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Hou Y, Zhu L, Ye X, Ke Q, Zhang Q, Xie X, Piao JG, Wei Y. Integrated oral microgel system ameliorates renal fibrosis by hitchhiking co-delivery and targeted gut flora modulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:305. [PMID: 38822364 PMCID: PMC11143587 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02586-2] [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: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is a progressive process associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to impaired kidney function. Active constituents in traditional Chinese herbs, such as emodin (EMO) and asiatic acid (AA), exhibit potent anti-fibrotic properties. However, the oral administration of EMO and AA results in low bioavailability and limited kidney accumulation. Additionally, while oral probiotics have been accepted for CKD treatment through gut microbiota modulation, a significant challenge lies in ensuring their viability upon administration. Therefore, our study aims to address both renal fibrosis and gut microbiota imbalance through innovative co-delivery strategies. RESULTS In this study, we developed yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs) encapsulating EMO and AA self-assembled nanoparticles (NPYs) and embedded them, along with Lactobacillus casei Zhang, in chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) microgels. The developed microgels showed significant controlled release properties for the loaded NPYs and prolonged the retention time of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) in the intestine. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution showed that the microgel-carried NPYs significantly accumulated in the obstructed kidneys of rats, thereby substantially increasing the accumulation of EMO and AA in the impaired kidneys. More importantly, through hitchhiking delivery based on yeast cell wall and positive modulation of gut microbiota, our microgels with this synergistic strategy of therapeutic and modulatory interactions could regulate the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and thus effectively ameliorate renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our work provides a new strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis based on hitchhiking co-delivery of nanodrugs and probiotics to achieve synergistic effects of disease treatment and targeted gut flora modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qiaoying Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qibin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Ji-Gang Piao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Yinghui Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
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Garg A, Agrawal R, Singh Chauhan C, Deshmukh R. In-situ gel: A smart carrier for drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2024; 652:123819. [PMID: 38242256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
In-situ gel technology is a promising drug delivery strategy that undergoes a 'sol to gel' transition upon administration, providing controlled and prolonged drug release. These gels are composed of cross-linked 3D networks of polymers, with hydrogels being a specific type of absorbing water while retaining their shape. Gelation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as temperature, pH, ions, and light. They offer several advantages like improved patient compliance, extended drug residence time, localized drug delivery, etc, but also have some disadvantages like drug degradation and limited mechanical strength. In-situ gel falls into three categories: temperature-sensitive, ion-sensitive, and pH-sensitive, but multi-responsive gels that respond to multiple stimuli have better drug release characteristics. The mechanism of in-situ gel formation involves physical and chemical mechanisms. There are various applications of in-situ gel, like ocular drug delivery, nose-to-brain delivery, etc. In this review, we have discussed the types, and mechanisms of in-situ gel & use of in-situ gel in the treatment of different diseases through various routes like buccal, vaginal, ocular, nasal, etc., along with its use in targeted drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Garg
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India.
| | - Rutvi Agrawal
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Chetan Singh Chauhan
- Bhupal Noble's University, New Shiv Nagar, Central Area, Udaipur, Rajasthan 313001, India
| | - Rohitas Deshmukh
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, GLA University, Mathura, India
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Saha P, Ahmad F. Neuroprotective, Anti-Inflammatory and Antifibrillogenic Offerings by Emodin against Alzheimer's Dementia: A Systematic Review. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:7296-7309. [PMID: 38405501 PMCID: PMC10882671 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c07178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is among the major causes of dementia in the elderly and exerts tremendous clinical, psychological and socio-economic constraints. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying/retarding anti-AD agents. Emodin is a bioactive phytochemical with potent multimodal anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifibrillogenic properties. In particular, emodin may result in significant repression of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying AD. The purpose of this review is to accumulate and summarize all the primary research data evaluating the therapeutic actions of emodin in AD pathogenesis. Methodology: The search, selection, and retrieval of pertinent primary research articles were systematically performed using a methodically designed approach. A variety of keyword combinations were employed on online scholarly web-databases. Strict preset inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the retrieved studies. Data from the individual studies were summarized and compiled into different sections, based upon their findings. Results: Cellular and animal research indicates that emodin exerts robust multimodal neuroprotection in AD. While emodin effectively prevents tau and amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomerization, it also mitigates their neurotoxicity by attenuating neuroinflammatory, oxidative, and bioenergetic defects. Evidences for emodin-mediated enhancements in memory, learning, and cognition were also found in the literature. Conclusion: Emodin is a potential anti-AD dietary supplement; however, further studies are warrantied to thoroughly understand its target players and mechanisms. Moreover, human clinical data on emodin-mediated amelioration of AD phenotype is largely lacking, and must be addressed in the future. Lastly, the safety of exogenously supplemented emodin must be thoroughly evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
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4
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Razmjooei M, Hosseini SMH, Yousefi G, Golmakani MT, Eskandari MH. Exploiting Apical Sodium-Dependent Bile Acid Transporter (ASBT)-Mediated Endocytosis with Multi-Functional Deoxycholic Acid Grafted Alginate Amide Nanoparticles as an Oral Insulin Delivery System. Pharm Res 2024; 41:335-353. [PMID: 38114803 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03641-7] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oral administration of insulin is a potential candidate for managing diabetes. However, it is obstructed by the gastrointestinal tract barriers resulting in negligible oral bioavailability. METHODS This investigation presents a novel nanocarrier platform designed to address these challenges. In this regard, the process involved amination of sodium alginate by ethylene diamine, followed by its conjugation with deoxycholic acid. RESULTS The resulting DCA@Alg@INS nanocarrier revealed a significantly high insulin loading content of 63.6 ± 1.03% and encapsulation efficiency of 87.6 ± 3.84%, with a particle size of 206 nm and zeta potentials of -3 mV. In vitro studies showed sustained and pH-dependent release profiles of insulin from nanoparticles. In vitro cellular studies, confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the successful attachment and internalization of DCA@Alg@INS nanoparticles in Caco-2 cells. Furthermore, the DCA@Alg@INS demonstrated a superior capacity for cellular uptake and permeability coefficient relative to the insulin solution, exhibiting sixfold and 4.94-fold enhancement, respectively. According to the uptake mechanism studies, the results indicated that DCA@Alg@INS was mostly transported through an energy-dependent active pathway since the uptake of DCA@Alg@INS by cells was significantly reduced in the presence of NaN3 by ~ 92% and at a low temperature of 4°C by ~ 94%. CONCLUSIONS Given the significance of administering insulin through oral route, deoxycholic acid-modified alginate nanoparticles present a viable option to surmount various obstacles presented by the gastrointestinal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Razmjooei
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Gholamhossein Yousefi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
- Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohammad-Taghi Golmakani
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Eskandari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
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5
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Song L, Zhang W, Tang SY, Luo SM, Xiong PY, Liu JY, Hu HC, Chen YQ, Jia B, Yan QH, Tang SQ, Huang W. Natural products in traditional Chinese medicine: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets of renal fibrosis and state-of-the-art drug delivery systems. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:116039. [PMID: 38157643 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis (RF) is the end stage of several chronic kidney diseases. Its series of changes include excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular cells, fibroblast activation, immune cell infiltration, and renal cell apoptosis. RF can eventually lead to renal dysfunction or even renal failure. A large body of evidence suggests that natural products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have great potential for treating RF. In this article, we first describe the recent advances in RF treatment by several natural products and clarify their mechanisms of action. They can ameliorate the RF disease phenotype, which includes apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and EMT, by affecting relevant signaling pathways and molecular targets, thereby delaying or reversing fibrosis. We also present the roles of nanodrug delivery systems, which have been explored to address the drawback of low oral bioavailability of natural products. This may provide new ideas for using natural products for RF treatment. Finally, we provide new insights into the clinical prospects of herbal natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Song
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shi-Yun Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610032, China
| | - Si-Min Luo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Pei-Yu Xiong
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jun-Yu Liu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Heng-Chang Hu
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ying-Qi Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Bo Jia
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qian-Hua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210000, China.
| | - Song-Qi Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Zhu L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Xia L. RNA m6A methylation regulators in sepsis. Mol Cell Biochem 2023:10.1007/s11010-023-04841-w. [PMID: 37659034 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04841-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a class of epitope modifications that has received significant attention in recent years, particularly in relation to its role in various diseases, including sepsis. Epigenetic research has increasingly focused on m6A modifications, which is influenced by the dynamic regulation of three protein types: ‟Writers" (such as METTL3/METTL14/WTAP)-responsible for m6A modification; ‟Erasers" (FTO and ALKBH5)-involved in m6A de-modification; and ‟Readers" (YTHDC1/2, YTHDF1/2/3)-responsible for m6A recognition. Sepsis, a severe and fatal infectious disease, has garnered attention regarding the crucial effect of m6A modifications on its development. In this review, we attempted to summarize the recent studies on the involvement of m6A and its regulators in sepsis, as well as the significance of m6A modifications and their regulators in the development of novel drugs and clinical treatment. The potential value of m6A modifications and modulators in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of sepsis has also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hairong Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Jinan, 250031, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Xia
- Department of Pathology, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, People's Republic of China.
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7
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A comprehensive review of emodin in fibrosis treatment. Fitoterapia 2023; 165:105358. [PMID: 36436587 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Emodin is the main pharmacodynamic components of rhubarb, with significant pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy.Emodin has a variety of therapy effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis effects, and is widely used to treat encephalitis, diabetic cataract and organ fibrosis. Several studies have shown that emodin has a good treatment effect on organ fibrosis, but the mechanism is complex. Moreover, the evidence of some studies is conflicting and confusing. This paper reviewed the mechanism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of emodin in fibrosis treatment, and briefly discussed relevant cutting-edge new formulations to improve the efficacy, the result can provide some reference for future study.
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8
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Zhang NN, Jiang ZM, Li SZ, Yang X, Liu EH. Evolving interplay between natural products and gut microbiota. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 949:175557. [PMID: 36716810 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests gut microbiota status affects human health, and microbiota imbalance will induce multiple disorders. Natural products are gaining increasing attention for their therapeutical effects and less side effects. The emerging studies support that the activities of many natural products are dependent on gut microbiota, meanwhile gut microbiota is modulated by natural products. In this review, we summarized the interplay between the gut microbiota and host disease, and the emerging molecular mechanisms of the interaction between natural products and gut microbiota. Focusing on gut microbiota metabolite of various natural products, and the effects of natural products on gut microbiota, we summarized the biotransformation pathways of natural products, and discussed the effect of natural products on the composition modulation of gut microbiota, protection of gut mucosal barrier and modulation of the gut microbiota metabolites. Dissecting the interplay between gut microbiota and natural products will help elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng-Meng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shang-Zhen Li
- Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - E-Hu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
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9
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Zheng L, Luo M, Zhou H, Chen J. Natural products from plants and microorganisms: Novel therapeutics for chronic kidney disease via gut microbiota regulation. Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1068613. [PMID: 36733377 PMCID: PMC9887141 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1068613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysbiosis of gut microbiota plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis and development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. Natural products from plants and microorganisms can achieve recognizable improvement in renal function and serve as an alternative treatment for chronic kidney disease patients with a long history, yet less is known on its beneficial effects on kidney injury by targeting the intestinal microbiota. In this review, we summarize studies on the effects of natural products from plants and microorganisms, including herbal medicines and their bioactive extracts, polysaccharides from plants and microorganisms, and phytochemicals, on the prevention and treatment of chronic kidney disease through targeting gut microflora. We describe the strategies of these anti-CKD effects in animal experiments including remodulation of gut microbiota structure, reduction of uremic toxins, enhancement of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, regulation of intestinal inflammatory signaling, and improvement in intestinal integrity. Meanwhile, the clinical trials of different natural products in chronic kidney disease clinical practice were also analyzed and discussed. These provide information to enable a better understanding of the renoprotective effects of these effective natural products from plants and microorganisms in the treatment of chronic kidney disease. Finally, we propose the steps to prove the causal role of the intestinal microflora in the treatment of chronic kidney disease by natural products from plants and microorganisms. We also assess the future perspective that natural active products from plants and microorganisms can beneficially delay the onset and progression of kidney disease by targeting the gut flora and highlight the remaining challenges in this area. With the continuous deepening of studies in recent years, it has been proved that gut microbiota is a potential target of natural active products derived from plants and microorganisms for chronic kidney disease treatment. Fully understanding the functions and mechanisms of gut microbiota in these natural active products from plants and microorganisms is conducive to their application as an alternative therapeutic in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zheng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingjing Luo
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haokui Zhou
- Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Hospital Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China,*Correspondence: Jianping Chen,
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Wang YN, Liu HJ, Ren LL, Suo P, Zou L, Zhang YM, Yu XY, Zhao YY. Shenkang injection improves chronic kidney disease by inhibiting multiple renin-angiotensin system genes by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:964370. [PMID: 36059935 PMCID: PMC9432462 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.964370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major worldwide public health problem. The increase in the number of patients with CKD and end-stage kidney disease requesting renal dialysis or transplantation will progress to epidemic proportions in the next several decades. Although blocking the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been used as a first-line standard therapy in patients with hypertension and CKD, patients still progress towards end-stage kidney disease, which might be closely associated with compensatory renin expression subsequent to RAS blockade through a homeostatic mechanism. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is the master upstream regulator that controls multiple intrarenal RAS genes. As Wnt/β-catenin regulates multiple RAS genes, we inferred that this pathway might also be implicated in blood pressure control. Therefore, discovering new medications to synchronously target multiple RAS genes is necessary and essential for the effective treatment of patients with CKD. We hypothesized that Shenkang injection (SKI), which is widely used to treat CKD patients, might ameliorate CKD by inhibiting the activation of multiple RAS genes via the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. To test this hypothesis, we used adenine-induced CKD rats and angiotensin II (AngII)-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. Treatment with SKI inhibited renal function decline, hypertension and renal fibrosis. Mechanistically, SKI abrogated the increased protein expression of multiple RAS elements, including angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II type 1 receptor, as well as Wnt1, β-catenin and downstream target genes, including Snail1, Twist, matrix metalloproteinase-7, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibroblast-specific protein 1, in adenine-induced rats, which was verified in AngII-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. Similarly, our results further indicated that treatment with rhein isolated from SKI attenuated renal function decline and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and repressed RAS activation and the hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in both adenine-induced rats and AngII-induced HK-2 and NRK-49F cells. This study first revealed that SKI repressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by synchronously targeting multiple RAS elements by blocking the hyperactive Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Wang
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong-Jiao Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li-Li Ren
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ping Suo
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liang Zou
- Key Disciplines Team of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Food and Bioengineering, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ya-Mei Zhang
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Yu
- Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Yong Yu, ; Ying-Yong Zhao,
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