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Farrag EAE, Hammad MO, Safwat SM, Hamed S, Hellal D. Artemisinin attenuates type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats through modulation of AGE-RAGE/HMGB-1 signaling pathway. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11043. [PMID: 37422477 PMCID: PMC10329689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37678-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder. About two-thirds of diabetic patients develop diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), which becomes a challenging issue as it severely threatens the patient's life. Hyperglycemia and the resulting advanced glycated end products (AGE) and their receptor (RAGE)/High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) molecular pathway are thought to be key players. Recently, artemisinin (ART) has gained more attention owing to its potent biological activities beyond its antimalarial effect. Herein, we aim to evaluate the effect of ART on DCM and the possible underlying mechanisms. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into: control, ART, type 2 diabetic and type 2 diabetic treated with ART groups. At the end of the research, the ECG was recorded, then the heart weight to body weight (HW/BW) ratio, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and HOMA-IR were evaluated. Cardiac biomarkers (CK-MB and LDH), oxidative stress markers, IL-1β, AGE, RAGE and HMGB-1 expression were also measured. The heart specimens were stained for H&E as well as Masson's trichrome. DCM induced disturbances in all studied parameters; contrary to this, ART improved these insults. Our study concluded that ART could improve DCM through modulation of the AGE-RAGE/HMGB-1 signaling pathway, with subsequent impacts on oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis. ART could therefore be a promising therapy for the management of DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman A E Farrag
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Maha O Hammad
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Sally M Safwat
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Shereen Hamed
- Department of Medical Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Doaa Hellal
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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2
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Yang WG, Sun A, Zhu R, Liu N, He WJ, Liu LL. Exploration of Artemisinin Against IgA Nephropathy via AKT/Nrf2 Pathway by Bioinformatics and Experimental Validation. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1679-1697. [PMID: 37309415 PMCID: PMC10257916 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s403422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Artemisinin (ART) is a safe and effective antimalarial drug. In recent years, antimalarial drugs have demonstrated a good therapeutic efficacy in IgA nephropathy, suggesting that this may become a new treatment option. Purpose We aimed to evaluate the effect and mechanism of artemisinin in IgA nephropathy. Methods In this study, CMap database was used to predict the artemisinin therapeutic effect for IgA nephropathy. A network pharmacology approach was applied to explore the unknown mechanism of artemisinin in IgA nephropathy. We used molecular docking to predict the binding affinity of artemisinin with the targets. A mouse model of IgA nephropathy was established to investigate the therapeutic effect of artemisinin on IgA nephropathy. In vitro, the cell counting Kit-8 assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of artemisinin. Flow cytometry and PCR assays were used to detect the effects of artemisinin on oxidative stress and fibrosis in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mesangial cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of pathway proteins. Results CMap analysis showed artemisinin may reverse the expression levels of differentially expressed genes in IgA nephropathy. Eighty-seven potential targets of artemisinin in the treatment of IgA nephropathy were screened. Among them, 15 hub targets were identified. Enrichment analysis and GSEA analysis indicated that response to reactive oxygen species is the core biological process. AKT1 and EGFR had the highest docking affinity with artemisinin. In vivo, artemisinin could improve renal injury and fibrosis in mice. In vitro, artemisinin attenuated LPS-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis promoted AKT phosphorylation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Conclusion Artemisinin reduced the level of fibrosis and oxidative stress with IgA nephropathy through the AKT/Nrf2 pathway, which provided an alternative treatment for IgAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-guang Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ao Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nan Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei-jie He
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lin-lin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shen Yang, Liao Ning, People’s Republic of China
