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Effects of BSF on Podocyte Apoptosis via Regulating the ROS-Mediated PI3K/AKT Pathway in DN

Fang-Qiang Cui1, Yue-Fen Wang1, Yan-Bin Gao2,3

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China.

Journal of Diabetes Research
|December 31, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Baoshenfang (BSF) reduces proteinuria and podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). It works by regulating the ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for DN and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway is crucial in podocyte apoptosis and DN progression.
  • Previous research indicated Baoshenfang (BSF) reduces proteinuria and podocyte injury, but its mechanism on the ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in DN was unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of Baoshenfang (BSF) on podocyte apoptosis induced by the ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in diabetic nephropathy (DN).
  • To elucidate the therapeutic potential of BSF in DN by examining its impact on oxidative stress and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted in vivo studies using diabetic nephropathy (DN) mouse models and in vitro studies on podocytes.
  • Assessed 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels.
  • Evaluated oxidative stress, podocyte apoptosis, and the PI3K/AKT pathway, including experiments with PI3K siRNA.

Main Results:

  • Baoshenfang (BSF) significantly reduced proteinuria, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen in DN mice.
  • BSF treatment markedly inhibited oxidative stress and podocyte apoptosis in both in vivo and in vitro models.
  • BSF reversed high glucose-induced inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway, with effects on apoptosis being PI3K-dependent.

Conclusions:

  • Baoshenfang (BSF) effectively decreases proteinuria and podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN).
  • BSF exerts its protective effects, at least in part, by modulating the ROS-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
  • These findings highlight BSF as a promising therapeutic agent for managing DN and preventing ESRD.

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