Icariside II inhibits ferroptosis and improves high-glucose-induced podocytes injury by downregulating DNMT1

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a critical complication of diabetes mellitus. Icariside II, a bioactive compound from epimedium, is known for its anti-hyperglycemic properties, but its mechanism in DN remains unclear. Our study aimed to explore Icariside II's protective effects against high-glucose (HG) induced podocytes injury using an in vitro model. We assessed cell viability and proliferation using the CCK8 assay after treating cells with Icariside II. qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to measure the mRNA and protein expressions of DNMT1, α-SMA, fibronectin and Collagen IV. Molecular docking studies were performed using DNMT1's 3D structure from the Protein Data Bank. DNMT1 overexpression levels were quantified via qRT-PCR and western blot. Immunofluorescence staining and ELISA assays evaluated TGF-β1, inflammatory cytokines, respectively. GSH, MDA, and intracellular Fe²⁺ were measured using biochemical assay kits and FerroOrange probes, respectively. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein expressions of GPX4, SLC7A11, ACSL4 and TFR1. Results showed Icariside II inhibits HG induced proliferation, inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in MPC-5 cells. Besides, Icariside II also reduced inflammation, ECM accumulation and Ferroptosis by downregulating DNMT1. However, the intervention treatment with Ferrostatin-1 could effectively counteract this effect. Icariside II mitigated HG-induced inflammation and ECM accumulation by down-regulating DNMT1 and Ferroptosis.

DNMT1; Diabetic nephropathy; Ferroptosis; Icariside II; Podocyte.