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Jin Q, Liu T, Chen D, Yang L, Mao H, Ma F, Wang Y, Li P, Zhan Y. Therapeutic potential of artemisinin and its derivatives in managing kidney diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1097206. [PMID: 36874000 PMCID: PMC9974673 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1097206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, an antimalarial traditional Chinese herb, is isolated from Artemisia annua. L, and has shown fewer side effects. Several pieces of evidence have demonstrated that artemisinin and its derivatives exhibited therapeutic effects on diseases like malaria, cancer, immune disorders, and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, the antimalarial drugs demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, regulating the immune system and autophagy and modulating glycolipid metabolism properties, suggesting an alternative for managing kidney disease. This review assessed the pharmacological activities of artemisinin. It summarized the critical outcomes and probable mechanism of artemisinins in treating kidney diseases, including inflammatory, oxidative stress, autophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, glycolipid metabolism, insulin resistance, diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, and acute kidney injury, suggesting the therapeutic potential of artemisinin and its derivatives in managing kidney diseases, especially the podocyte-associated kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jin
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danqian Chen
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Yang
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Mao
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Ma
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyang Wang
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongli Zhan
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guang'anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
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4
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Hu Q, Jiang L, Yan Q, Zeng J, Ma X, Zhao Y. A natural products solution to diabetic nephropathy therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108314. [PMID: 36427568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy is one of the most common complications in diabetes. It has been shown to be the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. However, due to their complex pathological mechanisms, effective therapeutic drugs other than angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which have been used for 20 years, have not been developed so far. Recent studies have shown that diabetic nephropathy is characterized by multiple signalling pathways and multiple targets, including inflammation, apoptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and their interactions. It definitely exacerbates the difficulty of therapy, but at the same time it also brings out the chance for natural products treatment. In the most recent two decades, a large number of natural products have displayed their potential in preclinical studies and a few compounds are under invetigation in clinical trials. Hence, many compounds targeting these singals have been emerged as a comprehensive blueprint for treating strategy of diabetic nephropathy. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of natural prouducts that alleviate this condition, including preclinical studies and clinical trials, which will provide new insights into the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and suggest novel ideas for new drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qichao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lan Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qi Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100039, China.
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Wahab NAA, Giribabu N, Kilari EK, Salleh N. Abietic acid ameliorates nephropathy progression via mitigating renal oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and apoptosis in high fat diet and low dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154464. [PMID: 36215789 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abietic acid (AA) has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, however its protective effect against inflammation and its trigger factor i.e., oxidative stress and the related sequelae i.e., apoptosis and fibrosis in the kidney in diabetes mellitus (DM) is unknown. PURPOSE To identify the ability of AA to mitigate the inflammatory and inflammation-related insults to the kidney in DM. METHODS & STUDY DESIGN Adult male rats were induced type-2 DM by feeding with a high-fat diet for twelve weeks followed by injection with a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg/bw) intraperitoneally at twelve weeks. Following DM confirmation, AA (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) was given orally for another four weeks. Then the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and renal profile were determined and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) tests were performed. A day after the last treatment, rats were sacrificed and kidneys were harvested and subjected for histopathological and molecular biological analysis. RESULTS AA treatment was found to reduce the FBG, serum urea and creatinine levels (p < 0.05) while improving the OGTT and ITT (p < 0.05) in diabetic rats. Besides, AA treatment also mitigated kidney histopathological changes, reduces kidney oxidative stress as reflected by reduced levels of RAGE and Keap1 but increased levels of kidney antioxidants Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GPX, HO-1 & NQO-1 (p < 0.05). Additionally, AA treatment also decreases kidney inflammation (NF-kB p65, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and iNOS) and fibrosis (TGF-β1 and GSK-3β) (p < 0/05). Kidney apoptosis decreased as reflected by decreased levels of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 while its anti-apoptosis Bcl-2 protein levels increased (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION AA helps to mitigate nephropathy development in DM via counteracting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Ainina Abd Wahab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nelli Giribabu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Eswar Kumar Kilari
- Pharmacology Division, A.U. College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 530 003, India
| | - Naguib Salleh
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Chen Y, Fan ZQ, Guo JC, Men K. Effect of artemisinin on improving islet function in rats fed with maternal high-fat diet. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:416-424. [PMID: 35348414 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2053955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) is a detrimental factor in developing glucose intolerance, obesity, and islet dysfunction. However, the effect of artemisinin on maternal HFD and whether it is related to the alterations of islet function is seldom studied since artemisinin treatments not only attenuate insulin resistance (IR) and restore islet ß cell function in Diabetes mellitus type 2. METHODS Female rats were randomly fed a HFD (45% kcal from fat), HFD + artemisinin, or a regular chow diet (RCD) before pregnancy and during gestation. Glucose metabolism and the β cell phenotypes were assessed. RESULTS Maternal HFD increased islet load in female rats, proliferation of pancreatic β cells, increased insulinogen, and decreased insulin secretion response to high glucose stimulation with delayed insulin release, increased fasting glucose, and glucose area under the curve compared with the general diet group. HFD inhibited expression of Foxo1 and PAX6 in female rats. Under the effect of both HFD and pregnancy, islet load was further increased, insulinogen was further increased, and fasting insulin level and fasting glucose were higher than RCD fed general-pregnancy group. ALDH1a3 transdifferentiation and PAX6, Foxo1, and PDX1 expression were increased in islets of high-fat pregnant rats. When adding artemisinin in HFD treated pregnant rats, islet function was significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS Intervention with artemisinin in maternal HFD resulted in reduced islet size, decreased number of β-cells and improved islet microcirculation, insulin processing shear process, decreased insulinogen/insulin ratio, and restored islet function through increased expression of PC1/3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Zhen-Qian Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Jian-Chao Guo
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Kun Men
- Department of Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, PR China
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7
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Protective Effect and Possible Mechanisms of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives for Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Animal Models. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:5401760. [PMID: 35528521 PMCID: PMC9073547 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5401760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Artemisinin and its derivatives have potential antidiabetic effects. There is no evaluation of reported studies in the literature on the treatment of diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the commonest diabetic microangiopathies, with artemisinins. Here, we aimed to evaluate preclinical evidence for the efficacy and possible mechanisms of artemisinins in reducing diabetic renal injury. Methods We conducted an electronic literature search in fourteen databases from their inception to November 2021. All animal studies assessing the efficacy and safety of artemisinins in DN were included, regardless of publication or language. Overall, 178 articles were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, 18 eligible articles were included in this systematic review. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies. The primary outcomes were kidney function, proteinuria, and renal pathology. Secondary endpoints included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels, body weight, and relevant mechanisms. Results Of the 18 included articles involving 418 animal models of DN, 1, 2, 6, and 9 used dihydroartemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and artemisinin, respectively. Overall, artemisinins reduced indicators of renal function, including blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.00001), serum creatinine (P < 0.00001), and kidney index (P = 0.0001) compared with control group treatment. Measurements of proteinuria (P < 0.00001), microalbuminuria (P < 0.05), and protein excretion (P = 0.0002) suggested that treatment with artemisinins reduced protein loss in animals with DN. Artemisinins may lower blood glucose levels (P = 0.01), but there is a risk of weight gain (P < 0.00001). Possible mechanisms of action of artemisinins include delaying renal fibrosis, reducing oxidative stress, and exerting antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion Available evidence suggests that artemisinins may be protective against renal injury secondary to diabetes in preclinical studies; however, high-quality and long-term trials are needed to reliably determine the balance of benefits and harms.
