Isoliquiritigenin alleviated the Ang II-induced hypertensive renal injury through suppressing inflammation cytokines and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via Nrf2 and NF-κB pathways

Highlights: • ISL reversed Ang II-induced inhibition of cell survival, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in HK-2 cells. • Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress was involved in the regulation of Ang II-induced apoptosis by ISL. • ISL inhibited Ang II-induced NF-κB signaling activation and inflammatory cytokines release. • ISL inhibited Ang II-induced excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Hypertensive renal injury plays important role in the pathogenesis of end-stage nephropathy and the need for dialysis. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a natural compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, the protective effects of ISL on Angiotensin II (Ang II)- induced apoptosis, inflammation and extracellular matrix production in HK-2 cells were observed and its mechanisms were elucidated.