IGF-Binding Protein 7 and Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Fibrosis

作者：Shuai-shuai Xie, Rui Hou, Li Gao, Qin Yang, Xing Li, Ze-hui Dong, Yuhang Dong, Shaopeng Li, Wen‐xian Ma, Yingying Gao, Long Xu, Chao Li, Ying Chen, Ju-tao Yu, Jia-nan Wang, Ming-Lu Ji, Ruo-bing He, Xiao-Guo Suo, Ming-Ming Liu, Juan Jin, Jiagen Wen, Chen Yang, Xiao‐Ming Meng · 发表于：Journal of the American Society of Nephrology · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1681/asn.0000000698 · 被引用次数：7 · 研究领域：Birth, Development, and Health、Biomedical Research and Pathophysiology、Liver physiology and pathology

Key Points IGF-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) expression was elevated in kidney and liver tissues of mice subjected to chronic cadmium exposure. IGFBP7 deficiency protected against cadmium-induced hepatorenal dysfunction and fibrosis. Inhibition of the IGFBP7/ α -enolase/H3K18la axis may be a potential therapeutic intervention for cadmium-induced hepatorenal fibrosis. Background Chronic cadmium exposure can induce the onset and progression of hepatorenal fibrosis; however, its molecular basis is unclear. IGF-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is not only a biomarker of AKI but also plays a functional role in promoting kidney injury and inflammation. Abnormal repair of AKI causes kidney fibrosis and CKD. IGFBP7 has also been reported as a more sensitive biomarker for liver fibrosis. However, its role in hepatorenal fibrosis requires further investigation. Methods IGFBP7 global and conditional knockout mice were used to determine the role of IGFBP7 in cadmium-induced hepatorenal fibrosis. Then, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, truncated mutants, coimmunoprecipitation, and microscale thermophoresis were used to unravel the downstream mechanisms. Results IGFBP7 expression was significantly elevated in kidney and liver tissues of mice subjected to chronic cadmium exposure. IGFBP7 deficiency attenuated cadmium-induced hepatorenal dysfunction and fibrosis, whereas restoration of IGFBP7 expression in IGFBP7-deficient mice reproduced hepatorenal fibrosis. Mechanistically, IGFBP7 interacte...