Renoprotective Effects of Stemona sessilifolia via Suppression of the c-Myc/c-Fos/MAPK Pathway in Hyperuricemic Nephropathy

Ethnopharmacological relevance Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq. has been employed in traditional medicine for its potential renal benefits, including anti-edema, diuretic, and anti-jaundice properties. However, the renoprotective effects related to these traditional uses remain to be fully elucidated. Aim of the study : To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of S . sessilifolia against hyperuricemic nephropathy and elucidate its underlying signaling pathway. Materials and methods A hyperuricemic nephropathy mouse model, induced by potassium oxonate and hypoxanthine, was employed to evaluate the renal protection of the extract of S. sessilifolia through biochemical tests and histopathological observation. Transcriptomic analysis was applied to explore potential signaling pathways. Subsequently, bioassay-guided isolation was conducted during phytochemical investigation. Uric acid-induced HK-2 cells were then employed to validate the renal cytoprotective effects of the isolated compounds. Results Treatment with S. sessilifolia extract significantly reduced serum uric acid, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels by 65.15%, 47.95%, and 49.1%, respectively. Additionally, it decreased urinary protein excretion, and ameliorated renal injury and fibrosis in mice. The protective effects might be exerted by inhibiting the c-Myc/c-Fos/MAPK signaling pathway to maintain the homeostasis of renal tissue. Moreover, the bioactive compound stemoninine protected HK-2 cells against uric acid-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory response, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Conclusion The S. sessilifolia extract and its major bioactive compound, stemoninine, protected against hyperuricemic nephropathy by suppressing the c-Myc/c-Fos/MAPK signaling pathway.