Spi1 regulates the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related transcription factor Spi1 regulates microglial/macrophage commitment and maturation.However,the effect of Spi1 on intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear.In this study,we found that Spi1 may regulate recovery from the neuroinflammation and neurofunctional damage caused by intracerebral hemorrhage by modulating the microglial/macrophage transcriptome.We showed that high Spi1expression in microglia/macrophages after intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with the activation of many pathways that promote phagocytosis,glycolysis,and autophagy,as well as debris clearance and sustained remyelination.Notably,microglia with higher levels of Soil expression were chara cterized by activation of pathways associated with a variety of hemorrhage-related cellular processes,such as complement activation,angiogenesis,and coagulation.In conclusion,our results suggest that Spi1 plays a vital role in the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage.This new insight into the regulation of Spi1 and its target genes may advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage and provide therapeutic targets for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

A study of acupoint specificity and mechanism of electroacupuncture intervention on chronic colitis in rats based on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Objective:This study aimed to elucidate the differences in effects and mechanisms of action of electric-needle therapy at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)acupoints on chronic experimental colitis in rats through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods:Sixty pathogen-free SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups:the normal,model,Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)groups,each with 10 rats.Chronic colitis was induced in rats by combining immunization and local stimulation.After model establishment,electrical needle intervention combined with dispersing wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz with a current intensity of 2 mA once daily for 20 min was applied on acupoints of each group.Subsequently,the inflammation of colonic mucosa and serum levels of inflammatory factors(IL-23,IL-17,IL-10)were observed;ELISA was used to detect mRNA expressions of PI3K,Akt and mTOR in colitic tissues by RT-PCR as well as protein content of p-PI3k/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR in colitic tissues by Western blotting.Result:Compared with the normal group,the model rats showed a poor general condition,serious damage to the colonic mucosa with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration.The serum IL-23 and IL-17 expressions were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the serum IL-10 expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR and p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathological slices of rats in each acupoints intervention group showed obvious improvement of colitis inflammatory reaction and tissue damage;the serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the serology level of IL-10 was significantly increased(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)groups,the recovery degree of mucosa layers in Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was closer to that of normal group,and the curative effect was relatively the best;in terms of serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17,the Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was significantly lower(P<0.05),while the level of IL-10 was significantly higher(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Results indicate that electrical acupuncture at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)show similar effects in relieving the colitis-induced damage in the mucosa of chronic colitis rats,as well as inflammatory response.Among them,Shang Ju Xu(ST25)has a superior overall effect in treating chronic colitis compared to Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25)and Zu San Li(ST36).The mechanism may be related to inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors in proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To determine whether the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in homo-sapiens. METHODS: The retina of controls and patients with PVR were collected and their levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP-1 were determined by Western blot. The cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cell line D407 was treated with a specific mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin (RAPA) or a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, of various concentrations and durations. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscopy and the proliferation and apoptosis of treated cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-P70S6K and phospho-4EBP1 was increased in the retina in PVR (P <0.05). In D407 cells, both RAPA and LY294002 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis (P <0.05); morphologically, the cells became smaller. Both RAPA and LY294002 reduced levels of phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP1 expression (P <0.05). RAPA, but not LY294002, had no significant effect on PI3K expression. CONCLUSION: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is highly activated in the retinal pigment epithelial cells of PVR. The inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, RAPA and LY294002, could inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by reducing the levels of phosphorylation of mTOR pathway components.

Benefit of everolimus as a monotherapy for a refractory breast cancer patient bearing multiple genetic mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

A postmenopausal patient with a diagnosis of estrogen receptor(ER)(+), progesterone receptor(PR)(+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2(HER2)(-) breast cancer was reported. The patient refused surgery and was resistant to conventional chemotherapy regimens. Computed tomography and the circulating tumor cell test indicated that the patient's tumor burden increased rapidly even after several chemotherapy sessions. Multiple genetic aberrances in the phosphatidylinositol3-kinases(PI3 K) signaling pathway were detected via next-generation sequencing(NGS)-based liquid biopsy, including a p. G1007 R missense mutation in exon 21 of PIK3 CA(33.61%), a p.L70 fs frameshift mutation in exon 3 of phosphatase and tension homolog deleted on chromosome ten(PTEN)(49.14%), and a p. D1542 Y missense mutation in exon 32 of mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR)(1.66%). Therefore, only the m TOR inhibitor everolimus was administered to the patient. Partial remission(PR) was observed after 2 months, and sustained stable disease(SD) was observed after a year and a half. Subsequent sequencing showed that the mutation ratio of PIK3 CA decreased to 4.17%, and that the PTEN and m TOR mutations disappeared, which revealed the significant curative effect of everolimus. We report the first case of successful monotherapy treatment using everolimus in a patient with advanced breast cancer bearing mutations in genes involved in the PI3 K/ARK/m TOR signaling pathway. The success of this case highlights the invaluable clinical contribution of NGS-based liquid biopsy, as it successfully provided an optimal therapeutic target for the patient with advanced breast cancer.

Campanumoea javanica Bl. activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and reduces sarcopenia in a T2DM rat model

Objective: Sarcopenia causes loss of skeletal muscle and function, thus seriously affecting the physical function and quality of life in the elderly. This article discusses the specific molecular mechanism and ameliorating effects of Tudangshen(TDS) on sarcopenia in elderly rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods: Elderly Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats were randomly selected and fed with a high-fat diet combined with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin to establish T2DM model. The model rats were stratified and randomly divided into the model group,metformin group, TDS high-dose group, TDS medium-dose group, and TDS low-dose group according to blood glucose combined with body weight, and the same batch of old SD rats was set as the normal control group. The effects of TDS in an elderly T2DM sarcopenia rat model were evaluated by observing the body positions of the rats, analyzing blood biochemistry, testing exercise capacity, and pathologically staining sectioned gastrocnemius muscle tissues. The molecular mechanisms of the effects were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.Results: TDS has no statistically significant effect on blood glucose, insulin and glycosylated serum protein in aged rats with T2DM, but it can reduce levels of glycosylated serum protein, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein;it improves pathological changes in rat gastrocnemius muscle tissues, and increases muscle cell activity in elderly rats with T2DM and sarcopenia. TDS also promoted the upregulation of the expression of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/protein kinase B(PKB/AKT)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase/eukaryotic initiation factor 4 E binding rotein1 mRNA in rats and triggered an increase in corresponding protein levels.Conclusions: TDS alleviated muscle decline in elderly rats with T2DM by activating the PI3 K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and regulating the synthesis of corresponding proteins.

Acetylshikonin Inhibits Colorectal Cancer Growth via PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Background: Acetylshikonin, a major constituent isolated from Arnebia euchroma, is a potential candidate for anti-colorectal cancer drugs. However, the potential activity and underlying mechanism of Acetylshikonin against colorectal cancer remain unclear. Methods: In this study, Acetylshikonin was isolated from the active CHCl3 extract of Arnebia euchroma using activity-guided screening, and elucidated by the extensive spectroscopic analysis and comparison with literature data. Human colorectal cancer cells HT29, DLD-1, HCT116 or Caco-2 were exposed to different concentrations of Acetylshikonin (6.25 - 100 μg/mL) for 24 or 48 h. Cell viability, cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected. The activity of Acetylshikonin and potential mechanism of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway were evaluated in vitro and vivo. Results: We found that Acetylshikonin exhibited remarkable anti-proliferative activity in a dose-dependent manner against HT29 cells with the IC50 values of 60.82 μg/ml and 30.78 μg/ml at 24, 48 h, respectively. Moreover, Acetylshikonin induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and early apoptosis through inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the assays of cell inhibition, early apoptosis and G0/G1 phase distribution showed that suppression of the PI3K/Akt pathway using LY294002 enhanced the anti-cancer effect of Acetylshikonin. Similarly, Acetylshikonin also decreased the growth of tumour in colorectal cancer xenografts in mice through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusions: To sum up, these new findings provided a framework for further exploration of Acetylshikonin which possessed the potential antitumor activity by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Effects of Liancao-Xieli capsule on intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors and TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis

Objective:To observe the effect of Liancao-Xieli capsule on intestinal mucosal inflammatory factors and TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC);Methods:40 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,model group,Liancao-Xieli group and mesalazine group,with 10 mice in each group.In addition to the control group,the remaining three groups of mice were induced by 3%dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)to induce acute UC model.During the modeling period,mice in each group were given corresponding drugs and normal saline by gavage.At the end of the experiment,HE staining was used to observe the pathological changes of colonic tissue in each group,and ELISA was used to detect the inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,IL-8,IL-17,and INF-γ)in serum and colonic tissue.The expression levels of TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway related proteins were also detected by Western blot;Results:Compared with the model group,Liancao-Xieli capsule could significantly increase the colon length and decrease the score of colon histopathology in UC mice(P<0.01).In addition,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,IL1β,IL-8,IL-17,and INF-γwere significantly reduced in serum and colon tissue,and the expressions of TLR4,PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly down-regulated in LiancaoXieyi group when compared with the model group(P<0.01).While the expressions of Akt and mTOR were not significantly affected in Liancao-Xieyi group(P>0.05);Conclusion:LiancaoXieli capsule can reduce the secretion of inflammatory factors,improve the intestinal mucosal damage and inflammatory response in UC by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway。

Anti-tumor activity of Sanguisorba officinalis L.in non-small cell lung cancer and induced apoptosis via PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pharmacological effect and mechanism of Sanguisorba officinalis L.(SOL)in non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in vitro and in vivo based on network pharmacology.METHODS Network pharmacology was used to analyze the improving effect of SOL on NSCLC and possible targets.Cell counting kit 8(CCK-8)and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EdU)staining,Western blotting,flow cytometry of AnnexinⅤ/PI,Hoechst 33342/PI staining detection and immunofluorescence were utilized in vitro.H&E staining,immunohistochemistry staining and Western blotting were performed in vivo.RESULTS Based on network prediction,we analyzed the 208 common targets of SOL and NSCLC.36 core targets in 208 common targets were obtained through cytoscape analysis.And the top 10 core targets included Akt,mTOR,EGFR,etc..KEGG analysis showed that PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was the most likely pathway.Furthermore,the mechanism study found that SOL could activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.The anti-proliferative effect of SOL in A549 and H1299 cells was measured and validated by CCK-8 and EdU assay.Immunohistochemical results of Ki67 showed that SOL effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo.SOL also significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells.SOL significantly increased the percentage of cells with PI signal in A549 and H1299,and the process of cell death of A549 cells indicated that SOL induced apoptosis.The PARP-1 and caspase-3 in A549 and H1299 were found to be activated in a dose manner.The results in vivo were consistent with those in vitro.CONCLUSION SOL-induced,caspase-3-mediated apoptosis via the induction of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in NSCLC,which further clarified the mechanism of SOL in the inhibition of NSCLC,and thereby provided a possibility for SOL to serve as a novel therapeutic agent for NSCLC in the future.

Hypoglycemic mechanism of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharides on type 2 diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota and regulating the PI3K-akt signaling pathwaye

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a complex metabolic disease threatening human health.We investigated the effects of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharide(TGP)and determined its potential mechanisms in a mouse model of T2DM established through a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.TGP(5.1×10^(3) Da)was composed of mannose,glucosamine,rhamnose,glucuronic acid,galactosamine,glucose,galactose,xylose,and fucose.It could significantly alleviate weight loss,reduce fasting blood glucose levels,reverse dyslipidemia,reduce liver damage from oxidative stress,and improve insulin sensitivity.RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that TGP could activate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway to regulate disorders in glucolipid metabolism and improve insulin resistance.TGP increased the abundance of Allobaculum,Akkermansia,and Bifidobacterium,restored the microbiota abundance in the intestinal tracts of mice with T2DM,and promoted short-chain fatty acid production.This study provides new insights into the antidiabetic effects of TGP and highlights its potential as a natural hypoglycemic nutraceutical.

ROR2 promotes invasion and chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the role of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2(ROR2)in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods:ROR2 expression in primary TNBC and metastatic TNBC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and PCR.ROR2 expression in TNBC cell lines was detected by PCR and Western blot analysis.The migration,invasion and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells with overexpression or knockdown of ROR2 were examined.Results:ROR2 expression was high in metastatic TNBC tissues.ROR2 knockdown suppressed the migration,invasion and chemoresistance of TNBC cells.ROR2 overexpression in MDA-MB-435 cells promoted the migration,invasion,and chemoresistance.Moreover,ROR2 knockdown in HC1599 and MDA-MB-435 adriamycin-resistant cells enhanced chemosensitivity to adriamycin.ROR2 could activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in TNBC cells.Conclusion:ROR2 is upregulated and promotes metastatic phenotypes of TNBC by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

