Total coumarin derivates from Hydrangea paniculata attenuate renal injuries in cationized-BSA induced membranous nephropathy by inhibiting complement activation and interleukin 10-mediated interstitial fibrosis

Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Stromal Cells Ameliorate Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy by Promoting Angiogenesis

This study is to investigate the therapeutical effect and mechanisms of human-derived adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC) in relieving adriamycin (ADR)-induced nephropathy (AN). SD rats were separated into normal group, ADR group, ADR+Losartan group (20 mg/kg), and ADR + ADSC group. AN rats were induced by intravenous injection with adriamycin (8 mg/kg), and 4 d later, ADSC (2 × 105 cells/mouse) were administrated twice with 2 weeks interval time (i.v.). The rats were euthanized after the 6 weeks' treatment. Biochemical indicators reflecting renal injury, such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), neutrophil gelatinase alpha (NGAL), serum creatinine (Scr), inflammation, oxidative stress, and pro-fibrosis molecules, were evaluated. Results demonstrated that we obtained high qualified ADSCs for treatment determined by flow cytometry, and ADSCs treatment significantly ameliorated renal injuries in DN rats by decreasing BUN, Scr and NGAL in peripheral blood, as well as renal histopathological injuries, especially protecting the integrity of podocytes by immunofluorescence. Furthermore, ADSCs treatment also remarkably reduced the renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in DN rats. Preliminary mechanism study suggested that the ADSCs treatment significantly increased renal neovascularization via enhancing proangiogenic VEGF production. Pharmacodynamics study using in vivo imaging confirmed that ADSCs via intravenous injection could accumulate into the kidneys and be alive at least 2 weeks. In a conclusion, ADSC can significantly alleviate ADR-induced nephropathy, and mainly through reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis, as well as enhancing VEGF production.

Diosgenin protects against cationic bovine serum albumin-induced membranous glomerulonephritis by attenuating oxidative stress and renal inflammation via the NF-κB pathway

CONTEXT

Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Diosgenin (DG) has been reported to exert antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the renoprotective activity of DG in a cationic bovine serum albumin-induced rat model of MGN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups. The MGN model was established and treated with a DG dose (10 mg/kg) and a positive control (TPCA1, 10 mg/kg), while normal control and MGN groups received distilled water by gavage for four consecutive weeks. At the end of the experiment, 24 h urinary protein, biochemical indices, oxidation and antioxidant levels, inflammatory parameters, histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were evaluated.

RESULTS

DG significantly ameliorated kidney dysfunction by decreasing urinary protein (0.56-fold), serum creatinine (SCr) (0.78-fold), BUN (0.71-fold), TC (0.66-fold) and TG (0.73-fold) levels, and increasing ALB (1.44-fold). DG also reduced MDA (0.82-fold) and NO (0.83-fold) levels while increasing the activity of SOD (1.56-fold), CAT (1.25-fold), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (1.55-fold) and GSH (1.81-fold). Furthermore, DG reduced Keap1 (0.76-fold) expression, Nrf2 nuclear translocation (0.79-fold), and induced NQO1 (1.25-fold) and HO-1 (1.46-fold) expression. Additionally, DG decreased IL-2 (0.55-fold), TNF-α (0.80-fold) and IL-6 (0.75-fold) levels, and reduced protein expression of NF-κB p65 (0.80-fold), IKKβ (0.93-fold), p-IKKβ (0.89-fold), ICAM-1 (0.88-fold), VCAM-1 (0.91-fold), MCP-1 (0.88-fold) and E-selectin (0.87-fold), and also inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 (0.64-fold).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit of DG against MGN due to the inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, supporting the need for further clinical trials.

Animal models of membranous nephropathy: more choices and higher similarity

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an antibody-mediated autoimmune glomerular disease in which PLA2R1 is the main autoantibody. It has become the most common cause of adult nephrotic syndrome, and about one-third of patients can progress to end-stage kidney disease, but its pathogenesis is still unclear. Animal models can be used as suitable tools to study the pathogenesis and treatment of MN. The previous Heymann nephritis rat model and C-BSA animal model are widely used to study the pathogenesis of MN. However, the lack of target antigen expression in podocytes of model animals (especially rodents) restricts the application. In recent years, researchers constructed animal models of antigen-specific MN, such as THSD7A, PLA2R1, which more truly simulate the pathogenesis and pathological features of MN and provide more choices for the follow-up researchers. When selecting these MN models, we need to consider many aspects, including cost, difficulty of model preparation, labor force, and whether the final model can answer the research questions. This review is to comprehensively evaluate the mechanism, advantages and disadvantages and feasibility of existing animal models, and provide new reference for the pathogenesis and treatment of MN.

Cordyceps protein alleviates renal injury by inhibiting T cell infiltration and Th1 cell differentiation in lupus nephritis mice

BACKGROUND

T cell infiltration and differentiation play a central part in the development of lupus nephritis (LN). Our prior research has indicated that protein, the primary active component of cordyceps (WCP), a traditional Chinese medicine, possesses properties that can enhance renal fibrosis and provide kidney protection. Nonetheless, the connection between WCP and T cell infiltration and differentiation in LN remains poorly understood.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to assess the immunomodulatory impacts of WCP in LN mice and elucidate the underlying mechanism through in vivo and in vitro investigations.

METHODS

To investigate the impact and mechanism of WCP in MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice, WCP (1.5 g/kg/d), Bailing capsules (BC, 0.75 g/kg/d), and saline in equivalent quantities were administered to the mice over a period of 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects, T cell infiltration and differentiation of WCP on MRL/lpr mice were verified through ELISA, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) staining, immunofluorescence, Luminex analysis and flow cytometry. The mechanism by which WCP alleviates LN was investigated using tissues of mice, T cells and Mouse Podocyte Clone-5 (MPC-5) cells by transcriptomics, Western blot (WB), and Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

We found that WCP improved LN in MRL/lpr mice by reducing urinary protein, creatinine, and serum auto antibodies, increasing complement 3 (C3) level, improving renal immunopathology and downregulating serum cytokines, including IFN-γ, IL-12, and RANTES. Notably, the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the kidney was reduced by WCP. Similarly, the cell transwell co-culturation study showed that the WCP treated MPC-5 cells were weaker in inducing T cell migration. Consistent with this finding, our observations revealed that WCP could inhibit T cell-related chemokine expression in kidney and MPC-5 cells, as well as reduce the levels of TLR4, MYD88, phosphorylated-p38, phosphorylated-ERK, and phosphorylated-JNK. On the other hand, WCP was found to greatly inhibit the Th1 cells differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Cytokine-receptor induced Th1 cell differentiation pathway and PI3K-AKT pathway were the most enriched pathways based on differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enrichment analysis among different cell groups. Results from RT-qPCR and WB showed that WCP notably reduced the levels of IL-12, p-STAT4, IFN-γ, p-STAT1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in T cells.

CONCLUSION

WCP demonstrated positive immunomodulatory effects on LN disease, by decreasing the T cells infiltration through TLR4/MYD88/MAPK signaling pathway and inhibiting Th1 cells differentiation via IL-12-STAT4 and IFN-γ-STAT1 pathways, in addition to the PI3K-AKT pathway.

HIF Stabilizer Desidustat Protects against Complement-Mediated Diseases

Complement cascade is a defence mechanism useful for eliminating pathogenic microorganisms and damaged cells. However, activation of alternative complement system can also cause inflammation and promote kidney and retinal disease progression. Inflammation causes tissue hypoxia, which induces hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and HIF helps the body to adapt to inflammation. In this study, we investigated the effect of HIF stabilizer desidustat in complement-mediated diseases. Oral administration of desidustat (15 mg/kg) was effective to reduce the kidney injury in mice that was induced by either lipopolysaccharide (LPS), doxorubicin or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-overload. Complement activation-induced membrane attack complex (MAC) formation and factor B activity were also reduced by desidustat treatment. In addition, desidustat was effective against membranous nephropathy caused by cationic BSA and retinal degeneration induced by sodium iodate in mice. C3-deposition, proteinuria, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-1ß were decreased and superoxide dismutase was increased by desidustat treatment in cBSA-induced membranous nephropathy. Desidustat specifically inhibited alternative complement system, without affecting the lectin-, or classical complement pathway. This effect appears to be mediated by inhibition of factor B. These data demonstrate the potential therapeutic value of HIF stabilization by desidustat in treatment of complement-mediated diseases.

