Genistein improves mitochondrial function and inflammatory in rats with diabetic nephropathy via inhibiting MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Atorvastatin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy through inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis signaling

Clinically, statins have long been used for the prevention and treatment of chronic renal diseases, however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The present study investigated the effects of atorvastatin on diabetes renal injury and ferroptosis signaling. A mouse model of diabetes was established by the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg/day) plus a high fat diet with or without atorvastatin treatment. Diabetes mice manifested increased plasma glucose and lipid profile, proteinuria, renal injury and fibrosis, atorvastatin significantly lowered plasma lipid profile, proteinuria, renal injury in diabetes mice. Atorvastatin reduced renal reactive oxygen species (ROS), iron accumulation and renal expression of malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), and increased renal expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF2) and ferritin heavy chain (FTH) in diabetes mice. Consistent with the findings in vivo, atorvastatin prevented high glucose-induced ROS formation and Fe2+ accumulation, an increase in the expression of 4-HNE, MDA and TFR1, and a decrease in cell viability and the expression of NRF2, GPX4 and FTH in HK2 cells. Atorvastatin also reversed ferroptosis inducer erastin-induced ROS production, intracellular Fe2+ accumulation and the changes in the expression of above-mentioned ferroptosis signaling molecules in HK2 cells. In addition, atorvastatin alleviated high glucose- or erastin-induced mitochondria injury. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 and antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) equally reversed the expression of high glucose-induced ferroptosis signaling molecules. Our data support the notion that statins can inhibit diabetes-induced renal oxidative stress and ferroptosis, which may contribute to statins protection of diabetic nephropathy.

NF-ĸB axis in diabetic neuropathy, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy: A roadmap from molecular intervention to therapeutic strategies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic illness defined by elevated blood glucose levels, mediating various tissue alterations, including the dysfunction of vital organs. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to many consequences that specifically affect the brain, heart, and kidneys. These issues are known as neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, respectively. Inflammation is acknowledged as a pivotal biological mechanism that contributes to the development of various diabetes consequences. NF-κB modulates inflammation and the immune system at the cellular level. Its abnormal regulation has been identified in several clinical situations, including cancer, inflammatory bowel illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential impact of NF-κB on complications associated with DM. Enhanced NF-κB activity promotes inflammation, resulting in cellular harm and compromised organ performance. Phytochemicals, which are therapeutic molecules, can potentially decline the NF-κB level, therefore alleviating inflammation and the progression of problems correlated with DM. More importantly, the regulation of NF-κB can be influenced by various factors, such as TLR4 in DM. Highlighting these factors can facilitate the development of novel therapies in the future.

Underlying mechanisms and molecular targets of genistein in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors and is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. Long-term hyperglycemia can cause macrovascular and microvascular damage, and compromise the heart, brain, kidney, peripheral nerves, eyes and other organs, leading to serious complications. Genistein, a phytoestrogen derived from soybean, is known for its various biological activities and therapeutic properties. Recent studies found that genistein not only has hypoglycemic activity but can also decrease insulin resistance. In addition, genistein has particular activity in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, such as nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthrosis, encephalopathy and retinopathy. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the latest medical research and progress of genistein in DM and related complications and highlights its potential molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Meanwhile, evidence is provided for the development and application of genistein as a potential drug or functional food in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and its related complications.

Role of Plant-Derived Compounds in the Molecular Pathways Related to Inflammation

Inflammation is the primary response to infection and injury. Its beneficial effect is an immediate resolution of the pathophysiological event. However, sustained production of inflammatory mediators such as reactive oxygen species and cytokines may cause alterations in DNA integrity and lead to malignant cell transformation and cancer. More attention has recently been paid to pyroptosis, which is an inflammatory necrosis that activates inflammasomes and the secretion of cytokines. Taking into consideration that phenolic compounds are widely available in diet and medicinal plants, their role in the prevention and support of the treatment of chronic diseases is apparent. Recently, much attention has been paid to explaining the significance of isolated compounds in the molecular pathways related to inflammation. Therefore, this review aimed to screen reports concerning the molecular mode of action assigned to phenolic compounds. The most representative compounds from the classes of flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, and phenolic glycosides were selected for this review. Our attention was focused mainly on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Literature searching was performed using Scopus, PubMed, and Medline databases. In conclusion, based on the available literature, phenolic compounds regulate NF-κB, Nrf2, and MAPK signaling, which supports their potential role in chronic inflammatory disorders, including osteoarthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular, and pulmonary disorders.

The impact of oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction on diabetic microvascular complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia, with absolute insulin deficiency or insulin resistance as the main cause, and causes damage to various target organs including the heart, kidney and neurovascular. In terms of the pathological and physiological mechanisms of DM, oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms leading to DM and is an important link between DM and its complications. Oxidative stress is a pathological phenomenon resulting from an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the scavenging of antioxidant systems. The main site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is the mitochondria, which are also the main organelles damaged. In a chronic high glucose environment, impaired electron transport chain within the mitochondria leads to the production of ROS, prompts increased proton leakage and altered mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), which in turn releases cytochrome c (cyt-c), leading to apoptosis. This subsequently leads to a vicious cycle of impaired clearance by the body's antioxidant system, impaired transcription and protein synthesis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is responsible for encoding mitochondrial proteins, and impaired DNA repair systems, contributing to mitochondrial dysfunction. This paper reviews the dysfunction of mitochondria in the environment of high glucose induced oxidative stress in the DM model, and looks forward to providing a new treatment plan for oxidative stress based on mitochondrial dysfunction.

Potential Roles of Anti-Inflammatory Plant-Derived Bioactive Compounds Targeting Inflammation in Microvascular Complications of Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders, the characteristics of which include chronic hyperglycemia owing to defects in insulin function, insulin secretion, or both. Inflammation plays a crucial role in DM pathogenesis and innate immunity in the development of microvascular complications of diabetes. In addition, hyperglycemia and DM mediate a proinflammatory microenvironment that can result in various microvascular complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DNP), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetic retinopathy (DR). DNP is a major cause of end-stage renal disease. DNP can lead to albuminuria, decreased filtration, mesangium expansion, thickening of the basement membrane, and eventually renal failure. Furthermore, inflammatory cells can accumulate in the interstitium and glomeruli to deteriorate DNP. DN is another most prevalent microvascular complication of DM and the main cause of high mortality, disability, and a poor quality of life. DNs have a wide range of clinical manifestations because of the types of fiber dysfunctions and complex structures of the peripheral nervous system. DR is also a microvascular and multifactorial disease, as well as a major cause of visual impairment globally. Pathogenesis of DR is yet to be fully revealed, however, numerous studies have already confirmed the role of inflammation in the onset and advancement of DR. Despite evidence, and better knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of these microvascular complications of diabetes, there is still a deficiency of effective therapies. Bioactive compounds are mainly derived from plants, and these molecules have promising therapeutic potential. In this review, evidence and molecular mechanisms regarding the role of inflammation in various microvascular complications of diabetes including DNP, DN, and DR, have been summarized. The therapeutic potential of several bioactive compounds derived from plants in the treatment of these microvascular complications of diabetes has also been discussed.