MicroRNA (let-7b-5p)-targeted DARS2 regulates lung adenocarcinoma growth by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:The aberrant intraellular expression of a mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase 2(DARS2)has been reported in human cancers.Nevertheless its critical role and detailed mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)remain unexplored.Methods:Initially,The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)database (http:/gepia.cancer-pku.cn/)was used to analyze the prognostic relevance of DARS2 expression in LUAD.Further,cell counting kit(CCK)8,immunostaining,and transwell invasion assays in LUAD cell lines in vitro,as well as DARS2 silence on LUAD by tumorigenicity experiments in wivo in nude mice,were performed.Besides,we analyzed the expression levels of p-PI3K(phosphorylated Phosphotylinosital3 kinase),PI3K,AKT(Protein Kinase B),p-AKT(phosphorylated Protein Kinase B),PCNA(proliferating cell nudear antigen),cleaved-caspase 3,E cadherin,and N-cadherin proteins using the Westem blot analysis.Results:LUAD tissues showed higher DARS2 expression compared to normal tissues.Upregulation of DARS2 could be related to Tumor-Node-Metastasis(TNM)stage,high lymph node metastasis,and inferior prognosis.DARS2 silence decreased the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of LUAD cells.In addition,the DARS2 downregulation decreased the PCNA and N-cadherin expression and increased cleaved:caspase 3 and E cadherin expressions in LUAD cells,coupled with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Moreover,DARS2 silence impaired the tumonigenicity of LUAD in vivo.Interestingly,let:7b-5p could recognize DARS2 through a complementary sequence.Mechanistically,the increased let 7b 5p expression attenuated the promo oncogenic action of DARS2 during LUAD progression,which were inversely correlated to each other in the LUAD tssues Conclusion:In summary,let 7b-5p,downregulated DARS2 expression,regulating the progression of LUAD cells by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Acalypha australis L.extract inhibits B16 melanoma cell metastasis through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:Melanoma is a deadly skin tumor resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes.It is highly malignant and invasive,with the highest mortality rate among skin cancers.Acalypha australis L.(AAL),a plant with dual medicinal and culinary purposes,is commonly regarded as an edible wild vegetable in southern China.Additionally,AAL has a long history of medicinal use in China,often employed for its hemostatic,anti-diarrheal,and anti-inflammatory properties.Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that AAL possesses functions such as weight loss,antimicrobial activity,antiviral effects,and treatment for ulcerative colitis.However,there is currently no research available regarding its effectiveness and mechanisms of action on melanoma.Methods:In this investigation,we used methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay to detect cell viability,transwell assay to detect cell migration and invasion ability,and Western blot assay to detect relevant signaling pathways.Results:The present study reveals that 2 mg/mL AAL effectively suppresses the metastasis of B16 cells,while simultaneously triggering the expression of key apoptosis-related proteins,including Bcl-2,Bax,and cleaved caspased 3.Subsequent investigations demonstrate that AAL exerts this inhibitory effect via the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway,as evidenced by the observed deficits in Ras,AKT,p-AKT,and PI3K expression levels.Conclusion:These findings indicated that AAL could be a valuable therapeutic option for reducing the metastatic potential of B16 melanoma cells.

Biomimetic hydroxyapatite coating on the 3D-printed bioactive porous composite ceramic scaffolds promoted osteogenic differentiation via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways and facilitated bone regeneration in vivo

The architecture and surface modifications have been regarded as effective methods to enhance the bi-ological response of biomaterials in bone tissue engineering.The porous architecture of the implanta-tion was essential conditions for bone regeneration.Meanwhile,the design of biomimetic hydroxyap-atite(HAp)coating on porous scaffolds was demonstrated to strengthen the bioactivity and stimulate osteogenesis.However,bioactive bio-ceramics such asβ-tricalcium phosphate(β-TCP)and calcium sili-cate(CS)with superior apatite-forming ability were reported to present better osteogenic activity than that of HAp.Hence in this study,3D-printed interconnected porous bioactive ceramicsβ-TCP/CS scaf-fold was fabricated and the biomimetic HAp apatite coating were constructed in situ via hydrothermal reaction,and the effects of HAp apatite layer on the fate of mouse bone mesenchymal stem cells(mBM-SCs)and the potential mechanisms were explored.The results indicated that HAp apatite coating en-hanced cell proliferation,alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,and osteogenic gene expression.Further-more,PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is proved to have an important impact on cellular functions.The present results demonstrated that the key molecules of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT)and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)were activated after the biomimetic hydrox-yapatite coating were constructed on the 3D-printed ceramic scaffolds.Besides,the activated influence on the protein expression of Runx2 and BMP2 could be suppressed after the treatment of inhibitor HY-10358.In vivo studies showed that the constructed HAp coating promoted bone formation and strengthen the bone quality.These results suggest that biomimetic HAp coating constructed on the 3D-printed bioac-tive composite scaffolds could strengthen the bioactivity and the obtained biomimetic multi-structured scaffolds might be a potential alternative bone graft for bone regeneration.

Melatonin improves synapse development by PI3K/Akt signaling in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving more than 1100 genes,including Ctnnd2 as a candidate gene.Ctnnd2knockout mice,serving as an animal model of autis m,have been demonstrated to exhibit decreased density of dendritic spines.The role of melatonin,as a neuro hormone capable of effectively alleviating social interaction deficits and regulating the development of dendritic spines,in Ctnnd2 deletion-induced nerve injury remains unclea r.In the present study,we discove red that the deletion of exon 2 of the Ctnnd2 gene was linked to social interaction deficits,spine loss,impaired inhibitory neurons,and suppressed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex.Our findings demonstrated that the long-term oral administration of melatonin for 28 days effectively alleviated the aforementioned abnormalities in Ctnnd2 gene-knockout mice.Furthermore,the administration of melatonin in the prefro ntal cortex was found to improve synaptic function and activate the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in this region.The pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor,wo rtmannin,and melatonin receptor antagonists,luzindole and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin,prevented the melatonin-induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic function.These findings suggest that melatonin treatment can ameliorate GABAe rgic synaptic function by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway,which may contribute to the improvement of dendritic spine abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders.

益智仁-乌药药对调控PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路介导细胞自噬保护肾小球足细胞的作用机制研究

目的研究益智仁-乌药药对通过调控PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路促进足细胞自噬治疗糖尿病肾病(Diabetic Nephropathy,DN)的作用。方法60只造模成功的C57BL/KSJ-db/db(以下简称db/db)小鼠随机分为模型组、二甲双胍组、缬沙坦组、益智仁-乌药药对(低、中、高剂量)组,每组10只;另取10只C57BL/KSJ-db/m(以下简称db/m)小鼠为正常组,正常组和模型组给予生理盐水,治疗组小鼠分别给予相应药物,给药8周后检测小鼠肾脏病理学改变,足细胞自噬体数量、结构及相关蛋白表达。结果与模型组相比,益智仁-乌药药对组可显著减轻糖尿病肾病小鼠肾小球基底膜增厚情况,增加足细胞自噬体数量,显著升高自噬相关蛋白表达(P<0.05),降低PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路相关蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。其中益智仁-乌药药对高剂量组各指标改善优于益智仁-乌药低、中剂量组。结论益智仁-乌药药对通过抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路激活,提高足细胞自噬水平,减轻足细胞损伤,发挥治疗糖尿病肾病的作用。

Alleviatory effect of isoquercetin on benign prostatic hyperplasia via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

We evaluated the effect of isoquercetin(quercetin-O-3-glucoside-quercetin,IQ)as a functional component of Abeliophyllum disistichum Nakai ethanol extract(ADLE)on prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis and its effects on the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Metabolites in ADLE were analyzed using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and HPLC.IQ was orally administered(1 or 10 mg/kg)to a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model,and its effects on the prostate weight were evaluated.The effect of IQ on androgen receptor(AR)signaling was analyzed in LNCaP cells.Whether IGF-1 and IQ affect the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BPH-1 cells was also examined.The metabolites in ADLE were identified and quantified,which confirmed that ADLE contained abundant IQ(20.88 mg/g).IQ significantly reduced the prostate size in a concentration-dependent manner in a BPH rat model,and significantly decreased the expression of AR signaling factors in the rat prostate tissue and LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner.IQ also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activated by IGF-1 treatment in BPH-1 cells.In BPH-1 cells,IQ led to G0/G1 arrest and suppressed the expression of proliferation factors while inducing apoptosis.Thus,IQ shows potential for use as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical for BPH.

Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1αexpression in pancreatic cancer cells via HSP90 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer(PC)is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers.Thymoquinone(TQ)has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer,anti-inflammatory,anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities.Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and PC have shown that HIF-1αaffects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects.In addition,TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α.Therefore,we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1αexpression in PC cells and explore the mechanism.AIM To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1αexpression.METHODS Cell counting kit-8 assay,Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity,migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial(hTERTHPNE)cells.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1αmRNA and protein in PC cells.The effects of TQ on the HIF-1αprotein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation.RESULTS TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity,migration,and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells;however,no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed.TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1αin PANC-1,AsPC-1,and BxPC-3 cells.TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1αinitial expression pathway(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)related proteins,and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein in PANC-1 cells.TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein but affected the stability of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90,thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation.CONCLUSION The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1αprotein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90;Secondly,TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

