Acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R), which is a kidney injury produced by a variety of causes, resulting in the remaining portion of the kidney function being unable to maintain the balance for performing the tasks of waste excretion metabolism, and electrolyte and acid-base balance. Many studies have reported the use of Chinese medicine to slow down the progression and alleviate the complications of chronic renal failure. Chrysophanol is a component of Rheum officinale Baill, a traditional Chinese medicine that has been clinically used to treat renal disease. We aimed to study the nephroprotective effect of chrysophanol on hypoxia/ reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cell damage. The results showed that chrysophanol prevented H/R-induced apoptosis via downregulation of cleaved Caspase-3, p-JNK, and Bax but upregulation of Bcl-2 expression. In contrast, chrysophanol attenuated H/R-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via the downregulation of CHOP and p-IRE1α expression. Our data demonstrated that chrysophanol alleviated H/R-induced lipid ROS accumulation and ferroptosis. Therefore, we propose that chrysophanol may have a protective effect against AKI by regulating apoptosis, ER stress, and ferroptosis.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by persistent abnormalities in urinary function, structural abnormalities, or impaired excretory functions that indicate the loss of functional nephrons. Cardiovascular disease and death are the most common complications of chronic kidney disease. Once chronic kidney disease is established, treatment has proven ineffective. Therefore, research efforts should be devoted to uncovering early disease mechanisms and alternative treatment options. Traditionally, garlic has been used as a pharmacological agent, especially when aged, in addition to its application as a food flavoring agent. Studies have suggested that garlic has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The effects of garlic on renal function have been summarized in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies.

Background: This study aimed to determine the association between episodic or persistent hematuria after liver transplantation and long-term renal outcomes. Methods: Patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation between July 2005 and June 2019 were recruited and divided into two groups based on the finding of microscopic or gross hematuria after transplantation. All patients were followed up from the index date until the end date in May 2020. The risks of chronic kidney disease, death, and 30% and 50% declines in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were compared between groups. Results: A total of 295 patients underwent urinalysis for various reasons after undergoing transplantation. Hematuria was detected in 100 patients (group A) but was not present in 195 patients (group B). Compared with group B, group A had a higher risk of renal progression, including eGFR decline >50% [aHR = 3.447 (95%CI: 2.24~5.30), p < 0.001] and worse survival. In addition, patients who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) continuously for over seven days within six months before transplant surgery had high risks of rapid renal progression, including a >30% decline in eGFR [aHR = 1.572 (95%CI: 1.12~2.21), p = 0.009)]. Conclusion: Development of hematuria after surgery in patients who underwent living donor liver transplant and were exposed to NSAIDs before surgery were associated with worse long-term renal dysfunction and survival.

Chronic kidney disease is characterized by persistent abnormalities in urinary function, structural abnormalities, or impaired excretory functions that indicate the loss of functional nephrons. Cardiovascular disease and death are the most common complications of chronic kidney disease. Once chronic kidney disease is established, treatment has proven ineffective. Therefore, research efforts should be devoted to uncovering early disease mechanisms and alternative treatment options. Traditionally, garlic has been used as a pharmacological agent, especially when aged, in addition to its application as a food flavoring agent. Studies have suggested that garlic has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The effects of garlic on renal function have been summarized in cell culture, animal, and clinical studies.

In this short letter to the editor, we have introduced and summarized the role of anti-angiogenesis, microRNA, and exosomes in cancer treatment strategies.