Honokiol ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting extracellular matrix and pro-inflammatory factors in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Renal fibrosis acts as the common pathway leading to the development of end-stage renal disease. The present study investigated, in vivo and in vitro, the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects, particularly on the epithelial to mesenchymal transition of renal tubular cells, exerted by honokiol, a phytochemical used in traditional medicine, and mechanisms underlying these effects. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Anti-fibrotic effects in vivo were assayed in a rat model of renal fibrosis [the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model]. A rat tubular epithelial cell line (NRK-52E) was stimulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and treated with honokiol to explore possible mechanisms of these anti-fibrotic effects. Gene or protein expression was analysed by Northern or Western blotting. Transcriptional regulation was investigated using luciferase activity driven by a connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) promoter. KEY RESULTS Honokiol slowed development of renal fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro. Honokiol treatment attenuated tubulointerstitial fibrosis and expression of pro-fibrotic factors in the UUO model. Honokiol also decreased expression of the mRNA for the chemokine CCL2 and for the intracellular adhesion molecule-1, as well as accumulation of type I (α1) collagen and fibronectin in UUO kidneys. Phosphorylation of Smad-2/3 induced by TGF-β1 and CTGF luciferase activity in renal tubular cells were also inhibited by honokiol. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Honokiol suppressed expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory factors and of extracellular matrix proteins. Honokiol may become a therapeutic agent to prevent renal fibrosis.