{"title":"Targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with PNU120596 protects against LPS-induced acute lung injury","authors":"Zixin Hou, Fengrui Yang, Qiang Zhang, Yuxia Wang, Junwen Liu, Feng Liang","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae076","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives This study investigated the potential therapeutic benefits of PNU120596, a positive allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), in mitigating acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a mouse model. Specifically, we sought to examine the impact of PNU120596 on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the context of ALI. Methods ALI was induced in mice by LPS administration, and the protective effects of PNU120596 were assessed. Lung injury, lung function, and the inflammatory response were evaluated. Additionally, the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was examined, along with the levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers. Key findings PNU120596 significantly ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury, improved lung function, and reduced the inflammatory response in the mouse model of ALI. Furthermore, we observed that PNU120596 inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which was associated with decreased levels of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress markers. Conclusions PNU120596 exhibits promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of acute lung injury, potentially by targeting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggest that modulation of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor with PNU120596 may offer a viable strategy for the management of ALI, warranting further investigation and potential clinical applications.","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142266745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krishna C Aluri, Kalle Sigfridsson, Aixiang Xue, Diane Ramsden
{"title":"Pharmacokinetics of nano- and microcrystal formulations of low solubility compounds after intramuscular injection to mice","authors":"Krishna C Aluri, Kalle Sigfridsson, Aixiang Xue, Diane Ramsden","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae118","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae118","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of poorly soluble compounds when administered intramuscularly (i.m.) as crystalline particles of different sizes. Methods Three uncharged compounds (griseofulvin, AZ’72, and AZ’07) with varying aqueous solubility were dosed to mice at 10 and 50 mg/kg as nano- and microparticle formulations. The PK of the compounds was evaluated. Key Findings The smaller particles of the drugs resulted in higher maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time profile (AUC) at 50 mg/kg. There was a dose-proportional increase in AUC but less than dose dose-proportional increase in Cmax. The evaluation at 10 mg/kg was more complex as increased exposure for nanoparticles was only observed for griseofulvin which has the highest solubility. In addition, there was an increase in half-life with an increase in dose. Conclusions This study highlights that general expectations based on in vitro dissolution (i.e. that smaller particles dissolve faster than larger particles when surrounded by liquid) do not always translate to in vivo and demonstrates the importance of understanding the physicochemical properties of the drug, the characteristics of the formulations and the microphysiology at the delivery site.","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142269722","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qi Su, Jiayan Ren, Kun Chen, Sze Wei Leong, Xu Han, Na Li, Jianlin Wu, Yanmin Zhang
{"title":"Homoharringtonine promotes non-small-cell lung cancer cell death via modulating HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop","authors":"Qi Su, Jiayan Ren, Kun Chen, Sze Wei Leong, Xu Han, Na Li, Jianlin Wu, Yanmin Zhang","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae110","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae110","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives Hypoxia conditions promote the adaptation and progression of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF). HIF-1α may regulate estrogen receptor β (ERβ) and promote the progression of NSCLC. The phytochemical homoharringtonine (HHT) exerts strong inhibitory potency on NSCLC, with molecular mechanism under hypoxia being elusive. Methods The effects of HHT on NSCLC growth were determined by cell viability assay, colony formation, flow cytometry, and H460 xenograft models. Western blotting, molecular docking program, site-directed mutagenesis assay, immunohistochemical assay, and immunofluorescence assay were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of HHT-induced growth inhibition in NSCLC. Key findings HIF-1α/ERβ signaling-related E2F1 is highly expressed and contributes to unfavorable survival and tumor growth. The findings in hypoxic cells, HIF-1α overexpressing cells, as well as ERβ- or E2F1-overexpressed and knockdown cells suggest that the HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop promotes NSCLC cell growth. HHT suppresses HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 signaling via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which is dependent on the inhibition of the protein expression of HIF-1α and ERβ. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that HHT binds to the GLU305 site of ERβ. HHT inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation and promotes apoptosis in both NSCLC cells and xenograft models. Conclusion The formation of the HIF-1α/ERβ/E2F1 feedforward loop promotes NSCLC growth and reveals a novel molecular mechanism by which HHT induces cell death in NSCLC.","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142191545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yi Ren, Kaihui Xiao, Yujia Lu, Wei Chen, Li Li, Jingjie Zhao
{"title":"Deciphering the mechanism of Chaihu Shugan San in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis using network pharmacology and molecular docking","authors":"Yi Ren, Kaihui Xiao, Yujia Lu, Wei Chen, Li Li, Jingjie Zhao","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae103","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae103","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives In China, there is a long history and rich clinical experience in treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with traditional Chinese herbal medicines, including Chai Hu Shu Gan San. This study aims to investigate the potential regulatory effects of Chaihu Shugan San (CSS) on liver lipid metabolism and inflammatory damage in mice with experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced by a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD). Utilizing network pharmacology, we systematically explore the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of CSS against NASH. Methods Potential targets in CSS and targets for NASH were identified using online databases. Functional enrichment and protein–protein interaction analyses were conducted to identify hub-targeted genes and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The affinities of active compounds in CSS with hub-targeted genes were evaluated using molecular docking. Finally, hub-targeted genes were validated through real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescence in choline-deficient high-fat diet mice, both with and without CSS treatment. Key findings CSS reduces serum ALT and AST levels in NASH mice(P < 0.05) and ameliorates ballooning degeneration in the livers of NASH mice, thereby lowering the NAS score(P < 0.05). Including naringenin, high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometrys identified 12 chromatographic peaks. Based on network pharmacology analysis, CSS contains a total of 103 active compounds and 877 target genes. Transferase activity represents a potential mechanism for therapeutic intervention of CSS in NASH. The transcriptional levels and protein expression of the SIRT1 gene in NASH mice are significantly increased by CSS (P < 0.05). Conclusions Naringenin is probable active compound in CSS and SIRT1 is the hub gene by which CSS is involved in NASH treatment.","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2024-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142191544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatemah A Alherz, Asmaa Saleh, Mona Y Alsheikh, Hany M Borg, Ahmed M Kabel, Maaly A Abd Elmaaboud
{"title":"Shikonin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity in mice: the role of sirtuin-1, NLRP3 inflammasome, autophagy, and apoptosis.","authors":"Fatemah A Alherz, Asmaa Saleh, Mona Y Alsheikh, Hany M Borg, Ahmed M Kabel, Maaly A Abd Elmaaboud","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae119","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae119","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective potential of shikonin (SHK) on cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cardiotoxicity in Swiss albino mice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mice received SHK in three different doses by oral gavage daily for 14 days and CP at 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally once on the seventh day. On the 15th day, mice were euthanized, blood collected, and hearts were removed to estimate various biochemical and histopathological parameters.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>CP significantly increased serum lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, troponin I and NT pro-BNP, and cardiac malondialdehyde and decreased cardiac total antioxidant capacity and Nrf2, whereas increased inflammatory markers in the cardiac tissues. CP also caused hypertrophy and fibrosis in the cardiac tissues via activation of IL6/JAK2/STAT3 while depressed SIRT1 and PI3K/p-Akt pathway with consequent increased apoptosis and dysregulation of autophagy. SHK treatment reversed these changes in a dose-dependent manner and showed a significant protective effect against CP-induced cardiotoxicity via suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis with modulation of autophagy via induction of SIRT1/PI3K/p-Akt signaling.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Shikonin may be used as an adjuvant to cyclophosphamide in cancer treatment, but further research is needed to investigate its effects on cardiotoxicity in distinct animal cancer models.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142154378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Genistein and daidzein induce ferroptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells.","authors":"Ege Arzuk, Güliz Armağan","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>In recent years, there has been a growing interest in targeting ferroptosis for the treatment and prevention of multiple cancers. This study aimed to assess the contribution of ferroptosis to the antiproliferative effects of genistein (GN) and daidzein (DZ) in breast cancer cell lines.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells were employed as an in vitro model. The antiproliferative effects of GN and DZ were determined by WST-1 assay in the presence of specific inhibitors of different cell death pathways. The mRNA expressions of Gpx4 and Fsp-1, the levels of lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH)/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio, and intracellular iron ion content were assessed in GN- or DZ-treated cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>GN and DZ were found to cause ferroptotic cell death in MDA-MB-231, as confirmed by the reversal of viability when cells were pretreated with ferrostatin-1. Furthermore, both phytochemicals induced biochemical markers of ferroptosis, including lipid peroxidation and iron ions levels, and decreased GSH/GSSG levels. The mRNA expression levels of the main anti-ferroptotic genes, Gpx4 and Fsp-1, were diminished by the treatment of both phytochemicals. Surprisingly, ferroptosis did not play a role in GN- or DZ-induced cell death in MCF-7 cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings highlight the potential of GN and DZ as ferroptosis inducers in triple-negative breast cancer cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142154377","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Syed Sufian Ahmad, Faraha Ahmed, Mohd Mumtaz Alam, Sayeed Ahmad, Mohammad Ahmed Khan
{"title":"Unravelling the role of dipeptidyl peptidases-8/9 (DPP-8/9) in inflammatory osteoporosis: a comprehensive study investigating chrysin as a potential anti-osteoporotic agent.","authors":"Syed Sufian Ahmad, Faraha Ahmed, Mohd Mumtaz Alam, Sayeed Ahmad, Mohammad Ahmed Khan","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae109","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/jpp/rgae109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to investigate the role of dipeptidyl peptidase-8 and 9 (DPP-8/9) enzymes in inflammatory bone loss using a 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced model in Wistar rats. Additionally, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of inhibiting these enzymes with the flavonoid chrysin.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Inflammatory osteoporosis was induced by administering VCD that elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels. DPP-8/9 enzyme expression and various bone markers were assayed using serum. Further analysis included bone microarchitecture, histology, and immunohistochemistry. Additionally, chrysin's potential to inhibit DPP-8/9 and mitigate VCD-induced inflammatory bone loss was also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Key findings: </strong>VCD administration in rats caused ovotoxicity that increased IL-6 and TNF-α levels, resulting in significant bone loss. Serum analysis revealed elevated bone resorption markers and DPP-8/9 enzyme levels. Inhibiting DPP-8/9 with 1G244 reversed these effects, confirmed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and micro-CT scans. Moreover, chrysin significantly reduced DPP-8/9 levels compared with the untreated group, improved bone markers, and lower inflammatory cytokines, indicating reduced osteoclastogenesis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the role of DPP-8/9 in inflammation-induced osteoporosis. Following inhibition of DPP-8/9, we observed improved bone markers with preservation of trabecular bone mineral density in rats. Additionally, chrysin demonstrated potential as an anti-DPP-8/9 agent, suggesting its viability for future therapeutic interventions in DPP-8/9-related inflammatory diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142133055","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xueqin Duan, Huicong Li, Zhenwei Sheng, Weimin Zhang, Yingqiu Liu, Wuren Ma, Dezhang Lu, Lin Ma, Yunpeng Fan
{"title":"Preparation, characteristic, biological activities, and application of polysaccharide from Lilii Bulbus: a review.","authors":"Xueqin Duan, Huicong Li, Zhenwei Sheng, Weimin Zhang, Yingqiu Liu, Wuren Ma, Dezhang Lu, Lin Ma, Yunpeng Fan","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae078","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jpp/rgae078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This review highlights the current knowledge of polysaccharide from Lilii Bulbus, including the extraction, purification, structure, structure modification, biological activities and application, which will hopefully provide reference for further research and development of polysaccharide from Lilii Bulbus.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Literature searches were conducted on the following databases: Pubmed, ACS website, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Web of Science and CNKI database. Keywords such as \"Lilii Bulbus\", \"polysaccharide\", \"preparation\", \"biological activities\" and \"application\" were used to search relevant journals and contents, and some irrelevant contents were excluded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In general, the study of Lilium Bulbus polysaccharide extraction and purification, structure characterization and biological activity has made substantial progress, these findings highlight the lilium brownii polysaccharide enormous potential in biomedical applications, of lilium brownii polysaccharide laid a solid foundation for further research.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusions: </strong>However, it should be noted that the relevant mechanism of the effective effect of lily bulb polysaccharide still needs to be worked on by researchers. These findings highlight the great potential of lily polysaccharides in biomedical applications, and lay a solid foundation for further research on lily polysaccharides.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141419560","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide reduces D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury by regulating the activation of multiple inflammasomes.","authors":"Yulu Yan, Xiqi Ye, Chunqing Huang, Junjun Wu, Yunbiao Liu, Pingping Zheng, Congqi Shen, Zhaofang Bai, Shen Tingming","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae077","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jpp/rgae077","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute liver injury (ALI) is a serious syndrome with a high mortality rate due to viral infection, toxic exposure, and autoimmunity, and its severity can range from mildly elevated liver enzymes to severe liver failure. Activation of the nod-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is closely associated with the development of ALI, and the search for an inhibitor targeting this pathway may be a novel therapeutic option. Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide (ARP) is a biologically active ingredient extracted from Anoectochilus roxburghii with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities and pharmacological effects. In this study, we focused on D-galactosamine (D-GalN)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury by ARP through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An inflammasome activation model was established in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) to investigate the effects of ARP on caspase-1 cleavage, IL-1β secretion, and ASC oligomerization in inflammasomes under different agonists. We used the D-GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury model in mice, intraperitoneally injected ARP or MCC950, and collected liver tissues, serum, and intraperitoneal lavage fluid for pathological and biochemical indexes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>ARP effectively inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and had an inhibitory effect on non-classical NLRP3, AIM2, and NLRC4 inflammasomes. It also effectively inhibited the oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) from a variety of inflammatory vesicles. Meanwhile, ARP has good therapeutic effects on acute liver injury induced by D-GaIN/LPS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The inhibitory effect of ARP on a wide range of inflammasomes, as well as its excellent protection against acute liver injury, suggests that ARP may be a candidate for acute liver injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141580018","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yanna Yu, Min Li, Weijie Lai, Xin Dong, Shu Zhang, Liangyou Zhang, Gangyi Chen
{"title":"Shengqing Jiangzhuo capsule ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by improving Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.","authors":"Yanna Yu, Min Li, Weijie Lai, Xin Dong, Shu Zhang, Liangyou Zhang, Gangyi Chen","doi":"10.1093/jpp/rgae095","DOIUrl":"10.1093/jpp/rgae095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major contributor to end-stage renal failure, and lacking effective treatment options. Shengqing Jiangzhuo capsule (SQJZJN), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription with known efficacy in chronic kidney disease, has not been thoroughly investigated for its potential in DN protection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight-week-old male C57BLKS/J db/db, C57BLKS/J db/m mice, and human glomerular mesangial cell (HMC) cells cultured with high glucose were used as experimental models in this study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The in vivo investigation showed that SQJZJN can significantly ameliorate renal pathological damage, reduce serum creatinine, and lower urinary microalbumin levels in db/db mice. In vitro, SQJZJN treatment mitigated advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to a reduction in renal cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, SQJZJN activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway by promoting nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase heavy subunit (γ-GCS), and Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions, while decreasing Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) expressions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings suggest that SQJZJN exerts a protective effect on DN, potentially through the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway.</p>","PeriodicalId":16960,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2024-09-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141603724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}