OGG1-driven pathogenesis in Kawasaki disease: Identification and pharmacological regulation of a molecular marker validated in transgenic mice and clinical models

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis affecting children and leads to severe coronary artery complications, such as aneurysms. The cause of KD remains elusive, with infections suspected as potential triggers. Diagnosis is largely dependent on clinical symptoms due to the lack of specific laboratory molecular markers. This study investigates the potential of Ogg1, a gene involved in DNA repair and inflammatory processes, as both a molecular marker and a pharmacological target for KD. Utilizing bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques, the study examined OGG1's role in KD. Clinical validation involved total RNA sequencing of blood samples from KD patients and healthy controls, with differential gene expression analyzed. Further validation included qPCR on samples from KD patients pre- and post-treatment. Molecular docking explored interactions and identified regulators of OGG1. The study highlighted that Kushenol C (KC), a prenylated flavonoid from Sophora flavescens, regulates OGG1. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) confirmed KC's interaction with OGG1. In an acute Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE)-induced KD model, KC reduced inflammation and prevented coronary artery complications in wild-type mice. Combining KC with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) enhanced anti-inflammatory in vivo effects. Moreover, KC's efficacy was reduced in Ogg1-knockout mice, highlighting OGG1's dual role as a molecular target and marker. These findings suggest that OGG1 could be a promising pharmacological target for KD. The identification of KC as an OGG1 regulator presents a novel therapeutic strategy that could potentially mitigate vascular complications associated with KD, opening avenues for further targeted KD therapy development.