Extracts of Aspidopterys tomentosa Attenuate Nephrolithiasis via Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Nephrology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Traditional Dai medicine utilizes Aspidopterys obcordata for renal calculi.
• Calcium oxalate stones are a common cause of kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the inhibitory effects of Aspidopterys tomentosa extracts on calcium oxalate stone formation.
• To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, including endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of Aspidopterys tomentosa using ethanol reflux and multi-polar solvent extraction.
• Establishment of calcium oxalate-induced HK-2 cell injury and glyoxylic acid-induced renal calculus mouse models.
• Assessment of crystal deposition, renal injury, apoptosis, serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels.

Main Results:

• Aspidopterys tomentosa extracts significantly reduced calcium oxalate crystal deposition and renal tubular injury.
• Extracts inhibited cell apoptosis and decreased Scr and BUN levels in mouse models.
• The protective effects were linked to the downregulation of the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Conclusions:

• Aspidopterys tomentosa extracts demonstrate significant nephroprotective effects against calcium oxalate-induced kidney injury.
• The mechanism involves the suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis.
• Aspidopterys tomentosa holds potential for the development of novel agents for nephrolithiasis prevention.