Heliyon
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2024
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IF 3.4
Guo-qiang Liang,Wei Mu,Chun-bo Jiang
Evidence indicates that Baicalein can ameliorate renal interstitial fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibit the RLS3-induced ferroptosis in melanocytes. However, the relationship between renal interstitial fibrosis and anti-ferroptosis affected by Baicalein remains unclear. In our study, the anti-fibrosis and anti-ferroptosis effects of Baicalein were assessed in a rat model induced by the UUO method in vivo , and the effects of Baicalein on Erastin-induced ferroptosis of renal MPC-5 cells were examined by Western blot of fibrosis-related and ferroptosis-related proteins in vitro . In the UUO-induced rat model, Baicalein decreased kidney weight loss, improved renal function assessed the biomarks of urinary albumin excretion, serum creatine, and BUN levels, and reduced renal tubular injury. Furthermore, Baicalein inhibited renal ferroptosis by reducing ROS and MDA levels and increasing SOD and GSH levels in the UUO rat model. In addition, Baicalein potently reduced the expression of fibrosis-related proteins such as TGF-β1, a-SMA, and Smad-2 to prevent renal interstitial fibrosis, and increased the expression of ferroptosis-related proteins such as SLC7A11, GPX4, and FTH to inhibit ferroptosis both in vitro and in vivo . Taken together, Baicalein exerts anti-fibrosis activity by reducing the ferroptosis response on the UUO-induced rat model and renal MPC5 cells. Therefore, Baicalein, as a novel therapeutic method on kidney diseases with strong activity in suppressing ferroptosis, could be a potential alternative treatment for renal interstitial fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾脏病学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
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2022
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IF 4.271
Yan Zhou,Mengmeng Wei,Mingkang Zhang,Jianping Zhang,Fabing Tang,Xin’an Wu
Organic anion transporters 1 (OAT1) and OAT3 are responsible for transporting adefovir (ADV) into renal tubular epithelial cells. Our previous research found that ADV accumulated in the renal interstitium and caused renal interstitial fibrosis when Oat1/3 were inhibited by OATs inhibitor probenecid for long-term. Mast cells (MCs) in the interstitial space are considered to be key drivers of renal fibrosis. The current work investigated the effect of ADV on MCs in vitro and during the development of interstitial fibrosis in rats. Results indicate that ADV triggers chymase release from cultured RBL-2H3 mast cells in a time-and concentration-dependent manner. Angiotensin II (Ang II) in renal interstitium is generated mainly by chymase, renin and other products released from MCs, and has a direct effect on fibrosis through the angiotensin receptor. The concentrations of Ang II and fibrosis was significantly increased after administration of ADV alone or with probenecid for 4 weeks. The MCs membrane stabilizer sodium cromoglycate (SCG) and the angiotensin receptor antagonist Valsartan (VAL) could ameliorate ADV-induced nephrotoxicity. Additionally, SCG or VAL could reduce the accumulation of ADV in the renal interstitium by upregulating the expression of Oat1/3 and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4. Therefore, ADV accumulation in the renal interstitium could promote the degranulation of interstitial MCs and drive the development of renal fibrosis. SCG or VAL could ameliorate ADV-associated fibrosis by decreasing degranulation of MCs and accelerating renal clearance of ADV.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾病学
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Applied Biological Chemistry
·
2024
·Vol. 67
·期 1
·1-11
·
IF 2.3
Yu Ziqing,He Wen,Shi Weiwu
All chronic renal disorders eventually lead to renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Chronic inflammation and pro-fibrotic substances are familiar companions of the fibrotic process. The Sulforaphane (Sul) molecule is particularly useful in protecting the liver from oxidative damage. To investigate the Sul effects on fibrosis markers and inflammatory proteins in the kidney of NRK52E cell line and rats and clarify the mechanism of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in a rat model of RIF were developed in the present study. Sul (50, 100, and 200 ng/ml) remarkably reduced the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin (IL)-1β, collagen 3 (COL3A1), collagen 1 (COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in fibrotic NRK52E cells compared with those in cells inspired by transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α). Histopathological investigations showed that Sul administration retained renal tissue structure and decreased kidney tissue fibrosis in rats subjected to unilateral ureteral blockage (UUO). The expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COL3A1, COL1A1, and α-SMA in the rats’ kidneys exposed to UUO was also suppressed by the treatment of Sul. In the present study, western blot analysis showed that Sul upregulated the expressions of fibrotic NRK52E cells Smad7 and rat model UUO groups while simultaneously decreasing the stimulation of Smad2/3 and the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB, Smad4, activator protein-1, and high-mobility group protein B1. Ultimately, Sul’s ability to inhibit the TGF-β/Smad pathway and the development of inflammation factors may mitigate RIF.
