Abstract

Oxybaphus himalaicus Edgew. is a traditional Tibetan medicinal plant used to treat nephritis and edema; however, its active constituents and the molecular mechanisms underlying its renoprotective properties remain poorly elucidated. This study investigated the pharmacological activity and mechanism of Boeravinone A (BA), a major constituent of O. himalaicus, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). A mouse model of LPS-induced AKI and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects of BA in vivo and in vitro. Activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) was performed to identify potential molecular targets, followed by validation using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assays. The functional role of the identified target was further examined using shRNA-mediated knockdown and virtual knockout analysis. BA dose-dependently attenuate LPS-induced renal injury and reduced inflammatory responses. Phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) was identified as a direct target of BA. Mechanistically, BA activated the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1–nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1–Nrf2) pathway through PGK1, enhanced the expression of antioxidant enzymes such as Nqo1, and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β and IL-6. Virtual knockout of PGK1 in macrophages further supported its regulatory role in this pathway. These findings suggest that BA exerts renoprotective effects by targeting PGK1 and activating the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, thereby reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study provides a pharmacological basis for the traditional use of O. himalaicus and supports BA as a potential candidate for mechanism-based intervention in AKI.

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