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The Potential of Nrf2 Activation as a Therapeutic Target in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020151. [PMID: 35208225 PMCID: PMC8876688 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and oxidative stress are well established in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are critical to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The transcription factor NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a central regulator of cellular anti-oxidative responses, inflammation, and restoration of redox balance. Accumulating reports support an emerging role for the regulation of Nrf2 in SLE. These include findings on the development of lupus-like autoimmune nephritis and altered immune cell populations in mice lacking Nrf2, as well as decreased Nrf2 abundance in the dendritic cells of patients with SLE. Nrf2-inducing agents have been shown to alleviate oxidative and inflammatory stress and reduce tissue injury in SLE mouse models. Since Nrf2 expression can be increased in activated T cells, the precise role of Nrf2 activation in different immune cell types and their function remains to be defined. However, targeting Nrf2 for the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, such as SLE, is promising. As investigation of Nrf2-inducing agents in clinical trials grows, defining the signaling and molecular mechanisms of action and downstream effects in response to different Nrf2-inducing agents in specific cells, tissues, and diseases, will be critical for effective clinical use.
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Wang X, Hu R, Wang C, Wei Z, Pi S, Li Y, Li G, Yang F, Zhang C. Nrf2 axis and endoplasmic reticulum stress mediated autophagy activation is involved in molybdenum and cadmium co-induced hepatotoxicity in ducks. J Inorg Biochem 2022; 229:111730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2022.111730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Wu T, Feng H, He M, Yue R, Wu S. Efficacy of artemisinin and its derivatives in animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res 2022; 175:105994. [PMID: 34808366 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although current evidence suggests that artemisinin and its derivatives play a multitarget therapeutic role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), their efficacy and safety remain under debate. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of artemisinin and its derivatives in T2DM animal models. Preclinical studies that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, OpenGrey, Google Scholar, Psyclnfo, British Library Ethos, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, China National Knowledge Internet, VIP Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform, Chinese Biomedicine Literature Database, and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. Twenty-two studies involving 526 animals were included in the meta-analysis. The RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0, were used to perform the statistical analyses. The overall results showed that artemisinin or its derivatives could significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose, 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG) in the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), 2hPG in the intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test (IPITT), glycated hemoglobin A1c, under the curve in the IPGTT/IPITT, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acid, and urine volume. Although increase in body weight was observed due to administration of the compounds, no significant effect was observed regarding serum insulin. In terms of adverse reactions, only two of the included studies reported that high-dose artemether may cause digestive inhibition in mice. Our results suggest that artemisinins could improve several parameters related to glycolipid metabolism in T2DM animal models. However, to evaluate the antidiabetic effects and safety of artemisinins in a more accurate manner, additional preclinical studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingchao Wu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Haoyue Feng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Mingmin He
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Rensong Yue
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Shaoqi Wu
- Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, China.
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Uckun FM, Saund S, Windlass H, Trieu V. Repurposing Anti-Malaria Phytomedicine Artemisinin as a COVID-19 Drug. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:649532. [PMID: 33815126 PMCID: PMC8017220 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.649532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is an anti-inflammatory phytomedicine with broad-spectrum antiviral activity. Artemisinin and its antimalarial properties were discovered by the Chinese scientist Tu Youyu, who became one of the laureates of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for this breakthrough in tropical medicine. It is a commonly used anti-malaria drug. Artemisinin has recently been repurposed as a potential COVID-19 drug. Its documented anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity has been attributed to its ability to inhibit spike-protein mediated and TGF-β-dependent early steps in the infection process as well as its ability to disrupt the post-entry intracellular events of the SARS-CoV-2 infection cycle required for viral replication. In addition, Artemisinin has anti-inflammatory activity and reduces the systemic levels of inflammatory cytokines that contribute to cytokine storm and inflammatory organ injury in high-risk COVID-19 patients. We postulate that Artemisinin may prevent the worsening of the health condition of patients with mild-moderate COVID-19 when administered early in the course of their disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saran Saund
- Oncotelic Inc., Agoura Hills, CA, United States
| | | | - Vuong Trieu
- Oncotelic Inc., Agoura Hills, CA, United States
