• International Journal of Stem Cells
• /
• 제16권1호
• /
• pp.52-65
• /
• 2023

Background and Objectives: Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the origins of myofibroblasts in renal interstitial fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) alleviating EMT has been proved, but the concrete mechanism is unclear. To explore the mechanism, serum-free MSCs conditioned medium (SF-MSCs-CM) was used to treat rat renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) fibrosis induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) which ameliorated EMT. Methods and Results: Galectin-3 knockdown (Gal-3 KD) and overexpression (Gal-3 OE) lentiviral vectors were established and transfected into NRK-52E. NRK-52E fibrosis model was induced by TGF-β1 and treated with the SF-MSCs-CM for 24 h after modelling. Fibrosis and autophagy related indexes were detected by western blot and immunocytochemistry. In model group, the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin (FN), Galectin-3, Snail, Kim-1, and the ratios of P-Akt/Akt, P-GSK3β/GSK3β, P-PI3K/PI3K, P-mTOR/mTOR, TIMP1/MMP9, and LC3B-II/I were obviously increased, and E-Cadherin (E-cad) and P62 decreased significantly compared with control group. SF-MSCs-CM showed an opposite trend after treatment compared with model group. Whether in Gal-3 KD or Gal-3 OE NRK-52E cells, SF-MSCs-CM also showed similar trends. However, the effects of anti-fibrosis and enhanced autophagy in Gal-3 KD cells were more obvious than those in Gal-3 OE cells. Conclusions: SF-MSCs-CM probably alleviated the EMT via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/GSK3β/Snail pathway. Meanwhile, Gal-3 KD possibly enhanced autophagy via inhibiting Galectin-3/Akt/mTOR pathway, which synergistically ameliorated renal fibrosis. Targeting galectin-3 may be a potential target for the treatment of renal fibrosis.

• BMB Reports
• /
• 제52권9호
• /
• pp.554-559
• /
• 2019

Despite reports suggesting that tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells cause ischemic kidney injury, their contribution to the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis has not been determined. This study hypothesized that the depletion of trNK cells may ameliorate renal fibrosis by affecting transglutaminase 2/syndecan-4 interactions. Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) was induced in C57BL/6 mice as an experimental model of kidney fibrosis. The mice were treated with anti-asialo GM1 (ASGM1) or anti-NK1.1 antibodies to deplete NK cells. Although both ASGM1 and NK1.1 antibodies suppressed renal $NKp46^+DX5^+$ NK cells, renal $NKp46^+DX5^-$ cells were resistant to suppression by ASGM1 or NK1.1 antibodies during the development of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the AAN-induced mouse model. Western blot analysis showed that both antibodies increased the expression of fibronectin, transglutaminase 2, and syndecan-4. These findings indicate that trNK cells played an exacerbating role in tubulointerstitial fibrosis by activating transglutaminase 2 and syndecan-4 in the AAN-induced mouse model.

• 생명과학회지
• /
• 제22권10호
• /
• pp.1371-1377
• /
• 2012

신장섬유화는 내 외부적인 요인들에 의해 발생하며, 그 요인들에 의해 염증이 생기고 지속적인 손상이 일어날 경우 신기능의 상실이 유발된다. 또한 신장섬유화는 세포 외 기질의 과다축적, TGF-${\beta}$나, TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1과 같은 사이 토카인에 의해 발생하며, TGF-${\beta}$는 신장 섬유화의 과정과 Type I collagen과 fibronectin, PAI-1을 포함한 섬유화 관련 인자들의 발현 유도에 중요한 역할을 한다. 본 연구에서는 TGF-${\beta}$를 처리한 신장섬유화 유도 모델에서 Moringa oleifera Lam 추출물에 대한 섬유화 관련 인자들의 영향을 확인하였다. 실험 결과 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 신장 섬유화 세포에서 모링가 추출물이 fibronectin, Type I collagen과 PAI-1의 단백질 및 mRNA 발현을 저해하였으며, 모링가 추출물 중 모링가 뿌리추출물이 가장 영향이 있는 것으로 확인 되었다. 모링가 뿌리추출물이 어떠한 기전을 통하여 섬유화 관련 인자들의 발현을 조절하는지 알아보기 위한 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 $T{\beta}RII$ 및 그 하위 기전의 인산화 정도를 확인한 실험에서 모링가 뿌리추출물이 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 $T{\beta}RII$과 그 하위기전의 Smad4, ERK의 인산화를 저해하였다. 그러나 TGF-${\beta}$에 의해 유도된 JNK와 p38, PI3K/AKT의 인산화에는 영향이 없었다. 따라서 모링가 뿌리추출물이 TGF-${\beta}$로 유도된 신장 섬유아세포에서 $T{\beta}RII$와 그 하위 기전인 Smad4, ERK를 통해서 Type I collagen 과 fibronectin, PAI-1의 발현을 조절하여 섬유화를 저해 한다는 것을 예상할 수 있다. 결론적으로 모링가 뿌리추출물이 섬유화 치료 및 완화에 좋은 물질이 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.125-137
• /
• 2011

목적: 일반적으로 남자는 여자에 비해 만성 신장병의 발병이 많고 말기 신부전으로의 진행이 더 흔한 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 일측성 요관 폐쇄를 가진 생쥐에서 신섬유화에 대한 성별과 성호르몬의 효과를 규명하기 위해 시행되었다. 방법: 일측성 완전 요관 폐쇄 7일째 암컷과 수컷 생쥐의 신장에서 ${\alpha}$-smooth muscle actin (${\alpha}$-SMA)의 발현을 측정한 후, 암컷 생쥐에서 난소를 제거하거나 제거 후 다시 $17{\beta}$-estradiol을 보충하여 나타나는 신섬유화 정도를 비교 분석하였다. 결과:일측성 요관 폐쇄를 가진 암컷 신장의 ${\alpha}$-SMA의 발현이 수컷 신장에 비해 현저히 낮았다. 난소 제거와 $17{\beta}$-estradiol의 보충은 일측성 요관 폐쇄를 가진 암컷 신장의 안지오텐신 II 1형 수용체의 발현에는 의미 있는 영향을 주지 않았지만, 안지오텐신 II 2형 수용체의 발현은 정상 암컷과 난소 제거 후 $17{\beta}$-estradiol를 보충한 암컷에서 현저히 증가되었다. 또한, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) 역시 유사한 변화를 보였다. 결론 : 여성은 폐쇄성 요로병증에서 신섬유화에 대한 저항성과 연관이 있으며 이러한 성별의 차이는 $17{\beta}$-estradiol에 의한 안지오텐신 II 2형 수용체와 iNOS의 발현 증가와 연관이 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
• /
• 제14권1호
• /
• pp.36-40
• /
• 2012

Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) is a systemic disease that affects the skin and other tissues in patients with renal insufficiency and exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast. A 55-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis was consulted for progressive general weakness. After she had undergone multiple MRIs with gadolinium-containing contrast media, muscle weakness and skin lesions were developed. Her skin and muscle biopsy specimens showed CD34+ fibroblast entrapping collagen bundles. There are few reports of NSF with myopathy.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• 제32권3호
• /
• pp.291-300
• /
• 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a congenital genetic disorder, is a notable contributor to the prevalence of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Despite the absence of a complete cure, ongoing research aims for early diagnosis and treatment. Although agents such as tolvaptan and mTOR inhibitors have been utilized, their effectiveness in managing the disease during its initial phase has certain limitations. This review aimed to explore new targets for the early diagnosis and treatment of ADPKD, considering ongoing developments. We particularly focus on cell polarity, which is a key factor that influences the process and pace of cyst formation. In addition, we aimed to identify agents or treatments that can prevent or impede the progression of renal fibrosis, ultimately slowing its trajectory toward end-stage renal disease. Recent advances in slowing ADPKD progression have been examined, and potential therapeutic approaches targeting multiple pathways have been introduced. This comprehensive review discusses innovative strategies to address the challenges of ADPKD and provides valuable insights into potential avenues for its prevention and treatment.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• 제20권6호
• /
• pp.894-908
• /
• 2019

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease, as it extends survival and increases quality of life in these patients. However, chronic allograft injury continues to be a major problem, and leads to eventual graft loss. Early detection of allograft injury is essential for guiding appropriate intervention to delay or prevent irreversible damage. Several advanced MRI techniques can offer some important information regarding functional changes such as perfusion, diffusion, structural complexity, as well as oxygenation and fibrosis. This review highlights the potential of multiparametric MRI for noninvasive and comprehensive assessment of renal allograft injury.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• 제6권1호
• /
• pp.85-91
• /
• 2002

서 론 : Phosphodiesterase (PDE) 억제제는 세포내 cAMP를 증가시키며, cAMP는 TGF-${\beta}1$에 의한 connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)의 발현을 억제하는 것으로 알러져 있다. 그러므로 저자들은 PDE 억제재가 TGF-${\beta}1$의 변화 없이 긴 섬유화를 억제할 수 있는지를 확인해 보고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법 : 백서에서 일측성 요관 결찰로 신 간질 섬유화를 유발하였다. 실험군에서는 PDE3 억제제인 cilostazol (1 g/L)이나 PDE5, PDE6, PDE8의 hybrid 억제제인 dipyridamole (750 mg/L)이 첨가된 음료수를 공급하였다. 일주일 후 신장을 적출하여 Masson-trichrome score를 평가하고, 신조직 조건배지에서 fibronectin과 TGF-${\beta}1$을 ELISA법으로 정량하였다. 결 과 : 대조군에 비해 cilostazol 군에서 Masson-trichrome score와 신조직 조건배지의 fibronectin 농도가 유의하게 낮았다(P<0.05). Dipyridamole군의 Masson-trichrome score와 조건배지의 fibronectin 농도도 대조군에 비해 낮아 보였으나 통계적 유의성을 보여주지 못했다. 신조직 조건배지의 TGF-${\beta}1$ 농도는 대조군, cilostazol군, dipyridamole군간에 차이가 없었다. 결 론 : 선택적 PDE3 억제제인 cilostazol은 TGF-${\beta}1$의 억제에 의존하지 않고 일측성 요로 폐쇄에 의한 신 섬유화를 억제하였다.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
• /
• 제31권3호
• /
• pp.157-169
• /
• 2023

Gracilaria Verrucosa (GV), a seaweed used in traditional Korean medicine, was studied for its effects on MI-induced heart failure in rats. MI is caused by a blocked coronary artery, leading to severe cardiac dysfunction. The study used a rat model to assess cardiac changes over time and evaluate the impact of GV on heart failure. Ischemia was induced through LAD ligation surgery, and the extent of ischemic area was measured as a prognostic factor. GV extract administration significantly improved cardiac morphology and reduced cardiac weight compared to the MI group. GV treatment also improved cardiac function, as evidenced by positive effects on chamber dilation during MI-induced heart failure. Parameters such as ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were measured. The MI group showed decreased EF and FS compared to the sham group, while these parameters improved in the GV group. GV treatment also reduced levels of LDH, CPK, and CK-MB in the serum, indicating reduced myocardial damage. Histological analysis revealed that GV treatment attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, with reduced collagen deposition in the myocardium. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed suppressed expression of TGF-β1 and collagen 1, involved in fibrosis. In conclusion, GV showed potential in improving cardiac function in a rat model of MI-induced heart failure. It alleviated myocardial damage, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, and suppressed fibrotic markers. Further studies are needed to explore its clinical efficacy and underlying mechanisms in cardiac diseases beyond animal models.

• 동의생리병리학회지
• /
• 제34권2호
• /
• pp.61-66
• /
• 2020

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells lose their characters and acquire the properties of mesenchymal cells. EMT has been reported to exert an essential role in embryonic development. Recently, EMT has emerged as a pivotal mechanism in the metastasis of cancer and the fibrosis of chronic diseases. In particular, EMT is drawing attention as a mechanism of renal fibrosis in chronic kidney diseases such as diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we developed an EMT model by treating TGF-β1 on the podocytes, which play a key role in the renal glomerular filtration. This study explored the effects of Hwanggeum-tang (HGT) recorded in Dongeuibogam as being able to be used for the treatment of Sogal whose concept had been applied to Diabetes Mellitus (DM), on the TGF-β1-induced podocyte EMT. HGT suppressed the expression of vimentin and α-SMA, the EMT marker, in the human podocytes stimulated by TGF-β1. However, HGT increased the expression of ZO-1 and nephrin. Interestingly, HGT selectively inhibited the mTOR pathway rather than the classical Smad pathway. HGT also activated the AMPK signaling. HGT's inhibitory effect on the podocyte EMT through regulation of the mTOR pathway was achieved through the activation of AMPK, which was confirmed by comparison with cells treated with compound C (CC), an inhibitor of AMPK signaling. In conclusion, HGT can be applied to the renal fibrosis by preventing TGF-β1-induced EMT of podocytes through AMPK activation and mTOR inhibition.