Metabolic syndrome is associated with persistent low-grade inflammation. The advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) is a comprehensive index that measures inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ALI and all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality in a metabolic syndrome (MetS) population. We extracted cohort data from the 2007–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for analysis. Weighted Kaplan–Meier analyses and multivariate adjusted Cox analyses were employed to evaluate the association between ALI and mortality due to all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in individuals with MetS. Nonlinear relationships were assessed using restricted cubic spline analysis. Subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to enhance result robustness. This study enrolled 3110 participants, with 366 deaths from all-cause, 92 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases, and 98 deaths related to cancer during the 81-month follow-up period. The population was stratified into 4 groups based on ALI quartiles. After adjusting for covariates, the analysis revealed a significantly reduced risk of all-cause mortality in (Q2, Q3), and Q4 group compared to the reference group (Q1). Similarly, a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality was observed in association with ALI in Q2 and Q3 group compared to the reference group. Stratified analyses further show the robustness of these relationships. In addition, this research also reveals that in the MetS population ≥ 60 years of age, Q2 group is associated with a lower risk of cancer mortality than Q1 group. The restricted cubic spline analyses further revealed a nonlinear association between ALI and all-cause mortality in the MetS population, while demonstrating a linear association with cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality. ALI is a reliable biomarker of systemic inflammation in the MetS population. In individuals with MetS, reduced levels of ALI are strongly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, as well as increased cancer mortality in those aged > 60 years.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries and can result in right heart failure and possible death.18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), a beneficial substance found in licorice, shows great potential for medicinal use. Through network pharmacology and experimental validation, this study examined the probable mechanism of 18β-GA in treating PAH. Methods: The analysis of the potential pharmacological activities of 18β-GA was conducted using the network pharmacology method. The network of interactions between proteins was created by identifying shared targets of 18β-GA and PAH across multiple databases. Pathway enrichment was then conducted to determine the key targets. Validation of the interactions between 18β-GA and key targets was performed by molecular docking. Ultimately, we confirmed the modes of operation by utilizing a monocrotaline (MCT)--induced PAH model in rats. Results: A total of 197 potential targets for 18β-GA and 1713 potential targets associated with PAH were successfully identified. Of these, 79 targets were identified as common to both 18β-GA and PAH. Through the analysis of the PPI network, identified key targets, including IL6, AKT1, ALB, BCL2, NFKB1, IL1B, SRC, MMP9, PPARG, MAPK3, PTGS2, ESR1, TNF, CTNNB1 and CASP3. Furthermore, the analysis of molecular docking indicated that SRC exhibited the highest affinity for 18β-GA. The efficacy of 18β-GA in mitigating the advancement of MCT-induced PAH in rats was proven by in vivo investigations. Conclusions: This study presents initial findings about the molecular mechanism by which 18β-GA exerts its therapeutic effects on PAH. The findings suggest that using 18β-GA for treating PAH may involve the deactivation of SRC and the reduction of oxidative stress.

INTRODUCTION:Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common and aggressive cancer. Stemness-related genes may play key roles in tumor progression and immune response, but their specific contributions in LUAD remain unclear. METHODS:Differential expression analysis, WGCNA, and survival analysis were used to study WNT3A and EDN3 in LUAD. GSEA was performed to explore biological pathways associated with WNT3A. Immune infiltration analysis evaluated the tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapy response was assessed. Experimental validation was conducted using qPCR and Western Blot on lung cancer cell lines. RESULTS:WNT3A and EDN3 expression were significantly correlated with LUAD patient survival and showed high diagnostic value. GSEA revealed that high WNT3A expression activated pathways involved in tumor proliferation, metabolism, and immune escape. Patients with high WNT3A expression had lower macrophage infiltration and higher immune scores. Immunotherapy analysis showed better response rates in patients with high WNT3A expression, while EDN3 had no significant association. qPCR and Western Blot confirmed low WNT3A and EDN3 expression in lung cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS:WNT3A and EDN3 are potential prognostic biomarkers for LUAD. WNT3A, in particular, is associated with enhanced immunotherapy response, making it a promising target for future clinical applications.

YY1 is a crucial transcription factor and plays significant roles in biological processes. However, the mechanisms of YY1 action in ischemia-reperfusion injury and its regulatory role in ferroptosis have not been extensively studied. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which NEDD4L-mediated degradation of YY1 through ubiquitination suppresses SLC7A11 transcription, leading to the promotion of cellular ferroptosis and exacerbation of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), via the integration of multiple omics sequencing datasets. An IRI-I/R mouse model is established, followed by proteomic sequencing to identify proteins that are differentially expressed during IRI. The altered expression of YY1 is validated, and in vivo and in vitro experiments are used to assess its impact on IRI damage. The E3 ligase NEDD4L, which regulates YY1 ubiquitination, is identified and validated via the UbiBrowser 2.0 database. The ubiquitination types of YY1 and its sites are screened and confirmed through in vitro experiments. Transcriptional sequencing of YY1-overexpressing cell lines is conducted to analyze the involvement of the downstream transcription factor SLC7A11 in IRI, followed by validation of its regulatory role. The results show that YY1 is downregulated in liver tissues during IRI and is expressed primarily in liver cells. YY1 overexpression alleviates liver tissue and liver cell IRI both in vitro and in vivo. Upregulation of E3 ligase expression during IRI promotes the K63-linked ubiquitination of YY1 at the K339 site, leading to proteasomal degradation of YY1. RNA-seq analysis and experimental validation demonstrate that YY1 suppresses IRI-induced ferroptosis via the transcriptional regulation of downstream target genes. YY1 positively regulates SLC7A11 transcription, inhibits IRI-induced ferroptosis and ameliorates liver injury. In summary, the E3 ubiquitin ligase NEDD4L facilitates YY1 protein degradation through ubiquitination, suppressing the transcription of the ferroptosis inhibitor SLC7A11, thus promoting IRI-related ferroptosis and exacerbating liver injury.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) remains a critical clinical challenge, significantly impacting the success of liver transplantation and postoperative recovery following resection. The study investigated the roles of mitochondrial acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase1 (ACAT1) and transcription factor EB (TFEB) in orchestrating cellular responses to HIRI, specifically focusing on mitophagy and ferroptosis pathways. Using a combination of in vivo models and cellular molecular techniques,we found that ACAT1 plays a pivotal hepatoprotective role.By fostering TFEB-mediated mitophagic processes and curtailing ferroptosis, ACAT1 emerges as a critical moderator of cellular resilience against oxidative stresses induced by reperfusion. These findings elucidate the molecular interplay underlying HIRI and identify ACAT1 as a potential therapeutic target for mitigating hepatic damage and enhancing patient outcomes in liver surgery and transplantation scenarios.

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries and can result in right heart failure and possible death.18(3-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18(3-GA), a beneficial substance found in licorice, shows great potential for medicinal use. Through network pharmacology and experimental validation, this study examined the probable mechanism of 18(3-GA in treating PAH. Methods: The analysis of the potential pharmacological activities of 18(3-GA was conducted using the network pharmacology method. The network of interactions between proteins was created by identifying shared targets of 18(3-GA and PAH across multiple databases. Pathway enrichment was then conducted to determine the key targets. Validation of the interactions between 18(3-GA and key targets was performed by molecular docking. Ultimately, we confirmed the modes of operation by utilizing a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH model in rats. Results: A total of 197 potential targets for 18(3-GA and 1713 potential targets associated with PAH were successfully identified. Of these, 79 targets were identified as common to both 18(3-GA and PAH. Through the analysis of the PPI network, identified key targets, including IL6, AKT1, ALB, BCL2, NFKB1, IL1B, SRC, MMP9, PPARG, MAPK3, PTGS2, ESR1, TNF, CTNNB1 and CASP3. Furthermore, the analysis of molecular docking indicated that SRC exhibited the highest affinity for 18(3-GA. The efficacy of 18(3-GA in mitigating the advancement of MCT-induced PAH in rats was proven by in vivo investigations. Conclusions: This study presents initial findings about the molecular mechanism by which 18(3-GA exerts its therapeutic effects on PAH. The findings suggest that using 18(3-GA for treating PAH may involve the deactivation of SRC and the reduction of oxidative stress.

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a critical complication in liver surgery and transplantation, driven by excessive inflammation and hepatocellular death. Although ferroptosis is recognized as a major form of regulated cell death in HIRI, the upstream regulators of this process remain poorly defined. Here, we show that the transcription factor STAT1 plays a pivotal role in promoting ferroptosis and inflammation during HIRI. Using male mice subjected to partial hepatic ischemia followed by reperfusion, we find that STAT1 protein is significantly upregulated in liver tissues. Genetic deletion of Stat1 markedly reduces lipid peroxidation, suppresses proinflammatory cytokine expression, and improves liver histology and function. Mechanistically, STAT1 represses miR-497-5p transcription, leading to HDAC7 activation, which together promotes ferroptosis and inflammatory responses in HIRI. These results identify STAT1 as a central link between ferroptosis and inflammation in HIRI, suggesting that targeting STAT1 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for liver protection in clinical settings.

Objective: Autophagy elevation in endotoxemia plays a protective role by negatively regulating the pyroptosis of vascular endothelial cells, but the molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify the mechanism underlying autophagy and pyroptosis in endotoxemia. Methods: Bioinformatics analysis and whole-gene transcriptome sequencing prediction were used to identify the endotoxemia-related lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA axis of interest. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the inflammatory environment encountered in endotoxemia. Autophagy and pyroptosis of LPS-treated HUVECs were assessed in response to the knockdown of MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1)/miR-433-3p (miRNA-433-3p)/RPTOR (regulatory-associated protein of mTOR). The binding affinity of MALAT1, miR-433-3p, and RPTOR was detected by RNA pull-down and luciferase activity assays. The endothelial cell-specific RPTOR knockout mice were developed and rendered septic using LPS induction to verify the role of RPTOR in autophagy, pyroptosis, and inflammatory response in vivo . Results: The in vitro experiments indicated that LPS could stimulate HUVECs to highly express RPTOR, and its knockdown enhanced cellular autophagy and restricted pyroptosis to curb inflammatory responses. Mechanically, MALAT1 is competitively bound to miR-433-3p to release RPTOR expression, thereby promoting pyroptosis and aggravating endotoxemia. In vivo experiments further confirmed that the knockdown of RPTOR activated autophagy and curtailed pyroptosis in septic mice. Conclusion: MALAT1 is highly expressed in endotoxemia. MALAT1 promotes RPTOR expression by competitively absorbing miR-433-3p, inhibits LPS-activated HUVEC cell autophagy, promotes cell death, enhances LPS-induced inflammatory activation of vascular endothelial cells, and ultimately promotes the progression of endotoxemia.

Since chlormequat chloride is widely applied as a plant growth regulator in agriculture and horticulture, its exposure through food consumption is common. We demonstrated previously that chlormequat chloride exposure during pregnancy led to embryos with bigger sizes associated with higher levels of growth hormone (GH) on gestation day 11 (GD11). However, the dose -effect relationship of chlormequat chloride at a lower dose range was not established, and the underlying mechanisms of its promoting effects on embryonic growth and development were not fully elucidated. To address these, pregnant rats were orally exposed to chlormequat chloride at 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/kg.bw from GD0 to 11 and the embryonic growth and growth related hormones were evaluated on GD11. We found that the growth and development of the embryos was significantly promoted in a dose dependent manner by chlormequat chloride. Chlormequat chloride also increased embryonic GH, GH releasing hormone (GHRH), and somatostatin (SRIF), and inhibited the embryonic cAMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Chlormequat chloride increased GH synthesis modulated by GHRH/SRIFPKA-Pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (Pit -1) in the maternal rats. Intriguingly, chlormequat chloride did not show any effects on GH and PKA signaling pathways in the non -pregnant female rats. These findings together suggest that the disrupting effect of chlormequat chloride on GH is associated with pregnancy.

Abstract Background Accumulating studies have identified that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) are novel regulators in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The goal of this study is to examine the impact of LncRNAAL133415.1 on cell viability, neuronal apoptosis, and oxidative stress and to further investigate the molecular mechanisms in AD. Methods In our study, we transfected control overexpression, lncRNA AL133415.1 overexpression, control siRNA, and lncRNA AL133415.1 siRNA into an SH-SY5Y-based AD cell model that was established using Aβ42 insult. We then measured cell viability and apoptosis using a CCK-8 assay and apoptosis marker expressions. Oxidative stress was assessed using a reactive oxygen species assay Kit and RT-qPCR was used to make observations. Total proteins were extracted and quantified using Western blot assays. We also determined the expression of Vimentin in each group. Results Transcriptome analysis revealed that vimentin (VIM) is a cis-target gene regulated by lncRNA AL133415.1. TargetScan database showed that VIM is a promising candidate target gene for miR-138-5p. In AD cell model, overexpression of lncRNA AL133415.1 inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis, while silencing lncRNA AL133415.1 had the opposite effect. Similarly, overexpression of lncRNA AL133415.1 inhibited Vimentin expression, while silencing lncRNA AL133415.1 promoted Vimentin expression. Overexpression of miR-138-5p also inhibited Vimentin expression, while inhibition of miR-138-5p expression promoted Vimentin expression. The levels of ROS were reduced in the lncRNA AL133415.1 silence group and increased in the lncRNA AL133415.1 overexpression group. Conversely, SOD levels were increased in the lncRNA AL133415.1 silence group and decreased in the lncRNA AL133415.1 overexpression group. Conclusion LncRNA AL133415.1 may interact with miR-138-5p to increase neuron cell death and reduce the expression of Vimentin in AD.

