The Pathophysiological Mechanism of Beni-koji Choleste-Help or Puberulic Acid-Induced Kidney Injury.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

In March 2024, kidney injury caused by some specific red yeast rice supplements was reported in Japan. By November 2024, 2628 people had visited medical facilities, making it a social problem. Many patients still show decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate. Puberulic acid was reported to be present in Beni-koji Choleste-Help toxic lots. However, the pathophysiology is not yet clarified. Here, we discovered that mitochondrial dysfunction in renal proximal tubular epithelial cells is associated with, and may contribute to, nephrotoxicity.

Methods

To assess the effects of Beni-koji Choleste-Help toxic lots and puberulic acid, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), extracellular flux analysis, and other assays across multiple models, including human kidney b

SUBMITTER: Sekiguchi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12925403 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature