Poria cocos polysaccharide and lotus seedpod polyphenols synergistically inhibit CRFK cell damage induced by magnesium ammonium phosphate via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Abstract

This study investigated the synergistic protective effects and underlying mechanisms of Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP) and lotus seedpod polyphenols (LSPP) against Crandell-Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells damage induced by magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) crystals. Therefore, a combination of PCP and LSPP was tested for its impact on the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The results demonstrated that combining PCP (100 μg/mL) with LSPP (20 μg/mL) at a volume ratio of 3:7 significantly activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, reduced intracellular ROS and MDA levels, and increased SOD levels, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. Furthermore, this combination effectively inhibited MAP-induced cell apoptosis and crystal adhesion, thereby enhancing cellular protection. Overall, these findings suggest that the combination of PCP and LSPP may alleviate MAP-induced renal damage by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and providing a promising approach for preventing MAP stone-related kidney injury.