scholarly journals Signaling Pathways Involved in Diabetic Renal Fibrosis

Author(s):  
Yuqing Zhang ◽  
De Jin ◽  
Xiaomin Kang ◽  
Rongrong Zhou ◽  
Yuting Sun ◽  
...  

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), as the most common complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is the major cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal interstitial fibrosis is a crucial metabolic change in the late stage of DKD, which is always considered to be complex and irreversible. In this review, we discuss the pathological mechanisms of diabetic renal fibrosis and discussed some signaling pathways that are closely related to it, such as the TGF-β, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, and Notch pathways. The cross-talks among these pathways were then discussed to elucidate the complicated cascade behind the tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Finally, we summarized the new drugs with potential therapeutic effects on renal fibrosis and listed related clinical trials. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the mechanisms and related pathways of renal fibrosis in DKD and to provide novel therapeutic intervention insights for clinical research to delay the progression of renal fibrosis.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yao Xu ◽  
Yuqing Liu ◽  
Honglei Guo ◽  
Wei Ding

Inflammation might be one of the essential underlying mechanisms of renal fibrosis, which is considered a key pathological feature of end-stage renal disease and is closely associated with proteinuria and decreased renal function. Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), identified as the central structure of inflammasome, is involved in the progression of interstitial fibrosis; however, its signal transduction pathways remain unclear. In the present study, we performed unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) in both wild-type and ASC deletion mice to determine the contribution of ASC to renal fibrosis. Compared with control groups, UUO significantly induced renal fibrosis and collagen deposition, as evidenced by photomicrographs. ASC deletion attenuated renal injury, reduced cell infiltration and the release of inflammatory cytokines, protected against apoptosis, and downregulated the PRKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Our data identify a novel role of ASC in the regulation of renal fibrosis and ER stress after UUO, strongly indicating that ASC could serve as an attractive target in the treatment of chronic kidney disease.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Dan-qian Chen ◽  
Jing-xue Han ◽  
Ting-ting Zhao ◽  
Shu-ju Li

Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the main pathological manifestation of end-stage renal disease. Recent studies have shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is involved in the pathogenesis and development of RIF. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as an effective treatment for kidney diseases, can improve kidney damage by affecting the apoptotic signaling pathway mediated by ER stress. This article reviews the apoptotic pathways mediated by ER stress, including the three major signaling pathways of unfolded protein response, the main functions of the transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein. We also present current research on TCM treatment of RIF, focusing on medicines that regulate ER stress. A new understanding of using TCM to treat kidney disease by regulating ER stress will promote clinical application of Chinese medicine and discovery of new drugs for the treatment of RIF.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Li ◽  
Yujuan Guo ◽  
Yiming Zhang ◽  
Xue Zhang ◽  
Lingpeng Zhu ◽  
...  

Salidroside (Sal) is an active ingredient that is isolated from Rhodiola rosea, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory activities and a renal protective effect. However, the role of Sal on renal fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. Here, the purpose of the current study is to test the protective effects of Sal against renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF), and to explore the underlying mechanisms using both in vivo and in vitro models. In this study, we establish the unilateral ureteric obstruction (UUO) or folic acid (FA)-induced mice renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated human proximal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2) model in vitro. The levels of kidney functional parameters and inflammatory cytokines in serum are examined. The degree of renal damage and fibrosis is determined by histological assessment. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting are used to determine the mechanisms of Sal against RIF. Our results show that treatment with Sal can ameliorate tubular injury and deposition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) components (including collagen Ш and collagen I). Furthermore, Sal administration significantly suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as evidenced by a decreased expression of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, snail, slug, and a largely restored expression of E-cadherin. Additionally, Sal also reduces the levels of serum biochemical markers (serum creatinine, Scr; blood urea nitrogen, BUN; and uric acid, UA) and decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). Further study revealed that the effect of Sal on renal interstitial fibrosis is associated with the lower expression of TLR4, p-IκBα, p-NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, Sal treatment improves kidney function, ameliorates the deposition of the ECM components and relieves the protein levels of EMT markers in mouse kidneys and HK-2 cells. Furthermore, Sal treatment significantly decreases the release of inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the TLR4/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Collectively, these results suggest that the administration of Sal could be a novel therapeutic strategy in treating renal fibrosis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroko Sakuma ◽  
Shinji Hagiwara ◽  
Phillip Kantharidis ◽  
Tomohito Gohda ◽  
Yusuke Suzuki

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a major health problem and one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease worldwide. Despite recent advances, there exists an urgent need for the development of new treatments for DKD. DKD is characterized by the excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins in glomeruli and the tubulointerstitium, ultimately leading to glomerulosclerosis as well as interstitial fibrosis. Renal fibrosis is the final common pathway at the histological level leading to an end-stage renal failure. In fact, activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway by bardoxolone methyl and inhibition of transforming growth factor beta signaling by pirfenidone have been assumed to be effective therapeutic targets for DKD, and various basic and clinical studies are currently ongoing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenously produced small RNA molecules of 18–22 nucleotides in length, which act as posttranscriptional repressors of gene expression. Studies have demonstrated that several miRNAs contribute to renal fibrosis. In this review, we outline the potential of using miRNAs as an antifibrosis treatment strategy and discuss their clinical application in DKD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yifan Zhang ◽  
Qifeng Jiang ◽  
Jianteng Xie ◽  
Chunfang Qi ◽  
Sheng Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The significance of renal arteriosclerosis in the prediction of the renal outcomes of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) remains undetermined. Methods We enrolled 174 patients with DKD from three centres from January 2010 to July 2017. The severity and extent of arteriosclerosis were analysed on sections based on dual immunohistochemical staining of CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin. An X-tile plot was used to determine the optimal cut-off value. The primary endpoint was renal survival (RS), defined as the duration from renal biopsy to end-stage renal disease or death. Results The baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 135 qualified patients was 45 (29 ~ 70) ml/min per 1.73 m2, and the average 24-h urine protein was 4.52 (2.45 ~ 7.66) g/24 h. The number of glomeruli in the biopsy specimens was 21.07 ± 9.7. The proportion of severe arteriosclerosis in the kidney positively correlated with the Renal Pathology Society glomerular classification (r = 0.28, P < 0.012), interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), urine protein (r = 0.213, P = 0.013), systolic BP (r = 0.305, P = 0.000), and age (r = 0.220, P = 0.010) and significantly negatively correlated with baseline eGFR (r = − 0.285, P = 0.001). In the multivariable model, the primary outcomes were significantly correlated with glomerular class (HR: 1.72, CI: 1.15 ~ 2.57), IFTA (HR: 1.96, CI: 1.26 ~ 3.06) and the modified arteriosclerosis score (HR: 2.21, CI: 1.18 ~ 4.13). After risk adjustment, RS was independently associated with the baseline eGFR (HR: 0.97, CI: 0.96 ~ 0.98), urine proteinuria (HR: 1.10, CI: 1.04 ~ 1.17) and the modified arteriosclerosis score (HR: 2.01, CI: 1.10 ~ 3.67), and the nomogram exhibited good calibration and acceptable discrimination (C-index = 0.82, CI: 0.75 ~ 0.87). Conclusions The severity and proportion of arteriosclerosis may be helpful prognostic indicators for DKD.


Diabetology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Keiichiro Matoba

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a global epidemic leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, with few therapeutic interventions. A hallmark of DKD is the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and hemodynamic changes in glomerulus. Although intensive therapy with agents that targets those abnormalities lowers the risk of DKD progression, it does not completely abolish the risk of ESRD and cardiovascular events. Recent studies have illustrated the importance of renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and activated Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) signaling as essential pathogenesis for the development of DKD. In this commentary, these topics will be discussed.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ting-Ting Liu ◽  
Ran Luo ◽  
Yi Yang ◽  
Yi-Chun Cheng ◽  
Dan Chang ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Increasing evidence has demonstrated that loss of peritubular capillaries plays a critical role in renal interstitial fibrosis. Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein-1 (LRG1) has been observed promoting angiogenesis in the ocular disease mouse model and myocardial infarction model. We aimed to explore the role of LRG1 in renal interstitial fibrosis. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed the expression of LRG1 in the plasma and kidney of CKD patients by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Relationships between the expression of LRG1 in plasma and kidney and renal fibrosis and inflammation were analyzed. Tube formation assay was used to detect the angiogenesis in the human umbilical vein endothelial cell lines (HUVECs). And real-time PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of LRG1, inflammatory factors, renal tubular injury indicators, pro-fibrotic cytokines, and CD31. We examined the effects of genetic ablation of LRG1 on renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mice model at day 7. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We demonstrated that the expression of LRG1 in renal tissues and plasma samples was upregulated in CKD patients. And the expression of LRG1 was elevated in human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK-2) cells in response to the stimulation of TNF-α in vitro, and in kidney after UUO in vivo. The deficiency of the LRG1 gene aggravated renal fibrosis, inflammatory cells infiltration, and capillary rarefaction after UUO. In vitro, LRG1 promoted the tube formation of HUVEC cells. LRG1 inhibits fibronectin secretion induced by TGF-β1 in HK-2 and overexpression of LRG1 in HK-2 cells decreased fibronectin secretion. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> LRG1 may prevent renal fibrosis by inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and promoting angiogenesis.


2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (6) ◽  
pp. F1138-F1144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kumar Sharma ◽  
Peter McCue ◽  
Stephen R. Dunn

Diabetic nephropathy is increasing in incidence and is now the number one cause of end-stage renal disease in the industrialized world. To gain insight into the genetic susceptibility and pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy, an appropriate mouse model of diabetic nephropathy would be critical. A large number of mouse models of diabetes have been identified and their kidney disease characterized to various degrees. Perhaps the best characterized and most intensively investigated model is the db/ db mouse. Because this model appears to exhibit the most consistent and robust increase in albuminuria and mesangial matrix expansion, it has been used as a model of progressive diabetic renal disease. In this review, we present the findings from various studies on the renal pathology of the db/ db mouse model of diabetes in the context of human diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore, we discuss shortfalls of assessing functional renal disease in mouse models of diabetic kidney disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte E. Grantham ◽  
Katherine L. Hull ◽  
Matthew P.M. Graham-Brown ◽  
Daniel S. March ◽  
James O. Burton

Cardiovascular mortality in the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population remains the leading cause of death. Targeting traditional cardiovascular risk factors has proven unsuccessful in this patient population, and therefore attention has turned to risk factors related to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The toxicity of high-glucose peritoneal dialysis (PD) solutions has been well documented. The breakdown of glucose into glucose degradation products (GDP) and advanced glycation end-products (AGE) has the ability to alter cell viability and cause premature apoptosis and is strongly correlated with interstitial fibrosis and microvascular sclerosis. Biocompatible solutions have been introduced to combat the hostile milieu to which PD patients are exposed.Given the considerable cardiovascular burden for PD patients, little is known about the cardiovascular impact the new biocompatible solutions may have. This review analyzes the existing literature regarding the mechanisms through which low-GDP solutions may modulate cardiovascular risk. Interventions using low-GDP solutions have provided encouraging changes in structural cardiovascular measures such as left ventricular mass (LVM), although metabolic changes from reduced GDP and AGE exposure yield inconclusive results on vascular remodelling. It is thought that the local effects of reduced glucose exposure may improve membrane integrity and therefore fluid status. Further research in the form of a robust randomized controlled trial should be carried out to assess the true extent of the cardiovascular benefits these biocompatible solutions may hold.


Antioxidants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 246
Author(s):  
Daiji Kawanami ◽  
Yuichi Takashi ◽  
Hiroyuki Takahashi ◽  
Ryoko Motonaga ◽  
Makito Tanabe

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). DPP-4 inhibitors reduce glucose levels by inhibiting degradation of incretins. DPP-4 is a ubiquitous protein with exopeptidase activity that exists in cell membrane-bound and soluble forms. It has been shown that an increased renal DPP-4 activity is associated with the development of DKD. A series of clinical and experimental studies showed that DPP-4 inhibitors have beneficial effects on DKD, independent of their glucose-lowering abilities, which are mediated by anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative stress properties. In this review article, we highlight the current understanding of the clinical efficacy and the mechanisms underlying renoprotection by DPP-4 inhibitors under diabetic conditions.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document