Background High mortality rates are prevalent among patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and effective therapeutic targets are key prognostic factors. Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) promotes NSCLC; however, its role as an RNA-binding protein in NSCLC remains unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to explore FSCN1 expression and function in A549 cells. Method We screened for alternative-splicing events and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after FSCN1 silence via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). FSCN1 immunoprecipitation followed by RNA-seq were used to identify target genes whose mRNA expression and pre-mRNA alternative-splicing levels might be influenced by FSCN1. Results Silencing FSCN1 in A549 cells affected malignant phenotypes; it inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis revealed 2,851 DEGs and 3,057 alternatively spliced genes. Gene ontology-based functional enrichment analysis showed that downregulated DEGs and alternatively splicing genes were enriched for the cell-cycle. FSCN1 promoted the alternative splicing of cell-cycle-related mRNAs involved in tumorigenesis (i.e., BCCIP, DLGAP5, PRC1, RECQL5, WTAP, and SGO1). Combined analysis of FSCN1 RNA-binding targets and RNA-seq data suggested that FSCN1 might affect ACTG1, KRT7, and PDE3A expression by modulating the pre-mRNA alternative-splicing levels of NME4, NCOR2, and EEF1D, that were bound to long non-coding RNA transcripts (RNASNHG20, NEAT1, NSD2, and FTH1), which were highly abundant. Overall, extensive transcriptome analysis of gene alternative splicing and expression levels was performed in cells transfected with FSCN1 short-interfering RNA. Our data provide global insights into the regulatory mechanisms associated with the roles of FSCN1 and its target genes in lung cancer.

BackgroundLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Human plasma contains lncRNAs that are present in the blood, and their disease-specific profile has been considered a potential biomarker in some diseases.MethodsThis study reports screening of the plasma levels of lncRNAs between Alzheimer disease(AD) (n = 45) and matched healthy controls (n = 45). The plasma samples of 5 AD patients and 5 matched healthy controls were randomly selected for expression levels of lncRNAs using the TruSeq RNA Sample Prep Kit (Illumina). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to study the potential of lncRNAs as biomarkers.ResultsThe differential expression profiles of plasma showed that 514 lncRNAs were upregulated, whereas 499 lncRNAs were downregulated.We found that the lncRNAs AL133415.1, AC020916.1, ENST00000654948, ASMTL-AS, AC005730.3, and AP001363.1 levels in the plasma of the AD patients were significantly lower compared to the control group (p1 = 0.0006, p2 < 0.001, p3 < 0.001, p4 = 0.039, p5 = 0.006, p6 < 0.001, respectively). ROC curve analysis revealed that the AUC of AL133415.1 was 0.635 (95% CI]: 0.507-0.763, p = 0.036), the AUC of ASMTL-AS1 was 0.658 (95% CI: 0.513-0.785, p = 0.015), the AUC of AC005730.3 was 0.627 (95%CI: 0.498-0.756, p = 0.049), and the AUC of AP001363.1 was 0.708 (95%CI: 0.595-0.822, p = 0.001).ConclusionThis study indicated that the plasma levels of the lncRNAs ASMTL-AS1, AP001363.1, AC005730.3, and AL133415.1 might be considered potential biomarkers for AD in the Chinese Population.

Background. Liver ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI) is characterized by inflammatory actions. Understanding the mechanistic insights underpinning inflammation is critical to developing treatment strategies. In this study, we illustrated the mechanistic insights of transcription factor Yin-Yang 1 (YY1)-mediated microRNA (miR)-181a-5p/estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1)/epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) axis in liver I/RI. Methods. First, we established liver I/RI models in mice and hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) cell models in mouse hepatocytes (AML12). Subsequently, the expression of YY1, miR-181a-5p, and ESR1 was determined in the 2 models. I/RI mouse models were further injected with lentivirus carrying oe-YY1' and H/R-exposed AML12 cells were subjected to a series of inhibitors, mimics, and shRNAs to validate the mechanisms of YY1 in controlling miR-181a-5p and ESR1 in liver I/RI. Results. Upregulated expression of miR-181a-5p and downregulated expression of YY1 were identified in the liver tissues of liver I/RI mice and H/R-exposed hepatocytes. Moreover, overexpression of YY1 inhibited the miR-181a-5p expression and thus repressed the H/R-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation. ESR1 was further validated as a target gene of miR-181a-5p and could be negatively regulated by miR-181a-5p. miR-181a-5p inhibition elevated ESR1 expression, which consequently enhanced the ERBB2 expression and reduced H/R-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusions. Overall, these findings highlighted that YY1 repressed the miR-181a-5p expression and stimulated ESR1-mediated activation of ERBB2, thereby ameliorating liver I/RI. This study provides insight into the development of novel targets for liver I/RI.

There are no significant differences in PI of bilateral index fingers, bilateral toes in patients with neurosis. However, unilateral upper and lower limbs showed lower PI in the toe than in the index finger. There is a significantly negatively correlation between PI and arterial blood lactic acid in all four limbs. PI can predict the metabolic disorder of microcirculation perfusion, and its cut-off value is 2.46.

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4, group A, member 1 (NR4A1) can aggravate ischaemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in the heart, kidney and brain. Thus, the present study aimed to unravel the role of NR4A1 on hepatic I/R injury. For this purpose, the mouse hepatic I/R model and H/R-exposed mouse hepatocytes model were established to stimulate the hepatic and hepatocellular damage. Then, the levels of ALT and AST as well as TNF-α and IL-1β expression were measured in the mouse serum and supernatant of hepatocyte s, respectively. Thereafter, we quantified the levels of NR4A1, CYR61, NF-kB p65 and TGFβ1 under pathological conditions, and their interactions were analysed using ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays. The in vivo and in vitro effects of NR4A1, CYR61, NF-kB p65 and TGFβ1 on I/R-induced hepatic and H/R-induced hepatocellular damage were evaluated using gain- and loss-of-function approaches. NR4A1 was up-regulated in the hepatic tissues of I/R-operated mice and in H/R-treated hepatocytes. Silencing NR4A1 relieved the I/R-induced hepatic injury, as supported by suppression of ALT and AST as well as TNF-α and IL-1β. Meanwhile, NR4A1 knockdown attenuated the H/R-induced hepatocellular damage by inhibiting the apoptosis of hepatocyte s. Moreover, we also found that NR4A1 up-regulated the expression of CYR61 which resulted in the activation of the NF-κB signalling pathway, thereby enhancing the transcription of TGFβ1, which was validated to be the mechanism underlying the contributory role of NR4A1 in hepatic I/R injury. Taken together, NR4A1 silencing reduced the expression of CYR61/NF-κB/TGFβ1, thereby relieving the hepatic I/R injury.

Liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common clinical pathological phenomenon, which is accompanied by the occurrence in liver transplantation. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet fully understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in liver I/R injury. Therefore, the study of miRNAs function will contribute a new biological marker diagnosis of liver I/R injury. This study aims to evaluate effects of miR-497-5p in liver I/R injury in mice. The related regulatory factors of miR-497-5p in liver I/R injury were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Vascular occlusion was performed to establish the liver I/R injury animal models. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) was performed to establish the in vitro models. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was conducted to assess liver injury. The inflammatory factors were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was adopted to assess the cell apoptosis. The expression of miR-497b-5p was increased in liver I/R injury. Knockdown of miR-497b-5p inhibited the production of inflammatory factors and cell apoptosis. Overexpression of mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) inhibited cell apoptosis to alleviate liver I/R injury. miR-497b-5p could activate the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway by inhibiting the MED1/TIMP-2 axis to promote liver I/R injury. This study may provide a new strategy for the treatment of liver I/R injury.

Background. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of end-stage renal failure. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to protect the kidney through antioxidant action. However, the underlying mechanism of GSPE protection against DN remains unclear.Objective. To explore if GSPE can improve DN by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant response element signalling and to clarify its possible mechanism.Materials and methods. Ten healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected as controls. Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals/group): type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) group (untreated), L-GSPE group (treated with 125-mg/kg/day GSPE for 8 weeks), and H-GSPE group (treated with 250 mg/kg/day GSPE for 8 weeks).Results. Renal histopathological results indicated limited pathological damage in GSPE-treated groups. Compared with the T2DM group, the H-GSPE group had significantly reduced kidney weight and renal index. Similarly, the levels of fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, urinary albumin, and renal malondialdehyde (p<0.05) were also significantly decreased. In addition, GSPE significantly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidative capability, and glutathione (p<0.05) as well as the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, glutathione S-transferase, and NAD (P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (p<0.05).Conclusion. The results indicate that GSPE reduced renal damage in rats with diabetes by activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway, which consequently increased the antioxidant capacity of the tissue. Therefore, GSPE is a potential natural agent for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.