Genistein induces morphology change and G2/M cell cycle arrest by inducing p38 MAPK activation in macrophages

Dapagliflozin improves podocytes injury in diabetic nephropathy via regulating cholesterol balance through KLF5 targeting the ABCA1 signalling pathway

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the more prevalent microvascular complications in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, is attributed as the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Lipotoxicity in podocytes caused by hyperglycemia has been recognised as a significant pathology change, resulting in the deterioration of the glomerular filtration barrier. Research has demonstrated how dapagliflozin, a kind of SGLT2i, exhibits a multifaceted and powerful protective effect in DN, entirely independent of the hypoglycemic effect, with the specific mechanism verified. In this present study, we found that dapagliflozin has the potential to alleviate apoptosis and restore cytoskeleton triggered by high glucose (HG) in vivo and in vitro. We also discovered that dapagliflozin could mitigate podocyte cholesterol accumulation by restoring the expression of ABCA1, which is the key pathway for cholesterol outflows. This research also mechanistically demonstrates that the protective effect of dapagliflozin can be mediated by KLF-5, which is the upstream transcription factor of ABCA1. Taken together, our data suggest that dapagliflozin offers significant potential in alleviating podocyte injury and cholesterol accumulation triggered by high glucose. In terms of the mechanism, we herein reveal that dapagliflozin could accelerate cholesterol efflux by restoring the expression of ABCA1, which is directly regulated by KLF-5.

Genistein Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis in Human Cervical Cancer Cells through the Focal Adhesion Kinase Signaling Pathway: A Network Pharmacology-Based In Vitro Study in HeLa Cells

Previous studies have provided evidence that genistein exerts a therapeutic effect on different tumor cells. However, the mechanism of action of genistein against cervical cancer cells remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to comprehensively decipher the anti-metastatic effect and molecular mechanism of genistein action on cervical cancer cells. We developed an integrated strategy from genotype to phenotype, combining network pharmacology and a transcriptome screening approach, to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of genistein against human cervical cancer cells. In silico studies predicted that the focal adhesion pathway may be an important signaling cascade targeted by genistein treatment. Using RNA sequencing analysis, representative genes of the focal adhesion pathway were demonstrated to be significantly downregulated. Phenotypic studies revealed that genistein demonstrated strong anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic activity in HeLa cells. Moreover, genistein modulated this activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Genistein also inhibited both the activation and gene expression of FAK (Focal Adhesion Kinase) and paxillin. In addition, vimentin and β-catenin protein expression, and Snail and Twist gene expression, were strongly inhibited by genistein. Our findings provide strong evidence for a pleiotropic effect of genistein on cervical cancer cells, mediated through the focal adhesion pathway.

High Concentrations of Genistein Decrease Cell Viability Depending on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Colon Cancer Cell Lines

Genistein could play a crucial role in modulating three closely linked physiological processes altered during cancer: oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and inflammation. However, genistein’s role in colorectal cancer remains unclear. We aimed to determine genistein’s effects in two colon cancer cells: HT29 and SW620, primary and metastatic cancer cells, respectively. After genistein treatment for 48 h, cell viability and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production were studied. The cell cycle was studied by flow cytometry, mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively, and finally, cytoskeleton remodeling and NF-κB translocation were determined by confocal microscopy. Genistein 100 µM decreased cell viability and produced G₂/M arrest, increased H₂O₂, and produced filopodia in SW620 cells. In HT29 cells, genistein produced an increase of cell death, H₂O₂ production, and in the number of stress fibers. In HT29 cells, mitochondrial biogenesis was increased, however, in SW620 cells, it was decreased. Finally, the expression of inflammation-related genes increased in both cell lines, being greater in SW620 cells, where NF-κB translocation to the nucleus was higher. These results indicate that high concentrations of genistein could increase oxidative stress and inflammation in colon cancer cells and, ultimately, decrease cell viability.

UPLC-QToF Nanospray MS and NMR Analysis of Ficus sycomorus Stem Bark and Its Effects on Rabbit

In the present study, a phytochemical of Ficus sycomorus (Moraceae family) was screened, and the effect of this extract on rabbit performance indices, immunity, and carcass quality measures was determined. Ficus sycomorus samples were collected, air-dried, and extracted with 70% methanol to prepare a solution of 100 mg/mL concentration. The extract was subjected to high-resolution mass spectrometric measurements via ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-nanospray mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS) and 1H NMR analysis. Forty-eight male rabbits, one-month-old, belonging to the Blanc de Bouscat and New Zealand White breeds were selected and distributed equally in a 2 × 3 factorial trial. The rabbits within each breed received F. sycomorus extract at the dose of 0, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 60 days. Blood samples were collected and serum obtained for the detection of liver enzymes, serum lipids, and proteins. The results of UPLC-QToF-MS and molecular networking analysis revealed the presence of procyanidin B2, procyanidin A1, genistein, eriodyctiol, catechin, luteolin, biochanin A, and chlorogenic acid that might exhibit various pharmaceutical activities. However, the F. sycomorus extract reduced rabbit performance indices and carcass quality measures. In addition, this extract significantly depressed the low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, which may indicate the antidyslipidemia effect of this extract on rabbits.

Genistein Attenuates Isoflurane-Induced Neuroinflammation by Inhibiting TLR4-Mediated Microglial-Polarization in vivo and in vitro

Background

Isoflurane, a widely used anesthetic in surgery, has been found to induce neurotoxicity. In parallel, genistein is thought to attenuate isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity, although underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we studied the protective effects of genistein on isoflurane-induced neuroinflammation in rats and BV2 cells.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rat pups were exposed to 0.75% isoflurane for 6 hours at postnatal day 7 (P7), and genistein (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg/day) or saline administered from P3 to P15. Hippocampal single-cell suspensions were prepared and apoptosis analyzed by flow cytometry. mRNA expression was determined by RT-qPCR, while protein expression was assessed using Western blot, immunochemistry and immunofluorescence. TLR4 was knocked-out in BV2 cells through CRISPR-Cas9.

Results

Genistein treatment reduced isoflurane-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat hippocampus. Importantly, genistein promoted M2 and suppressed M1 microglia polarization in rat hippocampus after stimulation with isoflurane. In addition, genistein reduced isoflurane-induced protein expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p-TAK1, p-p38, p-ERK, p-IκBα and p-NF-κB in rat hippocampus. In BV2 cells exposed to isoflurane, genistein treatment decreased IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expressions, promoted M2 and suppressed M1 microglia polarization. Similarly, genistein also decreased TLR4 protein levels in isoflurane-induced BV2 cells. However, genistein did not affect CD16, iNOS, CD206 and Arg1 protein levels in TLR4-KO BV2 cells exposed to isoflurane.

Conclusion

Genistein attenuates isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity by inhibiting TLR4-mediated microglial inflammation in vivo and in vitro.

Genistein Modulated Lipid Metabolism, Hepatic PPARγ, and Adiponectin Expression in Bilateral Ovariectomized Rats with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of genistein on lipid accumulation and apoptosis in estrogen deficient rats with NASH. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 48) were divided into ovariectomized (OVX) and non-OVX groups. Each group was then sub-divided into 3 subgroups; control, NASH (rats fed with a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet), and NASH+Gen (rats fed with HFHF diet plus daily genistein at 16 mg/kg BW). Results showed that HFHF diet induced liver fat accumulation in both non-OVX and OVX rats, which was evidenced by hepatic steatosis on liver pathology and increased hepatic free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride levels. Hepatic fat accumulation was significantly more severe in NASH rats with OVX than non-OVX. Hepatocyte apoptosis was more severe in NASH groups compared with that in control groups. Genistein administration significantly improved histopathology of NASH in both non-OVX and OVX rats and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and hepatocyte apoptosis. Genistein also down-regulated PPARγ and up-regulated adiponectin expression. In summary, NASH could be worsened by estrogen deficiency, indicating the protective action of estrogen on NASH. Genistein administration alleviated hepatic steatosis and apoptosis through the down-regulation of PPARγ and up-regulation of adiponectin expression.

Multifunctional hybrid nanoconstructs facilitate intracellular localization of doxorubicin and genistein to enhance apoptotic and anti-angiogenic efficacy in breast adenocarcinoma

The progressive development of tumors leading to angiogenesis marks the advancement of cancer which requires specific targeted treatment preferably with combination chemotherapy.

A network pharmacology approach to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of effective ingredients from Salvia miltiorrhiza

Salvia miltiorrhiza, known as Danshen in Chinese, has been widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases in China. Tanshinone I (Tan I) and cryptotanshinone (CST) are the lipid-soluble and effective components from Salvia miltiorrhiza. However, the molecular mechanism of Tan I and CST for treating inflammation is still not known. Therefore, this study was designed to use network pharmacology-based strategy to predict therapeutic targets of Tan I and CST against inflammation, and further to investigate the pharmacological molecular mechanism in vitro. Inflammation targets were identified and followed by acquisition of verified targets of Tan I and CST. After constructing target-functional protein interaction network of Tan I and CST against inflammation, the core therapeutic targets of Tan I and CST against inflammation were obtained. Further, pathway enrichment analyses were performed on core therapeutic targets to evaluate key signaling pathways of Tan I and CST against inflammation. As revealed in network pharmacology analysis, 8 key hub targets for Tan I and CST against inflammation were identified, respectively: JUN, VEGFA, IL-6, TNF, MAPK8, CXCL8, and PTGS2 for Tan I, while STAT3, AKT1, CCND1, MAPK14, VEGFA, ESR1, MAPK8 and AR for CST. Pathway enrichment analysis by DAVID database indicated that Tan I and CST principally regulated the inflammation-associated pathway, such as TLR, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, focal adhesion, apoptosis, mTOR signaling pathway. In vitro, we found that both Tan I and CST exerts significantly effect on LPS stimulated NO secretion and iNOS expression in macrophages. Taken together, our data elucidate that anti-inflammatory pharmacological activities of Tan I and CST may be predominantly related to inhibition of TLR signaling pathway and regulating iNOS synthesis. These findings highlight the predicted therapeutic targets may be potential targets of Tan I and CST for anti-inflammation treatment.

Biochemistry and use of soybean isoflavones in functional food development

Soybeans and their food products exist in the market in various forms, ranging from crude oils and bean meals to nutritious products (e.g. soy milk powers). With the availability of technologies for mass production of soy products and for enrichment of soy components (e.g. phospholipids, saponins, isoflavones, oligosaccharides and edible fiber), the nutritional values of soy products have been enhanced remarkably, offering the potential for functional food development. Among different bioactive components in soybeans, one important component is isoflavones, which have been widely exploited for health implications. While there are studies supporting the health benefits of isoflavones, concerns on adverse effects have been raised in the literature. The objective of this article is to review the recent understanding of the biological activities, adverse effects, and use of isoflavones in functional food development.

Genotoxicity Evaluation of the Soybean Isoflavone Genistein in Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells. Study of Its Potential Use in Thyroid Cancer Therapy

Genistein is one of the several known isoflavonic phytoestrogens found in a number of plants, with soybeans and soy products being the primary food source. The aim of the study is to evaluate if genistein is able to exert antineoplastic action in primary human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cells. Thyroid tissues were treated with genistein (1-10-50-100 µM). Cell viability, proliferation, DNA primary damage and chromosomal damage were evaluated. An antiproliferative effect was induced by the highest doses of genistein, and such an effect was synergistically enhanced by the cotreatment with the antineoplastic drug sorafenib. Comet assay did not show any genotoxic effect in terms of primary DNA damage at all the times (4 and 24 h) and tested doses. A reduction of hydrogen peroxide-induced DNA primary damage in primary thyrocytes from PTC cells pretreated with genistein was observed. Data suggest that genistein exerts antineoplastic action, does not induce genotoxic effects while reduces oxidative-induced DNA damage in primary thyrocytes from PTC cells, supporting its possible use in therapeutic intervention.

Quercetin inhibits LPS-induced macrophage migration by suppressing the iNOS/FAK/paxillin pathway and modulating the cytoskeleton

The natural flavonoid quercetin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. We investigated the effect of quercetin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage migration. Quercetin significantly attenuated LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-derived nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells without affecting their viability. Additionally, quercetin altered the cell size and induced an elongated morphology and enlarged the vacuoles and concentrated nuclei. Quercetin significantly disrupted the F-actin cytoskeleton structure. Furthermore, quercetin strongly inhibited LPS-induced macrophage adhesion and migration in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, quercetin inhibited the LPS-induced expression of p-FAK, p-paxillin, FAK, and paxillin as well as the cytoskeletal adapter proteins vinculin and Tensin-2. Therefore, quercetin suppresses LPS-induced migration by inhibiting NO production, disrupting the F-actin cytoskeleton, and suppressing the FAK–paxillin pathway. Quercetin may thus have potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic inflammatory diseases.

Genistein induces macrophage polarization and systemic cytokine to ameliorate experimental colitis

Mucosal changes in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), two major forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are characterized by a prominent infiltration of inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, T cells and neutrophils. The precise etiology of IBD is unknown but it involves a complex interplay of factors associated with the immune system, environment, host genotype and enteric commensal bacteria. As there is no known safe cure for IBD, natural alternative therapeutic options without side effects are urgently needed. To this end, Soy-based foods, which have been eaten for centuries in Asian countries, have potential benefits, including lowering the incidence of coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, type-2 diabetes, allergic response, and autoimmune diseases. This study describes the effect of Soy isoflavons 4', 5, 7 Trihydroxyisoflavone (genistein) on dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) induced experimental colitis. The extent and severity of disease was analyzed through body weight, histopathological analysis, cellular immune response, systemic cytokine levels, and inflammation score using a disease activity index. Genistein treatment significantly attenuated DSS-induced colitis severity and resulted in increase in body weight, colon length and reduction in inflammation score. Genistein also skews M1 macrophages towards the M2 phenotype. Further, gen also reduced the systemic cytokine levels as compared to vehicle control. This serves as the first detailed study towards natural soya based product that shows the polarization of M1 towards M2 macrophages, and reduction of systemic cytokine in part to attenuate the colitis symptoms. Thus, our work demonstrates that genistein, a soya compound, may be useful for the treatment of IBD.

Genistein and AG1024 synergistically increase the radiosensitivity of prostate cancer cells

Radiosensitivity of prostate cancer (PCa) cells promotes the curative treatment for PCa. The present study was designed to investigate the synergistic effect of genistein and AG1024 on the radiosensitivity of PCa cells. The optimal X-irradiation dose (4 Gy) and genistein concentration (30 µM) were selected by using the CCK-8 assay. Before X-irradiation (4 Gy), PC3 and DU145 cells were treated with genistein (30 µM), AG1024 (10 µM) and their combination. All treatments significantly reduced cell proliferation and enhanced cell apoptosis. Using flow cytometric analysis, we found that genistein arrested the cell cycle at S phase and AG1024 arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase. Genistein treatment suppressed the homologous recombination (HRR) and the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) pathways by inhibiting the expression of Rad51 and Ku70, and AG1024 treatment only inhibited the NHEJ pathway via the inactivation of Ku70 as detected by western blot analysis. Moreover, the combination treatment with genistein and AG1024 more effectively radiosensitized PCa cells than single treatments by suppressing cell proliferation, enhancing cell apoptosis and inactivating the HRR and NHEJ pathways. In vivo experiments demonstrated that animals receiving the combination treatment with genistein and AG1024 displayed obviously decreased tumor volume compared with animals treated with single treatment with either genistein or AG1024. We conclude that the combination of genistein (30 µM) and AG1024 (10 µM) exhibited a synergistic effect on the radiosensitivity of PCa cells by suppressing the HRR and NHEJ pathways.

Dietary genistein supplementation for breeders and their offspring improves the growth performance and immune function of broilers

Genistein (GEN) is mainly extracted from soy plants and has potential functions as an antioxidant and in promoting immune function and growth. This study evaluated the effects of feeding breeders and their offspring dietary GEN on the immune function and growth performance of broiler chicks. Breeders were assigned to a control diet or GEN diet (control diet +400 mg/kg GEN), and their offspring were fed a control diet or GEN diet (control diet +40 mg/kg GEN). GEN treatment increased the body weight gain, tibial length, tibial width and slaughter performance of broilers and decreased the feed conversion ratio. The treatment also affected skeletal muscle myosin assembly and growth and increased growth hormone levels and IGF-I and IGFBP1 expression. Following GEN treatment, antigen processing and presentation, macrophage activation, B lymphocyte, NK cell and helper T cell proliferation, and CD4+ T lymphocyte differentiation all increased significantly. Increases were also observed in IgM and IgG concentrations, antibody titers, and antioxidant capacity. In addition, GEN treatment activated the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and MAPK cascade signaling pathway. In summary, dietary GEN supplementation for breeders and their offspring can improve the growth performance and immune function of broiler chicks.

The natural dietary genistein boosts bacteriophage-mediated cancer cell killing by improving phage-targeted tumor cell transduction

Gene therapy has long been regarded as a promising treatment for cancer. However, cancer gene therapy is still facing the challenge of targeting gene delivery vectors specifically to tumors when administered via clinically acceptable non-invasive systemic routes (i.e. intravenous). The bacteria virus, bacteriophage (phage), represents a new generation of promising vectors in systemic gene delivery since their targeting can be achieved through phage capsid display ligands, which enable them to home to specific tumor receptors without the need to ablate any native eukaryotic tropism. We have previously reported a tumor specific bacteriophage vector named adeno-associated virus/phage, or AAVP, in which gene expression is under a recombinant human rAAV2 virus genome targeted to tumors via a ligand-directed phage capsid. However, cancer gene therapy with this tumor-targeted vector achieved variable outcomes ranging from tumor regression to no effect in both experimental and natural preclinical models. Herein, we hypothesized that combining the natural dietary genistein, with proven anticancer activity, would improve bacteriophage anticancer safe therapy. We show that combination treatment with genistein and AAVP increased targeted cancer cell killing by AAVP carrying the gene for Herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) in 2D tissue cultures and 3D tumor spheroids. We found this increased tumor cell killing was associated with enhanced AAVP-mediated gene expression. Next, we established that genistein protects AAVP against proteasome degradation and enhances vector genome accumulation in the nucleus. Combination of genistein and phage-guided virotherapy is a safe and promising strategy that should be considered in anticancer therapy with AAVP.

Genistein inhibits the growth and regulates the migration and invasion abilities of melanoma cells via the FAK/paxillin and MAPK pathways

Genistein is one of the main components of soy-based foods, which are widely known for their many benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. In this study, we investigated the anti-metastasis effects of genistein on B16F10 melanoma cells. Our results showed that genistein strongly inhibited B16F10 cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in time- and concentration-dependent manners. Genistein altered the morphology of B16F10 cells to an elongated shape with slim pseudopodia-like protrusions. Moreover, genistein inhibited the invasion and migration abilities of B16F10 cells in a dose-dependent manner. On one hand, a high concentration of genistein (100 μM) significantly inhibited cell adhesion and migration, as shown by wound healing assays and transwell-migration and invasion assays. Furthermore, the expression levels of p-FAK, p-paxillin, tensin-2, vinculin, and α-actinin were decreased by genistein. As a result, genistein is believed to strongly downregulate the migration and invasion abilities of B16F10 cells via the FAK/paxillin pathway. Moreover, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK levels were also dramatically decreased by treatment with genistein. Finally, genistein significantly decreased the gene expression of FAK, paxillin, vimentin, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related transcription factor Snail, as shown by real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis. On the other hand, a lower concentration of genistein (12.5 μM) significantly promoted both invasion and migration by activating the FAK/paxillin and MAPK signaling cascades. Taken together, this study showed for the first time that genistein exerts dual functional effects on melanoma cells. Our findings suggest that genistein regulates the FAK/paxillin and MAPK signaling pathways in a highly concentration-dependent manner. Patients with melanoma should therefore be cautious of consuming soy-based foods in their diets.

HO-1 Is Essential for Tetrahydroxystilbene Glucoside Mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Anti-Inflammation Process in LPS-Treated RAW264.7 Macrophages

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an important monomer extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, can prevent a number of inflammation associated chronic diseases. However, the mechanism involved in TSG inducing anti-inflammatory role remains unclear. As an inducible antioxidant enzyme, Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), is crucial for protecting the mammalian cells against adverse stimuli. Here, we found that the TSG treatment strongly induces the expression of HO-1 in an NRF2-depended manner. Meanwhile, TSG increased the mitochondrial mass through upregulation of the mitochondrial biogenesis activators (PGC-1α, NRF1, and TFAM) as well as the mitochondrial complex IV. Furthermore, TSG attenuated Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mediated RAW264.7 cells activation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Zinc Protoporphyrin (ZnPP), a selective inhibitor of HO-1 activity, was able to attenuate TSG mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and anti-inflammatory process. Finally, we observed that LPS induced obvious mtDNA depletion and ATP deficiency, which indicated a severe damage of mitochondria. TSG restored the LPS induced mitochondrial dysfunction via activation of the mitochondrial biogenesis. ZnPP treatment markedly reversed the inhibitory effects of TSG on mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress in LPS stimulated macrophages. Taken together, these findings suggest that TSG enhances mitochondrial biogenesis and function mainly via activation the HO-1. TSG can be developed as a potential drug for treatment of inflammatory diseases.

GEN-27, a Newly Synthetic Isoflavonoid, Inhibits the Proliferation of Colon Cancer Cells in Inflammation Microenvironment by Suppressing NF-κB Pathway

Nonresolving inflammation is one of the consistent features of the tumor microenvironment in the intestine and plays a critical role in the initiation and development of colon cancer. Here we reported the inhibitory effects of GEN-27, a new derivative of genistein, on the inflammation-related colon cancer cell proliferation and delineated the mechanism of its action. The results indicated that GEN-27 inhibited the proliferation of human colon tumor HCT116 cells stimulated by culture supernatants of LPS-induced human monocytes THP-1 cells and significantly decreased LPS-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in THP-1 cells. The HCT116 cell proliferation elicited by THP-1-conditioned medium could be blocked by the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA). Further mechanistic study revealed that GEN-27 remarkably inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and phosphorylation of IκB and IKKα/β in both HCT116 and THP-1 cells. In addition, GEN-27 markedly suppressed the HCT116 cell proliferation stimulated by IL-1β treatment, which was dependent on the inhibition of NF-κB/p65 nuclear localization, as verified by p65 overexpression and BAY 11-7082, an NF-κB inhibitor. Taken together, our findings established that GEN-27 modulated NF-κB signaling pathway involved in inflammation-induced cancer cells proliferation and therefore could be a potential chemopreventive agent against inflammation-associated colon cancer.

Regulation of Candida albicans Interaction with Macrophages through the Activation of HOG Pathway by Genistein

The severity of infections caused by Candida albicans, the most common opportunistic human fungal pathogen, needs rapid and effective antifungal treatments. One of the effective ways is to control the virulence factors of the pathogen. Therefore, the current study examined the effects of genistein, a natural isoflavone present in soybeans, on C. albicans. The genistein-treated C. albicans cells were then exposed to macrophages. Although no inhibition effect on the growth rates of C. albicans was noted an enhancement of the immune response to macrophages has been observed, indicated by phagocytosis and release of cytokines TNF-α and IL-10. The effect of genistein on the enhanced phagocytosis can be mimicked by the fungicides fludioxonil or iprodione, which inhibit the histidine kinase Cos1p and lead to activation of HOG pathway. The western blot results showed a clear phosphorylation of Hog1p in the wild type strain of C. albicans after incubation with genistein. In addition, effects of genistein on the phosphorylation of Hog1p in the histidine kinase mutants Δcos1 and Δsln1 were also observed. Our results thus indicate a new bio-activity of genistein on C. albicans by activation of the HOG pathway of the human pathogen C. albicans.

The positive role of macrophage secretion stimulated by BCP ceramic in the ceramic-induced osteogenic differentiation of pre-osteoblasts via Smad-related signaling pathways

The present study demonstrated that material-mediated immune responses, particularly macrophage secretion might play a vital role in material-induced osteogenesis.

Effect of lentivirus-mediated survivin transfection on the morphology and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells derived from degenerative human disc in vitro

Lower back pain is a common concern, and 40% of all cases involve the degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD). However, the excessive apoptosis of disc cells plays an important role in IVD degeneration, particularly in the nucleus pulposus (NP). Thus, anti-apoptotic gene therapy to attenuate or reverse the degenerative process within the NP is being developed. Survivin is a unique inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) and has been extensively investigated in cancer cells. However, little is known of the effects of survivin transfection on NP cells derived from degenerative human disc. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of lentivirus (LV)-mediated survivin transfection on the morphology and apoptosis of NP cells derived from degenerative human disc in vitro. NP cells were transfected with LV-mediated survivin. Subsequently, cell morphology was observed and the survivin mRNA expression levels were measured by RT-qPCR. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry and by measuring caspase-3 activity. The results revealed that the morphology of the NP cells derived from degenerative human disc transfected with LV-mediated survivin was significantly altered as evidenced by cytomorphosis, the reduction of the cytoplasm and cell shrinkage. Following transfection, survivin gene expression significantly increased in the transfected cells and subsequent generation cells; however, no significant differences in the cell apoptotic rate and caspase-3 activity were observed. We found that transfection of the survivin gene into NP cells led to the stable expression of survivin and induced marked changes in cell morphology. Furthermore, no significant anti-apoptotic effects were observed following LV-mediated survivin transfection. Overall, our findings demonstrate that LV carrying surviving may be used to successfully enforce the expression of survivin in NP cells. However, cell morphology was evidently altered, whereas the apoptotic rate did not decrease. Comprehensive studies on the feasibility of using survivin in gene therapy in an aim to attenuate disc degeneration are warranted. Further research on the mechanisms responsible for the changes in cell morphology and cell function are also required.

Complement receptor C5aR1/CD88 and dipeptidyl peptidase-4/CD26 define distinct hematopoietic lineages of dendritic cells

Differential display of the integrins CD103 and CD11b are widely used to distinguish two major dendritic cell (DC) subsets in nonlymphoid tissues. CD103(+) DCs arise from FLT3-dependent DC precursors (preDCs), whereas CD11b(hi) DCs can arise either from preDCs or FLT3-independent monocytes. Functional characterization of these two lineages of CD11b(hi) DCs has been hindered by the lack of a widely applicable method to distinguish between them. We performed gene expression analysis of fractionated lung DCs from C57BL/6 mice and found that monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), including CD11b(hi)Ly-6C(lo) tissue-resident and CD11b(hi)Ly-6C(hi) inflammatory moDCs, express the complement 5a receptor 1/CD88, whereas preDC-derived conventional DCs (cDCs), including CD103(+) and CD11b(hi) cDCs, express dipeptidyl peptidase-4/CD26. Flow cytometric analysis of multiple organs, including the kidney, liver, lung, lymph nodes, small intestine, and spleen, confirmed that reciprocal display of CD88 and CD26 can reliably distinguish FLT3-independent moDCs from FLT3-dependent cDCs in C57BL/6 mice. Similar results were obtained when DCs from BALB/c mice were analyzed. Using this novel approach to study DCs in mediastinal lymph nodes, we observed that most blood-derived lymph node-resident DCs, as well as tissue-derived migratory DCs, are cDCs. Furthermore, cDCs, but not moDCs, stimulated naive T cell proliferation. We anticipate that the use of Abs against CD88 and CD26 to distinguish moDCs and cDCs in multiple organs and mouse strains will facilitate studies aimed at assigning specific functions to distinct DC lineages in immune responses.

HDAC6 deacetylase activity is critical for lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of macrophages

Activated macrophages play an important role in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and aberrant activation of macrophages often leads to inflammatory and immune disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms of how macrophages are activated are not fully understood. In this study, we identify a novel role for histone deacetylse 6 (HDAC6) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage activation. Our data show that suppression of HDAC6 activity significantly restrains LPS-induced activation of macrophages and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Further study reveals that the regulation of macrophage activation by HDAC6 is independent of F-actin polymerization and filopodium formation; instead, it is mediated by the effects of HDAC6 on cell adhesion and microtubule acetylation. These data thus suggest that HDAC6 is an important regulator of LPS-induced macrophage activation and might be a potential target for the management of inflammatory disorders.