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Wu XQ, Zhao L, Zhao YL, He XY, Zou L, Zhao YY, Li X. Traditional Chinese medicine improved diabetic kidney disease through targeting gut microbiota. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2024; 62:423-435. [PMID: 38757785 PMCID: PMC11104709 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2351946] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) affects nearly 40% of diabetic patients, often leading to end-stage renal disease that requires renal replacement therapies, such as dialysis and transplantation. The gut microbiota, an integral aspect of human evolution, plays a crucial role in this condition. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has shown promising outcomes in ameliorating DKD by addressing the gut microbiota. OBJECTIVE This review elucidates the modifications in gut microbiota observed in DKD and explores the impact of TCM interventions on correcting microbial dysregulation. METHODS We searched relevant articles from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and Springer Nature. The following keywords were used: diabetic kidney disease, diabetic nephropathy, gut microbiota, natural product, TCM, Chinese herbal medicine, and Chinese medicinal herbs. Rigorous criteria were applied to identify high-quality studies on TCM interventions against DKD. RESULTS Dysregulation of the gut microbiota, including Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium, has been observed in individuals with DKD. Key indicators of microbial dysregulation include increased uremic solutes and decreased short-chain fatty acids. Various TCM therapies, such as formulas, tablets, granules, capsules, and decoctions, exhibit unique advantages in regulating the disordered microbiota to treat DKD. CONCLUSION This review highlights the importance of targeting the gut-kidney axis to regulate microbial disorders, their metabolites, and associated signaling pathways in DKD. The Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng formula, the Shenyan Kangfu tablet, the Huangkui capsule, and the Bekhogainsam decoction are potential candidates to address the gut-kidney axis. TCM interventions offer a significant therapeutic approach by targeting microbial dysregulation in patients with DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Qing Wu
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of General Practice, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan-Long Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin-Yao He
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xia Li
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Department of General Practice, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Saravanan V, Gopalakrishnan V, Mahendran MIMS, Vaithianathan R, Srinivasan S, Boopathy V, Krishnamurthy S. Biofilm mediated integrin activation and directing acceleration of colorectal cancer. APMIS 2024. [PMID: 39246244 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial biofilm plays a vital role in influencing several diseases, infections, metabolic pathways and communication channels. Biofilm influence over colorectal cancer (CRC) has been a booming area of research interest. The virulence factors of bacterial pathogen have a high tendency to induce metabolic pathway to accelerate CRC. The bacterial species biofilm may induce cancer through regulating the major signalling pathways responsible for cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and growth. Activation of cancer signals may get initiated from the chronic infections through bacterial biofilm species. Integrin mediates in the activation of major pathway promoting cancer. Integrin-mediated signals are expected to be greatly influenced by biofilm. Integrins are identified as an important dimer, whose dysfunction may alter the signalling cascade specially focusing on TGF-β, PI3K/Akt/mToR, MAPK and Wnt pathway. Along with biofilm shield, the tumour gains greater resistance from radiation, chemotherapy and also from other antibiotics. The biofilm barrier is known to cause challenges for CRC patients undergoing treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaijayanthi Saravanan
- MGM Advanced Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vinoj Gopalakrishnan
- MGM Advanced Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Rajan Vaithianathan
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sowmya Srinivasan
- Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidhyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu, India
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Venugopal S, Dan Q, Sri Theivakadadcham VS, Wu B, Kofler M, Layne MD, Connelly KA, Rzepka MF, Friedberg MK, Kapus A, Szászi K. Regulation of the RhoA exchange factor GEF-H1 by profibrotic stimuli through a positive feedback loop involving RhoA, MRTF, and Sp1. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C387-C402. [PMID: 38912734 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00088.2024] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
RhoA and its effectors, the transcriptional coactivators myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and serum response factor (SRF), control epithelial phenotype and are indispensable for profibrotic epithelial reprogramming during fibrogenesis. Context-dependent control of RhoA and fibrosis-associated changes in its regulators, however, remain incompletely characterized. We previously identified the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1 as a central mediator of RhoA activation in renal tubular cells exposed to inflammatory or fibrotic stimuli. Here we found that GEF-H1 expression and phosphorylation were strongly elevated in two animal models of fibrosis. In the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction mouse kidney fibrosis model, GEF-H1 was upregulated predominantly in the tubular compartment. GEF-H1 was also elevated and phosphorylated in a rat pulmonary artery banding (PAB) model of right ventricular fibrosis. Prolonged stimulation of LLC-PK1 tubular cells with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 increased GEF-H1 expression and activated a luciferase-coupled GEF-H1 promoter. Knockdown and overexpression studies revealed that these effects were mediated by RhoA, cytoskeleton remodeling, and MRTF, indicative of a positive feedback cycle. Indeed, silencing endogenous GEF-H1 attenuated activation of the GEF-H1 promoter. Of importance, inhibition of MRTF using CCG-1423 prevented GEF-H1 upregulation in both animal models. MRTF-dependent increase in GEF-H1 was prevented by inhibition of the transcription factor Sp1, and mutating putative Sp1 binding sites in the GEF-H1 promoter eliminated its MRTF-dependent activation. As the GEF-H1/RhoA axis is key for fibrogenesis, this novel MRTF/Sp1-dependent regulation of GEF-H1 abundance represents a potential target for reducing renal and cardiac fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that expression of the RhoA regulator GEF-H1 is upregulated in tubular cells exposed to fibrogenic cytokines and in animal models of kidney and heart fibrosis. We identify a pathway wherein GEF-H1/RhoA-dependent MRTF activation through its noncanonical partner Sp1 upregulates GEF-H1. Our data reveal the existence of a positive feedback cycle that enhances Rho signaling through control of both GEF-H1 activation and expression. This feedback loop may play an important role in organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Venugopal
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qinghong Dan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veroni S Sri Theivakadadcham
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Wu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kim A Connelly
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark F Rzepka
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark K Friedberg
- Division of Cardiology, Labatt Family Heart Center Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kraik K, Tota M, Laska J, Łacwik J, Paździerz Ł, Sędek Ł, Gomułka K. The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Cells 2024; 13:1271. [PMID: 39120302 PMCID: PMC11311642 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151271] [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: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent chronic inflammatory respiratory disorders that, despite having distinct pathophysiological underpinnings, both feature airflow obstruction and respiratory symptoms. A critical component in the pathogenesis of each condition is the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine that exerts varying influences across these diseases. In asthma, TGF-β is significantly involved in airway remodeling, a key aspect marked by subepithelial fibrosis, hypertrophy of the smooth muscle, enhanced mucus production, and suppression of emphysema development. The cytokine facilitates collagen deposition and the proliferation of fibroblasts, which are crucial in the structural modifications within the airways. In contrast, the role of TGF-β in COPD is more ambiguous. It initially acts as a protective agent, fostering tissue repair and curbing inflammation. However, prolonged exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke causes TGF-β signaling malfunction. Such dysregulation leads to abnormal tissue remodeling, marked by excessive collagen deposition, enlargement of airspaces, and, thus, accelerated development of emphysema. Additionally, TGF-β facilitates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process contributing to the phenotypic alterations observed in COPD. A thorough comprehension of the multifaceted role of TGF-β in asthma and COPD is imperative for elaborating precise therapeutic interventions. We review several promising approaches that alter TGF-β signaling. Nevertheless, additional studies are essential to delineate further the specific mechanisms of TGF-β dysregulation and its potential therapeutic impacts in these chronic respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kraik
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Maciej Tota
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Julia Laska
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Julia Łacwik
- Student Scientific Group of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Łukasz Paździerz
- Student Scientific Group of Internal Medicine and Allergology, Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Łukasz Sędek
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Gomułka
- Clinical Department of Allergology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Internal Diseases, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-369 Wrocław, Poland
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Lin HH, Tseng CY, Yu PR, Ho HY, Hsu CC, Chen JH. Therapeutic Effect of Desmodium caudatum Extracts on Alleviating Diabetic Nephropathy Mice. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 79:374-380. [PMID: 38750193 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-024-01192-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Desmodium caudatum extracts (DCE) were investigated for their potential therapeutic effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN). In our study, the high-fat diet (HFD) / streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN model in C57BL/6 mice was treated with 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg DCE. The results showed that DCE decreased biochemical parameters and proteinuria levels. The kidney sections staining indicated that DCE treatment recovered glomerular atrophy and alleviated lipid droplets in the glomerular. Additionally, DCE inhibited lipid and glycogen accumulation down-regulated the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) proteins. DCE also reduced collagenous fibrous tissue and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) through Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemical analysis. We found that DCE alleviated hydroxyproline content, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Besides, the results shown that DCE enhanced the antioxidant enzymes to mitigate fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress. In conclusion, our study provided evidence of the protective effect of DCE which down-regulated hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and inhibition of TGF-β1 and EMT pathway but elevated antioxidant, suggesting its therapeutic implication for DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Yun Tseng
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jiangou N. Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Rong Yu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jiangou N. Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Yu Ho
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jiangou N. Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chin Hsu
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jiangou N. Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Hsien Chen
- Department of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jiangou N. Rd., South Dist., Taichung City, 40201, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung City, Taiwan.
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Hou Y, Zhu L, Ye X, Ke Q, Zhang Q, Xie X, Piao JG, Wei Y. Integrated oral microgel system ameliorates renal fibrosis by hitchhiking co-delivery and targeted gut flora modulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:305. [PMID: 38822364 PMCID: PMC11143587 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02586-2] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is a progressive process associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to impaired kidney function. Active constituents in traditional Chinese herbs, such as emodin (EMO) and asiatic acid (AA), exhibit potent anti-fibrotic properties. However, the oral administration of EMO and AA results in low bioavailability and limited kidney accumulation. Additionally, while oral probiotics have been accepted for CKD treatment through gut microbiota modulation, a significant challenge lies in ensuring their viability upon administration. Therefore, our study aims to address both renal fibrosis and gut microbiota imbalance through innovative co-delivery strategies. RESULTS In this study, we developed yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs) encapsulating EMO and AA self-assembled nanoparticles (NPYs) and embedded them, along with Lactobacillus casei Zhang, in chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) microgels. The developed microgels showed significant controlled release properties for the loaded NPYs and prolonged the retention time of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) in the intestine. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution showed that the microgel-carried NPYs significantly accumulated in the obstructed kidneys of rats, thereby substantially increasing the accumulation of EMO and AA in the impaired kidneys. More importantly, through hitchhiking delivery based on yeast cell wall and positive modulation of gut microbiota, our microgels with this synergistic strategy of therapeutic and modulatory interactions could regulate the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and thus effectively ameliorate renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our work provides a new strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis based on hitchhiking co-delivery of nanodrugs and probiotics to achieve synergistic effects of disease treatment and targeted gut flora modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qiaoying Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qibin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Ji-Gang Piao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Yinghui Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
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Li Q, Wang Y, Yan J, Yuan R, Zhang J, Guo X, Zhao M, Li F, Li X. Osthole ameliorates early diabetic kidney damage by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation and inhibiting TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112131. [PMID: 38669945 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112131] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osthole is a natural active ingredient extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Cnidium monnieri. It has been demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-hyperglycemic properties. However, its effect on diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the preventive and therapeutic effects of osthole on DKD and investigate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS A streptozotocin/high-fat and high-sucrose diet induced Type 2 diabetic rat model was established. Metformin served as the positive drug control. Diabetic rats were treated with metformin or three different doses of osthole for 8 weeks. Throughout the treatment period, the progression of DKD was assessed by monitoring increases in urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and uric acid, along with scrutinizing kidney pathology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to detect inflammatory factors and oxidative stress levels. At the same time, immunohistochemical staining was utilized to evaluate changes in alpha-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, and apoptosis. The alterations in TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway were ascertained through western blot and immunofluorescence. Furthermore, we constructed a high glucose-stimulated HBZY-1 cells model to uncover its molecular protective mechanism. RESULTS Osthole significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, serum creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, urinary protein excretion, and glomerular mesangial matrix deposition in diabetic rats. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and fibrosis levels. The increase of ROS, apoptosis and hypertrophy in HBZY-1 cells induced by high glucose was reduced by osthole. Immunofluorescence and western blot results demonstrated that osthole down-regulated the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway and related protein expression. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that osthole exhibits potential preventive and therapeutic effects on DKD. It deserves further investigation as a promising drug for preventing and treating DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangsheng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jia Yan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ruyan Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jiamin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xinhao Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fenfen Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Xiaotian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Engineering Research Center for Water Environment and Health of Henan, College of Pharmacy and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Industrial Technology, Zhengzhou 451150, China.
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Moreno J, Gluud LL, Galsgaard ED, Hvid H, Mazzoni G, Das V. Identification of ligand and receptor interactions in CKD and MASH through the integration of single cell and spatial transcriptomics. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302853. [PMID: 38768139 PMCID: PMC11104622 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are metabolic fibroinflammatory diseases. Combining single-cell (scRNAseq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) could give unprecedented molecular disease understanding at single-cell resolution. A more comprehensive analysis of the cell-specific ligand-receptor (L-R) interactions could provide pivotal information about signaling pathways in CKD and MASH. To achieve this, we created an integrative analysis framework in CKD and MASH from two available human cohorts. RESULTS The analytical framework identified L-R pairs involved in cellular crosstalk in CKD and MASH. Interactions between cell types identified using scRNAseq data were validated by checking the spatial co-presence using the ST data and the co-expression of the communicating targets. Multiple L-R protein pairs identified are known key players in CKD and MASH, while others are novel potential targets previously observed only in animal models. CONCLUSION Our study highlights the importance of integrating different modalities of transcriptomic data for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms. The combination of single-cell resolution from scRNAseq data, combined with tissue slide investigations and visualization of cell-cell interactions obtained through ST, paves the way for the identification of future potential therapeutic targets and developing effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Moreno
- Digital Science and Innovation, Computational Biology – AI & Digital Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maløv, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Dept of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Henning Hvid
- Global Drug Discovery, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maløv, Denmark
| | - Gianluca Mazzoni
- Digital Science and Innovation, Computational Biology – AI & Digital Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maløv, Denmark
| | - Vivek Das
- Digital Science and Innovation, Computational Biology – AI & Digital Research, Novo Nordisk A/S, Maløv, Denmark
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9
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Lee YJ, Kim WR, Park EG, Lee DH, Kim JM, Shin HJ, Jeong HS, Roh HY, Kim HS. Exploring the Key Signaling Pathways and ncRNAs in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4548. [PMID: 38674135 PMCID: PMC11050203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084548] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer to be diagnosed, and it has a substantial mortality rate. Despite numerous studies being conducted on CRC, it remains a significant health concern. The disease-free survival rates notably decrease as CRC progresses, emphasizing the urgency for effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. CRC development is caused by environmental factors, which mostly lead to the disruption of signaling pathways. Among these pathways, the Wingless/Integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway, Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway, Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and p53 signaling pathway are considered to be important. These signaling pathways are also regulated by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). They have emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression in CRC by changing their expression levels. The altered expression patterns of these ncRNAs have been implicated in CRC progression and development, suggesting their potential as diagnostic and therapeutic targets. This review provides an overview of the five key signaling pathways and regulation of ncRNAs involved in CRC pathogenesis that are studied to identify promising avenues for diagnosis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ju Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Woo Ryung Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Gyung Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Du Hyeong Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jung-min Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hae Jin Shin
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyeon-su Jeong
- Department of Integrated Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; (Y.J.L.); (W.R.K.); (E.G.P.); (D.H.L.); (J.-m.K.); (H.J.S.); (H.-s.J.)
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hyun-Young Roh
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
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10
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Mekawy DM, Sabry D, Sabry RM, Abozeid NF. Silymarin and MSC-exosomes ameliorate thioacetamide-evoked renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD pathway in rats. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:529. [PMID: 38637422 PMCID: PMC11026270 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09343-6] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TGF-β1 and SMAD3 are particularly pathogenic in the progression of renal fibrosis. AIM This study aimed to evaluate the kidney protective potentials of silymarin (SM) and exosomes of mesenchymal stem cells against the nephrotoxin thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. METHODS 32 female rats were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group, the TAA group, the TAA + SM group, and the TAA + Exosomes group. The kidney homogenates from all groups were examined for expression levels of TGF-β receptors I and II using real-time PCR, expression levels of collagen type I and CTGF proteins using ELISA, and the expression levels of nuclear SMAD2/3/4, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3, and cytoplasmic SMAD4 proteins using the western blot technique. RESULTS Compared to the control group, the injection of TAA resulted in a significant increase in serum levels of urea and creatinine, gene expression levels of TβRI and TβRII, protein expression levels of both collagen I and CTGF proteins, cytoplasmic SMAD2/3 complex, and nuclear SMAD2/3/4 (p-value < 0.0001), with significantly decreased levels of the co-SMAD partner, SMAD4 (p-value < 0.0001). Those effects were reversed considerably in both treatment groups, with the superiority of the exosomal treatment regarding the SMAD proteins and the expression levels of the TβRI gene, collagen I, and CTGF proteins returning to near-control values (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION Using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches, the research discovered a reno-protective role of silymarin and exosomes of BM-MSCs after thioacetamide-induced renal fibrosis in rats, with the advantage of exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Mohamed Mekawy
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11956, Egypt
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11956, Egypt
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt
| | - Rania Mohamed Sabry
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11956, Egypt
| | - Naglaa F Abozeid
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, 11956, Egypt.
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11
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Xiong C, Deng J, Wang X, Hou Q, Zhuang S. Pharmacological inhibition of Src family kinases attenuates hyperuricemic nephropathy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352730. [PMID: 38576481 PMCID: PMC10991786 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperuricemia is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease and contributes to renal fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the effect of Src family kinase (SFK) inhibition on the development of hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) and the mechanisms involved. In a rat model of HN, feeding rats a mixture of adenine and potassium oxonate increased Src phosphorylation, severe glomerular sclerosis, and renal interstitial fibrosis, accompanied by renal dysfunction and increased urine microalbumin excretion. Administration of PP1, a highly selective SFK inhibitor, prevented renal dysfunction, reduced urine microalbumin, and inhibited activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts and expression of extracellular proteins. PP1 treatment also inhibited hyperuricemia-induced activation of the TGF-β1/Smad3, STAT3, ERK1/2, and NF-κB signaling pathways and expression of multiple profibrogenic cytokines/chemokines in the kidney. Furthermore, PP1 treatment significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and xanthine oxidase activity. Thus, blocking Src can attenuate development of HN via a mechanism associated with the suppression of TGF-β1 signaling, inflammation, and uric acid production. The results suggest that Src inhibition might be a promising therapeutic strategy for HN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongxiang Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dongguan, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Deng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dongguan, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Qidi Hou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dongguan, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Jiang L, Hu X, Feng Y, Wang Z, Tang H, Lin Q, Shen Y, Zhu Y, Xu Q, Li X. Reduction of renal interstitial fibrosis by targeting Tie2 in vascular endothelial cells. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:959-965. [PMID: 38012310 PMCID: PMC10920200 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tie2, a functional angiopoietin receptor, is expressed in vascular endothelial cells and plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular stability. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an agonistic Tie2 signal on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We established an in vivo mouse model of folic acid-induced nephropathy (FAN) and an in vitro model of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated endothelial cell injury, then an agonistic Tie2 monoclonal antibody (Tie2 mAb) was used to intervent these processes. The degree of tubulointerstitial lesions and related molecular mechanisms were determined by histological assessment, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qPCR. RESULTS Tie2 mAb attenuated RIF and reduced the level of fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP1). Further, it suppressed vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and increased CD31 density in FAN. In the in vitro model, Tie2 mAb was found to decrease the expression of VCAM-1, Bax, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). CONCLUSIONS The present findings indicate that the agonistic Tie2 mAb exerted vascular protective effects and ameliorated RIF via inhibition of vascular inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Therefore, Tie2 may be a potential target for the treatment of this disease. IMPACT This is the first report to confirm that an agonistic Tie2 monoclonal antibody can reduce renal interstitial fibrosis in folic acid-induced nephropathy in mice. This mechanism possibly involves vascular protective effects brought about by inhibition of vascular inflammation, apoptosis and fibrosis. Our data show that Tie2 signal may be a novel, endothelium-specific target for the treatment of tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Jiang
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiaohan Hu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yajun Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, 214400, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Zibo, 255000, China
| | - Hanyun Tang
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Qiang Lin
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yunyan Shen
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Qinying Xu
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiaozhong Li
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China.
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13
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Hadpech S, Thongboonkerd V. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in kidney fibrosis. Genesis 2024; 62:e23529. [PMID: 37345818 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process contributing to kidney fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. This process is characterized by decreased epithelial phenotypes/markers and increased mesenchymal phenotypes/markers. Tubular epithelial cells (TECs) are commonly susceptible to EMT by various stimuli, for example, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), cellular communication network factor 2, angiotensin-II, fibroblast growth factor-2, oncostatin M, matrix metalloproteinase-2, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasmin, interleukin-1β, and reactive oxygen species. Similarly, glomerular podocytes can undergo EMT via these stimuli and by high glucose condition in diabetic kidney disease. EMT of TECs and podocytes leads to tubulointerstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis, respectively. Signaling pathways involved in EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis are diverse and complex. TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways are the major venues triggering EMT in TECs and podocytes. These two pathways thus serve as the major therapeutic targets against EMT-mediated kidney fibrosis. To date, a number of EMT inhibitors have been identified and characterized. As expected, the majority of these EMT inhibitors affect TGF-β1/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. In addition to kidney fibrosis, these EMT-targeted antifibrotic inhibitors are expected to be effective for treatment against fibrosis in other organs/tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudarat Hadpech
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Thongboonkerd
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Research Department, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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14
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Ren N, Wang WF, Zou L, Zhao YL, Miao H, Zhao YY. The nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway is a master regulator of renal fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 14:1335094. [PMID: 38293668 PMCID: PMC10824958 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1335094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is increasingly recognized as a global public health problem. Acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) both result in renal fibrosis. Oxidative stress and inflammation play central roles in progressive renal fibrosis. Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked and form a vicious cycle in which oxidative stress induces inflammation through various molecular mechanisms. Ample evidence has indicated that a hyperactive nuclear factor kappa B (NF-ƙB) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in renal fibrosis. Hyperactive NF-ƙB causes the activation and recruitment of immune cells. Inflammation, in turn, triggers oxidative stress through the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species by activating leukocytes and resident cells. These events mediate organ injury through apoptosis, necrosis, and fibrosis. Therefore, developing a strategy to target the NF-ƙB signaling pathway is important for the effective treatment of renal fibrosis. This Review summarizes the effect of the NF-ƙB signaling pathway on renal fibrosis in the context of AKI and CKD (immunoglobulin A nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, and kidney transplantation). Therapies targeting the NF-ƙB signaling pathway, including natural products, are also discussed. In addition, NF-ƙB-dependent non-coding RNAs are involved in renal inflammation and fibrosis and are crucial targets in the development of effective treatments for kidney disease. This Review provides a clear pathophysiological rationale and specific concept-driven therapeutic strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis by targeting the NF-ƙB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Ren
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wen-Feng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan-Long Zhao
- Dialysis Department of Nephrology Hospital, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Hung CC, Chen KH, Hsu HH, Chang MY, Ko YC, Yang HY, Yang CW. Noscapine alleviates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced inflammation and fibrosis by regulating the TGFβ1/Smads signaling pathways. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119594. [PMID: 37730129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119594] [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: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common pathway leading to progressive renal function loss in various forms of chronic kidney disease. Many fibrogenic factors regulate renal fibrosis; two key players are post-injury inflammation and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast differentiation. Myofibroblast differentiation is tightly regulated by the microtubule polymerization. Noscapine, an antitussive plant alkaloid, is a potent microtubule-interfering agent previously identified as a potential anticancer compound. Here, we examined how noscapine affects renal fibrogenesis in an in vitro renal fibroblast model and an in vivo unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. UUO mice were intraperitoneally treated with noscapine at 1 day before UUO surgery and daily thereafter. At 7 days post-surgery, kidneys were collected for further analysis. To analyze whether noscapine inhibits downstream TGF-β1-related signaling, we pre-incubated NRK-49F fibroblasts with noscapine and then performed TGF-β1 stimulation. In UUO mice, noscapine attenuated extracellular matrix protein deposition and the expression levels of type I collagen, type IV collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin. In addition, noscapine decreased tubulointerstitial inflammation in UUO kidneys by reducing TLR2 expression, modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reducing macrophage infiltration, and antagonizing the M2 macrophage phenotype. Furthermore, noscapine pre-incubation suppressed the TGF-β1-induced fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation by downregulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathways in NRK-49F cells. These results suggest that noscapine reduces tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys of UUO mice and inhibits the fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation induced by TGF-β1. Noscapine is an over-the-counter antitussive that has been used safely for several decades. Therefore, noscapine is an attractive therapeutic agent for inhibiting renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chieh Hung
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hsing Chen
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Hao Hsu
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yang Chang
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Ko
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Huang-Yu Yang
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Yang
- Department of Nephrology and Kidney Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, School of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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16
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Ouyang ZQ, Shao LS, Wang WP, Ke TF, Chen D, Zheng GR, Duan XR, Chu JX, Zhu Y, Yang L, Shan HY, Huang L, Liao CD. Low intensity pulsed ultrasound ameliorates Adriamycin-induced chronic renal injury by inhibiting ferroptosis. Redox Rep 2023; 28:2251237. [PMID: 37652897 PMCID: PMC10472869 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2023.2251237] [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] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is very important to develop a new therapeutic strategy to cope with the increasing morbidity and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD). As a kind of physical therapy, low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has remarkable anti-inflammatory and repair-promoting effects and is expected to become a new therapeutic method for CKD. This study aims to clarify the treatment effect of LIPUS on CKD-related renal inflammation and fibrosis, and to further explore the potential signal network of LIPUS treatment for ameliorating chronic renal injury. METHODS A rat model simulating the progress of CKD was established by twice tail-vein injection of Adriamycin (ADR). Under anesthesia, bilateral kidneys of CKD rats were continuously stimulated by LIPUS for four weeks. The parameters of LIPUS were 1.0 MHz, 60 mW/cm2, 50% duty cycle and 20 min/d. RESULTS LIPUS treatment effectively inhibited ADR-induced renal inflammation and fibrosis, and improved CKD-related to oxidative stress and ferroptosis. In addition, the therapeutic effect of LIPUS is closely related to the regulation of TGF-β1/Smad and Nrf2/keap1/HO-1 signalling pathways. DISCUSSION This study provides a new direction for further mechanism research and lays an important foundation for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Ouyang
- Department of Radiology, Yan` an Hospital of Kunming City (Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-shi Shao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-peng Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Teng-fei Ke
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Ultrasound, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guang-rong Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Yan` an Hospital of Kunming City (Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi-rui Duan
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ji-xiang Chu
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yunnan Cancer Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-yan Shan
- Department of Radiology, Yan` an Hospital of Kunming City (Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin Huang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-de Liao
- Department of Radiology, Yan` an Hospital of Kunming City (Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University), Kunming, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Zhao ZJ, Wu DJ, Lv DL, Zhang BD, Chen L, Sun YQ. Ellagic acid inhibits the formation of hypertrophic scars by suppressing TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway activity. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 102:773-781. [PMID: 37386691 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14287] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a benign fibroproliferative skin disease, which lacks the ideal treatment and drugs. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol that prevents fibroblasts from proliferating and migrating. This study aimed to determine the role of EA in HS formation and its possible mechanism by in vitro experiments. HS fibroblasts (HSFs) and normal fibroblasts (NFs) were separated from HS tissue and normal skin tissue, respectively. HSFs were treated with 10 and 50 μM EA to assess their effect on HS formation. In particular, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and scratch assay were used to detect the viability and migration ability of HSFs. Quantitative reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the mRNA expression level of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), extracellular matrix (ECM)-related gene collagen-I (COL-I), and fibronectin 1 (FN1) in HSFs. Finally, Western blot was utilized to measure the expression level of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins in HSFs. The viability of HSFs was significantly increased compared with NFs. 10 and 50 μM EA treatment markedly inhibition the cell viability and migration of HSFs. EA treatment upregulated the bFGF expression level and downregulated the COL-I and FN1 expression level in HSFs. In addition, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 expression levels as well as p-Smad2/Smad2 and p-Smad3/Smad3 ratios remarkably decreased in HSFs after EA treatment. EA inhibited the formation of HSs by suppressing the viability and migration of HSFs and ECM deposition as well as by preventing the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zun-Jiang Zhao
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - De-Jin Wu
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Lu'an People's Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, China
| | - Da-Lun Lv
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Bao-de Zhang
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Lu'an People's Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Yin-Qiao Sun
- Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
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18
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Ren LL, Miao H, Wang YN, Liu F, Li P, Zhao YY. TGF-β as A Master Regulator of Aging-Associated Tissue Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1633-1650. [PMID: 37196129 PMCID: PMC10529747 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Aging, injury, infections, and inflammation can cause different types of tissue fibrosis. Numerous clinical investigations have shown a correlation between the degree of liver and pulmonary fibrosis in patients and telomere length and mitochondrial DNA content, both of which are signs of aging. Aging involves the gradual loss of tissue function over time, which results in the loss of homeostasis and, ultimately, an organism's fitness. A major feature of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells. Senescent cells abnormally and continuously accumulate in the late stages of life, contributing to age-related fibrosis and tissue deterioration, among other aging characteristics. Furthermore, aging generates chronic inflammation, which results in fibrosis and decreases organ function. This finding suggests that fibrosis and aging are closely related. The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily plays a crucial role in the physiological and pathological processes of aging, immune regulation, atherosclerosis, and tissue fibrosis. In this review, the functions of TGF-β in normal organs, aging, and fibrotic tissues is discussed: TGF-β signalling is altered with age and is an indicator of pathology associated with tissue fibrosis. In addition, this review discusses the potential targeting of noncoding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Ren
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Hua Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Department of Nephrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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19
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Guan C, Li C, Shen X, Yang C, Liu Z, Zhang N, Xu L, Zhao L, Zhou B, Man X, Luo C, Luan H, Che L, Wang Y, Xu Y. Hexarelin alleviates apoptosis on ischemic acute kidney injury via MDM2/p53 pathway. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:344. [PMID: 37710348 PMCID: PMC10500723 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01318-w] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hexarelin exhibits significant protection against organ injury in models of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury (IRI). Nevertheless, the impact of Hexarelin on acute kidney injury (AKI) and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of Hexarelin in I/R-induced AKI and elucidated its molecular mechanisms. METHODS We assessed the protective effects of Hexarelin through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. In the I/R-induced AKI model, rats were pretreated with Hexarelin at 100 μg/kg/d for 7 days before being sacrificed 24 h post-IRI. Subsequently, kidney function, histology, and apoptosis were assessed. In vitro, hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced HK-2 cell model was used to investigate the impact of Hexarelin on apoptosis in HK-2 cells. Then, we employed molecular docking using a pharmmapper server and autodock software to identify potential target proteins of Hexarelin. RESULTS In this study, rats subjected to I/R developed severe kidney injury characterized by tubular necrosis, tubular dilatation, increased serum creatinine levels, and cell apoptosis. However, pretreatment with Hexarelin exhibited a protective effect by mitigating post-ischemic kidney pathological changes, improving renal function, and inhibiting apoptosis. This was achieved through the downregulation of conventional apoptosis-related genes, such as Caspase-3, Bax and Bad, and the upregulation of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Consistent with the in vivo results, Hexarelin also reduced cell apoptosis in post-H/R HK-2 cells. Furthermore, our analysis using GSEA confirmed the essential role of the apoptosis pathway in I/R-induced AKI. Molecular docking revealed a strong binding affinity between Hexarelin and MDM2, suggesting the potential mechanism of Hexarelin's anti-apoptosis effect at least partially through its interaction with MDM2, a well-known negative regulator of apoptosis-related protein that of p53. To validate these findings, we evaluated the relative expression of MDM2 and p53 in I/R-induced AKI with or without Hexarelin pre-administration and observed a significant suppression of MDM2 and p53 by Hexarelin in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. CONCLUSION Collectively, Hexarelin was identified as a promising medication in protecting apoptosis against I/R-induced AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Guan
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chenyu Li
- Medizinische Klinik Und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum Der Universität, LMU München, Munich, Germany
| | - Xuefei Shen
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Chengyu Yang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Zengying Liu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Ningxin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lingyu Xu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Long Zhao
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Xiaofei Man
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Congjuan Luo
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Hong Luan
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Lin Che
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, 16 Jiangsu Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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20
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Li L, Dai Y, Ke D, Liu J, Chen P, Wei D, Wang T, Teng Y, Yuan X, Zhang Z. Ferroptosis: new insight into the mechanisms of diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1215292. [PMID: 37600716 PMCID: PMC10435881 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1215292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the most serious and common diabetes-associated complications. DN and DR are all highly prevalent and dangerous global diseases, but the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Ferroptosis, a relatively recently described type of cell death, has been confirmed to be involved in the occurrence and development of various diabetic complications. The disturbance of cellular iron metabolism directly triggers ferroptosis, and abnormal iron metabolism is closely related to diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the role of ferroptosis in DN and DR is still unclear, and needs further study. In this review article, we summarize and evaluate the mechanism of ferroptosis and its role and progress in DN and DR, it provides new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of DN and DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luxin Li
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Yucen Dai
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Dan Ke
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Jieting Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Peijian Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Tongtong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hongqi Hospital, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Yanjie Teng
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Xiaohuan Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Anti-Fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
- School of First Clinical Medical College, Mudanjiang Medical University, Mudanjiang, China
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21
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Sun L, Liu Q, Zhang Y, Xue M, Yan H, Qiu X, Tian Y, Zhang H, Liang H. Fucoidan from Saccharina japonica Alleviates Hyperuricemia-Induced Renal Fibrosis through Inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:11454-11465. [PMID: 37481747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Fucoidan is a native sulfated polysaccharide mainly isolated from brown seaweed, with diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and antifibrosis. Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a common metabolic disease worldwide and mainly causes hyperuricemic nephropathy, including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal fibrosis. The present study investigated the protective function of fucoidan in renal fibrosis and its pharmacological mechanism. The renal fibrotic model was established with the administration of potassium oxonate for 10 weeks. The protein levels of related factors were assessed in HUA mice by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and western blotting. The results showed that fucoidan significantly reduced the levels of serum uric acid, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I, and improved kidney pathological changes. Furthermore, renal fibrosis had been remarkably elevated through the inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression after fucoidan intervention, suppressing the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway activation. Together, this study provides experimental evidence that fucoidan may protect against hyperuricemia-induced renal fibrosis via downregulation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirui Sun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yabin Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Meilan Xue
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxue Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Seaweed Substances, Qingdao Mingyue Seaweed Group Company, Limited, Qingdao, Shandong 266499, People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Seaweed Substances, Qingdao Mingyue Seaweed Group Company, Limited, Qingdao, Shandong 266499, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingjie Tian
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaqi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, People's Republic of China
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22
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Theofilis P, Vordoni A, Kalaitzidis RG. Novel therapeutic approaches in the management of chronic kidney disease: a narrative review. Postgrad Med 2023; 135:543-550. [PMID: 37401536 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.2023.2233492] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a pathologic entity with constantly rising incidence and high rates of morbidity and mortality, which are associated with serious cardiovascular complications. Moreover, the incidence of end-stage renal disease tends to increase. The epidemiological trends of CKD warrant the development of novel therapeutic approaches aiming to prevent its development or retard its progression through the control of major risk factors: type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Contemporary therapeutics such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and second-generation mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are utilized in this direction. Additionally, experimental and clinical studies present novel drug categories that could be employed in managing CKD, such as aldosterone synthesis inhibitors or activators guanylate cyclase, while the role of melatonin should be further tested in the clinical setting. Finally, in this patient population, the use of hypolipidemic agents may provide incremental benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- Center for Nephrology, "G. Papadakis" General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus "Ag. Panteleimon", Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Vordoni
- Center for Nephrology, "G. Papadakis" General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus "Ag. Panteleimon", Athens, Greece
| | - Rigas G Kalaitzidis
- Center for Nephrology, "G. Papadakis" General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus "Ag. Panteleimon", Athens, Greece
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23
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Nagalakshmi VK, Li M, Liang X, Medrano S, Belyea BC, Gomez RA, Sequeira-Lopez MLS. Cells of the renin lineage promote kidney regeneration post-release of ureteral obstruction in neonatal mice. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 238:e14014. [PMID: 37309075 PMCID: PMC10527043 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14014] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM Ureteral obstruction leads to significant changes in kidney renin expression. It is unclear whether those changes are responsible for the progression of kidney damage, repair, or regeneration. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the contribution of renin-producing cells (RPCs) and the cells of the renin lineage (CoRL) towards kidney damage and regeneration using a model of partial and reversible unilateral ureteral obstruction (pUUO) in neonatal mice. METHODS Renin cells are progenitors for other renal cell types collectively called CoRL. We labeled the CoRL with green fluorescent protein (GFP) using genetic approaches. We performed lineage tracing to analyze the changes in the distribution of CoRL during and after the release of obstruction. We also ablated the RPCs and CoRL by cell-specific expression of Diphtheria Toxin Sub-unit A (DTA). Finally, we evaluated the kidney damage and regeneration during and after the release of obstruction in the absence of CoRL. RESULTS In the obstructed kidneys, there was a 163% increase in the renin-positive area and a remarkable increase in the distribution of GFP+ CoRL. Relief of obstruction abrogated these changes. In addition, DTA-expressing animals did not respond to pUUO with increased RPCs and CoRL. Moreover, reduction in CoRL significantly compromised the kidney's ability to recover from the damage after the release of obstruction. CONCLUSIONS CoRL play a role in the regeneration of the kidneys post-relief of obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidya K. Nagalakshmi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Minghong Li
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Xiuyin Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Silvia Medrano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Brian C Belyea
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - R. Ariel Gomez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
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24
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Mitsui Y, Yamabe F, Hori S, Uetani M, Kobayashi H, Nagao K, Nakajima K. Molecular Mechanisms and Risk Factors Related to the Pathogenesis of Peyronie's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10133. [PMID: 37373277 PMCID: PMC10299070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210133] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a benign condition caused by plaque formation on the tunica albuginea of the penis. It is associated with penile pain, curvature, and shortening, and contributes to erectile dysfunction, which worsens patient quality of life. In recent years, research into understanding of the detailed mechanisms and risk factors involved in the development of PD has been increasing. In this review, the pathological mechanisms and several closely related signaling pathways, including TGF-β, WNT/β-catenin, Hedgehog, YAP/TAZ, MAPK, ROCK, and PI3K/AKT, are described. Findings regarding cross-talk among these pathways are then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind tunica albuginea fibrosis. Finally, various risk factors including the genes involved in the development of PD are presented and their association with the disease summarized. The purpose of this review is to provide a better understanding regarding the involvement of risk factors in the molecular mechanisms associated with PD pathogenesis, as well as to provide insight into disease prevention and novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yozo Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan; (F.Y.); (S.H.); (M.U.); (H.K.); (K.N.); (K.N.)
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25
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Gui R, Wang YK, Wu JP, Deng GM, Cheng F, Zeng HL, Zeng PH, Long HP, Zhang W, Wei XF, Wang WX, Zhu GZ, Ren WQ, Chen ZH, He XA, Xu KP. Cyclocarya paliurus leaves alleviate hyperuricemic nephropathy via modulation of purine metabolism, antiinflammation, and antifibrosis. J Funct Foods 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2023.105485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
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26
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Kuo CW, Chen DH, Tsai MT, Lin CC, Cheng HW, Tsay YG, Wang HT. Pyruvate kinase M2 modification by a lipid peroxidation byproduct acrolein contributes to kidney fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1151359. [PMID: 37007793 PMCID: PMC10050374 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1151359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a hallmark of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and is characterized by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program and aberrant glycolysis. The underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis are still poorly understood, and existing treatments are only marginally effective. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the pathophysiological mechanisms behind the development of renal fibrosis and to generate novel therapeutic approaches. Acrolein, an α-,β-unsaturated aldehyde, is endogenously produced during lipid peroxidation. Acrolein shows high reactivity with proteins to form acrolein-protein conjugates (Acr-PCs), resulting in alterations in protein function. In previous research, we found elevated levels of Acr-PCs along with kidney injuries in high-fat diet-streptozotocin (HFD-STZ)-induced DN mice. This study used a proteomic approach with an anti-Acr-PC antibody followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis to identify several acrolein-modified protein targets. Among these protein targets, pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) was found to be modified by acrolein at Cys358, leading to the inactivation of PKM2 contributing to the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis through HIF1α accumulation, aberrant glycolysis, and upregulation of EMT in HFD-STZ-induced DN mice. Finally, PKM2 activity and renal fibrosis in DN mice can be reduced by acrolein scavengers such as hydralazine and carnosine. These results imply that acrolein-modified PKM2 contributes to renal fibrosis in the pathogenesis of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Wei Kuo
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Hao Chen
- Molecular Medicine Program, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Tsun Tsai
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ching Lin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Wei Cheng
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yeou-Guang Tsay
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiang-Tsui Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Doctor Degree Program in Toxicology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Hsiang-Tsui Wang,
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27
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Fibrosis: Types, Effects, Markers, Mechanisms for Disease Progression, and Its Relation with Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044004. [PMID: 36835428 PMCID: PMC9963026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Most chronic inflammatory illnesses include fibrosis as a pathogenic characteristic. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components build up in excess to cause fibrosis or scarring. The fibrotic process finally results in organ malfunction and death if it is severely progressive. Fibrosis affects nearly all tissues of the body. The fibrosis process is associated with chronic inflammation, metabolic homeostasis, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling, where the balance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems appears to be a key modulator in managing these processes. Virtually every organ system, including the lungs, heart, kidney, and liver, can be affected by fibrosis, which is characterized as an excessive accumulation of connective tissue components. Organ malfunction is frequently caused by fibrotic tissue remodeling, which is also frequently linked to high morbidity and mortality. Up to 45% of all fatalities in the industrialized world are caused by fibrosis, which can damage any organ. Long believed to be persistently progressing and irreversible, fibrosis has now been revealed to be a very dynamic process by preclinical models and clinical studies in a variety of organ systems. The pathways from tissue damage to inflammation, fibrosis, and/or malfunction are the main topics of this review. Furthermore, the fibrosis of different organs with their effects was discussed. Finally, we highlight many of the principal mechanisms of fibrosis. These pathways could be considered as promising targets for the development of potential therapies for a variety of important human diseases.
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28
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Li C, Meng X, Wang L, Dai X. Mechanism of action of non-coding RNAs and traditional Chinese medicine in myocardial fibrosis: Focus on the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1092148. [PMID: 36843918 PMCID: PMC9947662 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1092148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is a serious public health problem worldwide that is closely linked to progression of many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and adversely affects both the disease process and clinical prognosis. Numerous studies have shown that the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. Therefore, targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway may be a therapeutic measure for cardiac fibrosis. Currently, as the investigation on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) move forward, a variety of ncRNAs targeting TGF-β and its downstream Smad proteins have attracted high attention. Besides, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used in treating the cardiac fibrosis. As more and more molecular mechanisms of natural products, herbal formulas, and proprietary Chinese medicines are revealed, TCM has been proven to act on cardiac fibrosis by modulating multiple targets and signaling pathways, especially the TGF-β/Smad. Therefore, this work summarizes the roles of TGF-β/Smad classical and non-classical signaling pathways in the cardiac fibrosis, and discusses the recent research advances in ncRNAs targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and TCM against cardiac fibrosis. It is hoped, in this way, to give new insights into the prevention and treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjun Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiangxiang Meng
- College of Marxism, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Lina Wang
- First College of Clinical Medical, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xia Dai
- College of Health, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China,*Correspondence: Xia Dai,
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29
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Wang YN, Zhang ZH, Liu HJ, Guo ZY, Zou L, Zhang YM, Zhao YY. Integrative phosphatidylcholine metabolism through phospholipase A 2 in rats with chronic kidney disease. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:393-405. [PMID: 35922553 PMCID: PMC9889763 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00947-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation in lipid metabolism is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and also the important risk factors for high morbidity and mortality. Although lipid abnormalities were identified in CKD, integral metabolic pathways for specific individual lipid species remain to be clarified. We conducted ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-definition mass spectrometry-based lipidomics and identified plasma lipid species and therapeutic effects of Rheum officinale in CKD rats. Adenine-induced CKD rats were administered Rheum officinale. Urine, blood and kidney tissues were collected for analyses. We showed that exogenous adenine consumption led to declining kidney function in rats. Compared with control rats, a panel of differential plasma lipid species in CKD rats was identified in both positive and negative ion modes. Among the 50 lipid species, phosphatidylcholine (PC), lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC) and lysophosphatidic acid (LysoPA) accounted for the largest number of identified metabolites. We revealed that six PCs had integral metabolic pathways, in which PC was hydrolysed into LysoPC, and then converted to LysoPA, which was associated with increased cytosolic phospholipase A2 protein expression in CKD rats. The lower levels of six PCs and their corresponding metabolites could discriminate CKD rats from control rats. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that each individual lipid species had high values of area under curve, sensitivity and specificity. Administration of Rheum officinale significantly improved impaired kidney function and aberrant PC metabolism in CKD rats. Taken together, this study demonstrates that CKD leads to PC metabolism disorders and that the dysregulation of PC metabolism is involved in CKD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Hong-Jiao Liu
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Guo
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Ya-Mei Zhang
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610081, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital & Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610081, China.
