Synergistic Effects of Leflunomide and Benazepril in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nephropathy

Jin, Hua,Piao, Shang Guo,Jin, Ji Zhe,Jin, Ying Shun,Cui, Zhen Hua,Jin, Hai Feng,Zheng, Hai Lan,Li, Jin Ji,Jiang, Yu Ji,Yang, Chul Woo,Li, Can S.Karger 2014 The Nephron Journals Vol.126 No.3

<P>Abstract</P><P><B><I>Background:</I></B> Leflunomide (LEF) and benazepril have renoprotective effects on diabetic nephropathy (DN) through their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities. This study investigated whether combined treatment using LEF and benazepril affords superior protection compared with the respective monotherapies. <B><I>Methods:</I></B> Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (STZ, 65 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection in male Wistar rats. Two weeks after STZ injection, diabetic rats were treated daily for 12 weeks with LEF (10 mg/kg), benazepril (10 mg/kg), or a combination of both. Basic parameters (body weight, fasting blood glucose level, and 24 h urinary protein excretion), histopathology, inflammatory [inflammatory cell infiltration (ED-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and Toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2)] and glomerulosclerotic factors [transforming growth factor-β<SUB>1</SUB> (TGF-β<SUB>1</SUB>) and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)], and oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, 8-OHdG) were studied. <B><I>Results:</I></B> Benazepril or LEF treatment significantly prevented body weight loss and 24 h urinary protein excretion induced by diabetes; combined treatment with LEF and benazepril further improved these parameters compared with giving each drug alone (all p < 0.01). Increased expression of inflammatory (MCP-1 and TLR-2) and glomerulosclerotic (TGF-β<SUB>1</SUB> and CTGF) factors in diabetic rat kidney was reduced by treatment with either LEF or benazepril and was further reduced by the combined administration of the two drugs (p < 0.01). These effects were accompanied by suppression of urinary 8-OHdG excretion. There was no significant between-group difference in blood glucose level. <B><I>Conclusions:</I></B> LEF treatment lessens DN, and combined treatment with LEF and benazepril provides synergistic effects in preventing DN.</P><P>© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>

Combined Effects of Losartan and Pravastatin on Interstitial Inflammation and Fibrosis in Chronic Cyclosporine-Induced Nephropathy

Li, Can,Sun, Bo Kyung,Lim, Sun Woo,Song, Joon Chang,Kang, Shin-Wook,Kim, Yu Seun,Kang, Duk Hee,Cha, Jung Ho,Kim, Jin,Yang, Chul Woo Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc. 2005 Transplantation Vol.79 No.11

BACKGROUND.: Statins and angiotensin II type I receptor blockers have synergistic effects on vascular smooth–muscle-cell proliferation and the progression of renal diseases. We evaluated whether combined treatment with losartan (LSRT) and pravastatin (PRVT) affords superior protection compared with their respective monotherapies in treating chronic cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephropathy in rats. METHODS.: Rats maintained on a low salt diet were given vehicle, CsA (15 mg/kg), CsA and LSRT (10 mg/kg), CsA and PRVT (5 mg/kg), or a combination of CsA, LSRT, and PRVT for 28 days. Basic parameters (renal function, systolic blood pressure, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP], and lipid profiles), histopathology (arteriolopathy, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration), and inflammatory and fibrotic factors (intrarenal CRP, angiotensin II, osteopontin, and transforming growth factor [TGF]-&bgr;1) were studied. RESULTS.: LSRT or PRVT treatment significantly attenuated the histopathologic changes induced by CsA, and combined treatment with LSRT and PRVT further decreased these parameters compared with giving each drug alone. Increased levels of angiotensin II, intrarenal CRP, osteopontin, and TGF-&bgr;1 in CsA-treated rat kidney were reduced by treatment with either LSRT or PRVT and were further decreased by the combination of the two drugs. There were no significant differences in systolic blood pressure or serum lipid parameters between groups. CONCLUSIONS.: Combined treatment with LSRT and PRVT provided synergistic effects in attenuating inflammatory and fibrotic processes in a rat model of chronic CsA-induced nephropathy, and this effect was independent of their hypolipidemic and hypotensive actions.

Inhibitory Effect of Pravastatin on Transforming Growth Factor β1-Inducible Gene h3 Expression in a Rat Model of Chronic Cyclosporine Nephropathy

Li, Can,Lim, Sun Woo,Choi, Bum Soon,Lee, Suk Hee,Cha, Jung Ho,Kim, In San,Kim, Jin,Yang, Chul Woo S. Karger AG 2005 American journal of nephrology Vol.25 No.6

<P><I>Background/Aims:</I> Overexpression of transforming growth factor β1-inducible gene h3 (βig-h3) is associated with renal scarring in several models of renal disease. We investigated the inhibitory effect of pravastatin on βig-h3 expression in a rat model of chronic cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced nephropathy. <I>Methods:</I> Adult Sprague Dawley rats kept on a low salt diet (0.05% sodium) were treated daily for 4 weeks with vehicle (olive oil, 1 ml/kg), CsA (15 mg/kg) or both CsA and pravastatin (20 mg/kg in drinking water). The effect of pravastatin on βig-h3 expression was evaluated using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting. Functional parameters, histopathology (tubulointerstitial fibrosis, TIF, and arteriolopathy), and levels of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase were compared for the different treatment groups. <I>Results:</I> Co-administration of pravastatin significantly inhibited βig-h3 mRNA production and gene expression within the tubulointerstitium of the CsA-treated kidneys, and this paralleled an attenuation of TIF (12.7 ± 2.2 vs. 35.9 ± 5.4%, p < 0.01 vs. CsA) and the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA (279 ± 40 vs. 719 ± 85%, p < 0.01 vs. CsA). Pravastatin treatment reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase protein levels and reversed the renal dysfunction caused by CsA. Neither CsA nor pravastatin affected total serum cholesterol or triglyceride levels in the treatment groups. <I>Conclusion:</I> Pravastatin thus effectively abrogated the upregulation of βig-h3 gene expression and associated TGF-β1 production, and this was associated with attenuated TIF in this model of chronic CsA-induced nephropathy.</P><P>Copyright © 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel</P>

Effect of FTY720 on Chronic Cyclosporine Nephropathy in Rats

Kim, Jin Young,Lim, Sun Woo,Li, Can,Kim, Jung Shim,Ahn, Kyung Ohk,Yang, Hyun Joo,Choi, Bum Soon,Kim, Yong Soo,Kim, Jin,Bang, Byung Kee,Yang, Chul Woo Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc. 2005 Transplantation Vol.80 No.9

BACKGROUND.: Long-term treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA) causes tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney. To define the role of lymphocytes in this process, the novel lymphocyte-specific inhibitor FTY720 was administered to rats with experimental model of chronic CsA nephropathy. METHODS.: Sprague-Dawley rats were treated daily for 4 weeks with CsA (7.5 mg/kg), or both CsA and FTY720 (0.125 mg/kg). The effects of FTY720 on CsA-induced renal injury were evaluated using renal function tests and histopathology, and the expression of mediators of CsA-induced renal injury (osteopontin, transforming growth factor–beta1 [TGF-&bgr;1], &bgr;ig-h3, and angiotensin II). RESULTS.: FTY720 treatment significantly decreased T-lymphocyte accumulation in kidneys compared with CsA treatment alone. FTY720 treatment improved not only CsA-induced renal dysfunction but also renal histopathology, demonstrated by decreased macrophage infiltration and interstitial fibrosis. Increased osteopontin, TGF-&bgr;1, &bgr;ig-h3, and angiotensin II expression in CsA-treated rat kidneys were decreased with FTY720 treatment. CONCLUSIONS.: FTY720 treatment prevents CsA-induced renal injury.

Causal Relations between Exposome and Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Hong-Qi Li,Yi-Wei Feng,Yu-Xiang Yang,Xin-Yi Leng,Prof Can Zhang,Shi-Dong Chen,Kevin Kuo,Shu-Yi Huang,Xue-Qing Zhang,Yi Dong,Xiang Han,Xin Cheng,Mei Cui,Lan Tan,Qiang Dong,Jin-Tai Yu 대한뇌졸중학회 2022 Journal of stroke Vol.24 No.2

Background and Purpose To explore the causal relationships of elements of the exposome with ischemic stroke and its subtypes at the omics level and to provide evidence for stroke prevention. Methods We conducted a Mendelian randomization study between exposure and any ischemic stroke (AIS) and its subtypes (large-artery atherosclerotic disease [LAD], cardioembolic stroke [CE], and small vessel disease [SVD]). The exposure dataset was the UK Biobank involving 361,194 subjects, and the outcome dataset was the MEGASTROKE consortium including 52,000 participants. Results We found that higher blood pressure (BP) (systolic BP: odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.04; diastolic BP: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.05; pulse pressure: OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.06), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.25), and diabetes (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.18) were significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Importantly, higher education (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.60 to 0.79) decreased the risk of ischemic stroke. Higher systolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10), pulse pressure (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.14), diabetes (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.45), and coronary artery disease (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.00) could cause LAD. Atrial fibrillation could cause CE (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.71 to 2.11). For SVD, higher systolic BP (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.07), diastolic BP (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.12), and diabetes (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.36) were causal factors. Conclusions The study revealed elements of the exposome causally linked to ischemic stroke and its subtypes, including conventional causal risk factors and novel protective factors such as higher education.

Emulsified oil foam for improving the flowability of heavy oil in wellbore under high salinity environments

Fa-yang Jin,Song Wang,Wan-Fen Pu,Cheng-dong Yuan,Lei Wang,Ke-xing Li,Can Gong 한국공업화학회 2016 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.39 No.-

Emulsified oil foam was investigated to improve the flowability of heavy oil under high salinityenvironment of 23 104 mg/L. Sixteen foaming agents were used to determine an applicableformulation. The factors affecting the formation and stability of the emulsified oil foam were evaluated,including oil viscosity, oil–water ratio, foaming agent concentration, stirring rate and time, andtemperature. The microgram of emulsified oil foam was analyzed by polarizing microscope. The resultsshowed that stable pseudo-emulsion film was built. The considerable dynamic viscosity-reducing ratesin different depth in wellbore were obtained according to pressure differential method in long tubephysical simulation experiments.

Shen-Kang protects against tacrolimus-induced renal injury

Long Ye Zhang,Jian Jin,Kang Luo,Shang Guo Piao,Hai Lan Zheng,Ji Zhe Jin,임선우,최범순,양철우,Can Li 대한내과학회 2019 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.34 No.5

Background/Aims: Evidence suggests that Shen-Kang (SK), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, protects against various types of renal injury. In this study, we evaluated whether SK treatment confers renoprotection in a rat model of chronic tacrolimus (TAC) nephropathy. Methods: Rats were treated daily with TAC (1.5 mg/kg, subcutaneously) and SK (450 mg/kg, intravenously) for 4 weeks. The effects of SK on TAC-induced renal injury were assessed by measuring renal function, urine albumin excretion, histopathology, inflammatory cell infiltration, expression of profibrotic (transforming growth factor β1 [TGF-β1] and TGF-β inducible gene-h3 [βig-h3]) and proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptotic cell death. Results: Administration of SK preserved glomerular integrity (fractional mesangial area and Wilms tumor 1-positive glomeruli), attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis, and reduced the number of ectodermal dysplasia 1-positive cells, and this was paralleled by improved urine albumin excretion and renal dysfunction. At the molecular level, SK treatment suppressed expression of TGF-β1/Smad2/3, βig-h3, and proinflammatory cytokines. Oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death were significantly decreased with SK treatment, and apoptosis-related genes were regulated toward cell survival (active caspase-3 and the B-cell lymphoma-2/ Bcl2-associated X [Bcl-2/Bax] ratio). Conclusions: SK protects against TAC-induced renal injury.

