Malate dehydrogenase‐2 inhibition shields renal tubular epithelial cells from anoxia‐reoxygenation injury by reducing reactive oxygen species

Abstract Ischemia‐reperfusion (I‐R) injury is the most common cause of acute kidney injury. In experiments involving primary human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTECs) exposed to anoxia‐reoxygenation, we explored the hypothesis that mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase‐2 (MDH‐2) inhibition redirects malate metabolism from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm, towards the malate‐pyruvate cycle and reversed malate‐aspartate shuttle. Colorimetry, fluorometry, and western blotting showed that MDH2 inhibition accelerates the malate‐pyruvate cycle enhancing cytoplasmic NADPH, thereby regenerating the potent antioxidant reduced glutathione. It also reversed the malate‐aspartate shuttle and potentially diminished mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by transferring electrons, in the form of NADH, from the mitochondria to the cytoplasm. The excessive ROS production induced by anoxia‐reoxygenation led to DNA damage and protein modification, triggering DNA damage and unfolded protein response, ultimately resulting in apoptosis and senescence. Additionally, ROS induced lipid peroxidation, which may contribute to the process of ferroptosis. Inhibiting MDH‐2 proved effective in mitigating ROS overproduction during anoxia‐reoxygenation, thereby rescuing RPTECs from death or senescence. Thus, targeting MDH‐2 holds promise as a pharmaceutical strategy against I‐R injury.