Puerarin protects fibroblasts against mechanical stretching injury through Nrf2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway

Shuangshi Tonglin Capsule Improves Prostate Fibrosis through Nrf2/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathways

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shuangshi Tonglin Capsules (SSTL) in the treatment of prostate fibrosis (PF).

METHODS

Human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) were used for in vitro experiments to establish PF cell models induced with estradiol (E2). The cell proliferation, migration and clonogenic capacity were determined by cell counting kit-8, scratch assay, and crystal violet staining, respectively. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for in vivo experiments. The changes in histomorphology and organ index of rat prostate by SSTL were determined. Pathologic changes and collagen deposition changes in rat prostate were observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine changes in rat PF markers fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), E2 and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Mechanistically, changes in oxidative stress indicators by SSTL were determined in WPMY-1 cells and PF rats. Then the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway-related proteins as well as Nrf2 and TGF-β1 mRNA were further detected by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

In the efficacy study, SSTL significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and clonogenic ability of cells, improved the morphology of the glandular tissue, significantly reduced the prostate index, reduced glandular fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of FGF-23, E2 and PSA (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the mechanistic study, SSTL ameliorated oxidative stress by significantly increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and decreasing malondialdehyde level in WPMY-1 cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL significantly elevated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and Smad7 proteins in both cells and rats, and significantly decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin and Smad4 proteins (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL also elevated the content of Nrf2 mRNA and decreased the content of TGF-β1 mRNA in cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was added in in vitro experiments to further validate the pathway relevance.

CONCLUSION

SSTL was effective in improving PF in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action may function through the Nrf2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.

Progress of mesenchymal stem cells affecting extracellular matrix metabolism in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a prevalent pelvic floor dysfunction in women post-pregnancy. Currently, conservative treatment options have low success rates, while surgical interventions often result in multiple complications. The altered state of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a pivotal factor in the onset of various diseases and likely plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of SUI, particularly through changes in collagen and elastin levels. Recent advances in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy have shown considerable promise in treating SUI by modulating ECM remodeling, thereby enhancing the supportive tissues of the female pelvic floor. MSCs exhibit substantial potential in enhancing urethral sphincter function, modulating connective tissue architecture, and stimulating fibroblast activity. They play a pivotal role in the reconstruction and functional recovery of the ECM by influencing various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/SMAD, JAK/STAT, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT, and ERK/MAPK. We have reviewed the advancements in MSC-mediated ECM metabolism in SUI and, by integrating the functions of ECM in other diseases and how MSCs can ameliorate conditions through their impact on ECM metabolism, we have projected the future trajectory of SUI treatment development.

Cytokine modulation in pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence: from molecular insights to therapeutic targets

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence (UI) are common disorders that significantly impact women's quality of life. Studies have demonstrated that cytokines, including pro- and anti-inflammatory immune mediators, play a role in illness genesis and progression. Research on the inflammatory milieu of the pelvic floor has shown that POP patients have increased inflammation in vaginal tissues. This evidence revealed that significant changes in the inflammatory milieu of the pelvic floor are an aspect of the pathogenesis of POP. POP patients exhibit increased levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF, IFN, and others) in the front vaginal wall, which may alter collagen metabolism and contribute to POP. Studies indicate that cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10, and TGF, which are involved in inflammation, remodelling, and repair, have dual effects on POP and UI. They can promote tissue healing and regeneration but also exacerbate inflammation and fibrosis, contributing to the progression of these conditions. Understanding the dual roles of these cytokines could help us improve the vaginal microenvironment of women and treat POP and UI. Given the considerable changes in these cytokines, this review addresses studies published between 2000 and 2024 on the molecular mechanisms by which pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines affect women with POP and UI. Furthermore, we explain novel therapeutic strategies for cytokine regulation, emphasizing the possibility of personalized treatments that address the underlying inflammatory milieu of the vagina in POP and UI patients. This thorough analysis aims to establish a foundation for future research and clinical applications, ultimately improving patient outcomes via designed cytokine-based therapies.

CACNA1B protects naked mole-rat hippocampal neuron from apoptosis via altering the subcellular localization of Nrf2 after 60Co irradiation

Although radiotherapy is the most effective treatment modality for brain tumors, it always injures the central nervous system, leading to potential sequelae such as cognitive dysfunction. Radiation induces molecular, cellular, and functional changes in neuronal and glial cells. The hippocampus plays a critical role in learning and memory; therefore, concerns about radiation-induced injury are widespread. Multiple studies have focused on this complex problem, but the results have not been fully elucidated. Naked mole rat brains were irradiated with 60Co at a dose of 10 Gy. On 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days after irradiation, hippocampi in the control groups were obtained for next-generation sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently performed. Venn diagrams revealed 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that were common at different times after irradiation. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the 580 common DEGs were enriched in molecular transducer activity. In particular, CACNA1B mediated regulatory effects after irradiation. CACNA1B expression increased significantly after irradiation. Downregulation of CACNA1B led to a reduction in apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels in hippocampal neurons. This was due to the interaction between CACNA1B and Nrf2, which disturbed the normal nuclear localization of Nrf2. In addition, CACNA1B downregulation led to a decrease in the cognitive functions of naked mole rats. These findings reveal the pivotal role of CACNA1B in regulating radiation-induced brain injury and will lead to the development of a novel strategy to prevent brain injury after irradiation.

Advances in the molecular pathogenesis and cell therapy of stress urinary incontinence

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is very common in women. It affects patients' mental and physical health, and imposed huge socioeconomic pressure. The therapeutic effect of conservative treatment is limited, and depends heavily on patient persistence and compliance. Surgical treatment often brings procedure-related adverse complications and higher costs for patients. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the potential molecular mechanisms underlying stress urinary incontinence and develop new treatment methods. Although some progress has been made in the basic research in recent years, the specific molecular pathogenic mechanisms of SUI are still unclear. Here, we reviewed the published studies on the molecular mechanisms associated with nerves, urethral muscles, periurethral connective tissue and hormones in the pathogenesis of SUI. In addition, we provide an update on the recent progresses in research on the use of cell therapy for treating SUI, including research on stem cells therapy, exosome differentiation and gene regulation.