Activating the interleukin-6-Gp130-STAT3 pathway ameliorates ventricular electrical stability in myocardial infarction rats by modulating neurotransmitters in the paraventricular nucleus

[Mechanisms by Which Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus Participates in the Acupuncture Treatment of Diseases]

In recent years, a growing body of research has demonstrated that acupuncture can be used to effectively treat a diverse range of diseases, including functional gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, as well as anxiety and depression, through the modulation of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN). Acupuncture may exert its therapeutic effect either by modulating specific neurons within the PVN, such as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons, or by regulating the release of hormones, such as oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (VP), and the activity of neural circuits associated with the PVN. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which PVN is involved in acupuncture treatment, including its regulatory mechanisms in gastrointestinal diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and negative emotions and pain. Future research should be conducted to further explore the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture regulates PVN to treat diseases, focusing on clarifying the specific processes of signaling pathway transduction, and exploring the specific effects of acupunture of different acupoint combinations and stimulation frequencies and intensity on PVN.

Serum untargeted metabolomics analysis of mice after myocardial infarction affected by qiliqiangxin capsule

Qiliqiangxin (QLQX) capsule consists of 11 herbs, namely Huang qi (astragalus membranaceus), Ren shen (ginseng), Fu zi (radix aconiti carmichaeli), Dan shen (salvia miltiorrhiza), Ting li zi (lepidium seed), Ze xie (rhizoma alismatis), Yu zhu (radix polygonati officinalis), Gui zhi (cassia twig), Hong hua (carthamus tinctorious), Xiang jia Pi (cortex periplocae), Chen Pi (pericarpium citri reticulatae), and it is a standardized commercial formula designed to address yang deficiency and to restore the balance of qi in the heart. QLQX is also known to invigorate the blood and promote the circulation of the blood and to promote the use of fluids to relieve water retention and edema, and can be used in cardiovascular diseases such as mild to moderate congestive heart failure resulting from coronary artery disease and hypertension. The further research on the effect of QLQX on cardiac function in mice after myocardial infarction was manipulated. QLQX was given to mice in myocardial infarction model by gavage with appropriate dosage and the samples were analyzed at the end of the animal experiments through the UHPLC-Q-Exactive LC-MS. The liquid mass spectrometry was used to collect and followed by further analysis of the corresponding metabolites and metabolic pathways using metabolomics analysis. As a result, 9 differential metabolites were identified, with 15 being up-regulated and 4 down-regulated following intervention with QLQX. Then the metabolic pathways by KEGG enrichment pathway bubble diagram was analyzed, and 4 metabolic pathways were obtained, and combined with the metabolites that had been screened and analyzed together, finally the two differential metabolites, 2,5-Dihydroxybenzenesulfonic Acid and o-Cresol sulfate were found. The Glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was closely related to the remaining seven differential metabolites, and the pathway might be an important pathway related to the effects of QLQX on cardiac function in mice.

Ironing Out the Mechanism of gp130 Signaling

gp130 functions as a shared signal-transducing subunit not only for interleukin (IL)-6 but also for eight other human cytokine receptor complexes. The IL-6 signaling pathway mediated through gp130 encompasses classical, trans, or cluster signaling, intricately regulated by a diverse array of modulators affecting IL-6, its receptor, and gp130. Currently, only a limited number of small molecule antagonists and agonists for gp130 are known. This review aims to comprehensively examine the current knowledge of these modulators and provide insights into their pharmacological properties, particularly in the context of cancer and other diseases. Notably, the prominent gp130 modulators SC144, bazedoxifene, and raloxifene are discussed in detail, with a specific focus on the discovery of SC144's iron-chelating properties. This adds a new dimension to the understanding of its pharmacological effects and therapeutic potential in conditions where iron homeostasis is significant. Our bioinformatic analysis of gp130 and genes related to iron homeostasis reveals insightful correlations, implicating the role of iron in the gp130 signaling pathway. Overall, this review contributes to the evolving understanding of gp130 modulation and its potential therapeutic applications in various disease contexts. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This perspective provides a timely and comprehensive analysis of advancements in gp130 signaling research, emphasizing the therapeutic implications of the currently available modulators. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrates potential interplay between gp130 and genes that regulate iron homeostasis, suggesting new therapeutic avenues. By combining original research findings with a broader discussion of gp130's therapeutic potential, this perspective significantly contributes to the field.

Uncovering potential differentially expressed miRNAs and targeted mRNAs in myocardial infarction based on integrating analysis

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death globally. The aim of the present study was to find valuable microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) and target mRNAs in order to contribute to our understanding of the pathology of MI. miRNA and mRNA data were downloaded for differential expression analysis. Then, a regulatory network between miRNAs and mRNAs was established, followed by function annotation of target mRNAs. Thirdly, prognosis and diagnostic analysis of differentially methylated target mRNAs were performed. Finally, an in vitro experiment was used to validate the expression of selected miRNAs and target mRNAs. A total of 19 differentially expressed miRNAs and 1,007 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Several regulatory interaction pairs between miRNA and mRNAs were identified, such as hsa-miR-142-2p-long-chain-fatty-acid-CoA ligase 1 (ACSL1), hsa-miR-15a-3p-nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), hsa-miR-33b-5p-regulator of G-protein signaling 2 (RGS2), hsa-miR-17-3p-Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2), hsa-miR-24-1-5p-aquaporin-9 (AQP9) and hsa-miR-34a-5p-STAT1/AKT3. Of note, it was demonstrated that ACSL1, NAMPT, RGS2, JDP2, AQP9, STAT1 and AKT3 had diagnostic and prognostic values for patients with MI. In addition, STAT1 was involved in the ‘chemokine signaling pathway’ and ‘Jak-STAT signaling pathway’. AKT3 was involved in both the ‘MAPK signaling pathway’ and ‘T cell receptor signaling pathway’. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR validation of hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-15a-3p, hsa-miR-33b-5p, ACSL1, NAMPT, RGS2 and JDP2 expression was consistent with the bioinformatics analysis. In conclusion, the identified miRNAs and mRNAs may be involved in the pathology of MI.

Structural Understanding of Interleukin 6 Family Cytokine Signaling and Targeted Therapies: Focus on Interleukin 11

Cytokines are small signaling proteins that have central roles in inflammation and cell survival. In the half-century since the discovery of the first cytokines, the interferons, over fifty cytokines have been identified. Amongst these is interleukin (IL)-6, the first and prototypical member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, nearly all of which utilize the common signaling receptor, gp130. In the last decade, there have been numerous advances in our understanding of the structural mechanisms of IL-6 family signaling, particularly for IL-6 itself. However, our understanding of the detailed structural mechanisms underlying signaling by most IL-6 family members remains limited. With the emergence of new roles for IL-6 family cytokines in disease and, in particular, roles of IL-11 in cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cancer, there is an emerging need to develop therapeutics that can progress to clinical use. Here we outline our current knowledge of the structural mechanism of signaling by the IL-6 family of cytokines. We discuss how this knowledge allows us to understand the mechanism of action of currently available inhibitors targeting IL-6 family cytokine signaling, and most importantly how it allows for improved opportunities to pharmacologically disrupt cytokine signaling. We focus specifically on the need to develop and understand inhibitors that disrupt IL-11 signaling.