scholarly journals Centella asiatica Extract Attenuates Kidney Fibrosis Through Reducing Mesenchymal Transition and Inflammation in Ureteral Ligation Model in Mice

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari ◽  
Santosa Budiharjo ◽  
Husnari Afifah ◽  
Destantry Jasmin ◽  
Orisativa Kokasih ◽  
...  

Background: Kidney fibrosis is the common final pathway of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and is characterized by inflammation, mesenchymal transition with myofibroblast formation and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Centella asiatia (CeA) is an herb that has a reno-protective effect. However, its mechanism of action in kidney fibrosis has not been elucidated.Aim: To elucidate the effect of CeA in amelioration of kidney fibrosis in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and focus on mesenchymal transition and inflammation.Methods: Unilateral ureteral obstruction was performed in male Swiss-background mice (age: 2–3 months, weight: 30–40 g, UUO group n = 6) to induce kidney fibrosis. Two doses of CeA extract with oral administration, 210 and 840 mg/kg body weight were added in UUO (U+C210 and U+C840 groups, each n = 6). The sham operation procedure was performed for the control group (SO, n = 6). The mice were euthanized at day-14 after operation. Tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis area fractions in kidney tissues of the mice were quantified based on periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Sirius Red (SR) staining. Immunostaining was performed for examination of fibroblast (PDGFR-β), myofibroblast (α-SMA), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage (CD68), meanwhile double immunofluorescence was performed with PDGFR-β and α-SMA. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to examine mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, E-cadherin, vimentin, fibroblast-specific protein 1 (FSP-1), CD68, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and MCP-1.Results: We observed a significantly higher interstitial fibrosis area fraction and tubular injury (p < 0.001) with fibroblast expansion and myofibroblast formation in the UUO group than in the SO group. These findings were associated with higher mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, vimentin, FSP-1, CD68, TLR4, and MCP-1 and lower mRNA expression of E-cadherin. The U+C840 group had a significantly lower tubular injury score and interstitial fibrosis area fraction, which associated with downregulation of mRNA expression of TGF-β, Collagen-1, Snail, vimentin, FSP-1, CD68, TLR4, and MCP-1, with upregulation of mRNA expression of E-cadherin. Immunostaining observation revealed the U+C840 group demonstrated reduction of macrophage infiltration and myofibroblast expansion.Conclusion: CeA treatment with dose-dependently ameliorates mesenchymal transition and inflammation in kidney fibrosis in mice.

Author(s):  
Putu Nita Cahyawati ◽  
Ngatidjan . ◽  
Dwi Cahyani Ratna Sari ◽  
Muhammad Mansyur Romi ◽  
Nur Arfian ◽  
...  

Objective: The objective of this study to investigate the effect of simvastatin on kidney fibrosis in mice with a 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy.Methods: Thirty adults (3 mo old) male Swiss mice were submitted to a 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy and studied after 14 d. Animals were divided into five groups: 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SN, n=6), sham operation (SH, n=6), simvastatin 5.2 mg/kg body weight (SIM-1, n=6), simvastatin 10.4 mg/kg body weight (SIM-2, n=6), and simvastatin 20.8 mg/kg body weight (SIM-3, n=6) groups. At sacrifice, kidneys were harvested for morphology (glomerulosclerosis (GS), tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis), immunostaining (α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGF-Rβ) and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (MCP-1, ICAM-1, nephrin, and podocin) analysis.Results: Glomerulosclerosis, tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis in the simvastatin group was significantly lower than SN group (p<0.05). Simvastatin significantly reduced α-SMA expression (3.61±1.06 vs 7.91±1.26, p<0.05, SIM-1 vs SN; 2.86±0.61 vs 7.91±1.26, p<0.05, SIM-2 vs SN; 1.71±0.50 vs 7.91±1.26, p<0.05, SIM-3 vs SN), MCP-1 was markedly expressed in the 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy kidneys and was reduced with simvastatin (1.4±0.64 vs 0.57±0.23, p<0.05, SN vs SIM-1; 1.4±0.64 vs 0.6±0.26, p<0.05, SN vs SIM-2; 1.4±0.64 vs 0.52±0.21, SN vs SIM-3, p<0.05). Simvastatin did not increase nephrin expression, but it increased podocin expression significantly in the SIM-3 group.Conclusion: Simvastatin significantly attenuated GS, tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis through the downregulation of myofibroblast expansion and inflammatory mediators in mice with a 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Jin ◽  
Yiping Wang ◽  
Dong Wang ◽  
Lei Zhang

Background. The activation of NF-kappa B (NF/kB) signaling pathway plays an important role in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) in renal tubules. The process of oxidative stress reaction in kidney is via excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production to activate NF/kB signaling pathway. Qingshen Granule (QSG) is an effective Chinese formula utilized to treat chronic renal failure. Previous studies confirmed that QSG could inhibit RIF in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. In this study, we used UUO rats to investigate the effects of QSG on oxidative stress and the activation of NF/kB signaling. Seventy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a sham group, UUO model group, Qingshen Granules (QSG) high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups, PDTC group, and candesartan group (10 rats in each group). Our study demonstrated that oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway contributed to the formation of UUO renal interstitial fibrosis. QSG may protect against RIF by inhibiting the oxidative stress-NF/kB signal pathway, reducing inflammation, and improving renal tubular EMT.


Background: Obstructive nephropathy can lead to progressive and permanent loss of kidney function characterized by interstitial inflammation and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Tubulointerstitial fibrosis presents as the end result of various kidney injuries in general and can cause chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can progress to end-stage kidney disease and hypertension. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) as a model of renal fibrosis and hypertension. Method: Sixteen male Rattus norvegicus mice (150-200 g) were divided into control groups and UUO by ureteral ligation, eight mice each. The systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured every seven days. After 30 days the animals were dissected to analyze the changes in renal interstitial fibrosis. Statistical analysis was carried out by unpaired t test or alternative test. Results: There was a significant increase in interstitial fibrosis in the UUO rat group [1% (0% - 5%) vs. 75% (20% - ­90%), p <0.001] and SBP [85.38 ± 1.69 mmHg vs 144.75 ± 4.27 mmHg, p <0.001]. Conclusion: UUO can be used as a model of fibrosis and hypertension, which can be used as the basis for the development of anti-fibrotic and anti-hypertensive drugs.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e0143390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria K. Tveitarås ◽  
Trude Skogstrand ◽  
Sabine Leh ◽  
Frank Helle ◽  
Bjarne M. Iversen ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kosha J. Mehta ◽  
Paul A. Sharp

AbstractLiver iron excess is observed in several chronic liver diseases and is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, apart from oxidative stress, other cellular mechanisms by which excess iron may mediate/increase HCC predisposition/progression are not known. HCC pathology involves epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the basis of cancer phenotype acquisition. Here, the effect of excess iron (holo-transferrin 0–2 g/L for 24 and 48 h) on EMT biomarkers in the liver-derived HepG2 cells was investigated. Holo-transferrin substantially increased intracellular iron. Unexpectedly, mRNA and protein expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin either remained unaltered or increased. The mRNA and protein levels of metastasis marker N-cadherin and mesenchymal marker vimentin increased significantly. While the mRNA expression of EMT transcription factors SNAI1 and SNAI2 increased and decreased, respectively after 24 h, both factors increased after 48 h. The mRNA expression of TGF-β (EMT-inducer) showed no significant alterations. In conclusion, data showed direct link between iron and EMT. Iron elevated mesenchymal and metastatic biomarkers in HepG2 cells without concomitant decrement in the epithelial marker E-cadherin and altered the expression of the key EMT-mediating transcription factors. Such studies can help identify molecular targets to devise iron-related adjunctive therapies to ameliorate HCC pathophysiology.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (10) ◽  
pp. 1657-1668 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Xiaojian Feng ◽  
Xinyan Liu ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Min Hu ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRenal fibrosis is a key pathological feature and final common pathway leading to end-stage kidney failure in many chronic kidney diseases. Myofibroblast is the master player in renal fibrosis. However, myofibroblasts are heterogeneous. Recent studies show that bone marrow-derived macrophages transform into myofibroblasts by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced macrophage–myofibroblast transition (MMT) in renal fibrosis.MethodsTGF-β signaling was redirected by inhibition of β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) to increase β-catenin/Foxo in bone marrow-derived macrophages. A kidney fibrosis model of unilateral ureteral obstruction was performed in EGFP bone marrow chimera mouse. MMT was examined by flow cytometry analysis of GFP+F4/80+α-SMA+ cells from unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) kidney, and by immunofluorescent staining of bone marrow-derived macrophages in vitro. Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines were analysis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsInhibition of β-catenin/TCF by ICG-001 combined with TGF-β1 treatment increased β-catenin/Foxo1, reduced the MMT and inflammatory cytokine production by bone marrow-derived macrophages, and thereby, reduced kidney fibrosis in the UUO model.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that diversion of β-catenin from TCF to Foxo1-mediated transcription not only inhibits the β-catenin/TCF-mediated fibrotic effect of TGF-β, but also enhances its anti-inflammatory action, allowing therapeutic use of TGF-β to reduce both inflammation and fibrosis at least partially by changing the fate of bone marrow-derived macrophages.


2012 ◽  
Vol 303 (1) ◽  
pp. F120-F129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Forbes ◽  
Barbara A. Thornhill ◽  
Jordan J. Minor ◽  
Katherine A. Gordon ◽  
Carolina I. Galarreta ◽  
...  

Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is the most widely used animal model of progressive renal disease. Although renal interstitial fibrosis is commonly used as an end point, recent studies reveal that obstructive injury to the glomerulotubular junction leads to the formation of atubular glomeruli. To quantitate the effects of UUO on the remainder of the nephron, renal tubular and interstitial responses were characterized in mice 7 and 14 days after UUO or sham operation under anesthesia. Fractional proximal tubular mass, cell proliferation, and cell death were measured by morphometry. Superoxide formation was identified by nitro blue tetrazolium, and oxidant injury was localized by 4-hydroxynonenol and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine. Fractional areas of renal vasculature, interstitial collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin were also measured. After 14 days of UUO, the obstructed kidney loses 19% of parenchymal mass, with a 65% reduction in proximal tubular mass. Superoxide formation is localized to proximal tubules, which undergo oxidant injury, apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, with widespread mitochondrial loss, resulting in tubular collapse. In contrast, mitosis and apoptosis increase in dilated collecting ducts, which remain patent through epithelial cell remodeling. Relative vascular volume fraction does not change, and interstitial matrix components do not exceed 15% of total volume fraction of the obstructed kidney. These unique proximal and distal nephron cellular responses reflect differential “fight-or-flight” responses to obstructive injury and provide earlier indexes of renal injury than do interstitial compartment responses. Therapies to prevent or retard progression of renal disease should include targeting proximal tubule injury as well as interstitial fibrosis.


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.


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