disease effectively, highlighting an urgent need to further study the pathological mechanisms underlying AKI, CKD, and AKI progression to CKD. In this regard, animal models of kidney disease are indispensable. This article reviews a widely used animal model of kidney disease, which is induced by folic acid (FA). While a low dose of FA is nutritionally beneficial, a high dose of FA is very toxic to the kidneys. Following a brief description of the procedure for disease induction by FA, major mechanisms of FA-induced kidney injury are then reviewed, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial abnormalities such as impaired bioenergetics and mitophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and increased expression of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Finally, application of this FA-induced kidney disease model as a platform for testing the efficacy of a variety of therapeutic approaches is also discussed. Given that this animal model is simple to create and is reproducible, it should remain useful for both studying the pathological mechanisms of kidney disease and identifying therapeutic targets to fight kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang‐Jun Yan
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of PharmacyUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
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