Baicalin and chrysin mixture imparts cyto-protection against methylglyoxal induced cytotoxicity and diabetic tubular injury by modulating RAGE, oxidative stress and inflammation

Integrating metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate Da-Chai-Hu Decoction prevents kidney injury in diabetic mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The current treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN) is inadequate, and there is an urgent need for an effective and minimally adverse alternative therapy. Da-Chai-Hu Decoction (DCHD) is a time-honored herbal remedy from Chinese medicine, boasting a legacy spanning more than 1800 years. Clinical observations suggest that it may provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nonetheless, the specific advantages of DCHD in relation to DN and the mechanisms through which it operates are still not well understood.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This research aims to investigate whether DCHD can avert renal damage in mice with T2DM and to elucidate the mechanisms by which DCHD combats DN through the integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The beneficial effects of DCHD on DN was initially evaluated using a renal injury model in T2DM mice. Subsequently, untargeted metabolomics analysis was utilized to investigate the potential mechanisms of DCHD against DN. Additionally, UPLC-HR MS/MS was employed to identify the chemical components in DCHD and the absorption components in DCHD-treated plasma. Network pharmacology and our newly proposed function-guided and network-based complementary methodology (FNICM) was utilized to predict the potential pathway of DCHD intervention in DN. Finally, the core pathway was validated through Western blotting analysis and ELISA.

RESULTS

A total of 260 chemical components were detected in DCHD, and 41 absorption components were found in DCHD-treated plasma by UPLC-HR MS/MS for the first time. Additionally, In vivo experiments revealed that DCHD exerts the ability to regulate the disorder in glucose/lipid metabolism and improves kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis utilizing non-targeted urine metabolomics and the FNICM method identified a total of 33 differential metabolites, which were categorized as core metabolites. Lastly, combined FNICM, network pharmacology and experimental pharmacology studies suggest that DCHD may regulate the AGEs/RAGE/AKT pathways in combating DN.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that DCHD treats DN through the inhibition of the AGEs/RAGE/AKT pathway and by regulating metabolic profiles.

Baicalin: a potential therapeutic agent for acute kidney injury and renal fibrosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common critical clinical disease that is linked to significant morbidity, recurrence, and mortality. It is characterized by a fast and prolonged loss in renal function arising from numerous etiologies and pathogenic pathways. Renal fibrosis, defined as the excessive accumulation of collagen and proliferation of fibroblasts within renal tissues, contributes to the structural damage and functional decline of the kidneys, playing a pivotal role in the advancement of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Until now, while continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has been utilized in the management of severe AKI, there remains a dearth of effective targeted therapies for AKI stemming from diverse etiologies. Similarly, the identification of specific biomarkers and pharmacological targets for the treatment of renal fibrosis remains a challenge. Baicalin, a naturally occurring compound classified within the flavonoid group and commonly found in the Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis, has shown a range of pharmacological characteristics, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, antitumor and antiviral effects, as evidenced by research studies. Research shows that Baicalin has potential in treating kidney diseases like AKI and renal fibrosis. This review aims to summarize Baicalin's progress in these areas, including its molecular mechanism, application in treatment, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Baicalin's therapeutic effects are achieved through various pathways, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrosis, and regulation of apoptosis and cell proliferation. Besides, we also hope this review may give some enlightenment for treating AKI and renal fibrosis in clinical practice.

Ishophloroglucin A Isolated from Ishige okamurae Protects Glomerular Cells from Methylglyoxal-Induced Diacarbonyl Stress and Inhibits the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Nephropathy

Ishige okamurae (I. okamuare), an edible brown alga, is rich in isophloroglucin A (IPA) phlorotannin compounds and is effective in preventing diseases, including diabetes. We evaluated its anti-glycation ability, intracellular reactive oxygen species scavenging activity, inhibitory effect on the accumulation of intracellular MGO/MGO-derived advanced glycation end products (AGE), and regulation of downstream signaling pathways related to the AGE-receptor for AGEs (RAGE) interaction. IPA (0.2, 1, and 5 μM) demonstrated anti-glycation ability by inhibiting the formation of glucose-fructose-BSA-derived AGEs by up to 54.63% compared to the untreated control, reducing the formation of irreversible cross-links between MGO-derived AGEs and collagen by 67.68% and the breaking down of existing cross-links by approximately 91% (p < 0.001). IPA protected cells from MGO-induced oxidative stress by inhibiting intracellular MGO accumulation (untreated cells: 1.62 μg/mL, MGO treated cells: 25.27 μg/mL, and IPA 5 μM: 11.23 μg/mL) (p < 0.001) and AGE generation and inhibited MGO-induced renal cell damage via the downregulation of MGO-induced RAGE protein expression (relative protein expression levels of MGO treated cells: 9.37 and IPA 5 μM:1.74) (p < 0.001). Overall, these results suggest that IPA has the potential to be utilized as a useful natural agent for the prevention and management of AGE-related diabetic nephropathy, owing to its strong anti-glycation activity.

Role of polyphenols in the management of diabetic complications

BACKGROUND

Diabetes Mellitus is an endocrine disorder that will affect, about 693 million adults by 2045 worldwide, (>50% increase from 2017). The conventional treatment of the disease, include the oral hypoglycemic drugs which are given in combination with other drugs and are known to possess various adverse effects like gastrointestinal disturbance, nausea, water retention etc. PURPOSE: Due to the urgent need of combating this disorder without side effects, the alternative and complementary therapies should be explored due to their natural origins and comparable safety. Herbal sources serve as new leads, due to the presence of phytoconstituents with potential therapeutic properties, efficacy and safety. In this review, we tried to summarise the polyphenolic phytoconstituents effective in the treatment of diabetic complications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using 4 databases (Google scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, Embase) for the identification of relevant data. Search was performed using various key words such as "diabetes", "polyphenols", "marine sources","anti-diabetic polyphenols". The in vitro studies involving the cell lines used in diabetes and animal models were also considered for inclusion. Additional research papers were identified by reviewing abstracts, scrutinizing reference lists, and reviewing previously published review articles.

RESULTS

Polyphenols, a group of phytoconstituents are known worldwide for their tremendous antioxidant potential. So, various research groups have explored their mechanism and therapeutic value in diabetic complications, to improve the insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, in controlling the glycemic conditions.

CONCLUSION

Polyphenols exhibit effective therapeutic potential in managing diabetic complications through their multifaceted mechanism of action. They exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycemic properties, which collectively contribute to their beneficial effects in mitigating diabetic complications. Thus, the inclusion of polyphenols into the diet, may be cosidered as an approach of managing diabetes on long term basis. In this review, we have tried to identify polyphenols effective in diabetes and summarize their mechanism of action along with their potential, for the treatment of diabetic complications.

Baicalin Exhibits a Protective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxic Damage in Canine Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Renal failure is a common chronic disease in dogs that substantially affects both their quality of life and longevity. The objective of this study was to assess the protective mechanisms of baicalin in cisplatin-induced Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells' apoptosis model and explore the impacts of baicalin at varying doses on various indexes, such as cisplatin-induced MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, and inflammatory factors. (Methods) MDCK cells in the logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (20 μmol/L cisplatin), and a baicalin-protection group (20 μmol/L cisplatin + 50, 25 μmol/L baicalin) and received the corresponding treatments for 24 h. The effects of cisplatin on MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, inflammatory factors, and other indicators were studied, and the relieving effect of baicalin on cisplatin-induced MDCK cell damage was explored. Calcein/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that cisplatin induced the apoptosis of MDCK cells, while baicalin effectively reduced the damage caused by cisplatin. The ELISA results demonstrated a significant elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels within the MDCK cells following treatment with cisplatin (p < 0.01). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities remarkably declined (p < 0.01), while tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression within the MDCK cells were apparently elevated (p < 0.01). However, baicalin treatment resulted in opposite changes in these factors. The findings suggested that baicalin exhibits potential in mitigating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in MDCK cells. As revealed with the Western blot results, cisplatin promoted P62, P53, and BAX protein levels, increased mTOR phosphorylation, inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced Beclin1 and BCL-2 protein levels. However, a contrasting trend was observed following baicalin treatment. Cisplatin can inhibit the activity of MDCK cells, lead to abnormalities in oxidation and antioxidation functions and cell inflammatory factors, and accelerate cell apoptosis. Moreover, baicalin can significantly alleviate the damage of cisplatin to MDCK cells.

Exploration of natural flavones' bioactivity and bioavailability in chronic inflammation induced-type-2 diabetes mellitus

Diabetes, being the most widespread illness, poses a serious threat to global public health. It seems that inflammation plays a critical role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. This review aims to demonstrate a probable link between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic inflammation during its development. Additionally, the current review examined the bioactivity of natural flavones and the possible molecular mechanisms by which they influence diabetes and inflammation. While natural flavones possess remarkable anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, their therapeutic use is limited by the low oral bioavailability. Several factors contribute to the low bioavailability, including poor water solubility, food interaction, and unsatisfied metabolic behaviors, while the diseases (diabetes, inflammation, etc.) causing even less bioavailability. Throughout the years, different strategies have been developed to boost flavones' bioavailability, including structural alteration, biological transformation, and innovative drug delivery system design. This review addresses current advancements in improving the bioavailability of flavonoids in general, and flavones in particular. Clinical trials were also analyzed to provide insight into the potential application of flavonoids in diabetes and inflammatory therapies.

Plant Extracts to Alleviating Heat Stress in Dairy Cows

Heat stress (HS) in cows is a critical issue in the dairy industry. Dairy cows accumulate heat from body metabolism, along with that imposed by air temperature, humidity, air flow and solar radiation. HS in animals can occur during hot and humid summers when the ambient temperature is extremely high. Dairy cows have relatively high feed intakes and metabolic heat production and are thus susceptible to HS, leading to reductions in feed intake, lower milk yield, affected milk quality, reduced animal health and even shortening the productive lifespan of cows. Therefore, alleviating HS is a top priority for the dairy industry. Suitable plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency and few toxic side effects or residues for applications to alleviate HS in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extract products on alleviating HS in dairy cows and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action.

The protective effects of baicalin and chrysin against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity in Wistar albino rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of baicalin, chrysin and their combinations against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity in rats. For this purpose, sixty four rats were divided into evenly 8 groups with 6-8-week-old male Wistar albino rats, weighing 180-250 g, in each group. While the first group was kept as a control (corn oil), the remaining 7 groups were administered with emamectin benzoate (10 mg/kg bw), baicalin (50 mg/kg bw) and chrysin (50 mg/kg bw) alone or together for 28 days. Oxidative stress parameters, serum biochemical parameters and blood/tissue (liver, kidney, brain, testis and heart) and tissue histopathology were investigated. Compared to the control group, the emamectin benzoate-intoxicated rats had significantly higher tissue/plasma concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as lower tissue glutathione (GSH) concentrations and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase/GSH-Px, glutathione reductase/GR, glutathione-S-transferase/GST, superoxide dismutase/SOD, catalase/CAT). Biochemical analysis showed that emamectin benzoate administration significantly increased serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, as well as triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, uric acid and urea levels, and decreased serum total protein and albumin levels. The histopathological examination of the liver, kidney, brain, heart and testis tissues of the emamectin benzoate-intoxicated rats demonstrated necrotic changes. Baicalin and/or chrysin reversed the biochemical and histopathological alterations induced by emamectin benzoate on these tested organs. Therefore, baicalin and chrysin (alone or in combination) could offer protection against emamectin benzoate-induced toxicity.

Role of renal tubular programed cell death in diabetic kidney disease

The pathogenic mechanism of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is involved in various functions; however, its inadequate characterisation limits the availability of effective treatments. Tubular damage is closely correlated with renal function and is thought to be the main contributor to the injury observed in early DKD. Programed cell death (PCD) occurs during the biological development of the living body. Accumulating evidence has clarified the fundamental role of abnormalities in tubular PCD during DKD pathogenesis. Among PCD types, classical apoptosis, autophagic cell death, and pyroptosis are the most studied and will be the focus of this review. Our review aims to elucidate the current knowledge of the mechanism of DKD and the potential therapeutic potential of drugs targeting tubular PCD pathways in DKD.

Baicalin promotes antibacterial defenses by modulating mitochondrial function

Natural flavonoids, such as baicalin, have been extensively studied for their role in bacterial infection. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We demonstrated that baicalin coordinates mitochondrial function and dynamics to promote antibacterial response. Baicalin protected against Staphylococcus aureus infections and alleviates inflammatory responses in vivo and in vitro. An increase in mitochondrial mass and elevated expression of factors regulating mitochondrial fission and fusion were observed in baicalin-treated macrophages. Baicalin induced Drp1-dependent biogenesis, which contributes to the generation of additional mitochondria. Baicalin improved the mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP levels, and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production. Importantly, the inhibition of mitochondrial function by rotenone or MitoTEMPO suppressed the antimicrobial activity of baicalin in macrophages. We conclude that baicalin can regulate immune responses during S. aureus infection by improving mitochondrial function and dynamics, implying that it is a promising therapeutic agent for controlling infection and inflammatory diseases.

Scutellaria baicalensis and its constituents baicalin and baicalein as antidotes or protective agents against chemical toxicities: a comprehensive review

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB), also known as the Chinese skullcap, has a long history of being used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions ranging from microbial infections to metabolic syndrome and malignancies. Numerous studies have reported that treatment with total SB extract or two main flavonoids found in its root and leaves, baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BE), can prevent or alleviate the detrimental toxic effects of exposure to various chemical compounds. It has been shown that BA and BE are generally behind the protective effects of SB against toxicants. This paper aimed to review the protective and therapeutic effects of SB and its main components BA and BE against chemical compounds that can cause intoxication after acute or chronic exposure and seriously affect different vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. In this review paper, we had a look into a total of 221 in vitro and in vivo studies from 1995 to 2021 from the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science which reported protective or therapeutic effects of BA, BE, or SB against drugs and chemicals that one might be exposed to on a professional or accidental basis and compounds that are primarily used to simulate disease models. In conclusion, the protective effects of SB and its flavonoids can be mainly attributed to increase in antioxidants enzymes, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reduction of inflammatory cytokines, and suppression of apoptosis pathway.

Protection of pancreatic β-cell by phosphocreatine through mitochondrial improvement via the regulation of dual AKT/IRS-1/GSK-3β and STAT3/Cyp-D signaling pathways

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic syndrome, caused by insufficient insulin secretion or insulin resistance (IR). DM enhances oxidative stress and induces mitochondrial function in different kinds of cell types, including pancreatic β-cells. Our previous study has showed phosphocreatine (PCr) can advance the mitochondrial function through enhancing the oxidative phosphorylation and electron transport ability in mitochondria damaged by methylglyoxal (MG). Our aim was to explore the potential role of PCr as a molecule to protect mitochondria from diabetes-induced pancreatic β-cell injury with insulin secretion deficiency or IR through dual AKT/IRS-1/GSK-3β and STAT3/Cyclophilin D (Cyp-D) signaling pathways. MG-induced INS-1 cell viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial division and fusion, the morphology, and function of mitochondria were suppressed. Flow cytometry was used to detect the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the changes of intracellular calcium, and the respiratory function was measured by oxygraph-2k. The expressions of AKT, IRS-1, GSK-3β, STAT3, and Cyp-D were detected using Western blot. The result showed that the oxidative stress-related kinases were significantly restored to the normal level after the pretreatment with PCr. Moreover, PCr pretreatment significantly inhibited cell apoptosis, decreased intracellular calcium, and ROS production, and inhibited mitochondrial division and fusion, and increased ATP synthesis damaged by MG in INS-1 cells. In addition, pretreatment with PCr suppressed Cytochrome C, p-STAT3, and Cyp-D expressions, while increased p-AKT, p-IRS-1, p-GSK-3β, caspase-3, and caspase-9 expressions. In conclusion, PCr has protective effect on INS-1 cells in vitro and in vivo, relying on AKT mediated STAT3/ Cyp-D pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and restore mitochondrial function, signifying that PCr might become an emerging candidate for the cure of diabetic pancreatic cancer β-cell damage.

Potential mechanisms of methylglyoxal-induced human embryonic kidney cells damage: Regulation of oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive carbonyl species that can cause cellular damage and is closely related to kidney disease, especially diabetic nephropathy. The toxic effect of MGO (0.5, 1, and 2 mM) on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells and its underlying mechanism were explored in this study. Cell viability, apoptosis and the signaling pathways were measured with MTT, fluorescent staining and western blot experiments, the results showed that MGO could induce oxidative stress and cell inflammation, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased, and p38MAPK, JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways were activated. Meanwhile, MGO also induced DNA damage. The expression of DNA oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) increased, the expression of double-strand break marker γH2AX increased significantly, and ATM/Chk2/p53 DNA damage response signaling pathway was activated. Furthermore, the expression of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) also increased. Finally, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decreased, fluorescence intensity of Hoechst33258 increased, and the protein expression ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 increased significantly after the treatment of MGO. These results demonstrated that MGO might induce HEK293 cells damage by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and cell apoptosis, which revealed the specific mechanism of MGO-induced damage to HEK293 cells.

Determination of oroxin A, oroxin B, oroxylin A, oroxyloside, chrysin, chrysin 7-O-beta-gentiobioside, and guaijaverin in mouse blood by UPLC-MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics

In this study, a UPLC-MS/MS method was developed to measure the concentrations of the flavonoids oroxin A, oroxin B, oroxylin A, oroxyloside, chrysin, chrysin 7-O-beta-gentiobioside, and guaijaverin in the blank mouse blood, and the method was then used in the measurement of the pharmacokinetics of the compounds in mice. Oroxin A, oroxin B, oroxylin A, oroxyloside, chrysin, chrysin 7-O-beta-gentiobioside, and guaijaverin were administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg kg−1, and the mouse blood (20 μL) was withdrawn from the caudal vein 0.08333, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 h after administration. The mobile phase used for chromatographic separation by gradient elution was composed of acetonitrile and water (0.1% formic acid). The analytes were detected by operating in electrospray ionization (ESI) positive-ion mode using multiple reactions monitoring (MRM). The intra-day and inter-day accuracy ranged from 86.2 to 109.3%, the intra-day precision was less than 14%, and the inter-day precision was less than 15%. The matrix effect ranged from 85.3 to 111.3%, and the recovery of the analytes after protein precipitation were all above 78.2%. This method had the advantages of high sensitivity, accuracy, and recovery, and it had excellent selectivity, which enabled it to be applied to measuring the pharmacokinetics of the analytes in mice.

