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10 pages, 469 KB  
Article
Is Virulence Gene papGII a Predictor of Urosepsis in Uropathogenic E. coli?
by Nihitta Hanna, Suji Thangamani, Rosemol Varghese, Jiji Smila Arockiasamy, Balaji Veeraraghavan and Rani Diana Sahni
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2026, 18(4), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr18040063 - 24 Jun 2026
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Background: Urosepsis is a life-threatening condition accounting for approximately 20–30% of all sepsis cases and typically arises from ascending infection by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Disease progression is mediated by virulence factors, including adhesins, iron acquisition systems, and toxins. Among these, P fimbriae, [...] Read more.
Background: Urosepsis is a life-threatening condition accounting for approximately 20–30% of all sepsis cases and typically arises from ascending infection by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Disease progression is mediated by virulence factors, including adhesins, iron acquisition systems, and toxins. Among these, P fimbriae, particularly papGII adhesin subunit, have been implicated in the transition from uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) to severe urosepsis. This study aimed to evaluate whether papGII carriage, alone or in combination with other UPEC virulence determinants and clinical risk factors, can predict urosepsis. Methods: A total of 60 paired Escherichia coli isolates from concurrent blood and urine samples of adults with clinical sepsis were collected between January and June 2024. Control isolates were obtained from patients with cystitis (n = 28) and pyelonephritis (n = 32). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect fifteen virulence-associated genes, including the pap operon (with papG allelic variants), the type 1 fimbriae (fimH), S fimbriae (sfaS), curli fimbriae (csgA), afa/Dr adhesin operon genes, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 (cnf1), and the aerobactin biosynthesis (iucD) and receptor (iutA) genes. Associations between gene carriage and clinical groups were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results: The incidence of urosepsis increased with age, peaking in the 60–69-year age group. Renal disease and catheterization were identified as significant risk factors (p < 0.05). More than 95% of UPEC isolates carried the csgA gene associated with biofilm formation and the iucD gene. The α- hemolysin toxin (hlyA) was significantly associated with urosepsis [X2(1, N = 120) = 6.62, p = 0.03]. No significant differences were observed in the carriage of papA, papC, or fimH. Although papGII was present in 65% of urosepsis-associated UPEC isolates, it did not demonstrate a statistically significant independent association with urosepsis [p = 0.1]. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while papGII may contribute to the pathogenic potential of UPEC and facilitate systemic infection, it is not a reliable independent predictor of urosepsis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bacterial Diseases)
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14 pages, 2176 KB  
Article
Roxadustat Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Function by Disrupting Cell Cycle Exit
by Afang Li, Li Zuo, Luyao Li, Liangying Gan, Mi Wang, Yaoxian Liang, Qicheng Li and Xinju Zhao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(12), 5506; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27125506 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 265
Abstract
Bone remodeling relies on a balance between osteoclast-mediated resorption and osteoblast-mediated formation. Roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, promotes osteoblast differentiation but its effects on osteoclasts remain unclear. This study investigated roxadustat’s impact on osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro using primary [...] Read more.
Bone remodeling relies on a balance between osteoclast-mediated resorption and osteoblast-mediated formation. Roxadustat, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, promotes osteoblast differentiation but its effects on osteoclasts remain unclear. This study investigated roxadustat’s impact on osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro using primary murine bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells differentiated with M-CSF and RANKL. Cell viability, TRAP staining, bone resorption assays, RNA-seq, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blot for p27, and rescue experiments with the cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor abemaciclib were performed. Roxadustat suppressed osteoclast differentiation and resorption without cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent manner. RNA-seq revealed enrichment of cell cycle pathways; although differentiation was inhibited, roxadustat paradoxically promoted osteoclast precursor proliferation, evidenced by increased Ki67 and decreased p27 expression. The inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis and resorption were partially reversed by abemaciclib. Given that terminal differentiation typically requires cell cycle exit, these findings suggest that roxadustat may inhibit osteoclast differentiation at least in part by disrupting this process, promoting precursor proliferation, and downregulating p27. Together with its known anabolic effects on osteoblasts, roxadustat might have dual therapeutic potential for bone disorders with renal anemia, such as osteoporosis in chronic kidney disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Osteoblast Differentiation in Human Health and Disease)
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27 pages, 8969 KB  
Article
Pan-Cancer Bioinformatics-Guided Evaluation of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang Identifies Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma as a Potentially Responsive Cancer Type
by Syu-You Zuo, Yu-Pao Chou, Tai-Hsuan Hsu, Jan-Gowth Chang and Wen-Ling Chan
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(6), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19060936 - 14 Jun 2026
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Background/Objectives: San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT) is a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Rheum palmatum, with documented anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Despite growing interest in its pharmacological potential, systematic evaluation of its gene regulatory effects across [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT) is a classical traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of Coptis chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and Rheum palmatum, with documented anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Despite growing interest in its pharmacological potential, systematic evaluation of its gene regulatory effects across multiple cancer types remains limited. This study aimed to assess the prognostic relevance of SHXXT-regulated genes across pan-cancer contexts using publicly available transcriptomic and clinical datasets. Methods: Fifteen active compounds of SHXXT were identified from traditional Chinese medicine databases (Encyclopaedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM) 2.0, Chinese Compound Medicine Database (ccTCM), and Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine Database (ITCM)). Compound-induced gene expression profiles were obtained from MCF7-based transcriptomic perturbation data in the ITCM database and integrated with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) across 24 cancer types. Survival-associated genes were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier analysis. A weighted prognostic scoring framework, supported by normalization and sensitivity analyses, was developed to prioritize cancer types according to the concordance between SHXXT-induced gene regulation and favorable prognostic patterns. Functional enrichment analysis was performed using Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), and cancer-related genes were annotated using the OncoKB database. Complementary in vitro studies, including Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) and MT-1 staining assays, were conducted in Hep3B cells using a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-certified commercial SHXXT preparation. Results: SHXXT-regulated genes were significantly enriched in cancer-related pathways, particularly the PI3K–Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Pan-cancer analysis revealed substantial heterogeneity in prognostic alignment across cancer types. Among the 24 cancer cohorts analyzed, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) achieved the highest prognostic alignment score within the proposed framework. In KIRC, several genes, including PIK3CA, PIK3CB, KRAS, and RAF1, remained significantly associated with favorable prognostic alignment after multivariable adjustment. Pathway enrichment analysis further identified PI3K–Akt and MAPK signaling as the most significantly represented pathways among favorably aligned genes. In contrast, hepatocellular carcinoma exhibited a relatively low prognostic alignment score, consistent with in vitro observations indicating predominantly non-selective cytotoxic stress rather than cancer-specific therapeutic activity. Conclusions: SHXXT-regulated genes exhibited marked heterogeneity across cancer types, with KIRC was consistently prioritized as the top-ranked cancer type across multiple analytical scenarios, suggesting a strong concordance between SHXXT-associated gene regulation and favorable prognostic signatures. These findings represent computational predictions derived from transcriptomic and survival associations rather than direct evidence of therapeutic efficacy. The study provides a reproducible pan-cancer strategy for prioritizing candidate cancer types for future mechanistic and experimental validation of traditional Chinese medicine formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cancer Therapeutics: Drug Repurposing and Computational Strategies)
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17 pages, 11075 KB  
Article
In Vivo Evaluation of a Nanoemulsion-Delivered Chromium(III)–Triazole Complex Against Fluconazole-Resistant Candida albicans
by Maria Valentina Bedoya-Florez, Ricardo A. Murcia-Galán, Martha Viviana Roa-Cordero, Sandra M. Leal-Pinto, Juan David Puerta-Arias, Yair Alvarez-Ricardo, John J. Hurtado and Tonny W. Naranjo
J. Fungi 2026, 12(6), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12060403 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 554
Abstract
Candida albicans remains one of the leading causes of invasive fungal infections and is recognized as a critical-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization. The increasing emergence of resistance to azole antifungals such as fluconazole highlights the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In [...] Read more.
Candida albicans remains one of the leading causes of invasive fungal infections and is recognized as a critical-priority pathogen by the World Health Organization. The increasing emergence of resistance to azole antifungals such as fluconazole highlights the need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we evaluated the antifungal potential of a chromium(III)–triazole coordination complex (CrL1) against C. albicans. In vitro susceptibility testing showed that CrL1 exhibited notable antifungal activity against the fluconazole-resistant strain with low cytotoxicity in murine macrophages. To facilitate aqueous dispersion and enable in vivo administration, CrL1 was incorporated into an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (NE-CrL1). The antifungal activity of NE-CrL1 was evaluated in a murine model of invasive candidiasis. In mice infected with a fluconazole-resistant C. albicans strain, treatment with NE-CrL1 reduced renal fungal burden and was associated with attenuation of histopathological alterations and changes in local inflammatory responses. Although the present study has limitations, including the absence of mechanistic assays and additional physicochemical characterization, these results suggest in vivo antifungal activity of NE-CrL1 and warrant further preclinical evaluation against drug-resistant Candida infections. Full article
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24 pages, 852 KB  
Review
Inflammatory and Immune Pathways in Kidney Transplant Rejection: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
by Petar Todorović, Anita Racetin, Azer Rizikalo, Ivona Letica, Fila Raguž, Katarina Vukojević and Nela Kelam
Transplantology 2026, 7(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/transplantology7020013 - 27 May 2026
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease, yet long-term allograft survival has plateaued due to persistent rejection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the inflammatory and immune pathways implicated in kidney allograft rejection, integrating current evidence from basic and [...] Read more.
Kidney transplantation remains the optimal treatment for end-stage renal disease, yet long-term allograft survival has plateaued due to persistent rejection. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the inflammatory and immune pathways implicated in kidney allograft rejection, integrating current evidence from basic and translational research. Ischemia–reperfusion injury initiates an inflammatory cascade through the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, activating Toll-like receptors and the complement system, thereby priming the alloimmune response. Innate immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells, bridge sterile tissue injury to adaptive alloimmunity, while the emerging concept of trained immunity reveals long-lasting epigenetic reprogramming of monocytes with direct implications for graft longevity. The adaptive response encompasses T cell-mediated rejection, driven by Th1, Th17, and CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes, and antibody-mediated rejection, mediated by donor-specific antibodies through complement activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Key signalling pathways, including JAK-STAT, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and mTOR, amplify allograft inflammation and promote progression toward chronic injury. Macrophage polarisation and macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition have been identified as major drivers of interstitial fibrosis and late graft failure. Recent advances in non-invasive biomarkers, such as donor-derived cell-free DNA and molecular phenotyping, are transforming rejection diagnostics. Emerging therapies, including costimulation blockade, anti-CD38 antibodies, complement inhibitors, and regulatory T cell-based approaches, offer the potential to shift transplant medicine toward precision-guided, tolerance-inducing strategies. This review synthesises these developments and discusses future perspectives for improving long-term allograft outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Horizons in Transplantation Research: A Review Series)
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10 pages, 1016 KB  
Case Report
Segmental Arterial Mediolysis Associated with Renal Allograft Artery Dissection and Thrombosis During Kidney Transplantation
by Matteo Zanchetta, Natale Calomino, Giuseppe Ietto, Vanessa Borgogni, Giorgio Micheletti, Sergio Antonio Tripodi, Daniele Marrelli, Franco Roviello and Gian Luigi Adani
Clin. Pract. 2026, 16(6), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/clinpract16060099 - 24 May 2026
Viewed by 680
Abstract
Background: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare, non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic, non-hereditary arteriopathy of unknown etiology that typically affects medium-sized visceral arteries. The absence of reliable diagnostic criteria poses a significant challenge. Consequently, the diagnosis of SAM should be considered in the setting [...] Read more.
Background: Segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) is a rare, non-inflammatory, non-atherosclerotic, non-hereditary arteriopathy of unknown etiology that typically affects medium-sized visceral arteries. The absence of reliable diagnostic criteria poses a significant challenge. Consequently, the diagnosis of SAM should be considered in the setting of a distinctive combination of clinical features, angiographic findings, and histopathology. Renal artery involvement is uncommon, and its occurrence in the donor graft during kidney transplantation (KT) has not previously been reported. Case presentation: We report the case of a kidney graft from a deceased donor in her seventh decade of life, transplanted into a recipient in her seventh decade of life. Donor–recipient ABO compatibility was confirmed, and both complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch and flow cytometry crossmatch were negative. Cold ischemia time was 14 h, and warm ischemia time was 20 min. Immediately after declamping, massive thrombosis of the graft renal artery was observed and confirmed using an intraoperative flowmeter. The arterial anastomosis was taken down, the thrombus was removed, the artery was flushed with heparin, and the anastomosis was reconstructed using interrupted sutures. Despite revision, no arterial flow was detected, and the graft was deemed unsalvageable and explanted. Histopathological examination showed thinning of the tunica media, reduced smooth muscle cells on desmin staining, medial-adventitial dissection, and occlusive thrombosis, findings considered likely attributable to SAM. Conclusions: This case suggests that occult donor arterial wall disease compatible with SAM may present catastrophically during KT and may lead to immediate graft loss despite standard surgical salvage attempts. Although no validated strategy currently exists to screen for or prevent occult SAM in asymptomatic donors, awareness of this entity may assist transplant surgeons and pathologists in the evaluation of unexplained early graft arterial thrombosis, donor-graft vascular pathology, and communication with centres receiving paired organs from the same donor. Full article
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20 pages, 4605 KB  
Article
Caloric Restriction Attenuates Gentamicin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Is Associated with Changes in Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial DNA Damage
by Xinyu Liao, Nadezda V. Andrianova, Ljubava D. Zorova, Irina S. Sadovnikova, Dmitry S. Semenovich, Vasily N. Manskikh, Irina B. Pevzner, Artem P. Gureev and Egor Y. Plotnikov
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060653 - 22 May 2026
Viewed by 390
Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) is known to activate a broad spectrum of cytoprotective signaling pathways and enhance tissue tolerance to various stressors, including those associated with the cytotoxic effects of pharmaceutical agents. Nephrotoxic drugs, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, remain a major clinical concern due [...] Read more.
Caloric restriction (CR) is known to activate a broad spectrum of cytoprotective signaling pathways and enhance tissue tolerance to various stressors, including those associated with the cytotoxic effects of pharmaceutical agents. Nephrotoxic drugs, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, remain a major clinical concern due to their frequent use and potential to cause acute kidney injury (AKI), for which effective preventive strategies are still limited. In this study, we investigated whether CR applied for 5 weeks (4-week pretreatment + 1-week concurrent with AKI induction) can alleviate AKI triggered by the antibiotic gentamicin, with a focus on evaluating changes in antioxidant-related parameters and autophagy-associated signaling during CR-mediated nephroprotection. CR’s nephroprotective effects were evaluated using diagnostic assays, Western blotting, and histological analysis. Additionally, oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial integrity were assessed to analyze the impact of CR on antioxidant-related pathways. CR significantly improved renal function and structure, with reduced kidney injury markers (KIM-1, NGAL) and alleviated histological damage. Critically, CR mitigated oxidative stress, evidenced by decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonylation, as well as increased levels of the reduced form of glutathione and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx). A lowered Bcl-XL/XS ratio was consistent with reduced apoptotic signaling, while reduced leukocyte infiltration reflected attenuated renal inflammation. Additionally, a reduction in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lesions suggested that CR was associated with modulation of mitochondrial and metabolism-related pathways, with concurrent improvements in mitochondrial stability. Our findings demonstrate that CR attenuated gentamicin-induced AKI and was associated with changes in antioxidant-related parameters, reduced mtDNA damage, a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration, and modulation of autophagy-related signaling. Full article
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20 pages, 4065 KB  
Article
Secukinumab Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Enhances Cisplatin Cytotoxicity in MCF-7 Cells via IL-17A/NF-κB Axis Modulation
by Faiz N. Alenezi, Marwa S. Zaghloul, Manar A. Nader and Marwa E. Abdelmageed
Toxics 2026, 14(5), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics14050424 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 935
Abstract
Objective: The existing work was designed to appraise whether Secukinumab diminishes acute kidney injury in a Cisplatin- induced rat model and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms for this protective effect. Methods: In vivo study, rats were distributed haphazardly into five sets (six [...] Read more.
