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Huang W, Zhou P, Zou X, Liu Y, Zhou L, Zhang Y. Emodin ameliorates myocardial fibrosis in mice by inactivating the ROS/PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Clin Exp Hypertens 2024; 46:2326022. [PMID: 38507311 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2024.2326022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emodin is a traditional medicine that has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. Previous research has indicated that emodin can alleviate myocardial remodeling and inhibit myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which emodin affects myocardial fibrosis (MF) has not yet been elucidated. METHODS Fibroblasts were treated with ANGII, and a mouse model of MF was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Cell proliferation was examined by a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Dihydroethidium (DHE) was used to measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and Masson and Sirius red staining were used to examine changes in collagen fiber levels. PI3K was over-expressed by lentiviral transfection to verify the effect of emodin on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Changes in cardiac function in each group were examined by echocardiography. RESULTS Emodin significantly inhibited fibroblast proliferation, decreased intracellular ROS levels, significantly upregulated collagen II expression, downregulated α-SMA expression, and inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation in vitro. Moreover, the in vivo results were consistent with the in vitro. Emodin significantly decreased ROS levels in heart tissue and reduced collagen fibrillogenesis. Emodin could regulate the activity of PI3K to increase the expression of collagen II and downregulate α-SMA expression in part through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and emodin significantly improved cardiac structure and function in mice. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that emodin targeted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to inhibit the development of myocardial fibrosis and may be an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Peiting Zhou
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Xinyun Zou
- Department of Oncology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Yunchuan Liu
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Longfu Zhou
- Department of biomedical engineer, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, P.R.China
| | - Yaolei Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, P.R.China
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Wang Y, Guan WX, Zhou Y, Zhang XY, Zhao HJ. Red ginseng polysaccharide promotes ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells by inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway through down-regulation of AQP3. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2284849. [PMID: 38051132 PMCID: PMC10761076 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2284849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the effect of red ginseng polysaccharide (RGP) on gastric cancer (GC) development and explore its mechanism. METHODS GC cell lines AGS were treated with varying concentrations of RGP (50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). AGS cells treated with 200 μg/mL RGP were transfected with aquaporin 3 (AQP3) overexpression vector. Cell proliferation, viability, and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of AQP3. The levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured using their respective detection kits, and the reactive oxygen species levels was determined by probe 2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. The expression of ferroptosis-related protein and PI3K/Akt pathway-related protein were assessed by western blot. In vivo experiments in nude mice were performed and the mice were divided into four groups (n = 5/group) which gavage administrated with 150 mg/kg normal saline, and 75, 150, 300 mg/kg RGP, respectively. Their tumor weight and volume were recorded. RESULTS RGP treatment effectively inhibited the proliferation and viability of AGS cells in a dosage-dependent manner and induced apoptosis. It induced ferroptosis in AGS cells, as well as inhibiting the expression of PI3K/Akt-related proteins. AQP3 overexpression could reversed the effect of RGP treatment on ferroptosis. Confirmatory in vivo experiments showed that RGP could reduce the growth of implanted tumor, with increased RGP concentration resulting in greater tumor inhibitory effects. CONCLUSION RGP might have therapeutic potential against GC, effectively inhibiting the proliferation and viability of AGS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Wen-Xian Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Hai-Jian Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
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Ma D, Liu S, Liu K, Kong L, Xiao L, Xin Q, Jiang C, Wu J. MDFI promotes the proliferation and tolerance to chemotherapy of colorectal cancer cells by binding ITGB4/LAMB3 to activate the AKT signaling pathway. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2314324. [PMID: 38375821 PMCID: PMC10880501 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2314324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal cancers. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have enabled the systematic study of CRC. In our research, the activation of the AKT pathway in CRC was analyzed by KEGG using single-cell sequencing data from the GSE144735 dataset. The correlation and PPIs of MDFI and ITGB4/LAMB3 were examined. The results were verified in the TCGA and CCLE and further tested by coimmunoprecipitation experiments. The effect of MDFI on the AKT pathway via ITGB4/LAMB3 was validated by knockdown and lentiviral overexpression experiments. The effect of MDFI on oxaliplatin/fluorouracil sensitivity was probed by colony formation assay and CCK8 assay. We discovered that MDFI was positively associated with ITGB4/LAMB3. In addition, MDFI was negatively associated with oxaliplatin/fluorouracil sensitivity. MDFI upregulated the AKT pathway by directly interacting with LAMB3 and ITGB4 in CRC cells, and enhanced the proliferation of CRC cells via the AKT pathway. Finally, MDFI reduced the sensitivity of CRC cells to oxaliplatin and fluorouracil. In conclusion, MDFI promotes the proliferation and tolerance to chemotherapy of colorectal cancer cells, partially through the activation of the AKT signaling pathway by the binding to ITGB4/LAMB3. Our findings provide a possible molecular target for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuwen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingkai Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingjun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qilei Xin
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chunping Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Junhua Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, National Institute of Healthcare Data Science at Nanjing University, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Shounuo City Light West Block, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
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Zhang W, Liu Y, Zhou J, Qiu T, Xie H, Pu Z. Chicoric acid advanced PAQR3 ubiquitination to ameliorate ferroptosis in diabetes nephropathy through the relieving of the interaction between PAQR3 and P110α pathway. Clin Exp Hypertens 2024; 46:2326021. [PMID: 38525833 DOI: 10.1080/10641963.2024.2326021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the impact of CA on DN and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms of inflammation. METHODS We fed C57BL/6 mice injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes. In addition, we stimulated NRK-52E cells with 20 mmol/L d-glucose to mimic the diabetic condition. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that CA effectively reduced blood glucose levels, and improved DN in mice models. Additionally, CA reduced kidney injury and inflammation in both mice models and in vitro models. CA decreased high glucose-induced ferroptosis of NRK-52E cells by inducing GSH/GPX4 axis. Conversely, the ferroptosis activator or the PI3K inhibitor reversed positive effects of CA on DN in both mice and in vitro models. CA suppressed PAQR3 expression in DN models to promote PI3K/AKT activity. The PAQR3 activator reduced the positive effects of CA on DN in vitro models. Moreover, CA directly targeted the PAQR3 protein to enhance the ubiquitination of the PAQR3 protein. CONCLUSION Overall, our study has uncovered that CA promotes the ubiquitination of PAQR3, leading to the attenuation of ferroptosis in DN. This effect is achieved through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways by disrupting the interaction between PAQR3 and the P110α pathway. These findings highlight the potential of CA as a viable therapeutic option for the prevention of DN and other forms of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P. R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Blood Purification Center, Wannan Medical College Affiliated Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Zhou
- Blood Purification Center, Wannan Medical College Affiliated Yijishan Hospital, Wuhu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Qiu
- Department of Urology Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Haitang Xie
- Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui People's Republic of China
| | - Zhichen Pu
- Drug Clinical Evaluation, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Basic and Clinical Transformation, Wuhu, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Zhang T, Liu L, Huang X, Gao X, Huan X, He C, Li Y. The rapid change of shear rate gradient is beneficial to platelet activation. Platelets 2024; 35:2288679. [PMID: 38099316 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2023.2288679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Fluid shear plays a key role in hemostasis and thrombosis, and the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of shear gradient change rate (SGCR) on platelet reactivity and von Willebrand factor (vWF) activity and its mechanism. In this study, we developed a set of microfluidic chips capable of generating different shear gradients and simulated the shear rate distribution in the flow field by COMSOL Multiphysics software. Molecular markers of platelet activation (P-selectin, activated GPIIb/IIIa, phosphatidylserine exposure, and monocyte-platelet aggregate formation) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Platelet aggregation induced by shear gradient was studied by a microfluidic experimental platform, and plasma vWF ristocetin cofactor (vWF: RCO) activity was investigated by flow cytometry. The expression of p-Akt was studied by Western blotting. The results showed that the faster the SGCR, the higher the expression of platelet p-Akt, and the stronger the platelet reactivity and vWF activity. This indicates that fluid shear stress can activate platelets and vWF in a shear gradient-dependent manner through the PI3K/AKT signal pathway, and the faster the SGCR, the more significant the activation effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancong Zhang
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojing Huang
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuemei Gao
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuanrong Huan
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cui He
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Central Laboratory of Yong-Chuan Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Wang J, He X, Jia Z, Yan A, Xiao K, Liu S, Hou M, Long Y, Ding X. Shenqi Fuzheng injection restores the sensitivity to gefitinib in non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting the IL-22/STAT3/AKT pathway. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:33-41. [PMID: 38100532 PMCID: PMC10732196 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2292266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Gefitinib is a first-line treatment for NSCLC. However, its effectiveness is hindered by the development of drug resistance. At present, Shenqi Fuzheng injection (SFI) is widely accepted as an adjuvant therapy in NSCLC. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the molecular mechanism of SFI when combined with gefitinib in regulating cell progression among EGFR-TKI-resistant NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established gefitinib-resistant PC9-GR cells by exposing gefitinib escalation from 10 nM with the indicated concentrations of SFI in PC9 cells (1, 4, and 8 mg/mL). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to assess gene expression. PC9/GR and H1975 cells were treated with 50 ng/mL of interleukin (IL)-22 alone or in combination with 10 mg/mL of SFI. STAT3, p-STAT3, AKT, and p-AKT expression were evaluated using Western blot. The effects on cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and apoptosis in NSCLC cells were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), colony formation and flow cytometry assays. RESULTS SFI treatment alleviated the development of gefitinib resistance in NSCLC. PC9/GR and H1975 cells treated with SFI significantly exhibited a reduction in IL-22 protein and mRNA overexpression levels. SFI effectively counteracted the activation of the STAT3/AKT signaling pathway induced by adding exogenous IL-22 to PC9/GR and H1975 cells. Moreover, IL-22 combined with gefitinib markedly increased cell viability while reducing apoptosis. In contrast, combining SFI with gefitinib and the concurrent treatment of SFI with gefitinib and IL-22 demonstrated the opposite effect. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION SFI can be a valuable therapeutic option to address gefitinib resistance in NSCLC by suppressing the IL-22/STAT3/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Wang
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianhai He
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhirong Jia
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Aiwen Yan
- Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Jiangsu Food Science College, Huanan, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuo Liu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengjun Hou
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaling Long
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xuansheng Ding
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Precision Medicine Laboratory, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Liu J, Li SM, Tang YJ, Cao JL, Hou WS, Wang AQ, Wang C, Jin CH. Jaceosidin induces apoptosis and inhibits migration in AGS gastric cancer cells by regulating ROS-mediated signaling pathways. Redox Rep 2024; 29:2313366. [PMID: 38318818 PMCID: PMC10854459 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2024.2313366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Jaceosidin (JAC) is a natural flavonoid with anti-oxidant and other pharmacological activities; however, its anti-cancer mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the mechanism of action of JAC in gastric cancer cells. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays showed that JAC effectively killed multiple gastric cancer cells and induced apoptosis in human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS cells via the mitochondrial pathway. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that its activity was linked to reactive oxygen species (ROS), AKT, and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, JAC accumulated ROS to up-regulate p-JNK, p-p38, and IκB-α protein expressions and down-regulate the p-ERK, p-STAT3, and NF-κB protein expressions. Cell cycle assay results showed that JAC accumulated ROS to up-regulate p21 and p27 protein expressions and down-regulate p-AKT, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E protein expressions to induce G0/G1 phase arrest. Cell migration assay results showed JAC accumulated ROS to down-regulate Wnt-3a, p-GSK-3β, N-cadherin, and β-catenin protein expressions and up-regulate E-cadherin protein expression to inhibit migration. Furthermore, N-acetyl cysteine pre-treatment prevented the change of these protein expressions. In summary, JAC induced apoptosis and G0/G1 phase arrest and inhibited migration through ROS-mediated signaling pathways in AGS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu-Mei Li
