Dioscin attenuates lupus nephritis in NZB/W F1 mice by decreasing NF-κB activation and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Introduction: Dioscin, a natural steroid saponin, has anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, and glycemic capabilities. This study focused on dioscin roles and its related mechanisms in experimental lupus nephritis.

Materials and methods: Lupus-prone NZB/W F1 mice were intragastrically administered with dioscin, prednisone or vehicle, and kidney, urine and blood samples were harvested after the mice were sacrificed. Proteinuria, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, anti-dsDNA, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels in serum as well as IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-17 and TNF-α levels in kidney tissues were assessed. Renal histopathology was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining. IgG and C3 expression in kidney was evaluated using immunofluorescence staining. The number of glomerular F4/80-positive cells and NLRP3-positive cells was determined by immunohistochemical staining. The protein expression was examined by western blotting.

Results: Dioscin alleviated lupus nephritis in NZB/W F1 mice. Dioscin declined serum anti-dsDNA level, prevented deposition of immune complexes in renal glomeruli, and inhibited the inflammatory response and infiltration of macrophages into mouse kidneys. Dioscin inhibited NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome in NZB/W F1 mice.

Conclusions: Dioscin ameliorates lupus nephritis through inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling.