Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic factors in patients with hepatoblastoma(HB) in our single center and to evaluate periostin(POSTN) expression in HB and its association with clinico...Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic factors in patients with hepatoblastoma(HB) in our single center and to evaluate periostin(POSTN) expression in HB and its association with clinicopathological variables. In addition, the underlying mechanism of how POSTN promotes HB progression was discussed.Methods: POSTN expression was investigated in HB tumors by immunohistochemistry(IHC), immunofluorescence(IF) and Western blot(WB). The association among POSTN expression, clinicopathological features and overall survival(OS) was also evaluated. The migration and adhesion ability of HB cells were measured using chemotaxis and cell-matrix adhesion assays,respectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated markers and activation of the ERK pathway were detected by WB.Results: HB patients had poor prognosis which displayed lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, POSTN and vimentin expression. POSTN expression was also associated with lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, overexpressed POSTN promoted migration and the adhesive ability of HB cells in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that POSTN activated the MAPK/ERK pathway, upregulated the expression of Snail and decreased the expression of OVOL2. Finally, POSTN promoted the expression of EMT-associated markers.Conclusions: POSTN might modulate EMT via the ERK signaling pathway, thereby promoting cellular migration and invasion.Our study also suggests that POSTN may serve as a therapeutic biomarker in HB patients.展开更多
Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G)is the most common anthocyanin in dark grains and berries and is a food functional factor to improve visual health.However,the mechanisms of C3G on blue light-induced retinal pigment epithelia...Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G)is the most common anthocyanin in dark grains and berries and is a food functional factor to improve visual health.However,the mechanisms of C3G on blue light-induced retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cell photooxidative damage needs further exploration.We investigated the effects of C3G on blue light-irradiated A2E-containing RPE cells and explored whether sphingolipid,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and mitochondria-mediated pathways are involved in this mechanism.Blue light irradiation led to mitochondria and lysosome damage in RPE cells,whereas C3G preserved mitochondrial morphology and function and maintained the lysosomal integrity.C3G suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK and mitochondria-mediated pathways to inhibit RPE cell apoptosis.Lipidomics data showed that C3G protected RPE cells against blue light-induced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis by maintaining sphingolipids balance.C3G significantly inhibited ceramide(Cer d18:0/15:0,Cer d18:0/16:0 and Cer d18:0/18:0)accumulation and elevated galactosylceramide(GalCer d18:1/15:0 and GalCer d18:1/16:0)levels in the irradiated A2E-containing RPE cells.Furthermore,C3G attenuated cell membrane damage by increasing phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine levels.C3G inhibited apoptosis and preserved the structure of mitochondria and lysosome by regulating sphingolipid signaling and suppression of MAPK activation in RPE cells.Thus,dietary supplementation of C3G prevents retinal photooxidative damage.展开更多
Background:Glioblastoma,a notably malignant tumor within the central nervous system,is distinguished by its aggressive behavior.Silvestrol,a robust inhibitor of the RNA helicase eukaryotic initiation factor 4A(eIF4A),...Background:Glioblastoma,a notably malignant tumor within the central nervous system,is distinguished by its aggressive behavior.Silvestrol,a robust inhibitor of the RNA helicase eukaryotic initiation factor 4A(eIF4A),has shown significant potential as an anticancer compound.Yet,the impact of silvestrol on glioblastoma,especially its molecular mechanisms,has not been fully elucidated.Methods:This investigation employed a variety of in vitro assays,such as cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),clonogenic,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EDU),wound healing,and flow cytometry,to evaluate cell cycle progression,apoptosis,cell viability,and migration.Western blot analysis was also performed to study the apoptosis and extracellular regulated kinase(ERK)pathways.After the ERK pathway was inhibited,differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in U87 cells were identified,followed by an analysis of target genes using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA)database.Results:Silvestrol significantly suppressed the proliferation,migration,and colony formation of glioma cells.It caused cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis in these cells.Additionally,silvestrol stimulated the ERK pathway,with these effects being reversible by an ERK phosphorylation inhibitor.Transcriptome combined with GEPIA,GSCA,UALCAN,TIMER database screened 4 potential drug targets of silvestrol:chromosome 1 open reading frame 226(C1ORF226),mannosidase beta A(MANBA),IQ motif and Sec7 domain 2(IQSEC2),neuregulin 1(NRG-1).Among them,C1ORF226 was lower risk gene while MANBA,IQSEC2,and NRG-1 were high-risk genes.Furthermore,silvestrol notably reduced MANBA mRNA levels,which could be reversed by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation.Furthermore,silvestrol markedly decreased NRG-1 protein levels,with an additional reduction observed when the ERK pathway was blocked.Conclusion:Silvestrol’s anti-glioma effects are primarily due to the suppression of MANBA expression via the ERK pathway and possibly by hindering the translation of NRG-1 protein,thus reducing its expression.The downregulation of MANBA and NRG-1 proteins may be crucial in hindering glioma development and progression.These results highlight the intricate relationship between the ERK pathway and gene expression regulation in silvestrol’s therapeutic effectiveness against glioma.展开更多
BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM T...BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.展开更多
Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failu...Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:In vitro,the H_(9)C_(2) cell model was induced by ANGII,and cell proliferation and related protein expression were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blot.In vivo,A rat model of CHF was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The effects of QXHLF on cardiac function in CHF rats were evaluated by cardiac index,hemodynamic changes,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR.The expression of pro-apoptotic factors and anti-apoptotic factors,as well as TGFβ1,p-p38,TAK 1 mRNA,and protein,were detected.Results:In vitro,QXHLF has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H_(9)C_(2) cells.QXHLF can reduce the expression levels of TAK 1,TGFβ1,p-p38,Caspase3 and BAX proteins in H_(9)C_(2) cells,and increase the expression level of BCL_(2) protein.In vivo,QXHLF has the potential to increase left ventricular systolic pressure,m aximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure while decreasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure,and inhibiting the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide.Moreover,QXHLF exhibits significant improvements in the pathological alterations of myocardial cells and fibers in CHF rats,leading to enhanced myocardial tissue morphology and notable advantages in combating myocardial fibrosis.QXHLF can reduce the levels of BAX and Caspase3 and up-regulate the expression of BCL_(2),thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,QXHLF demonstrates inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFβ_(1),TAK_(1),and p-p38 in the heart tissue of the CHF rat model.Conclusion:These findings indicate that QXHLF has a therapeutic effect on CHF by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway,reducing myocardial fibrosis,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting cell proliferation,and restoring myocardial injury.展开更多
基金supported by grants from Key Project of Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 18JCZDJC35200)The Science & Technology Development Fund of Tianjin Education Commission for Higher Education (Grant No. 2017KJ202)
文摘Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic factors in patients with hepatoblastoma(HB) in our single center and to evaluate periostin(POSTN) expression in HB and its association with clinicopathological variables. In addition, the underlying mechanism of how POSTN promotes HB progression was discussed.Methods: POSTN expression was investigated in HB tumors by immunohistochemistry(IHC), immunofluorescence(IF) and Western blot(WB). The association among POSTN expression, clinicopathological features and overall survival(OS) was also evaluated. The migration and adhesion ability of HB cells were measured using chemotaxis and cell-matrix adhesion assays,respectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)-associated markers and activation of the ERK pathway were detected by WB.Results: HB patients had poor prognosis which displayed lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, POSTN and vimentin expression. POSTN expression was also associated with lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, overexpressed POSTN promoted migration and the adhesive ability of HB cells in vitro. In addition, we demonstrated that POSTN activated the MAPK/ERK pathway, upregulated the expression of Snail and decreased the expression of OVOL2. Finally, POSTN promoted the expression of EMT-associated markers.Conclusions: POSTN might modulate EMT via the ERK signaling pathway, thereby promoting cellular migration and invasion.Our study also suggests that POSTN may serve as a therapeutic biomarker in HB patients.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31901698)Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by the China Association for Science and Technology(2019QNRC001)。
文摘Cyanidin-3-glucoside(C3G)is the most common anthocyanin in dark grains and berries and is a food functional factor to improve visual health.However,the mechanisms of C3G on blue light-induced retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cell photooxidative damage needs further exploration.We investigated the effects of C3G on blue light-irradiated A2E-containing RPE cells and explored whether sphingolipid,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK),and mitochondria-mediated pathways are involved in this mechanism.Blue light irradiation led to mitochondria and lysosome damage in RPE cells,whereas C3G preserved mitochondrial morphology and function and maintained the lysosomal integrity.C3G suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPK and mitochondria-mediated pathways to inhibit RPE cell apoptosis.Lipidomics data showed that C3G protected RPE cells against blue light-induced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis by maintaining sphingolipids balance.C3G significantly inhibited ceramide(Cer d18:0/15:0,Cer d18:0/16:0 and Cer d18:0/18:0)accumulation and elevated galactosylceramide(GalCer d18:1/15:0 and GalCer d18:1/16:0)levels in the irradiated A2E-containing RPE cells.Furthermore,C3G attenuated cell membrane damage by increasing phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine levels.C3G inhibited apoptosis and preserved the structure of mitochondria and lysosome by regulating sphingolipid signaling and suppression of MAPK activation in RPE cells.Thus,dietary supplementation of C3G prevents retinal photooxidative damage.
基金This research was supported by the Chongqing Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project(2020FYYX150).
文摘Background:Glioblastoma,a notably malignant tumor within the central nervous system,is distinguished by its aggressive behavior.Silvestrol,a robust inhibitor of the RNA helicase eukaryotic initiation factor 4A(eIF4A),has shown significant potential as an anticancer compound.Yet,the impact of silvestrol on glioblastoma,especially its molecular mechanisms,has not been fully elucidated.Methods:This investigation employed a variety of in vitro assays,such as cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),clonogenic,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EDU),wound healing,and flow cytometry,to evaluate cell cycle progression,apoptosis,cell viability,and migration.Western blot analysis was also performed to study the apoptosis and extracellular regulated kinase(ERK)pathways.After the ERK pathway was inhibited,differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in U87 cells were identified,followed by an analysis of target genes using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA)database.Results:Silvestrol significantly suppressed the proliferation,migration,and colony formation of glioma cells.It caused cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis in these cells.Additionally,silvestrol stimulated the ERK pathway,with these effects being reversible by an ERK phosphorylation inhibitor.Transcriptome combined with GEPIA,GSCA,UALCAN,TIMER database screened 4 potential drug targets of silvestrol:chromosome 1 open reading frame 226(C1ORF226),mannosidase beta A(MANBA),IQ motif and Sec7 domain 2(IQSEC2),neuregulin 1(NRG-1).Among them,C1ORF226 was lower risk gene while MANBA,IQSEC2,and NRG-1 were high-risk genes.Furthermore,silvestrol notably reduced MANBA mRNA levels,which could be reversed by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation.Furthermore,silvestrol markedly decreased NRG-1 protein levels,with an additional reduction observed when the ERK pathway was blocked.Conclusion:Silvestrol’s anti-glioma effects are primarily due to the suppression of MANBA expression via the ERK pathway and possibly by hindering the translation of NRG-1 protein,thus reducing its expression.The downregulation of MANBA and NRG-1 proteins may be crucial in hindering glioma development and progression.These results highlight the intricate relationship between the ERK pathway and gene expression regulation in silvestrol’s therapeutic effectiveness against glioma.
基金Supported by Hangzhou Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology,No.2021WJCY366.
文摘BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.
基金the Science and Technology Research Project of the Education Department of Jilin Province(No.JJKH20220862KJ)the Jilin Province higher education teaching reform research topic(No.20224BRFI7U003M)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074324).
文摘Background:The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of action underlying the therapeutic effects of the national patent Chinese medicine compound“Qiangxinhuoli prescription(QXHLF)”on chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:In vitro,the H_(9)C_(2) cell model was induced by ANGII,and cell proliferation and related protein expression were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 and Western blot.In vivo,A rat model of CHF was prepared by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery.The effects of QXHLF on cardiac function in CHF rats were evaluated by cardiac index,hemodynamic changes,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,hematoxylin-eosin staining,immunohistochemistry,Western blot and RT-PCR.The expression of pro-apoptotic factors and anti-apoptotic factors,as well as TGFβ1,p-p38,TAK 1 mRNA,and protein,were detected.Results:In vitro,QXHLF has a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of H_(9)C_(2) cells.QXHLF can reduce the expression levels of TAK 1,TGFβ1,p-p38,Caspase3 and BAX proteins in H_(9)C_(2) cells,and increase the expression level of BCL_(2) protein.In vivo,QXHLF has the potential to increase left ventricular systolic pressure,m aximum rate of change in left ventricular pressure while decreasing left ventricular end diastolic pressure,and inhibiting the serum levels of brain natriuretic peptide.Moreover,QXHLF exhibits significant improvements in the pathological alterations of myocardial cells and fibers in CHF rats,leading to enhanced myocardial tissue morphology and notable advantages in combating myocardial fibrosis.QXHLF can reduce the levels of BAX and Caspase3 and up-regulate the expression of BCL_(2),thereby inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.Furthermore,QXHLF demonstrates inhibitory effects on the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGFβ_(1),TAK_(1),and p-p38 in the heart tissue of the CHF rat model.Conclusion:These findings indicate that QXHLF has a therapeutic effect on CHF by inhibiting the p38-MAPK signaling pathway,reducing myocardial fibrosis,preventing apoptosis,inhibiting cell proliferation,and restoring myocardial injury.
