Chrysin Ameliorates Cyclosporine-A-Induced Renal Fibrosis by Inhibiting TGF-β1-Induced Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a nephrotoxicant that causes fibrosis via induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). The flavonoid chrysin has been reported to have anti-fibrotic activity and inhibit signaling pathways that are activated during EMT. This study investigated the nephroprotective role of chrysin in the prevention of CsA-induced renal fibrosis and elucidated a mechanism of inhibition against CsA-induced EMT in proximal tubule cells. Treatment with chrysin prevented CsA-induced renal dysfunction in Sprague Dawley rats measured by blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and creatinine clearance. Chrysin inhibited CsA-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis, characterized by reduced tubular damage and collagen deposition. In vitro, chrysin significantly inhibited EMT in LLC-PK1 cells, evidenced by inhibition of cell migration, decreased collagen expression, reduced presence of mesenchymal markers and elevated epithelial junction proteins. Furthermore, chrysin co-treatment diminished CsA-induced TGF-β1 signaling pathways, decreasing Smad 3 phosphorylation which lead to a subsequent reduction in Snail expression. Chrysin also inhibited activation of the Akt/ GSK-3β pathway. Inhibition of both pathways diminished the cytosolic accumulation of β-catenin, a known trigger for EMT. In conclusion, flavonoids such as chrysin offer protection against CsA-induced renal dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis. Chrysin was shown to inhibit CsA-induced TGF-β1-dependent EMT in proximal tubule cells by modulation of Smad-dependent and independent signaling pathways.