Objective: The existing work was designed to appraise whether Secukinumab diminishes acute kidney injury in a Cisplatin- induced rat model and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms for this protective effect. Methods: In vivo study, rats were distributed haphazardly into five sets (six animals in each group): control, Secukinumab control, Cisplatin (8 mg/kg, a single dose, intraperitoneally (IP)), and two pretreated groups; Secukinumab (10 and 20 mg/kg single subcutaneous (SC) injection) + Cisplatin. Blood samples and kidney tissues were gathered and analyzed histopathologically and biochemically. In vitro investigation, MCF-7 human breast cancer cells were treated with Cisplatin alone with Secukinumab, and cell viability (MTT assay), combination index, and apoptosis-related markers were analyzed. Results: Secukinumab administration lowered serum levels of BUN, creatinine and LDH with marked elevation in renal TAC and a significant reduction in MDA, iNOS, KIM-1 and NGAL compared to Cisplatin. Additionally, Secukinumab pre-treatment markedly suppressed the inflammatory process and enhanced autophagy, reflected by elevated AMPKα1, SIRT1, and Beclin-1, accompanied by reduced P38 MAPK and NF-κB p65 (Phospho-Ser536) levels and expression levels of IL-6 and P62/SQSTM1 in kidney tissues, contrasted with the Cisplatin group. Secukinumab administration effectively protected against kidney injury, and histopathological examinations of the kidneys confirmed these results. On the other hand, in vitro study results revealed that the combination of Cisplatin and Secukinumab had a synergistic cytotoxic effect and an enhancing effect on the apoptotic pathway (increased P53 and BAX and decreased BCL-2). Secukinumab effectively protects against Cisplatin- induced acute kidney injury by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, and enhancing autophagy. Additionally, it synergizes with Cisplatin in vitro to promote cancer cell apoptosis, highlighting its dual reno-protective and anticancer potential. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Drugs Toxicity)
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21 pages, 2752 KB  
Article
Nicotinamide Ameliorates Deoxynivalenol-Induced Injury in Renal Cells via Inhibiting PARP1 Hyperactivation and Restoring NAD+ Homeostasis
by Chao Chen, Yifan Qin, Zijun Luo, Peiqiang Mu, Jikai Wen and Yiqun Deng
Toxins 2026, 18(5), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins18050227 - 10 May 2026
Viewed by 375
Abstract
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a globally prevalent mycotoxin that threatens food and feed safety via severe multi-organ toxicity. Previous studies indicate that DON induces cellular energy metabolism dysregulation by triggering oxidative stress and impairing mitochondrial function. During this process, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+ [...] Read more.
Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a globally prevalent mycotoxin that threatens food and feed safety via severe multi-organ toxicity. Previous studies indicate that DON induces cellular energy metabolism dysregulation by triggering oxidative stress and impairing mitochondrial function. During this process, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a central coenzyme in cellular energy metabolism, frequently exhibits significantly decreased intracellular levels or even complete depletion. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the disruption of NAD+ homeostasis by DON exposure, as well as the development of targeted countermeasures, remain elusive. Using human embryonic kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells as an in vitro renal toxicity model, we dissected DON-induced NAD+ dysregulation and evaluated the protective potential of nicotinamide (NAM). DON caused significant NAD+ depletion in porcine serum (in vivo) and HEK293T cells (in vitro), which was confirmed as a key driver of cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, although DON binds and inhibits nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme of the NAD+ salvage pathway, neither NAMPT knockdown and overexpression nor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) supplementation rescued DON-induced toxicity. Instead, DON dose-dependently activated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), the primary intracellular NAD+-consuming enzyme, to accelerate NAD+ depletion. PARP1 knockdown markedly attenuated DON-induced cytotoxicity, identifying PARP1 hyperactivation as the core toxic mechanism. NAM dose-dependently suppressed PARP1 activity, replenished NAD+ pools, and reversed cell injury. These findings establish PARP1-driven NAD+ depletion as an important mechanism of DON-induced renal toxicity, providing a promising intervention candidate for mitigating DON toxicity in food safety. Full article
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26 pages, 4316 KB  
Article
Protective Effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) Against Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity In Vivo and In Vitro
by Jianping Zhang, Yan Zhou, Ruirui Cui, Lijun Wang, Sijia Wang, Wenhan Rao and Xinan Wu
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050728 - 4 May 2026
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Background: Vancomycin (VAN)-induced nephrotoxicity limits its clinical application. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) and its bioactive constituents have been reported to protect against nephrotoxicity induced by various nephrotoxic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of licorice against VAN-induced nephrotoxicity and [...] Read more.
Background: Vancomycin (VAN)-induced nephrotoxicity limits its clinical application. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) and its bioactive constituents have been reported to protect against nephrotoxicity induced by various nephrotoxic agents. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of licorice against VAN-induced nephrotoxicity and to explore the underlying mechanisms both in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Seven groups of male C57BL/6 mice received different treatments for 7 consecutive days. Blood, fecal and renal tissue samples were collected for the assessment of serum creatinine, renal histopathology, mitochondrial ultrastructure, oxidative stress markers, kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and uremic toxins. In human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2 cells), the effects of licorice on cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were further investigated. Results: Licorice significantly attenuated VAN-induced nephrotoxicity and restored glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity while reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, licorice markedly ameliorated VAN-induced renal histopathological injury, as demonstrated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy. Licorice also reversed VAN-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and increased the relative abundance of SCFA-producing bacteria, including Bacteroides. Moreover, licorice treatment increased fecal SCFA contents and modulated multiple uremic toxins in both serum and renal tissue. Consistently, licorice protected HK-2 cells against VAN-induced cytotoxicity by regulating GSH, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and MMP. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that licorice exerts protective effects against VAN-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the potential involvement of oxidative stress, mitochondrial structure and function, inflammation, intestinal microbiota-SCFAs and uremic toxins. Full article
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40 pages, 7342 KB  
Review
Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, and Biotechnological Applications of Serjania Species: A Review of Current Knowledge and Future Prospects
by Ana Belem Rubio-García, Cecilia Guadalupe de Loza-García, Jorge Manuel Silva-Jara, Napoleón González-Silva, Luis Antonio Ramirez-Contreras, Zuamí Villagran, Omar Graciano-Machuca, Jessica del Pilar Ramírez-Anaya, Fernando Martínez-Esquivias and Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza
Molecules 2026, 31(9), 1477; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31091477 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 577
Abstract
The genus Serjania (family Sapindaceae) comprises more than 240 species, primarily distributed in Brazil and Mexico, and it exhibits considerable ethnobotanical and therapeutic potential. Ethnobotanical evidence documents the widespread use of decoctions prepared from the leaves, stems, and roots of Serjania species for [...] Read more.
The genus Serjania (family Sapindaceae) comprises more than 240 species, primarily distributed in Brazil and Mexico, and it exhibits considerable ethnobotanical and therapeutic potential. Ethnobotanical evidence documents the widespread use of decoctions prepared from the leaves, stems, and roots of Serjania species for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, renal pain, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Among the most extensively studied species are S. marginata, S. erecta, S. lethalis, S. caracasana, S. goniocarpa, S. schiedeana, S. yucatenensis, S. triquetra, and S. racemose. Phytochemical research has identified a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and terpenoids. Significant experimental evidence supports the broad spectrum of biological activities of these Serjania species, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective, antihypertensive, analgesic, antivenom, cytotoxic, antimutagenic, anti-ulcer, photoprotective, antiparasitic, and vasorelaxant effects, as demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models. Although preliminary toxicity assessments of extracts from some Serjania species in murine models, Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia), and Artemia salina suggest a favorable safety profile, significant research gaps remain. Additionally, several Serjania species have shown potential as natural pesticides and bioherbicides, highlighting their relevance in agricultural applications. Future studies should prioritize the isolation and structural characterization of individual bioactive compounds, as well as the elucidation of their molecular mechanisms of action, moving beyond crude extract-based screening approaches. Overall, this review summarizes current knowledge on traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and biotechnological applications of Serjania species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products and Microbiology in Human Health, 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 492 KB  
Review
D-Amino Acids in Human Health and Disease: Dual Functions, Metabolic Regulation, and Therapeutic Potential
by Masao Shimoda and Bernard Yukihiro Hiraoka
BioChem 2026, 6(2), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/biochem6020010 - 29 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1160
Abstract
Background: D-amino acids are increasingly recognized as bioactive molecules with diverse physiological and pathological roles in humans, particularly in the gut, kidneys, and nervous system. Advances in analytical techniques have revealed their widespread presence in biological fluids, including plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic [...] Read more.
Background: D-amino acids are increasingly recognized as bioactive molecules with diverse physiological and pathological roles in humans, particularly in the gut, kidneys, and nervous system. Advances in analytical techniques have revealed their widespread presence in biological fluids, including plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, and saliva, challenging the long-standing assumption that D-amino acids are absent or biologically insignificant in mammals. Scope: This review systematically summarizes the current knowledge on D-amino acid sources, distribution, metabolic regulation, and biological functions, with emphasis on their roles in human physiology and disease. Key findings: Accumulating evidence indicates that major D-amino acids, including D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, are derived from multiple sources such as diet, intestinal microbiota, and endogenous racemization processes. Rather than being passive metabolic byproducts, D-amino acids are now understood to participate in host–microbe interactions, neurotransmission, and renal physiology. Importantly, a consistent trend across studies is their dual and concentration-dependent nature, exhibiting beneficial effects under physiological conditions but potential cytotoxic effects at elevated levels. Conclusions and perspectives: Overall, D-amino acids represent multifunctional biomolecules with tightly regulated physiological roles and context-dependent pathological implications. However, major gaps remain in understanding their quantitative dynamics, tissue-specific regulation, and microbiota-dependent metabolism. Future studies addressing these mechanisms will be essential for establishing their clinical utility as biomarkers and for developing D-amino acid-based therapeutic and nutritional strategies. Full article
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13 pages, 266 KB  
Review
Ototoxicity Associated with Antineoplastic Agents in the Pediatric Population: An Evidence-Based Review of Auditory Monitoring Strategies and Contemporary Diagnostic Frameworks—Narrative Review
by Aleksandra Wojno, Oliwia Cichy, Agata Wojno, Karolina Dorobisz and Katarzyna Pazdro-Zastawny
Diagnostics 2026, 16(9), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16091272 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 448
Abstract
Ototoxicity represents a clinically significant complication of anticancer therapy in pediatric patients. Cytotoxic agents used in oncology, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy, may induce damage to the auditory and vestibular systems, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances. Even mild hearing impairment during childhood [...] Read more.
Ototoxicity represents a clinically significant complication of anticancer therapy in pediatric patients. Cytotoxic agents used in oncology, particularly platinum-based chemotherapy, may induce damage to the auditory and vestibular systems, resulting in hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances. Even mild hearing impairment during childhood may negatively affect speech perception, language development, communication abilities, and subsequent educational and psychosocial functioning. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on treatment-related ototoxicity in children, with particular focus on commonly implicated therapies, clinical consequences, diagnostic approaches, and potential preventive strategies. A focused literature search was conducted in PubMed for publications from 2019 to 2025 addressing ototoxicity associated with pediatric anticancer treatment and audiological monitoring methods. The analysis indicates that platinum-based compounds, especially cisplatin and carboplatin, remain the primary agents associated with ototoxicity, with reported incidence ranging from approximately 20–70% for cisplatin and 10–30% for carboplatin. Additional risk factors include young age, baseline hearing status, renal function, and exposure to other ototoxic agents such as aminoglycoside antibiotics. Early detection relies on comprehensive audiological monitoring combining behavioral and objective methods, including pure-tone audiometry, extended high-frequency audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem response testing. Standardized grading systems such as ASHA, Brock, Chang, and SIOP Boston criteria play a key role in identifying and classifying ototoxic changes. Emerging research focuses on improved monitoring protocols, biomarker identification, and the development of otoprotective strategies, including sodium thiosulfate and experimental molecular therapies. Implementing systematic hearing monitoring and preventive strategies is essential to reduce long-term auditory complications and improve quality of life in pediatric cancer survivors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
17 pages, 2534 KB  
Article
Structure-Guided Identification of Phytochemical OCT2 Inhibitors and Their Functional Relevance to Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxicity
by Hyerim Song, Kyeong-Ryoon Lee, Hui Li, Mi-Kyung Lee and Yoon-Jee Chae
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(4), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18040486 - 15 Apr 2026
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Abstract
Background: Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) mediates the renal uptake of cisplatin and is a principal contributor to its dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. Despite reports of OCT2 inhibition by various phytochemicals, the structure–activity relationships (SARs) governing inhibition and their functional implications remain poorly understood. [...] Read more.
Background: Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) mediates the renal uptake of cisplatin and is a principal contributor to its dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. Despite reports of OCT2 inhibition by various phytochemicals, the structure–activity relationships (SARs) governing inhibition and their functional implications remain poorly understood. Methods: We systematically evaluated OCT2 inhibitory activity across a structurally diverse library of 146 phytochemicals, including anthraquinones, flavanols, stilbenes, and isoflavones, using Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably overexpressing OCT2. Structure–activity relationships were analyzed using non-parametric statistics and multivariate logistic regression, and functional relevance was assessed via cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity assays. Results: Inhibitory activity varied widely across the library, with potent inhibitors identified across multiple chemical scaffolds. Non-parametric statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in overall activity distributions among scaffold classes. Notably, chemical substituent patterns, rather than core scaffold identity, were the primary drivers of OCT2 inhibitory potency. Methoxylation was consistently associated with enhanced OCT2 inhibition, particularly within isoflavones, although its impact varied across structural scaffolds. The selected OCT2 inhibitors markedly reduced cisplatin-mediated cell death in OCT2-expressing cells but not in mock-transfected controls, confirming an OCT2-dependent mechanism of protection. Conclusions: This study establishes a structure-guided framework linking phytochemical OCT2 inhibition to nephroprotective potential and identifies methoxylation as a major determinant of OCT2-targeted intervention strategies. Full article
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18 pages, 6282 KB  
Article
Antioxidant Activity of Chlorogenic Acid Evaluated via EPR Spectroscopy and Its Visual Tracking in Mouse Kidney
by Li Quan, Cheng Li, Peipei Shen, Enchao Zhou, Gui Yin and Xuewen Guo
Nutrients 2026, 18(8), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18081181 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 610
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural antioxidant widely distributed in various plant foods, exhibiting great potential for the development of natural antioxidant agents and biomedical applications. Methods: In this study, the antioxidant activity of CGA was first characterized via electron paramagnetic resonance [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a natural antioxidant widely distributed in various plant foods, exhibiting great potential for the development of natural antioxidant agents and biomedical applications. Methods: In this study, the antioxidant activity of CGA was first characterized via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy by determining its scavenging capacity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Meanwhile, its hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging activity in aqueous solution was quantitatively evaluated based on the signal intensity changes of DMPO-OH• adducts. Furthermore, a fluorescein-labeled chlorogenic acid derivative (FL-CGA) was utilized to visualize the distribution of CGA in major mouse organs following tail vein injection, with a specific focus on the kidney, and to investigate its penetration capacity into podocytes. Results: The results demonstrated that 0.35 mM CGA exerted potent scavenging activity toward highly reactive and cytotoxic •OH radicals, achieving a scavenging rate of 95.2% in a system where •OH was generated by continuous UV irradiation of 5 mM H2O2 aqueous solution for 30 min. Additionally, FL-CGA was specifically accumulated in the kidney and localized to the lysosomes of podocytes, while no signal was detected in the endoplasmic reticulum or mitochondria. Conclusions: This study provides experimental evidence to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying CGA-mediated intervention in renal injury, and lays a foundation for the further development and clinical application of CGA as a natural dietary antioxidant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Phytochemicals and Human Health)
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