scholarly journals HuangQi Decoction Ameliorates Renal Fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 1761-1774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Zhao ◽  
Li Wang ◽  
Ai-li Cao ◽  
Ming-Qian Jiang ◽  
Xia Chen ◽  
...  

Objective: Traditional Chinese Medicine compound HuangQi decoction is widely used in clinical treatment of chronic kidney disease, but its role on renal interstitial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of HuangQi decoction on renal interstitial fibrosis and its association with the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway Methods: A total of 120 C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, sham plus high-dose HuangQi decoction (1.08g/kg) group, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model group, and UUO model plus low to high doses of HuangQi decoction (0.12g/kg, 0.36g/kg and 1.08g/kg respectively) groups. Animals were sacrificed 14 days after the administration and ipsilateral kidney tissue was sampled for pathologic examinations. Immunohistochemistry, PCR and western blot were used to detect the expressions of related molecules in the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. TGF-β1 was used in in vitro experiments to induce human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK2). Results: HuangQi decoction improved ipsilateral kidney fibrosis in UUO mice and downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, Smad4, Smad2/3, P-Smad2/3, α-SMA, collagen type I, III and IV in a dose-dependent manner while upregulated the expression of Smad7 in the same fashion. Similar results were found in in vitro studies. Conclusion: The protective effect of HuangQi decoction for unilateral ureteral obstruction kidney damage in mice was mediated by downregulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi Quan ◽  
Woong Park ◽  
Jixiu Jin ◽  
Won Kim ◽  
Sung Kwang Park ◽  
...  

Renal fibrosis is a common feature of all progressive chronic kidney diseases. Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is one of the mitochondrial sirtuins, and plays a role in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, oxidative stress, fatty acid metabolism, and aging. Recently, honokiol (HKL), as a pharmaceutical SIRT3 activator, has been observed to have a protective effect against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by increasing SIRT3 activity. In this study, we investigated whether HKL, as a SIRT3 activator, also has protective effects against unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis through SIRT3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. We found that HKL decreased the UUO-induced increase in tubular injury and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in mice. HKL also decreased myofibroblast activation and proliferation in UUO kidneys and NRK-49F cells. Finally, we showed that HKL treatment decreased UUO-induced mitochondrial fission and promoted mitochondrial fusion through SIRT3-dependent effects. In conclusion, activation of SIRT3 via HKL treatment might have beneficial effects on UUO-induced renal fibrosis through SIRT3-dependent regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the NF-κB/TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (21) ◽  
pp. 8184
Author(s):  
Jixiu Jin ◽  
Tian Wang ◽  
Woong Park ◽  
Wenjia Li ◽  
Won Kim ◽  
...  

Yes-associated protein (YAP) activation after acute ischemic kidney injury might be related to interstitial fibrosis and impaired renal tubular regeneration. Verteporfin (VP) is a photosensitizer used in photodynamic therapy to treat age-related macular degeneration. In cancer cells, VP inhibits TEA domain family member (TEAD)-YAP interactions without light stimulation. The protective role of VP in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced renal fibrosis and related mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the protective effects of VP on UUO-induced renal tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis and its regulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. We find that VP decreased the UUO-induced increase in tubular injury, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition in mice. VP also decreased myofibroblast activation and proliferation in UUO kidneys and NRK-49F cells by modulating Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. Therefore, YAP inhibition might have beneficial effects on UUO-induced tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.


Endocrinology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (2) ◽  
pp. 727-740 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-Lin Yang ◽  
Yi-Shiuan Liu ◽  
Lea-Yea Chuang ◽  
Jinn-Yuh Guh ◽  
Tao-Chen Lee ◽  
...  

TGF-β is a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis. Scientists have long sought ways to antagonize TGF-β to ameliorate diabetic nephropathy. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and is highly regulated in the kidney. Thus, the role of BMP-2 was investigated in NRK-49F cells (rat fibroblasts). We showed that TGF-β1 induces an increase in fibronectin. Treatment with exogenous BMP-2 or pCMV-BMP-2 significantly reversed the TGF-β1-induced increase in fibronectin concomitant with a significant decrease in type I TGF-β receptors (TGF-β RI). Moreover, BMP-2 significantly shortened the half-life of TGF-β RI. These results are related to proteosomal activation because MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, abolished BMP-2-mediated degradation of TGF-β RI. This was confirmed because BMP-2 time course dependently enhanced the ubiquitination level of TGF-β RI. In addition, Smads would seem to be involved in the interaction of BMP-2 and TGF-β. We demonstrated that BMP-2 significantly reversed the TGF-β1-induced increase in pSmad2/3 and reversed the TGF-β1-induced decrease in inhibitory Smad7. Most importantly, Smad7 small interfering RNA abolished the BMP-2-induced decrease in TGF-β RI. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of BMP-2 using unilateral ureteral obstruction rats. BMP-2 was administered ip for 7 d. In the unilateral ureteral obstruction kidneys, interstitial fibrosis was prominent. However, treatment with BMP-2 dramatically reduced Masson’s trichrome staining (collagen) in the interstitial and tubular areas of the kidneys concomitantly with a reduction in TGF-β RI. These results suggest that BMP-2 acts as a novel fibrosis antagonizing cytokine partly by down-regulating TGF-β RI and Smads. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 can antagonize TGF-β-inducing cellular fibrosis by intervening post-receptors signaling, thus disclosing an application of therapeutical potential against fibrosis disorders.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 5787-5801
Author(s):  
Yun Xiao ◽  
Zhiwei Zhang ◽  
Yingyu Fu ◽  
Huizhi Shan ◽  
Sini Cui ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the effect of GSTA3 within the PI3K–Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Methods An in vitro RIF model with TGF-β1 stimulation in NRK-52E cells was established to identify potential signaling pathways that modulate GSTA3. Changes in GSTA3 expression were observed in the RIF model after silencing or enhancing Nrf2 expression. Changes in GSTA3, Keap1, and Nrf2 expression were detected after blocking the upstream of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway (including MAPK and PI3K/Akt). The effect of Nrf2 on GSTA3 expression was evaluated by overexpressing Nrf2. Results Protein and mRNA levels of GSTA3, FN, Nrf2, and Keap1 were significantly increased after TGF-β1 stimulation. GSTA3 was also upregulated following overexpression of Nrf2. TGF-β1 activated the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to RIF. After blocking this pathway, the production of superoxide dismutase, reactive oxygen species, and fibronectin were reduced. The MAPK pathway was not involved in the development of RIF via regulating GSTA3 expression. Conclusions The PI3K–KEAP1/Nrf2–GSTA3 signaling pathway is a possible mechanism of resisting external stimulation of renal fibrosis factors, regulating oxidative stress, and preventing RIF.


Author(s):  
Yang Kang ◽  
Minghui Bai ◽  
Liling Deng ◽  
Linbo Fan ◽  
Xing Wang

Background: This research was designed to probe into the role of miRNA-21 in the pathogenesis of childhood asthma and its correlation with the severity. Methods: Fifty-four children with bronchial asthma admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University from Jun 2018 to Dec 2019 were included. Forty nine healthy children underwent physical examination at this time period were also enrolled. The miR-21 expression in peripheral blood serum was analyzed by qRT-PCR. The relationship between the expression and severity of asthma in children was explored by Spearman correlation analysis and ROC curve. Bronchial epithelial cell lines were cultured in vitro and divided into blank control group, negative control group and miR-21 inhibition and activation group. The changes of cell proliferation after treatment were detected by CCK-8 test in different groups. The expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway protein in cells was assessed by Western blot (WB). Results: Compared with that of healthy children, the miR-21 expression in peripheral blood serum of asthmatic children was higher (P<0.001). MiR-21 expression was positively correlated with the severity of illness (r=0.853, P<0.001). The results of cell experiments in vitro signified that miR-21 can promote the proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells, and may be involved in regulating the expression of TGF-β1/ Smad3 signaling pathway, thus affecting cell proliferation. Conclusion: miRNA-21 regulates the proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells by activating TGFβ1/Smad signaling pathway. And it is positively correlated with the severity of asthma in children.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wangyu Liu ◽  
Shan Lin ◽  
Qiaoyan Cai ◽  
Ling Zhang ◽  
Aling Shen ◽  
...  

Qingxuan Jiangya Decoction (QXJYD) is a traditional Chinese medicine commonly used in the clinical treatment of hypertension. Earlier studies had shown that QXJYD could inhibit the elevation of blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and prevent remodeling of arterial vessels. This study examines the therapeutic efficacy of QXJYD against elevated blood pressure using the SHR model, as well as the mechanisms behind its antihypertensive activity and protection against renal fibrosis. The results showed that QXJYD significantly attenuated the increase in blood pressure in SHRs and mitigated the development of renal interstitial fibrosis. In addition, QXJYD also robustly decreased the excess accumulation of extracellular matrix and attenuated the elevated expression of MMPs. The antihypertensive effects and renal protection of QXJYD were determined to be strongly associated with inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (24) ◽  
pp. 13354
Author(s):  
Seita Kataoka ◽  
Atsushi Umemura ◽  
Keiichiro Okuda ◽  
Hiroyoshi Taketani ◽  
Yuya Seko ◽  
...  

Chronic liver injury may result in hepatic fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. There are no drugs that are specifically approved for treating hepatic fibrosis. The natural product honokiol (HNK), a bioactive compound extracted from Magnolia grandiflora, represents a potential tool in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Though HNK has been reported to exhibit suppressive effects in a rat fibrosis model, the mechanisms accounting for this suppression remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-fibrotic effects of HNK on the liver were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo studies utilized a murine liver fibrosis model, in which fibrosis is induced by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). For in vitro studies, LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with HNK, and expression of markers of fibrosis, cell viability, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)/SMAD signaling pathway, and autophagy were analyzed. HNK was well tolerated and significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, HNK decreased HSC activation and collagen expression by downregulating the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway and autophagy. These results suggest that HNK is a new potential candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis through suppressing both TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and autophagy in HSCs.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Zha Ru ◽  
Ying Hu ◽  
Shenghua Huang ◽  
Li Bai ◽  
Kun Zhang ◽  
...  

Background. Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a benign fibroproliferative skin disease resulting from an aberrant wound healing process and can cause aesthetic and functional damage to patients. Currently, there is no ideal treatment to treat this disease. Galangin, a natural active bioflavonoid compound, is suggested to inhibit fibrosis and proliferation in certain cells. Methods. In this study, we found Galangin could attenuate abnormal scar formation in an HS rabbit ear model. Additionally, the HE staining shows Galangin reduced scar elevation index (SEI) and Masson’s trichrome staining changed collagen deposition. Results. The expressions of type I collagen, type III collagen, and TGF-β1 were much lower under a proper dose of Galangin treatment, and Smad7 expression was also enhanced, which are examined by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blot. Conclusion. Our data indicated that Galangin can alleviate dermal scarring via the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway probably by upregulating Smad 7 expression and, thus, suppressing the expression of type I and type III collagens and TGF-β1.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junshuang Zhao ◽  
Yang Jiang ◽  
Lian Chen ◽  
Yue Ma ◽  
Haiying Zhang ◽  
...  

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a common and refractory subtype of high-grade glioma with a poor prognosis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important cause of enhanced glioblastoma invasiveness and tumor recurrence. Our previous study found that retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor A (RORA) is a nuclear receptor and plays an important role in inhibiting proliferation and tumorigenesis of glioma. We further confirmed RORA was downregulated in GBM. Thus, we determined whether RORA was involved in the migration, invasion, and EMT of GBM. Human GBM cell lines, U87 and T98G, and patient-derived glioma stem cells (GSCs), GSC2C and GSC4D, were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments. The expressions of RORA, CASC2, and EIF4A3 in GBM cells and GSCs were detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The biological effects of RORA, CASC2, and EIF4A3 on GBM migration, invasion, and EMT were evaluated using the migration assay, transwell assay, immunofluorescence staining, and xenograft experiments. We found that RORA inhibited the migration, invasion, and EMT of GBM. CASC2 could bind to, maintain the stability, and promote the nuclear translocation of RORA protein. EIF4A3 could downregulate CASC2 expression via inducing its cleavage, while RORA transcriptionally inhibited EIF4A3 expression, which formed a feedback loop among EIF4A3/CASC2/RORA. Moreover, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and in vitro and in vivo experiments showed RORA inhibited the aggressiveness of GBM by negatively regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Therefore, The EIF4A3/CASC2/RORA feedback loop regulated TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway might become a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM treatment.


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