Magnolia kobus DC. Alleviates adenine-induced chronic kidney disease by regulating ferroptosis in C57BL/6 mice

Magnolia kobus DC. (MO) is a medicinal plant that reportedly possesses various bioactive properties, including anti-hyperplastic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disorder characterized by inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress, which leads to renal dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of MO against adenine-induced CKD in C57BL/6 mice. MO significantly attenuated renal injury by reducing blood urea nitrogen level and morphological change. Additionally, MO effectively reduced inflammation by inhibiting the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, F4/80, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. MO also considerably ameliorated adenine-induced renal fibrosis by regulating the suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic/matrix metalloproteinase signaling. Furthermore, MO significantly protected against renal senescence by reducing the protein expression of p53, p16, and p21 induced by CKD. Additionally, MO supplementation suppressed CKD-induced ferroptosis and ferritinophagy by regulating the protein expression of SLC7A11 glutathione peroxidase 4, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, human palmitoyl-CoA ligase, NADPH oxidase 4, 4-hydroxynonenal, transferrin receptor, heme oxygenase-1, nuclear receptor coactivator 4, beclin-1, microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B, and kallikrein-related peptidase 4. In conclusion, this study suggests that MO may be a potential functional food, pharmaceutical, or medicinal plant that can help regulate mechanisms associated with renal health.