- Hemodialysis Center, Daqing Oilfield General Hospital, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan-Jun Tang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing-Long Cao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Shuang Hou
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - An-Qi Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chang Wang
- College of Science, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Hao Jin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
- National Coarse Cereals Engineering Research Center, Daqing, People’s Republic of China
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Luo S, Huang X, Li S, Chen Y, Zhang X, Zeng X. Homogeneous Polyporus polysaccharide exerts anti-bladder cancer effects via autophagy induction. Pharm Biol 2024; 62:214-221. [PMID: 38353262 PMCID: PMC10868468 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2024.2316195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polyporus polysaccharide (PPS), the leading bioactive ingredient extracted from Polyporus umbellatus (Pers.) Fr. (Polyporaceae), has been demonstrated to exert anti-bladder cancer and immunomodulatory functions in macrophages. OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of homogeneous Polyporus polysaccharide (HPP) on the proliferation and autophagy of bladder cancer cells co-cultured with macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS MB49 bladder cancer cells and RAW264.7 macrophages were co-cultured with or without HPP intervention (50, 100, or 200 μg/mL) for 24 h. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and 5-ethynyl-2″-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining evaluated MB49 cell proliferation. Monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observed autophagosomes. Western blotting detected the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins. RESULTS HPP inhibited the proliferation of MB49 cells co-cultured with RAW264.7 cells but not MB49 cells alone. HPP altered the expression of autophagy-related proteins and promoted the formation of autophagosomes in MB49 cells in the co-culture system. Autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) not only antagonized HPP-induced autophagy but also attenuated the inhibitory effects of HPP on MB49 cell proliferation in the co-culture system. HPP or RAW264.7 alone was not sufficient to induce autophagy in MB49 cells. In addition, HPP suppressed the protein expression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in MB49 cells in the co-culture system. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS HPP induced bladder cancer cell autophagy by regulating macrophages in the co-culture system, resulting in the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was involved in HPP-induced autophagy in the co-culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwan Luo
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Huang
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shiqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuwen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing Zeng
- The Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Ni Y, Zhang H, Xian Q, Qin W, Su H, Wang L, Li J. RfxCas13d-mediated inhibition of Circ1647 alleviates renal fibrosis via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Ren Fail 2024; 46:2331612. [PMID: 38527916 PMCID: PMC10964833 DOI: 10.1080/0886022x.2024.2331612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (CircRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aimed to investigate the role of Circ1647 in renal fibrosis, which is a hallmark of CKD. METHODS In this study, we established a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model and delivered Circ1647 RfxCas13d knockdown plasmid into renal parenchymal cells via retrograde injection through the ureter followed by electroporation. After that, the pathological changes were determined by Hematoxylin and Eosin. Meanwhile, Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to assess the degree of fibrosis. In addition, overexpressing of Circ1647 in renal tubular epithelial cells (TCMK1) was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Circ1647. RESULTS Our results displayed that electroporation-mediated knockdown of Circ1647 by RfxCas13d knockdown plasmid significantly inhibited renal fibrosis in UUO mice as evidenced by reduced expression of fibronectin and α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin). Conversely, overexpression of Circ1647 in TCMK1 cells promoted the fibrosis. In terms of mechanism, Circ1647 may mediate the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway as demonstrated by the balance of the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in vivo and the aggravated phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT in vitro. These observations were corroborated by the effects of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, which mitigated fibrosis post Circ1647 overexpression. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that Circ1647 plays a significant role in renal fibrosis by mediating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. RfxCas13d-mediated inhibition of Circ1647 may serve as a therapeutic target for renal fibrosis in CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Ni
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongmin Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qianwen Xian
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjie Qin
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongwei Su
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Li Wang
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianchun Li
- Research Center of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Elagawany M, Abdel Ghany LMA, Ibrahim TS, Alharbi AS, Abdel-Aziz MS, El-labbad EM, Ryad N. Development of certain benzylidene coumarin derivatives as anti-prostate cancer agents targeting EGFR and PI3Kβ kinases. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2311157. [PMID: 38348846 PMCID: PMC10866054 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2311157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel coumarin derivatives were synthesised and tested for their cytotoxicity against human cancer cells (PC-3 and MDA-MB-231). Compounds 5, 4b, and 4a possessed potent cytotoxic activity against PC-3 cells with IC50 3.56, 8.99, and 10.22 µM, respectively. Compound 4c displayed cytotoxicity more than erlotinib in the MDA-MB-231 cells with IC50 8.5 µM. Moreover, compound 5 exhibited potent inhibitory activity on EFGR with IC50 0.1812 µM, as well as PI3Kβ inhibitory activity that was twofold higher than LY294002, suggesting that this compound has a dual EGFR and PI3Kβ inhibiting activity. Docking aligns with the in vitro results and sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying dual targeting. Furthermore, compound 5 decreased AKT and m-TOR expression in PC-3 cells, showing that it specifically targets these cells via the EGFR/PI3K/Akt/m-TOR signalling pathway. Simultaneously, compound 5 caused cell cycle arrest at S phase and induced activation of both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Elagawany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Buhaira, Egypt
| | - Lina M. A. Abdel Ghany
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tarek S. Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrhman S. Alharbi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts, Shaqra University, Sajir, Shaqra, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. Abdel-Aziz
- Microbial Chemistry Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman M. El-labbad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Ryad
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of October City, Giza, Egypt
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Mao Y, Su C, Yang H, Ma X, Zhao F, Qu B, Yang Y, Hou X, Zhao B, Cui Y. PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling pathway regulates MMP9 gene activation via transcription factor NF-κB in mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows. Anim Biotechnol 2024; 35:2314100. [PMID: 38343377 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2024.2314100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) plays a pivotal role in mammary ductal morphogenesis, angiogenesis and glandular tissue architecture remodeling. However, the molecular mechanism of MMP9 expression in mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of MMP9 expression. In this study, to determine whether the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1/NF-κB signalling pathway participates in the regulation of MMP9 expression, we treated mammary epithelial cells with specific pharmacological inhibitors of PI3K (LY294002), mTORC1 (Rapamycin) or NF-κB (Celastrol), respectively. Western blotting results indicated that LY294002, Rapamycin and Celastrol markedly decreased MMP9 expression and P65 nuclear translocation. Furthermore, we found that NF-κB (P65) overexpression resulted in elevated expression of MMP9 protein and activation of MMP9 promoter. In addition, we observed that Celastrol markedly decreases P65-overexpression-induced MMP9 promoter activity. Moreover, the results of the promoter assay indicated that the core regulation sequence for MMP9 promoter activation may be located at -420 ∼ -80 bp downstream from the transcription start site. These observations indicated that the PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 signalling pathway is involved in MMP9 expression by regulating MMP9 promoter activity via NF-κB in the mammary epithelial cells of dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Mao
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Chen Su
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Huilin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xiaocong Ma
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Bo Qu
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Xiaoming Hou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetics Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Bing Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
| | - Yingjun Cui
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Science of Education Ministry, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, PR China
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Qiao J, Liu S, Huang Y, Zhu X, Xue C, Wang Y, Xiong H, Yao J. Glycolysis-non-canonical glutamine dual-metabolism regulation nanodrug enhanced the phototherapy effect for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 665:477-490. [PMID: 38429120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.02.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Clinical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treatment is severely limited by lack of effective KRAS suppression strategies. To address this dilemma, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive and PDAC-targeted nanodrug named Z/B-PLS was constructed to confront KRAS through dual-blockade of its downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK for enhanced PDAC treatment. Specifically, photosensitizer zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 (BEZ) were co-loaded into PLS which was constructed by click chemistry conjugating MEK inhibitor selumetinib (SEL) to low molecular weight heparin with ROS-responsive oxalate bond. The BEZ and SEL blocked PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RAF/MEK/ERK respectively to remodel glycolysis and non-canonical glutamine metabolism. ZnPc mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) could enhance drug release through ROS generation, further facilitating KRAS downstream dual-blockade to create treatment-promoting drug delivery-therapeutic positive feedback. Benefiting from this broad metabolic modulation cascade, the metabolic symbiosis between normoxic and hypoxic tumor cells was also cut off simultaneously and effective tumor vascular normalization effects could be achieved. As a result, PDT was dramatically promoted through glycolysis-non-canonical glutamine dual-metabolism regulation, achieving complete elimination of tumors in vivo. Above all, this study achieved effective multidimensional metabolic modulation based on integrated smart nanodrug delivery, helping overcome the therapeutic challenges posed by KRAS mutations of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Qiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Shuhui Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yanfeng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Chenyang Xue
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China
| | - Hui Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
| | - Jing Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, PR China.
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Li S, Zhu Z, Chen Z, Guo Z, Wang Y, Li X, Ma K. Network pharmacology-based investigation of the effects of Shenqi Fuzheng injection on glioma proliferation and migration via the SRC/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118128. [PMID: 38561056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In the clinic, Shenqi Fuzheng Injection (SFI) is used as an adjuvant for cancer chemotherapy. However, the molecular mechanism is unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY We screened potential targets of SFI action on gliomas by network pharmacology and performed experiments to validate possible molecular mechanisms against gliomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS We consulted relevant reports on the SFI and glioma incidence from PubMed and Web of Science and focused on the mechanism through which the SFI inhibits glioma. According to the literature, two primary SFI components-Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge-have been found. All plant names have been sourced from "The Plant List" (www.theplantlist.org). The cell lines U87, T98G and GL261 were used in this study. The inhibitory effects of SFI on glioma cells U87 and T98G were detected by CCK-8 assay, EdU, plate cloning assay, scratch assay, Transwell assay, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and Western blot. A subcutaneous tumor model of C57BL/6 mice was constructed using GL261 cells, and the SFI was evaluated by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. The targets of glioma and the SFI were screened using network pharmacology. RESULTS A total of 110 targets were enriched, and a total of 26 major active components in the SFI were investigated. There were a total of 3,343 targets for gliomas, of which 79 targets were shared between the SFI and glioma tissues. SFI successfully prevented proliferation and caused cellular S-phase blockage in U87 and T98G cells, thus decreasing their growth. Furthermore, SFI suppressed cell migration by downregulating EMT marker expression. According to the results of the in vivo tests, the SFI dramatically decreased the development of tumors in a transplanted tumour model. Network pharmacological studies revealed that the SRC/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be the pathway through which SFI exerts its anti-glioma effects. CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that the SRC/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway may be involved in the mechanism through which SFI inhibits the proliferation and migration of glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| | - Zhenglin Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| | - Zhijian Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| | - Zhenli Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China.
| | - Xinzhi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832000, China.
| | - Ketao Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, Shihezi, 832002, China; Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, 832000, China.
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Ma KT, Wu YJ, Yang YX, Wu T, Chen C, Peng F, Du JR, Peng C. A novel phthalein component ameliorates neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction by suppressing the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in rats with vascular dementia. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 328:118117. [PMID: 38548120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Chuanxiong, a plant of the Umbelliferae family, is a genuine medicinal herb from Sichuan Province. Phthalides are one of its main active components and exhibit good protective effect against cerebrovascular diseases. However, the mechanism by which phthalides exert neuroprotective effects is still largely unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY In this study, we extracted a phthalein component (named as QBT) from Ligusticum Chuanxiong, and investigated its neuroprotective effects against vascular dementia (VaD) rats and the underlying mechanism, focusing on the chemokine 12 (CXCL12)/chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) axis. METHODS A rat model of VaD was established, and treated with QBT. Cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats was assessed using the Y-maze, new object recognition, and Morris water maze tests. Neuronal damage and inflammatory response in VaD rats were examined through Nissl staining, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunospecific assay, and western blotting analysis. Furthermore, the effects of QBT on CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream signaling pathways, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), were investigated in VaD rats and BV2 microglial cells exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation. RESULTS QBT significantly alleviated cognitive dysfunction and neuronal damage in VaD rats, along with inhibition of VaD-induced over-activation of microglia and astrocytes and inflammatory response. Moreover, QBT exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis and its downstream JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways, thereby attenuating the neuroinflammatory response both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSION QBT effectively mitigated neuronal damage and cognitive dysfunction in VaD rats, exerting neuroprotective effects by suppressing neuroinflammatory response through inhibition of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Ting Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yi-Jin Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu-Xin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chu Chen
- Laboratory of Quality and Innovation Research of Chinese Materia Medica, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun-Rong Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Jia W, Lin X, Chen X, Li H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Wang B, Chen X, Chen J, Tian H. Rujifang inhibits triple-negative breast cancer growth via the PI3K/AKT pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:118011. [PMID: 38467320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rujifang (RJF) constitutes a traditional Chinese medicinal compound extensively employed in the management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, information regarding its potential active ingredients, antitumor effects, safety, and mechanism of action remains unreported. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the efficacy and safety of RJF in the context of TNBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We employed the ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray four-pole time-of-flight mass spectrometry technique (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS) to scrutinize the chemical constituents of RJF. Subcutaneously transplanted tumor models were utilized to assess the impact of RJF on TNBC in vivo. Thirty female BLAB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: the model group, cyclophosphamide group, and RJF high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups. A total of 1 × 106 4T1 cells were subcutaneously injected into the right shoulder of mice, and they were administered treatments for a span of 28 days. We conducted evaluations on blood parameters, encompassing white blood cell count (WBC), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), platelet count (PLT), neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, as well as hepatorenal indicators including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), albumin, and creatinine (CRE) to gauge the safety of RJF. Ki67 and TUNEL were detected via immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, respectively. We prepared RJF drug-containing serum for TNBC cell lines and assessed the in vitro inhibitory effect of RJF on tumor cell growth through the CCK8 assay and cell cycle analysis. RT-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression of cyclin-dependent kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors in tumor tissues, and Western blot was carried out to ascertain the expression of cyclin and pathway-related proteins. RESULTS 100 compounds were identified in RJF, which consisted of 3 flavonoids, 24 glycosides, 18 alkaloids, 3 amino acids, 8 phenylpropanoids, 6 terpenes, 20 organic acids, and 18 other compounds. In animal experiments, both CTX and RJF exhibited substantial antitumor effects. RJF led to an increase in the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood, with no significant impact on other hematological indices. In contrast, CTX reduced red blood cell count, hemoglobin levels, and white blood cell count, while increasing platelet count. RJF exhibited no discernible influence on hepatorenal function, whereas Cyclophosphamide (CTX) decreased ALP, GOT, and GPT levels. Both CTX and RJF reduced the expression of Ki67 and heightened the occurrence of apoptosis in tumor tissue. RJF drug-containing serum hindered the viability of 4T1 and MD-MBA-231 cells in a time and concentration-dependent manner. In cell cycle experiments, RJF diminished the proportion of G2 phase cells and arrested the cell cycle at the S phase. RT-PCR analysis indicated that RJF down-regulated the mRNA expression of CDK2 and CDK4, while up-regulating that of P21 and P27 in tumor tissue. The trends in CDKs and CDKIs protein expression mirrored those of mRNA expression. Moreover, the PI3K/AKT pathway displayed downregulation in the tumor tissue of mice treated with RJF. CONCLUSION RJF demonstrates effectiveness and safety in the context of TNBC. It exerts anti-tumor effects by arresting the cell cycle at the S phase through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Jia
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuan Lin
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuezhang Chen
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingru Zhang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuzhuo Zhang
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinsong Chen
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Xikang Chen
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China
| | - Ju Chen
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
| | - Huaqin Tian
- The Eighth Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528000, Guangdong, China.
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Mu X, Ma ZB, Chen H, Liang R, Li Z, Guo XX, Xu TR, Xiang C. Therapeutic potential of CB 1R activation by Qingyangshen glycoside M1 for seizure relief. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117982. [PMID: 38423411 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid.PI.Wilson, commonly referred as ''Qingyangshen'' (QYS), is a traditional folk medicine from Yunnan, renowned for its efficacy in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Glycosides isolated from QYS have shown promise in alleviating epilepsy, however, mechanisms of action and specific molecular targets remain to be elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY The study aimed to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of Qingyangshen glycosides M1 (M1), a C21 steroidal glycoside from QYS, on pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions in zebrafish (Danio rerio), and its neuroprotective effect on Glutamate (Glu)-induced damage to PC12 cells, and importantly to identify its potential molecular targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS To evaluate anticonvulsant activity of M1, 7 days-post-fertilization (7-dpf) animals were pretreated (by immersion) and then exposed to PTZ (10 mM) solution. Furthermore, Glu-induced PC12 cell damage was employed to investigate the neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic capacity. Cells were pretreated with various concentrations of M1 (0-10 μM) for 12 h and then co-treated with Glu (15 mM) for an additional 24 h. The cell viability, apoptosis rate and apoptosis-related proteins (p-PI3K, PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, CREB, p-CREB, BDNF, Bax and Bcl-2) were measured using CCK-8, annexin V/PI and Western blot assays. To model the expected interaction between M1 and candidate cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R), ERK phosphorylation, molecular docking, and drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) techniques were employed. Finally, CB1R antagonist Rimonabant (Rim) was validated by co-administration in both zebrafish and cells to confirm the requirement of CB1R for M1 efficacy. RESULTS At a concentration of 400 μM, M1 dramatically reversed PTZ-induced convulsive-like behaviors in zebrafish, as evidenced by a significant reduction in locomotor activity. In the context of Glu-induced cytotoxicity, M1 (10 μM) demonstrated a notable increase in cell viability and suppressed apoptosis through modulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and activation of the PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling axis. These effects were facilitated through CB1R activation. In contrast, Rim dampened the beneficial activities of M1 as a cannabinoid agonist. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that M1 as a potential CB1R activator, exhibiting anticonvulsive effects in a PTZ-induced zebrafish model and neuroprotective properties via the PI3K/Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling axis in a Glu-induced PC12 cell injury model. Notably, the observed seizure relief attenuated by CB1R chemical antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Mu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Zhao-Bin Ma
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Rui Liang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Zhao Li
- Laboratory Animal Center, Yunnan University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Xiao-Xi Guo
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China
| | - Tian-Rui Xu
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China.
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, PR China.
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Liu Y, Han Y, Liu Y, Huang C, Feng W, Cui H, Li M. Xanthoceras sorbifolium leaves alleviate hyperuricemic nephropathy by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to regulate uric acid transport. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117946. [PMID: 38447615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In China, Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge was first documented as "Wen Guan Hua" in the "Jiu Huang Ben Cao" in 1406 A.D. According to the "National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine," X. sorbifolium leaves are sweet and flat in nature and can dispel wind and dampness, suggesting that their extract can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. X. sorbifolium Bunge has also been used to treat arteriosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, chronic hepatitis, and rheumatism, complications associated with hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), a condition characterized by kidney damage resulting from high levels of uric acid (UA) in the blood. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of a 70% ethanol extract from X. sorbifolium leaves (EX) in alleviating HN. MATERIALS AND METHODS A mouse model of hyperuricemia was established to initially evaluate the hypouricemic effects and determine the effective dose of EX. Phytochemical analyses were conducted using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The potential key pathways of EX in the alleviation of HN were inferred using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. An HN rat model was then established, and experiments including biomarker detection, western blotting, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical and Masson's trichrome staining, and transmission electron microscopy were conducted to evaluate the effect of EX on UA transporter expression in vitro. RESULTS Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analyses revealed that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway was the key pathway for the alleviation of HN progression by EX. EX treatment reduced serum biomarkers in HN rats, downregulated the expression of p-PI3K, p-AKT, glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9), urate transporter 1 (URAT1), Collagen I, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9, and upregulated the expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) to improve renal interstitial fibrosis in HN rats. A high content of both quercitrin and cynaroside were identified in EX; their administration inhibited the increased expression of GLUT9 and URAT1 in damaged HK-2 cells. CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence that EX alleviates HN. The potential mechanism underlying this effect may be the regulation of UA transporters, such as GLUT9 and URAT1, by limiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to improve renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchao Liu
- Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, China
| | - Yunqi Han
- Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010020, China
| | - Yuquan Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, 010020, China
| | | | - Wanze Feng
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China
| | - Hongwei Cui
- Peking University Cancer Hospital (Inner Mongolia Campus)/Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010020, China.
| | - Minhui Li
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, 014040, China; Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, 161006, China; Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Hohhot, 010020, China; Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou, 014040, China.
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Xu LT, Wang T, Han QT, Xu ZP, Wen XS, Wang XN, Shen T. Integrated network pharmacology and pharmacological investigations to explore the potential mechanism of Ding-Chuan-Tang against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:117983. [PMID: 38432578 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ding-Chuan-Tang (Abbreviated as DCT) is frequently prescribed for treatment of respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterized by coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential mechanism of DCT has not been investigated. AIM OF STUDY The aim of the study is to explore the efficiency of DCT in the treatment of COPD in vivo and in vitro, and to illustrate the possible mechanism against COPD. METHODS COPD model was induced by exposure of mice to cigarette smoke (CS) for 16 weeks. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunofluorescence assay, Western blot, etc., were used to explore the efficiency and mechanisms of DCT. Network pharmacology analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, etc., was performed to explore the potential targets in the treatment of DCT on COPD. RESULTS DCT significantly alleviated pulmonary pathological changes in mouse COPD model, and inhibited inflammatory response induced by CS and LPS in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that DCT alleviated COPD via inhibiting inflammation by regulating PI3K-AKT pathway. In cell-based models, DCT suppressed the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, which further regulated its downstream targets Nrf2 and NF-κB, and inhibited inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS DCT effectively attenuated COPD in the mouse model induced by CS. The therapeutic mechanism of DCT against COPD was closely associated with the regulation of PI3K-AKT pathway and its downstream transcription factors, Nrf2 and NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Tao Xu
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qing-Tong Han
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Zhen-Peng Xu
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xue-Sen Wen
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Wang
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Shen
- Key Lab of Chemical Biology (MOE), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Kang WC, Lee YS, Park K, Kong CH, Jeon M, Kim MS, Jung SY, Choi JH, Ryu JH. Paeonol alleviates postmenopause-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms through the modulation of GPR30 in ovariectomized mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 327:118063. [PMID: 38493906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Moutan cortex (MC), the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Anderws (Paeoniaceae), has been historically employed in traditional herbal medicine for addressing women's ailments by replenishing kidney Yin. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to explore if paeonol, an active constituent of MC, could ameliorate neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments, associated with post-menopausal syndrome (PMS) in an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experimental design comprised 6 groups, including a sham group, OVX group, paeonol administration groups (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg, p.o.), and an estradiol (E2)-treated positive control group. Behavioral tests including the open field, novel object recognition, Y-maze, elevated plus-maze, splash, and forced swimming tests were conducted. In addition, we investigated the effets of paeonol on the phosphorylated levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), as well as on the expression levels of G protein-coupled receptor (GPR30) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS Paeonol treatment (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) effectively reversed the cognitive decline in OVX mice, measured by the novel object recognition and Y-maze tests, similar to that in the positive control group. Additionally, it alleviated anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, as evaluated by the elevated plus-maze test, splash test, and forced swimming test. Paeonol restored GPR30 expression levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, mirroring the effects of E2 administration. Furthermore, it reversed the reduced expression levels of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus and increased BDNF expression in the hippocampus of OVX mice. CONCLUSION This research suggests that paeonol would be beneficial for alleviating PMS-associated cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Chang Kang
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Seung Lee
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Keontae Park
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hyeon Kong
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijin Jeon
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Seo Kim
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Yun Jung
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hye Choi
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Qin H, Yu M, Han N, Zhu M, Li X, Zhou J. Antidepressant effects of esketamine via the BDNF/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice with postpartum depression and their offspring. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 132:110992. [PMID: 38484929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health problem that can negatively affect future generations. BDNF/AKT/mTOR signaling in the frontal lobe and hippocampus in mice is associated with depression, but its role in mice with PPD and their offspring is unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of esketamine (ESK), a drug approved for treatment of refractory depression, on the BDNF/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice with PPD and their offspring. A model of chronic unpredictable mild stress with pregnancy was used. ESK was injected into postpartum mice, and behavioral tests were conducted to predict the severity of symptoms at the end of lactation and in the offspring after adulthood. Both mice with PPD and their offspring showed significant anxiety- and depression-like behaviors that were ameliorated with the ESK intervention. ESK enhanced exploratory behavior in unfamiliar environments, increased the preference for sucrose, and ameliorated the impaired BDNF/AKT/mTOR signaling in the frontal and hippocampal regions in mice. Thus, ESK may have great potential in treating PPD and decreasing the incidence of depression in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Science Experiment Center, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Nianjiao Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meilin Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Wang Y, Li HT, Liu G, Jiang CS, Ni YH, Zeng JH, Lin X, Wang QY, Li DZ, Wang W, Zeng XP. COMP promotes pancreatic fibrosis by activating pancreatic stellate cells through CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathways. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111135. [PMID: 38479555 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic fibrosis is one of the most important pathological features of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are the key cells of fibrosis. As an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoprotein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) is critical for collagen assembly and ECM stability and recent studies showed that COMP exert promoting fibrosis effect in the skin, lungs and liver. However, the role of COMP in activation of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the role and specific mechanisms of COMP in regulating the profibrotic phenotype of PSCs and pancreatic fibrosis. METHODS ELISA method was used to determine serum COMP in patients with CP. Mice model of CP was established by repeated intraperitoneal injection of cerulein and pancreatic fibrosis was evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining (H&E) and Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression changes of COMP and fibrosis marker such as α-SMA and Fibronectin in pancreatic tissue of mice. Cell Counting Kit-8, Wound Healing and Transwell assessed the proliferation and migration of human pancreatic stellate cells (HPSCs). Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining were performed to detect the expression of fibrosis marker, AKT and MAPK family proteins in HPSCs. RNA-seq omics analysis as well as small interfering RNA of COMP, recombinant human COMP (rCOMP), MEK inhibitors and PI3K inhibitors were used to study the effect and mechanism of COMP on activation of HPSCs. RESULTS ELISA showed that the expression of COMP significantly increased in the serum of CP patients. H&E and Sirius red staining analysis showed that there was a large amount of collagen deposition in the mice in the CP model group and high expression of COMP, α-SMA, Fibronectin and Vimentin were observed in fibrotic tissues. TGF-β1 stimulates the activation of HPSCs and increases the expression of COMP. Knockdown of COMP inhibited proliferation and migration of HPSCs. Further, RNA-seq omics analysis and validation experiments in vitro showed that rCOMP could significantly promote the proliferation and activation of HPSCs, which may be due to promoting the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT through membrane protein receptor CD36. rCOMP simultaneously increased the expression of α-SMA, Fibronectin and Collagen I in HPSCs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study showed that COMP was up-regulated in CP fibrotic tissues and COMP induced the activation, proliferation and migration of PSCs through the CD36-ERK/AKT signaling pathway. COMP may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of CP. Interfering with the expression of COMP or the communication between COMP and CD36 on PSCs may be the next direction for therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chuan-Shen Jiang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan-Hong Ni
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jing-Hui Zeng
- Department of Presbyatrics, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xia Lin
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing-Yun Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Zhou Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xiang-Peng Zeng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Digestive Diseases, Dongfang Hospital, Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China.
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Cai Q, Li Q, Zhong S, Chen M, Zhong L, Li S, Li H, Chen Y, Wu J. Ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction rapidly improves left ventricular function in rats with ischemic cardiac dysfunction. Int J Cardiol 2024; 404:131943. [PMID: 38458386 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2024.131943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ultrasound-targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) in the treatment of ischemic heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism by which UTMD improves ischemic HF. METHODS An ischemic heart failure model was established using Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were randomly divided into 7 groups: sham group, HF group, HF + MB group, HF + ultrasound (US) group, HF + UTMD group, HF + UTMD+LY294002 group, and HF + LY294002 group. Serum BNP level and echocardiographic parameters were measured to evaluate cardiac function. PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway protein levels were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blotting. The concentrations of nitrous oxide (NO) and ATP were detected by ELISA, and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate myocardial tissue. RESULTS UTMD rapidly improved ejection fraction (EF) (HF: 37.16 ± 1.21% vs. HF + UTMD: 46.31 ± 3.00%, P < 0.01) and fractional shortening (FS) (HF: 18.53 ± 0.58% vs. HF + UTMD: 24.05 ± 1.84%, P < 0.01) in rats with ischemic HF. UTMD activated the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway (HF vs. HF + UTMD, P < 0.01) and promoted the release of NO and ATP (HF vs. HF + UTMD, both, P < 0.05). Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/eNOS signaling pathway by LY294002 worsened EF (HF: 37.16 ± 1.21% vs. HF + LY294002: 32.73 ± 3.05%, P < 0.05), and the release of NO and ATP by UTMD (HF + UTMD vs. HF + UTMD+LY294002, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS UTMD can rapidly improve cardiac function in ischemic HF by activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway and promoting the release of NO and ATP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shenrong Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miaona Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longhe Zhong
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shasha Li
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haoqi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanqi Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juefei Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Xu M, Feng Y, Xiang X, Liu L, Tang G. MZB1 regulates cellular proliferation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation and targets the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in acute pancreatitis. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111143. [PMID: 38508349 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a pathological condition characterized by the premature release and activation of trypsinogens and other enzyme precursors. In severe cases, the mortality rates are in the range of 20-30% and may even be as high as 50%. Though various prophylaxes are available for AP, the mechanism of its progression is unclear. Marginal zone B and B-1 cell-specific protein 1 (MZB1) is found in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it is expressed exclusively in the B cells there. MZB1 promotes proliferation, inhibits apoptosis, invasion, and inflammation, and mitigates mitochondrial damage in cells. However, the importance of MZB1 in AP has not yet been determined. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between healthy pancreatic cells and those affected by AP were identified using datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Relative differences in MZB1 expression between normal and diseased tissues and cells were validated in vivo using a rat AP model induced with 4% (w/v) sodium taurocholate and in vitro using the AR42J rat pancreatic cell line exposed to caerulein (CAE). Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2`-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were performed to detect and compare normal and pathological cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was employed to assess and compare cellular apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) were applied to evaluate the apoptotic factors Bax and Bcl. The inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β were quantified using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and qRT-PCR techniques. Mitochondrial function was evaluated using assays for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM). WB and qRT-PCR were utilized to measure the expression levels of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, followed by a rescue experiment involving the inhibitor of wortmannin. RESULTS MZB1 was upregulated in the AP cases screened from the GEO datasets, the rat AP model, and the AR42J cells exposed to CAE. Overexpression of MZB1 enhanced the growth and supressed the cell death of AR42J cells while also activating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. MZB1 knockdown led to mitochondrial dysfunction and exacerbated inflammation. The rescue experiment demonstrated that MZB1 enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in pancreatic cells through the PI3K-Akt pathway. CONCLUSIONS AP cells and tissues exhibited markedly elevated levels of MZB1 expression compared to their healthy counterparts. MZB1 overexpression promoted proliferation and supressed apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in pancreatic cells through the positive regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtao Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Yong Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xuelian Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Guodu Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Jie XL, Tong ZR, Xu XY, Wu JH, Jiang XL, Tao Y, Feng PS, Yu J, Lan JP, Wang P. Mechanic study based on untargeted metabolomics of Pi-pa-run-fei-tang on pepper combined with ammonia induced chronic cough model mice. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 326:117905. [PMID: 38364934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Pi-pa-run-fei-tang (PPRFT), a traditional Chinese medicine formula with long-standing history, demonstrated beneficial effect on chronic cough. However, the mechanism underlying efficacy unclear. In current research, we explored the impact and molecular mechanism of chronic cough mouse stimulating with capsaicin combined with ammonia. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the metabolic modulating effects, and potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of PPRFT in chronic cough. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic cough mouse models were created by stimulating mice by capsaicin combined with ammonia. Number of coughs and cough latency within 2 min were recorded. With lung tissue and serum samples collected for histopathology, metabolomics, RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and WB analysis. Lymphocytes were isolated and flow cytometric assays were conducted to evaluate the differentiation between Th17 and Treg cell among CD4+ cells. RESULTS Results indicated that PPRFT obviously reduced the number of coughs, prolonged cough latency, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and lung tissues damage, and decreased the serum level of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17 while increasing IL-10 levels. Notably, PPRFT suppressed Th17 cell divergence and promoted Treg cell divergence. Furthermore, serum metabolomic assays showed that 46 metabolites differed significantly between group, with 35 pathways involved. Moreover, mRNA levels of IL-6, NF-κB, IL-17, RORγT, JAK2, STAT3, PI3K and AKT in lung tissues remarkably reduced and mRNA levels of IL-10 and FOXP3 were elevated after PPRFT pretreatment. Additionally, PPRFT treatments decreased the protein levels of IL-6, NF-κB, IL-17, RORγT, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and increased the protein levels of IL-10 and FOXP3, but no significantly effects to the levels on JAK2, STAT3, PI3K, and AKT in the lungs. CONCLUSION Conclusively, our result suggested the effect with PPRFT on chronic cough may be mediated through IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway, which regulate the differentiation between Th17 and Treg cell. This beneficial effect of PPRFT in capsaicin and ammonia-stimulated chronic cough mice indicates its potential application in treating chronic cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lu Jie
- The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe-Ren Tong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Yue Xu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Hui Wu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing-Liang Jiang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Tao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pei-Shi Feng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Hangzhou Zhongmei Huadong Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, China.
| | - Ji-Ping Lan
- School of Integrative Medicine Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (SHUTCM), Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China.
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Kim MJ, Lim SG, Cho DH, Lee JY, Suk K, Lee WH. Regulation of inflammatory response by LINC00346 via miR-25-3p-mediated modulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 709:149828. [PMID: 38537596 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Long intergenic non-coding RNA 346 (LINC00346) has been reported to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and specific cancers by affecting signaling pathways. However, its function in inflammation has not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, its expression pattern and function were determined in the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment induced the expression of LINC00346. LPS-induced NF-κB activation and proinflammatory cytokine expression were suppressed or enhanced by the overexpression or knockdown of LINC00346, respectively. Analyses using dual luciferase assay and decoy RNAs that could block RNA-RNA interactions indicated that LINC00346 improves phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression by sponging miR-25-3p. Subsequently, PTEN suppresses phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-mediated conversion of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) into phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) as well as consequent activation of protein kinase B (AKT) and NF-κB. Interestingly, database analysis revealed that the expression levels of LINC00346 and PTEN were simultaneously decreased in breast cancer tissues. Further analyses conducted using a breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, confirmed the functional relationship among LINC00346, miR-25-3p, and PTEN in LPS-induced activation of NF-κB. These results indicate that miR-25-3p-sponging activity of LINC00346 affects the balance between PTEN and PI3K as well as the downstream activation of AKT/NF-κB pathway in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ji Kim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Geun Lim
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hyung Cho
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Yeong Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungho Suk
- Department of Pharmacology, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, BK21 FOUR KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine, Daegu, 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ha Lee
- School of Life Sciences, BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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Wang L, Jia JX, Zhang SB, Song W, Yan XS, Huo DS, Wang H, Wu LE, Yang ZJ. The protective effect and mechanism of glycosides of cistanche deserticola on rats in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2024; 87:448-456. [PMID: 38557302 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2337365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) occurs frequently clinically as a complication following cardiovascular resuscitation resulting in neuronal damage specifically to the hippocampal CA1 region with consequent cognitive impairment. Apoptosis and oxidative stress were proposed as major risk factors associated with CIRI development. Previously, glycosides obtained from Cistanche deserticola (CGs) were shown to play a key role in counteracting CIRI; however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined. This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of CGs on subsequent CIRI in rats. The model of CIRI was established for 2 hr and reperfusion for 24 hr by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. The MCAO rats were used to measure the antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of CGs on CIRI. Neurological function was evaluated by the Longa neurological function score test. 2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to detect the area of cerebral infarction. Nissl staining was employed to observe neuronal morphology. TUNEL staining was used to detect neuronal apoptosis, while Western blot determined protein expression levels of factors for apoptosis-related and PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Data demonstrated that CGs treatment improved behavioral performance, brain injury, and enhanced antioxidant and anti-apoptosis in CIRI rats. In addition, CGs induced activation of PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway accompanied by inhibition of the expression of apoptosis-related factors. Evidence indicates that CGs amelioration of CIRI involves activation of the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2 signaling pathway associated with increased cellular viability suggesting these glycosides may be considered as an alternative compound for CIRI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Jian-Xin Jia
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Education Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou, China
| | - Shi-Bin Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Wei Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Education Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou, China
| | - Xu-Sheng Yan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Education Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Huo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Education Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Li-E Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Zhan-Jun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Human Anatomy, Education Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Baotou, China
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chifeng University, Chifeng, China
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Chen H, Zhang CJ, Zhao ZY, Gao YY, Zhao JT, Li XX, Zhang M, Wang H. Mechanisms underlying LncRNA SNHG1 regulation of Alzheimer's disease involve DNA methylation. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2024; 87:428-435. [PMID: 38551404 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2024.2334248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease associated with long non-coding RNAs and DNA methylation; however, the mechanisms underlying the role of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (lncRNA SNHG1) and subsequent involvement of DNA methylation in AD development are not known. The aim of this study was to examine the regulatory mechanisms attributed to lncRNA SNHG1 gene utilizing 2 strains of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model of AD and compared to senescence-accelerated mouse resistant (SAMR) considered a control. Both strains of the mouse were transfected with either blank virus, psLenti-U6-SNHG1(low gene expression) virus, and psLenti-pA-SNHG1(gene overexpression) virus via a single injection into the brains for 2 weeks. At 2 weeks mice were subjected to a Morris water maze to determine any behavioral effects followed by sacrifice to extract hippocampal tissue for Western blotting to measure protein expression of p-tau, DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, TET1, and p-Akt. No marked alterations were noted in any parameters following blank virus transfection. In SAMP8 mice, a significant decrease was noted in protein expression of DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and p-Akt associated with rise in p-tau and TET1. Transfection with ps-Lenti-U6-SNHG1 alone in SAMR1 mice resulted in a significant rise in DNMTs and p-Akt and a fall in p-tau and TET1. Transfection of SAMP8 with ps-Lenti-U6-SNHG1 blocked effects on overexpression noted in this mouse strain. However, knockdown of lncRNA SNHG1 yielded the opposite results as found in SAMR1 mice. In conclusion, the knockdown of lncRNA SNHG1 enhanced DNA methylation through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby reducing the phosphorylation levels of tau in SAMP8 AD model mice with ameliorating brain damage attributed to p-tau accumulation with consequent neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Chun-Jie Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
- Center of Collaborative Innovation in Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yang-Yang Gao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jian-Tian Zhao
- Institute of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiao-Xu Li
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medical Technology, Department of Anatomy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - He Wang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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Guo H, Cui BD, Gong M, Li QX, Zhang LX, Chen JL, Chi J, Zhu LL, Xu EP, Wang ZM, Dai LP. An ethanolic extract of Arctium lappa L. leaves ameliorates experimental atherosclerosis by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses through PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117768. [PMID: 38253275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Atherosclerosis (AS), a lipid-induced inflammatory condition of the arteries, is a primary contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Arctium lappa L. leaf (ALL), an edible and medicinal herb in China, has been documented and commonly used for treating stroke since the ancient times. However, the elucidations on its anti-AS effects and molecular mechanism remain insufficient. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the AS-ameliorating effects and the underlying mechanism of action of an ethanolic extract of leaves of Arctium lappa L. (ALLE). MATERIALS AND METHODS ALLE was reflux extracted using with 70% ethanol. An HPLC method was established to monitor the quality of ALLE. High fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS in rats were used to determine the in vivo effects; and oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced RAW264.7 macrophage foam cells were used for in vitro assays. Simvatatin was used as positive control. Biochemical assays were implemented to ascertain the secretions of lipids and pro-inflammatory mediators. Haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Oil red O stains were employed to assess histopathological alterations and lipid accumulation conditions, respectively. CCK-8 assays were used to measure cytotoxicity. Immunoblotting assay was conducted to measure protein levels. RESULTS ALLE treatment significantly ameliorated lipid deposition and histological abnormalities of aortas and livers in AS rats; improved the imbalances of serum lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); notably attenuated serum concentrations of inflammation-associated cytokines/molecules including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, VCAM-1, ICAM-1and MMP-9. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that ALLE suppressed the phosphorylation/activation of PI3K, Akt and NF-κB in AS rat aortas and in cultured foam cells. Additionally, the PI3K agonist 740Y-P notably reversed the in vitro inhibitory effects of ALLE on lipid deposition, productions of TC, TNF-α and IL-6, and protein levels of molecules of PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS ALLE ameliorates HFD- and vitamin D3-induced experimental AS by modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses, and underlying mechanisms involves inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB singnaling pathways. The findings of this study provide scientific justifications for the traditional application of ALL in managing atherosclerotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Guo
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Bing-di Cui
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Man Gong
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Qing-Xia Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Ling-Xia Zhang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Jia-Li Chen
- Department of Food Science and Engineering, Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Jun Chi
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Li-Li Zhu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Er-Ping Xu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Zhi-Min Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China; Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Li-Ping Dai
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine (HUCM), Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan Province, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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Chen H, Deng J, Hou TW, Shan YQ. Villosol reverses 5-FU resistance in colorectal cancer by inhibiting the CDKN2A gene regulated TP53-PI3K/Akt signaling axis. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 325:117907. [PMID: 38342156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Patrinia villosa (Juss.) (PV) is the drug of choice in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) and has achieved reliable efficacy in clinic. Villosol is the active ingredient in PV. However, the molecular mechanism by which Villosol reverses chemoresistance in CRC remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY Analysis of the molecular mechanism by which Villosol, the active ingredient of PV, reverses CRC/5-FU resistance through modulation of the CDKN2A gene was validated by network pharmacology techniques and experiments. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified CDKN2A as a gene associated with 5-FU resistance through gene chip analysis. Next, we conducted a series of functional analyses in cell lines, animal samples, and xenograft models to investigate the role, clinical significance, and abnormal regulatory mechanisms of CDKN2A in 5-FU resistance in CRC. In addition, we screened and obtained a raw ingredient called Villosol, which targets CDKN2A, and investigated its pharmacological effects. RESULTS Analysis of CRC cells and animal samples showed that the upregulation of CDKN2A expression was strongly associated with 5-FU resistance. CRC cells overexpressing CDKN2A showed reduced sensitivity to 5-FU and enhanced tumor biology in vitro. Inhibition of aberrant activation of CDKN2A enhances the expression of TP53. Mechanistically, overexpression of CDKN2A activates the PI3K/Akt pathway and induces resistance to 5-FU. Villosol inhibited CDKN2A, and CRC/5-FU cells regained sensitivity to 5-FU. Villosol effectively reverses 5-FU resistance through the CDKN2A-TP53-PI3K/Akt axis. CONCLUSION Changes in CDKN2A gene expression can be used to predict the response of CRC patients to 5-FU therapy. Additionally, inhibiting CDKN2A activation with Villosol may present a new approach to overcoming 5-FU resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, 110016, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Jiao Deng
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, 110016, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Tie-Wei Hou
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, 110016, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yong-Qi Shan
- Department of General Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang City, 110016, Liaoning Province, China.
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Boxiang Q, Liping S, Tong Q. Cuscuta chinensis Lam. Flavonoids (CCLF) alleviate the symptoms of sepsis-associated encephalopathy via PI3K/Nrf2 pathway. Behav Brain Res 2024; 465:114887. [PMID: 38499156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) frequently encounters patients who are in intensive care units and ∼70% of patients with severe systemic infection. However, due to the unclear pathological mechanisms of SAE, the desease-modifying drug is still lack. Here, we aimed to explore whether the flavonoid components extracted from CCL (CCLF) seeds possess protective effects on SAE animals, and systematically evaluate the transcriptomic alteration (in the hippocampus) after CCLF treatment on SAE animals employing RNA sequencing. We observed that CCLF improved the brain's learning and memory abilities and the structural integrity of BBB using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced SAE animal models, evaluated by behavioral test and tissue examination of animals respectively. RNA sequencing results showed that CCLF treatment reverses SAE-induced transcriptomic alteration in the hippocampus. Moreover, CCLF also dramatically relieved inflammatory (such as TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6) and oxidative (MDA and SOD activity) stresses, and inhibited SAE-induced neuron apoptosis in brain tissues. More importantly, CCLF restored the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and then induced the Nrf2 nuclear translocation to drive HO-1 expression both in vitro and in vivo. LY294002, an inhibitor of PI3K, obviously blocked CCLF's functions on anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and anti-oxidation in vivo, demonstrating that CCLF achieves its bioactivities in a PI3K/AKT signaling dependent manner. Altogether, CCLF exhibits remarkable neuro-protective function and may be a promising candidate for further clinical trials for SAE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Boxiang
- Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Nantong University Affiliated Maternal and Child Health Hospital/ Nantong Children Hospital, Jiangsu, 226000, PR China.
| | - Sheng Liping
- Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Xuzhou Children Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, PR China
| | - Qian Tong
- Medicine Intensive Care Unit, Xuzhou Children Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221000, PR China
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31
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Xiao Y, Xu B, Li X, Ding T, Zhao W, Nie X, Mu J, Xiao Z, Wang Q, Ren Q, Zhang E. Potential targets of diosgenin for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma and their bioinformatics and transcriptional profiling analyses. Steroids 2024; 205:109393. [PMID: 38458369 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Diosgenin can inhibit the proliferation and cause apoptosis of various tumor cells, and its inhibitory effect on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we predicted the targets of diosgenin for the treatment of OSCC through the database, then performed bioinformatics analysis of the targets, and further verified the effect of diosgenin on the activity of OSCC cell line HSC-3, the transcriptional profile of the targets and the molecular docking of the targets with diosgenin. The results revealed that there were 146 potential targets of diosgenin for OSCC treatment, which involved signaling pathways such as Ras, TNF, PI3K-AKT, HIF, NF-κB, and could regulate cellular activity through apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation and differentiation, inflammatory response, DNA repair, etc. Diosgenin significantly inhibited HSC-3 cell activity. The genes such as AKT1, MET1, SRC1, APP1, CCND1, MYC, PTGS2, AR, NFKB1, BIRC2, MDM2, BCL2L1, MMP2, may be important targets of its action, not only their expression was regulated by diosgenin but also their proteins had a high binding energy with diosgenin. These results suggest that diosgenin may have a therapeutic effect on OSCC through AKT1, MMP2 and other targets and multiple signaling pathways, which is of potential clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Bingbing Xu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xiaolan Li
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Special Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China.
| | - Tianhao Ding
- Special Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Wenxin Zhao
- The First Clinical Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Xiaoxue Nie
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Junxia Mu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Zhiyou Xiao
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Special Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qunli Ren
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China; Special Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Research, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Enkui Zhang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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Li S, Han J, Cao J, Han H, Lu B, Wen T, Bian W. ADORA2B, transcriptionally suppressing by MYC, promotes ferroptosis of chondrocytes via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in mice with osteoarthritis. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:2487-2501. [PMID: 38174997 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that chondrocyte ferroptosis contributes importantly to the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, it is largely unknown how it is regulated. In this study, the data sets GSE167852 and GSE190184 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and 161 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to ferroptosis were screened by bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, ADORA2B was screened as a candidate gene from DEGs, which was significantly upregulated in palmitic acid (PA) treated chondrocytes. CCK-8, EdU, Western blotting, and ferroptosis-related kits assays demonstrated that knockdown of ADORA2B constrained ferroptosis and promoted viability of chondrocytes. Overexpression of ADORA2B promoted ferroptosis, while the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 reversed the promotion of ADORA2B on ferroptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays indicated MYC was a transcription suppressor of ADORA2B, and overexpression of MYC promoted the viability, and inhibited the ferroptosis of chondrocytes, while ADORA2B overexpression abated the promotion of MYC on chondrocyte viability and the inhibition on ferroptosis. In vivo experiments showed that MYC overexpression alleviated cartilage tissue damage in OA mice, which was able to reversed by ADORA2B overexpression. In summary, ADORA2B, transcriptionally suppressing by MYC, promotes ferroptosis of chondrocytes via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Thus, ADORA2B can be used as a potential treatment target for ferroptosis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiangbo Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiongzhe Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hong Han
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Bin Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Wen
- Department of Orthopedics, Xi'an Chang'an District Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Weiguo Bian
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, Xi'an, China
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Han S, Chen Y, Huang Y, Jin L, Ma Y. Arecoline promotes Akt-c-Myc-driven aerobic glycolysis in esophageal epithelial cells. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:2794-2802. [PMID: 38282581 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Aerobic glycolysis is a typical metabolic rearrangement for tumorigenesis. Arecoline is of explicit carcinogenicity, numerous works demonstrate its mutagenicity, genotoxicity, and cytotoxicity. However, the effects of arecoline on aerobic glycolysis of esophageal epithelial cells remain unclear. In the present study, 5 μM arecoline efficiently increased HK2 expression to induce aerobic glycolysis in Het-1A-Are and NE2-Are cells. The mechanistic analysis showed that arecoline activated the Akt-c-Myc signaling pathway and reduced the GSK3β-mediated phosphorylation of c-Myc on Thr58 to prevent its ubiquitination and destruction, subsequently promoting HK2 transcription and expression. Taken together, these results suggest that arecoline can induce aerobic glycolysis of esophageal epithelial cells and further confirm that arecoline is a carcinogen harmful to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangze Han
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingji Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Longyu Jin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuchao Ma
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Gu Y, Liang C. TRAIP suppressed apoptosis and cell cycle to promote prostate cancer proliferation via TRAF2-PI3K-AKT pathway activation. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:1639-1648. [PMID: 38100027 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-023-03890-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND TRAF-interacting protein (TRAIP) is a RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, which has been implicated in various cellular processes and participated in various cancers as an oncogene. However, the function and potential mechanism of TRAIP in prostate cancer (PCa) have not been investigated so far. METHODS Public TGCA data were used to evaluate the expression profile of TRAIP in prostatic tumors. The relative expression of TRAIP and TRAF2 in PCa tissues and tumor cell lines was detected by qPCR, western blot, and IHC staining. Next, TRAIP knockdown and overexpression plasmids were constructed and transfected into PCa cell lines. Moreover, cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis were measured by colony formation, Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry assays. Subsequently, cell cycle and signaling pathway-related proteins were tested by western blot. Finally, the effect of TRAIP on PCa was measured based on the nude mouse xenograft model. RESULTS TRAIP was significantly upregulated in PCa tissues and tumor cell lines. In addition, TRAIP promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of PCa cell lines. Such an oncogenic property was mediated by the cell cycle arrest and the inhibition of apoptosis, as indicated by different functional assays and the expression of cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins in cultured cells. Moreover, TRAIP combined with TRAF2 to activate PI3K/AKT pathway. Finally, TRAIP depletion suppressed the growth of tumors and cell proliferation in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our study first revealed that TRAIP promoted tumor progression and identified it as a potential therapeutic target for PCa patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gu
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Urology, Anhui Second People's Hospital, Hefei, 230041, Anhui, China
| | - Chaozhao Liang
- Department of Urology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Miao X, Lin J, Li A, Gao T, Liu T, Shen J, Sun Y, Wei J, Bao B, Zheng X. AAV-mediated VEGFA overexpression promotes angiogenesis and recovery of locomotor function following spinal cord injury via PI3K/Akt signaling. Exp Neurol 2024; 375:114739. [PMID: 38401852 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a disorder of the central nervous system resulting from various factors such as trauma, inflammation, tumors, and other etiologies. This condition leads to impairment in motor, sensory, and autonomic functions below the level of injury. Limitations of current therapeutic approaches prompt an investigation into therapeutic angiogenesis through persistent local expression of proangiogenic factors. Here, we investigated whether overexpression of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in mouse SCI promoted locomotor function recovery, and whether the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway was mechanistically involved. Three weeks before SCI, AAV-VEGFA was injected at the T10 level to induce VEGFA overexpression. Neurofunctional, histological, and biochemical assessments were done to determine tissue damage and/or recovery of neuromuscular and behavioral impairments. Daily injections of the PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 were made to assess a possible mechanism. AAV-VEGFA overexpression dramatically improved locomotor function and ameliorated pathological injury caused by SCI. Improved motor-evoked potentials in hindlimbs and more spinal CD31-positive microvessels were observed in AAV-VEGFA-overexpressing mice. LY294002 reduced PI3K and Akt phosphorylation levels and attenuated AAV-VEGFA-related improvements. In conclusion, sustained local AAV-mediated VEGFA overexpression in spinal cord can significantly promote angiogenesis and ameliorate locomotor impairment after SCI in a contusion mouse model through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Miao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Junqing Lin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiexin Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjie Shen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabao Wei
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingbo Bao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianyou Zheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; National Center for Orthopaedics, Shanghai, China.
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Zhou X, Dong S, Zhou Y, He Z, Zhang Z, Liao L, Zou B, Zheng X, Peng K, Duan X. EMX2 inhibits clear cell renal cell carcinoma progress via modulating Akt/FOXO3a pathway. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:951-961. [PMID: 38362840 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Empty spiracles homeobox 2 (EMX2) is initially identified as a key transcription factor that plays an essential role in the regulation of neuronal development and some brain disorders. Recently, several studies emphasized that EMX2 could as a tumor suppressor, but its role in human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of EMX2 in the regulation of ccRCC progress. Our results demonstrated that EMX2 expression was markedly decreased in ccRCC tissues and cell lines, and low EMX2 expression predicted the poor prognosis of ccRCC patients. In addition, forced expression of EMX2 significantly inhibited the cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as ccRCC tumor growth in nude mice, via, at least in part, regulating Akt/FOXO3a pathway. In detail, EMX2 could attenuate the phosphorylation levels of Akt and FOXO3a, and increase FOXO3a expression without affecting total Akt expression in vivo and in vitro. Meanwhile, shRNA-mediated knockdown of FOXO3a expression could obviously attenuate the effects of EMX2 on cell growth, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. Furthermore, EMX2 could significantly attenuate the interaction between Akt and FOXO3a. Taken together, our results demonstrated that EMX2 could inhibit ccRCC progress through, at least in part, modulating Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway, thus representing a novel role and underlying mechanism of EMX2 in the regulation of ccRCC progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sicheng Dong
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqing He
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqiong Liao
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bangyu Zou
- Department of Urology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaoqing Peng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Urinary Minimally Invasive Surgery Robot and Intelligent Equipment, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Urology, Guangzhou, China
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Chen X, Zhang W, Han X, Li X, Xia L, Wu Y, Zhou Y. TMED3 stabilizes SMAD2 by counteracting NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination to promote ovarian cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024; 63:803-816. [PMID: 38411267 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a major cause of death among cancer patients. Recent research has shown that the transmembrane emp24 domain (TMED) protein family plays a role in the progression of various types of cancer. In this study, we investigated the expression of TMED3 in ovarian cancer tumors compared to nontumor tissues using immunohistochemical staining. We found that TMED3 was overexpressed in ovarian cancer tumors, and its high expression was associated with poor disease-free and overall survival. To understand the functional implications of TMED3 overexpression in ovarian cancer, we conducted experiments to knockdown TMED3 using short hairpin RNA (shRNA). We observed that TMED3 knockdown resulted in reduced cell viability and migration, as well as increased cell apoptosis. Additionally, in subcutaneous xenograft models in BALB-c nude mice, TMED3 knockdown inhibited tumor growth. Further investigation revealed that SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2) was a downstream target of TMED3, driving ovarian cancer progression. TMED3 stabilized SMAD2 by inhibiting the E3 ligase NEDD4-mediated ubiquitination of SMAD2. To confirm the importance of SMAD2 in TMED3-mediated ovarian cancer, we performed functional rescue experiments and found that SMAD2 played a critical role in this process. Moreover, we discovered that the PI3K-AKT pathway was involved in the promoting effects of TMED3 overexpression on ovarian cancer cells. Overall, our study identifies TMED3 as a prognostic indicator and tumor promoter in ovarian cancer. Its function is likely mediated through the regulation of the SMAD2 and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. These findings contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer progression and provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaotian Han
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingfang Xia
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Zheng C, Wang Y, Bi B, Zhou W, Cao X, Zhang C, Lu W, Sun Y, Qu J, Lv W. Gallic acid ameliorates endometrial hyperplasia through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway and the down-regulation of cyclin D1 expression. J Pharmacol Sci 2024; 155:1-13. [PMID: 38553133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gallic acid (GA) is an organic compound with phenolic properties that occurs naturally and can be found in Guizhi Fuling capsules, showcasing a wide range of biological functionalities. PURPOSE The objective of this study was to examine the influence of GA on endometrial hyperplasia (EH) and elucidate its underlying mechanism. METHODS Initially, the induction of EH was achieved by administering estradiol to mice via continuous subcutaneous injection for a duration of 21 days. Concurrently, GA treatment was administered, and subsequently, the uterine tissue structure was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Following this, the proliferation of human endometrial cells treated by GA was determined utilizing the CCK-8 method. Furthermore, network pharmacology and single-cell-RNA-seq data were employed to identify the target of GA action. In addition, we will employ immunofluorescence (IF), immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, western blot and RT-qPCR methodologies to investigate the impact of GA on the expression level of cyclin D1, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT. RESULTS GA treatment ameliorated histopathological alterations in the uterus and suppress proliferation. Estradiol stimulation can activate the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to up-regulation of cyclin D1 expression, whereas GA treatment results in down-regulation of its expression. CONCLUSIONS The expression of cyclin D1 is down-regulated by GA through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway, effectively mitigating estradiol-induced EH in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caijie Zheng
- The Second Clinical School of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Colon and Rectal Surgery, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210001, China
| | - Beilei Bi
- Department of Gynecology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Wencheng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xinran Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wentian Lu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China.
| | - Jiao Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Wen Lv
- Department of Gynecology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, 234 Gucui Road, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
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Song Y, Zhang Y, Wang X, Han X, Shi M, Xu L, Yu J, Zhang L, Han S. SPI1 activates TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling through transcriptional upregulation of FKBP12 to support the mesenchymal phenotype of glioma stem cells. Brain Pathol 2024; 34:e13217. [PMID: 37865975 PMCID: PMC11007049 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma stem cells (GSCs) exhibit diverse molecular subtypes with the mesenchymal (MES) population representing the most malignant variant. The oncogenic potential of Salmonella pathogenicity island 1 (SPI1), an oncogenic transcription factor, has been established across various human malignancies. In this study, we explored the association between the SPI1 pathway and the MES GSC phenotype. Through comprehensive analysis of the Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas glioma databases, along with patient-derived GSC cultures, we analyzed SPI1 expression. Using genetic knockdown and overexpression techniques, we assessed the functional impact of SPI1 on GSC MES marker expression, invasion, proliferation, self-renewal, and sensitivity to radiation in vitro, as well as its influence on tumor formation in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the downstream signaling cascades activated by SPI1. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between elevated SPI1 expression and the MES phenotype, which in turn, correlated with poor survival. SPI1 enhanced GSC MES differentiation, self-renewal, and radioresistance in vitro, promoting tumorigenicity in vivo. Mechanistically, SPI1 augmented the transcriptional activity of both TGF-β1 and FKBP12 while activating the non-canonical PI3K/Akt pathway. Notably, inhibition of TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling partially attenuated SPI1-induced GSC MES differentiation and its associated malignant phenotype. Collectively, our results underscore SPI1's role in activating TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt signaling through transcriptional upregulation of FKBP12, thereby supporting the aggressive MES phenotype of GSCs. Therefore, SPI1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifu Song
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yaochuan Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaodi Han
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Mengwu Shi
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Medical Oncologythe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Juanhan Yu
- Department of PathologyChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Sheng Han
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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Escudero DS, Fantinelli JC, Martínez VR, González Arbeláez LF, Amarillo ME, Pérez NG, Díaz RG. Hydrocortisone cardioprotection in ischaemia/reperfusion injury involves antioxidant mechanisms. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14172. [PMID: 38293760 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors are highly expressed in cardiac tissue, and both can be activated by corticosteroids. MR activation, in acute myocardial infarction (AMI), worsens cardiac function, and increase NHE activity contributing to the deleterious process. In contrast, effects of GR activation are not fully understood, probably because of the controversial scenario generated by using different doses or potencies of corticosteroids. AIMS We tested the hypothesis that an acute dose of hydrocortisone (HC), a low-potency glucocorticoid, in a murine model of AMI could be cardioprotective by regulating NHE1 activity, leading to a decrease in oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isolated hearts from Wistar rats were subjected to regional ischemic protocol. HC (10 nmol/L) was added to the perfusate during early reperfusion. Infarct size and oxidative stress were determined. Isolated papillary muscles from non-infarcted hearts were used to evaluate HC effect on sodium-proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) by analysing intracellular pH recovery from acute transient acidosis. RESULTS HC treatment decreased infarct size, improved cardiac mechanics, reduced oxidative stress after AMI, while restoring the decreased level of the pro-fusion mitochondrial protein MFN-2. Co-treatment with the GR-blocker Mifepristone avoided these effects. HC reduced NHE1 activity by increasing the NHE1 pro-inhibiting Ser648 phosphorylation site and its upstream kinase AKT. HC restored the decreased AKT phosphorylation and anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression detected after AMI. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide the first evidence that acute HC treatment during early reperfusion induces cardioprotection against AMI, associated with a non-genomic HC-triggered NHE1 inhibition by AKT and antioxidant action that might involves mitochondrial dynamics improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiana S Escudero
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigator of Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas (CIC), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juliana C Fantinelli
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigators of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Valeria R Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigators of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luisa F González Arbeláez
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigators of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María E Amarillo
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Fellow of Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (Agencia I+D+i), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Néstor G Pérez
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigators of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina G Díaz
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares 'Dr. Horacio E. Cingolani', Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de La Plata, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
- Established Investigators of Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yang L, Liao J, Huang H, Lee TL, Qi H. Stage-specific regulation of undifferentiated spermatogonia by AKT1S1-mediated AKT-mTORC1 signaling during mouse spermatogenesis. Dev Biol 2024; 509:11-27. [PMID: 38311163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated spermatogonia are composed of a heterogeneous cell population including spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of various spermatogonial cohorts during their self-renewal and differentiation are largely unclear. Here we show that AKT1S1, an AKT substrate and inhibitor of mTORC1, regulates the homeostasis of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Although deletion of Akt1s1 in mouse appears not grossly affecting steady-state spermatogenesis and male mice are fertile, the subset of differentiation-primed OCT4+ spermatogonia decreased significantly, whereas self-renewing GFRα1+ and proliferating PLZF+ spermatogonia were sustained. Both neonatal prospermatogonia and the first wave spermatogenesis were greatly reduced in Akt1s1-/- mice. Further analyses suggest that OCT4+ spermatogonia in Akt1s1-/- mice possess altered PI3K/AKT-mTORC1 signaling, gene expression and carbohydrate metabolism, leading to their functionally compromised developmental potential. Collectively, these results revealed an important role of AKT1S1 in mediating the stage-specific signals that regulate the self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonia during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Yang
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Jinyue Liao
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hongying Huang
- The Experimental Animal Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Tin Lap Lee
- GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Huayu Qi
- Center for Cell Lineage and Development, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-HKU Guangdong-Hong Kong Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China; GIBH-CUHK Joint Research Laboratory on Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510530, China.
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Liao J, Yang Z, Azarbarzin S, Cullen KJ, Dan H. Differential modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity by EGFR inhibitors: A rationale for co-targeting EGFR and PI3K in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Head Neck 2024; 46:1126-1135. [PMID: 38429897 PMCID: PMC11003831 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To find a new strategy to treat cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated the effects of EGFR inhibitors on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and determined the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in combination with PI3K inhibitors to suppress cell proliferation in cisplatin-resistant-HNSCC. METHODS The cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell lines were treated with four FDA approved EGFR inhibitors, which included Gefitinb or Erlotinib alone, or in combination with the pan-PI3K inhibitor, BKM120. Phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was examined by MTS assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells were also resistant to EGFR inhibitors. However, a combination of EGFR inhibitors with PI3K inhibitor BKM120 dramatically improved the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with EGFR inhibitors differentially affected the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, which included partial inhibition, no inhibition, and induction. A combination of EGFR inhibitors and BKM120 completely blocked phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, and S6K (an mTOR target). CONCLUSION Our data provided a rationale for EGFR inhibitors in combination with PI3K inhibitors to treat cisplatin-resistant HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipei Liao
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zejia Yang
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shirin Azarbarzin
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin J. Cullen
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hancai Dan
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Lankatillake C, Huynh T, Dias DA. Abrus precatorius Leaf Extract Stimulates Insulin-mediated Muscle Glucose Uptake: In vitro Studies and Phytochemical Analysis. Planta Med 2024; 90:388-396. [PMID: 38490239 DOI: 10.1055/a-2281-0988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus, linked with insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia, is a leading cause of mortality. Glucose uptake through glucose transporter type 4, especially in skeletal muscle, is crucial for maintaining euglycaemia and is a key pathway targeted by antidiabetic medication. Abrus precatorius is a medicinal plant with demonstrated antihyperglycaemic activity in animal models, but its mechanisms are unclear.This study evaluated the effect of a 50% ethanolic (v/v) A. precatorius leaf extract on (1) insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and (2) related gene expression in differentiated C2C12 myotubes using rosiglitazone as a positive control, and (3) generated a comprehensive phytochemical profile of A. precatorius leaf extract using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry to elucidate its antidiabetic compounds. A. precatorius leaf extract significantly increased insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt substrate of 160 kDa gene expression; however, it had no effect on glucose transporter type 4 gene expression. At 250 µg/mL A. precatorius leaf extract, the increase in glucose uptake was significantly higher than 1 µM rosiglitazone. Fifty-five phytochemicals (primarily polyphenols, triterpenoids, saponins, and alkaloids) were putatively identified, including 24 that have not previously been reported from A. precatorius leaves. Abrusin, precatorin I, glycyrrhizin, hemiphloin, isohemiphloin, hispidulin 4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, homoplantaginin, and cirsimaritin were putatively identified as known major compounds previously reported from A. precatorius leaf extract. A. precatorius leaves contain antidiabetic phytochemicals and enhance insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in myotubes via the protein kinase B/phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway by regulating insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt substrate of 160 kDa gene expression. Therefore, A. precatorius leaves may improve skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity and hyperglycaemia. Additionally, it is a valuable source of bioactive phytochemicals with potential therapeutic use for diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chintha Lankatillake
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Discipline of Laboratory Medicine, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Tien Huynh
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Daniel A Dias
- ARC Training Centre for Hyphenated Analytical Separation Technologies (HyTECH), CASS Food Research Centre, School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia
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Su L, Zhao C, Sun B, Dou L, Wang C, Yang Z, Li T, Jin Y. Effects of exercise on muscle fiber conversion, muscle development and meat quality of Sunit sheep. Meat Sci 2024; 211:109440. [PMID: 38324956 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2024.109440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on muscle fiber conversion, muscle development and meat quality in the biceps femoris (BF) muscle of Sunit sheep. Twelve Sunit sheep with similar body weight were divided into two groups: control group (C group) and exercise group (E group), E group lambs underwent 6 km of exercise training per day for 90 d. The findings revealed that compared with the C group, exercise training enhanced the expression of MyHC IIa mRNA, decreased the number ratio of type IIB muscle fibers and the expression of MyHC IIb mRNA (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the E group lamb displayed higher creatine kinase (CK) activity, and lactic acid levels (P < 0.05), while glycogen content and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity showed opposite trends (P < 0.05). Exercise significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of AMP-activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1), sirtuin1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α (PGC-1α), cytochrome c oxidase IV (COX IV), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and p70 Ribosomal S6 Kinase 1 (p70s6k1) (P < 0.05), suggesting exercise promoted muscle fiber conversion by mediating AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, and improved skeletal muscle development via Akt/mTOR pathway. Besides, backfat thickness and pH45min value in the E group decreased significantly, while the pH24, a*, and shear force value increased significantly (P < 0.05). To conclude, this study suggested that exercise training can be used to alter muscle fiber characteristics and muscle development in lamb production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Su
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Congying Zhao
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Bing Sun
- Saihan District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Hohhot 010010, China
| | - Lu Dou
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Chenlei Wang
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Zhihao Yang
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Tianle Li
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Ye Jin
- Department of Food Science, College of Food Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China; Integrative Research Base of Beef and Lamb Processing Technology, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
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Kuttikrishnan S, Prabhu KS, Khan AQ, Uddin S. Signaling networks guiding erythropoiesis. Curr Opin Hematol 2024; 31:89-95. [PMID: 38335037 DOI: 10.1097/moh.0000000000000808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, including JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT, and Ras/MAPK pathways, play an important role in the process of erythropoiesis. These pathways are involved in the survival, proliferation, and differentiation function of erythropoiesis. RECENT FINDINGS The JAK/STAT pathway controls erythroid progenitor differentiation, proliferation, and survival. The PI3K/AKT signaling cascade facilitates erythroid progenitor survival, proliferation, and final differentiation. During erythroid maturation, MAPK, triggered by EPO, suppresses myeloid genes, while PI3K is essential for differentiation. Pro-inflammatory cytokines activate signaling pathways that can alter erythropoiesis like EPOR-triggered signaling, including survival, differentiation, and proliferation. SUMMARY A comprehensive understanding of signaling networks is crucial for the formulation of treatment approaches for hematologic disorders. Further investigation is required to fully understand the mechanisms and interactions of these signaling pathways in erythropoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation
- Laboratory of Animal Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Biosciences, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Dhaliwal N, Dhaliwal J, Chopra K. 7, 8-dihydroxyflavone Ameliorates Cholinergic Dysfunction, Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Vascular Dementia. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1137-1149. [PMID: 38300457 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04090-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Vascular dementia (VD) is a degenerative cerebrovascular disorder associated with progressive cognitive decline. Previous reports have shown that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a well-known TrkB agonist, effectively ameliorates cognitive deficits in several disease models. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effects of 7,8-DHF against 2-VO-induced VD. VD was established in rats using the permanent bilateral carotid arteries occlusion (two-vessel occlusion, 2-VO) model. 7,8-DHF (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and Donepezil (10 mg/kg) were administered for 4 weeks. Memory function was assessed by the novel objective recognition task (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM) tests. Inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-kβ), oxidative stress, and apoptotic (BAX, BCL-2, caspase-3) markers, along with the activity of choline acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was assessed. p-AKT, p-CREB, BDNF, and neurotransmitter (NT) (GLU, GABA, and ACh) levels were also analyzed in the hippocampus of 2-VO rats. Our results show that 7,8-DHF effectively improved memory performance and cholinergic dysfunction in 2-VO model rats. Furthermore, 7,8-DHF treatment also increased p-AKT, p-CREB, and BDNF levels, suppressed oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers, and restored altered NT levels in the hippocampus. These findings imply that 7, 8-DHF may act via multiple mechanisms and as such serve as a promising neuroprotective agent in the context of VD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Dhaliwal
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Jatinder Dhaliwal
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Kanwaljit Chopra
- Pharmacology Division, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India.
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, UGC Centre of Advanced Studies, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160 014, India.
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Hu J, Li P, Dan Y, Chen Z, Lu Y, Chen X, Yan S. COL8A1 Regulates Esophageal Squamous Carcinoma Proliferation and Invasion Through PI3K/AKT Pathway. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:3502-3512. [PMID: 38429534 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) is a gastrointestinal malignancy with a high mortality, but the tumorigenesis is still unclear, restricting the target therapy development of ESCC. We explored the role of COL8A1 in ESCC development. METHODS Tissue microarrays were used to investigate the expression level of COL8A1 in ESCC tissues. The association between COL8A1 and the overall survival of ESCC patients was assessed. The effect of differential COL8A1 expression on tumor growth was investigated by the xenograft model. The regulation of COL8A1 on tumor growth, migration, and invasion was studied by using ESCC cell lines. The signal transduction pathways involved in COL8A1 were bioinformatically profiled and validated. RESULTS The COL8A1 was significantly expressed in cancerous tissues and was associated with poor prognosis in patients with ESCC. In vivo, the tumor growth obviously declined after inhibition of the COL8A1 expression. The abilities of cell proliferation and invasion were both decreased when the expression of COL8A1 was knockdown in ESCC cell line. Furthermore, we found the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway that was mediated by knockdown of COL8A1 in ESCC cells, which was reversed with COL8A1 overexpression, whereas the cell proliferation and invasion ability were restored. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report that COL8A1 promote ESCC progression, which hopefully will provide a theoretical basis for clinical targeting of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pengbo Li
- The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanggang Dan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yeting Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Senxiang Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Shanshan W, Hongying M, Jingjing F, Rui Y. Metformin and buparlisib synergistically induce apoptosis of non-small lung cancer (NSCLC) cells via Akt/FoxO3a/Puma axis. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 97:105801. [PMID: 38479708 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2024.105801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a global health issue lacking effective treatments. Buparlisib is a pan-PI3K inhibitor that shows promising clinical results in treating NSCLC. However, chemoresistance is inevitable and hampers the application of buparlisib. Studies show that a combination of phytochemicals and chemotherapeutics enhances its effectiveness. Here, we evaluated the role of metformin, an agent with multiple pharmacological properties, in enhancing the anti-tumour activities of buparlisib against NSCLC cells. Our results showed that metformin and buparlisib synergistically inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. In addition, co-treatment of metformin and buparlisib also induced cell cycle arrest and cell death in NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, metformin and buparlisib repressed Mcl-1 and upregulated Puma in NSCLC cells in a p53-independent manner. Moreover, they inhibited the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, leading to activation of the FoxO3a/Puma signalling in NSCLC cells. Our findings suggest that combined treatment of metformin and buparlisib might provide a promising strategy for treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Shanshan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, China
| | - Ma Hongying
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, China
| | - Fang Jingjing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, China
| | - Yu Rui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Medical School of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315020, China.
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Eberlein C, Williamson SC, Hopcroft L, Ros S, Moss JI, Kerr J, van Weerden WM, de Bruin EC, Dunn S, Willis B, Ross SJ, Rooney C, Barry ST. Capivasertib combines with docetaxel to enhance anti-tumour activity through inhibition of AKT-mediated survival mechanisms in prostate cancer. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1377-1387. [PMID: 38396173 PMCID: PMC11014923 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02614-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-tumour activity of combining AKT inhibition and docetaxel in PTEN protein null and WT prostate tumours. METHODS Mechanisms associated with docetaxel capivasertib treatment activity in prostate cancer were examined using a panel of in vivo tumour models and cell lines. RESULTS Combining docetaxel and capivasertib had increased activity in PTEN null and WT prostate tumour models in vivo. In vitro short-term docetaxel treatment caused cell cycle arrest in the majority of cells. However, a sub-population of docetaxel-persister cells did not undergo G2/M arrest but upregulated phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT pathway effectors GSK3β, p70S6K, 4E-BP1, but to a lesser extent AKT. In vivo acute docetaxel treatment induced p70S6K and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. Treating PTEN null and WT docetaxel-persister cells with capivasertib reduced PI3K/AKT pathway activation and cell cycle progression. In vitro and in vivo it reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis or DNA damage though effects were more marked in PTEN null cells. Docetaxel-persister cells were partly reliant on GSK3β as a GSK3β inhibitor AZD2858 reversed capivasertib-induced apoptosis and DNA damage. CONCLUSION Capivasertib can enhance anti-tumour effects of docetaxel by targeting residual docetaxel-persister cells, independent of PTEN status, to induce apoptosis and DNA damage in part through GSK3β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cath Eberlein
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, UK
| | | | | | - Susana Ros
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - James Kerr
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wytske M van Weerden
- Department of Experimental Urology, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Shanade Dunn
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Brandon Willis
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah J Ross
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Simon T Barry
- Bioscience, Early Oncology, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
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Matus V, Castro-Guarda M, Cárcamo-Fierro J, Morera FJ, Zambrano A. Interleukin 3 Inhibits Glutamate-Cytotoxicity in Neuroblastoma Cell Line. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1373-1386. [PMID: 38512424 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04123-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 3 (IL-3) is a well-known pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells, triggering classical signaling pathways such as JAK/STAT, Ras/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt to carry out its functions. Interestingly, the IL-3 receptor is also expressed in non-hematopoietic cells, playing a crucial role in cell survival. Our previous research demonstrated the expression of the IL-3 receptor in neuron cells and its protective role in neurodegeneration. Glutamate, a principal neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, can induce cellular stress and lead to neurotoxicity when its extracellular concentrations surpass normal levels. This excessive glutamate presence is frequently observed in various neurological diseases. In this study, we uncover the protective role of IL-3 as an inhibitor of glutamate-induced cell death, analyzing the cytokine's signaling pathways during its protective effect. Specifically, we examined the relevance of JAK/STAT, Ras/MAPK, and PI3 K signaling pathways in the molecular mechanism triggered by IL-3. Our results show that the inhibition of JAK, ERK, and PI3 K signaling pathways, using pharmacological inhibitors, effectively blocked IL-3's protective role against glutamate-induced cell death. Additionally, our findings suggest that Bcl-2 and Bax proteins may be involved in the molecular mechanism triggered by IL-3. Our investigation into IL-3's ability to protect neuronal cells from glutamate-induced damage offers a promising therapeutic avenue with potential clinical implications for several neurological diseases characterized by glutamate neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Matus
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, (P. O. Box) 567, 5090000, Casilla, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marcos Castro-Guarda
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, (P. O. Box) 567, 5090000, Casilla, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Joaquín Cárcamo-Fierro
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, (P. O. Box) 567, 5090000, Casilla, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Francisco J Morera
- Applied Biochemistry Laboratory, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Agronomía y Sistemas Naturales, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas y Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, 7820436, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angara Zambrano
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Austral de Chile, (P. O. Box) 567, 5090000, Casilla, Valdivia, Chile.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Studies on the Nervous System (CISNe), Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
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