Paeoniflorin suppresses kidney inflammation by regulating macrophage polarization via KLF4-mediated mitophagy

Yiwen Cao1, Jingli Xiong1, Xueping Guan1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, China.

Abstract

Insights

Paeoniflorin (PF) suppresses kidney inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) by shifting M1 macrophages to M2 and enhancing mitophagy through KLF4 regulation. This offers a potential new therapeutic strategy for CKD treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Macrophage M1 polarization is a key factor in renal inflammatory injury and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • Paeoniflorin (PF), derived from Paeonia lactiflora, has demonstrated renal anti-inflammatory properties, but its mechanism in CKD is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the regulatory effects of Paeoniflorin (PF) on macrophage polarization in the context of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Main Methods:

  • A CKD mouse model was induced using cationic bovine serum albumin.
  • Murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 was stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic inflammatory conditions.
  • The effects of PF on macrophage polarization, renal function, pathological injury, mitochondrial function, and mitophagy-related proteins were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • PF improved renal function and reduced pathological damage in CKD mice by inhibiting M1 macrophage markers (CD68, iNOS) and increasing M2 markers (CD206).
  • In vitro, PF reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1) and increased anti-inflammatory markers (Arg1, Fizz1, IL-10, Ym-1), indicating M1 to M2 polarization.
  • PF enhanced mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress, and upregulated mitophagy-related proteins (PINK1, Parkin, Bnip3, P62, LC3) by regulating Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4).

Conclusions:

  • Paeoniflorin (PF) suppresses renal inflammation in CKD by promoting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization and inducing mitophagy via KLF4.
  • PF demonstrates potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for treating chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Related Concept Videos

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway02:26

NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway

The transcription factor NF-κB was discovered in 1986 in the lab of Nobel laureate Professor David Baltimore, for its interaction with the immunoglobulin light chain enhancer in B-cells. After more than three decades of study, it is now evident that NF-κB regulates the expression of over 100 genes. Most of these genes play an essential role in the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as the inflammatory responses of animals.
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Stem Cell Niche01:26

Stem Cell Niche

The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal01:12

Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal

Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...