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Meng P, Liu C, Li J, Fang P, Yang B, Sun W, Zhang Y. CXC chemokine receptor 7 ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting β-catenin signaling and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tubular epithelial cells. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2300727. [PMID: 38189094 PMCID: PMC10776045 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2023.2300727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common feature of various chronic kidney diseases. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. The CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) family plays a role in renal fibrosis; however, the detailed mechanisms have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the potential role of CXCR7 in mediating renal fibrosis. CXCR7 expression is decreased in unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse models. Furthermore, CXCR7 was specifically expressed primarily in the Lotus Tetragonolobus Lectin-expressing segment of tubules, was slightly expressed in the peanut agglutinin-expressing segment, and was barely expressed in the Dolichos biflorus agglutinin-expressing segment. Administration of pFlag-CXCR7, an overexpression plasmid for CXCR7, significantly inhibited the activation of β-catenin signaling and protected against the progression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis in a UIRI mouse model. Using cultured HKC-8 cells, we found that CXCR7 significantly downregulated the expression of active β-catenin and fibrosis-related markers, including fibronectin, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Furthermore, CXCR7 significantly attenuated TGF-β1-induced changes in β-catenin signaling, EMT and fibrosis. These results suggest that CXCR7 plays a crucial role in inhibiting the activation of β-catenin signaling and the progression of EMT and renal fibrosis. Thus, CXCR7 could be a novel therapeutic target for renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Meng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Fang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfang Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Huadu District People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Yu W, Song J, Chen S, Nie J, Zhou C, Huang J, Liang H. Myofibroblast-derived exosomes enhance macrophages to myofibroblasts transition and kidney fibrosis. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2334406. [PMID: 38575341 PMCID: PMC10997357 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2334406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A critical event in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis is the transition of macrophages into myofibroblasts (MMT). Exosomes play an important role in crosstalk among cells in the kidney and the development of renal fibrosis. However, the role of myofibroblast-derived exosomes in the process of MMT and renal fibrosis progression remains unknown. Here, we examined the role of myofibroblast-derived exosomes in MMT and kidney fibrogenesis. In vitro, transforming growth factor-β1 stimulated the differentiation of kidney fibroblasts into myofibroblasts and promoted exosome release from myofibroblasts. RAW264.7 cells were treated with exosomes derived from myofibroblasts. We found purified exosomes from myofibroblasts trigger the MMT. By contrast, inhibition of exosome production with GW4869 or exosome depletion from the conditioned media abolished the ability of myofibroblasts to induce MMT. Mice treatment with myofibroblast-derived exosomes (Myo-Exo) exhibited severe fibrotic lesion and more abundant MMT cells in kidneys with folic acid (FA) injury, which was negated by TANK-banding kinase-1 inhibitor. Furthermore, suppression of exosome production reduced collagen deposition, extracellular matrix protein accumulation, and MMT in FA nephropathy. Collectively, Myo-Exo enhances the MMT and kidney fibrosis. Blockade of exosomes mediated myofibroblasts-macrophages communication may provide a novel therapeutic target for kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqiang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Jinfang Song
- Zhuhai Campus, Zunyi Medical University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Shuangquan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Jiayi Nie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Chujun Zhou
- Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiamin Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
| | - Hua Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Foshan Women and Children Hospital, Foshan, China
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Wang L, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang H. Current perspectives and trends of the research on hypertensive nephropathy: a bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2023. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2310122. [PMID: 38345042 PMCID: PMC10863539 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2310122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypertensive nephropathy continues to be a major cause of end-stage renal disease and poses a significant global health burden. Despite the staggering development of research in hypertensive nephropathy, scientists and clinicians can only seek out useful information through articles and reviews, it remains a hurdle for them to quickly track the trend in this field. This study uses the bibliometric method to identify the evolutionary development and recent hotspots of hypertensive nephropathy. The Web of Science Core Collection database was used to extract publications on hypertensive nephropathy from January 2000 to November 2023. CiteSpace was used to capture the patterns and trends from multi-perspectives, including countries/regions, institutions, keywords, and references. In total, 557 publications on hypertensive nephropathy were eligible for inclusion. China (n = 208, 37.34%) was the most influential contributor among all the countries. Veterans Health Administration (n = 19, 3.41%) was found to be the most productive institution. Keyword bursting till now are renal fibrosis, outcomes, and mechanisms which are predicted to be the potential frontiers and hotspots in the future. The top seven references were listed, and their burst strength was shown. A comprehensive overview of the current status and research frontiers of hypertensive nephropathy has been provided through the bibliometric perspective. Recent advancements and challenges in hypertensive nephropathy have been discussed. These findings can offer informative instructions for researchers and scholars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyu Wang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Yuemiao Zhang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Renal Disease, Ministry of Health of China, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chronic Kidney Disease Prevention and Treatment, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
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4
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Zhao J, Wang X, Wu Y, Zhao C. Krüppel-like factor 4 modulates the miR-101/COL10A1 axis to inhibit renal fibrosis after AKI by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2316259. [PMID: 38345033 PMCID: PMC10863509 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2316259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can progress to renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease (CKD), which reduces quality of life and increases the economic burden on patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying renal fibrosis following AKI remain unclear. This study tested the hypothesis that the Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4)/miR-101/Collagen alpha-1X (COL10A1) axis could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal fibrosis after AKI in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced renal fibrosis and HK-2 cells by gene silencing, overexpression, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, dual-luciferase reporter assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and ELISA. Compared with the Sham group, I/R induced renal tubular and glomerular injury and fibrosis, and increased the levels of BUN, serum Scr and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), Col10a1 and Vimentin expression, but decreased E-cadherin expression in the kidney tissues of mice at 42 days post-I/R. Similarly, hypoxia promoted fibroblastic morphological changes in HK-2 cells and enhanced NGAL, COL10A1, Vimentin, and α-SMA expression, but reduced E-cadherin expression in HK-2 cells. These pathological changes were significantly mitigated in COL10A1-silenced renal tissues and HK-2 cells. KLF4 induces miR-101 transcription. More importantly, hypoxia upregulated Vimentin and COL10A1 expression, but decreased miR-101, KLF4, and E-cadherin expression in HK-2 cells. These hypoxic effects were significantly mitigated or abrogated by KLF4 over-expression in the HK-2 cells. Our data indicate that KLF4 up-regulates miR-101 expression, leading to the downregulation of COL10A1 expression, inhibition of EMT and renal fibrosis during the pathogenic process of I/R-related renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiuli Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yubin Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengguang Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People’s Republic of China
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Ni Y, Zhang H, Xian Q, Qin W, Su H, Wang L, Li J. RfxCas13d-mediated inhibition of Circ1647 alleviates renal fibrosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2331612. [PMID: 38527916 PMCID: PMC10964833 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2331612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the role of Circ1647 in renal fibrosis, which is a hallmark of CKD. METHODS In this study, we established a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and delivered Circ1647 RfxCas13d knockdown plasmid into renal parenchymal cells via retrograde injection through the ureter followed by electroporation. After that, the pathological changes were determined by Hematoxylin and Eosin. Meanwhile, Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to assess the degree of fibrosis. In addition, overexpressing of Circ1647 in renal tubular epithelial cells (TCMK1) was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Circ1647. RESULTS Our results displayed that electroporation-mediated knockdown of Circ1647 by RfxCas13d knockdown plasmid significantly inhibited renal fibrosis in UUO mice as evidenced by reduced expression of fibronectin and α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin). Conversely, overexpression of Circ1647 in TCMK1 cells promoted the fibrosis. In terms of mechanism, Circ1647 may mediate the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway as demonstrated by the balance of the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in vivo and the aggravated phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in vitro. These observations were corroborated by the effects of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, which mitigated fibrosis post Circ1647 overexpression. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that Circ1647 plays a significant role in renal fibrosis by mediating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RfxCas13d-mediated inhibition of Circ1647 may serve as a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Ni
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qianwen Xian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjie Qin
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwei Su
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianchun Li
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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6
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Li L, Xiang T, Guo J, Guo F, Wu Y, Feng H, Liu J, Tao S, Fu P, Ma L. Inhibition of ACSS2-mediated histone crotonylation alleviates kidney fibrosis via IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3200. [PMID: 38615014 PMCID: PMC11016098 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47315-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone lysine crotonylation (Kcr), as a posttranslational modification, is widespread as acetylation (Kac); however, its roles are largely unknown in kidney fibrosis. In this study, we report that histone Kcr of tubular epithelial cells is abnormally elevated in fibrotic kidneys. By screening these crotonylated/acetylated factors, a crotonyl-CoA-producing enzyme ACSS2 (acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2) is found to remarkably increase histone 3 lysine 9 crotonylation (H3K9cr) level without influencing H3K9ac in kidneys and tubular epithelial cells. The integrated analysis of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq of fibrotic kidneys reveal that the hub proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which is regulated by H3K9cr, play crucial roles in fibrogenesis. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of ACSS2 both suppress H3K9cr-mediated IL-1β expression, which thereby alleviate IL-1β-dependent macrophage activation and tubular cell senescence to delay renal fibrosis. Collectively, our findings uncover that H3K9cr exerts a critical, previously unrecognized role in kidney fibrosis, where ACSS2 represents an attractive drug target to slow fibrotic kidney disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Li
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiting Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Feng
- Tulane Research and Innovation for Arrhythmia Discoveries-TRIAD Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Sibei Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China.
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Kidney Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, Chengdu, China.
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7
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Deng B, Zhang J, Zhang X, Wang D, Cheng L, Su P, Yu T, Bao G, Li G, Hong L, Miao X, Yang W, Wang R, Xie J. Novel Peptide DR3penA as a Low-Toxicity Anti renal Fibrosis Agent by Suppressing the TGF-β1/miR-212-5p/Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Class a Domain Containing 4/Smad Axis. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:1126-1141. [PMID: 38633584 PMCID: PMC11020069 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.4c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a complex pathological process that contributes to the development of chronic kidney disease due to various risk factors. Conservative treatment to curb progression without dialysis or renal transplantation is widely applicable, but its effectiveness is limited. Here, the inhibitory effect of the novel peptide DR3penA (DHα-(4-pentenyl)-AlaNPQIR-NH2), which was developed by our group, on renal fibrosis was assessed in cells and mice with established fibrosis and fibrosis triggered by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), unilateral ureteral obstruction, and repeated low-dose cisplatin. DR3penA preserved renal function and ameliorated renal fibrosis at a dose approximately 100 times lower than that of captopril, which is currently used in the clinic. DR3penA also significantly reduced existing fibrosis and showed similar efficacy after subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection. Mechanistically, DR3penA repressed TGF-β1 signaling via miR-212-5p targeting of low-density lipoprotein receptor class a domain containing 4, which interacts with Smad2/3. In addition to having good pharmacological effects, DR3penA could preferentially target injured kidneys and exhibited low toxicity in acute and chronic toxicity experiments. These results unveil the advantages of DR3penA regarding efficacy and toxicity, making it a potential candidate compound for renal fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochuan Deng
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiao Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Medical
Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University
Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ping Su
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tingli Yu
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guangjun Bao
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Guofeng Li
- School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen University
Health Science Centre, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Liang Hong
- Guangdong
Provincial Key Laboratory of Chiral Molecular and Drug Discovery,
School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen
University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaokang Miao
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenle Yang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
- Institute
of Materia Medica and Research Unit of Peptide Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union
Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Junqiu Xie
- Key
Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drugs of Gansu Province, School
of Basic Medical Sciences & Research Unit of Peptide Science,
Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU066, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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8
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Kuang Q, Gao L, Feng L, Xiong X, Yang J, Zhang W, Huang L, Li L, Luo P. Toxicological effects of microplastics in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:2350-2362. [PMID: 38156432 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment poses a significant threat to biological survival and human health. However, our understanding of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of the toxic effects of MPs on the kidneys using an ischemia-reperfusion (IR) mouse model. Four-week-old ICR mice were exposed to 0.5 μm MPs for 12 weeks prior to IR injury. The results showed that MPs exposure could aggravate the IR-induced damage to renal tubules and glomeruli. Although there were no significant changes in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels 7 days after IR, MPs treatment resulted in a slight increase in both parameters. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors (MCP-1 and IL-6) at the mRNA level, as well as macrophage markers (CD68 and F4/80), were significantly higher in the MPs + IR group than in the Sham group after IR. Furthermore, MPs exposure exacerbated IR-induced renal fibrosis. Importantly, the expression of pyroptosis-related genes, including NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-18, was significantly upregulated by MPs, indicating that MPs exacerbate pyroptosis in the context of renal IR. In conclusion, our findings suggest that MPs exposure can aggravate renal IR-induced pyroptosis by activating NLRP3-GSDMD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihui Kuang
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Likun Gao
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixiang Feng
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Urology, Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Lizhi Huang
- School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lili Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Pengcheng Luo
- Department of Urology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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9
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Matsushita K, Toyoda T, Akane H, Morikawa T, Ogawa K. CD44 expression in renal tubular epithelial cells in the kidneys of rats with cyclosporine-induced chronic kidney disease. J Toxicol Pathol 2024; 37:55-67. [PMID: 38584969 PMCID: PMC10995437 DOI: 10.1293/tox.2023-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) injury is the most common cause of drug-induced kidney injury (DIKI). Although TEC regeneration facilitates renal function and structural recovery following DIKI, maladaptive repair of TECs leads to irreversible fibrosis, resulting in chronic kidney disease (CKD). CD44 is specifically expressed in TECs during maladaptive repair in several types of rat CKD models. In this study, we investigated CD44 expression and its role in renal fibrogenesis in a cyclosporine (CyA) rat model of CKD. Seven-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats fed a low-salt diet were subcutaneously administered CyA (0, 15, or 30 mg/kg) for 28 days. CD44 was expressed in atrophic, dilated, and hypertrophic TECs in the fibrotic lesions of the CyA groups. These TECs were collected by laser microdissection and evaluated by microarray analysis. Gene ontology analysis suggested that these TECs have a mesenchymal phenotype, and pathway analysis identified CD44 as an upstream regulator of fibrosis-related genes, including fibronectin 1 (Fn1). Immunohistochemistry revealed that epithelial and mesenchymal markers of TECs of fibrotic lesions were downregulated and upregulated, respectively, and that these TECs were surrounded by a thickened basement membrane. In situ hybridization revealed an increase in Fn1 mRNA in the cytoplasm of TECs of fibrotic lesions, whereas fibronectin protein was localized in the stroma surrounding these tubules. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed increased serum CD44 levels in CyA-treated rats. Collectively, these findings suggest that CD44 contributes to renal fibrosis by inducing fibronectin secretion in TECs exhibiting partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition and highlight the potential of CD44 as a biomarker of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Matsushita
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health
Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takeshi Toyoda
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health
Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Hirotoshi Akane
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health
Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Tomomi Morikawa
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health
Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Kumiko Ogawa
- Division of Pathology, National Institute of Health
Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
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10
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Zheng L, Mei W, Zhou J, Wei X, Huang Z, Lin X, Zhang L, Liu W, Wu Q, Li J, Yan Y. Fluorofenidone attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting lysosomal cathepsin‑mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:142. [PMID: 38476910 PMCID: PMC10928820 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, no antifibrotic drug in clinical use can effectively treat renal fibrosis. Fluorofenidone (AKFPD), a novel pyridone agent, significantly reduces renal fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome; however, the underlying mechanism of this inhibition is not fully understood. The present study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by AKFPD. It investigated the effect of AKFPD on NLRP3 activation and lysosomal cathepsins in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model, and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-treated HK-2 cells and murine peritoneal-derived macrophages (PDMs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP. The results confirmed that AKFPD suppressed renal interstitial fibrosis and inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in UUO rat kidney tissues. In addition, AKFPD reduced the production of activated caspase-1 and maturation of IL-1β by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation in H/R-treated HK-2 cells and murine PDMs stimulated with LPS and ATP. AKFPD also decreased the activities of cathepsins B, L and S both in vivo and in vitro. Notably, AKFPD downregulated cathepsin B expression and NLRP3 colocalization in the cytoplasm after lysosomal disruptions. Overall, the results suggested that AKFPD attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibiting lysosomal cathepsin-mediated activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Mei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhijuan Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaozhen Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jinhong Li
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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11
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Xu Z, Zhang S, Han T, Cai L, Zhong S, Yang X, Zhang S, Li Y, Liu K, Zhou B, Tian X. Continuous genetic monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene activities in distal tubule and collecting duct epithelial cells during renal fibrosis. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30541. [PMID: 38372186 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial cells (ECs) have been proposed to contribute to myofibroblasts or fibroblasts through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during renal fibrosis. However, since EMT may occur dynamically, transiently, and reversibly during kidney fibrosis, conventional lineage tracing based on Cre-loxP recombination in renal ECs could hardly capture the transient EMT activity, yielding inconsistent results. Moreover, previous EMT research has primarily focused on renal proximal tubule ECs, with few reports of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Here, we generated dual recombinases-mediated genetic lineage tracing systems for continuous monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene expression in E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs of distal tubules and collecting ducts during renal fibrosis. Activation of key EMT-inducing transcription factor (EMT-TF) Zeb1 and mesenchymal markers αSMA, vimentin, and N-cadherin, were investigated following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Our data revealed that E-cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs did not transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, nor transiently expressed these mesenchymal genes during renal fibrosis. In contrast, in vitro a large amount of cultured renal ECs upregulated mesenchymal genes in response to TGF-β, a major inducer of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaotong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Simin Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojie Yang
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental & Regenerative Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kuo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueying Tian
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, Shanghai, China
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LI L, ZHAO M, CHANG M, SI Y, ZHAO J, YANG B, ZHANG Y. Protective effect of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction on immunoglobulin A nephropathy through toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 88/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathway. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:324-333. [PMID: 38504538 PMCID: PMC10927408 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240203.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the nephroprotective mechanism of modified Huangqi Chifeng decoction (, MHCD) in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) rats. METHODS To establish the IgAN rat model, the bovine serum albumin, lipopolysaccharide, and carbon tetrachloride 4 method was employed. The rats were then randomly assigned to the control, model, telmisartan, and high-, medium-, and low-dose MHCD groups, and were administered the respective treatments via intragastric administration for 8 weeks. The levels of 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine (CRE), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured in each group. Pathological alterations were detected. IgA deposition was visualized through the use of immunofluorescence staining. The ultrastructure of the kidney was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The expression levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were examined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) P65, were examined by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The 24-h urine protein level in each group increased significantly at week 6, and worsen from then on. But this process can be reversed by treatments of telmisartan, and high-, medium-, and low-dose of MHCD, and these treatments did not affect renal function. Telmisartan, and high-, and medium-dose of MHCD reduced IgA deposition. Renal histopathology demonstrated the protective effect of high-, medium-, and low-dose of MHCD against kidney injury. The expression levels of MCP-1, IL-6, and TGF-β1 in kidney tissues were downregulated by low, medium and high doses of MHCD treatment. Additionally, treatment of low, medium and high doses of MHCD decreased the protein and mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. CONCLUSIONS MHCD exerted nephroprotective effects on IgAN rats, and MHCD regulated the expressions of key targets in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby alleviating renal inflammation by inhibiting MCP-1, IL-6 expressions, and ameliorating renal fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng LI
- 1 Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing 100039, China
- 2 Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Mingming ZHAO
- 3 Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- 4 Xin-Huangpu Joint Innovation Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Meiying CHANG
- 3 Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- 4 Xin-Huangpu Joint Innovation Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Yuan SI
- 3 Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- 4 Xin-Huangpu Joint Innovation Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Jinning ZHAO
- 6 Department of Experimental Research Center, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Bin YANG
- 5 Department of Pathology Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yu ZHANG
- 3 Department of Nephropathy, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100091, China
- 4 Xin-Huangpu Joint Innovation Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510070, China
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Pereira RO, Correia LA, Farah D, Komoni G, Farah V, Fiorino P. Wistar rat as an animal model to study high-fat induced kidney damage: a systematic review. Arch Physiol Biochem 2024; 130:205-214. [PMID: 34915796 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2021.2017462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The effects of high-fat-associated kidney damage in humans are not completely elucidated. Animal experiments are essential to understanding the mechanisms underlying human diseases. This systematic review aimed to compile evidence of the role of a high-fat diet during the development of renal lipotoxicity and fibrosis of Wistar rats to understand whether this is a satisfactory model for the study of high fat-induced kidney damage. We conducted systematic searches in PUBMED, EMBASE, Lilacs, and Web of Science databases from inception until May 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE toll. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and reviewed full-text articles. A total of 11 studies were included. The damage varied depending on the age and sex of the animals, time of protocol, and amount of fat in the diet. In conclusion, the Wistar rat is an adequate animal model to assess the effects of a high-fat diet on the kidneys.HighlightsA high-fat diet may promote kidney damage in Wistar rats.Wistar rat is efficient as an animal model to study high-fat-induced kidney damage.The effect of the diet depends on the fat amount, consumption time, and animal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata O Pereira
- Translational Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Health and Biological Science Center, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luana A Correia
- Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Health and Biological Science Center, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela Farah
- Women's Health Technology Assessment Center, Department of Gynecology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Geovana Komoni
- Translational Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Health and Biological Science Center, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Farah
- Translational Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Health and Biological Science Center, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia Fiorino
- Renal, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Health and Biological Science Center, Mackenzie University, São Paulo, Brazil
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WANG Y, DENG F, LIU S, WANG Y. Network pharmacology and experimental validation to reveal the pharmacological mechanisms of Sini decoction against renal fibrosis. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:362-372. [PMID: 38504542 PMCID: PMC10927398 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20230630.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Sini decoction (, SND) improves renal fibrosis (Rf) in rats based on transforming growth factor β1/Smad (TGF-β1/Smad) signaling pathway. METHODS Network pharmacology was applied to obtain potentially involved signaling pathways in SND's improving effects on Rf. The targets of SND drug components and the targets of Rf were obtained by searching databases, such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCSMP) and GeenCard. The intersection targets of two searches were obtained and underwent signaling pathway analysis using a Venn diagram. Then experimental pharmacology was utilized to prove and investigate the effects of SND on target proteins in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. The Rf rat model was established by unilateral ureteral occlusion (UUO). The expression levels of transforming growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), matrix metal protease-2 (MMP-2), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were determined by Masson staining of rat renal tissue, and immunohistochemical methods. The expression levels of Smad3, Smad2, and Smad7 in renal tissue were determined by Western blotting (WB). The mechanism of the improving effects of SND on Rf was investigated based on TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. RESULTS A total of 12 drug components of Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), 5 drug components of Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiber), and 9 drug components of Gancao (Radix Glycy et Rhizoma) were obtained from the database search, and 207 shared targets were found. A total of 1063 Rf targets were found in the database search. According to the Venn diagram, in total, 96 intersection targets were found in two database searches. The metabolic pathways involved included TGF-β signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/serine-threonine protein kinase signaling (PI3K/Akt) pathway, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway. Masson staining analysis showed that compared with the model group, the renal interstitial collagen deposition levels in the SSN and SND groups were significantly lower (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis, compared with the control group, the positive cell area expression levels of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-1 in the kidney tissue of the model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the positive cell area expression levels of CTGF and TGF-β1 were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, the positive cell area expression levels of MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-1 in the kidney tissue of the SSN and SND groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the positive cell area expression levels of CTGF and TGF-β1 in the kidney tissue were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). WB results showed that the SSN group and the SND group could reduce the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 (P < 0.05) and increase the expression of Smad7 (P < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan WANG
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Fanying DENG
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
| | - Shiqi LIU
- 2 Schools of Basic Medical Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150040, China
| | - Yingli WANG
- 1 Department of Pharmacy, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong 030619, China
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15
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Deng D, Tian D, Wang Y, Bai Y, Diao Z, Liu W. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 protects against renal fibrosis by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Open Med (Wars) 2024; 19:20240934. [PMID: 38584843 PMCID: PMC10997006 DOI: 10.1515/med-2024-0934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis (RF) is an important pathogenesis for renal function deterioration in chronic kidney disease. Secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5) is an anti-fibrotic adipokine but its direct role on RF remains unknown. It was aimed to study the protective effect of SFRP5 against RF and interference with Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway for the first time. First, the therapeutic efficacy of SFRP5 was evaluated by adenovirus overexpression in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in vivo. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into the sham, UUO, and SFRP5 (UUO + Ad-SFRP5) groups. Half rats in each group were selected at random for euthanasia at 7 days and the others until 14 days. Then, the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was established in HK-2 cells in vitro. The cells were divided into four groups: the control group, the TGF-β1 group, the TGF-β1 + SFRP5 group, and the TGF-β1 + SFRP5 + anti-SFRP5 group. The makers of EMT and Wnt/β-catenin pathway proteins were investigated. In the UUO model, expression of SFRP5 showed compensatory upregulation, and adenoviral-mediated SFRP5 over-expression remarkably attenuated RF, as demonstrated by maintenance of E-cadherin and suppression of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA). In vitro, SFRP5 was shown to inhibit TGF-β1-mediated positive regulation of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I but negative regulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, SFRP5 abrogated activation of Wnt/β-catenin, which was the essential pathway in EMT and RF pathogenesis. The changes after a neutralizing antibody to SFRP5 confirmed the specificity of SFRP5 for inhibition. These findings suggest that SFRP5 can directly ameliorate EMT and protect against RF by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Deng
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Dongli Tian
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Wang
- Department of Emergency, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Zongli Diao
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, 100050, Beijing, China
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Reiss AB, Jacob B, Zubair A, Srivastava A, Johnson M, De Leon J. Fibrosis in Chronic Kidney Disease: Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Targets. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1881. [PMID: 38610646 PMCID: PMC11012936 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slowly progressive condition characterized by decreased kidney function, tubular injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation. CKD is a leading global health burden that is asymptomatic in early stages but can ultimately cause kidney failure. Its etiology is complex and involves dysregulated signaling pathways that lead to fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a central mediator in promoting transdifferentiation of polarized renal tubular epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, resulting in irreversible kidney injury. While current therapies are limited, the search for more effective diagnostic and treatment modalities is intensive. Although biopsy with histology is the most accurate method of diagnosis and staging, imaging techniques such as diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and shear wave elastography ultrasound are less invasive ways to stage fibrosis. Current therapies such as renin-angiotensin blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors aim to delay progression. Newer antifibrotic agents that suppress the downstream inflammatory mediators involved in the fibrotic process are in clinical trials, and potential therapeutic targets that interfere with TGF-β signaling are being explored. Small interfering RNAs and stem cell-based therapeutics are also being evaluated. Further research and clinical studies are necessary in order to avoid dialysis and kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B. Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Mineola, NY 11501, USA; (B.J.); (A.Z.); (A.S.); (M.J.); (J.D.L.)
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Ren M, Li J, Xu Z, Nan B, Gao H, Wang H, Lin Y, Shen H. Arsenic exposure induced renal fibrosis via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3-TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. Environ Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38511876 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Environmental arsenic exposure is one of the major global public health problems. Studies have shown that arsenic exposure can cause renal fibrosis, but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Integrating the in vivo and in vitro models, this study investigated the potential molecular pathways for arsenic-induced renal fibrosis. In this study, SD rats were treated with 0, 5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L NaAsO2 for 8 weeks via drinking water, and HK2 cells were treated with different doses of NaAsO2 for 48 h. The in vivo results showed that arsenic content in the rats' kidneys increased as the dose increased. Body weight decreased and kidney coefficient increased at 100 mg/L. As a response to the elevated NaAsO2 dose, inflammatory cell infiltration, renal tubular injury, glomerular atrophy, tubulointerstitial hemorrhage, and fibrosis became more obvious indicated by HE and Masson staining. The kidney transcriptome profiles further supported the protein-protein interactions involved in NaAsO2-induced renal fibrosis. The in vivo results, in together with the in vitro experiments, have revealed that exposure to NaAsO2 disturbed mitochondrial dynamics, promoted mitophagy, activated inflammation and the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway, and finally resulted in fibrosis. In summary, arsenic exposure contributed to renal fibrosis via regulating the mitochondrial dynamics and the NLRP3-TGF-β1/SMAD signaling axis. This study presented an adverse outcome pathway for the development of renal fibrosis due to arsenic exposure through drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zehua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bingru Nan
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongying Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Heng Wang
- Zhoushan Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Heqing Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Xiao X, Wang W, Guo C, Wu J, Zhang S, Shi H, Kwon S, Chen J, Dong Z. Hypermethylation leads to the loss of HOXA5, resulting in JAG1 expression and NOTCH signaling contributing to kidney fibrosis. Kidney Int 2024:S0085-2538(24)00193-5. [PMID: 38521405 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulations, including DNA methylation, are critical to the development and progression of kidney fibrosis, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that fibrosis of the mouse kidney was associated with the induction of DNA methyltransferases and increases in global DNA methylation and was alleviated by the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza). Genome-wide analysis demonstrated the hypermethylation of 94 genes in mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction kidneys, which was markedly reduced by 5-Aza. Among these genes, Hoxa5 was hypermethylated at its gene promoter, and this hypermethylation was associated with reduced HOXA5 expression in fibrotic mouse kidneys after ureteral obstruction or unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury. 5-Aza prevented Hoxa5 hypermethylation, restored HOXA5 expression, and suppressed kidney fibrosis. Downregulation of HOXA5 was verified in human kidney biopsies from patients with chronic kidney disease and correlated with the increased kidney fibrosis and DNA methylation. Kidney fibrosis was aggravated by conditional knockout of Hoxa5 and alleviated by conditional knockin of Hoxa5 in kidney proximal tubules of mice. Mechanistically, we found that HOXA5 repressed Jag1 transcription by directly binding to its gene promoter, resulting in the suppression of JAG1-NOTCH signaling during kidney fibrosis. Thus, our results indicate that loss of HOXA5 via DNA methylation contributes to fibrogenesis in kidney diseases by inducing JAG1 and consequent activation of the NOTCH signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Xiao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, and Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Genitourinary Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chunyuan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital, and Institute of Psoriasis, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jiazhu Wu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Musculoskeletal Tumor, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huidong Shi
- Cancer Center, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sangho Kwon
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jiankang Chen
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, USA.
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Wang DX, Bao SY, Song NN, Chen WZ, Ding XQ, Walker RJ, Fang Y. FTO-mediated m6A mRNA demethylation aggravates renal fibrosis by targeting RUNX1 and further enhancing PI3K/AKT pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23436. [PMID: 38430461 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202302041r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health burden, with ineffective therapies leading to increasing morbidity and mortality. Renal interstitial fibrosis is a common pathway in advanced CKD, resulting in kidney function and structure deterioration. In this study, we investigate the role of FTO-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its downstream targets in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. M6A modification, a prevalent mRNA internal modification, has been implicated in various organ fibrosis processes. We use a mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) as an in vivo model and treated tubular epithelial cells (TECs) with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as in vitro models. Our findings revealed increased FTO expression in UUO mouse model and TGF-β1-treated TECs. By modulating FTO expression through FTO heterozygous mutation mice (FTO+/- ) in vivo and small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro, we observed attenuation of UUO and TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by decreased fibronectin and N-cadherin accumulation and increased E-cadherin levels. Silencing FTO significantly improved UUO and TGF-β1-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and inhibition of autophagy. Further transcriptomic assays identified RUNX1 as a downstream candidate target of FTO. Inhibiting FTO was shown to counteract UUO/TGF-β1-induced RUNX1 elevation in vivo and in vitro. We demonstrated that FTO signaling contributes to the elevation of RUNX1 by demethylating RUNX1 mRNA and improving its stability. Finally, we revealed that the PI3K/AKT pathway may be activated downstream of the FTO/RUNX1 axis in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. In conclusion, identifying small-molecule compounds that target this axis could offer promising therapeutic strategies for treating renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Xi Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Si-Yu Bao
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Na-Na Song
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Ze Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Ding
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
| | - Robert J Walker
- Department of Nephrology, University of Otago Medical School, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yi Fang
- Department of Nephrology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Medical Center of Kidney Disease, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Nephrology and Dialysis, Shanghai, China
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20
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Kuang L, You Y, Qi J, Chen J, Zhou X, Ji S, Cheng J, Kwan HY, Jiang P, Sun X, Su M, Wang M, Chen W, Luo R, Zhao X, Zhou L. Qi-dan-dihuang decoction ameliorates renal fibrosis in diabetic rats via p38MAPK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Environ Toxicol 2024. [PMID: 38456329 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Qi-dan-dihuang decoction (QDD) has been used to treat diabetic kidney disease (DKD), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study reveals the mechanism by which QDD ameliorates DKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The compounds in QDD were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography and quadrupole-time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Key targets and signaling pathways were screened through bioinformatics. Nondiabetic Lepr db/m mice were used as control group, while Lepr db/db mice were divided into model group, dapagliflozin group, 1% QDD-low (QDD-L), and 2% QDD-high (QDD-H) group. After 12 weeks of administration, 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels were detected. Kidney tissues damage and fibrosis were evaluated by pathological staining. In addition, 30 mmol/L glucose-treated HK-2 and NRK-52E cells to induce DKD model. Cell activity and migration capacity as well as protein expression levels were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 46 key target genes were identified. Functional enrichment analyses showed that key target genes were significantly enriched in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. In addition, in vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that QDD ameliorated renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by resolving inflammation and inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via the p38MAPK and AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION QDD inhibits EMT and the inflammatory response through the p38MAPK and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, thereby playing a protective role in renal fibrosis in DKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuyan Kuang
- Endocrinology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanting You
- Endocrinology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Taishan People's Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Taishan, Guangdong, China
| | - Jieying Qi
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jieyu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinghong Zhou
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Ji
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingru Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hiu Yee Kwan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pingping Jiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mengting Su
- Cellular and Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenxiao Chen
- Taishan People's Hospital, Postdoctoral Innovation Practice Base of Southern Medical University, Taishan, Guangdong, China
| | - Ren Luo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoshan Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Endocrinology Department, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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21
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Fu Y, Xiang Y, Wu W, Cai J, Tang C, Dong Z. Corrigendum: Persistent activation of autophagy after cisplatin nephrotoxicity promotes renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1387592. [PMID: 38510650 PMCID: PMC10951900 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1387592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.918732.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Fu
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wenwen Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chengyuan Tang
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Nephrology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, The Second Xiangya Hospital at Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States
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22
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Zhou J, Luo F, Dong X, Ma H, Guan M, Zhang J, Sun Y, Feng J. An AIE Controlled "Off-On" Cu 2+-Sensitive Probe for Early Detection of Renal Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303944. [PMID: 38444198 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Early detection of renal fibrosis (RF) is very important given that it is irreversible when it progresses to the terminal stage. A key marker of RF pathogenesis is activation of myomyofibroblasts, and its targeted imaging may be a promising approach for early detection of RF, but no study has directly imaged activation of renal myomyofibroblasts. Cu2+ plays a major role in the fibrotic activity of myofibroblasts. Herein, inspired by that Cu2+ can complex with bovine serum albumin (BSA), BSA-Ag2S quantum dots (QDs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property are synthesized. Then BSA-Ag2S QDs are modified by chitosan (CS) with renal targeting and hyaluronic acid (HA) with myofibroblast targeting to obtain the AIE assay system (QDs@CS@HA). The system is simple to synthesize, and produces a rapid NIR fluorescence signal turn-on response and a low detection limit of 75 × 10-9 m to Cu2+. In addition, cellular and animal experiments have shown that QDs@CS@HA has good biosafety and cell-targeted imaging capability for RF. Based on the successful application of QDs@CS@HA and the mechanism of RF progression in early RF detection, it is expected that QDs@CS@HA may detect RF before the appearance of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Fusui Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Huili Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Min Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yiwen Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Junfen Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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23
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Cheng HT, Ngoc Ta YN, Hsia T, Chen Y. A quantitative review of nanotechnology-based therapeutics for kidney diseases. Wiley Interdiscip Rev Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2024; 16:e1953. [PMID: 38500369 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Kidney-specific nanocarriers offer a targeted approach to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce off-target effects in renal treatments. The nanocarriers can achieve organ or cell specificity via passive targeting and active targeting mechanisms. Passive targeting capitalizes on the unique physiological traits of the kidney, with factors like particle size, charge, shape, and material properties enhancing organ specificity. Active targeting, on the other hand, achieves renal specificity through ligand-receptor interactions, modifying nanocarriers with molecules, peptides, or antibodies for receptor-mediated delivery. Nanotechnology-enabled therapy targets diseased kidney tissue by modulating podocytes and immune cells to reduce inflammation and enhance tissue repair, or by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation to mitigate renal fibrosis. This review summarizes the current reports of the drug delivery systems that have been tested in vivo, identifies the nanocarriers that may preferentially accumulate in the kidney, and quantitatively compares the efficacy of various cargo-carrier combinations to outline optimal strategies and future research directions. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Teng Cheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Zhu Bei City, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nhi Ngoc Ta
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- International Intercollegiate Ph.D. Program, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tiffaney Hsia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yunching Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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24
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Liu J, Livingston MJ, Dong G, Wei Q, Zhang M, Mei S, Zhu J, Zhang C, Dong Z. HIF-1 contributes to autophagy activation via BNIP3 to facilitate renal fibrosis in hypoxia in vitro and UUO in vivo. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C935-C947. [PMID: 38284121 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00458.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The molecular basis of renal interstitial fibrosis, a major pathological feature of progressive kidney diseases, remains poorly understood. Autophagy has been implicated in renal fibrosis, but whether it promotes or inhibits fibrosis remains controversial. Moreover, it is unclear how autophagy is activated and sustained in renal fibrosis. The present study was designed to address these questions using the in vivo mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction and the in vitro model of hypoxia in renal tubular cells. Both models showed the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and autophagy along with fibrotic changes. Inhibition of autophagy with chloroquine reduced renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction model, whereas chloroquine and autophagy-related gene 7 knockdown decreased fibrotic changes in cultured renal proximal tubular cells, supporting a profibrotic role of autophagy. Notably, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of HIF-1 led to the suppression of autophagy and renal fibrosis in these models. Mechanistically, knock down of BCL2 and adenovirus E1B 19-kDa-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a downstream target gene of HIF, decreased autophagy and fibrotic changes during hypoxia in BUMPT cells. Together, these results suggest that HIF-1 may activate autophagy via BNIP3 in renal tubular cells to facilitate the development of renal interstitial fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Autophagy has been reported to participate in renal fibrosis, but its role and underlying activation mechanism is unclear. In this study, we report the role of HIF-1 in autophagy activation in models of renal fibrosis and further investigate the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Man J Livingston
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Guie Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Qingqing Wei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
| | - Shuqin Mei
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
- Department of Nephrology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiefu Zhu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zheng Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, Georgia, United States
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25
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Stasi E, Sciascia S, Naretto C, Baldovino S, Roccatello D. Lymphatic System and the Kidney: From Lymphangiogenesis to Renal Inflammation and Fibrosis Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2853. [PMID: 38474100 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The lymphatic kidney system plays a crucial role in managing interstitial fluid removal, regulating fluid balance, and tuning immune response. It also assists in the reabsorption of proteins, electrolytes, cytokines, growth factors, and immune cells. Pathological conditions, including tissue damage, excessive interstitial fluid, high blood glucose levels, and inflammation, can initiate lymphangiogenesis-the formation of new lymphatic vessels. This process is associated with various kidney diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hypertension, ultrafiltration challenges, and complications post-organ transplantation. Although lymphangiogenesis has beneficial effects in removing excess fluid and immune cells, it may also contribute to inflammation and fibrosis within the kidneys. In this review, we aim to discuss the biology of the lymphatic system, from its development and function to its response to disease stimuli, with an emphasis on renal pathophysiology. Furthermore, we explore how innovative treatments targeting the lymphatic system could potentially enhance the management of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Stasi
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Savino Sciascia
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Naretto
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Baldovino
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Roccatello
- University Center of Excellence on Nephrologic, Rheumatologic and Rare Diseases (ERK-Net, ERN-Reconnect and RITA-ERN Member) with Nephrology and Dialysis Unit and Center of Immuno-Rheumatology and Rare Diseases (CMID), Coordinating Center of the Interregional Network for Rare Diseases of Piedmont and Aosta Valley, ASL Città di Torino and Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10154 Turin, Italy
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26
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Dong P, Zhang S, Hu DJ, Hou R, Lei L. LncRNA Meg3 Aggravates Renal Fibrosis Caused by Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction in Rats by Activating the Hedgehog Pathway. Discov Med 2024; 36:604-612. [PMID: 38531801 DOI: 10.24976/discov.med.202436182.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hedgehog signaling pathway exerts vital functions in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). It was reported that lncRNA-maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA Meg3) can regulate hepatic fibrosis by regulating the expression of smoothened (Smo) in the hedgehog signaling pathway. However, the specific role of lncRNA Meg3 in renal fibrosis resulting from unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) by regulating the hedgehog signaling pathway has not been reported. Hence, this research aimed to expound the effects of lncRNA Meg3 on renal fibrosis induced by UUO in rats via the hedgehog pathway. METHODS Peripheral blood was collected from patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD, CKD group) and healthy volunteers (Normal group) at the same period. In addition, 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided to Sham, UUO, UUO+shRNA Negative control (shNC), and UUO+sh-Meg3 groups, and their kidney tissues and serum were gathered. Next, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed for detecting the lncRNA Meg3 expression level in the serum of patients and renal tissue of rats; kits for testing levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), hydroxyproline (HYP), and 24-hour urine protein (24-up) in rats of each group; hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining for observing kidney tissue and renal fibrosis level in rats; western blot for measuring levels of collagen type III (Col III), α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, E-cadherin, sonic hedgehog (Shh), patched (Ptch) protein, smoothened (Smo) protein and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) protein expression. RESULTS LncRNA Meg3 was highly expressed in CKD patients and UUO rats (p < 0.01). In contrast to the UUO+shNC group, knocking down lncRNA Meg3 improved renal injury, relieved pathological renal lesions, and reduced kidney fibrosis and related protein levels. It inhibited the hedgehog pathway in kidney tissues of UUO rats (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS LncRNA Meg3 can aggravate UUO-induced rat renal fibrosis by activating the hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Dong
- Department of Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital of Three Gorges University (Yichang Second People's Hospital), 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Nephrology of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of Three Gorges University, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital of Three Gorges University (Yichang Second People's Hospital), 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Nephrology of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of Three Gorges University, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Da-Jun Hu
- Department of Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital of Three Gorges University (Yichang Second People's Hospital), 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Nephrology of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of Three Gorges University, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Hou
- Department of Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital of Three Gorges University (Yichang Second People's Hospital), 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Nephrology of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of Three Gorges University, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Li Lei
- Department of Nephrology, the Second People's Hospital of Three Gorges University (Yichang Second People's Hospital), 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
- Institute of Nephrology of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine of Three Gorges University, 443000 Yichang, Hubei, China
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Ono M, Izumi Y, Maruyama K, Yasuoka Y, Hiramatsu A, Aramburu J, López-Rodríguez C, Nonoguchi H, Kakizoe Y, Adachi M, Kuwabara T, Mukoyama M. Characterization of gene expression in the kidney of renal tubular cell-specific NFAT5 knockout mice. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F394-F410. [PMID: 38153851 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00233.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5; also called TonEBP/OREBP) is a transcription factor that is activated by hypertonicity and induces osmoprotective genes to protect cells against hypertonic conditions. In the kidney, renal tubular NFAT5 is known to be involved in the urine concentration mechanism. Previous studies have suggested that NFAT5 modulates the immune system and exerts various effects on organ damage, depending on organ and disease states. Pathophysiological roles of NFAT5 in renal tubular cells, however, still remain obscure. We conducted comprehensive analysis by performing transcription start site (TSS) sequencing on the kidney of inducible and renal tubular cell-specific NFAT5 knockout (KO) mice. Mice were subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction to examine the relevance of renal tubular NFAT5 in renal fibrosis. TSS sequencing analysis identified 722 downregulated TSSs and 1,360 upregulated TSSs, which were differentially regulated ≤-1.0 and ≥1.0 in log2 fold, respectively. Those TSSs were annotated to 532 downregulated genes and 944 upregulated genes, respectively. Motif analysis showed that sequences that possibly bind to NFAT5 were enriched in TSSs of downregulated genes. Gene Ontology analysis with the upregulated genes suggested disorder of innate and adaptive immune systems in the kidney. Unilateral ureteral obstruction significantly exacerbated renal fibrosis in the renal medulla in KO mice compared with wild-type mice, accompanied by enhanced activation of immune responses. In conclusion, NFAT5 in renal tubules could have pathophysiological roles in renal fibrosis through modulating innate and adaptive immune systems in the kidney.NEW & NOTEWORTHY TSS-Seq analysis of the kidney from renal tubular cell-specific NFAT5 KO mice uncovered novel genes that are possibly regulated by NFAT5 in the kidney under physiological conditions. The study further implied disorders of innate and adaptive immune systems in NFAT5 KO mice, thereby exacerbating renal fibrosis at pathological states. Our results may implicate the involvement of renal tubular NFAT5 in the progression of renal fibrosis. Further studies would be worthwhile for the development of novel therapy to treat chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ono
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Izumi
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kosuke Maruyama
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yukiko Yasuoka
- Department of Physiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Akiko Hiramatsu
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Jose Aramburu
- Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra and Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Rodríguez
- Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra and Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hiroshi Nonoguchi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kakizoe
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Adachi
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takashige Kuwabara
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Mukoyama
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
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Liu SJ, Cao YL, Zhang C. Hirudin in the Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease. Molecules 2024; 29:1029. [PMID: 38474541 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29051029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common public health concern. The global burden of CKD is increasing due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with it, indicating the shortcomings of therapeutic drugs at present. Renal fibrosis is the common pathology of CKD, which is characterized by glomerulosclerosis, renal tubular atrophy, and renal interstitial fibrosis. Natural hirudin is an active ingredient extracted from Hirudo medicinalis, which has been found to be the strongest natural specific inhibitor of thrombin. Evidence based on pharmacological data has shown that hirudin has important protective effects in CKD against diabetic nephrology, nephrotic syndrome, and renal interstitial fibrosis. The mechanisms of hirudin in treating CKD are mainly related to inhibiting the inflammatory response, preventing apoptosis of intrinsic renal cells, and inhibiting the interactions between thrombin and protease-activated receptors. In this review, we summarize the function and beneficial properties of hirudin for the treatment of CKD, and its underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Ji Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yi-Ling Cao
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
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Brandt S, Bernhardt A, Häberer S, Wolters K, Gehringer F, Reichardt C, Krause A, Geffers R, Kahlfuß S, Jeron A, Bruder D, Lindquist JA, Isermann B, Mertens PR. Comparative Analysis of Acute Kidney Injury Models and Related Fibrogenic Responses: Convergence on Methylation Patterns Regulated by Cold Shock Protein. Cells 2024; 13:367. [PMID: 38474331 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix formation in solid organs, disrupting tissue architecture and function. The Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) regulates fibrosis-related genes (e.g., Col1a1, Mmp2, and Tgfβ1) and contributes significantly to disease progression. This study aims to identify fibrogenic signatures and the underlying signaling pathways modulated by YB-1. METHODS Transcriptomic changes associated with matrix gene patterns in human chronic kidney diseases and murine acute injury models were analyzed with a focus on known YB-1 targets. Ybx1-knockout mouse strains (Ybx1ΔRosaERT+TX and Ybx1ΔLysM) were subjected to various kidney injury models. Fibrosis patterns were characterized by histopathological staining, transcriptome analysis, qRT-PCR, methylation analysis, zymography, and Western blotting. RESULTS Integrative transcriptomic analyses revealed that YB-1 is involved in several fibrogenic signatures related to the matrisome, the WNT, YAP/TAZ, and TGFß pathways, and regulates Klotho expression. Changes in the methylation status of the Klotho promoter by specific methyltransferases (DNMT) are linked to YB-1 expression, extending to other fibrogenic genes. Notably, kidney-resident cells play a significant role in YB-1-modulated fibrogenic signaling, whereas infiltrating myeloid immune cells have a minimal impact. CONCLUSIONS YB-1 emerges as a master regulator of fibrogenesis, guiding DNMT1 to fibrosis-related genes. This highlights YB-1 as a potential target for epigenetic therapies interfering in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Brandt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anja Bernhardt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Saskia Häberer
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Wolters
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Gehringer
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Reichardt
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Krause
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Robert Geffers
- Genome Analytics Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Sascha Kahlfuß
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Jeron
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dunja Bruder
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Infection Control and Prevention, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Research Group Immune Regulation, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Jonathan A Lindquist
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter R Mertens
- Clinic of Nephrology and Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI-3), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Health and Medical Prevention (CHaMP), Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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Nishida A, Nishida M, Iehara T. Delayed treatment with erythropoietin attenuates renal fibrosis in mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction. Int J Urol 2024. [PMID: 38366861 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Erythropoietin (EPO) exerts tissue-protective effects on various organs including the kidney. However, the effects of EPO on established renal fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to examine the therapeutic potential of EPO against established renal fibrosis. METHODS Renal fibrosis was induced in mice by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and the mice were treated with recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) daily during 7 and 13 days after UUO. The degrees of renal fibrosis, myofibroblast accumulation, and macrophage infiltration; the mRNA expression levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α1(I) collagen; and the protein levels of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and nuclear NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the kidneys were assessed on day 14 after UUO. RESULTS Treatment with rhEPO significantly decreased fibrosis, myofibroblast accumulation, and α1(I) collagen mRNA expression, but it did not significantly affect TGF-β1 mRNA expression. Although treatment with rhEPO did not significantly affect the total number of interstitial macrophages, it significantly decreased the number of CD86-positive cells (M1 macrophages), while significantly increased the number of CD206-positive cells (M2 macrophages) in the interstitium. Treatment with rhEPO did not affect the Keap1/Nrf2 protein level or the peripheral blood hematocrit value. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate for the first time that EPO exerts antifibrotic effects against the evolution of established renal fibrosis, possibly by influencing the polarization of infiltrating macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihiro Nishida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masashi Nishida
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto, Japan
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Adachi E, Murakoshi M, Shibata T, Shimozawa K, Sakuma H, Kishida C, Gohda T, Suzuki Y. Progranulin deficiency attenuates tubulointerstitial injury in a mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model. Exp Anim 2024:23-0080. [PMID: 38369347 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.23-0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Progranulin (PGRN) may have two opposing effects-inflammation and anti-inflammation-in different diseases. Although previous studies have reported that PGRN is involved in liver fibrosis, its involvement in tubulointerstitial fibrosis remains to be fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated these issues using PGRN-knockout (KO) mice treated with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Eight-week-old male PGRN-KO and wild-type (WT) mice were euthanized 3 and 7 days following UUO, and their kidneys were harvested for histopathological analysis. The renal expression of PGRN was evaluated by immunohistochemical and/or western blot analyses. The renal mRNA levels of markers related to inflammation (Il1b, Tnf, Il6, Ccl2, and Adgre1) and fibrosis (Tgfb1, Acta2, Fn1, and Col1a2) were evaluated using quantitative PCR. Histological changes such as renal tubular atrophy, urinary casts, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis were significantly improved in UUO-KO mice compared with UUO-WT mice. Quantitative PCR revealed that the mRNA expression levels of all inflammation- and fibrosis-related markers were lower in UUO-KO mice than in UUO-WT mice at 3 and/or 7 days after UUO. Moreover, PGRN and GRN protein levels were higher in the kidneys of UUO-WT mice than in mice that did not undergo UUO. Elevated GRN levels associated with excess PGRN levels may be involved in the occurrence of renal inflammation and fibrosis in UUO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eri Adachi
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Maki Murakoshi
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Terumi Shibata
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Kenta Shimozawa
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Hiroko Sakuma
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Chiaki Kishida
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Tomohito Gohda
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Yusuke Suzuki
- Department of Nephrology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
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Duan ZY, Bu R, Liang S, Chen XZ, Zhang C, Zhang QY, Li JJ, Chen XM, Cai GY. Urinary miR-185-5p is a biomarker of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in IgA nephropathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326026. [PMID: 38426107 PMCID: PMC10902439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background For IgA nephropathy (IgAN), tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis is the most important prognostic pathological indicator in the mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity, segmental sclerosis, interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy, and presence of crescents (MEST-C) score. The identification of non-invasive biomarkers for tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis would aid clinical monitoring of IgAN progression and improve patient prognosis. Methods The study included 188 patients with primary IgAN in separate confirmation and validation cohorts. The associations of miR-92a-3p, miR-425-5p, and miR-185-5p with renal histopathological lesions and prognosis were explored using Spearman correlation analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase experiments were used to identify hub genes for miR-185-5p. The fibrotic phenotypes of tubular epithelial cells were evaluated in vivo and in HK-2 cells. Results miRNA sequencing and cohort validation revealed that the expression levels of miR-92a-3p, miR-425-5p, and miR-185-5p in urine were significantly increased among patients with IgAN; these levels could predict the extent of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis in such patients. The combination of the three biomarkers resulted in an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.742. The renal prognosis was significantly worse in the miR-185-5p high expression group than in the low expression group (P=0.003). Renal tissue in situ hybridization, bioinformatics analysis, and dual luciferase experiments confirmed that miR-185-5p affects prognosis in patients with IgAN mainly by influencing expression of the target gene tight junction protein 1 (TJP1) in renal tubular epithelial cells. In vitro experiment revealed that an miR-185-5p mimic could reduce TJP1 expression in HK-2 cells, while increasing the levels of α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen III; these changes promoted the transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells to a fibrotic phenotype. An miR-185-5p inhibitor can reverse the fibrotic phenotype in renal tubular epithelial cells. In a unilateral ureteral obstruction model, the inhibition of miR-185-5p expression alleviated tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion Urinary miR-185-5p, a non-invasive biomarker of tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis in IgAN, may promote the transformation of renal tubular epithelial cells to a fibrotic phenotype via TJP1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guang-Yan Cai
- Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases Research, Beijing, China
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Gu YY, Liu XS, Lan HY. Therapeutic potential for renal fibrosis by targeting Smad3-dependent noncoding RNAs. Mol Ther 2024; 32:313-324. [PMID: 38093516 PMCID: PMC10861968 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a characteristic hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that ultimately results in renal failure, leaving patients with few therapeutic options. TGF-β is a master regulator of renal fibrosis and mediates progressive renal fibrosis via both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways. In the canonical Smad signaling, Smad3 is a key mediator in tissue fibrosis and mediates renal fibrosis via a number of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). In this regard, targeting Smad3-dependent ncRNAs may offer a specific therapy for renal fibrosis. This review highlights the significance and innovation of TGF-β/Smad3-associated ncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets in renal fibrogenesis. In addition, the underlying mechanisms of these ncRNAs and their future perspectives in the treatment of renal fibrosis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yu Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome, Department of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Departments of Medicine and Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, and Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Departments of Nephrology and Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Liao L, Tao P, Xu Q, Chen W, Chen J, Liu W, Liu W, Hu J, Lu J. TRIM6 Promotes ROS-Mediated Inflammasome Activation and Pyroptosis in Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells via Ubiquitination and Degradation of GPX3 Protein. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2024; 29:58. [PMID: 38420829 DOI: 10.31083/j.fbl2902058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyroptosis is a critical form of cell death during the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Tripartite motif 6 (TRIM6) is an E3-ubiquitin ligase that participates in the progression renal fibrosis (RF). The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of TRIM6 and Glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3) in oxidative stress-induced inflammasome activation and pyroptosis in Ang-II treated renal tubular epithelial cells. METHODS To study its role in RF, TRIM6 expression was either reduced or increased in human kidney-2 (HK2) cells using lentivirus, and Ang-II, NAC and BMS-986299 were served as reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducer, ROS scavenger and NLRP3 agonist respectively. Pyroptosis and mitochondrial ROS were measured by flow cytometry. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined using commercial kits, while the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay was used to evaluate the interaction between TRIM6 and GPX3. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot were used to measure mRNA and protein expression, respectively. RESULTS Treatment with Angiotensin II (Ang II) increased the protein and mRNA levels of TRIM6 in HK2 cells. Ang II also increased mitochondrial ROS production and the malondialdehyde (MDA) level, but decreased the levels of GSH and SOD. In addition, Ang II enhanced HK2 cell pyroptosis, increased the levels of IL-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and TNF-α, and promoted the expression of active IL-1β, NLRP3, caspase-1, and GSDMD-N proteins. These effects were reversed by knockdown of TRIM6 and by treatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger. BMS-986299, an NLRP3 agonist treatment, did not affect ROS production in HK2 cells exposed to Ang II combined with NAC, but cell pyroptosis and inflammation were aggravated. Moreover, the overexpression of TRIM6 in HK2 cells resulted in similar effects to Ang II. NAC and GPX3 overexpression in HK2 cells could reverse ROS production, inflammation, and pyroptosis induced by TRIM6 overexpression. TRIM6 overexpression decreased the GPX3 protein level by promoting its ubiquitination, without affecting the GPX3 mRNA level. Thus, TRIM6 facilitates GPX3 ubiquitination, contributing to increased ROS levels and pyroptosis in HK2 cells. CONCLUSIONS TRIM6 increases oxidative stress and promotes the pyroptosis of HK2 cells by regulating GPX3 ubiquitination. These findings could contribute to the development of novel drugs for the treatment of RF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liao
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Pengyu Tao
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhao Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenrui Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
| | - Jianrao Lu
- Department of Nephrology, Seventh People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200137 Shanghai, China
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Zhou S, Ling X, Zhu J, Liang Y, Feng Q, Xie C, Li J, Chen Q, Chen S, Miao J, Zhang M, Li Z, Shen W, Li X, Wu Q, Wang X, Liu R, Wang C, Hou FF, Kong Y, Liu Y, Zhou L. MAGL protects against renal fibrosis through inhibiting tubular cell lipotoxicity. Theranostics 2024; 14:1583-1601. [PMID: 38389852 PMCID: PMC10879875 DOI: 10.7150/thno.92848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Renal fibrosis, with no therapeutic approaches, is a common pathological feature in various chronic kidney diseases (CKD). Tubular cell injury plays a pivotal role in renal fibrosis. Commonly, injured tubular cells exhibit significant lipid accumulation. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels in CKD patients and CKD model specimens were measured using mass spectrometry. 2-AG-loaded nanoparticles were infused into unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice. Lipid accumulation and renal fibrosis were tested. Furthermore, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), the hydrolyzing enzyme of 2-AG, was assessed in CKD patients and models. Tubular cell-specific MAGL knock-in mice were generated. Moreover, MAGL recombination protein was also administered to unilateral ischemia reperfusion injury (UIRI) mice. Besides, a series of methods including RNA sequencing, metabolomics, primary cell culture, lipid staining, etc. were used. Results: 2-AG was increased in the serum or kidneys from CKD patients and models. Supplement of 2-AG further induced lipid accumulation and fibrogenesis through cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2)/β-catenin signaling. β-catenin knockout blocked 2-AG/CB2-induced fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) deficiency and lipid accumulation. Remarkably, MAGL significantly decreased in CKD, aligning with lipid accumulation and fibrosis. Specific transgene of MAGL in tubular cells significantly preserved FAO, inhibited lipid-mediated toxicity in tubular cells, and finally retarded fibrogenesis. Additionally, supplementation of MAGL in UIRI mice also preserved FAO function, inhibited lipid accumulation, and protected against renal fibrosis. Conclusion: MAGL is a potential diagnostic marker for kidney function decline, and also serves as a new therapeutic target for renal fibrosis through ameliorating lipotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jielin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Health Care, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ye Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijian Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chao Xie
- Nephrology Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Jiemei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Nephrology Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Shuangqin Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jinhua Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengyao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiru Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyuan Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and School of Biomedical Engineering, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaozhong Kong
- Nephrology Department, The First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Nephrology, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Wu Q, Chen Q, Xu D, Wang X, Ye H, Li X, Xiong Y, Li J, Zhou S, Miao J, Shen W, Liu Y, Niu H, Tang Y, Zhou L. C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 promotes tubular cell senescence and renal fibrosis through β-catenin-inhibited fatty acid oxidation. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18075. [PMID: 38213100 PMCID: PMC10844696 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is highly increasing. Renal fibrosis is a common pathological feature in various CKD. Previous studies showed tubular cell senescence is highly involved in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. However, the inducers of tubular senescence and the underlying mechanisms have not been fully investigated. C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), a G-protein-coupled seven-span transmembrane receptor, increases renal fibrosis and plays an important role in tubular cell injury. Whereas, whether CXCR4 could induce tubular cell senescence and the detailed mechanisms have not studied yet. In this study, we adopted adriamycin nephropathy and 5/6 nephrectomy models, and cultured tubular cell line. Overexpression or knockdown of CXCR4 was obtained by injection of related plasmids. We identified CXCR4 increased in injury tubular cells. CXCR4 was expressed predominantly in renal tubular epithelial cells and co-localized with adipose differentiation-related protein (ADRP) as well as the senescence-related protein P16INK4A . Furthermore, we found overexpression of CXCR4 greatly induced the activation of β-catenin, while knockdown of CXCR4 inhibited it. We also found that CXCR4 inhibited fatty acid oxidation and triggered lipid deposition in tubular cells. To inhibit β-catenin by ICG-001, an inhibitor of β-catenin, could significantly block CXCR4-suppressed fatty acid oxidation. Taken together, our results indicate that CXCR4 is a key mediator in tubular cell senescence and renal fibrosis. CXCR4 promotes tubular cell senescence and renal fibrosis by inducing β-catenin and inhibiting fatty acid metabolism. Our findings provide a new theory for tubular cell injury in renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyu Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of NephrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiurong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Dan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaoxu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Huiyun Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaolong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yabing Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiemei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Shan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Jinhua Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Weiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hongxin Niu
- Special Medical Service Center, Zhujiang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ying Tang
- Department of NephrologyThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Disease, Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Renal Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Wang M, Wang J, Wang L, Feng X, Qian Y, Ye C, Wang C. Icariside II prevents kidney fibrosis development in chronic kidney disease by promoting fatty acid oxidation. Phytother Res 2024; 38:839-855. [PMID: 38081477 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the main pathological basis for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), however, effective interventions are limited. Here, we investigated the effect of Icariside II (ICA-II) on RIF and explored the underlying mechanisms. Rats receiving 5/6 ablation and infarction (A/I) surgery were gavaged with ICA-II (5 or 10 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. In vitro, TGF-β1-stimulated NRK-52E cells were treated with ICA-II and (or) oleic acid, etomoxir, ranolazine, fenofibrate, and GW6471. The effects of ICA-II on RIF, fatty acid oxidation, lipid deposition, and mitochondrial function were determined by immunoblotting, Oil red O staining, colorimetric, and fluorometric assays. Using adeno-associated virus injection and co-culture methods, we further determined mechanisms of ICA-II anti-RIF. ICA-II ameliorated the fibrotic responses in vivo and in vitro. RNA-seq analysis indicated that ICA-II regulated fatty acid degradation and PPAR pathway in 5/6 (A/I) kidneys. ICA-II attenuated lipid accumulation and up-regulated expression of PPARα, CPT-1α, Acaa2, and Acadsb proteins in vivo and in vitro. Compared to ICA-II treatment, ICA-II combined with Etomoxir exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction and fibrotic responses in TGF-β-treated NRK-52E cells. Importantly, we determined that ICA-II improved lipid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, mitochondrial function, and RIF by restoring PPARα. Co-culture revealed that ICA-II decreased the expression of Fibronectin, Collagen-I, α-SMA, and PCNA proteins in NRK-49F cells by restoring PPARα of renal tubular cells. ICA-II may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for RIF in 5/6 (A/I) rats, which may be important for the prevention and treatment of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingchen Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Feng
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiling Qian
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chaoyang Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- TCM Institute of Kidney Disease, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chen Z, Wang Y, Gunda ST, Han X, Su Z, Ying MTC. Integrating shear wave elastography and estimated glomerular filtration rate to enhance diagnostic strategy for renal fibrosis assessment in chronic kidney disease. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:1766-1777. [PMID: 38415158 PMCID: PMC10895140 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Background Assessing renal fibrosis non-invasively in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a considerable clinical challenge. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of different approaches that combine shear wave elastography (SWE) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in distinguishing between mild fibrosis and moderate-to-severe fibrosis in CKD patients. Methods In this prospective study, 162 patients underwent renal SWE examinations and renal biopsies. Using SWE, the right renal cortex stiffness was measured, and the corresponding SWE value was recorded. Four diagnostic patterns were used to combine eGFR and SWE value: in isolation, in series, in parallel, and in integration. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was calculated to quantify diagnostic performance. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were computed. Results The eGFR demonstrated sensitivity of 68.2% and specificity of 83.8%, whereas the SWE value displayed sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 62.2%, yielding a similar AUC (78.2% and 77.8%, respectively). Combining in series improved specificity to 97.3%, superior to other diagnostic patterns (all P values <0.01), but compromised sensitivity to 58.0%. When combined in parallel, the sensitivity increased to 94.3%, exceeding any other strategies (all P values <0.05), but the specificity dropped to 48.7%. The integrated strategy, incorporating eGFR with SWE value via the logistic regression algorithm, exhibited an AUC of 85.8%, outperforming all existing approaches (all P values <0.01), with balanced sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 86.4%, 74.3%, and 80.9%, respectively. Conclusions Using an integrated strategy to combine eGFR and SWE value could improve diagnostic performance in distinguishing between mild renal fibrosis and moderate-to-severe renal fibrosis in patients with CKD, thereby helping clinicians perform a more accurate clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziman Chen
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yingli Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, EDAN Instruments, Inc., Shenzhen, China
| | - Simon Takadiyi Gunda
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinyang Han
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhongzhen Su
- Department of Ultrasound, Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Michael Tin Cheung Ying
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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Guan L, Jia Z, Xu K, Yang M, Li X, Qiao L, Liu Y, Lin J. Npc1 gene mutation abnormally activates the classical Wnt signalling pathway in mouse kidneys and promotes renal fibrosis. Anim Genet 2024; 55:99-109. [PMID: 38087834 DOI: 10.1111/age.13381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1) is a lysosomal lipid storage disease caused by NPC1 gene mutation. Our previous study found that, compared with wild-type (Npc1+/+ ) mice, the renal volume and weight of Npc1 gene mutant (Npc1-/- ) mice were significantly reduced. We speculate that Npc1 gene mutations may affect the basic structure of the kidneys of Npc1-/- mice, and thus affect their function. Therefore, we randomly selected postnatal Day 28 (P28) and P56 Npc1+/+ and Npc1-/- mice, and observed the renal structure and pathological changes by haematoxylin-eosin staining. The level of renal fibrosis was detected by immunofluorescence histochemical techniques, and western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and canonical Wnt signalling pathway related proteins. The results showed that compared with Npc1+/+ mice, the kidneys of P28 and P56 Npc1-/- mice underwent apoptosis and fibrosis; furthermore, there were obvious vacuoles in the cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells of P56 Npc1-/- mice, the cell bodies were loose and foam-like, and the canonical Wnt signalling pathway was abnormally activated. These results showed that Npc1 gene mutation can cause pathological changes in the kidneys of mice. As age increased, vacuoles developed in the cytoplasm of renal tubular epithelial cells, and apoptosis of renal cells, abnormal activation of the Wnt signalling pathway, and promotion of renal fibrosis increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Guan
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Noninvasive Neuromodulation, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Zisen Jia
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Keli Xu
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Minlin Yang
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Liang Qiao
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Juntang Lin
- Stem Cells and Biotherapy Engineering Research Center of Henan, National Joint Engineering Laboratory of Stem Cells and Biotherapy, School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Medical Tissue Regeneration, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Stem Cell Medicine, School of Medical Engineering, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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Kim Y, Kang D, Choi GE, Kim SD, Yang SJ, Kim H, You D, Kim CS, Suh N. Therapeutic potential of BMSC-conditioned medium in an in vitro model of renal fibrosis using the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line. BMB Rep 2024; 57:116-121. [PMID: 38303564 PMCID: PMC10910087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC/ TERT1) in a fibrotic environment. To replicate the increased stiffness characteristic of kidneys in chronic kidney disease, we utilized polyacrylamide gel platforms. A stiff matrix was shown to increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, indicating fibrogenic activation in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Interestingly, treatment with BMSC-CM resulted in significant reductions in the levels of fibrotic markers (α-SMA and vimentin) and increases in the levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and aquaporin 7, particularly under stiff conditions. Furthermore, BMSC-CM modified microRNA (miRNA) expression and reduced oxidative stress levels in these cells. Our findings suggest that BMSC-CM can modulate cellular morphology, miRNA expression, and oxidative stress in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential in fibrotic kidney disease. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(2): 116-121].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunji Kim
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Dayeon Kang
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Ga-eun Choi
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | - Sang Dae Kim
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
| | | | - Hyosang Kim
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Dalsan You
- Department of Urology, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Choung Soo Kim
- Urology Institute, Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul 07985, Korea
| | - Nayoung Suh
- Department of Medical Sciences, General Graduate School, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Korea
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Li J, Guan Y, Xu Y, Cao Y, Xie Q, Harris RC, Breyer MD, Lu L, Hao CM. Prostacyclin Mitigates Renal Fibrosis by Activating Fibroblast Prostaglandin I 2 Receptor. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:149-165. [PMID: 38062563 PMCID: PMC10843231 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Renal fibrosis is a common pathologic process of progressive CKD. We have provided strong evidence that PGI 2 is an important component in the kidney injury/repairing process by reducing fibrosis and protecting renal function from declining. In our study, administration of a PGI 2 analog or selective PTGIR agonist after the acute injury ameliorated renal fibrosis. Our findings provide new insights into the role of PGI 2 in kidney biology and suggest that targeting PGI 2 /PTGIR may be a potential therapeutic strategy for CKD. BACKGROUND Prostanoids have been demonstrated to be important modulators to maintain tissue homeostasis in response to physiologic or pathophysiologic stress. Prostacyclin (PGI 2 ) is a member of prostanoids. While limited studies have shown that PGI 2 is involved in the tissue injury/repairing process, its role in renal fibrosis and CKD progression requires further investigation. METHODS Prostacyclin synthase ( Ptgis )-deficient mice, prostaglandin I 2 receptor ( Ptgir )-deficient mice, and an oral PGI 2 analog and selective PTGIR agonist were used to examine the role of PGI 2 in renal fibrosis in mouse models. We also analyzed the single-cell RNA-Seq data to examine the PTGIR -expressing cells in the kidneys of patients with CKD. RESULTS Increased PTGIS expression has been observed in fibrotic kidneys in both humans and mice. Deletion of the PTGIS gene aggravated renal fibrosis and decline of renal function in murine models. A PGI 2 analog or PTGIR agonist that was administered after the acute injury ameliorated renal fibrosis. PTGIR, the PGI 2 receptor, deficiency blunted the protective effect of the PGI 2 analog. Fibroblasts and myofibroblasts were the major cell types expressing PTGIR in the kidneys of patients with CKD. Deletion of PTGIR in collagen-producing fibroblastic cells aggravated renal fibrosis. The protective effect of PGI 2 was associated with the inhibition of fibroblast activation through PTGIR-mediated signaling. CONCLUSIONS PGI 2 is an important component in the kidney injury/repairing process by preventing the overactivation of fibroblasts during the repairing process and protecting the kidney from fibrosis and decline of renal function. Our findings suggest that PGI 2 /PTGIR is a potential therapeutic target for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Guan
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunyu Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingxue Cao
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qionghong Xie
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Raymond C. Harris
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Matthew D. Breyer
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Janssen Research and Development LLC, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Limin Lu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Fudan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuan-Ming Hao
- Division of Nephrology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Drobnik M, Smólski J, Grądalski Ł, Niemirka S, Młynarska E, Rysz J, Franczyk B. Mechanosensitive Cation Channel Piezo1 Is Involved in Renal Fibrosis Induction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1718. [PMID: 38338996 PMCID: PMC10855652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, the result of different pathological processes, impairs kidney function and architecture, and usually leads to renal failure development. Piezo1 is a mechanosensitive cation channel highly expressed in kidneys. Activation of Piezo1 by mechanical stimuli increases cations influx into the cell with slight preference of calcium ions. Two different models of Piezo1 activation are considered: force through lipid and force through filament. Expression of Piezo1 on mRNA and protein levels was confirmed within the kidney. Their capacity is increased in the fibrotic kidney. The pharmacological tools for Piezo1 research comprise selective activators of the channels (Yoda1 and Jedi1/2) as well as non-selective inhibitors (spider peptide toxin) GsMTx4. Piezo1 is hypothesized to be the upstream element responsible for the activation of integrin. This pathway (calcium/calpain2/integrin beta1) is suggested to participate in profibrotic response induced by mechanical stimuli. Administration of the Piezo1 unspecific inhibitor or activators to unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) mice or animals with folic acid-induced fibrosis modulates extracellular matrix deposition and influences kidney function. All in all, according to the recent data Piezo1 plays an important role in kidney fibrosis development. This channel has been selected as the target for pharmacotherapy of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Drobnik
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Jakub Smólski
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Łukasz Grądalski
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Szymon Niemirka
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Ewelina Młynarska
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
| | - Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrocardiology, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (M.D.)
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Xiang H, Huang J, Song A, Liu F, Xiong J, Zhang C. GRK5 promoted renal fibrosis via HDAC5/Smad3 signaling pathway. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23422. [PMID: 38206179 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301595rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic kidney diseases (CKD), poses a significant burden in the aging population, and is a major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this study, we investigated the role of G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) 5 in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. GRK5 is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. GRK5 has been shown to play a role in various diseases including cardiac disorders and cancer. However, the role of GRK5 in renal fibrosis remains largely unknown. Our finding revealed that GRK5 was significantly overexpressed in renal fibrosis. Specifically, GRK5 was transferred into the nucleus via its nuclear localization sequence to regulate histone deacetylases (HDAC) 5 expression under renal fibrosis. GRK5 acted as an upstream regulator of HDAC5/Smad3 signaling pathway. HDAC5 regulated and prevented the transcriptional activity of myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) to repress the transcription of Smad7 which leading to the activation of Smad3. These findings first revealed that GRK5 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of renal fibrosis. Inhibition of GRK5 activity may be a promising strategy to attenuate the progression of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Xiang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anni Song
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Bai F, Han L, Yang J, Liu Y, Li X, Wang Y, Jiang R, Zeng Z, Gao Y, Zhang H. Integrated analysis reveals crosstalk between pyroptosis and immune regulation in renal fibrosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1247382. [PMID: 38343546 PMCID: PMC10853448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1247382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The pathogenesis of renal fibrosis (RF) involves intricate interactions between profibrotic processes and immune responses. This study aimed to explore the potential involvement of the pyroptosis signaling pathway in immune microenvironment regulation within the context of RF. Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation, we investigated the influence of pyroptosis on the immune landscape in RF. Methods We obtained RNA-seq datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases and identified Pyroptosis-Associated Regulators (PARs) through literature reviews. Systematic evaluation of alterations in 27 PARs was performed in RF and normal kidney samples, followed by relevant functional analyses. Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed distinct pyroptosis modification patterns. Using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we examined the correlation between pyroptosis and immune infiltration. Hub regulators were identified via weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and further validated in a single-cell RNA-seq dataset. We also established a unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced RF mouse model to verify the expression of key regulators at the mRNA and protein levels. Results Our comprehensive analysis revealed altered expression of 19 PARs in RF samples compared to normal samples. Five hub regulators, namely PYCARD, CASP1, AIM2, NOD2, and CASP9, exhibited potential as biomarkers for RF. Based on these regulators, a classifier capable of distinguishing normal samples from RF samples was developed. Furthermore, we identified correlations between immune features and PARs expression, with PYCARD positively associated with regulatory T cells abundance in fibrotic tissues. Unsupervised clustering of RF samples yielded two distinct subtypes (Subtype A and Subtype B), with Subtype B characterized by active immune responses against RF. Subsequent WGCNA analysis identified PYCARD, CASP1, and NOD2 as hub PARs in the pyroptosis modification patterns. Single-cell level validation confirmed PYCARD expression in myofibroblasts, implicating its significance in the stress response of myofibroblasts to injury. In vivo experimental validation further demonstrated elevated PYCARD expression in RF, accompanied by infiltration of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Conclusions Our findings suggest that pyroptosis plays a pivotal role in orchestrating the immune microenvironment of RF. This study provides valuable insights into the pathogenesis of RF and highlights potential targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Bai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Longchao Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Affiliated Xingtai People's Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Xingtai, China
| | - Jifeng Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yuxiu Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Xiangmeng Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Yaqin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ruijian Jiang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Zhaomu Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, China
| | - Yan Gao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
| | - Haisong Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hebei University, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Skeletal Metabolic Physiology of Chronic Kidney Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, China
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Chen Z, Chen C, Lai K, Wu C, Wu F, Chen Z, Ye K, Xie J, Ma H, Chen H, Wang Y, Xu Y. GSDMD and GSDME synergy in the transition of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2024:gfae014. [PMID: 38244230 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Acute kidney injury (AKI) could progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the AKI-CKD transition has major clinical significance. A growing body of evidence has unveiled the role of pyroptosis in kidney injury. We postulate that GSDMD and GSDME exert cumulative effects on the AKI-CKD transition by modulating different cellular responses. METHODS We established an AKI-CKD transition model induced by folic acid in wildtype (WT), Gsdmd-/-, Gsdme-/-, and Gsdmd-/-Gsdme-/- mice. Tubular injury, renal fibrosis and inflammatory responses were evaluated. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the interplay among tubular cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. RESULTS Double deletion of Gsdmd and Gsdme conferred heightened protection against AKI, mitigating inflammatory responses, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), macrophage polarization and differentiation, and ultimately renal fibrosis, compared with wildtype mice and mice with single deletion of either Gsdmd or Gsdme. Gsdme, but not Gsdmd deficiency, shielded tubular cells from pyroptosis. GSDME-dependent tubular cell death stimulated NETs formation and prompted macrophage polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Gsdmd deficiency suppressed NETs formation and subsequently hindered NETs-induced macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT). CONCLUSION GSDMD and GSDME collaborate to contribute to AKI and subsequent renal fibrosis induced by folic acid. Synchronous inhibition of GSDMD and GSDME could be an innovative therapeutic strategy for mitigating the AKI-CKD transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyue Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Caiming Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Research Center for Metabolic Chronic Kidney Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kunmei Lai
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chengkun Wu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Wu
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Keng Ye
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingzhi Xie
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huabin Ma
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yujia Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Research Center for Metabolic Chronic Kidney Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yanfang Xu
- Department of Nephrology, Blood Purification Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Research Center for Metabolic Chronic Kidney Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Nephrology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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Sasso CV, Lhamyani S, Hevilla F, Padial M, Blanca M, Barril G, Jiménez-Salcedo T, Martínez ES, Nogueira Á, Lago-Sampedro AM, Olveira G. Modulation of miR-29a and miR-29b Expression and Their Target Genes Related to Inflammation and Renal Fibrosis by an Oral Nutritional Supplement with Probiotics in Malnourished Hemodialysis Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1132. [PMID: 38256206 PMCID: PMC10816158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those on hemodialysis. Recently, our group described that a new oral nutritional supplement (ONS), specifically designed for malnourished (or at risk) hemodialysis patients with a "similar to the Mediterranean diet" pattern, improved caloric-protein intake, nutritional status and biomarkers of inflammation and oxidation. Our aim in this study was to evaluate whether the new ONS, associated with probiotics or not, may produce changes in miRNA's expression and its target genes in malnourished hemodialysis patients, compared to individualized diet recommendations. We performed a randomized, multicenter, parallel-group trial in malnourished hemodialysis patients with three groups (1: control (C) individualized diet (n = 11); 2: oral nutritional supplement (ONS) + placebo (ONS-PL) (n = 10); and 3: ONS + probiotics (ONS-PR) (n = 10)); the trial was open regarding the intake of ONS or individualized diet recommendations but double-blinded for the intake of probiotics. MiRNAs and gene expression levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. We observed that the expression of miR-29a and miR-29b increased significantly in patients with ONS-PR at 3 months in comparison with baseline, stabilizing at the sixth month. Moreover, we observed differences between studied groups, where miR-29b expression levels were elevated in patients receiving ONS-PR compared to the control group in the third month. Regarding the gene expression levels, we observed a decrease in the ONS-PR group compared to the control group in the third month for RUNX2 and TNFα. TGFB1 expression was decreased in the ONS-PR group compared to baseline in the third month. PTEN gene expression was significantly elevated in the ONS-PR group at 3 months in comparison with baseline. LEPTIN expression was significantly increased in the ONS-PL group at the 3-month intervention compared to baseline. The new oral nutritional supplement associated with probiotics increases the expression levels of miR-29a and miR-29b after 3 months of intervention, modifying the expression of target genes with anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions. This study highlights the potential benefit of this oral nutritional supplement, especially associated with probiotics, in malnourished patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Verónica Sasso
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Said Lhamyani
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Hevilla
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Marina Padial
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - María Blanca
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.); (E.S.M.)
| | - Guillermina Barril
- Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (G.B.); (Á.N.)
| | | | - Enrique Sanz Martínez
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, 28933 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.); (E.S.M.)
| | - Ángel Nogueira
- Servicio de Nefrología, Hospital de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain; (G.B.); (Á.N.)
| | - Ana María Lago-Sampedro
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Gabriel Olveira
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, 29009 Málaga, Spain; (C.V.S.); (S.L.); (F.H.); (M.P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, 29009 Málaga, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina y Dermatología, Universidad de Málaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
- CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 29010 Málaga, Spain
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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49
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Ji C, Zhang J, Shi L, Shi H, Xu W, Jin J, Qian H. Engineered extracellular vesicle-encapsulated CHIP as novel nanotherapeutics for treatment of renal fibrosis. NPJ Regen Med 2024; 9:3. [PMID: 38218925 PMCID: PMC10787844 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-024-00348-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is a fundamental pathological feature of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, toxicity and poor renal enrichment of fibrosis inhibitors limit their further applications. In this study, a platform for CKD therapy is developed using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) decorated mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles with carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) high expression (SPION-EVs) to achieve higher renal-targeting antifibrotic therapeutic effect. SPION-EVs selectively accumulate at the injury renal sites under an external magnetic field. Moreover, SPION-EVs deliver CHIP to induce Smad2/3 degradation in renal tubular cells which alleviates Smad2/3 activation-mediated fibrosis-like changes and collagen deposition. The extracellular vesicle engineering technology provides a potential nanoplatform for RIF therapy through CHIP-mediated Smad2/3 degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Ji
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Chang Zhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jiahui Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Linru Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Wenrong Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jianhua Jin
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Chang Zhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Qian
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Chang Zhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of laboratory Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China.
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50
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Jian J, Liu Y, Zheng Q, Wang J, Jiang Z, Liu X, Chen Z, Wan S, Liu H, Wang L. The E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM39 modulates renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction through regulating proteasomal degradation of PRDX3. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:17. [PMID: 38195664 PMCID: PMC10776755 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01785-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is considered to be the ultimate pathway for various chronic kidney disease, with a complex etiology and great therapeutic challenges. Tripartite motif-containing (TRIM) family proteins have been shown to be involved in fibrotic diseases, but whether TRIM39 plays a role in renal fibrosis remain unexplored. In this study, we investigated the role of TRIM39 in renal fibrosis and its molecular mechanism. TRIM39 expression was analyzed in patients' specimens, HK-2 cells and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice were used for functional and mechanistic studies. We found an upregulated expression of TRIM39 in renal fibrosis human specimens and models. In addition, TRIM39 knockdown was found efficient for alleviating renal fibrosis in both UUO mice and HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that TRIM39 interacted with PRDX3 directly and induced ubiquitination degradation of PRDX3 at K73 and K149 through the K48 chain, which resulted in ROS accumulation and increased inflammatory cytokine generation, and further aggravated renal fibrosis. It provided an emerging potential target for the therapies of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jian
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Yunxun Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Qingyuan Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Jingsong Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Xiuheng Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China
| | - Shanshan Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
- Department of Urology, The first affiliated hospital of Zhengzhou university, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Urology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
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