Hydrangea paniculata coumarins alleviate adriamycin-induced renal lipotoxicity through activating AMPK and inhibiting C/EBPβ

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Throughout Chinese history, Hydrangea paniculata Siebold has been utilized as a traditional medicinal herb to treat a variety of ailments associated to inflammation. In a number of immune-mediated kidney disorders, total coumarins extracted from Hydrangea paniculata (HP) have demonstrated a renal protective effect.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate renal beneficial effect of HP on experimental Adriamycin nephropathy (AN), and further clarify whether reversing lipid metabolism abnormalities by HP contributes to its renoprotective effect and find out the underlying critical pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After establishment of rat AN model, HP was orally administrated for 6 weeks. Biochemical indicators related to kidney injury were determined. mRNAs sequencing using kidney tissues were performed to clarify the underlying mechanism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, western blot, molecular docking, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay was carried out to further explore and confirm pivotal molecular pathways and possible target by which HP and 7-hydroxylcoumarin (7-HC) played their renal protection effect via modulating lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

HP could significantly improve renal function, and restore renal tubular abnormal lipid metabolism and interstitial fibrosis in AN. In vitro study demonstrated that HP and its main metabolite 7-HC could reduce ADR-induced intracellular lipid deposition and fibrosis characteristics in renal tubular cells. Mechanically, HP and 7-HC can activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) via direct interaction, which contributes to its lipid metabolism modulation effect. Moreover, HP and 7-HC can inhibit fibrosis by inhibiting CCAAT/enhancer binding protein beta (C/EBPβ) expression in renal tubular cells. Normalization of lipid metabolism by HP and 7-HC further provided protection of mitochondrial structure integrity and inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Long-term toxicity using beagle dogs proved the safety of HP after one-month administration.

CONCLUSION

Coumarin derivates from HP alleviate adriamycin-induced lipotoxicity and fibrosis in kidney through activating AMPK and inhibiting C/EBPβ.

ERK1/2-dependent activity of SOX9 is required for sublytic C5b-9-induced expression of FGF1, PDGFα, and TGF-β1 in rat Thy-1 nephritis

Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (MsPGN) and its related rat model Thy-1 nephritis (Thy-1N) are associated with C5b-9 deposition and are characterized by proliferation of glomerular mesangial cell (GMC) and expansion of extracellular matrix (ECM) expansion, alongside overexpression of multiple growth factors. Although fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1), platelet-derived growth factor alpha (PDGFα), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) are well known for their proproliferative and profibrotic roles, the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the expression of these growth factors have not been thoroughly elucidated. In this study, we found that sublytic C5b-9 induction of sex-determining region Y-box 9 (SOX9) transactivated FGF1, PDGFα, and TGF-β1 genes in GMCs, resulting in a significant increase in their mRNA and protein levels. Besides, sublytic C5b-9 induction of activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylated SOX9 at serine 181 and serine 64, which enhanced SOX9's ability to transactivate FGF1, PDGFα, and TGF-β1 genes in GMCs. Furthermore, we demonstrated that inhibiting ERK1/2 activation or silencing either ERK1/2 or SOX9 gene led to reduced SOX9 phosphorylation, decreased generation of FGF1, PDGFα, and TGF-β1, and ameliorated glomerular injury in rat Thy-1N. Overall, these findings suggest that expression of FGF1, PDGFα, and TGF-β1 is promoted by ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of SOX9, which may provide a valuable insight into the pathogenesis of MsPGN and offer a potential target for the development of novel treatment strategies for MsPGN.

The effect of nutritional biochemical indexes on the hospitalization outcome of COVID-19

Aims to investigate the relationship between nutritional biochemical indexes and hospitalization outcomes of COVID-19 patients, 132 continuous patients with COVID-19 from December 2022 to January 2023 in Lishui hospital were retrospectively analyzed, and the nutritional biochemical indexes in peripheral blood, such as total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, were detected. Meanwhile, the levels of several cytokines and PBMC subtypes (CD4, CD3, CD8, NK and B cells) were detected too. The Spearman correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and multivariate logit regression were conducted. Results suggested that the levels of total protein and albumin were significantly decreased in patients with poor outcomes, and the levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium were significantly correlated with hospitalization outcomes. COVID-19 patients with diabetes had higher levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ than those patients without diabetes. The levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-6 and Il-10 in the dead patients were significantly higher than those in the recovery and worse patients. Total protein and albumin were significantly positively correlated with levels of NK and B, CD4, CD8, CD3 lymphocytes. The levels of CD4, CD8 and CD3 lymphocytes were significantly decreased in dead patients than other patients. Multivariate logit regression analysis suggests that lymphocyte number, albumin and IL-6 are independent risk factors to evaluate the hospitalization outcome. In summary, nutritional biochemical indexes were significantly corelated with cytokines and PBMC subsets, and had an impact on the severity of COVID-19 patients. Improvement of low protein malnutrition is broad-spectrum and basic strategy to improve the hospitalization outcome of COVID-19.

LncTUG1 ameliorates renal tubular fibrosis in experimental diabetic nephropathy through the miR-145-5p/dual-specificity phosphatase 6 axis

The renal interstitial fibrosis contributes to the progression and deterioration of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Long noncoding RNA taurine-up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) in kidneys may be down-regulated by hyperglycemia. We aim to explore its role in tubular fibrosis caused by high glucose and the possible target genes of TUG1. In this study, a streptozocin-induced accelerated DN mouse model and a high glucose-stimulated HK-2 cells model was established to evaluate TUG1 expression. Potential targets of TUG1 were analyzed by online tools and confirmed by luciferase assay. A rescue experiment and gene silencing assay were used to investigate whether TUG1 plays its regulation role via miR-145-5p/dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) in HK2 cells. The effects of TUG1 on inflammation and fibrosis in high glucose treated tubular cells were evaluated by in vitro study, as well as in vivo DN mice model through AAV-TUG1 delivery. Results showed TUG1was downregulated in HK2 cells incubated with high glucose while miR-145-5p was upregulated. Overexpression of TUG1 alleviated renal injury by suppressing inflammation and fibrosis in vivo. Overexpression of TUG1 inhibited HK-2 cell fibrosis and relieved the inflammation. A mechanism study demonstrated that TUG1 directly sponged to miR-145-5p, and DUSP6 was identified as a target downstream of miR-145-5p. In addition, miR-145-5 overexpression and DUSP6 inhibition countervailed the impacts of TUG1. Our findings revealed that TUG1 overexpression alleviates kidney injury in DN mice and decreases the inflammatory response and fibrosis of high glucose-stimulated HK-2 cells via miR-145-5p/DUSP6 axis.

Hydrangea paniculata coumarins attenuate experimental membranous nephritis by bidirectional interactions with the gut microbiota

Coumarins isolated from Hydrangea paniculata (HP) had a renal protective effect in experimental membranous nephritis (MN), but the mechanisms are not clear. Currently, we investigate whether the modulation of gut dysbiosis by HP contributes to its renal protection. Experimental MN rats were treated with HP for six weeks. Fecal 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics were performed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used for the evaluation study. The results demonstrate that deteriorated renal function and gut dysbiosis are found in MN rats, as manifested by a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced diversity and richness, but both changes were reversed by HP treatment. Reduced gut dysbiosis is correlated with improved colonic integrity and lower endotoxemia in HP-treated rats. HP normalized the abnormal level of fecal metabolites by increasing short-chain fatty acid production and hindering the production of uremic toxin precursors. FMT of HP-treated feces to MN animals moderately reduced endotoxemia and albuminuria. Moreover, major coumarins in HP were only biotransformed into more bioactive 7-hydroxycoumarin by gut microbiota, which strengthened the effect of HP in vivo. Depletion of the gut microbiota partially abolished its renal protective effect. In conclusion, the bidirectional interaction between HP and the gut microbiota contributes to its beneficial effect.

miR-432-5p Inhibits the Ferroptosis in Cardiomyocytes Induced by Hypoxia/Reoxygenation via Activating Nrf2/SLC7A11 Axis by Degrading Keap1