异莲心碱通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路影响结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬

目的:探讨异莲心碱(Iso)通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路对结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬的影响。方法:用10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理结肠癌SW480细胞,CCK-8法、流式细胞术和WB法分别检测Iso对细胞增殖活力、凋亡和自噬相关蛋白LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62表达的影响。然后,用20μmol/L的Iso和25μmol/L的PI3K激活剂740 Y-P分别处理SW480细胞,将细胞分为对照组、740 Y-P组、Iso组和Iso+740 Y-P组,流式细胞术、WB法检测Iso和740 Y-P对各组细胞凋亡及细胞中LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62、PI3K、p-PI3K、mTOR和p-mTOR蛋白表达的影响。结果:10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理后,SW480细胞增殖活力均显著下降(均P<0.05),细胞凋亡率均显著升高(均P<0.05),LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著上调(均P<0.05),p26蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.05)。Iso和740 Y-P处理后,与对照组相比,740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05);Iso组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与740 Y-P组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与Iso组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05)。结论:Iso通过抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路抑制结肠癌SW480细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡和自噬。

茯苓酸调控PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路介导葡萄糖代谢促进结直肠癌细胞凋亡的机制研究

目的 研究茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞葡萄糖代谢及细胞凋亡的调控作用。方法 通过细胞活性测定(Cell Counting Kit-8,CCK8)、克隆形成等实验检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞增殖与细胞活性的影响;采用Annexin V-FITC/PI双染流式细胞凋亡实验检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞凋亡的影响;使用细胞氧气消耗率和细胞外酸化率测定仪器及细胞葡萄糖代谢水平测定试剂盒检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞葡萄糖代谢的影响;通过蛋白免疫印迹(Western blotting, WB)实验验证凋亡、糖酵解、磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase, PI3K)/丝氨酸、苏氨酸蛋白激酶(AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1,AKT)/雷帕霉素靶蛋白(Mammalian Target of Rapamycin, mTOR)通路相关蛋白表达情况。结果 茯苓酸能够有效抑制结直肠癌细胞增殖与细胞活性,并能够通过抑制其糖酵解水平促进其细胞凋亡,同时显著抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路相关蛋白表达水平。结论 茯苓酸可通过调控PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路介导葡萄糖代谢促进CRC细胞凋亡,可作为未来结直肠癌代谢靶向治疗的潜在药物。

布比卡因通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路对膀胱癌细胞凋亡和铁死亡的影响

目的 探讨布比卡因对膀胱癌细胞凋亡和铁死亡的影响及其机制。方法 常规培养人膀胱癌细胞(T24和5637)和人尿路上皮细胞(SV-HUC-1),MTT实验检测布比卡因细胞毒性,筛选合适处理浓度,将T24和5637细胞分为对照组、0.25、0.5和1 mmol/L布比卡因组、布比卡因+铁死亡激动剂(Erastin)组、布比卡因+铁死亡抑制剂(Fer-1)组细胞和布比卡因+PI3K激动剂(740Y-P)组。采用流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率,相应试剂盒检测Fe^(2+)、丙二醛(MDA)、谷胱甘肽(GSH)和活性氧(ROS)水平,Western blot检测Bcl-2、Bax、细胞色素C、xCT、GPX4和磷脂酰肌醇3/蛋白激酶B/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)相关蛋白表达。结果 0.25、0.5、1、2、4、8、16 mmol/L布比卡因均可明显抑制T24和5637细胞的活性(P<0.001),选择仅对癌细胞有毒性的0.25、0.5和1 mmol/L布比卡因进行后续研究。与对照组比较,随着布比卡因浓度增加,T24和5637细胞凋亡率、Fe^(2+)、ROS和MDA水平逐渐升高,GSH水平逐渐降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001);与1 mmol/L布比卡因组比较,布比卡因+Erastin组Fe^(2+)水平升高,而布比卡因+Fer-1组降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Western blot结果显示,与对照组比较,布比卡因组细胞色素C蛋白表达增高,Bax/Bcl-2、xCT、GPX4表达,以及PI3K p85α/PI3K、p-AKT(Thr308)/AKT、p-AKT(Ser473)/AKT和p-mTOR(Ser2448)/mTOR比值降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。验证实验结果显示,与对照组比较,布比卡因+740Y-P组细胞活力和GSH水平升高,Fe^(2+)水平和细胞色素C蛋白表达降低(P<0.001)。结论 布比卡因可通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路激活诱导膀胱癌细胞凋亡和铁死亡。