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12
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Grunenwald A, Roumenina LT, Frimat M. Heme Oxygenase 1: A Defensive Mediator in Kidney Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2009. [PMID: 33670516 PMCID: PMC7923026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of kidney disease is rising, constituting a significant burden on the healthcare system and making identification of new therapeutic targets increasingly urgent. The heme oxygenase (HO) system performs an important function in the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation and, via these mechanisms, is thought to play a role in the prevention of non-specific injuries following acute renal failure or resulting from chronic kidney disease. The expression of HO-1 is strongly inducible by a wide range of stimuli in the kidney, consequent to the kidney's filtration role which means HO-1 is exposed to a wide range of endogenous and exogenous molecules, and it has been shown to be protective in a variety of nephropathological animal models. Interestingly, the positive effect of HO-1 occurs in both hemolysis- and rhabdomyolysis-dominated diseases, where the kidney is extensively exposed to heme (a major HO-1 inducer), as well as in non-heme-dependent diseases such as hypertension, diabetic nephropathy or progression to end-stage renal disease. This highlights the complexity of HO-1's functions, which is also illustrated by the fact that, despite the abundance of preclinical data, no drug targeting HO-1 has so far been translated into clinical use. The objective of this review is to assess current knowledge relating HO-1's role in the kidney and its potential interest as a nephroprotection agent. The potential therapeutic openings will be presented, in particular through the identification of clinical trials targeting this enzyme or its products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Grunenwald
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.G.); (L.T.R.)
| | - Lubka T. Roumenina
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, F-75006 Paris, France; (A.G.); (L.T.R.)
| | - Marie Frimat
- U1167-RID-AGE, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Inserm, Univ. Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Nephrology Department, CHU Lille, Univ. Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
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13
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Uddin MJ, Kim EH, Hannan MA, Ha H. Pharmacotherapy against Oxidative Stress in Chronic Kidney Disease: Promising Small Molecule Natural Products Targeting Nrf2-HO-1 Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10020258. [PMID: 33562389 PMCID: PMC7915495 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10020258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) intertwined with cardiovascular disease has become a major health problem. Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of CKD. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant responsive element (ARE) antioxidant system plays a critical role in kidney protection by regulating antioxidants during OS. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), one of the targets of Nrf2-ARE, plays an important role in regulating OS and is protective in a variety of human and animal models of kidney disease. Thus, activation of Nrf2-HO-1 signaling may offer a potential approach to the design of novel therapeutic agents for kidney diseases. In this review, we have discussed the association between OS and the pathogenesis of CKD. We propose Nrf2-HO-1 signaling-mediated cell survival systems be explored as pharmacological targets for the treatment of CKD and have reviewed the literature on the beneficial effects of small molecule natural products that may provide protection against CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Jamal Uddin
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (M.J.U.); (E.H.K.)
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
| | - Ee Hyun Kim
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (M.J.U.); (E.H.K.)
| | - Md. Abdul Hannan
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Hunjoo Ha
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea; (M.J.U.); (E.H.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-3277-4075
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Jiang YY, Shui JC, Zhang BX, Chin JW, Yue RS. The Potential Roles of Artemisinin and Its Derivatives in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:585487. [PMID: 33381036 PMCID: PMC7768903 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.585487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease that has become a global public health problem. Studies on T2DM prevention and treatment mostly focus on discovering therapeutic drugs. Artemisinin and its derivatives were originally used as antimalarial treatments. In recent years, the roles of artemisinins in T2DM have attracted much attention. Artemisinin treatments not only attenuate insulin resistance and restore islet ß-cell function in T2DM but also have potential therapeutic effects on diabetic complications, including diabetic kidney disease, cognitive impairment, diabetic retinopathy, and diabetic cardiovascular disease. Many in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the therapeutic utility of artemisinin and its derivatives on T2DM, but no article has systematically demonstrated the specific role artemisinin plays in the treatment of T2DM. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of artemisinin and its derivatives in T2DM and associated complications, providing a reference for subsequent related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Yi Jiang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Shui
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo-Xun Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Wei Chin
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ren-Song Yue
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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