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Shao KM, Shao WH. Transcription Factors in the Pathogenesis of Lupus Nephritis and Their Targeted Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1084. [PMID: 38256157 PMCID: PMC10816397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021084] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disease, characterized by breakdown of immunotolerance to self-antigens. Renal involvement, known as lupus nephritis (LN), is one of the leading causes of morbidity and a significant contributor to mortality in SLE. Despite current pathophysiological advances, further studies are needed to fully understand complex mechanisms underlying the development and progression of LN. Transcription factors (TFs) are proteins that regulate the expression of genes and play a crucial role in the development and progression of LN. The mechanisms of TF promoting or inhibiting gene expression are complex, and studies have just begun to reveal the pathological roles of TFs in LN. Understanding TFs in the pathogenesis of LN can provide valuable insights into this disease's mechanisms and potentially lead to the development of targeted therapies for its management. This review will focus on recent findings on TFs in the pathogenesis of LN and newly developed TF-targeted therapy in renal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M. Shao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Liu L, Zhang L, Li M. Application of herbal traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:981063. [PMID: 36506523 PMCID: PMC9729561 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.981063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a secondary renal disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus affecting the kidneys. It is one of the main causes of end-stage renal disease and a serious risk factor for early mortality and disability of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Existing LN treatment is mainly based on hormones, cytotoxic drugs, and biological agents. Nevertheless, the prognosis of LN patients remains poor because of frequent recurrence and exacerbation of adverse drug reactions. Hence, LN is still the most important cause of end-stage renal disease. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted increasing attention because of encouraging evidence that it alleviates LN and the well-described mechanisms underlying renal injury. TCM has therapeutic benefits for treating LN patients. This review article elucidates TCM preparations, TCM monomers, and herbal or natural extraction for LN treatment to provide effective supplementary evidence for promoting the development of TCM treatment for LN and reference for future research and clinical practice.
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Yang F, Zhai Z, Luo X, Luo G, Zhuang L, Zhang Y, Li Y, Sun E, He Y. Bioinformatics identification of key candidate genes and pathways associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 39:425-434. [PMID: 31673979 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04751-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production and multi-system involvement, but the etiology is largely unclear. This study aimed to elucidate candidate genes and pathways involved in SLE. METHODS Three original datasets GSE72509, GSE20864, and GSE39088 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the data were further integrated and analyzed. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between SLE patients and healthy people were identified. And then we performed gene ontology (GO) function and pathway enrichment analyses of common DEGs, and constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network with STRING database. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out to validate the expression levels of candidate genes in blood samples from SLE patients and healthy controls. RESULTS In total, 321 common DEGs were identified in SLE patients compared with healthy controls, including 231 upregulated and 90 downregulated genes. GO function analysis revealed that 321 common DEGs were mainly enriched in innate immune response, defense response, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to interferon-alpha, and I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling. Additionally, pathway enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were mainly enriched in several signaling pathways associated with immune system and apoptosis, including RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, and p53 signaling pathway. The expression levels of candidate genes RPL26L1, FBXW11, FOXO1, and SMAD7 were validated by RT-qPCR analysis. CONCLUSIONS The four hub genes including RPL26L1, FBXW11, FOXO1, and SMAD7 may play key roles in the pathogenesis and development of SLE. RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation pathway, and p53 signaling pathway may be closely implicated in SLE pathogenesis. Collectively, these results may provide valuable novel markers or targets for the diagnosis and treatment of SLE.Key Points• Integrated bioinformatics analysis of three profile datasets based on SLE patients and healthy controls was performed and 321 common DEGs were identified.• The 321 common DEGs were mainly enriched in biological processes related to immune responses and inflammatory responses, including innate immune response, defense response, cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, response to interferon-alpha, I-kappaB kinase/NF-kappaB signaling, whereas the three most significant cellular components were oxidoreductase complex, AIM2 inflammasome complex, and ubiquitin ligase complex.• KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that common DEGs were mainly enriched in several signaling pathways associated with immune system and apoptosis, including RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, and p53 signaling pathway.• Candidate genes RPL26L1, FBXW11, FOXO1, and SMAD7 may be closely involved in the pathogenesis and development of SLE and may provide valuable novel markers or targets for the diagnosis and treatment of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeqing Zhai
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihu Luo
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhuang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yehao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erwei Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yi He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Clinical Immunology, Academy of Orthopedics, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
