Integrative informatics analysis identifies that ginsenoside Re improves renal fibrosis through regulation of autophagy

We previously demonstrated that ginsenoside Re (G-Re) has protective effects on acute kidney injury. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis and pathway enrichment analysis of all published transcriptome data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways of G-Re treatment. We then performed in vitro studies to measure the identified autophagy and fibrosis markers in HK2 cells. In vivo studies were conducted using ureteric obstruction (UUO) and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) models to evaluate the effects of G-Re on autophagy and kidney fibrosis. Our informatics analysis identified autophagy-related pathways enriched for G-Re treatment. Treatment with G-Re in HK2 cells reduced autophagy and mRNA levels of profibrosis markers with TGF-β stimulation. In addition, induction of autophagy with PP242 neutralized the anti-fibrotic effects of G-Re. In murine models with UUO and AAN, treatment with G-Re significantly improved renal function and reduced the upregulation of autophagy and profibrotic markers. A combination of informatics analysis and biological experiments confirmed that ginsenoside Re could improve renal fibrosis and kidney function through the regulation of autophagy. These findings provide important insights into the mechanisms of G-Re’s protective effects in kidney injuries.

Graphic abstract