Natural products in attenuating renal inflammation via inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in diabetic kidney disease

IGFBP5 promotes EndoMT and renal fibrosis through H3K18 lactylation in diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is an important complication in diabetic patients that severely impacts their quality of life and life expectancy. Although metabolic and inflammatory responses induced by hyperglycemia are considered the primary pathogenic factors of DN, the specific molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) in DN using in vitro cell experiments and mouse models.

METHODS

We assessed the effects of high-glucose conditions on IGFBP5 expression in glomerular endothelial cells and evaluated its regulatory effects on glycolysis, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, endothelial‒mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and histone lactylation via the suppression of IGFBP5. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of IGFBP5 on renal fibrosis and confirmed its regulatory mechanisms in DN model mice.

RESULTS

Knockdown of IGFBP5 inhibited high glucose-induced EndoMT in glomerular endothelial cells, which could also be suppressed by the NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor MCC950. In addition, silencing of IGFBP5 decreased glycolytic activity and histone lactylation, thereby inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and EndoMT. Furthermore, in mouse models of DN, IGFBP5 knockdown alleviated renal fibrosis and reduced glycolysis, histone lactylation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and EndoMT.

CONCLUSIONS

IGFBP5 promotes NLRP3 inflammasome-induced EndoMT and renal fibrosis by regulating glycolysis-mediated histone lactylation, accelerating the progression of DN. These findings provide a new potential therapeutic target for DN.

Semaglutide and adenosine alleviate obesity-induced kidney injury, with observed modulation of the Txnip/NLRP3 pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Semaglutide and adenosine on kidney protein expression in obese mice induced by a high-fat diet (HFD), to identify signaling pathways involved in the obesity-related glomerulonephropathy (ORG) regulation using a proteomics approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 mice were divided into normal-fat diet (NFD), high-fat diet (HFD), HFD + semaglutide intervention (HS), and HFD + adenosine intervention (HA) groups. Mouse serum, urine, and kidney tissue samples were collected to identify markers for blood glucose lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), kidney damage protein, urinary protein/creatinine, and other relevant factors. The kidney pathological changes of mice were observed under light and electron microscope. The differences in total proteins in the kidneys of mice were analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The proteins with significant differences were selected for bioinformatics and Western Blot (WB) analyses.

RESULTS

Semaglutide and adenosine can reduce the weight of obese mice, improve the level of glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation, and OS in obese mice, and have a positive effect on glomerular and tubular lesions in mice. The TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which is involved in the pathogenesis of murine ORG, was screened using a proteomics approach. Western Blot showed that the expressions of Txn, Txnip, and NLRP3 in HFD mice were significantly higher than those of NFD mice, while the expression levels of Txn, Txnip, and NLRP3 in HS and HA mice were substantially lower than those of HFD mice.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide and adenosine can ameliorate obesity-induced renal injury, potentially through modulation of the Txnip/NLRP3 pathway.

Plasma Zinc Levels in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy: Is there a Relationship with NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation and Renal Prognosis?

Zinc is an essential trace element, and impaired zinc homeostasis may be associated with inflammation in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). We investigated the influence of zinc level on nod-like receptor nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat pyrin-3 domain (NLRP3) inflammasome expression and renal prognosis in patients with DN. We recruited 90 patients definitively diagnosed with DN by renal biopsy and 40 healthy controls. Zinc, NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 levels were detected in blood samples, and the correlations between these parameters were assessed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) evaluated the predictive value of zinc and the NLRP3 inflammasome for DN. Furthermore, patients with DN were divided into low- and normal-zinc groups to observe differences in clinical indicators and identify expression of inflammatory-related factors in renal tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival curves predicted the impact of zinc levels on renal prognosis. We found that the plasma zinc concentration in patients with DN was lower, while NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels were higher than were those in patients without DN (P < 0.05). Zinc level was negatively correlated with NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels (P < 0.01). Zinc and the NLRP3 inflammasome were predictive of DN, but their combination improved the diagnostic value. The DCA curve demonstrated a good positive net benefit in the combined model. Compared to patients with low zinc levels, patients with normal zinc levels had lower expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and a better prognosis. Zinc has a protective effect on DN and may affect NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Probiotics as Renal Guardians: Modulating Gut Microbiota to Combat Diabetes-Induced Kidney Damage

Gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in various health challenges, particularly in mitigating diabetes-induced renal damage. Numerous studies have highlighted that modifying gut microbiota is a promising therapeutic strategy for preserving kidney function and mitigating diabetes-related complications. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 supplementations on kidney health in a rat model of diabetes-induced renal damage. Four groups were studied: control, probiotic supplementation, diabetic, and diabetic with probiotic supplementation. Diabetes was induced using a single streptozotocin (STZ) injection after a 12 h fast, and probiotic supplementation (1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg daily) was administered two weeks prior to diabetes induction and continued throughout the experimental period. Weekly assessments included fasting blood glucose, insulin, glycation markers, and kidney function tests. Glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were analyzed through oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin sensitivity test (IST). The microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to evaluate changes in diversity and composition. Probiotic supplementation significantly enhanced microbial diversity and composition. Alpha diversity indices such as Shannon and Chao1 demonstrated higher values in the probiotic-treated diabetic group compared to untreated diabetic rats. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, a key indicator of gut health, was also restored in the probiotic-treated diabetic group. Results: Probiotic supplementation significantly improved glycemic control, reduced fasting blood glucose levels, and enhanced insulin sensitivity in diabetic rats. Antioxidant enzyme levels, depleted in untreated diabetic rats, were restored, reflecting reduced oxidative stress. Histological analysis showed better kidney structure, reduced inflammation, and decreased fibrosis. Furthermore, the Comet assay results confirmed a reduction in DNA damage in probiotic-treated diabetic rats. Conclusion: Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC 4356 supplementation demonstrated significant protective effects against diabetes-induced renal damage by restoring gut microbiota diversity, improving glycemic control, and reducing oxidative stress. These findings highlight the potential of targeting the gut microbiota and its systemic effects on kidney health as a therapeutic approach for managing diabetes-related complications. Further research is needed to optimize probiotic treatments and assess their long-term benefits in diabetes management and kidney health.

Targeting Invasion: The Role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 Inhibition in Colorectal Cancer Therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide, prompting ongoing research into innovative therapeutic strategies. This review aims to systematically evaluate the role of gelatinases, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, as therapeutic targets in CRC, providing a critical analysis of their potential to improve patient outcomes. Gelatinases, specifically MMP-2 and MMP-9, play critical roles in the processes of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Their expression and activity are significantly elevated in CRC, correlating with poor prognosis and lower survival rates. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological roles of gelatinases in CRC, highlighting their contribution to tumor microenvironment modulation, angiogenesis, and the metastatic cascade. We also critically evaluate recent advancements in the development of gelatinase inhibitors, including small molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and novel therapeutic approaches like gene silencing techniques. Challenges such as nonspecificity, adverse side effects, and resistance mechanisms are discussed. We explore the potential of gelatinase inhibition in combination therapies, particularly with conventional chemotherapy and emerging targeted treatments, to enhance therapeutic efficacy and overcome resistance. The novelty of this review lies in its integration of recent findings on diverse inhibition strategies with insights into their clinical relevance, offering a roadmap for future research. By addressing the limitations of current approaches and proposing novel strategies, this review underscores the potential of gelatinase inhibitors in CRC prevention and therapy, inspiring further exploration in this promising area of oncological treatment.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Ameliorates Diabetic Kidney Disease by Inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-1β Signaling Pathway

Recent research indicates that the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is crucial in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the predominant catechin in green tea, has been noted for its anti-inflammatory properties in DKD. However, the specific mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, our objective was to explore the effects of EGCG on podocytes and in diabetic kidney disease (DKD) mice and investigate how EGCG modulates the TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway in DKD, both in podocytes and animal models. In vitro, we co-cultured podocytes with EGCG and detected the viability, apoptosis, inflammation and the TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway. In vivo, DKD mice were given EGCG via oral gavage, followed by evaluations of renal function, inflammation, and the aforementioned signaling pathway. Our findings revealed that oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and the TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-1β pathway were upregulated in podocytes exposed to high glucose (HG) and in the kidneys of DKD mice. However, EGCG treatment reduced the expression of the NLRP3 inflammasome and its associated proteins, including TXNIP, ASC, caspase-1, and IL-1β, as well as the levels of ROS and inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-18. Furthermore, in vivo, EGCG improved kidney function, reduced albuminuria and body weight, and alleviated renal pathological damage. In summary, our study suggests that EGCG mitigates inflammation in podocytes and DKD through the TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway, indicating potential benefits of EGCG or green tea in managing DKD.

Integrative multi-target analysis of Urtica dioica for gout arthritis treatment: a network pharmacology and clustering approach

Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. This study aims to elucidate the active compounds and mechanisms by which it acts against gout arthritis (GA). Gout-related genes were identified from the DisGeNet, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. These genes may play a role in inhibiting corresponding proteins targeted by the active compounds identified from the literature, which have an oral bioavailability of ≥ 30% and a drug-likeness score of ≥ 0.18. A human protein-protein interaction network was constructed, resulting in sixteen clusters containing plant-targeted genes, including ABCG2, SLC22A12, MAP2K7, ADCY10, RELA, and TP53. The key bioactive compounds, apigenin-7-O-glucoside and kaempferol, demonstrated significant binding to SLC22A12 and ABCG2, suggesting their potential to reduce uric acid levels and inflammation. Pathway enrichment analysis further identified key metabolic pathways involved, highlighting a dual mechanism of anti-inflammatory and urate-lowering effects. These findings underscore the potential of U. dioica in targeting multiple pathways involved in GA, combining traditional medicine with modern pharmacology. This integrated approach provides a foundation for future research and the development of multi-target therapeutic strategies for managing gout arthritis.

Graphical Abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00254-9.

Mechanistic insights from inflammasome structures

Inflammasomes are supramolecular complexes that form in the cytosol in response to pathogen-associated and damage-associated stimuli, as well as other danger signals that perturb cellular homoeostasis, resulting in host defence responses in the form of cytokine release and programmed cell death (pyroptosis). Inflammasome activity is closely associated with numerous human disorders, including rare genetic syndromes of autoinflammation, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. In recent years, a range of inflammasome components and their functions have been discovered, contributing to our knowledge of the overall machinery. Here, we review the latest advances in inflammasome biology from the perspective of structural and mechanistic studies. We focus on the most well-studied components of the canonical inflammasome - NAIP-NLRC4, NLRP3, NLRP1, CARD8 and caspase-1 - as well as caspase-4, caspase-5 and caspase-11 of the noncanonical inflammasome, and the inflammasome effectors GSDMD and NINJ1. These structural studies reveal important insights into how inflammasomes are assembled and regulated, and how they elicit the release of IL-1 family cytokines and induce membrane rupture in pyroptosis.

A New Frontier in Phytotherapy: Harnessing the Therapeutic Power of Medicinal Herb-derived miRNAs

Medicinal herbs have been utilized in the treatment of various pathologic conditions, including neoplasms, organ fibrosis, and diabetes mellitus. However, the precise pharmacological actions of plant miRNAs in animals remain to be fully elucidated, particularly in terms of their therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of action. In this review, some important miRNAs from foods and medicinal herbs are presented. Plant miRNAs exhibit a range of pharmacological properties, such as anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory effects, and neuromodulation, among others. These results have not only demonstrated a cross-species regulatory effect, but also suggested that the miRNAs from medicinal herbs are their bioactive components. This shows a promising prospect for plant miRNAs to be used as drugs. Here, the pharmacological properties of plant miRNAs and their underlying mechanisms have been highlighted, which can provide new insights for clarifying the therapeutic mechanisms of medicinal herbs and suggest a new way for developing therapeutic drugs.

Algae-Derived Natural Products in Diabetes and Its Complications-Current Advances and Future Prospects

Diabetes poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Natural products and their derivatives have emerged as promising candidates for diabetes management due to their diverse compositions and pharmacological effects. Algae, in particular, have garnered attention for their potential as a source of bioactive compounds with anti-diabetic properties. This review offers a comprehensive overview of algae-derived natural products for diabetes management, highlighting recent developments and future prospects. It underscores the pivotal role of natural products in diabetes care and delves into the diversity of algae, their bioactive constituents, and underlying mechanisms of efficacy. Noteworthy algal derivatives with substantial potential are briefly elucidated, along with their specific contributions to addressing distinct aspects of diabetes. The challenges and limitations inherent in utilizing algae for therapeutic interventions are examined, accompanied by strategic recommendations for optimizing their effectiveness. By addressing these considerations, this review aims to chart a course for future research in refining algae-based approaches. Leveraging the multifaceted pharmacological activities and chemical components of algae holds significant promise in the pursuit of novel antidiabetic treatments. Through continued research and the fine-tuning of algae-based interventions, the global diabetes burden could be mitigated, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.