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NLRP3 Inflammasome Modulation by Melatonin Supplementation in Chronic Pristane-Induced Lupus Nephritis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143466. [PMID: 31311094 PMCID: PMC6678949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a kidney inflammatory disease caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). NLRP3 inflammasome activation is implicated in LN pathogenesis, suggesting its potential targets for LN treatment. Melatonin, an endogenous indoleamine, is considered an important multitasking molecule that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory responses in vivo. This molecule has also protective effects against the activation of the inflammasomes and, in particular, the NLRP3 inflammasome. Thus, this work evaluated the effect of melatonin on morphological alteration and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LN pristane mouse models. To evaluate the melatonin effects in these mice, we studied the renal cytoarchitecture by means of morphological analyses and immunohistochemical expression of specific markers related to oxidative stress, inflammation and inflammasome activation. Our results showed that melatonin attenuates pristane-induced LN through restoring of morphology and attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation through a pathway that inhibited activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Our data clearly demonstrate that melatonin has protective activity on lupus nephritis in these mice that is highly associated with its effect on enhancing the Nrf2 antioxidant signaling pathway and decreasing renal NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Simon-Gabriel CP, Foerster K, Saleem S, Bleckmann D, Benkisser-Petersen M, Thornton N, Umezawa K, Decker S, Burger M, Veelken H, Claus R, Dierks C, Duyster J, Zirlik K. Microenvironmental stromal cells abrogate NF-κB inhibitor-induced apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Haematologica 2017; 103:136-147. [PMID: 29122993 PMCID: PMC5777201 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2017.165381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is known to play an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Several NF-κB inhibitors were shown to successfully induce apoptosis of CLL cells in vitro Since the microenvironment is known to be crucial for the survival of CLL cells, herein, we tested whether NF-κB inhibition may still induce apoptosis in these leukemic cells in the presence of protective stromal interaction. We used the specific NF-κB inhibitor dehydroxymethylepoxyquinomicin (DHMEQ). Microenvironmental support was mimicked by co-culturing CLL cells with bone marrow-derived stromal cell lines (HS-5 and M2-10B4). NF-κB inhibition by DHMEQ in CLL cells could be confirmed in both the monoculture and co-culture setting. In line with previous reports, NF-κB inhibition induced apoptosis in the monoculture setting by activating the intrinsic apoptotic pathway resulting in poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-cleavage; however, it was unable to induce apoptosis in leukemic cells co-cultured with stromal cells. Similarly, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-mediated RELA downregulation induced apoptosis of CLL cells cultured alone, but not in the presence of supportive stromal cells. B-cell activating factor (BAFF) was identified as a microenvironmental messenger potentially protecting the leukemic cells from NF-κB inhibition-induced apoptosis. Finally, we show improved sensitivity of stroma-supported CLL cells to NF-κB inhibition when combining the NF-κB inhibitor with the SYK inhibitor R406 or the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib, agents known to inhibit the stroma-leukemia crosstalk. We conclude that NF-κB inhibitors are not promising as monotherapies in CLL, but may represent attractive therapeutic partners for ibrutinib and R406.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Philipp Simon-Gabriel
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Foerster
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Shifa Saleem
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Bleckmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco Benkisser-Petersen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Thornton
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kazuo Umezawa
- Department of Molecular Target Medicine, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Sarah Decker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Meike Burger
- Furtwangen University, Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, Schwenningen Campus, Villingen-Schwenningen, Germany
| | - Hendrik Veelken
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Rainer Claus
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christine Dierks
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katja Zirlik
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany .,Tumor and Breast Center ZeTuP, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Gadina M, Gazaniga N, Vian L, Furumoto Y. Small molecules to the rescue: Inhibition of cytokine signaling in immune-mediated diseases. J Autoimmun 2017; 85:20-31. [PMID: 28676205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines are small, secreted proteins associated with the maintenance of immune homeostasis but also implicated with the pathogenesis of several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Biologic agents blocking cytokines or their receptors have revolutionized the treatment of such pathologies. Nonetheless, some patients fail to respond to these drugs or do not achieve complete remission. The signal transduction originating from membrane-bound cytokine receptors is an intricate network of events that lead to gene expression and ultimately regulate cellular functionality. Our understanding of the intracellular actions that molecules such as interleukins, interferons (IFNs) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) set into motion has greatly increased in the past few years, making it possible to interfere with cytokines' signaling cascades. The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and the Phosphatidylinositol-3'-kinases (PI3K) pathways have all been intensively studied and key steps as well as molecules have been identified. These research efforts have led to the development of a new generation of small molecule inhibitors. Drugs capable of blocking JAK enzymatic activity or interfering with the proteasome-mediated degradation of intermediates in the NF-kB pathway have already entered the clinical arena confirming the validity of this approach. In this review, we have recapitulated the biochemical events downstream of cytokine receptors and discussed some of the drugs which have already been successfully utilized in the clinic. Moreover, we have highlighted some of the new molecules that are currently being developed for the treatment of immune-mediated pathologies and malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Gadina
- Translational Immunology Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA.
| | - Nathalia Gazaniga
- Translational Immunology Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
| | - Laura Vian
- Translational Immunology Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
| | - Yasuko Furumoto
- Translational Immunology Section, Office of Science and Technology, National Institute of Arthritis Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
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Toro-Domínguez D, Carmona-Sáez P, Alarcón-Riquelme ME. Support for phosphoinositol 3 kinase and mTOR inhibitors as treatment for lupus using in-silico drug-repurposing analysis. Arthritis Res Ther 2017; 19:54. [PMID: 28284231 PMCID: PMC5346251 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-017-1263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with few treatment options. Current therapies are not fully effective and show highly variable responses. In this regard, large efforts have focused on developing more effective therapeutic strategies. Drug repurposing based on the comparison of gene expression signatures is an effective technique for the identification of new therapeutic approaches. Here we present a drug-repurposing exploratory analysis using gene expression signatures from SLE patients to discover potential new drug candidates and target genes. Methods We collected a compendium of gene expression signatures comprising peripheral blood cells and different separate blood cell types from SLE patients. The Lincscloud database was mined to link SLE signatures with drugs, gene knock-down, and knock-in expression signatures. The derived dataset was analyzed in order to identify compounds, genes, and pathways that were significantly correlated with SLE gene expression signatures. Results We obtained a list of drugs that showed an inverse correlation with SLE gene expression signatures as well as a set of potential target genes and their associated biological pathways. The list includes drugs never or little studied in the context of SLE treatment, as well as recently studied compounds. Conclusion Our exploratory analysis provides evidence that phosphoinositol 3 kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors could be potential therapeutic options in SLE worth further future testing. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1263-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Toro-Domínguez
- Area of Medical Genomics, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avda. de la Ilustración 114, PTS-18016, Granada, Spain.,Bioinformatics Unit, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avda. de la Ilustración 114, PTS-18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Pedro Carmona-Sáez
- Area of Medical Genomics, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avda. de la Ilustración 114, PTS-18016, Granada, Spain. .,Bioinformatics Unit, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre of Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avda. de la Ilustración 114, PTS-18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Marta E Alarcón-Riquelme
- Area of Medical Genomics, Pfizer-University of Granada-Andalusian Government Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research (GENYO), Avda. de la Ilustración 114, PTS-18016, Granada, Spain. .,Unit of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 17177, Sweden.
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Herrington FD, Carmody RJ, Goodyear CS. Modulation of NF-κB Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Autoimmunity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 21:223-42. [PMID: 26597958 DOI: 10.1177/1087057115617456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases arise from the loss of tolerance to endogenous self-antigens, resulting in a heterogeneous range of chronic conditions that cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Western countries, over 5% of the population is affected by some form of autoimmune disease, with enhanced or inappropriate activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB implicated in a number of these conditions. Although treatment strategies for autoimmunity have improved significantly in recent years, current therapeutics are still not capable of achieving satisfactory disease management in all patients, and as such, the therapeutic modulation of NF-κB is an attractive target in autoimmunity. To date, no NF-κB inhibitors have progressed to the clinic for the treatment of autoimmunity, but a variety of promising approaches targeting multiple stages of the NF-κB pathway are currently being explored. This review focuses on the current strategies being investigated for the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in autoimmune diseases and considers potential future strategies for the therapeutic targeting of this crucial transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity D Herrington
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruaidhrí J Carmody
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carl S Goodyear
- University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK GLAZgo Discovery Centre, University of Glasgow, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow, UK
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Ginsenoside Rh1 Improves the Effect of Dexamethasone on Autoantibodies Production and Lymphoproliferation in MRL/lpr Mice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:727650. [PMID: 25918545 PMCID: PMC4397023 DOI: 10.1155/2015/727650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside Rh1 is able to upregulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) level, suggesting Rh1 may improve glucocorticoid efficacy in hormone-dependent diseases. Therefore, we investigated whether Rh1 could enhance the effect of dexamethasone (Dex) in the treatment of MRL/lpr mice. MRL/lpr mice were treated with vehicle, Dex, Rh1, or Dex + Rh1 for 4 weeks. Dex significantly reduced the proteinuria and anti-dsDNA and anti-ANA autoantibodies. The levels of proteinuria and anti-dsDNA and anti-ANA autoantibodies were further decreased in Dex + Rh1 group. Dex, Rh1, or Dex + Rh1 did not alter the proportion of CD4+ splenic lymphocytes, whereas the proportion of CD8+ splenic lymphocytes was significantly increased in Dex and Dex + Rh1 groups. Dex + Rh1 significantly decreased the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ splenic lymphocytes compared with control. Con A-induced CD4+ splenic lymphocytes proliferation was increased in Dex-treated mice and was inhibited in Dex + Rh1-treated mice. Th1 cytokine IFN-γ mRNA was suppressed and Th2 cytokine IL-4 mRNA was increased by Dex. The effect of Dex on IFN-γ and IL-4 mRNA was enhanced by Rh1. In conclusion, our data suggest that Rh1 may enhance the effect of Dex in the treatment of MRL/lpr mice through regulating CD4+ T cells activation and Th1/Th2 balance.
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