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30
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Cao G, Miao H, Wang YN, Chen DQ, Wu XQ, Chen L, Guo Y, Zou L, Vaziri ND, Li P, Zhao YY. Intrarenal 1-methoxypyrene, an aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist, mediates progressive tubulointerstitial fibrosis in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2929-2945. [PMID: 35577910 PMCID: PMC9622813 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that endogenous metabolites act via aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signalling pathway in tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) pathogenesis. However, the mechanisms underlying endogenous metabolite-mediated AhR activation are poorly characterised. In this study, we conducted untargeted metabolomics analysis to identify the significantly altered intrarenal metabolites in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). We found that the levels of the metabolite 1-methoxypyrene (MP) and the mRNA expression of AhR and its target genes CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP1B1 and COX-2 were progressively increased in the obstructed kidney at Weeks 1, 2 and 3. Furthermore, these changes were positively correlated with progressive TIF in UUO mice. In NRK-52E, RAW 264.7 and NRK-49F cells, MP dose-dependently upregulated the mRNA expression of AhR and its four target genes and the protein expression of nuclear AhR, accompanied by the upregulated protein expression of collagen I, α-SMA and fibronectin, as well as downregulated E-cadherin expression. Consistently, oral administration of MP in mice progressively enhanced AhR activity and upregulated profibrotic protein expression in the kidneys; these effects were partially inhibited by AhR knockdown in MP-treated mice and cell lines. In addition, we screened and identified erythro-guaiacylglycerol-β-ferulic acid ether (GFA), which was isolated from Semen plantaginis, as a new AhR antagonist. GFA significantly attenuated TIF in MP-treated NRK-52E cells and mice by partially antagonising AhR activity. Our results suggest that MP activates AhR signalling, thus mediating TIF through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and macrophage-myofibroblast transition. MP is a crucial metabolite that contributes to TIF via AhR signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Hua Miao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Dan-Qian Chen
- Beijing Key Lab for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Department of Nephrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Road, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xia-Qing Wu
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, 1700 Lomas Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87131, USA
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, No. 2025 Chengluo Avenue, Chengdu, 610106, China
| | - Nosratola D Vaziri
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, 1001 Health Sciences Rd, Irvine, CA, 92897, USA
| | - Ping Li
- Beijing Key Lab for Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medical Science, Department of Nephrology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, No. 2 Yinghua East Road, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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31
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Xu Y, Chen J, Wang H, Lu Y. Research and application of herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic kidney disease since the 21st century: A visualized bibliometric analysis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:971113. [PMID: 36249821 PMCID: PMC9561987 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.971113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Here, a bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis was used to analyze the research status and application of herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD). By looking for research hotspots and key topics, we provide new clues and research directions for future research. Methods: Articles and reviews regarding herbal medicine in the treatment of CKD were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on 23 May 2022. The R-bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software were used to conduct the bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis. Results: In total, 5,920 authors at 1,330 institutions from 68 countries published 1,602 papers in 355 academic journals. China is the leader and pioneer in the research and application of herbal medicine in the field of CKD treatment. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine contributed the most publications. Ping Li (China-Japan Friendship Hospital) published the most articles, while Yingyong Zhao (Northwest University) had the most cocitations. However, cooperation among countries and the research institutions is not sufficient. Journal of Ethnopharmacology published the most research and application of herbal medicine in the treatment of CKD and was the most commonly co-cited journal. The most influential research hotspots about herbal medicine in the treatment of CKD focused on diabetic nephropathy-related research, Balkan endemic nephropathy, and pharmacokinetic study. Conclusion: Herbal medicine has a wide range of pharmacological activities and therapeutic value. The research and application of herbal medicine for the treatment of CKD, especially diabetic nephropathy, will remain a hot topic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunling Xu
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Chen
- Hangzhou Linping Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Wang
- Hangzhou Linping Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Miao H, Zhang Y, Yu X, Zou L, Zhao Y. Membranous nephropathy: Systems biology-based novel mechanism and traditional Chinese medicine therapy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:969930. [PMID: 36176440 PMCID: PMC9513429 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.969930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a renal-limited non-inflammatory autoimmune disease in the glomerulus, which is the second or third main cause of end-stage kidney diseases in patients with primary glomerulonephritis. Substantial achievements have increased our understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of murine and human MN. The identification of nephritogenic autoantibodies against neutral endopeptidase, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) antigens provide more specific concept-driven intervention strategies for treatments by specific B cell-targeting monoclonal antibodies to inhibit antibody production and antibody-antigen immune complex deposition. Furthermore, additional antibody specificities for antigens have been discovered, but their pathogenic effects are uncertain. Although anti-PLA2R and anti-THSD7A antibodies as a diagnostic marker is widely used in MN patients, many questions including autoimmune response development, antigenic epitopes, and podocyte damage signalling pathways remain unresolved. This review describes the current available evidence regarding both established and novel molecular mechanisms based on systems biology approaches (gut microbiota, long non-coding RNAs, metabolite biomarkers and DNA methylation) in MN, with an emphasis on clinical findings. This review further summarizes the applications of traditional Chinese medicines such as Tripterygium wilfordii and Astragalus membranaceus for MN treatment. Lastly, this review considers how the identification of novel antibodies/antigens and unresolved questions and future challenges reveal the pathogenesis of MN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yamei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Genetics & Key Disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yingyong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Genetics & Key Disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mo C, Zhao J, Liang J, Wang H, Chen Y, Huang G. Exosomes: A novel insight into traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:844782. [PMID: 36105201 PMCID: PMC9465299 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.844782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles and play an essential role in the mediation of intercellular communication both in health and disease. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has historically been used to maintain human health and treat various diseases up till today. The interplay between exosomes and TCM has attracted researchers’ growing attention. By integrating the available evidence, TCM formulas and compounds isolated from TCM as exosome modulators have beneficial effects on multiple disorders, such as tumors, kidney diseases, and hepatic disease, which may associate with inhibiting cells proliferation, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and attenuating fibrosis. Exosomes, a natural delivery system, are essential in delivering compounds isolated from TCM to target cells or tissues. Moreover, exosomes may be the potential biomarkers for TCM syndromes, providing strategies for TCM treatment. These findings may provide a novel insight into TCM from exosomes and serve as evidence for better understanding and development of TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Mo
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Graduate School, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Guodong Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Guodong Huang,
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Sánchez-Jaramillo EA, Gasca-Lozano LE, Vera-Cruz JM, Hernández-Ortega LD, Salazar-Montes AM. Automated Computer-Assisted Image Analysis for the Fast Quantification of Kidney Fibrosis. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11081227. [PMID: 36009854 PMCID: PMC9404825 DOI: 10.3390/biology11081227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic kidney disease is a health problem in which the kidneys cannot function normally. Thus, they cannot filter blood effectively and cause waste accumulation in the organism, leading to serious health problems. Researchers use animals as models to replicate the human body’s behavior to understand this disease. In these studies, it is essential to evaluate the percentage of fibrosis (growth of fibrotic tissue similar to a scar in response to damage) to know the degree of kidney damage. Some researchers use programs to make the evaluation of fibrosis easier. However, this analysis is time-consuming because it needs to be made one image at a time and there are hundreds of samples in an animal model study. Here, we explain a method to conduct the same analysis but in a faster automated way with the assistance of a computer and a software package called CellProfiler™. The percentage of fibrosis using CellProfiler™ is similar to that obtained with the most widely used software for this kind of analysis called ImageJ. With the help of this approach, researchers can make more studies faster and easier and find new antifibrogenic therapies to address the common and worldwide health problem caused by chronic kidney disease. Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common and worldwide health problem and one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality. Most primary research on this disease requires evaluating the fibrosis index in animal model kidneys, specifically using Masson’s trichrome stain. Different programs are used to calculate the percentage of fibrosis; however, the analysis is time-consuming since one image must be performed at a time. CellProfiler™ is a program designed to analyze data obtained from biological samples and can process multiple images through pipelines, and the results can be exported to databases. This article explains how CellProfiler™ can be used to automatically analyze kidney histology photomicrographs from samples stained with Masson’s trichrome stain to assess the percentage of fibrosis in an experimental animal model of CKD. A pipeline was created to analyze Masson’s trichrome-stained slides in a model of CDK induced by adenine at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, in addition to samples with the vehicle (75% glycerin). The results were compared with those obtained by ImageJ, and no significant differences were found between both programs. The CellProfiler™ pipeline made here is a reliable, fast, and easy alternative for kidney fibrosis analysis and quantification in experimental animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Andrés Sánchez-Jaramillo
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luz Elena Gasca-Lozano
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - José María Vera-Cruz
- Instituto de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis Daniel Hernández-Ortega
- Centro de Investigación Multidisciplinario en Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Tonala 45425, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Adriana María Salazar-Montes
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico
- Correspondence: or
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Wang YN, Liu HJ, Ren LL, Suo P, Zou L, Zhang YM, Yu XY, Zhao YY. Shenkang injection improves chronic kidney disease by inhibiting multiple renin-angiotensin system genes by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:964370. [PMID: 36059935 PMCID: PMC9432462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.964370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide public health problem. The increase in the number of patients with CKD and end-stage kidney disease requesting renal dialysis or transplantation will progress to epidemic proportions in the next several decades. Although blocking the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been used as a first-line standard therapy in patients with hypertension and CKD, patients still progress towards end-stage kidney disease, which might be closely associated with compensatory renin expression subsequent to RAS blockade through a homeostatic mechanism. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is the master upstream regulator that controls multiple intrarenal RAS genes. As Wnt/β-catenin regulates multiple RAS genes, we inferred that this pathway might also be implicated in blood pressure control. Therefore, discovering new medications to synchronously target multiple RAS genes is necessary and essential for the effective treatment of patients with CKD. We hypothesized that Shenkang injection (SKI), which is widely used to treat CKD patients, might ameliorate CKD by inhibiting the activation of multiple RAS genes via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. To test this hypothesis, we used adenine-induced CKD rats and angiotensin II (AngII)-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. Treatment with SKI inhibited renal function decline, hypertension and renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, SKI abrogated the increased protein expression of multiple RAS elements, including angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, as well as Wnt1, β-catenin and downstream target genes, including Snail1, Twist, matrix metalloproteinase-7, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibroblast-specific protein 1, in adenine-induced rats, which was verified in AngII-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. Similarly, our results further indicated that treatment with rhein isolated from SKI attenuated renal function decline and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and repressed RAS activation and the hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in both adenine-induced rats and AngII-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. This study first revealed that SKI repressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by synchronously targeting multiple RAS elements by blocking the hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Jiao Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li-Li Ren
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ping Suo
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Disciplines Team of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Food and Bioengineering, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ya-Mei Zhang
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health issue and has ultimately progressed to an end-stage renal disease that requires life-long dialysis or renal transplantation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of these pathological development and progression remains to be fully understood. The human gut microbiota is made up of approximately 100 trillion microbial cells including anaerobic and aerobic species. In recent years, more and more evidence has indicated a clear association between dysbiosis of gut microbiota and CKD including immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease. The current review describes gut microbial dysbiosis and metabolites in patients with CKD thus helping to understand human disease. Treatment with prebiotics, probiotics and natural products can attenuate CKD through improving dysbiosis of gut microbiota, indicating a novel intervention strategy in patients with CKD. This review also discusses therapeutic options, such as prebiotics, probiotics and natural products, for targeting dysbiosis of gut microbiota in patients to provide more specific concept-driven therapy strategy for CKD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an 710069, Shaanxi, China
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37
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Yang CE, Wang YN, Hua MR, Miao H, Zhao YY, Cao G. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor: From pathogenesis to therapeutic targets in aging-related tissue fibrosis. Ageing Res Rev 2022; 79:101662. [PMID: 35688331 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Aging promotes chronic inflammation, which contributes to fibrosis and decreases organ function. Fibrosis, the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix components, is the main cause of most chronic diseases including aging-related organ failure. Organ fibrosis in the heart, liver, and kidneys is the final manifestation of many chronic diseases. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a cytoplasmic receptor and highly conserved transcription factor that is activated by a variety of small-molecule ligands to affect a wide array of tissue homeostasis functions. In recent years, mounting evidence has revealed that AHR plays an important role in multi-organ fibrosis initiation, progression, and therapy. In this review, we summarise the relationship between AHR and the pathogenesis of aging-related tissue fibrosis, and further discuss how AHR modulates tissue fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β signalling, immune response, and mitochondrial function, which may offer novel targets for the prevention and treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-E Yang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Meng-Ru Hua
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China
| | - Hua Miao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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Wang YN, Feng HY, Nie X, Zhang YM, Zou L, Li X, Yu XY, Zhao YY. Recent Advances in Clinical Diagnosis and Pharmacotherapy Options of Membranous Nephropathy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:907108. [PMID: 35694252 PMCID: PMC9178124 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.907108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Membranous nephropathy (MN) is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome among adults, which is the leading glomerular disease that recurs after kidney transplantation. Treatment for MN remained controversial and challenging, partly owing to absence of sensitive and specific biomarkers and effective therapy for prediction and diagnosis of disease activity. MN starts with the formation and deposition of circulating immune complexes on the outer area in the glomerular basement membrane, leading to complement activation. The identification of autoantibodies against the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing protein 7A (THSD7A) antigens illuminated a distinct pathophysiological rationale for MN treatments. Nowadays, detection of serum anti-PLA2R antibodies and deposited glomerular PLA2R antigen can be routinely applied to MN. Anti-PLA2R antibodies exhibited much high specificity and sensitivity. Measurement of PLA2R in immune complex deposition allows for the diagnosis of PLA2R-associated MN in patients with renal biopsies. In the review, we critically summarized newer diagnosis biomarkers including PLA2R and THSD7A tests and novel promising therapies by using traditional Chinese medicines such as Astragalus membranaceus, Tripterygium wilfordii, and Astragaloside IV for the treatment of MN patients. We also described unresolved questions and future challenges to reveal the diagnosis and treatments of MN. These unprecedented breakthroughs were quickly translated to clinical diagnosis and management. Considerable advances of detection methods played a critical role in diagnosis and monitoring of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hao-Yu Feng
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xin Nie
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ya-Mei Zhang
- Key Disciplines of Clinical Pharmacy, Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liang Zou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Li
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of General Practice, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Xia Li, ; Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
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Tan YQ, Wang YN, Feng HY, Guo ZY, Li X, Nie XL, Zhao YY. Host/microbiota interactions-derived tryptophan metabolites modulate oxidative stress and inflammation via aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 184:30-41. [PMID: 35367341 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that induces the expression of a broad range of downstream genes such as cytochromes P450 enzymes and cyclooxygenase-2. Recent research focuses are shifting from AhR activation induced by xenobiotics to its response patterns to physiological ligands that expand our understanding of how endogenous metabolites as ligands to modulate AhR signaling pathway under homeostasis and pathological conditions. With increasing interest in AhR and its endogenous ligands, it would seem advisable to summarize a variety of endogenous ligands especially host/gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. Mounting evidence has indicated that AhR play a critical role in the regulation of redox homeostasis and immune responses. In this review, we outline the canonical and non-canonical AhR signalling pathway that is mediated by host/gut microbiota-derived tryptophan metabolites. Through several typical endogenous AhR ligands, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of AhR-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathological milieu, including diabetes, diabetic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Finally, we summarize and emphasize the limitations and breakthrough of endogenous AhR ligands from host/microbial tryptophan catabolites. This review might provide novel diagnostic and prognostic approach for refractory human diseases and establish new therapeutic strategies for AhR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Qi Tan
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Hao-Yu Feng
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Guo
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China
| | - Xia Li
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China; Department of General Practice, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, No. 777 Xitai Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710100, China.
| | - Xiao-Li Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13, Shi Liu Gang Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510315, China.
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, No. 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710069, China.
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