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Wang TT, Yu LL, Zheng JM, Han XY, Jin BY, Hua CJ, Chen YS, Shang SS, Liang YZ, Wang JR. Berberine Inhibits Ferroptosis and Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaque through NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2024:10.1007/s11655-024-3666-z. [PMID: 39167283 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-024-3666-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate potential mechanisms of anti-atherosclerosis by berberine (BBR) using ApoE-/- mice. METHODS Eight 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice were used as a blank control group (normal), and 56 8-week-old AopE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, according to a completely random method, and were divided into the model group, BBR low-dose group (50 mg/kg, BBRL), BBR medium-dose group (100 mg/kg, BBRM), BBR high-dose group (150 mg/kg, BBRH), BBR+nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) inhibitor group (100 mg/kg BBR+30 mg/kg ML385, BBRM+ML385), NRF2 inhibitor group (30 mg/kg, ML385), and positive control group (2.5 mg/kg, atorvastatin), 8 in each group. After 4 weeks of intragastric administration, samples were collected and serum, aorta, heart and liver tissues were isolated. Biochemical kits were used to detect serum lipid content and the expression levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in all experimental groups. The pathological changes of atherosclerosis (AS) were observed by aorta gross Oil Red O, aortic sinus hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Liver lipopathy was observed in mice by HE staining. The morphology of mitochondria in aorta cells was observed under transmission electron microscope. Flow cytometry was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression in aorta of mice in each group. The content of ferrous ion Fe2+ in serum of mice was detected by biochemical kit. The mRNA and protein relative expression levels of NRF2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and recombinant solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. RESULTS BBRM and BBRH groups delayed the progression of AS and reduced the plaque area (P<0.01). The characteristic morphological changes of ferroptosis were rarely observed in BBR-treated AS mice, and the content of Fe2+ in BBR group was significantly lower than that in the model group (P<0.01). BBR decreased ROS and MDA levels in mouse aorta, increased SOD activity (P<0.01), significantly up-regulated NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 protein and mRNA expression levels (P<0.01), and inhibited lipid peroxidation. Compared with the model group, the body weight, blood lipid level and aortic plaque area of ML385 group increased (P<0.01); the morphology of mitochondria showed significant ferroptosis characteristics; the serum Fe2+, MDA and ROS levels increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the activity of SOD decreased (P<0.01). Compared with BBRM group, the iron inhibition effect of BBRM+ML385 group was significantly weakened, and the plaque area significantly increased (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Through NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway, BBR can resist oxidative stress, inhibit ferroptosis, reduce plaque area, stabilize plaque, and exert anti-AS effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Wang
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Li-Li Yu
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jun-Meng Zheng
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xin-Yi Han
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bo-Yuan Jin
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Cheng-Jun Hua
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yu-Shan Chen
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Sha-Sha Shang
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Ya-Zhou Liang
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Jian-Ru Wang
- Heart Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
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Bae G, Cho H, Hong BH. A review on synthesis, properties, and biomedical applications of graphene quantum dots (GQDs). NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 35:372001. [PMID: 38853586 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ad55d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A new type of 0-dimensional carbon-based materials called graphene quantum dots (GQDs) is gaining significant attention as a non-toxic and eco-friendly nanomaterial. GQDs are nanomaterials composed of sp2hybridized carbon domains and functional groups, with their lateral size less than 10 nm. The unique and exceptional physical, chemical, and optical properties arising from the combination of graphene structure and quantum confinement effect due to their nano-size make GQDs more intriguing than other nanomaterials. Particularly, the low toxicity and high solubility derived from the carbon core and abundant edge functional groups offer significant advantages for the application of GQDs in the biomedical field. In this review, we summarize various synthetic methods for preparing GQDs and important factors influencing the physical, chemical, optical, and biological properties of GQDs. Furthermore, the recent application of GQDs in the biomedical field, including biosensor, bioimaging, drug delivery, and therapeutics are discussed. Through this, we provide a brief insight on the tremendous potential of GQDs in biomedical applications and the challenges that need to be overcome in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Bae
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Hee Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University (SNU), Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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Yang L, Cai X, Li R. Ferroptosis Induced by Pollutants: An Emerging Mechanism in Environmental Toxicology. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:2166-2184. [PMID: 38275135 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollutants have been recognized for their ability to induce various adverse outcomes in both the environment and human health, including inflammation, apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy. Understanding these biological mechanisms has played a crucial role in risk assessment and management efforts. However, the recent identification of ferroptosis as a form of programmed cell death has emerged as a critical mechanism underlying pollutant-induced toxicity. Numerous studies have demonstrated that fine particulates, heavy metals, and organic substances can trigger ferroptosis, which is closely intertwined with lipid, iron, and amino acid metabolism. Given the growing evidence linking ferroptosis to severe diseases such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver injury, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer, it is imperative to investigate the role of pollutant-induced ferroptosis. In this review, we comprehensively analyze various pollutant-induced ferroptosis pathways and intricate signaling molecules and elucidate their integration into the driving and braking axes. Furthermore, we discuss the potential hazards associated with pollutant-induced ferroptosis in various organs and four representative animal models. Finally, we provide an outlook on future research directions and strategies aimed at preventing pollutant-induced ferroptosis. By enhancing our understanding of this novel form of cell death and developing effective preventive measures, we can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental pollutants and safeguard human and environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Xiaoming Cai
