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Repova K, Stanko P, Baka T, Krajcirovicova K, Aziriova S, Hrenak J, Barta A, Zorad S, Reiter RJ, Adamcova M, Simko F. Lactacystin-induced kidney fibrosis: Protection by melatonin and captopril. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:978337. [PMID: 36176443 PMCID: PMC9513205 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.978337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lactacystin is a specific proteasome inhibitor that blocks the hydrolysis of intracellular proteins by ubiquitin/proteasome system inhibition. The administration of lactacystin to rats induced hypertension and remodeling of the left ventricle and aorta. This study tested whether lactacystin induces structural and fibrotic rebuilding of the kidneys and whether melatonin and captopril can prevent these potential changes. Six weeks of lactacystin administration to rats increased their average systolic blood pressure (SBP). In the kidneys, lactacystin reduced glomerular density, increased the glomerular tuft area, and enhanced hydroxyproline concentrations. It also elevated the intraglomerular proportion including the amounts of collagen (Col) I and Col III. Lactacystin also raised the tubulointerstitial amounts of Col I and the sum of Col I and Col III with no effect on vascular/perivascular collagen. Six weeks of captopril treatment reduced SBP, while melatonin had no effect. Both melatonin and captopril increased glomerular density, reduced the glomerular tuft area, and lowered the hydroxyproline concentration in the kidneys. Both drugs reduced the proportion and total amounts of intraglomerular and tubulointerstitial Col I and Col III. We conclude that chronic lactacystin treatment stimulated structural and fibrotic remodeling of the kidneys, and melatonin and captopril partly prevented these alterations. Considering the effect of lactacystin on both the heart and kidneys, chronic treatment with this drug may be a prospective model of cardiorenal damage suitable for testing pharmacological drugs as protective agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Repova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Stanko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Baka
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Krajcirovicova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Aziriova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Andrej Barta
- Institute of Normal and Pathological Physiology, Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Stefan Zorad
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Michaela Adamcova
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czechia
| | - Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- *Correspondence: Fedor Simko,
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2
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Theofilis P, Vordoni A, Kalaitzidis RG. The Role of Melatonin in Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Associated Risk Factors: A New Tool in Our Arsenal? Am J Nephrol 2022; 53:565-574. [PMID: 35767942 DOI: 10.1159/000525441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), as a consequence of the high prevalence of arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), warrants the need for developing effective treatment approaches. In this regard, the pineal gland-derived hormone melatonin may represent an appealing treatment approach of CKD and its associated risk factors. SUMMARY Targeting the adverse pathophysiology surrounding CKD and its associated risk factors has been the concept of pharmacologic treatment developed for its management. This review article aimed to present the role of melatonin in this direction, by providing an overview of melatonin's physiology followed by its effect as a therapeutic agent in arterial hypertension and T2DM. KEY MESSAGES Melatonin, the primary darkness hormone, possesses pleiotropic mechanisms of action which may have important implications in various pathologic states since its receptors are situated across various organ systems. As a treatment tool in arterial hypertension, melatonin may be efficacious in reducing both daytime and nocturnal blood pressure by influencing endothelial function, oxidative stress, the autonomic nervous system, and the renin-angiotensin system. Melatonin may also increase insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. However, late meal intake may be detrimental in glucose regulation, as consumption close to melatonin peak concentrations may induce hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. This finding may explain the inconsistent glycose regulation achieved with melatonin in clinical trials and meta-analyses. Additionally, the presence of genetic variants to melatonin receptor 2 may predispose to T2DM development. Finally, we present the available preclinical evidence supporting melatonin's efficacy in ameliorating CKD's pathophysiology since melatonin supplementation has not been adequately explored in patients with CKD. The combined use of stem cells with melatonin is an appealing therapeutic approach which ought to be assessed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Theofilis
- General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus Agios Panteleimon, Center for Nephrology "G. Papadakis", Piraeus, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Vordoni
- General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus Agios Panteleimon, Center for Nephrology "G. Papadakis", Piraeus, Greece
| | - Rigas G Kalaitzidis
- General Hospital of Nikaia-Piraeus Agios Panteleimon, Center for Nephrology "G. Papadakis", Piraeus, Greece
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3
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Qin R, Zhao Q, Han B, Zhu HP, Peng C, Zhan G, Huang W. Indole-Based Small Molecules as Potential Therapeutic Agents for the Treatment of Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845892. [PMID: 35250597 PMCID: PMC8888875 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Indole alkaloids are widely distributed in nature and have been particularly studied because of their diverse biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and anti-oxidant activities. Many kinds of indole alkaloids have been applied to clinical practice, proving that indole alkaloids are beneficial scaffolds and occupy a crucial position in the development of novel agents. Fibrosis is an end-stage pathological condition of most chronic inflammatory diseases and is characterized by excessive deposition of fibrous connective tissue components, ultimately resulting in organ dysfunction and even failure with significant morbidity and mortality. Indole alkaloids and indole derivatives can alleviate pulmonary, myocardial, renal, liver, and islet fibrosis through the suppression of inflammatory response, oxidative stress, TGF-β/Smad pathway, and other signaling pathways. Natural indole alkaloids, such as isorhynchophylline, evodiamine, conophylline, indirubin, rutaecarpine, yohimbine, and vincristine, are reportedly effective in organ fibrosis treatment. In brief, indole alkaloids with a wide range of pharmacological bioactivities are important candidate drugs for organ fibrosis treatment. The present review discusses the potential of natural indole alkaloids, semi-synthetic indole alkaloids, synthetic indole derivatives, and indole-contained metabolites in organ fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong-Ping Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Antibiotics Research and Re-Evaluation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Gu Zhan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Gu Zhan,
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Huang, ; Gu Zhan,
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4
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Luo Q, Cai Y, Zhao Q, Jiang Y, Tian L, Liu Y, Liu WJ. Renal Protective Effects of Melatonin in Animal Models of Diabetes Mellitus-Related Kidney Damage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Diabetes Res 2022; 2022:3770417. [PMID: 35746917 PMCID: PMC9213184 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3770417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN)-chronic kidney damage caused by hyperglycemia-eventually develops into end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that has a wide range of biological activities. Potentially helpful effects of melatonin on diabetic kidney disease have been found in several studies. However, its protective mechanisms are not clear and remain to be explored. In this review (CRD42021285429), we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the effects and relevant mechanisms of melatonin for diminishing renal injuries in diabetes mellitus models. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE databases up to September 2021 were used. Random- or fixed-effects models were used for calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) or 90% confidence interval (CI). The risk of bias was estimated using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. Statistical analysis was conducted with RevMan. A total of 15 studies including 224 animals were included in the analysis. The experimental group showed a remarkable decrease in serum creatinine (P = 0.002), blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.02), and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) (P < 0.00001) compared with the control group, while the oxidative stress index improved. The experimental group also showed a remarkable increase in superoxide dismutase (P = 0.21), glutathione (P < 0.0001), and catalase (P = 0.04) and a remarkable decrease in MDA (P < 0.00001) content compared with the control group. We concluded that melatonin plays a role in renal protection in diabetic animals by inhibiting oxidative stress. Moreover, it should be noted that fasting blood glucose was reduced in the experimental group compared with the control group. The kidney and body weights of the animals were not decreased in the diabetic animal model compared with the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Luo
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuzi Cai
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qihan Zhao
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuhua Jiang
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Wei Jing Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Zhanjiang Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524001, China
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5
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Harnessing the Physiological Functions of Cellular Prion Protein in the Kidneys: Applications for Treating Renal Diseases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060784. [PMID: 34067472 PMCID: PMC8224798 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a ubiquitous cell surface glycoprotein, and its physiological functions have been receiving increased attention. Endogenous PrPC is present in various kidney tissues and undergoes glomerular filtration. In prion diseases, abnormal prion proteins are found to accumulate in renal tissues and filtered into urine. Urinary prion protein could serve as a diagnostic biomarker. PrPC plays a role in cellular signaling pathways, reno-protective effects, and kidney iron uptake. PrPC signaling affects mitochondrial function via the ERK pathway and is affected by the regulatory influence of microRNAs, small molecules, and signaling proteins. Targeting PrPC in acute and chronic kidney disease could help improve iron homeostasis, ameliorate damage from ischemia/reperfusion injury, and enhance the efficacy of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell or extracellular vesicle-based therapeutic strategies. PrPC may also be under the influence of BMP/Smad signaling and affect the progression of TGF-β-related renal fibrosis. PrPC conveys TNF-α resistance in some renal cancers, and therefore, the coadministration of anti-PrPC antibodies improves chemotherapy. PrPC can be used to design antibody-drug conjugates, aptamer-drug conjugates, and customized tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases to suppress cancer. With preclinical studies demonstrating promising results, further research on PrPC in the kidney may lead to innovative PrPC-based therapeutic strategies for renal disease.
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6
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Huang C, Yi H, Shi Y, Cao Q, Shi Y, Cheng D, Braet F, Chen XM, Pollock CA. KCa3.1 Mediates Dysregulation of Mitochondrial Quality Control in Diabetic Kidney Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:573814. [PMID: 33681190 PMCID: PMC7933228 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.573814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease. Mitochondrial quality control is primarily mediated by mitochondrial turnover and repair through mitochondrial fission/fusion and mitophagy. We have previously shown that blockade of the calcium-activated potassium channel KCa3.1 ameliorates diabetic renal fibrosis. However, the mechanistic link between KCa3.1 and mitochondrial quality control in diabetic kidney disease is not yet known. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) plays a central role in diabetic kidney disease. Recent studies indicate an emerging role of TGF-β1 in the regulation of mitochondrial function. However, the molecular mechanism mediating mitochondrial quality control in response to TGF-β1 remains limited. In this study, mitochondrial function was assessed in TGF-β1-exposed renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK2 cells) transfected with scrambled siRNA or KCa3.1 siRNA. In vivo, diabetes was induced in KCa3.1+/+ and KCa3.1−/− mice by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Mitochondrial fission/fusion-related proteins and mitophagy markers, as well as BCL2 interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) (a mitophagy regulator) were examined in HK2 cells and diabetic mice kidneys. The in vitro results showed that TGF-β1 significantly inhibited mitochondrial ATP production rate and increased mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) production when compared to control, which was normalized by KCa3.1 gene silencing. Increased fission and suppressed fusion were found in both TGF-β1-treated HK2 cells and diabetic mice, which were reversed by KCa3.1 deficiency. Furthermore, our results showed that mitophagy was inhibited in both in vitro and in vivo models of diabetic kidney disease. KCa3.1 deficiency restored abnormal mitophagy by inhibiting BNIP3 expression in TGF-β1-induced HK2 cells as well as in the diabetic mice. Collectively, these results indicate that KCa3.1 mediates the dysregulation of mitochondrial quality control in diabetic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunling Huang
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hao Yi
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ying Shi
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Qinghua Cao
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yin Shi
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Delfine Cheng
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Filip Braet
- Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xin-Ming Chen
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carol A Pollock
- Kolling Institute, Sydney Medical School Northern, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Clark AJ, Parikh SM. Targeting energy pathways in kidney disease: the roles of sirtuins, AMPK, and PGC1α. Kidney Int 2020; 99:828-840. [PMID: 33307105 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The kidney has extraordinary metabolic demands to sustain the active transport of solutes that is critical to renal filtration and clearance. Mitochondrial health is vital to meet those demands and maintain renal fitness. Decades of studies have linked poor mitochondrial health to kidney disease. Key regulators of mitochondrial health-adenosine monophosphate kinase, sirtuins, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α-have all been shown to play significant roles in renal resilience against disease. This review will summarize the latest research into the activities of those regulators and evaluate the roles and therapeutic potential of targeting those regulators in acute kidney injury, glomerular kidney disease, and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Clark
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samir M Parikh
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Division of Nephrology and Center for Vascular Biology Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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8
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Agil A, Chayah M, Visiedo L, Navarro-Alarcon M, Rodríguez Ferrer JM, Tassi M, Reiter RJ, Fernández-Vázquez G. Melatonin Improves Mitochondrial Dynamics and Function in the Kidney of Zücker Diabetic Fatty Rats. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9092916. [PMID: 32927647 PMCID: PMC7564180 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and associated diabetes (diabesity) impair kidney mitochondrial dynamics by augmenting fission and diminishing fusion, which results in mitochondrial and renal dysfunction. Based on available evidence, the antioxidant activities of melatonin may improve impaired renal mitochondrial function in obese diabetic animals by restoring the imbalanced dynamics through inhibiting fission and promoting fusion. Male Zücker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and lean littermates (ZL) were orally treated either with melatonin (10 mg/kg BW/day) (M-ZDF and M-ZL) or vehicle (C-ZDF and C-ZL) for 17 weeks. Kidney function was evaluated by measurement of total urine volume, proteinuria, creatinine clearance, and assessment of kidney mitochondrial dynamics and function. C-ZDF exhibited impaired dynamics and function of kidney mitochondria in comparison to C-ZL. Melatonin improved nephropathy of ZDF rats and modulated their mitochondrial dynamics by reducing expression of Drp1 fission marker and increasing that of fusion markers, Mfn2 and Opa1. Furthermore, melatonin ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing respiratory control index and electron transfer chain complex IV activity. In addition, it lowered mitochondrial oxidative status. Our findings show that melatonin supplementation improves nephropathy likely via modulation of the mitochondrial fission/fusion balance and function in ZDF rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences Institute, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.); (L.V.)
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospital of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-625-143-359
| | - Meriem Chayah
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences Institute, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.); (L.V.)
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospital of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Lucia Visiedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences Institute, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.C.); (L.V.)
- Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospital of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Navarro-Alarcon
- Department of Nutrition and Bromatology, School of Pharmacy, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain;
| | | | - Mohamed Tassi
- Service of Microscopy, CIBM, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
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9
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Han YS, Yoon YM, Go G, Lee JH, Lee SH. Melatonin Protects Human Renal Proximal Tubule Epithelial Cells Against High Glucose-Mediated Fibrosis via the Cellular Prion Protein-TGF-β-Smad Signaling Axis. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:1235-1245. [PMID: 32547319 PMCID: PMC7294914 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.42603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes-mediated hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for renal fibrosis, resulting in the development of chronic kidney diseases. To address this issue, the effect of melatonin, which has an antioxidative potential, on renal fibrosis in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells under high glucose conditions was investigated. Under high glucose conditions, the generation of reactive oxygen species was drastically increased in human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells, which lead to the inhibition of cell proliferation, enlargement of cell size, reduction of cell survival, and suppression of antioxidant enzyme activities. High glucose also increased the expression of transforming growth factor-β, leading to an increase in Smad2 phosphorylation. These fibrotic phenotype changes increased the expression of fibrosis-mediated extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin. In addition, the level of cellular prion protein (PrPC), which is associated with several biological processes, was decreased by exposure to high glucose conditions. Melatonin recovered the expression levels of PrPC under high glucose conditions via phosphorylation of Akt, resulting in the prevention of high glucose-induced fibrosis. In particular, overexpression of PrPC blocked the high glucose-mediated fibrotic phenotype change. These findings indicate that melatonin could be a powerful agent for treating hyperglycemia-induced renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Seok Han
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo Min Yoon
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongyun Go
- Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.,College of Science and Technology, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hun Lee
- Medical Science Research Institute, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biochemistry, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea
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10
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Kim JY, Park JH, Jeon EJ, Leem J, Park KK. Melatonin Prevents Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Stimulated Transdifferentiation of Renal Interstitial Fibroblasts to Myofibroblasts by Suppressing Reactive Oxygen Species-Dependent Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9010039. [PMID: 31906396 PMCID: PMC7022732 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the pineal hormone melatonin displays protective effects against renal fibrosis, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the effect of the pineal hormone on transdifferentiation of renal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts invoked by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Increased proliferation and activation of renal interstitial fibroblasts after TGF-β1 treatment were attenuated by melatonin pretreatment. Mechanistically, melatonin suppressed Smad2/3 phosphorylation and nuclear co-localization of their phosphorylated forms and Smad4 after TGF-β1 stimulation. In addition, increased phosphorylations of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and p38 after TGF-β1 treatment were also suppressed by the hormone. These effects of melatonin were not affected by pharmacological and genetic inhibition of its membrane receptors. Furthermore, melatonin significantly reversed an increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde levels, and a decrease of the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio after TGF-β1 treatment. Finally, TGF-β1-induced proliferation and activation were also suppressed by N-acetylcysteine. Altogether, these findings suggest that the pineal hormone melatonin prevents TGF-β1-induced transdifferentiation of renal interstitial fibroblasts to myofibroblasts via inhibition of Smad and non-Smad signaling cadcades by inhibiting ROS-mediated mechanisms in its receptor-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
| | - Jae-Hyung Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea;
| | - Eon Ju Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.J.J.); (J.L.)
| | - Jaechan Leem
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
- Correspondence: (E.J.J.); (J.L.)
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
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11
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Kim JY, Leem J, Jeon EJ. Protective Effects of Melatonin Against Aristolochic Acid-Induced Nephropathy in Mice. Biomolecules 2019; 10:biom10010011. [PMID: 31861726 PMCID: PMC7023369 DOI: 10.3390/biom10010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, a pineal hormone, is well known to regulate the sleep–wake cycle. Besides, the hormone has been shown to display pleiotropic effects arising from its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Recent studies have reported that melatonin exerts protective effects in animal models of kidney disease. However, the potential effects of melatonin on aristolochic acid (AA)-induced nephropathy (AAN) have not yet been investigated. Here, we found that the administration of melatonin ameliorated AA-induced renal dysfunction, as evidenced by decreased plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine and histopathological abnormalities such as tubular dilatation and cast formation. The upregulation of tubular injury markers after AA injection was reversed by melatonin. Melatonin also suppressed AA-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by the downregulation of 4-hydroxynonenal and reduced level of malondialdehyde, and modulated expression of pro-oxidant and antioxidant enzymes. In addition, p53-dependent apoptosis of tubular epithelial cells, infiltration of macrophages and CD4+ T cells into damaged kidneys, and renal expression of cytokines and chemokines were inhibited by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin attenuated AA-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis through suppression of the tumor growth factor-β/Smad signaling pathway. These results suggest that melatonin might be a potential therapeutic agent for AAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
| | - Jaechan Leem
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (E.J.J.); Tel.: +82-053-650-3612 (J.L.); +82-053-650-4214 (E.J.J.)
| | - Eon Ju Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (E.J.J.); Tel.: +82-053-650-3612 (J.L.); +82-053-650-4214 (E.J.J.)
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Kim JY, Park JH, Kim K, Leem J, Park KK. Melatonin Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor-β1-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in AML12 Hepatocytes. BIOLOGY 2019; 8:biology8040084. [PMID: 31717992 PMCID: PMC6956139 DOI: 10.3390/biology8040084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies showed that melatonin, a well-known pineal hormone that modulates the circadian rhythm, exerts beneficial effects against liver fibrosis. However, mechanisms for its protective action against the fibrotic processes remain incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to explore the effects of the hormone on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in AML12 hepatocytes. Pretreatment with melatonin dose-dependently reversed downregulation of an epithelial marker and upregulation of mesenchymal markers after TGF-β1 stimulation. Additionally, melatonin dose-dependently suppressed an increased phosphorylation of Smad2/3 after TGF-β1 treatment. Besides the canonical Smad signaling pathway, an increase in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and p38 was also dose-dependently attenuated by melatonin. The suppressive effect of the hormone on EMT stimulated by TGF-β1 was not affected by luzindole, an antagonist of melatonin membrane receptors, suggesting that its membrane receptors are not required for the inhibitory action of melatonin. Moreover, melatonin suppressed elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in TGF-β1-treated cells. Finally, TGF-β1-stimulated EMT was also inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine. Collectively, these results suggest that melatonin prevents TGF-β1-stimulated EMT through suppression of Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascades by deactivating ROS-dependent mechanisms in a membrane receptor-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Yeon Kim
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
| | - Jae-Hyung Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (J.-H.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Kiryeong Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu 42601, Korea; (J.-H.P.); (K.K.)
| | - Jaechan Leem
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
- Correspondence:
| | - Kwan-Kyu Park
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu 42472, Korea;
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