研究领域:
医学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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DOI
高影响因子
International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2025
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IF 6.5
Jinxia Zhang,Xinxin Xie,Yuanjing Li,Haonan Wang,Lijuan Zhang,Peiqi Shi,Jing Wei,Ling Zhang,Yingdong Lu,Ligang Cui,Xiaoning Liu,Xiaolong Liang
Introduction Emodin alleviates renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) and reduces inflammation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thus improving CKD outcomes. However, its clinical use is limited due to poor solubility and side effects. This study developed a targeted drug delivery system using αKIM-1 modified microbubbles carrying Emodin to enhance accumulation in renal tissues with high KIM-1 expression.Methods Emo@KP MBs were characterized by TEM and DLS, and their drug loading and encapsulation rates were measured by UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. Biocompatibility was assessed in vitro with HK-2 cells and in vivo via hematological and pathological markers. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and fluorescence imaging were used for real-time visualization of treatment. Therapeutic experiments were performed on a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model treated with Emo@KP MBs + US on days 1 and 3 post-surgery. Renal function, cytokine levels, and histological analysis were detected to evaluate therapeutic effects.Results Emo@KP MBs exhibited spherical structures (2 ~ 4 μm) with good stability. Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) enabled controlled release of Emodin. CEUS and fluorescence imaging showed enhanced drug accumulation in diseased kidneys. In the UUO + Emo@KP MBs/US group, renal function was improved, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) were decreased, and renal lesions and collagen deposition were reduced. Immunohistochemistry revealed the downregulation of TGF-β, Smad2/3, and α-SMA, and upregulation of E-cadherin.Conclusion Emo@KP MBs enhanced drug delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy through αKIM-1 targeting and UTMD, while providing real-time imaging capabilities, suggesting good potential as a therapeutic approach to reduce renal inflammation and fibrosis in UUO.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾脏病学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY
·
2020
·
IF 2.971
Zhaohui Wang,Zhi Chen,Bingsheng Li,Bo Zhang,Yongchao Du,Yuhang Liu,Yao He,Xiang Chen
Context Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is characterized by the accumulation of inflammatory cytokines and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Curcumin exerts antifibrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.Objective To explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of curcumin on RIF.Materials and methods Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were intragastrically administered curcumin (50 mg/kg/day) for 14 days after undergoing unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) operations. Renal function (blood urea nitrogen [BUN] and serum creatinine [Scr]) and inflammatory cytokine levels were tested using colorimetric assays and ELISA, respectively. EMT markers were evaluated through immunohistochemistry, western blotting and qPCR. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1; 10 ng/mL) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS; 100 ng/mL) were used to stimulate EMT and an inflammatory response in human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells, respectively, for further investigation.Results In vivo, curcumin significantly improved the levels of BUN and Scr by 28.7% and 21.3%, respectively. Moreover, curcumin reduced the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by 22.5%, 30.3% and 26.7%, respectively, and suppressed vimentin expression in UUO mice. In vitro, curcumin reduced the expression of vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin in TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells. In LPS-induced HK-2 cells, curcumin decreased the release of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α by 43.4%, 38.1% and 28.3%, respectively. In addition, curcumin reduced the expression of TLR4, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-NF- κB and p-IκBα in both LPS- and TGF-β1-induced HK-2 cells.Discussion and conclusions Curcumin repressed EMT and the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways, demonstrating its potential utility in RIF treatment.
研究领域:
肾病学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines
·
2023
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IF 4.6
Chengshan JIN,Xiaotian WU,Yue YOU,Yuing WANG,Jing WU,Along ZUO,Yan ZHENG,Jianpeng GUO
ABSTRACT Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Qianjin Wenwu decoction (QWD), a well-known traditional Korean medicine, has been used for the treatment of DKD, with satisfactory therapeutic effects. This study was designed to investigate the active components and mechanisms of action of QWD in the treatment of DKD. The results demonstrated that a total of 13 active components in five types were found in QWD, including flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropionic acids, saponins, coumarins, and lignins. Two key proteins, TGF- β 1 and TIMP-1, were identified as the target proteins through molecular docking. Furthermore, QWD significantly suppressed Scr and BUN levels which increased after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) and Masson staining results demonstrated that QWD significantly alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis in UUO mice. We also found that QWD promoted ECM degradation by regulating MMP-9/TIMP-1 homeostasis to improve renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis and interfere with the expression and activity of TGF- β 1 in DKD treatment. These findings explain the underlying mechanism of QWD for the treatment of DKD, and also provide methodological reference for investigating the mechanism of traditional medicine in the treatment of DKD.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾病学
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传统医学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
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2017
·Vol. 233
·期 6
·4919-4925
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IF 4.08
Ji Li,Mincheng Zhang,Yong Mao,Yimao Li,Xiaoxia Zhang,Xuehan Peng,Feng Yu
Aristolochic acid I (AA-I), one of the main active components in Aristolochaia herbs, may induce aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Renal interstitial fibrosis is one of the most typical features of AAN. To investigate the mechanism of Aristolochic acid I (AA-I) −induced renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and determine the role of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) in this process, we established an AA-I-induced EMT model in human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells). Morphological examination, MTT assay, and Western blot analysis were performed. Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and several EMT-related proteins were detected, thereby suggesting the occurrence of AA-I-induced EMT. Two main pathways of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling, namely, Smad-dependent and Smad-independent signaling pathways, were also detected. The results showed that the TGF-β / Smad-independent signaling pathways (β-catenin, Ras-Raf-Erk1/2 signaling pathways) were activated, and AQP1 expression was decreased during the AA-I induced EMT on HK-2 cells. With the presence of TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor (LY364947) and Erk1/2 inhibitor (PD98059), AQP1 expression was altered by PD98059, suggested that AQP1 could be adjusted by Erk1/2 signaling. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of AA-I on AQP1 was stronger than that of TGF-β1, suggested that AQP1 may be an important target on AAN clinical therapy.
研究领域:
肾病学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
International Journal of Nanomedicine
·
2020
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IF 5.115
Shuping Wei,Chaoli Xu,Yidan Zhang,Zhongqing Shi,Min Wu,Bin Yang
Objective To investigate the antifibrotic effect of the combination of a PPARγ agonist-loaded nanoparticle-microbubble complex with ultrasound (US) exposure on renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Materials and Methods Polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles were used to load PPARγ agonist (rosiglitazone, RSG) and prepare PLGA-RSG nanoparticles (PLNPs-RSG); then, a novel complex between PLNPs-RSG and SonoVue microbubbles (MBs) (PLNPs-RSG-MBs) was prepared. The size distribution, zeta potentials, RSG-loading capacity and entrapment efficiency were measured, and the release of RSG was assessed using a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo systemic toxicity assays were performed. The cellular uptake assessment was performed using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The in vivo biodistribution assessment was performed using fluorescence imaging with a near-infrared (NIR) imaging system. Furthermore, this complex was administered to a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rat model with the assistance of US exposure to investigate the antifibrotic effect. Results This PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex had a size of 2199.5± 988.1 nm and a drug-loading efficiency of 28.5%. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo systemic toxicity assays indicated that the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex displayed excellent biocompatibility. In addition, the complex showed high cellular uptake efficiency in vitro and kidney-targeting ability in vivo. In a UUO rat model, the combination of the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex with US exposure significantly reduced collagen deposition and successfully attenuated renal fibrosis. Conclusion The combination of the PLNPs-RSG-MBs complex with US exposure may be a promising approach for the treatment of RIF.
研究领域:
药理学
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纳米技术
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医学影像学
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肾脏疾病
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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