Protective effect of flavonoids from Passiflora edulis Sims on diabetic complications in rats

OBJECTIVES

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of flavonoids present in leaves of Passiflora edulis fruit on complications induced by diabetes in rats.

METHODS

The extract of P. edulis leaf was obtained by 70% ethanol maceration. From the dry extract, the fractions were obtained by consecutive liquid-liquid partition with hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The content of isoorientin of ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray and triple quadrupole ionization (TQD) analysis in tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Tq-MS). Only Fr-BuOH was used to treat diabetic or not Wistar rats. Biochemical parameters, platelet aggregation and production of reactive species were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

The UPLC-ESI-Tq-MS analysis revealed the presence of several flavonoids, among which we identified five possible flavonoids c-heterosides (luteolin-7-O-pyranosyl-3-O-glucoside, apigenin-6-8-di-C-glycoside, apigenin-6-C-arabinoside-8-C-glycoside, isoorientin, isovitexin). The diabetic rats (treated intraperitoneally with alloxan, 150 mg/kg) treated with Fr-BuOH (20 mg/kg/day for 90 days) presented improvement in blood glucose, serum levels of fructosamine, lipid profile and urea. Furthermore, the Fr-BuOH reduced both platelet aggregation and the production of oxidant species in diabetic animals.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that flavonoid C-glycosides present in the Fr-BuOH may be beneficial for the diabetic state, preventing complications induced by diabetes.

Polydatin protects Schwann cells from methylglyoxal induced cytotoxicity and promotes crushed sciatic nerves regeneration of diabetic rats

Oxidative stress plays the main role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy. Polydatin (PD) has been shown to exhibit strong antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects. At present, no research has focused on the possible effects of PD on Schwann cells and impaired peripheral nerves in diabetic models. Here, we used an in vitro Schwann cell damage model induced by methylglyoxal and an in vivo diabetic sciatic nerve crush model to study problems in such an area. In our experiment, we demonstrated that PD potently alleviated the decrease of cellular viability, prevented reactive oxygen species generation, and suppressed mitochondrial depolarization as well as cellular apoptosis in damaged Schwann cells. Moreover, we found that PD could upregulate Nrf2 and Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1) expression and inhibit Keap1 and receptor of AGEs (RAGE) expression of damaged Schwann cells. Finally, our in vivo experiment showed that PD could promote sciatic nerves repair of diabetic rats. Our results revealed that PD exhibited prominent neuroprotective effects on Schwann cells and sciatic nerves in diabetic models. The molecular mechanisms were associated with activating Nfr2 and GLO1 and inhibiting Keap1 and RAGE.

Cudrania tricuspidata Root Extract Prevents Methylglyoxal-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Regulation of the PKC-NOX4 Pathway in Human Kidney Cells

Diabetic nephropathy is a microvascular complication induced by diabetes, and methylglyoxal (MGO) is a reactive carbonyl species causing oxidative stress that contributes to the induction of inflammatory response in kidney cells. Cudrania tricuspidata (CT), cultivated in Northeast Asia, has been used as traditional medicine for treating various diseases, including neuritis, liver damage, and cancer. In this study, we determined whether a CT root extract (CTRE) can prevent MGO-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and inflammation and assessed underlying mechanisms using a kidney epithelial cell line, HK-2. We observed that CTRE inhibited MGO-induced ROS production. Additionally, CTRE ameliorated the activation of MGO-induced inflammatory signaling pathways such as p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK). Consistent with these results, expressions of p-nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB) and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, and IL-6, were decreased when compared with MGO-only exposed HK-2 cells. CTRE alleviated the MGO-induced decrease in nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and antioxidant enzyme mRNA expressions. MGO induced the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4); CTRE pretreatment inhibited this induction. Further studies revealed that the NOX4 expression was inhibited owing to the suppression of MGO-induced protein kinase C (PKC) activation following CTRE treatment. Collectively, our data suggest that CTRE attenuates MGO-induced inflammation and oxidative stress via inhibition of PKC activation and NOX4 expression, as well as upregulating the Nrf2-antioxidant enzyme pathway in HK-2 cells.

Revealing active components, action targets and molecular mechanism of Gandi capsule for treating diabetic nephropathy based on network pharmacology strategy

Background

Gandi capsule is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to promote blood circulation and removing blood stasis in clinical. Our previous study has shown that it reduces proteinuria with routine treatment in diabetic nephrophy (DN), but its pharmacological action mechanism is still unknown.

Methods

To facilitate the identification of components, a component database of Gandi capsule and target database of DN were established by ourselves. The components absorbed in blood circle were identified in rat plasma after oral administration of Gandi capsule by UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. The potential targets were screened by using Libdock tolls in Discovery studio 3.0. Then Pathway and Network analyses were used to enrich the screened targets. The possible targets were verified by using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) test and the molecular mechanism focusing these targets for treating DN was clarified by western blot.

Results

Six components in Gandi capsule were identified detected in rat plasma after oral administration by UHPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. After molecular docking analyses in KEGG and Discovery studio, four protein targets including HNF4A, HMGCR, JAK3, and SIRT1, were screened out, and proved as effective binding with baicalin, wogonoside by SPR. And the molecular mechanism was clarified that baicalin and wogonoside inhibit the effect of high glucose (HG)-induced decreased cell viability and podocin expression, and strengthen the activation p-AKT, p-PI3K, and p-AMPK.

Conclusion

Baicalin and wogonoside were screened out to be the active compounds in Gandi capsule and can ameliorate HG-induced podocyte damage by influencing the AMPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways by binding with HNF4A, HMGCR, JAK3, and SIRT1.

Graphical abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-020-03155-4.

Attenuation of diabetic kidney injury in DPP4-deficient rats; role of GLP-1 on the suppression of AGE formation by inducing glyoxalase 1

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) inactivates incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. DPP4 inhibitors may exert beneficial effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) independently of glycemic control; however, the mechanisms underlying are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the mechanisms of the beneficial effects of DPP4 inhibition on DN using DPP4-deficient (DPP4-def) rats and rat mesangial cells.

Blood glucose and HbA1c significantly increased by streptozotocin (STZ) and no differences were between WT-STZ and DPP4-def-STZ. The albumin level in urine decreased significantly and the albumin/creatinine ratio decreased slightly in DPP4-def-STZ. The glomerular volume in DPP4-def-STZ significantly decreased compared with that of WT-STZ. Advanced glycation end products formation, receptor for AGE (RAGE) protein expression, and its downstream inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic factors in kidney tissue, were significantly suppressed in the DPP4-def-STZ compared to the WT-STZ with increasing glyoxalase-1 (GLO-1) expression responsible for the detoxification of methylglyoxal (MGO). In vitro, exendin-4 suppressed MGO-induced AGEs production by enhancing the expression of GLO-1 and nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 subunit-related factor 2, resulting in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. This effect was abolished by GLO-1 siRNA.

Our data suggest that endogenously increased GLP-1 in DPP4-deficient rats contributes to the attenuation of DN partially by regulating AGEs formation via upregulation of GLO-1 expression.

Protection of diabetes-induced kidney injury by phosphocreatine via the regulation of ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Diabetic nephropathy is the most common long-term complication of diabetes mellitus. The Methylglyoxal (MGO) production is mainly by metabolic pathways, such as lipolysis and glycolysis, its increases in the DM enhances oxidative stress and plays a crucial role in the diabetic nephrotic pathogenesis. Phosphocreatine (PCr) can improve lipopolysaccharide, ox-LDL-induced atherosclerosis, and alleviate vascular endothelial cell injury in diabetes. The aim of our present study is to examine the potential role of phosphocreatine (PCr) as a molecule protects against diabetes-induced Kidney Injury in-vitro and in-vivo through ERK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. NRK-52E cells treatment with PCr obviously suppressed MGO-induced change of viability, apoptosis, coupled with decreased Bax/Bcl-2ratio, casapse-9 and caspase-3expressions. We determined the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using membrane permeable fluorescent probe DCFH-DA as well as intracellular calcium by flow cytometry. ERK, Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions were determined by Western blot. PCr pretreatment significantly returned the oxidative stress enzymes to normal condition in-vitro and in-vivo. PCr pretreatment significantly reduced apoptosis, calcium and ROS production, induced by MGO, in NRK-52E cells. Moreover, pretreatment with PCr significantly inhibited cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9 and p-ERK expressions, while increased Nrf-2 and HO-1 expressions. Furthermore, PCr pretreatment significantly decreased p-ERK expression of MGO-induced injury in NRK-52E cells transfected with p-ERK cDNA. In conclusion, the renal protective effect of PCr in-vitro and in-vivo depends on suppressing apoptosis and ROS generation through ERK mediated Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway, suggesting that PCr may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the diabetic nephropathy treatment.

