Ginkgetin aglycone ameliorates LPS-induced acute kidney injury by activating SIRT1 via inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway (Publication with Expression of Concern. See vol. 12, 2022)

Background: Ginkgetin aglycone (GA), a novel Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) by acid hydrolysis and recrystallization, is characterized by higher liposolubility and antioxidation than classical GBEs. There is no study depicting the functional role of GA in acute kidney injury (AKI). Here, we firstly reported the protective effect of GA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI and its underlying mechanism. Methods: ELISA analysis was applied to measure plasma level of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and NF-kappa B activity in kidney homogenate. Renal function analysis was performed by detecting serum concentration of Kim-1 and urine level of BUN. Cell apoptosis in kidney tissues was detected by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 activity assay. qRT-PCR was conducted to determine mRNA expression of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and I kappa B alpha. Western blot was carried out to confirm expression of p-I kappa B alpha, SIRT1, and iNOS. Results: GA administration protected mice from LPS-induced AKI by attenuating inflammatory response, renal injury, as well as tubular apoptosis both in vivo. GA suppressed inflammatory response induced by LPS in HK-2 cells. Moreover, GA upregulated SIRT1 expression and blocked the NF-kappa B signaling pathway in LPS-induced AKT in vivo and vitro. Furthermore, suppression of SIRT1 abated the inhibitory effect of GA on LPS-induced inflammatory response and renal injury. Conclusions: GA prevented LPS-induced AKI by activating SIRT1 via inhibiting the NF-kappa B signaling pathway, providing new insights into the function and molecular mechanism of GA in AKI. Therefore, GA may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of septic AKI.