Early reperfusion into the myocardium after ischemia causes myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and ferroptosis was involved. Ischemia activates the expression of a series of oxidative stress genes and their downstream regulatory genes, including ferroptosis-related genes such as nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and SLC7A11. This study adopted primary cardiomyocytes and I/R in rats to evaluate the ferroptosis and changing of Nrf2-SLC7A11/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in vitro and in vivo. Online analysis tools were used to predict the possible target Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) of miR-432-5p. The mimic of miR-432-5p plasmid was constructed to verify the effect of miR-432-5p on ferroptosis. We found that hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in cardiomyocytes and I/R in rats induced lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes. The activation of the Nrf2-SLC7A11/HO-1 pathway protects cardiomyocytes from ferroptosis. Downregulation of miR-432-5p has been confirmed in H/R cardiomyocytes (in vitro) and cardiomyocytes in myocardial infarction rats (in vivo). Upregulation of miR-432-5p inhibited ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes induced by RAS-selective lethal 3 (RSL3), an inhibitor of GPX4 and ferroptosis inducer through decreasing the binding protein of Nrf2, Keap1, which was confirmed by bioinformatics and mutation assay. Knockdown Nrf2 attenuates the protection effect of miR-432-5p on H/R cardiomyocytes. Intravenous delivery of liposome carriers of miR-432-5p remarkably ameliorated cardiomyocyte impairment in the I/R animal model. In conclusion, miR-432-5p inhibits the ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes induced by H/R by activating Nrf2/SLC7A11 axis by degrading Keap1 and is a potential drug target for clinical myocardial infarction treatment.

A Review of the Potential Benefits of Herbal Medicines, Small Molecules of Natural Sources, and Supplements for Health Promotion in Lupus Conditions

The Latin word lupus, meaning wolf, was in the medical literature prior to the 1200s to describe skin lesions that devour flesh, and the resources available to physicians to help people were limited. The present text reviews the ethnobotanical and pharmacological aspects of medicinal plants and purified molecules from natural sources with efficacy against lupus conditions. Among these molecules are artemisinin and its derivatives, antroquinonol, baicalin, curcumin, emodin, mangiferin, salvianolic acid A, triptolide, the total glycosides of paeony (TGP), and other supplements such as fatty acids and vitamins. In addition, medicinal plants, herbal remedies, mushrooms, and fungi that have been investigated for their effects on different lupus conditions through clinical trials, in vivo, in vitro, or in silico studies are reviewed. A special emphasis was placed on clinical trials, active phytochemicals, and their mechanisms of action. This review can be helpful for researchers in designing new goal-oriented studies. It can also help practitioners gain insight into recent updates on supplements that might help patients suffering from lupus conditions.

7-hydroxycoumarin-β-D-glucuronide protects against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via inhibiting p38MAPK-mediated apoptosis in mice

AIMS

Cisplatin is a widely-used drug in the clinical treatment of tumors, but kidney nephrotoxicity is one of the reasons that limits its widespread use. We previously found that 7-hydroxycoumarin-β-D-glucuronide (7-HCG) was one of metabolites of skimmin and highly enriched in the kidneys and maintained a high blood concentration in skimmin-treated rats. Therefore, we investigated whether 7-HCG has a protective effect on cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were continuously administered 7-HCG for five days, and on the third day, an intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin was given to induce acute kidney injury. After 72 h, the mice were sacrificed for analysis. Serum and renal tissue were collected for renal function evaluation. RNA sequencing was used to explore mechanism, and further validated by western blot and immunohistochemistry. In addition, pharmacokinetic study of oral 7-HCG administration was performed to examine how much 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) was metabolized and 7-HC possible effect on renal protection.

KEY FINDINGS

7-HCG significantly reduced serum BUN and SCR levels, and alleviated pathological damage in renal tissue, and reduced the renal index. RNA sequencing revealed that 7-HCG could reverse p38 MAPK regulation and apoptosis. By western blotting, it was found that 7-HCG could reduce renal injury by reducing p-p38, p-ERK, p-JNK, cleaved-caspase3 and Bax. The immunohistochemical results of cleaved-caspase3 were consistent with western blotting. 7-HCG also significantly reduced the production of ROS in kidney tissue. Pharmacokinetic experiments have shown that 7-HCG in the blood increased rapidly and was eliminated slowly, with an average t_1/2β of 18.3 h. And the concentration of 7-HCG in the target organ kidney was about 4 times higher than that in blood.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings indicate that 7-HCG could exert its protective effect against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting apoptosis via p38 MAPK regulation and elucidates its pharmacokinetics.

miR-141-3p accelerates ovarian cancer progression and promotes M2-like macrophage polarization by targeting the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway

The miR-141-3p has been reported to participate in regulating autophagy and tumor-stroma interactions in ovarian cancer (OC). We aim to investigate whether miR-141-3p accelerates the progression of OC and its effect on macrophage 2 polarization by targeting the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein1-Nuclear factor E2-related factor2 (Keap1-Nrf2) pathway. SKOV3 and A2780 cells were transfected with miR-141-3p inhibitor and negative control to confirm the regulation of miR-141-3p on OC development. Moreover, the growth of tumors in xenograft nude mice treated by cells transfected with miR-141-3p inhibitor was established to further testify the role of miR-141-3p in OC. The expression of miR-141-3p was higher in OC tissue compared with non-cancerous tissue. Downregulation of miR-141-3p inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ovarian cells. Furthermore, miR-141-3p inhibition also suppressed M2-like macrophage polarization and in vivo OC progression. Inhibition of miR-141-3p significantly enhanced the expression of Keap1, the target gene of miR-141-3p, and thus downregulated Nrf2, while activation of Nrf2 reversed the reduction in M2 polarization by miR-141-3p inhibitor. Collectively, miR-141-3p contributes to tumor progression, migration, and M2 polarization of OC by activating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway. Inhibition of miR-141-3p attenuates the malignant biological behavior of ovarian cells by inactivating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Effects of dulaglutide combined with insulin degludec on glucose fluctuations and appetite in type 2 diabetes

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe appetite and glucose fluctuation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients initiating treatment with dulaglutide combined with insulin degludec.

Methods

This retrospective study of patients identified adults starting treatment with once-weekly (QW) dulaglutide combined with insulin degludec (experimental group) or insulin degludec alone (control group). Patients were followed for up to 6 months from treatment initiation. The clinical characteristics of patients, treatment patterns, CGM data, and appetite scores were obtained for the two groups.

Results

A total of 236 patients were included in this study. SDBG, MAGE, LAGE, and PPGE of the experimental group were lower than the control group's (P < 0.05). The proportions of patients achieving a time in range (TIR) of ≥70% in the experimental group were higher than in the control group, with 43% and 10% on the second day, 88% and 47% on the fourth day, 95% and 47% on the seventh day, and 100% and 67% on the tenth day, respectively. Significant associations existed between TIR and the prevalence of islet function. At six months, 89.2% of patients in the experimental group were still using dulaglutide. Appetite decreased significantly at 1 week and increased at 3 months after treatment with dulaglutide.

Conclusion

Dulaglutide combined with insulin degludec significantly reduces glucose fluctuations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and improves the TIR rate. However, the treatment on appetite could decrease in the first three months.

LncRNA FALEC increases the proliferation, migration and drug resistance of cholangiocarcinoma through competitive regulation of miR-20a-5p/SHOC2 axis

BACKGROUND

LncRNA is an important regulatory factor in the human genome. We aim to explore the roles of LncFALEC and miR-20a-5p/SHOC2 axis on the proliferation, migration, and Fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).

METHODS

In this study, the expression of FALEC and miR-20a-5p in CCA tissues and cell lines (HuCCT1, QBC939, and Huh-28) was detected by RT-qPCR. The FALEC in 5-FU-resistant CCA cell lines (QBC939-R, Huh-28-R) was knocked down to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance.

RESULTS

Our analysis showed that compared with the adjacent non-tumor tissues, FALEC was significantly higher in the CCA tissues and even higher in the samples from 5-FU-resistant patients. Knockdown FALEC increased the sensitivity of 5-FU and decreased migration and invasion of CCA cells. Dual luciferase reporter confirmed that FALEC sponges miR-20a-5p and down-regulated its expression. Moreover, SHOC2 leucine-rich repeat scaffold protein (SHOC2) was the target gene of miR-20a-5p. We found overexpression of FALEC (FALEC-OE) increased resistance of CCA cells to 5-FU significantly, which might contribute to increased SHOC2 expression and activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, our study revealed that down-regulation of FALEC could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CCA cells in vitro by regulating the miR-20a-5p/SHOC2 axis and participating in 5-FU resistance by mediating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

Integrated Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation to Investigate the Molecular Mechanism of Triptolide in the Treatment of Membranous Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Triptolide, a major active ingredient isolated from Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f., is effective in the treatment of membranous nephropathy (MN); however, its pharmacological mechanism of action has not yet been clarified. We applied an approach that integrated network pharmacology and experimental validation to systemically reveal the molecular mechanism of triptolide in the treatment of MN.

METHODS

First, potential targets of triptolide and the MN-related targets were collected from publicly available database. Then, based on a protein-protein interaction network as well as GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses, we constructed target-pathway networks to unravel therapeutic targets and pathways. Moreover, molecular docking was applied to validate the interactions between the triptolide and hub targets. Finally, we induced passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) rat models and validated the possible molecular mechanisms of triptolide against MN.

RESULTS

The network pharmacology results showed that 118 intersected targets were identified for triptolide against MN, including mTOR, STAT3, CASP3, EGFR and AKT1. Based on enrichment analysis, signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAKP, Ras and Rap1 were involved in triptolide treatment of MN. Furthermore, molecular docking confirmed that triptolide could bind with high affinity to the PIK3R1, AKT1 and mTOR, respectively. Then, in vivo experiments indicated that triptolide can reduce 24 h urine protein (P < 0.01) and protect against renal damage in PHN. Serum albumin level was significantly increased and total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein levels were decreased by triptolide (P < 0.05). Compared with PHN group, triptolide treatment regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway according to Western blot analyses.

CONCLUSION

Triptolide could exert antiproteinuric and renoprotective effects in PHN. The therapeutic mechanism of triptolide may be associated with the regulation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This study demonstrates the pharmacological mechanism of triptolide in the treatment of MN and provides scientific evidence for basic and clinical research.

Membranous nephropathy: Systems biology-based novel mechanism and traditional Chinese medicine therapy

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a renal-limited non-inflammatory autoimmune disease in the glomerulus, which is the second or third main cause of end-stage kidney diseases in patients with primary glomerulonephritis. Substantial achievements have increased our understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of murine and human MN. The identification of nephritogenic autoantibodies against neutral endopeptidase, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) and thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A) antigens provide more specific concept-driven intervention strategies for treatments by specific B cell-targeting monoclonal antibodies to inhibit antibody production and antibody-antigen immune complex deposition. Furthermore, additional antibody specificities for antigens have been discovered, but their pathogenic effects are uncertain. Although anti-PLA2R and anti-THSD7A antibodies as a diagnostic marker is widely used in MN patients, many questions including autoimmune response development, antigenic epitopes, and podocyte damage signalling pathways remain unresolved. This review describes the current available evidence regarding both established and novel molecular mechanisms based on systems biology approaches (gut microbiota, long non-coding RNAs, metabolite biomarkers and DNA methylation) in MN, with an emphasis on clinical findings. This review further summarizes the applications of traditional Chinese medicines such as Tripterygium wilfordii and Astragalus membranaceus for MN treatment. Lastly, this review considers how the identification of novel antibodies/antigens and unresolved questions and future challenges reveal the pathogenesis of MN.

Targeting CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 20 by miR-143-5p alleviate lead poisoning-induced renal fibrosis by regulating interstitial fibroblasts excessive proliferation and dysfunction

Environmental lead contamination can cause chronic renal disease with a common clinical manifestation of renal fibrosis and constitutes a major global public health threat. Aberrant proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in renal interstitial fibroblasts are key pathological causes of renal fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying lead-induced kidney fibrosis remains unclear. The present study analyzed gene expression prolifes in lead acetate-treated primary mice renal interstitial fibroblasts and confirmed the aberrant expression of CC chemokine ligand (CCL) 20, one of the most obvious up-regulated genes. Analogously, lead acetate exposure dose-dependently increased CCL20 transcription, protein expression and release. Knockdown of CCL20 suppressed lead acetate-induced fibroblast proliferation, hydroxyproline contents, transforming growth factor-beta production and ECM-related protein (Collagen I and fibronectin) expression. Bioinformatics analysis predicted five top miRNAs targeting CCL20. Among them, miR-143-5p expression was dose-dependently decreased in lead acetate-treated fibroblasts. Mechanistically, miR-143-5p directly targeted CCL20. Elevation of miR-143-5p antagonized lead acetate-induced fibroblast proliferation, hydroxyproline and ECM-related protein expression, which were reversed by CCL20 overexpression. Additionally, CCL20 knockdown suppressed lead acetate-mediated Smad2/3 and AKT pathway activation. Notably, miR-143-5p overexpression attenuated the activation of the Smad2/3 and AKT pathway in lead acetate-exposed fibroblasts, which was counteracted by CCL20 elevation. miR-143-5p injection ameliorated renal fibrosis progression in mice in vivo. Thus, targeting CCL20 by miR-143-5p could alleviate renal fibrosis progression by regulating fibroblast proliferation and ECM deposition via the Smad2/3 and AKT signaling, providing a potential therapeutic target for environmental lead contamination-evoked fibrotic kidney disease.