- School of Public Health, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
| | - Ruibin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China
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Lai W, Wang B, Huang R, Zhang C, Fu P, Ma L. Ferroptosis in organ fibrosis: From mechanisms to therapeutic medicines. J Transl Int Med 2024; 12:22-34. [PMID: 38525436 PMCID: PMC10956731 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis occurs in many organs, and its sustained progress can lead to organ destruction and malfunction. Although numerous studies on organ fibrosis have been carried out, its underlying mechanism is largely unknown, and no ideal treatment is currently available. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent process of programmed cell death that is characterized by lipid peroxidation. In the past decade, a growing body of evidence demonstrated the association between ferroptosis and fibrotic diseases, while targeting ferroptosis may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy. This review highlights recent advances in the crosstalk between ferroptosis and organ fibrosis, and discusses ferroptosis-targeted therapeutic approaches against fibrosis that are currently being explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Lai
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Rongshuang Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Chuyue Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of Nephrology, Kidney Research Institute, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan Province, China
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Wang B, Yang LN, Yang LT, Liang Y, Guo F, Fu P, Ma L. Fisetin ameliorates fibrotic kidney disease in mice via inhibiting ACSL4-mediated tubular ferroptosis. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:150-165. [PMID: 37696989 PMCID: PMC10770410 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01156-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, whereas no effective anti-fibrotic therapies exist. Recent evidence has shown that tubular ferroptosis contributes to the pathogenesis of CKD with persistent proinflammatory and profibrotic responses. We previously reported that natural flavonol fisetin alleviated septic acute kidney injury and protected against hyperuricemic nephropathy in mice. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of fisetin against fibrotic kidney disease and the underlying mechanisms. We established adenine diet-induced and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced CKD models in adult male mice. The two types of mice were administered fisetin (50 or 100 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 3 weeks or 7 days, respectively. At the end of the experiments, the mice were euthanized, and blood and kidneys were gathered for analyzes. We showed that fisetin administration significantly ameliorated tubular injury, inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the two types of CKD mice. In mouse renal tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells, treatment with fisetin (20 μM) significantly suppressed adenine- or TGF-β1-induced inflammatory responses and fibrogenesis, and improved cell viability. By quantitative real-time PCR analysis of ferroptosis-related genes, we demonstrated that fisetin treatment inhibited ferroptosis in the kidneys of CKD mice as well as in injured TCMK-1 cells, as evidenced by decreased ACSL4, COX2, and HMGB1, and increased GPX4. Fisetin treatment effectively restored ultrastructural abnormalities of mitochondrial morphology and restored the elevated iron, the reduced GSH and GSH/GSSG as well as the increased lipid peroxide MDA in the kidneys of CKD mice. Notably, abnormally high expression of the ferroptosis key marker ACSL4 was verified in the renal tubules of CKD patients (IgAN, MN, FSGS, LN, and DN) as well as adenine- or UUO-induced CKD mice, and in injured TCMK-1 cells. In adenine- and TGF-β1-treated TCMK-1 cells, ACSL4 knockdown inhibited tubular ferroptosis, while ACSL4 overexpression blocked the anti-ferroptotic effect of fisetin and reversed the cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects of fisetin. In summary, we reveal a novel aspect of the nephroprotective effect of fisetin, i.e. inhibiting ACSL4-mediated tubular ferroptosis against fibrotic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Li-Na Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Le-Tian Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Lai W, Huang R, Wang B, Shi M, Guo F, Li L, Ren Q, Tao S, Fu P, Ma L. Novel aspect of neprilysin in kidney fibrosis via ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis of tubular epithelial cells. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e330. [PMID: 37457659 PMCID: PMC10349188 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although inhibition of neprilysin (NEP) might be a therapeutic strategy with the potential to improve the outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the versatile function of NEP with its mechanism remains obscure in kidney fibrosis. In the study, we found that NEP was abnormally increased in tubular epithelial cells of CKD patients, as well as unilateral ureteral obstruction and adenine diet-induced mice. Treatment with a United States Food and Drug Administration-approved NEP inhibitor Sacubitrilat (LBQ657) could alleviate ferroptosis, tubular injury, and delay the progression of kidney fibrosis in experimental mice. Similarly, genetic knockdown of NEP also inhibited tubular injury and fibrosis in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 -induced tubular cells. Mechanically, NEP overexpression aggravated the ferroptotic and fibrotic phenotype, which was restored by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) knockdown. The NEP silencing attenuated TGF-β1-induced tubular cell ferroptosis and was exacerbated by ACSL4 overexpression. Collectively, for the first time, a novel aspect of NEP was explored in kidney fibrosis through ACSL4-mediated tubular epithelial cell ferroptosis. Our data further confirmed that NEP inhibition exerted a promising therapeutic against fibrotic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Lai
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Department of NephrologyClinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical CollegeChengduChina
| | - Rongshuang Huang
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Min Shi
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fan Guo
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lingzhi Li
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qian Ren
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Sibei Tao
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Ping Fu
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Liang Ma
- Department of NephrologyKidney Research InstituteWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
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Wang X, He K, Hu Y, Tang M. A review of pulmonary toxicity of different types of quantum dots in environmental and biological systems. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 368:110247. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Deng S, Zhang E, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Yang Z, Zheng B, Mu X, Deng X, Shen H, Rong H, Pei D. In vivo toxicity assessment of four types of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) using mRNA sequencing. Toxicol Lett 2022; 363:55-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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