β-lapachone protects against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity through modulation of NAD+ /SIRT-1/FXR/p-AMPK/NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling axis

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used antineoplastic drug, but its clinical use is limited by significant toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of β-lapachone (β-LAP), a natural quinone-containing compound, in a mouse model of DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. β-LAP was orally administered at 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg for 4 days, and a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on the second day. Histopathological changes, liver function markers, antioxidant and inflammatory markers were assessed. β-LAP ameliorated liver injury and liver function markers evoked by DOX. β-LAP also downregulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kB-corresponding genes including interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, β-LAP increased the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 target genes heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, along with antioxidant enzymes including reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase with simultaneous reduction in the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde. Meanwhile, it recovered NAD+ /NADH ratios and subsequently elevated the protein levels of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Collectively, these findings suggest a protective role of β-LAP against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity by partly regulating the NAD+ /SIRT-1/FXR/p-AMPK axis.

TGF-β1 receptor blockade attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice through attenuating Smad and MAPK pathways

Renal fibrosis is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix components and collagen deposition. TGF-β1 acts as a master switch promoting renal fibrosis through Smad dependent and/or Smad independent pathways. Thirty-five male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups of seven each; sham, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO+galunisertib (150 and 300 mg/kg/day), galunisertib (300 mg/kg/day). The UUO markedly induced renal fibrosis and injury as indicated by renal functional loss, increased levels of collagen Iα1, fibronectin and α-SMA; it also activated both the Smad 2/3 and MAPKs pathways as indicated by increased levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad 2, p-Smad 3, p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK. These UUO-induced changes were markedly attenuated by oral administration of galunisertib, the TGFβRI small molecule inhibitor. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 receptor blockade can prevent UUO-induced renal fibrosis through indirect modulation of Smad and MAPKs signaling pathways and may be useful as a therapeutic agent in treatment and/or prevention of renal fibrosis.

The porcupine inhibitor WNT974 provokes ectodermal lineage differentiation of human embryonic stem cells

Porcupine (Porcn) enzyme plays an essential role in Wnt signaling activation. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is required to provide Porcn substrates. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a novel Porcn inhibitor on the fate of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and the reliance of Porcn on SCD1 activity. hESCs were cultured on a feeder layer or Matrigel-coated plates. Small molecules WNT974 (LGK-974) and CAY10566 were used to inhibit Porcn and SCD1 activity, respectively. We assessed the effect of Porcn inhibition on viability, expression of Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, proliferation, differentiation, and protein fatty acylation. hESCs' conditioned medium (CM) containing secreted Wnt proteins were applied in rescue experiments. To examine the catalytic dependency of Porcn on SCD1, the results of combined inhibitor treatment were compared with the SCD1 inhibitor alone. LGK-974 at the selected concentrations showed mild effects on hESCs viability, but significantly reduced messenger RNA and protein expression of Wnt signaling targets (Axin-2 and c-Myc) and pluripotency markers (OCT-4 and SOX-2) (p < .05). Adding 1 μM of Porcn inhibitor reduced proliferation (p = .03) and enhanced differentiation capacity into ectodermal progenitors (p = .02), which were reverted by CM. Click chemistry reaction did not show significant alteration in protein fatty acylation upon LGK-974 treatment. Moreover, combined inhibitor treatment caused no further substantial reduction in Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, and protein fatty acylation relative to CAY10566-treated cultures. The substrate availability for Porcn activity is regulated by SCD1 and targeting Porcn by LGK-974 prompts the transition of hESCs from self-renewal state to ectodermal lineage.

Inhibition of USP14 induces ER stress-mediated autophagy without apoptosis in lung cancer cell line A549

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for more than 80% of this tumor. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) 14 is one of the 100 deubiquitinating enzymes that is overexpressed in lung cancer and has been validated as a therapeutic target. The aim of this study is to determine whether the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated autophagy. To inhibit USP-14, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with USP-14 siRNA and IU1-47 (20 μM). The protein level, mRNA expression, and cell cycle analysis were evaluated using Western blot, real-time PCR, and flow cytometry, respectively. We found that treating A549 cells with USP14 inhibitors significantly reduced the proliferation rate and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. We also found that USP14 inhibitors did not induce apoptosis but actually induced autophagy through accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins/ER stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) axis. Moreover, we have for the first time demonstrated that the USP14 inhibition induces ER stress-mediated autophagy in A549 cells by activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1). In conclusion, the current investigation represents a new mechanism by which inhibition of USP14 triggers autophagy via ER stress-mediated UPR in A549 cells.

β-LAPachone ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via regulating autophagy and Nrf2 signalling pathways in mice

β-LAPachone (B-LAP) is a naphthoquinone that possesses antioxidant properties. In the present investigation, the protective effect of B-LAP against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity was examined in mice. Thirty-five mice were divided into 5 groups: control group, B-LAP (5 mg/kg) group, DOX (15 mg/kg) group, DOX+B-LAP (2.5 mg/kg) group and DOX+B-LAP (5 mg/kg) group. B-LAP was administered orally for 14 days of experimental period. A single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on day 3. Cardiac function, histoarchitecture, indices of oxidative stress and circulating markers of cardiac injury were examined. B-LAP (5 mg/kg) decreased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and ameliorated cardiac histopathological alterations. In addition to increasing cellular NAD⁺ /NADH ratio, B-LAP up-regulated the cardiac levels of SIRT1, beclin-1, p-LKB1 and p-AMPK, and reduced the cardiac levels of p-mTOR, interleukin (IL)-1β, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α and caspase-3. B-LAP also elevated the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and simultaneously up-regulated the protein levels of haem oxygenase (HO-1) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the hearts of DOX mice. While B-LAP reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in heart of DOX-treated mice, it further promoted the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT).In accordance with increased cell survival, B-LAP significantly improved the cardiac function of DOX mice. Collectively, these findings underline the protective potential of B-LAP against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating autophagy and AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway in mice.

Preptin and Myostatin Independently Increase in Pre-Diabetics and Patients of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract- The relation between serum preptin, myostatin, insulin, and also homeostatic model assessmentinsulin resistance were examined in pre-diabetes persons and newly diagnosed patients with overt type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 84 subjects were included in the study and assigned into three groups: normoglycemic participants (group 1=27), pre-diabetes (group 2=30), and T2DM (group 3=29). Serum insulin, preptin, and myostatin levels were measured with immunoradiometric assay (IRMA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), respectively. Patients with T2DM had higher levels of preptin compared to normoglycemic (461.25±53.90 vs. 407.54±54.78, P<0.001). Furthermore, these patients had elevated levels of myostatin compared with controls (2710.60±559.09 vs. 2246.37±416.40, P<0.001). Preptin and myostatin both positively correlated with serum insulin (r=0.369, P=0.01, and r=0.309, P=0.04, respectively). However, no significant association was found between serum preptin and myostatin levels. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that insulin was affected more by preptin, with only a trivial contribution from myostatin. Serum preptin and myostatin levels increase in prediabetic subjects and even further in type 2 diabetic patients. The correlation between preptin and insulin evolves when pre-diabetes or overt type 2 diabetes develops. Moreover, serum myostatin increases in association with insulin and not HOMA-IR in diabetic conditions.

Current progress in hepatic tissue regeneration by tissue engineering

Liver, as a vital organ, is responsible for a wide range of biological functions to maintain homeostasis and any type of damages to hepatic tissue contributes to disease progression and death. Viral infection, trauma, carcinoma, alcohol misuse and inborn errors of metabolism are common causes of liver diseases are a severe known reason for leading to end-stage liver disease or liver failure. In either way, liver transplantation is the only treatment option which is, however, hampered by the increasing scarcity of organ donor. Over the past years, considerable efforts have been directed toward liver regeneration aiming at developing new approaches and methodologies to enhance the transplantation process. These approaches include producing decellularized scaffolds from the liver organ, 3D bio-printing system, and nano-based 3D scaffolds to simulate the native liver microenvironment. The application of small molecules and micro-RNAs and genetic manipulation in favor of hepatic differentiation of distinct stem cells could also be exploited. All of these strategies will help to facilitate the application of stem cells in human medicine. This article reviews the most recent strategies to generate a high amount of mature hepatocyte-like cells and updates current knowledge on liver regenerative medicine.

The effect of oral melatonin on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in transplant patients: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

One of the important factors in the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among renal transplant patients (RTPs) is ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). The current study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of melatonin on the complications of IRI and the level of Klotho expression in these patients.

METHODS

A total of 40 renal transplant candidates were randomly assigned into placebo or melatonin group receiving the same dose of 3 mg/day. In order to measure serum melatonin levels, inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, renal function biomarkers, and Klotho gene/protein expression, venous blood samples were taken from patients over two different time points, i e, 24 h before the transplantation and at discharge from hospital.

RESULTS

Melatonin was associated with improvement in renal transplantation, since the serum level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, as a renal functional marker, significantly decreased (P < .001). The effect of melatonin as a suppressor of inflammation and oxidative stress was also evident in the melatonin group due to a significant reduction in the serum levels of MDA, CP, 8-OHdG, and TNF-α markers (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in serum levels of renal function and oxidative stress/inflammatory markers in the melatonin group indicates that melatonin can inhibit IRI outcomes in RTPs through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these properties do not appear as a result of influence on the level of Klotho gene/protein expression.

β-Lapachone protects against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via NAD+/AMPK/NF-kB in mice

β-Lapachone (B-LAP) is a natural naphtaquinone with established anti-oxidative stress and anti-cancer activities. We aimed to investigate B-LAP protective potential against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The mice received an oral dose of B-LAP followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg DOX a day later. They were then treated for 4 days with 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg doses of B-LAP. Renal levels of NAD⁺/NADH ratios, p-AMPKα, p-NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) along with renal expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were examined. Serum levels of kidney function markers as well as renal histopathology were also investigated. In addition to increasing the activities of p-AMPKα, B-LAP elevated NAD⁺/NADH ratios in the kidneys and decreased the renal levels of nuclear p-NF-κB and its correspondent downstream effectors TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS in the kidneys. Also, B-LAP effectively ameliorated renal architectural changes and attenuated serum levels of urea, creatinine, and cystatin C. Collectively, these findings suggest the protective actions of B-LAP against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

The Effect of Oral Administration of PUFAs on the Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

Gastric cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the fifth most common cancer globally. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered as functional ingredients that improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PUFAs administration on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).

METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind trial. Thirty-four newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 17) and case group (n =17). Both groups received the same dose (75 mg/m²) of cisplatin. Control group received cisplatin plus placebo and the case group received cisplatin plus PUFAs [3600 mg/day, for three courses (each course included 3 weeks)]. The mRNA and protein expression of MMPs determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively.

RESULTS

The relative gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control. The protein expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control.

CONCLUSION

According to the results of this study, PUFAs reduced the expression of MMPs in gastric cancer cells. It seems that PUFAs may have an inhibitory effect on invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Reduction of renal tubular injury with a RAGE inhibitor FPS-ZM1, valsartan and their combination in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in the rat

Receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. FPS-ZM1, a selective RAGE inhibitor, in combination with valsartan were investigated for their protective potentials on the renal markers of tubular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Rats were assigned into groups of receiving FPS-ZM1 (1 mg/kg/day), valsartan (100 mg/kg/day), and FPS-ZM1 plus valsartan (1 mg/kg/day and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively) for one month. Kidney histology, renal inflammation and oxidative stress, and renal and urinary markers of tubular injury were investigated. FPS-ZM1 and valsartan in combination more significantly attenuated renal expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 genes and reduced urinary levels of interleukin-6. Moreover, the combination elevated renal NAD⁺/NADH ratios and Sirt1 activities, and mitigated nuclear acetylated NF-κB p65 levels. In addition to alleviating indices of oxidative stress i.e. malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, the combination of FPS-ZM1 and valsartan more effectively upregulated the renal levels of master antioxidant proteins Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1. Additionally, this dual therapy ameliorated more efficiently the indices of renal tubular injuries as indicated by decreased renal kidney injury molecule-1 levels as well as reduced urinary levels of cystatin C, retinol binding protein, and beta-2-microglobulin. While FPS-ZM1 alone had no appreciable effects on the renal fibrosis, the combination treatment ameliorated fibrosis better than valsartan in the kidneys. Collectively, these findings underline the extra benefits of FPS-ZM1 and valsartan dual administrations in obviating the renal tubular cell injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats partly by suppressing renal inflammation and oxidative stress.

Wnt lipidation: Roles in trafficking, modulation, and function

The Wnt signaling pathway consists of various downstream target proteins that have substantial roles in mammalian cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. Its aberrant activity can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and tumorigenesis. The posttranslational connection of fatty acyl chains to Wnt proteins provides the unique capacity for regulation of Wnt activity. In spite of the past belief that Wnt molecules are subject to dual acylation, it has been shown that these proteins have only one acylation site and undergo monounsaturated fatty acylation. The Wnt monounsaturated fatty acyl chain is more than just a hydrophobic coating and appears to be critical for Wnt signaling, transport, and receptor activation. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings in Wnt monounsaturated fatty acylation and the mechanism by which this lipid moiety regulates Wnt activity from the site of production to its receptor interactions.

Empagliflozin Attenuates Renal and Urinary Markers of Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Empagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, improves diabetic nephropathy through its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to evaluate empagliflozin effects on renal and urinary levels of tubular epithelial cell injury markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Empagliflozin at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks, beginning 8 weeks after induction of diabetes. Renal function as well as markers of renal tubular epithelial cell injury were assessed in kidney tissue homogenates and urine. Empagliflozin was able to ameliorate diabetes induced elevations in serum cystatin C levels. It also alleviated renal KIM-1/NGAL levels and urinary albumin, α-GST, and RBP excretions. In addition to decreasing urinary levels of cell cycle arrest indices i.e. TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, empagliflozin mitigated acetylated NF-κB levels in renal tissues of diabetic rats. As a whole, these findings reveal empagliflozin capability in improving diabetic nephropathy via ameliorating indices of renal inflammation, injury, and cell cycle arrest on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Dunnione protects against experimental cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating NQO1 and NAD+ levels

Despite being an efficacious anticancer agent, the clinical utility of cisplatin is hindered by its cardinal side effects. This investigation aimed to appraise potential protective impact of dunnione, a natural naphthoquinone pigment with established NQO1 stimulatory effects, on cisplatin nephrotoxicity of rats. Dunnione was administered orally at 10 and 20 mg/kg doses for 4 d and a single injection of cisplatin was delivered at the second day. Renal histopathology, inflammatory/oxidative stress/apoptotic markers, kidney function, and urinary markers of renal injury were assessed. Dunnione repressed cisplatin-induced inflammation in the kidneys as indicated by decreased TNF-α/IL-1β levels, and reduced nuclear phosphorylated NF-κB p65. This agent also obviated cisplatin-invoked oxidative stress as elucidated by decreased MDA/GSH levels and increased SOD/CAT activities. Dunnione, furthermore, improved renal histological deteriorations as well as caspase-3 activities and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TUNEL) positive cells, the indicators of apoptosis. Moreover, it up-regulated nuclear Nrf2 and cytosolic haeme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NQO1 levels; meanwhile, promoted NAD⁺/NADH ratios followed by enhancing the activities of Sirt1 and PARP1; and further attenuated nuclear acetylated NF-κB p65. Dunnione additionally declined cisplatin-evoked retrogression in renal function and upraise in urinary markers of glomerular and tubular injury as demonstrated by decreased serum urea and creatinine with simultaneous reductions in urinary excretions of collagen type IV, podocin, cystatin C, and retinol-binding protein (RBP). Altogether, these findings offer dunnione as a potential protective agent against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Ischemic acute kidney injury and klotho in renal transplantation

Post-transplant ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI), secondary to ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), is a major problem influencing on the short and long term graft and patient survival. Many molecular and cellular modifications are observed during IRI, for example, tissue damage result production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, chemokines, and leukocytes recruitment which are activated by NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B) signaling pathway. Therefore, inhibiting these processes can significantly protect renal parenchyma from tissue damage. Klotho protein, mainly produced in distal convoluted tubules (DCT), is an anti-senescence protein. There is increasing evidence to confirm a relationship between Klotho levels and renal allograft function. Many studies have also demonstrated that expression of the Klotho gene would be down regulated with IRI, so it will be used as an early biomarker for acute kidney injury after renal transplantation. Other studies suggest that Klotho may have a renoprotective effect for attenuating of kidney injury. In this review, we will discuss pathophysiology of IRI-induced acute kidney injury and its relation with klotho level in renal transplantation procedure.

Improved anticancer effects of epigallocatechin gallate using RGD-containing nanostructured lipid carriers

The global burden of cancer have encouraged oncologists to develop novel strategies for treatment. Present study was proposed to develop Arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD)-containing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) as a delivery system for improving the anticancer capability of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on breast cancer cell line by attaching to integrin superfamily on cancer cells. For this purpose, RGD-containing EGCG-loaded NLC were prepared by hot homogenization technique and characterized by different techniques. Then, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of prepared nanoparticles and their uptake into cells was evaluated. As results, the nanoparticles with particle size of 85 nm, zeta potential of -21 mV, encapsulation of 83% were prepared. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis experiments demonstrated that EGCG-loaded NLC-RGD possessed greatest apoptotic activity. Furthermore, it has been shown that, EGCG-loaded NLC-RGD causes cell cycle arresting more effective than EGCG. Therefore, loading EGCG into NLC-RGD make it more effective in both targeting and accumulation into tumour cells, which results from specialized uptake mechanism by adhesion to αvβ3 integrin. The results strengthen our hope that loading EGCG into RGD-containing NLC could possibly overcome the therapeutic limitations of EGCG and make it more effective in cancer therapy.