Methylglyoxal-derived advanced glycation end products induce matrix metalloproteinases through activation of ERK/JNK/NF-κB pathway in kidney proximal epithelial cells

The accumulation of reactive α-dicarbonyl leading to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been linked to pathophysiological diseases in many studies, such as atherosclerosis, cataract, cancer, and diabetic nephropathy. Glycation-generated AGEs increase the expression of inflammatory cytokines by transferring signals to the cell by binding them to the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) on their cell surface. The effect of methylglyoxal-derived AGEs (AGE-4) on the induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in rat ordinary kidney cells (NRK-52E) was explored in this research, among other AGEs. The cell treated with 100 μg/mL AGE-4 for 24 h showed a substantial rise in MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression relative to BSA control only and other AGEs through ERK, JNK, and NF-B pathways. Our findings therefore suggest that AGE-4 expresses MMPs through the AGE-4-RAGE axis, activating MAPK signals that may contribute to dysfunction of the kidney cell.

Baicalin modulates apoptosis via RAGE, MAPK, and AP-1 in vascular endothelial cells during Haemophilus parasuis invasion

Glässer’s disease, caused by Haemophilus parasuis, is a chronic disease related to an inflammatory immune response. Baicalin exerts important biological functions. In this study, we explored the protective efficacy of treatment with baicalin and the potential mechanism of activation of the MAPK signaling pathway in porcine aortic vascular endothelial cells (PAVECs) induced by H. parasuis. H. parasuis stimulated expression of receptor for advanced glycation end products, induced a significant increase in the level of protein kinase-α and protein kinase-δ phosphorylation, and significantly up-regulated ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 phosphorylation in PAVECs. H. parasuis also up-regulated the levels of apoptotic genes (Bax, C-myc, and Fasl) and the expression levels of c-Jun and c-Fos, and induced S-phase arrest in PAVECs. However, treatment with baicalin inhibited expression of RAGE, suppressed H. parasuis-induced protein kinase-α and protein kinase-δ phosphorylation, reduced ERK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 phosphorylation, down-regulated apoptotic genes (Bax, C-myc, and Fasl), attenuated phospho-c-Jun production from the extracellular to the nuclei, and reversed S-phase arrest in PAVECs. In conclusion, baicalin treatment inhibited the MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving its anti-inflammatory responses, which provides a new strategy to control H. parasuis infection.

Advanced Glycation End Products in Chinese Medicine Mediated Aging Diseases: A Review

Aging has become a worldwide problem. During this process, the incidence of related diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis increases dramatically. Studies within the most recent two decades suggest a pivotal role of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in the aging process. This review aims to systemically summarize the effects and potential mechanism of Chinese Medicines on inhibiting AGEs-related aging diseases.

Baicalin protects mouse testis from injury induced by heat stress

Heat stress has been documented to reduce reproductive performance of female animals through injury to germ cells, with few studies available in male animals. The objectives of this study were to evaluate protective effects of baicalin on testicular tissue damage of mice subjected to heat stress and its related mechanisms. In this experiment, A total of forty mice were divided into four groups, including control group (C), baicalin group (B), heat stressed group (H) and heat stress with baicalin treatment (H + B) group. Morphological changes, activities of antioxidant enzymes and apoptosis-related parameters in the mice testes tissue were monitored. The results showed that the process of spermatogenesis in mice testis was impaired and the cellular apoptosis increased due to acute heat stress at 41 °C. Interestingly, the tissue damage was alleviated with the significant (P < 0.05) increase in the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px enzymes, decrease (P < 0.05) in MDA content and number of cellular apoptosis recorded in mice of H + B group compared with those in mice from H group. In addition, the Fas, FasL and P-JNK protein expressions were significantly (P < 0.05) increased; and apaf-1, caspase-3, -9 were slightly expressed in the H group, while there was no difference in Bcl-2 expression, compared with C, B and H + B groups. The above results clearly indicate that heat stress induces macroscopic/apoptotic and oxidative changes in the testicular tissue of mice; these changes are alleviated by Baicalin through increasing anti-oxidative enzyme activities and possibly through blocking Fas/FasL pathway.

Effect of baicalin on renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy and its therapeutic mechanism

The present study observed the effect of baicalin on blood glucose and renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy and explored its mechanism of action. A total of 95 patients diagnosed with diabetic nephropathy by clinical and laboratory examinations were selected and randomly divided into a control and treatment group. The control group included 45 patients who were treated with routine symptomatic treatment. The remaining 50 patients in the treatment group received baicalin, in addition to routine symptomatic treatment. The treatment course was 6 months. Following this, the changes of indicators such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), aldose reductase (AR) activity, 24-h urinary microalbumin, urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were compared before and after treatment; at the same time, the variations of indexes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected. Compared with those in the control group, baicalin had little effect on the treatment group's FPG and HBA1c, but it clearly reduced the AR activity and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Baicalin visibly decreased the 24-h urinary microalbumin, urinary β2-MG and UAER (P<0.05) and had notable effect on improving renal function. Following treatment, compared with those in the control group, baicalin distinctly increased the levels of SOD and GSH-px (P<0.05) and decreased the content of NF-κB and VEGF (P<0.05), however, its impact on the expression of TGF-β1 was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The results showed that baicalin may improve the renal function in patients with diabetic nephropathy and delay the progression of diabetic nephropathy through various ways, including anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation.

Chronic consumption of the dietary polyphenol chrysin attenuates metabolic disease in fructose-fed rats

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a major public health issue worldwide and fructose consumption has been associated with MS development. Recently, we showed that the dietary polyphenol chrysin is an effective inhibitor of fructose uptake by human intestinal epithelial cells. Therefore, our aim was to investigate if chrysin interferes with the development of MS induced by fructose in an animal model.

METHODS

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (220-310 g) were randomly divided into four groups: (A) tap water (control), (B) tap water and a daily dose of chrysin (100 mg/kg) by oral administration (chrysin) (C) 10% fructose in tap water (fructose), and (D) 10% fructose in tap water and a daily dose of chrysin (100 mg/kg) by oral administration (fructose + chrysin). All groups were fed ad libitum with standard laboratory chow diet and dietary manipulation lasted 18 weeks.

RESULTS

Fructose-feeding for 18 weeks induced an increase in serum triacylglycerols, insulin and angiotensin II levels and in hepatic fibrosis and these changes did not occur in fructose + chrysin rats. Moreover, the increase in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure which was found in fructose-fed animals from week 14th onwards was not observed in fructose + chrysin animals. In contrast, the increase in energy consumption, liver/body, heart/body and right kidney/body weight ratios, serum proteins, serum leptin and liver triacylglycerols observed in fructose-fed rats was not affected by chrysin.

CONCLUSIONS

Chrysin was able to protect against some of the MS features induced by fructose-feeding.

The Cardiovascular Protective Effects of Chrysin: A Narrative Review on Experimental Researches

Chrysin is one of the flavonoids fruits, vegetables, and plant especially found in honey, it has been indicated that its cardiovascular protective effect is due to its antioxidative effects and anti inflammatory activities. Chrysin exerts an antioxidant effect by enhancing the antioxidant system, suppressing pro-oxidant enzymes, scavenging free radicals and chelating redox active transition metal ions. Chrysin decreases lipid synthesis and also increases its metabolism, thereby ameliorating blood lipid profile. Chrysin modulates vascular function by increasing the bioavailability of endothelial nitric oxide. Chrysin inhibits the development of atherosclerosis by decreasing vascular inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects of chrysin may relate to its inhibitory effect on the nuclear transcriptional factor-kB signaling pathway. It also prevents vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation and thrombogenesis. Altogether, chrysin may be effective as a natural agent for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases; however, several clinical trial studies should be done to confirm its protective effects on humans.

Chrysin Inhibits Advanced Glycation End Products-Induced Kidney Fibrosis in Renal Mesangial Cells and Diabetic Kidneys

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) play a causative role in the development of diabetic nephropathy via induction of matrix protein deposition in kidneys. This study investigated inhibitory effects of chrysin, present in bee propolis and herbs, on glomerulosclerosis in db/db mice and AGEs-exposed renal mesangial cells. The in vivo study explored the demoting effects of 10 mg/kg chrysin on glomerular fibrosis in a type 2 diabetic model. Oral supplementation of chrysin inhibited the collagen fiber accumulation and &alpha;-smooth muscle actin (&alpha;-SMA) induction in periodic acid schiff-positive renal tissues of db/db mice. Moreover, treating db/db mice with chrysin diminished the level of AGEs increased in diabetic glomeruli. The in vitro study employed human mesangial cells exposed to 100 &mu;g/mL AGE-BSA for 72 h in the presence of 1⁻20 &mu;M chrysin. Glucose increased mesangial AGE production via induction of receptor for AGEs. Chrysin suppressed the induction of collagens, &alpha;-SMA, fibroblast-specific protein-1 and matrix metalloproteinases enhanced by AGE-bovine serum albumin. Furthermore, chrysin blunted transforming growth factor-&beta;1 induction and Smad 2/3 activation in AGEs-exposed mesangial cells. These results demonstrate that chrysin attenuated accumulation of myofibroblast-like cells and matrix proteins in AGEs-laden diabetic glomeruli. Therefore, chrysin may be a potential renoprotective agent targeting glucose-mediated AGEs-associated glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis.