Natural Compounds in Herbal Formula May Help Treat Kidney Fibrosis

Jim Crocker
6th July, 2024

Natural Compounds in Herbal Formula May Help Treat Kidney Fibrosis

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • In China, CKD affects about 8.2% of adults, leading to severe health issues
  • The study found that Nobiletin (NOB), a key ingredient in the A&P formula, significantly improved kidney function in CKD mice
  • NOB treatment reduced kidney damage by inhibiting the Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which is crucial for cell survival and growth
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people and leading to severe health complications. In China, the prevalence of CKD has been documented to be around 8.2% among adults, with various risk factors contributing to its development and progression[2]. Recent research by Southwest Medical University, China, has explored the efficacy of the Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula (A&P) in slowing down CKD progression and its underlying mechanisms[1]. The study utilized Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-HR-MS) to identify thirteen active ingredients in A&P, with nine confirmed by standards. Among these, the relative percentage of NOB (Nobiletin) was notably high. A mouse model of CKD was constructed using a 5/6 nephrectomy to simulate the disease, and renal function was assessed by measuring creatinine and urea nitrogen levels. Additionally, an in vitro fibrotic cell model was created using TGF-β induction in TCMK-1 cells to further understand the cellular mechanisms involved. The results were promising. NOB treatment significantly improved renal function and reduced pathological damage in CKD mice. The study also found that Lgals1 (Galectin-1) was overexpressed in the interstitial kidney of CKD mice, and NOB treatment markedly reduced its expression levels. This reduction was accompanied by the inhibition of PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase) and AKT (Protein kinase B) phosphorylation, which are critical pathways involved in cell survival, growth, and proliferation. Interestingly, overexpression of Lgals1 in TCMK-1 cells led to increased fibrosis and upregulated PI3K and AKT activity, which were effectively inhibited by NOB treatment. This suggests that NOB, one of the main active components of A&P, ameliorates renal fibrosis in CKD by inhibiting the Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study builds on previous research that has highlighted the importance of managing CKD through various means. For instance, a nationwide study in China reported a decrease in CKD prevalence by 30% over the past decade, attributing this to better environmental protection and improved public health surveillance[2]. Additionally, research has shown that renal fibrosis, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and myofibroblast activation, plays a crucial role in CKD progression[3]. The findings from Southwest Medical University align with these studies by providing a potential therapeutic approach to mitigate renal fibrosis, a key factor in CKD. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties of A&P have been previously documented in the context of acute kidney injury (AKI), where it was found to inhibit the Mincle pathway in macrophages, thereby reducing inflammation[4]. The current study extends these findings by demonstrating the anti-fibrotic effects of NOB in CKD, suggesting that A&P could be a multifaceted treatment option for various kidney diseases. In summary, the research conducted by Southwest Medical University provides valuable insights into the active components and mechanisms of A&P in treating CKD. By identifying NOB as a key ingredient that inhibits the Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, the study offers a promising therapeutic strategy to combat renal fibrosis and improve kidney function. This aligns with and expands upon previous findings, underscoring the potential of traditional Chinese medicine in modern healthcare.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Screening of active components in Astragalus mongholicus Bunge and Panax notoginseng formula for anti-fibrosis in CKD: nobiletin inhibits Lgals1/PI3K/AKT signaling to improve renal fibrosis.

Published 5th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1080/0886022X.2024.2375033

Related Studies

2) Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease in China: Results From the Sixth China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance.

https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.6817

3) Myofibroblast in Kidney Fibrosis: Origin, Activation, and Regulation.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-8871-2_12

4) Astragalus propinquus Schischkin and Panax notoginseng (A&P) compound relieved cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury through inhibiting the mincle maintained macrophage inflammation.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.112637


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