Parthenolide, an NF-κB inhibitor, alleviates peritoneal fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad pathway

A protective role of nintedanib in peritoneal fibrosis through H19-EZH2-KLF2 axis via impeding mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF), a common complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis, accounts for peritoneal ultrafiltration failure to develop into increased mortality. Nintedanib has previously been shown to protect against multi-organ fibrosis, including PF. Unfortunately, the precise molecular mechanism underlying nintedanib in the pathogenesis of PF remains elusive.

METHODS

The mouse model of PF was generated by chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) injection with or without nintedanib administration, either with the simulation for the cell model of PF by constructing high-glucose (HG)-treated human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). HE and Masson staining were applied to assess the histopathological changes of peritoneum and collagen deposition. FISH, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to examine distribution or expression of targeted genes. Cell viability was detected using CCK-8 assay. Cell morphology was observed under a microscope. RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were applied to validate the H19-EZH2-KLF2 regulatory axis.

RESULTS

Aberrantly overexpressed H19 was observed in both the mouse and cell model of PF, of which knockdown significantly blocked HG-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT) of HPMCs. Moreover, loss of H19 further strengthened nintedanib-mediated suppressive effects against MMT process in a mouse model of PF. Mechanistically, H19 could epigenetically repressed KLF2 via recruiting EZH2. Furthermore, TGF-β/Smad pathway was inactivated by nintedanib through mediating H19/KLF2 axis.

CONCLUSION

In summary, nintedanib disrupts MMT process through regulating H19/EZH2/KLF2 axis and TGF-β/Smad pathway, which laid the experimental foundation for nintedanib in the treatment of PF.

Parthenolide alleviates indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities

Parthenolide (PTL) is a sesquiterpene lactone that occurs naturally. It demonstrates a variety of beneficial effects, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. The study investigated the potential protective impact of PTL on indomethacin (INDO) induced stomach ulcers in rats. The rats were classified into 5 distinct categories. Group 1 served as the "control" group. Rats in the second group received a single oral dosage of INDO (50 mg kg-1). Rats in Groups three and four received 20 and 40 mg kg-1 oral PTL 1 h before INDO. Omeprazole (30 mg kg-1) was given orally to Group 5 rats 1 h before INDO. Pretreatment with PTL increased stomach pH and decreased gastric volume as well as reduced the morphological and histological changes induced by INDO. Analysis of probable pathways showed that pre-treatment with PTL successfully reduced oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic consequences caused by INDO. The ingestion of PTL leads to a notable increase in the levels of glutathione reduced (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, PTL decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, it was shown that PTL increased both cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). PTL shows a significant decrease in the expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). PTL therapy resulted in a decrease in Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) levels and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) levels. In conclusion, PTL offers gastroprotection by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic qualities.

Tumor-mesothelium HOXA11-PDGF BB/TGF β1-miR-181a-5p-Egr1 feedforward amplifier circuity propels mesothelial fibrosis and peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer

A proportion of gastric cancer (GC) patients suffer from peritoneal metastasis (PM) in the late stage of tumor and these patients have a poor prognosis. To provide more care for GC patient with PM, a deeper exploration of the molecular characteristics of GC-PM is needed. Here we performed the in vitro and in vivo study to illustrate the effect of HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells on peritoneal mesothelial cells (HMrSV5), transcriptomics analyses of HMrSV5 cells co-cultured with HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells, counterparts or alone, cytokine array analyses of serum-free culture medium of HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells, we validated our findings through genetic manipulation of HMrSV5 cells and neutralizing antibodies targeting cytokines secreted by HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells in vitro, as well as utilized human peritoneal metastatic lesions to validate expression of potential targets. We identified that HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells strongly propelled mesothelial fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, and HOXA11 regulated paracrine and autocrine of PDGF BB and TGF β1 in GC cells to propel mesothelial fibrosis. Meanwhile, HOXA11 over-expressed GC cells drove PDGF BB and TGF β1 secretion to activate developmental-process related genes in HMrSV5 cells, including Egr1, which processes dependent on miR-181a-5p. Then, Egr1 could mediate peritoneal mesothelial fibrosis. Correspondingly, Egr1 over-expressed HMrSV5 cells supported migration and peritoneal dissemination of GC cells. Together our results suggest that a feedforward amplifier circuity governing GC cells and mesothelial cells in peritoneum contribute to peritoneal metastasis of GC cells.

Antifibrotic effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Scar tissue accumulation in organs is the underlying cause of many fibrotic diseases. Due to the extensive array of organs affected, the long-term nature of fibrotic processes and the large number of people who suffer from the negative impact of these diseases, they constitute a serious health problem for modern medicine and a huge economic burden on society. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a relatively new class of anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals that offer additional benefits over and above their glucose-lowering properties; these medications modulate a variety of diseases, including fibrosis. Herein, we have collated and analyzed all available research on SGLT2is and their effects on organ fibrosis, together with providing a proposed explanation as to the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Scopus were searched spanning the period from 2012 until April 2023 to find relevant articles describing the antifibrotic effects of SGLT2is.

RESULTS

The majority of reports have shown that SGLT2is are protective against lung, liver, heart and kidney fibrosis as well as arterial stiffness. According to the results of clinical trials and animal studies, many SGLT2 inhibitors are promising candidates for the treatment of fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that SGLT2is affect an array of cellular processes, including hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, the renin-angiotensin system and metabolic activities, all of which have been linked to fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Extensive evidence indicates that SGLT2is are promising treatments for fibrosis, demonstrating protective effects in various organs and influencing key cellular processes linked to fibrosis.

Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis

Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.

BET Protein Inhibitor JQ1 Ameliorates Experimental Peritoneal Damage by Inhibition of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a current replacement therapy for end-stage kidney diseases (ESKDs). However, long-term exposure to PD fluids may lead to damage of the peritoneal membrane (PM) through mechanisms involving the activation of the inflammatory response and mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), leading to filtration failure. Peritoneal damage depends on a complex interaction among external stimuli, intrinsic properties of the PM, and subsequent activities of the local innate-adaptive immune system. Epigenetic drugs targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins have shown beneficial effects on different experimental preclinical diseases, mainly by inhibiting proliferative and inflammatory responses. However the effect of BET inhibition on peritoneal damage has not been studied. To this aim, we have evaluated the effects of treatment with the BET inhibitor JQ1 in a mouse model of peritoneal damage induced by chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). We found that JQ1 ameliorated the CHX-induced PM thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, JQ1 decreased gene overexpression of proinflammatory and profibrotic markers, together with an inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Additionally, JQ1 blocked the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and restored changes in the mRNA expression levels of NADPH oxidases (NOX1 and NOX4) and NRF2/target antioxidant response genes. To corroborate the in vivo findings, we evaluated the effects of the BET inhibitor JQ1 on PD patients' effluent-derived primary mesothelial cells and on the MeT-5A cell line. JQ1 inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced proinflammatory gene upregulation and restored MMT phenotype changes, together with the downmodulation of oxidative stress. Taken together, these results suggest that BET inhibitors may be a potential therapeutic option to ameliorate peritoneal damage.

Silymarin ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the mainstay of treatment for renal failure replacement therapy. Although PD has greatly improved the quality of life of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, long-term PD can lead to ultrafiltration failure, which in turn causes peritoneal fibrosis (PF). Silymarin (SM) is a polyphenolic flavonoid isolated from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) species that has a variety of pharmacological actions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-fibrotic pharmacological activities. However, the effect of SM on PF and its potential mechanisms have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of SM on PF in vitro and in vivo as well as elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We established PF mouse models and human pleural mesothelial cell fibrosis in vitro by intraperitoneal injection of high-glucose peritoneal dialysis solution (PDS) or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and evaluated the effect of SM on peritoneal fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. We found that SM alleviated peritoneal dysfunction. Meanwhile, SM inhibited the expression of fibrotic markers (TGF-β1, collagen I, fibronectin) and restored the expression of E-cadherin, BMP-7 in PF mice and TGF-β1-treated Met-5A cells. Furthermore, SM markedly down-regulated the expression of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, and p-Smad3 and up-regulated the expression of smad7. In conclusion, these findings suggested that SM may be an efficient and novel therapy for the prevention of PF through inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Astragaloside IV ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis by promoting PGC-1α to reduce apoptosis in vitro and in vivo

Prolonged exposure of the peritoneum to high glucose dialysate leads to the development of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), and apoptosis of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is a major cause of PF. The aim of this study is to investigate whether Astragaloside IV could protect PMCs from apoptosis and alleviate PF. PMCs and rats PF models were induced by high glucose peritoneal fluid. We examined the pathology of rat peritoneal tissue by HE staining, the thickness of rat peritoneal tissue by Masson's staining, the number of mitochondria and oxidative stress levels in peritoneal tissue by JC-1 and DHE fluorescence staining, and mitochondria-related proteins and apoptosis-related proteins such as PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 were measured. We used hoechst staining and flow cytometry to assess the apoptotic rate of PMCs in the PF model, and further validated the observed changes in the expressions of PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, Caspase3, Bcl2 smad2 in PMCs. We further incubated PMCs with MG-132 (proteasome inhibitor) and Cyclohexylamine (protein synthesis inhibitor). The results demonstrated that Astragaloside IV increased the expression of PGC-1α by reducing the ubiquitination of PGC-1α. It was further found that the protective effects of Astragaloside IV on PMCs were blocked when PGC-1α was inhibited. In conclusion, Astragaloside IV effectively alleviated PF both in vitro and in vivo, possibly by promoting PGC-1α to enhance mitochondrial synthesis to reduce apoptotic effects.

Brahma-related gene 1 acts as a profibrotic mediator and targeting it by micheliolide ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Progressive peritoneal fibrosis is a worldwide public health concern impacting patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), yet there is no effective treatment. Our previous study revealed that a novel compound, micheliolide (MCL) inhibited peritoneal fibrosis in mice. However, its mechanism remains unclear. Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) is a key contributor to organ fibrosis, but its potential function in PD-related peritoneal fibrosis and the relationship between MCL and BRG1 remain unknown.

METHODS

The effects of MCL on BRG1-induced fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smads pathway were examined in a mouse PD model and in vitro peritoneal mesothelial cells. To investigate the targeting mechanism of MCL on BRG1, coimmunoprecipitation, MCL-biotin pulldown, molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay were performed.

RESULTS

BRG1 was markedly elevated in a mouse PD model and in peritoneal mesothelial cells cultured in TGF-β1 or PD fluid condition. BRG1 overexpression in vitro augmented fibrotic responses and promoted TGF-β1-increased-phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. Meanwhile, knockdown of BRG1 diminished TGF-β1-induced fibrotic responses and blocked TGF-β1-Smad2/3 pathway. MCL ameliorated BRG1 overexpression-induced peritoneal fibrosis and impeded TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway both in a mouse PD model and in vitro. Mechanically, MCL impeded BRG1 from recognizing and attaching to histone H3 lysine 14 acetylation by binding to the asparagine (N1540) of BRG1, in thus restraining fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway. After the mutation of N1540 to alanine (N1540A), MCL was unable to bind to BRG1 and thus, unsuccessful in suppressing BRG1-induced fibrotic responses and TGF-β1-Smad2/3 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our research indicates that BRG1 may be a crucial mediator in peritoneal fibrosis and MCL targeting N1540 residue of BRG1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy to combat PD-related peritoneal fibrosis.

Knockdown of AK142426 suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c-Jun

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis, which may lead to ultrafiltration failure and ultimately treatment discontinuation. LncRNAs participate in many biological processes during tumorigenesis. We investigated the role of AK142426 in peritoneal fibrosis.

METHODS

The AK142426 level in peritoneal dialysis (PD) fluid was detected by quantitative real-time-PCR assay. The M2 macrophage distribution was determined by flow cytometry. The inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and TGF-β1 were measured by ELISA assay. The direct interaction between AK142426 and c-Jun was evaluated by RNA pull-down assay. In addition, the c-Jun and fibrosis related proteins were assessed by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

The PD-induced peritoneal fibrosis mouse model was successfully established. More importantly, PD treatment induced M2 macrophage polarization and the inflammation in PD fluid, which might be associated with exosome transmission. Fortunately, AK142426 was observed to be upregulated in PD fluid. Mechanically, knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation. Furthermore, AK142426 could upregulate c-Jun through binding c-Jun protein. In rescue experiments, overexpression of c-Jun could partially abolish the inhibitory effect of sh-AK142426 on the activation of M2 macrophages and inflammation. Consistently, knockdown of AK142426 alleviated peritoneal fibrosis in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that knockdown of AK142426 suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and inflammation in peritoneal fibrosis via binding to c-Jun, suggesting that AK142426 might be a promising therapeutic target for patients of peritoneal fibrosis.

N-methylpiperazine-diepoxyovatodiolide ameliorates peritoneal fibrosis via suppressing TGF-β/Smad and JAK/STAT signaling pathway

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is the main cause of peritoneal ultrafiltration failure in patients undergoing long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the key pathogenesis of PF. However, currently, no specific treatments are available to suppress PF. N-methylpiperazine-diepoxyovatodiolide (NMPDOva) is a newly synthesized compound that involves a chemical modification of ovatodiolide. In this study, we aimed to explore the antifibrotic effects of NMPDOva in PD-related PF and underlying mechanisms. A mouse model of PD-related PF was established via daily intraperitoneal injection of 4.25% glucose PD fluid. In vitro studies were performed using the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated HMrSV5 cell line. Pathological changes were observed, and fibrotic markers were significantly elevated in the peritoneal membrane in mice model of PD-related PF. However, NMPDOva treatment significantly alleviated PD-related PF by decreasing the extracellular matrix accumulation. NMPDOva treatment decreased the expression of fibronectin, collagen Ⅰ, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in mice with PD-related PF. Moreover, NMPDOva could alleviate TGF-β1-induced EMT in HMrSV5 cells, inhibited phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, and increased the expression of Smad7. Meanwhile, NMPDOva inhibited phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3. Collectively, these results indicated that NMPDOva prevents PD-related PF by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Therefore, because of these antifibrotic effects, NMPDOva may be a promising therapeutic agent for PD-related PF.

Trends in parthenolide research over the past two decades: A bibliometric analysis

Parthenolide (PTL) is a new compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, it has been proven to play an undeniable role in tumors, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Similarly, an increasing number of experiments have also confirmed the biological mechanism of PTL in these diseases. In order to better understand the development trend and potential hot spots of PTL in cancer and other diseases, we conducted a detailed bibliometric analysis. The purpose of presenting this bibliometric analysis was to highlight and inform researchers of the important research directions, co-occurrence relationships and research status in this field. Publications related to PTL research from 2002 to 2022 were extracted on the web of science core collection (WoSCC) platform. CiteSpace, VOSviewers and R package "bibliometrix" were applied to build relevant network diagrams. The bibliometric analysis was presented in terms of performance analysis (including publication statistics, top publishing countries, top publishing institutions, publishing journals and co-cited journals, authors and co-cited authors, co-cited references statistics, citation bursts statistics, keyword statistics and trend topic statistics) and science mapping (including citations by country, citations by institution, citations by journal, citations by author, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence). The detailed discussion of the results explained the focus and latest trends from the bibliometric analysis. Finally, the current status and shortcomings of the research field on PTLwere clearly pointed out for reference by scholars.

Parthenolide alleviates microglia-mediated neuroinflammation via MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling to ameliorate cognitive disorder

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Neuroinflammation, mainly mediated by microglia, is involved in the evolution of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Parthenolide (PTL) has diverse pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidative stress. However, whether PTL can modulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation to improve cognitive impairment in amyloid precursor protein/presenilin 1 (APP/PS1) mice is unclear.

METHODS

LPS/IFN-γ-induced BV2 and HMC3 microglia were used for in vitro experiments; the roles of PTL on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, phagocytic activity, and neuroprotection were assessed by inflammatory cytokines assays, dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, phagocytosis, and cell counting kit-8 assays. Western blot and immunofluorescence（IF） were used to examine related molecular mechanisms. In vivo, IF and western blot were applied in LPS-treated wild-type (WT) mice and APP/PS1 mice models. The Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the effects of PTL on cognitive disorders.

RESULTS

In vitro, PTL dramatically suppressed proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α release and increased IL-10 levels. Moreover, PTL decreased reactive oxygen species and restored microglial phagocytic activities via the AKT/MAPK/ NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, we discovered that PTL obviously enhanced TRIM31 expression and siTRIM31 elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, we determined that the anti-inflammatory role of PTL was mostly TRIM31/NLRP3 signaling-dependent. In vivo, PTL alleviated microgliosis and astrogliosis in LPS-treated WT and APP/PS1 mice. Additionally, PTL significantly ameliorated memory and learning deficits in cognitive behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

PTL improved cognitive and behavioral dysfunction, inhibited neuroinflammation, and showed potent anti-neuroinflammatory activity and neuroprotective effects by improving the MAPK/TRIM31/NLRP3 axis. Our study emphasized the therapeutic potential of PTL for improving cognitive disorders during AD progression.

The effectiveness of blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) in lung cancer progression-a comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Blood-activating and stasis-transforming traditional Chinese medicines (BAST) are a class of herbs that have the effect of dilating blood vessels and dispersing stagnation. Modern pharmaceutical research has demonstrated that they are capable of improving hemodynamics and micro-flow, resist thrombosis and promote blood flow. BAST contain numerous active ingredients, which can theoretically regulate multiple targets at the same time and have a wide range of pharmacological effects in the treatment of diseases including human cancers. Clinically, BAST have minimal side effects and can be used in combination with Western medicine to improve patients' quality of life, lessen adverse effects and minimize the risk of recurrence and metastasis of cancers.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

We aimed to summarize the research progression of BAST on lung cancer in the past five years and present a prospect for the future. Particularly, this review further analyzes the effects and molecular mechanisms that BAST inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant studies about BSAT were collected from PubMed and Web of science.

RESULTS

Lung cancer is one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rate. Most patients with lung cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage and are highly susceptible to metastasis. Recent studies have shown that BAST, a class of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with the function of opening veins and dispersing blood stasis, significantly improve hemodynamics and microcirculation, prevent thrombosis and promote blood flow, and thereby inhibiting the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. In the current review, we analyzed 51 active ingredients extracted from BAST. It was found that BAST and their active ingredients contribute to the prevention of invasion and metastasis of lung cancer through multiple mechanisms, such as regulation of EMT process, specific signaling pathway and metastasis-related genes, tumor blood vessel formation, immune microenvironment and inflammatory response of tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

BSAT and its active ingredients have showed promising anticancer activity and significantly inhibit the invasion and metastasis of lung cancer. A growing number of studies have realized their potential clinical significance in the therapy of lung cancer, which will provide substantial evidences for the development of new TCM for lung cancer therapy.

Parthenolide Phytosomes Attenuated Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats via Activation of Sirt-1, Nrf2, OH-1, and NQO1 Axis

Nephrotoxicity is a serious complication that limits the clinical use of gentamicin (GEN). Parthenolide (PTL) is a sesquiterpene lactone derived from feverfew with various therapeutic benefits. However, PTL possesses low oral bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic protective effects of PTL-phytosomes against GEN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The PTL was prepared as phytosomes to improve the pharmacological properties with a particle size of 407.4 nm, and surface morphology showed oval particles with multiple edges. Rats were divided into six groups: control, nano-formulation plain vehicle, PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg), GEN (100 mg/kg), GEN + PTL-phytosomes (5 mg/kg), and GEN + PTL-phytosomes (10 mg/kg). The administration of PTL-phytosomes alleviated GEN-induced impairment in kidney functions and histopathological damage, and decreased kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1). The anti-oxidative effect of PTL-phytosomes was demonstrated by the reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. Furthermore, PTL-phytosomes treatment significantly enhanced sirtuin 1 (Sirt-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Additionally, PTL-phytosomes treatment exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties in the kidney tissue. These findings suggest that PTL-phytosomes attenuate renal dysfunction and structural damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidney.

Novel Aspects of the Immune Response Involved in the Peritoneal Damage in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients under Dialysis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence is growing worldwide, with a significant percentage of CKD patients reaching end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requiring kidney replacement therapies (KRT). Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a convenient KRT presenting benefices as home therapy. In PD patients, the peritoneum is chronically exposed to PD fluids containing supraphysiologic concentrations of glucose or other osmotic agents, leading to the activation of cellular and molecular processes of damage, including inflammation and fibrosis. Importantly, peritonitis episodes enhance peritoneum inflammation status and accelerate peritoneal injury. Here, we review the role of immune cells in the damage of the peritoneal membrane (PM) by repeated exposure to PD fluids during KRT as well as by bacterial or viral infections. We also discuss the anti-inflammatory properties of current clinical treatments of CKD patients in KRT and their potential effect on preserving PM integrity. Finally, given the current importance of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, we also analyze here the implications of this disease in CKD and KRT.

Parthenolide alleviates peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via the NF-κB/ TGF-β/Smad signaling axis

Peritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD) with a complicated pathogenesis and limited treatments. Parthenolide (PTL), a recognized nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) inhibitor extracted from Tanacetum balsamita, has been widely used to treat various inflammatory diseases and has been proven to improve peritoneal fibrosis in PD mice by selectively inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), via Smad-dependent signaling, has a pivotal role in promoting pathogenic of fibrosis. To investigate whether PTL can inhibit peritoneal fibrosis, we affected the interaction between NF-κB and the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway. Long dwell peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF) and peritoneum tissues were collected from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. PTL was administered intragastrically into a PD mouse model by daily infusion of 4.25% dextrose-containing PDF. Treated HMrSV5 cells or rat peritoneal mesothelial cells (RPMCs) were treated with high glucose(138 mM) at the same concentration as 2.5% dextrose-containing PDF and PTL. PD-related peritoneal fibrosis samples indicated an increase in inflammation, and PTL decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines (L-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1). PTL inhibited high glucose-induced mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), as indicated by a reduced expression of fibrosis markers (fibronectin, collagen I, and α-SMA) and increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. PTL also significantly decreased TGF-β1 expression and the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κBp65. The changes in the levels of TGF-β1 expression and p-p65 or p65 showed similar trends according to western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays in vitro and in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assays were used to confirm that PTL regulates the transcription of TGF-β1 induced by high glucose through NF-κBp65. In summary, PTL induces a therapeutic effect in peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting inflammation via the NF-κB/ TGF-β/Smad signaling axis.

The antioxidative effects of empagliflozin on high glucose‑induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in peritoneal mesothelial cells via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

High glucose (HG)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and oxidative stress play an important role in peritoneal fibrosis, which could be regulated by the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate whether empagliflozin could inhibit HG-induced EMT and oxidative stress via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. We used HG-based peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution in rats and HG in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) to induce EMT in vivo and in vitro respectively. The peritoneal structure and function were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome staining, and the peritoneal equilibrium test. Oxidative stress was measured by assay kits. EMT was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and western blot. The PD rats showed decreased ultrafiltration capacity and increased levels of oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis revealed markedly peritoneal thickening, excessive collagen deposition, increased expression of α-SMA, Collagen-I, and Fibronectin, and decreased expression of E‑cadherin. Empagliflozin significantly ameliorated the aforementioned changes. The protein expression levels of nuclear Nrf2 (N-Nrf2) and HO-1 increased in PD rats, which were further promoted by treatment with empagliflozin. In in vitro experiments, the EMT of HPMCs was induced with 60 mM glucose for 24 h and inhibited by empagliflozin. Empagliflozin suppressed oxidative stress and promoted the protein expression of N-Nrf2 and HO-1 in HG‑stimulated HPMCs, which was reversed by the Nrf2 inhibitor. In conclusion, empagliflozin exerted a protective effect against HG-induced EMT and suppressed oxidative stress in PMCs by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Inhibition of TGFβ1/Smad pathway by NF-κB induces inflammation leading to poor wound healing in high glucose

This study mainly analyzed the relationship between nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ1)/Smad under high glucose environment and its influence on wound healing. Fibroblast NIH-3T3 was used to analyze the effect of high concentration glucose (20 nmol/mL) on cell viability, migration ability, inflammation level and NF-κB pathway. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) was used to inhibit NF-κB for rescue experiments. Diabetic mice were used to construct wound healing models. Recombinant TGF-β1 was used to promote wound healing in diabetic mice. FSL-1 was applied to activate NF-κB to verify the mechanism. High glucose inhibited cell viability and migration ability, promoted the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, induced the activation of NF-κB pathway in fibroblasts. Inhibition of NF-κB not only blocked the decrease in cell viability and migration ability induced by high glucose, but also relieved the release of inflammatory factors. TGF-β1 activated the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and promoted wound healing in diabetic mice. Activating the NF-κB pathway not only inhibited the activation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, but also alleviated the promoting effect of TGF-β1 on wound healing. In a high glucose environment, the activation of NF-κB may inhibit the function of fibroblasts by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, resulting in poor wound healing.

Endoglin aggravates peritoneal fibrosis by regulating the activation of TGF-β/ALK/Smads signaling

Background: Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is an intractable complication in patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a key pro-fibrogenic factor involved in PD-associated PF, and endoglin, as a coreceptor for TGF-β, plays a role in balancing the TGF-β signaling pathway. Here, we investigated whether endoglin could be a potential therapeutic target for PF.

Methods:In vivo, we established PF model in SD rats by daily intraperitoneal injection of peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDF) containing 4.25% glucose for 6 weeks and downregulated endoglin expression by tail vein injection of AAV9-ENG on day 14 to assess the effect of endoglin on peritoneal morphology and markers related to fibrosis, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In vitro, we treated human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs) transfected with ENG siRNA in high glucose medium to explore the potential mechanism of endoglin in PF.

Results: Compared to control group, continuous exposure to biologically incompatible PDF induced exacerbated PF, accompanied by a significant increase in endoglin expression. Conversely, knockdown of endoglin ameliorated peritoneal injury characterized by increased peritoneal thickening and collagen deposition, angiogenesis, as well as EMT. Consistently, HPMCs cultured in high glucose medium underwent the EMT process and exhibited over-expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), whereas these aforementioned alterations were alleviated after ENG siRNA transfection. In addition, we also found that ENG siRNA inhibited TGF-β-induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Smad1/5/9 in HPMCs treated with high glucose (HG).

Conclusion: Our findings confirmed for the first time that endoglin exacerbated PF by regulating the activation of TGF-β/ALK/Smads signaling, which will provide a novel potential therapeutic target in PF.

Parthenolide Suppresses T Helper 17 and Alleviates Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

T helper (Th) cells play crucial roles in inflammation and adaptive immune system. Importantly, Th17 cells, a major pathogenic Th cell subset, are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and its classical animal modal experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Previous studies have shown that parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone, possesses potent anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the immunosuppressive effect of PTL on the pathogenic Th17 cell and MS is unclear. In this study, we showed that PTL treatment could alleviate clinical symptoms by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, reducing inflammation and demyelination of CNS. In addition, the mRNA expression of cytokines and inflammatory factors in CD4⁺ T cells, especially Th1 and Th17 cells, reduced in both CNS and peripheral immune tissue of EAE mice. Furthermore, PTL could inhibit the reactivation of MOG-specific T cells and the differentiation of naïve CD4⁺ T cells into Th17 cells in vitro. We also found that PTL inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and retinoid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) in mouse Th17 cell and human Jurkat cell line. Taken together, our data demonstrated a critical immune-suppressive effect of PTL on autoimmune inflammation through regulating Th17 cells and the NF-κB/RORγt pathway.

Fibrosis of Peritoneal Membrane as Target of New Therapies in Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an efficient renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. Even if it ensures an outcome equivalent to hemodialysis and a better quality of life, in the long-term, PD is associated with the development of peritoneal fibrosis and the consequents patient morbidity and PD technique failure. This unfavorable effect is mostly due to the bio-incompatibility of PD solution (mainly based on high glucose concentration). In the present review, we described the mechanisms and the signaling pathway that governs peritoneal fibrosis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells, and angiogenesis. Lastly, we summarize the present and future strategies for developing more biocompatible PD solutions.

The Mechanism and Regulation of the NLRP3 Inflammasome during Fibrosis

Fibrosis is often the end result of chronic inflammation. It is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. This leads to structural alterations in the tissue, causing permanent damage and organ dysfunction. Depending on the organ it effects, fibrosis can be a serious threat to human life. The molecular mechanism of fibrosis is still not fully understood, but the NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin–domain–containing protein 3) inflammasome appears to play a significant role in the pathogenesis of fibrotic disease. The NLRP3 inflammasome has been the most extensively studied inflammatory pathway to date. It is a crucial component of the innate immune system, and its activation mediates the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. NLRP3 activation has been strongly linked with fibrosis and drives the differentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts by the chronic upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequent autocrine signaling that maintains an activated inflammasome. Both IL-1β and IL-18 are profibrotic, however IL-1β can have antifibrotic capabilities. NLRP3 responds to a plethora of different signals that have a common but unidentified unifying trigger. Even after 20 years of extensive investigation, regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is still not completely understood. However, what is known about NLRP3 is that its regulation and activation is complex and not only driven by various activators but controlled by numerous post-translational modifications. More recently, there has been an intensive attempt to discover NLRP3 inhibitors to treat chronic diseases. This review addresses the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in fibrotic disorders across many different tissues. It discusses the relationships of various NLRP3 activators to fibrosis and covers different therapeutics that have been developed, or are currently in development, that directly target NLRP3 or its downstream products as treatments for fibrotic disorders.

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling in Cancer-A Betrayal Within

A ubiquitously expressed cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a significant role in various ongoing cellular mechanisms. The gain or loss-of-function of TGF-β and its downstream mediators could lead to a plethora of diseases includes tumorigenesis. Specifically, at the early onset of malignancy TGF-β act as tumour suppressor and plays a key role in clearing malignant cells by reducing the cellular proliferation and differentiation thus triggers the process of apoptosis. Subsequently, TGF-β at an advanced stage of malignancy promotes tumorigenesis by augmenting cellular transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition invasion, and metastasis. Besides playing the dual roles, depending upon the stage of malignancy, TGF-β also regulates cell fate through immune and stroma components. This oscillatory role of TGF-β to fight against cancer or act as a traitor to collaborate and crosstalk with other tumorigenic signaling pathways and its betrayal within the cell depends upon the cellular context. Therefore, the current review highlights and understands the dual role of TGF-β under different cellular conditions and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in modulating cell fate.

TGF-β-induced fibrosis: A review on the underlying mechanism and potential therapeutic strategies

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays multiple homeostatic roles in the regulation of inflammation, proliferation, differentiation and would healing of various tissues. Many studies have demonstrated that TGF-β stimulates activation and proliferation of fibroblasts, which result in extracellular matrix deposition. Its increased expression can result in many fibrotic diseases, and the level of expression is often correlated with disease severity. On this basis, inhibition of TGF-β and its activity has great therapeutic potential for the treatment of various fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, renal fibrosis, systemic sclerosis and etc. By understanding the molecular mechanism of TGF-β signaling and activity, researchers were able to develop different strategies in order to modulate the activity of TGF-β. Antisense oligonucleotide was developed to target the mRNA of TGF-β to inhibit its expression. There are also neutralizing monoclonal antibodies that can target the TGF-β ligands or αvβ6 integrin to prevent binding to receptor or activation of latent TGF-β respectively. Soluble TGF-β receptors act as ligand traps that competitively bind to the TGF-β ligands. Many small molecule inhibitors have been developed to inhibit the TGF-β receptor at its cytoplasmic domain and also intracellular signaling molecules. Peptide aptamer technology has been used to target downstream TGF-β signaling. Here, we summarize the underlying mechanism of TGF-β-induced fibrosis and also review various strategies of inhibiting TGF-β in both preclinical and clinical studies.

Sulodexide Prevents Peritoneal Fibrosis by Downregulating the Expression of TGF-β1 and Its Signaling Pathway Molecules

Peritoneal dialysis is one of the main renal replacement treatments. However, long-term peritoneal dialysis keeps the peritoneum in contact with the sugar-containing nonphysiological peritoneal fluid, which leads to recurrent peritonitis, peritoneal fibrosis, and failure of ultrafiltration. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), related cytokines, and inflammatory factors are closely related to peritoneal fibrosis. Sulodexide (SLX) is a new type of glycosaminoglycan preparation, which is involved in the formation of an anionic charge barrier and can maintain the selective permeability of vascular endothelial cells. In this study, the innovative analysis of SLX specifically prevents the process of peritoneal dialysis peritoneal fibrosis by downregulating the expression of TGF-β1 and its signaling pathway molecules. We randomly divided 30 rats into three groups. The blank control group received no treatment. The peritoneal dialysis model group was injected with 4.25% peritoneal dialysate (PDF) 20 ml daily, and the SLX group was injected with 4.25% PDF 20 ml + sulodexide (SLX) 20 mg/kg daily. After 8 weeks of dialysis, the rats were sacrificed, and the peritoneal function test was performed to determine the amount of glucose transport and ultrafiltration. The thickness of peritoneal per unit area was observed under high magnification. The level of inflammation in peritoneal tissue and the expression of TGF-β1/Smad were detected. The results showed that SLX can significantly improve peritoneal tissue thickening and inflammation, can downregulate the expression of TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 in peritoneal tissue, and improve the progression of peritoneal fibrosis.

Ameliorative role of SIRT1 in peritoneal fibrosis: an in vivo and in vitro study

Background

Peritoneal fibrosis is one of the major complications induced by peritoneal dialysis (PD). Damaged integrity and function of peritoneum caused by peritoneal fibrosis not only limits the curative efficacy of PD and but affects the prognosis of patients. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the process remain unclear and therapeutic strategy targeting TGF‐β is deficient. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling participates in the progression of peritoneal fibrosis through enhancing mesothelial-mesenchymal transition of mesothelial cells.

Methods

The study aims to demonstrate the regulatory role of Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) to the TGF‐β signaling mediated peritoneal fibrosis. SIRT1^−/− mice were used to establish animal model. Masson’s staining and peritoneal equilibration assay were performed to evaluate the degree of peritoneal fibrosis. QRT-PCR assays were used to estimate the RNA levels of Sirt1 and matrix genes related to peritoneal fibrosis, and their protein levels were examined by Western blot assays.

Results

SIRT1 significantly decreased in vivo post PD treatment. SIRT1 knockout exacerbated peritoneal fibrosis both in vivo and vitro. Overexpression of SIRT1 efficiently inhibited peritoneal fibrosis by inhibiting the peritoneal inflammation and the activation of TGF‐β signaling.

Conclusion

SIRT1 ameliorated peritoneal fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro through inhibiting the expression of protein matrix induced by TGF‐β signaling.

Berberine inhibits intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in colon caused by peritoneal dialysis fluid by improving cell migration

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Berberine is generally extracted from Rhizoma Coptidis (Coptis chinensis Franch), a traditional Chinese medicine, which can be used in the treatment of intestinal diseases, respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases. Berberine is especially effective for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea because of the effect of heat-clearing and detoxifying in traditional Chinese medicine theory.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to examine the protective effect of berberine (BBR) on the damaged colonic epithelial barrier caused by peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF).

METHODS

The damage to intestinal epithelial barrier was examined by intraperitoneally injecting 4.25% dextrose-containing PDF in mice and establishing a long-term PD model in rats with renal failure. Then, the therapeutic potential of berberine on PD-related colonic injuries was examined. T84 colonic epithelial cells were used to test the effect of PDF and berberine in vitro. The damaging effect of PDF and the protective effect of berberine were evaluated by histology staining, histofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. The migration of colonic epithelial cell and actin-related protein 2 (Arp2) were tested by wound healing assay and Western blot to determine the possible mechanism in vitro.

RESULTS

PD administration induced intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in the colon, and berberine alleviated the injury by increasing the tight junction and adhesion junction protein, both in vivo and in vitro. Berberine could also improve the morphology of microvillus. In the wound healing assay, berberine exhibited the ability to promote cell migration, indicating that berberine could probably recover the function of intestinal epithelial cells when the intestinal epithelial barrier was damaged by the PDF.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that berberine can ameliorate intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction in the colon caused by long-term PDF through improving cell migration.

Molecular pathways in peritoneal fibrosis

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease that is equivalent to hemodialysis with respect to adequacy, mortality, and other outcome parameters, yet providing superior quality-of-life measures and cost savings. However, long-term usage of the patient's peritoneal membrane as a dialyzer filter is unphysiological and leads to peritoneal fibrosis, which is a major factor of patient morbidity and PD technique failure, resulting in a transfer to hemodialysis or death. Peritoneal fibrosis pathophysiology involves chronic inflammation and the fibrotic process itself. Frequently, inflammation precedes membrane fibrosis development, although a bidirectional relationship of one inducing the other exists. This review aims at highlighting the histopathological definition of peritoneal fibrosis, outlining the interplay of fibrosis, angiogenesis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), delineating important fibrogenic pathways involving Smad-dependent and Smad-independent transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as well as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) signaling, and summarizing historic and recent studies of inflammatory pathways involving NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and other cytokines.

Acacetin improves endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by estrogen receptors

The aim of the work was to investigate the effects of acacetin on endothelial dysfunction and aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats and explore its mechanism. Seven-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were selected to establish a rat model of hypertension with insulin resistance induced by 10% fructose. The nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) and Collagen I were observed by Immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was used to observe estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor-beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30). Western blotting was used to detect interleukin (IL-1β), Arginase 2 (ARG2), Nostrin, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), TGF-β, Smad3, ERK pathway proteins such as p-c-Raf, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK, ERK, p-P90RSK and p-MSK1. We found that acacetin did have an improvement on endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis. Meanwhile, it was also found to have a significant effect on the level of estrogen in this model by accident. Then, the experiment of uterine weight gain in mice confirmed that acacetin had a certain estrogen-like effect in vivo and played its role through the estrogen receptors pathway. In vitro experience HUVEC cells were stimulated with 30 mM/L glucose and 100 mM/L NaCl for 24 h to establish the endothelial cell injury model. HUVEC cells were treated with 1 μM/L estrogen receptors antagonist (ICI 182780) for 30 min before administration. Cell experiments showed that acacetin could reduce the apoptosis of HUVEC cells, the levels of inflammatory cytokines and the expression of TGF-β, Collagen I and Smad3 in endothelial cell injury model. After treatment with ICI 182780, the improvement of acacetin was significantly reversed. The results showed that acacetin relieved endothelial dysfunction and reduced the aortic fibrosis in insulin-resistant SHR rats by reducing the release of inflammatory factors and improving vasodilatory function through estrogen signaling pathway.

Parthenolide ameliorates tweak-induced podocytes injury

Parthenolide (PTL) is a natural product from the shoots of Tanacetum parthenium, which has immunomodulatory effects in multiply type of diseases. This study aimed to explore the effect and the underlying mechanism of PTL on the anti-apoptotic and anti- inflammatory ability of tweak-induced podocytes. Conditionally immortalized mouse podocytes were incubated with Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (Tweak, 100 ng/ml), PTL(10 µM) or Tweak + PTL for 12 h, 24 and 48 h, respectively. Podocytes viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Tweak and Cxcl16 expression were evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence assay. Dil-oxLDL stain was detected by immunofluorescence analysis. Intracellular Total Cholesterol (TC) content was measured through TC detection Kit. These results demonstrated that the podocytes cells viability was gradually decreased after treatment with different concentrations of Tweak (0, 50, 100, 150). Tweak and Cxcl16 protein expression in mouse podocytes treated with tweak were remarkably elevated and were found to have higher intracellular lipid accumulation compared with the control group, whereas co-administration with PTL, tweak and Cxcl16 expression as well as the intracellular lipid accumulation were notablely decreased in tweak-induced podocytes. Therefore, our conclusion was that tweak and Cxcl16 were involved in the regulation of tweak-induced podocytes injury. Meanwhile, the anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effect of PTL may be correlated with the tweak and Cxcl16 expression decreased.