Tanshinone IIA Regulates NRF2/NLRP3 Signal Pathway to Restrain Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Uric Acid-Induced HK-2 Fibrotic Models.

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the function and potential mechanism of Tanshinone IIA in uric acid-induced HK-2 fibrosis models.

Materials and methods: An in vitro model of fibrosis was constructed using uric acid stimulation. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to evaluate the levels of inflammatory cytokines. The detection of ROS and ELISA assay were used to analyze the changes in oxidative stress.

Results: Tanshinone IIA inhibited the increase in inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18 and the formation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by uric acid stimulation. In addition, Tanshinone IIA treatment reduced the production of ROS and MDA, promoting the expression of SOD and CAT, thereby protecting HK-2 cells from oxidative stress damage. Besides, the expression of TGF-β, FN, and COL-1 was significantly reduced by the treatment of Tanshinone IIA. Mechanistically, Tanshinone IIA inhibited the expression of inflammatory cytokines and the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by targeting NRF2.

Conclusion: Tanshinone IIA exerts a protective role in uric acid-induced HK-2 fibrosis models by targeting the NRF2-NLRP3 signaling pathway to reduce the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress.