Isoliquiritigenin regulated ox-LDL through activating the PPAR-γ signaling pathway to stabilize atherosclerosis plaques

Objective:To explore the molecular mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques by activating PPAR-γsignal pathway to regulate ox-LDL metabolism.Methods:The ApoE-/-mice AS carotid plaque model was prepared by using high fat diet and right perivascular carotid collar placement(PCCP).ApoE-/-mice were randomly divided into the model group and the isoliquiritigenin group after PCCP.C57BL/6J mice were used for the control group.High fat diet continued feeding for 8 weeks after PCCP to establish the AS model.Automatic biochemical analyzer was used to test levels of total cholesterol(TC),triacylglyceride(TG),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C).ELISA was used to measure oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)in serum.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological pattern of the carotid artery,and then calculated the carotid parameters.Oil red O staining was used for lipid determination,Masson staining was used to determine collagen content,MOMA-2 andα-SMA immunohistochemical staining were used to determine macrophages and smooth muscle cells,and to calculate the vulnerability index.Western blot was used to detected the expression of PPAR-γ,LXR-α,FABP-4,MMP-2 and MMP-9 in mice arteries.Results:Compared with the normal group,TC、TG、LDL-C、HDL-C and ox-LDL were increased in the model group.Compared with the model group,TC、TG、LDL-C and ox-LDL were reduced,and there was no significant change in HDL-C of the isoliquiritigenin group.Compared with the normal group,intima thickness(IT),intima/media thickness(IT/MT),plaque area(PA),and plaque area/lumen area(PA/LA)of carotid arteries were increased,the content of lipid and MOMA-2 in plaques was increased,collagen andα-SMA content decreased,and the vulnerability index was higher in the model group.The expression of PPAR-γand LXR-αwere reduced and the expression of FABP-4,MMP-2 and MMP-9 were increased in the model group.Compared with the model group,carotid IT,IT/MT,PA,and PA/LA were reduced,the content of lipid and MOMA-2 in plaques was decreased,collagen andα-SMA content were increased,and the vulnerability index was decreased in the isoliquiritigenin group.PPAR-γand LXR-αexpression were increased,FABP-4,MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression were decreased significantly in the isoliquiritigenin group.Conclusion:Isoliquiritigenin can exert anti-AS effects by activating PPAR-γ,up-regulating LXR-α,reducing FABP-4 expression,reducing ox-LDL,reducing the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9,decreasing plaque vulnerability index,and increasing plaque stability.

Isoliquiritigenin suppresses microglial activation and neuroinflammation in primary microglia

OBJECTIVE Microglial activation contributes to neuroinflammation and neuronal damages in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases.It has been suggested that neurodegenerative disorders may be improved if neuroinflammation can be controlled.Isoliquiritigenin(ISL)isolated from Glycyrrhiza glabra possess potent anti-inflammatory capability,we thus investigate the inhibitory effects of ISL on LPS-induced microglial activation and neuroinflammation and the roles of neuroprotection on neurodegenerative disorders.Moveover,we would explore the mechanism of itsassociated inflammatory signaling passway.METHODS By cultivating,isolating and purifying,we got the primary microglia of the rat.The form of those cells was observed under an optical microscope,the purity was identified by the CD11b immunefluorescence staining.Firstly,the effects of ISL on microglial viability were explored by the MTT assay.The microglial cells were pretreated by ISL(5μmol·L-1)and then stimulated by LPS(100 ng·mL-1),the production of NO was detected by Griess reagent,the change of microglial morphology was observed by immunefluorescence staining.The production of IL-1βand TNF-αin culture medium were tested by ELISA,and the m RNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors,including IL-1β,TNF-α,i NOS and COX-2 was detected by real time PCR.The protein expression of i NOS and COX-2was detected by Western blotting.RESULTS(1)After purifying,microglial showed the typical morphological characteristics.The cell body was small,protruding outstretched in the branch rod,spindle.After LPS stimulation,the shape was changed to amoeba-like,and the protrusions retracted,cell rounding.In the CD11b immunefluorescence staining,the purity of the microglial was over 98%,and showed powerful phagocytic activity.(2)The results show that ISL(0.16-20μmol·L-1)concentration has no effect on primary microglia′s vitality.And at the concentration of 5μmol·L-1ISL has the significantly inhibitory effect on NO production induced by LPS.(3)The results shows that ISL pretreatment can significantly inhibit LPS-induced microglial activation,and can significantly reduce the production of NO in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.05).When stimulated by LPS for12 h,the expression of TNF-αand IL-1βm RNA in the culture medium are reduced by ISL pre-treatment(P<0.05).After LPS stimulation for 24 h,the expression of COX2 and i NOS m RNA and protein can be reduced(P<0.05).After stimulated by LPS from 0.5 to 2 h,p-ERK expression has be decreased.CONCLUSION We successfully obtain primary microglia with high-purity by culturing in vitro.We find that ISL can significantly reduce the levels of proinflammatory facters,which indicate ISL can inhibit microglia activation and neuroinflammation by blocking ERK1/2 signal pathway.

Pharmacological Mechanism of Isoliquiritigenin Antitumor

Isoliquiritigenin could play an antitumor role by inhibiting proliferation of tumor cells, inducing apoptosis of tumor cells and resisting neovascularity. In this paper, antitumor activity and mechanism of isoliquiritigenin are summarized.

Isoliquiritigenin induces HMOX1 and GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in gallbladder cancer cells

Background:Gallbladder cancer(GBC)is the most common malignant tumor of biliary tract.Isoliquiritigenin(ISL)is a natural compound with chalcone structure extracted from the roots of licorice and other plants.Relevant studies have shown that ISL has a strong anti-tumor ability in various types of tumors.However,the research of ISL against GBC has not been reported,which needs to be further investigated.Methods:The effects of ISL against GBC cells in vitro and in vivo were characterized by cytotoxicity test,RNA-sequencing,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,reactive oxygen species(ROS)detection,lipid peroxidation detection,ferrous ion detection,glutathione disulphide/glutathione(GSSG/GSH)detection,lentivirus transfection,nude mice tumorigenesis experiment and immunohistochemistry.Results:ISL significantly inhibited the proliferation of GBC cells in vitro.The results of transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis showed that ferroptosis was the main pathway of ISL inhibiting the proliferation of GBC,and HMOX1 and GPX4 were the key molecules of ISL-induced ferroptosis.Knockdown of HMOX1 or overexpression of GPX4 can reduce the sensitivity of GBC cells to ISL-induced ferroptosis and significantly restore the viability of GBC cells.Moreover,ISL significantly reversed the iron content,ROS level,lipid peroxidation level and GSSG/GSH ratio of GBC cells.Finally,ISL significantly inhibited the growth of GBC in vivo and regulated the ferroptosis of GBC by mediating HMOX1 and GPX4.Conclusion:ISL induced ferroptosis in GBC mainly by activating p62-Keap1-Nrf2-HMOX1 signaling pathway and downregulating GPX4 in vitro and in vivo.This evidence may provide a new direction for the treatment of GBC.

Adsorption and desorption of isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin to carbon nanotubes

The adsorption and desorption of isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin to different types of carbon nanotubes （CNTs） were comparatively studied in this study. The pore structure, specific surface area, surface morphologies and functional groups of the CNTs were tested by N2 adsorption, scanning electron microscope （SEM） and infrared spectra （IR）. The investigation of dynamic adsorption, isothermal equilibrium adsorption and desorption of isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin to CNTs demonstrated that the adsorption amount on oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes （o-MWCNTs） was greater than that on raw multi-walled carbon nanotubes （r-MWCNTs）, especially the adsorption of isoliquiritigenin to o-MWCNTs. The data of equilibrium adsorption were better represented by the Freundlich isotherm model. In addition, the adsorbed amount per unit CNTs was decreased when the temperature got higher. From the results of isothermal equilibrium adsorption and desorption to CNTs, it could be inferred that o-MWCNTs had higher adsorption to isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin than r-MWCNTs. Additionally, o-MWCNTs had a better desorption efficiency to isoliquiritigenin and liquiritigenin （about 48.57% and 32.86%） than r-MWCNTs （about 24.56% and 17.46%）.

异甘草素通过激活自噬抑制巨噬细胞中结核杆菌生存的实验研究

目的探究异甘草素对H37Ra感染的巨噬细胞中结核杆菌的抑制作用及其涉及的机制。方法以5、10、25、50、75、100μmol/L异甘草素处理RAW264.7细胞24、48、72 h,MTT检测细胞活力。细胞被H37Ra感染6 h后:(1)利用10、25或50μM异甘草素处理细胞24 h;(2)利用50μg/mL雷帕霉素处理细胞2 h;(3)利用50μmol/L异甘草素和30 pg/mL EGF[epidermal growth factor,一种PI3K(phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase)/AKT激活剂]或5mM 3MA(一种自噬抑制剂)共处理细胞24 h。利用计数法测量细菌菌落总数;利用Western blotting检测PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路蛋白和自噬标志蛋白表达;利用免疫荧光检测LC3(Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3)蛋白表达。结果不同浓度异甘草素处理不影响细胞活力。异甘草素或雷帕霉素处理感染后细胞显著减少细菌菌落总数,激活PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路,促进LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ蛋白相对表达量,增强LC3荧光强度,并抑制P62蛋白相对表达量。EGF处理逆转异甘草素诱导的自噬激活。3MA处理逆转异甘草素诱导的细菌菌落数下降。结论异甘草素通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路,激活自噬,抑制感染H37Ra的巨噬细胞中结核杆菌生长。

Charge adaptive phytochemical-based nanoparticles for eradication of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus biofilms

The intrinsic resistance of MRSA coupled with biofilm antibiotic tolerance challenges the antibiotic treatment of MRSA biofilm infections.Phytochemical-based nanoplatform is a promising emerging approach for treatment of biofilm infection.However,their therapeutic efficacy was restricted by the low drug loading capacity and lack of selectivity.Herein,we constructed a surface charge adaptive phytochemical-based nanoparticle with high isoliquiritigenin(ISL)loading content for effective treatment of MRSA biofilm.A dimeric ISL prodrug(ISL-G2)bearing a lipase responsive ester bond was synthesized,and then encapsulated into the amphiphilic quaternized oligochitosan.The obtained ISL-G2loaded NPs possessed positively charged surface,which allowed cis-aconityl-D-tyrosine(CA-Tyr)binding via electrostatic interaction to obtain ISL-G2@TMDCOS-Tyr NPs.The NPs maintained their negatively charged surface,thus prolonging the blood circulation time.In response to low pH in the biofilms,the fast removal of CA-Tyr led to a shift in their surface charge from negative to positive,which enhanced the accumulation and penetration of NPs in the biofilms.Sequentially,the pH-triggered release of D-tyrosine dispersed the biofilm and lipase-triggered released of ISL effectively kill biofilm MRSA.An in vivo study was performed on a MRSA biofilm infected wound model.This phytochemical-based system led to~2log CFU(>99%)reduction of biofilm MRSA as compared to untreated wound(P<0.001)with negligible biotoxicity in mice.This phytochemical dimer nanoplatform shows great potential for long-term treatment of resistant bacterial infections.

Interaction of isoliquiritigenin with bovine serum albumin studied by fluorescence quenching method

Interaction of ioliquiritigenin（ISL）, which is the main active component of a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. with bovine serum albumin（BSA） has been investigated. The quenching mechanism of fluorescence of bovine serum albumin by ISL was discussed. The binding sites number n and apparent binding constant K were measured by fluorescence quenching method. The thermodynamic parameters ΔH^0, ΔG^0, ΔS^0 at different temperatures were calculated. The distance r between donor（bovine serum albumin） and acceptor（ISL） was obtained according to F？rster theory of non-radiation energy transfer. The results of synchronous fluorescence spectra and UV-vis absorption spectra show that the conformation of bovine serum albumin has been changed.

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.in treating breast cancer via network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Epimedium brevicornu Maxim.(EBM,Yin Yang Huo)on breast cancer using network pharmacology and in vitro validation.It also aimed to explore the novel targets and mechanisms of EBM in the treatment of breast cancer to facilitate the discovery of new drugs and their clinical application.Methods: Network pharmacology was used to identify and screen the components and targets of EBM for breast cancer treatment.Molecular docking was further screened the effective components and targets of EBM.Wound-healing assays and flow cytometry analysis were used to detect the ability of two compounds to intervene in the migration and apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells,and their mechanism of action was further explored using western blotting experiments.Results: EBM contained 19 active components.Among them wereβ-anhydroicaritin(Anhy)and isoliquiritigenin(Iso),which were selected for in vitro experiments.Treatment resulted in a dose-dependent suppression of MDA-MB-231 cell viability,with an IC_(50) of 23.73μmol/L for Iso and 21.28μmol/L for Anhy.In the wound healing assay,cells in Anhy and Iso groups exhibited considerable inhibition of migration at 48 h.In flow cytometry analysis,treatment with Iso(20μmol/L)for 96 h resulted in significantly higher levels of both early and late apoptosis in the Iso group than that in the control group(P=.004 and P=.014,respectively).Additionally,both Iso(20μmol/L)and Anhy(10 and 20μmol/L)induced cell necrosis at 96 h.Western blotting revealed that Anhy and Iso increased the expression of Bax and TBK1/NAK.Conclusion: These findings suggested that Anhy and Iso,the two components of EBM,inhibit MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and migration of and induce their apoptosis,providing substantial support for future studies on breast cancer.

经典藏药如意珍宝片多次给药的药代动力学研究

目的:探讨经典藏药如意珍宝片多次给药的血浆药代动力学特征,为临床用药提供参考和依据。方法:选取斯泼累格·多雷(SD)大鼠12只,雌雄各半,分为对照组和给药组,连续给药7 d,在最后一次给药前0 h及给药开始后0.25、0.5、0.75、1、2、4、8、24、48 h眼眶采血,测定血浆中沉香四醇、异甘草素、胡椒碱、阿魏酸的药代参数。结果:血浆中沉香四醇、异甘草素、胡椒碱、阿魏酸的药代参数达峰时间大部分分别在1~8、0.25、0.25~8、0.25 h;C_(max)分别为(140±53.90)、(8.31±6.34)、(33.4±22.20)、(15.7±7.90)ng/mL;t_(1/2)分别为(10.1±3.85)、(8.51±4.23)、(4.45±1.35)、(67.3±55.10);AUC_(0-t)分别为(1 890±1 440)、(45.6±14.3)、(288±150)、(443±165) h×ng/mL;MRT_(0-∞)分别为(13.2±7.45)、(9.80±4.27)、(4.91±1.34)、(103±77.10) h。沉香四醇、异甘草素、胡椒碱在大鼠体内主要药动学参数差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),阿魏酸在大鼠体内主要药动学参数(C_(max)、AUC_(0-t))差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:本研究建立了适用于如意珍宝片多次给药后的沉香四醇、异甘草素、胡椒碱、阿魏酸4种成分的药代动力学的研究方法,分析其药代动力学特征,指导临床给药周期和间隔。

异甘草素对七氟烷致老年大鼠骨折术后认知障碍的影响

目的观察异甘草素对七氟烷致老年大鼠骨折术后认知障碍的改善作用及对细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2,ERK1/2)/环磷酸腺苷反应单元结合蛋白(cyclic-AMP response element binding protein,CREB)/脑源性神经营养因子(brain derived neurotrophic factor,BDNF)通路的影响。方法将40只骨折大鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、异甘草素组、联合组,每组10只。联合组大鼠灌胃异甘草素(15 mg·kg^(−1)),腹腔注射PD98059(1 mg·kg^(−1));异甘草素组灌胃异甘草素(15 mg·kg^(−1)),腹腔注射等量二甲基亚砜(dimethyl sulfoxide,DMSO);对照组、模型组分别灌胃、腹腔注射等量DMSO。每日1次,持续5 d。用水迷宫实验检测大鼠认知功能;检测血清炎症因子肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)和白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β);Tunel染色法观察海马神经元凋亡情况;免疫印迹法检测海马组织ERK1/2、磷酸化ERK1/2(phospho-ERK1/2,p-ERK1/2)、CREB、p-CREB、BDNF蛋白的表达。结果与模型组[(36.26±3.95)s、(23.91±2.91)s、(5.17±0.68)次、(494.42±45.62)ng·mL^(−1)、(600.98±60.01)ng·mL^(−1)、(34.26%±3.96%)、(0.23±0.03)、(0.14±0.02)、(0.16±0.02)]比较,异甘草素组建模后逃避潜伏期缩短,第三象限停留时间延长,穿越原平台次数增加,血清TNF-α水平、IL-1β水平、海马神经元凋亡率降低,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2、p-CREB/CREB及BDNF蛋白表达水平升高[(14.87±1.43)s、(45.08±4.54)s、(12.31±1.77)次、(253.41±27.61)ng·mL^(−1)、(229.04±23.55)ng·mL^(−1)、(8.53%±1.06%)、(0.66±0.11)、(0.51±0.05)、(0.60±0.07)],P<0.05;与异甘草素组比较,联合组建模后逃避潜伏期延长,第三象限停留时间缩短,穿越原平台次数减少,血清TNF-α水平、IL-1β水平、海马神经元凋亡率升高,p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2、p-CREB/CREB及BDNF蛋白的表达水平降低[(21.06±2.72)s、(37.17±3.10)s、(7.72±0.96)次、(346.91±44.67)ng·mL^(−1)、(391.38±34.75)ng·mL^(−1)、(16.11%±1.84%)、(0.42±0.05)、(0.29±0.03)、(0.24±0.03)],P<0.05。结论异甘草素可改善术后认知功能障碍、抑制炎症反应、保护海马组织神经元,激活ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF信号通路可能是其作用机制之一。

Anticancer activity of Isoliquiritigenin: biological effects and molecular mechanisms

Natural compounds derived from plants have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community due to their nontoxic nature and anti-cancer activity.Isoliquiritigenin(ISL),an active flavonoid isolated from the root of the licorice plant(Glycyrrhiza uralensis),has been previously demonstrated to have anti-inflammatory,antioxidant and tumor suppressive effects.In the past few years,the number of studies describing the effects of ISL against cancer has been gradually increased.ISL has been found to inhibit viability,proliferation,and migration of cancer cells mainly through cell cycle arrest,induction of apoptosis as well as autophagy.However,the molecular mechanisms of action are not completely comprehended.This review aimed to provide a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and molecular mechanisms of ISL against cancer.

甘草防治阿尔茨海默病的作用机制研究进展

阿尔茨海默病(Alzheimer's disease,AD)是一种中枢神经系统退行性疾病,临床表现为学习记忆障碍以及日常生活能力减退等,对老年人的健康造成巨大威胁。近些年,对中药治疗AD的研究逐渐兴盛起来,其具有多组分、多途径、多靶点整体调节以及安全性高,毒副作用小等特点,符合疾病的复杂性需求。甘草作为我国传统药食同源补益类中草药具有抗病毒、抗氧化、抗炎等多种药理活性。研究表明,甘草对AD具有潜在的治疗作用,但其作用机制尚不清晰。研究发现,甘草提取物可以通过抗炎、抗氧化应激,抑制Tau蛋白磷酸化的作用,进而发挥抗AD的作用,甘草单体活性成分及其复方不仅可以通过上述机制达到抗AD的作用,而且能通过抑制β-淀粉样蛋白沉积,保护胆碱能神经元,抑制神经细胞凋亡等达到防治AD的目的。本文就近年来甘草提取物、甘草单体活性成分及甘草复方防治AD的作用机制进行总结,以期为甘草防治AD提供理论依据。

异甘草素调控LINC01503对肺鳞癌细胞的作用研究

背景与目的异甘草素(isoliquiritigenin,ISL)是甘草中重要的药理成分,其具有一系列的生理和药理活性,同时具有显著的抗肿瘤活性,可以作为癌症靶向治疗的一种潜在药物。LINC01503是一种致癌基因,其与多种癌症的恶性生物学过程密切相关。本研究旨在探讨ISL通过调控LINC01503对肺鳞癌细胞增殖、凋亡、侵袭及迁移的影响。方法收集2021年1月至2022年12月于唐山市人民医院治疗的肺鳞癌患者和健康人血浆。用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction,qRT-PCR)检测LINC01503在肺鳞癌血浆、组织及细胞中的表达情况。用不同浓度的ISL处理肺鳞癌细胞24 h,用qRT-PCR检测LINC01503表达情况。将细胞进行分组处理:si-NC组、si-LINC01503组、DMSO(0.1%的二甲基砜)组、ISL组、pc DNA3.1(+)-NC组、pc DNA3.1(+)-LINC01503组、ISL+pc DNA3.1(+)-NC组及ISL+pc DNA3.1(+)-LINC01503组。采用CCK-8法、克隆形成实验、流式细胞术、Transwell实验和划痕实验研究LINC01503对肺鳞癌细胞功能表型的影响。结果荧光原位杂交结果显示,肺鳞癌患者组织芯片中,肺鳞癌组织LINC01503的平均荧光强度高于癌旁组织(P<0.05)。肺鳞癌患者血浆中LINC01503的表达高于健康人血浆表达(P<0.05)。敲降LINC01503可以抑制肺鳞癌细胞的增殖、侵袭及迁移并促进调亡(P<0.05)。ISL可以抑制肺鳞癌细胞的增殖、侵袭、迁移并促进调亡(P<0.05)。过表达LINC01503后用ISL进行干预可逆转过表达LINC01503对肺鳞癌细胞的增殖、侵袭及迁移的促进作用及对调亡的抑制作用(P<0.05)。结论LINC01503在肺鳞癌中呈高表达,LINC01503可以促进肺鳞癌细胞的增殖、侵袭、迁移并抑制调亡,ISL可以通过调控LINC01503的表达抑制肺鳞癌细胞的增殖、侵袭、迁移,促进肺鳞癌细胞的凋亡。

异甘草素通过hsa_circ_0027107/miR-651-5p/FOXN2轴抑制肺腺癌的恶性进展

目的探讨circ_0027107在肺腺癌发生、发展中的作用及分子机制,同时探究异甘草素(Isoliquiritigenin,ISL)通过hsa_circ_0027107对肺腺癌的影响。方法肺腺癌基因芯片筛选出显著高表达的hsa_circ_0027107,通过实时荧光定量(Quantitative Real-time PCR,qRT-PCR)检测肺腺癌患者及健康人血浆中,癌细胞和正常细胞中hsa_circ_0027107的表达情况,荧光原位杂检测hsa_circ_0027107在肺腺癌及癌旁组织中的表达情况,体外培养肺腺癌细胞A549和H1299,采用CCK-8和克隆形成检测细胞增殖能力,Transwell实验检测细胞迁移和侵袭能力,划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力,评估hsa_circ_0027107在肺腺癌中的功能;通过miRanda、TargetScan数据库预测circ_0027107下游的miR-651-5p,与miRDB、miRTarBase、TargetScan数据库预测miR-651-5p下游蛋白FOXN2,双荧光素酶基因实验报告确定circ_0027107与miR-651-5p、miR-651-5p与FOXN2之间的相互作用关系,并通过相关功能实验验证。结果肺腺癌基因芯片结果显示环状RNA hsa_circ_0027107差异表达明显,荧光原位杂交结果显示肺腺癌患者组织中hsa_circ_0027107的平均荧光强度为低于癌旁组织,miR-651-5p的平均荧光强度为高于癌旁组织,hsa_circ_0027107的低表达与肺腺癌患者的淋巴结转移和临床分期有关。核质分离结果显示hsa_circ_0027107、miR-651-5p都主要在细胞质中表达。过表达hsa_circ_0027107抑制肺腺癌细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力,而过表达miR-651-5p可逆转circ_0027107对肺腺癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭的影响,同时,发现在NCL-H1299、A549中FOXN2表达降低,敲低FOXN2可逆转miR-651-5p对肺腺癌细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭的影响。研究发现ISL能够明显促进Hsa_circ_0027107的表达,并明显抑制体外肺癌细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力,同时,功能实验也证实敲低Hsa_circ_0027107的表达能够拯救ISL对肺癌细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力的抑制。结论肺腺癌组织、细胞、血浆中hsa_circ_0027107低表达,hsa_circ_0027107通过调控miR-651-5p作用于FOXN2抑制肿瘤的恶性生物学表型,ISL通过hsa_circ_0027107抑制肺腺癌的恶性进展。

异甘草素通过lncRNA MIR22HG/miR-24-3p/FASLG轴抑制肺鳞癌转移的机制研究

目的 肺鳞癌(Lung squamous cell carcinoma,LUSC)是全世界范围内高频率发生的恶性肿瘤。最近的研究表明,异甘草素(Isoliquiritigenin,ISL)在肿瘤增殖和转移中发挥抗肿瘤活性。因此,研究旨在探讨ISL在抗LUSC转移中的作用机制。方法 利用梯度浓度ISL处理LUSC细胞,探究ISL在LUSC细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭中的抗癌特性。随后,利用生物信息学手段探寻了长链非编码RNA(Long non-coding RNAs, lncRNA)MIR22HG/miR-24-3p/Fas配体基因(Fas ligand Gene,FASLG)之间可能的互作关系。实时荧光定量PCR(Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, qRT-PCR)检测LUSC细胞中lncRNA MIR22HG、miR-24-3p、FASLG的表达,细胞计数盒-8(Cell Counting Kit-8,CCK-8)、克隆形成、划痕愈合和Transwell实验分别检测细胞活力、增殖、迁移和侵袭。蛋白质免疫印迹法(Western blot, WB)检测上皮间充质转换(Epithelial-mesenchymal transition, EMT)和转移相关蛋白的表达。RNA免疫沉淀(RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation, RIP)实验和双萤光素酶实验验证lncRNA MIR22HG与miR-24-3p、miR-24-3p与FASLG的结合关系。结果 ISL可以显著抑制LUSC细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭。生信分析及临床样本分析发现lncRNA MIR22HG在LUSC中低表达,ISL可以促进lncRNA MIR22HG的表达,抑制LUSC细胞的恶性行为。此外,lncRNA MIR22HG可以海绵吸附miR-24-3p进而调节FASLG的表达。miR-24-3p在LUSC中上调表达,FASLG在LUSC中下调表达。过表达FASLG可以逆转miR-24-3p过表达对LUSC增殖、转移以及EMT进程的促进作用。结论 这些结果表明,ISL通过lncRNA MIR22HG/miR-24-3p/FASLG轴抑制肺鳞癌转移,表明ISL有潜力作为治疗LUSC的新型药物。

基于NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路探讨异甘草素对自身免疫性甲状腺炎小鼠的保护作用

[目的]基于NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路探讨异甘草素对自身免疫性甲状腺炎(AIT)小鼠的保护作用。[方法]60只SPF级C57BL/6J小鼠随机分为空白对照组、模型组、雷公藤多苷片组以及异甘草素高中低剂量组,每组10只。通过皮下注射高碘水和猪甲状腺球蛋白混合液建立AIT小鼠模型。于造模当天给药组小鼠采用灌胃给药干预2周。实验结束后,分别检测各组小鼠血清自身免疫相关抗体[甲状腺过氧化物酶抗体(TPOAb)和甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)]和炎症因子[白细胞介素(IL)-8、IL-6和IL-23]的水平;采用HE染色法观察各组小鼠甲状腺组织的病理学情况;使用Western blot法检测各组小鼠甲状腺组织NLRP3和Caspase-1蛋白的表达水平。[结果]与空白对照小鼠比较,模型组小鼠的血清自身免疫相关抗体(TPOAb和TGAb)和炎症因子(IL-8、IL-6和IL-23)水平显著升高(P<0.01)。此外,模型组小鼠甲状腺组织中炎症细胞浸润明显,甲状腺组织NLRP3和Caspase-1蛋白表达水平明显上调(P<0.01),提示AIT小鼠模型构建成功。与模型组比较,各给药组均明显降低血清自身免疫相关抗体(TPOAb和TGAb)和炎症因子(IL-8、IL-6和IL-23)水平(P<0.05),甲状腺组织中炎症细胞的浸润程度显著减轻,甲状腺组织NLRP3和Caspase-1蛋白的表达水平明显下调(P<0.05),其中异甘草素给药组改善小鼠AIT呈浓度依赖性。[结论]异甘草素可能通过调控NLRP3/Caspase-1信号通路以及抑制炎症,从而改善AIT小鼠的系列症状。

异甘草素抑制RANKL/RANK/TRAF6信号通路对骨质疏松大鼠成骨细胞分化的影响

目的探究异甘草素对骨质疏松(OP)大鼠成骨细胞分化的影响是否与调控核因子-κB受体活化体配体(RANKL)/核因子-κB受体活化体(RANK)/肿瘤坏死因子受体相关因子6(TRAF6)信号通路有关。方法采用去势法建立绝经后OP大鼠模型,造模2周后将大鼠随机分为模型组、阳性组(戊酸雌二醇0.09 mg/kg)、异甘草素低(10 mg/kg)、中(20 mg/kg)、高(40 mg/kg)剂量组,每组10只,另取10只大鼠作为假手术组。给药结束后采用ELISA法检测大鼠血清中碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、雌二醇(E_(2))水平;Micro-CT扫描观察骨微结构指标;HE染色观察股骨组织病理学;免疫组化法检测大鼠股骨Runt相关转录因子2(Runx2)蛋白表达;Western Blot法检测大鼠股骨RANKL、RANK、TRAF6蛋白表达。结果与模型组比,阳性组与异甘草素各剂量组大鼠骨组织病变明显减轻,可见新生骨小梁;ALP[(107.94±9.83)U/L、(75.27±7.51)U/L、(89.35±9.14)U/L、(106.33±10.02)U/L比(53.79±5.62)U/L]、E_(2)[(27.71±2.67)pg/mL、(18.36±1.82)pg/mL、(23.65±2.28)pg/mL、(27.46±2.71)pg/mL比(14.64±1.59)pg/mL]水平,Tb.Th[(0.36±0.04)mm、(0.23±0.02)mm、(0.28±0.03)mm、(0.36±0.03)mm比(0.12±0.01)mm]、Tb.N[(4.45±0.44)1/mm、(2.67±0.27)1/mm、(3.36±0.34)1/mm、(4.41±0.44)1/mm比(1.51±0.12)1/mm]、BMD[(0.37±0.04)g/cm^(2)、(0.22±0.02)g/cm^(2)、(0.29±0.03)g/cm^(2)、(0.38±0.03)g/cm^(2)比(0.14±0.01)g/cm^(2)]、BV/TV[(11.94±1.23)%、(7.12±0.70)%、(8.49±0.85)%、(11.77±1.16)%比(5.75±0.61)%]以及Runx2表达[(0.84±0.08)、(0.41±0.04)、(0.59±0.06)、(0.82±0.08)比(0.27±0.03)]升高(P<0.05),Tb.Sp[(0.25±0.02)mm、(0.43±0.04)mm、(0.34±0.03)mm、(0.23±0.02)mm比(0.56±0.06)mm]以及RANKL[(0.42±0.04)、(0.86±0.08)、(0.64±0.06)、(0.45±0.04)比(1.09±0.11)]、RANK[(0.39±0.04)、(0.81±0.08)、(0.67±0.06)、(0.41±0.04)比(1.03±0.10)]、TRAF6[(0.47±0.05)、(0.77±0.08)、(0.61±0.06)、(0.49±0.05)比(0.96±0.09)]蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),且异甘草素呈剂量依赖性。结论异甘草素可能通过抑制RANKL/RANK/TRAF6信号通路,促进成骨细胞分化,改善股骨病变,有效发挥对OP的治疗作用。

异甘草素对实验性自身免疫性神经炎大鼠模型的影响及机制研究

目的:观察异甘草素(ISL)对大鼠实验性自身免疫性神经炎(EAN)的影响并探讨机制。方法:足底注射P257-81多肽建立EAN大鼠模型,免疫后1 h,每天腹腔注射ISL(60 mg/kg)溶液,共14 d。观测大鼠发病情况,运用HE染色及透射电镜观察坐骨神经结构,ELISA法检测血清中炎症因子水平,Western blot检测脾脏单核巨噬细胞中诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)和精氨酸酶1(Arg1)、信号转导及转录激活因子3(STAT3)包括t⁃STAT3和p⁃STAT3的蛋白表达。结果:与EAN组比较,EAN+ISL组大鼠行为评分显著降低,体重明显增加,坐骨神经中炎症细胞浸润数明显减少,坐骨神经的脱髓鞘现象明显减少,血清中白介素⁃1β(IL⁃1β)、肿瘤坏死因子⁃α(TNF⁃α)、白介素⁃6(IL⁃6)和干扰素⁃γ(IFN⁃γ)水平明显降低,脾脏单核巨噬细胞中iNOS蛋白表达显著下调,Arg1表达显著上调,p⁃STAT3蛋白表达及p⁃STAT3/t⁃STAT3比值均明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:ISL对EAN具有抑制作用,其机制可能与调控STAT3⁃巨噬细胞极化途径有关。

异甘草素通过激活PPAR⁃γ信号通路调控ox⁃LDL稳定动脉粥样硬化斑块

目的:探讨异甘草素通过激活PPAR⁃γ信号通路调控ox⁃LDL代谢稳定动脉粥样硬化(AS)斑块的分子机制。方法:采用高脂喂养+右侧颈总动脉外置套管术(PCCP)制备ApoE⁃/⁃小鼠AS颈动脉斑块模型。ApoE⁃/⁃小鼠经PCCP术后随机分为模型组和异甘草素组,正常组采用C57BL/6J小鼠。术后高脂饲料继续喂养8周,建立AS模型。全自动生化仪检测血清中总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL⁃C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL⁃C)含量。ELISA检测血清中氧化低密度脂蛋白(ox⁃LDL)含量。HE染色观察颈动脉病理形态,并测定颈动脉参数。油红O染色用于脂质测定,Masson染色用于胶原含量测定,MOMA⁃2和α⁃SMA免疫组织化学染色用于巨噬细胞和平滑肌细胞测定,并计算易损指数。Western blot检测小鼠动脉中PPAR⁃γ、LXR⁃α、FABP⁃4、MMP⁃2及MMP⁃9蛋白表达。结果:与正常组相比,模型组TC、TG、LDL⁃C、HDL⁃C和ox⁃LDL升高。与模型组相比,异甘草素组TC、TG、LDL⁃C和ox⁃LDL降低,HDL⁃C无明显变化。与正常组相比,模型组小鼠颈动脉的内膜厚度(IT)、内膜/中膜厚度(IT/MT)、斑块面积(PA)、斑块面积/血管管腔面积(PA/LA)均增加,斑块内脂质和MOMA⁃2含量增加,胶原和α⁃SMA含量减少,易损指数较高,PPAR⁃γ、LXR⁃α表达减少,FABP⁃4、MMP⁃2、MMP⁃9表达增加。与模型组比较,异甘草素组小鼠颈动脉IT、IT/MT、PA、PA/LA均减少,斑块内脂质和MOMA⁃2含量减少,胶原和α⁃SMA含量增加,易损指数降低,PPAR⁃γ、LXR⁃α表达增加,FABP⁃4、MMP⁃2、MMP⁃9表达减少。结论:异甘草素能够通过激活PPAR⁃γ、上调LXR⁃α,减少FABP⁃4表达,降低ox⁃LDL水平,减少MMP⁃2和MMP⁃9的蛋白表达,降低斑块易损指数,增加斑块稳定性,发挥抗AS的作用。