H-형태 양친매성 펜타블록 공중합체의 화학효소적 합성과 자기회합거동 평가

Peng Chen,Ya Peng Li,Can Jin Li,Xin Lei Meng,Bao Zhang,Ming Zhu,Yan-jing Liu,Jing Yuan Wang 한국고분자학회 2013 폴리머 Vol.37 No.3

H-shaped amphiphilic pentablock copolymers (PSt)2-b-PCL-b-PEO-b-PCL-b-(PSt)2 was synthesized via chemoenzymatic method by combining enzyme-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (eROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. By this process, we obtained copolymers with controlled molecular weight and low polydispersity. The structure and composition of the obtained copolymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and infrared spectroscopy analysis (IR). The crystallization behavior of the copolymers was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The crystallization behavior of the H-shaped block copolymers demonstrated a PCL dominate crystallization. The self-assembly behavior of the copolymers was investigated in aqueous media. The hydrodynamic diameters of the copolymer micelles in aqueous solution were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The morphology of the copolymer micelles was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The hydrodynamic diameters of spherical micelles declined gradually with the increase of the hydrophobic chain lengths of the copolymers. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values were determined from fluorescence emission, and it was found that the CMCs decreased with an increase of PSt hydrophobic block lengths.

Cyclosporine-Induced Renal Injury Induces Toll-like Receptor and Maturation of Dendritic cells

Lim, Sun Woo,Li, Can,Ahn, Kyung Ohk,Kim, Jin,Moon, In Sung,Ahn, Curie,Lee, Jeong Ryul,Yang, Chul Woo Lippincott Williams Wilkins, Inc. 2005 Transplantation Vol.80 No.5

BACKGROUND.: The toll-like receptor (TLR) is stimulated by not only pathogen-associated molecular patterns but also endogenous TLR ligands provided by injured cells. The influence of cyclosporine A (CsA)-induced renal injury on TLR expression and subsequent signaling pathway was evaluated. METHODS.: Induction of chronic CsA nephropathy was made by administering CsA (15 mg/kg/day) for 28 days in rats. The TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and protein expression, TLR-signaling pathway (MYD88, NF-&kgr;B and AP-1), putative TLR ligand (heat shock protein 70 [HSP70]), and maturation of dendritic cells were evaluated in CsA-treated rat kidneys. RESULTS.: Long-term CsA treatment upregulated TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and protein expression on renal tubular cells, and these were accompanied by increased MYD88, NF-&kgr;B and AP-1 expression. Putative TLR ligand (HSP70) was also significantly increased in CsA-treated rat kidney compared with vehicle-treated rat kidney. CsA-treatment increased expression of TNF-α mRNA, the number of dendritic cells, and expression of MHC class II antigen. Double-labeling of markers of dendritic cells and MHC class II antigen revealed that matured dendritic cells increased in CsA-treated rat kidney. CONCLUSIONS.: CsA-induced renal injury stimulates components of innate immunity, and this finding suggests close association between CsA-induced renal injury and activation of innate immunity.

Rosiglitazone Protects Against Cyclosporine-Induced Pancreatic and Renal Injury in Rats

Chung, Byung Ha,Li, Can,Sun, Bo Kyung,Lim, Sun Woo,Ahn, Kyung Ohk,Yang, Ji Hun,Choi, Yoon Hee,Yoon, Kun Ho,Sugawara, Akira,Ito, Sadayoshi,Kim, Jin,Yang, Chul Woo Wiley (Blackwell Publishing) 2005 American journal of transplantation Vol.5 No.8

<P>Rosiglitazone (RGTZ) has protective effect against various types of injury. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of RGTZ on pancreatic and renal injury caused by cyclosporine (CsA). CsA (15 mg/kg) and RGTZ (3 mg/kg) were administered alone and together to the rats for 28 days. The effect of RGTZ on CsA-induced pancreatic injury was evaluated by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), plasma insulin concentrations and pancreatic beta-cell morphology. The effect of RGTZ on CsA-induced renal injury was evaluated by assessing renal function and pathology; mediators of inflammation and fibrosis such as angiotensin II (AngII), osteopontin (OPN) and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and apoptotic cell death. Four weeks of CsA treatment caused diabetes, renal dysfunction, typical pathologic lesions (arteriolopathy, interstitial fibrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration) and apoptotic cell death. RGTZ treatment decreased blood glucose concentration, increased plasma insulin concentration and preserved pancreatic beta islet mass. RGTZ treatment improved renal function and histopathology. Pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules such as AngII, OPN and TGF-beta1, and apoptotic cell death also decreased with RGTZ treatment. These data suggest that RGTZ has a protective effect against CsA-induced pancreatic and renal injury.</P>