Tumor-related factor complement Clq/TNF-related protein 6 affects the development of digestive system tumors through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway

In this editorial,we review the work of Razali et al published in World J Gas-troenterology,with a particular focus on the effect of rs10889677 variation in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)pathway and buparlisib on colitis-associated cancer.The role of PI3K in promoting cancer progression has been widely recognized,as it is involved in regulating the survival,differentiation,and prolif-eration of cancer cells.The complement Clq/TNF-related protein 6(CTRP6)is a newer tumor-associated factor.Recent studies have revealed the pro-tumor effect of CTRP6 in gastric cancer,hepatocellular carcinoma,colorectal cancer,and other gastrointestinal tumors through the PI3K pathway.This article attempts to reveal the mechanism through which the CTRP6 affects the development of digestive system tumors through the PI3K pathway by summarizing recent research.

Roles of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases signaling pathway in inflammation-related cancer:Impact of rs10889677 variant and buparlisib in colitis-associated cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases(PI3K)is a well-known route in inflammationrelated cancer.Recent discovery on PI3K-related genes revealed a potential variant that links ulcerative colitis(UC)and colorectal cancer(CRC)with colitisassociated cancer(CAC).PI3K/AKT pathway has been recommended as a potential additional therapeutic option for CRC due to its substantial role in modifying cellular processes.Buparlisib is a pan-class I PI3K inhibitor previously shown to reduce tumor growth.AIM To investigate the regulation of rs10889677 and the role of buparlisib in the PI3K signaling pathway in CAC pathogenesis.METHODS Genomic DNA from 32 colonic samples,including CAC(n=7),UC(n=10)and CRC(n=15),was sequenced for the rs10889677 mutation.The mutant and wildtype fragments were amplified and cloned in the pmirGLO vector.The luciferase activity of cloned vectors was assessed after transfection into the HT29 cell line.CAC mice were induced by a mixture of a single azoxymethane injection and three cycles of dextran sulphate sodium,then buparlisib was administered after 14 d.The excised colon was subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and Cleaved-caspase-3 markers and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis for Pdk1 and Sgk2.RESULTS Luciferase activity decreased by 2.07-fold in the rs10889677 mutant,confirming the hypothesis that the variant disrupted miRNA binding sites,which led to an increase in IL23R expression and the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway.Furthermore,CAC-induced mice had a significantly higher disease activity index(P<0.05).Buparlisib treatment significantly decreased mean weight loss in CAC-induced mice(P<0.05),reduced the percentage of proliferating cells by 5%,and increased the number of apoptotic cells.The treatment also caused a downward trend of Pdk1 expression and significantly decreased Sgk2 expression.CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that the rs10889677 variant as a critical initiator of the PI3K signaling pathway,and buparlisib had the ability to prevent PI3K-non-AKT activation in the pathophysiology of CAC.

Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

Response of Subcutaneous Xenografts of Endometrial Cancer in Nude Mice to Inhibitors of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathways: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy for Endometrial Cancer

Objective: This study was designed to explore whether inhibition of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways can inhibit the growth of xenografts of endometrial cancer cell lines with different estrogen receptors (ER) profiles in vivo and to provide preliminary laboratory basis for the probability of endometrial adenocarcinoma treatment with blockage of the two pathways, especially to endometrial cancer with low ER status. Methods: Human endometrial cancer Ishikawa bearing ER and HEC-1Awith low ER status cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice to establish endometrial cancer xenograft tumor models. The effects of PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, MAPK/ERK1/2 inhibitor PD-98059 and their combinations on the growth of the xenograft tumors and apoptotic state of Ishikawa and HEC-1Acells were tested in vivo using the inhibitory rate, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assay, H/E-stain. Western blot analysis was used to detect the alterations of activated ERK (P-ERK) and AKT (P-AKT) during this process. Results: LY294002, a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, induced significant suppression in the growth of both Ishikawa and HEC-1Acell xenograft tumors, concomitant with increased apoptosis in xenografts as evidenced by TUNEL. A similar effect was also observed when the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway was inhibited by PD98059. Concurrent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways showed enhanced anti-tumor effects in vivo as indicated by increased apoptosis. At the same time, the levels of P-ERK and P-AKT in both xenograft tumors decreased, and their levels in combination group was the lowest. Conclusions: PD98059, LY294002 and their combinations showed remarkable inhibitory effects on xenograft tumors of endometrial carcinoma cell lines with different expression status of ER in vivo through blockage of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. This suggests that targeting these pathways may be an effective therapeutic strategy against endometrial carcinomas, especially for ER-negative cancers which show poor response to endocrinal therapy.

Anti-silencing function 1B knockdown suppresses the malignant phenotype of colorectal cancer by inactivating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway

BACKGROUND Mounting studies have highlighted the pivotal influence of anti-silencing function 1B(ASF1B)on the malignancy of cancers.AIM To explore the influence and mechanism of ASF1B in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)was used to detect mRNA expression of ASF1B.Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect protein expression of ASF1B and Ki67 in tumor tissues.Western blot analysis was used to determine levels of ASF1B and proliferation/epithelial mesenchymal transition(EMT)/stemness-related proteins.In addition,the proliferation of CRC cells was assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 and 5-Ethynyl-2’-Deoxyuridine assays.The migration and invasion of CRC cells were evaluated using transwell assays.Stemness of CRC cells was tested using the sphere formation assay.To construct a xenograft tumor model,HCT116 cells were introduced into mouse flanks via subcutaneous injection.RESULTS ASF1B expression was markedly increased in CRC tissues and cells,and it was inversely correlated with overall survival of CRC patients and was positively associated with the tumor node metastasis(TNM)stage of CRC patients.Silencing of ASF1B suppressed proliferation,migration,invasion,stemness and EMT of CRC cells as well as tumorigenesis of xenograft mice.Furthermore,protein levels of Pphosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p-PI3K)and p-AKT were decreased after silencing of ASF1B in CRC cells.The inhibitory effects of ASF1B knockdown on cell proliferation,stemness and EMT were partly abolished by PI3K activator in CRC cells.CONCLUSION Silencing of ASF1B inactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway to suppress CRC malignancy in vitro.

Impacts of PI3K/protein kinase B pathway activation in reactive astrocytes: from detrimental effects to protective functions

Astrocytes are the most abundant type of glial cell in the central nervous system.Upon injury and inflammation,astrocytes become reactive and undergo morphological and functional changes.Depending on their phenotypic classification as A1 or A2,reactive astrocytes contribute to both neurotoxic and neuroprotective responses,respectively.However,this binary classification does not fully capture the diversity of astrocyte responses observed across different diseases and injuries.Transcriptomic analysis has revealed that reactive astrocytes have a complex landscape of gene expression profiles,which emphasizes the heterogeneous nature of their reactivity.Astrocytes actively participate in regulating central nervous system inflammation by interacting with microglia and other cell types,releasing cytokines,and influencing the immune response.The phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)signaling pathway is a central player in astrocyte reactivity and impacts various aspects of astrocyte behavior,as evidenced by in silico,in vitro,and in vivo results.In astrocytes,inflammatory cues trigger a cascade of molecular events,where nuclear factor-κB serves as a central mediator of the pro-inflammatory responses.Here,we review the heterogeneity of reactive astrocytes and the molecular mechanisms underlying their activation.We highlight the involvement of various signaling pathways that regulate astrocyte reactivity,including the PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),αvβ3 integrin/PI3K/AKT/connexin 43,and Notch/PI3K/AKT pathways.While targeting the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT cellular signaling pathway to control reactive astrocytes and prevent central nervous system damage,evidence suggests that activating this pathway could also yield beneficial outcomes.This dual function of the PI3K/AKT pathway underscores its complexity in astrocyte reactivity and brain function modulation.The review emphasizes the importance of employing astrocyte-exclusive models to understand their functions accurately and these models are essential for clarifying astrocyte behavior.The findings should then be validated using in vivo models to ensure real-life relevance.The review also highlights the significance of PI3K/AKT pathway modulation in preventing central nervous system damage,although further studies are required to fully comprehend its role due to varying factors such as different cell types,astrocyte responses to inflammation,and disease contexts.Specific strategies are clearly necessary to address these variables effectively.

SERPINH1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer by activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade H member 1(SERPINH1)was initially recognized as an oncogene implicated in various human malignancies.Nevertheless,the clinical relevance and functional implications of SERPINH1 in colorectal cancer(CRC)remain largely elusive.AIM To investigate the effects of SERPINH1 on CRC cells and its specific mechanism.METHODS Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blotting analysis,The Cancer Genome Atlas data mining and immunohistochemistry were employed to examine SERPINH1 expression in CRC cell lines and tissues.A series of in-vitro assays were performed to demonstrate the function of SERPINH1 and its possible mechanisms in CRC.RESULTS SERPINH1 demonstrated elevated expression levels in both CRC cells and tissues,manifested at both mRNA and protein tiers.Elevated SERPINH1 levels correlated closely with advanced T stage,lymph node involvement,and distant metastasis,exhibiting a significant association with poorer overall survival among CRC patients.Subsequent investigations unveiled that SERPINH1 overexpression notably bolstered CRC cell proliferation,invasion,and migration in vitro,while conversely,SERPINH1 knockdown elicited the opposite effects.Gene set enrichment analysis underscored a correlation between SERPINH1 upregulation and genes associated with cell cycle regulation.Our findings underscored the capacity of heightened SERPINH1 levels to expedite G1/S phase cell cycle progression via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway activation,thereby facilitating CRC cell invasion and migration.CONCLUSION These findings imply a crucial involvement of SERPINH1 in the advancement and escalation of CRC,potentially positioning it as a novel candidate for prognostic assessment and therapeutic intervention in CRC management.

Mechanism of stilbene glycosides on apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of stilbene glycoside(TSG)on okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y)via the PI3K/AKT pathway.Methods:The optimal concentration of OA was screened by CCK-8 assay,and SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group,model group,TSG group,LY294002 group and LY294002+TSG group.The proliferation and apoptosis in each group were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays;Western blotting method and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of PI3K,P-PI3K(Y607),AKT,P-AKT(Ser473),Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.The relative protein expression was represented by P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax gray ratio.Results:CCK-8 screened the optimal concentration of OA as 40 nmol/L.Compared with the control group,the model group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,the pathway and apoptotic proteins expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were decreased,and the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 were decreased.Bax mRNA expression level increased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,increased protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT,Bcl-2/Bax,and increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and Bcl-2.Bax mRNA expression decreased(P<0.05),LY294002 group decreased relative cell viability,increased apoptosis rate,P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression levels were significantly decreased,but there was no statistical significance,PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels were decreased,and Bax mRNA expression levels were increased(all P<0.05);Compared with LY294002 group,LY294002+TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were increased.The mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,Bcl-2 were increased,Bax was decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Stilbene glycoside may alleviate okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which in turn regulates the expression of apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bax.

Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion inhibits colonic autophagy in Crohn’s disease via signaling involving distinct classes of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases

BACKGROUND Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved biological process in eukaryotic cells that involves lysosomal-mediated degradation and recycling of related cellular components.Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease(CD).Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion(HM)has been historically practiced to treat CD.However,the mechanism by which HM regulates colonic autophagy in CD remains unclear.AIM To observe whether HM can alleviate CD by regulating colonic autophagy and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.METHODS Rats were randomly divided into a normal control(NC)group,a CD group,an HM group,an insulin+CD(I+CD)group,an insulin+HM(I+HM)group,a rapamycin+CD(RA+CD)group,and a rapamycin+HM(RA+HM)group.2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid was administered to establish a CD model.The morphology of the colonic mucosa was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the formation of autophagosomes was observed by electron microscopy.The expression of autophagy marker microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta(LC3B)was observed by immunofluorescence staining.Insulin and rapamycin were used to inhibit and activate colonic autophagy,respectively.The mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase class I(PI3KC1),Akt1,LC3B,sequestosome 1(p62),and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)were evaluated by RT-qPCR.The protein expression levels of interleukin 18(IL-18),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),nuclear factorκB/p65(NF-κB p65),LC3B,p62,coiled-coil myosin-like BCL2-interacting protein(Beclin-1),p-mTOR,PI3KC1,class III phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3KC3/Vps34),and p-Akt were evaluated by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Compared with the NC group,the CD group showed severe damage to colon tissues and higher expression levels of IL-18 and NF-κB p65 in colon tissues(P<0.01 for both).Compared with the CD group,the HM group showed significantly lower levels of these proteins(PIL-18<0.01 and Pp65<0.05).There were no significant differences in the expression of TNF-αprotein in colon tissue among the rat groups.Typical autophagic vesicles were found in both the CD and HM groups.The expression of the autophagy proteins LC3B and Beclin-1 was upregulated(P<0.01 for both)in the colon tissues of rats in the CD group compared with the NC group,while the protein expression of p62 and p-mTOR was downregulated(P<0.01 for both).However,these expression trends were significantly reversed in the HM group compared with the CD group(PLC3B<0.01,PBeclin-1<0.05,Pp62<0.05,and Pm-TOR<0.05).Compared with those in the RA+CD group,the mRNA expression levels of PI3KC1,Akt1,mTOR,and p62 in the RA+HM group were significantly higher(PPI3KC1<0.01 and PAkt1,mTOR,and p62<0.05),while those of LC3B were significantly lower(P<0.05).Compared with the RA+CD group,the RA+HM group exhibited significantly higher PI3KC1,p-Akt1,and pmTOR protein levels(PPI3KC1<0.01,Pp-Akt1<0.05,and Pp-mTOR<0.01),a higher p62 protein level(P=0.057),and significantly lower LC3B and Vps34 protein levels(P<0.01 for both)in colon tissue.CONCLUSION HM can activate PI3KC1/Akt1/mTOR signaling while inhibiting the PI3KC3(Vps34)-Beclin-1 protein complex in the colon tissues of CD rats,thereby inhibiting overactivated autophagy and thus exerting a therapeutic effect.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase CB association with preoperative radiotherapy response in rectal adenocarcinoma

AIM:To examine the correlation of phosphatidylinositol3-kinase(PIK3)CB expression with preoperative radiotherapy response in patients with stageⅡ/Ⅲrectal adenocarcinoma.METHODS:PIK3CB immunoexpression was retrospectively assessed in pretreatment biopsies from 208 patients with clinical stageⅡ/Ⅲrectal adenocarcinoma,who underwent radical surgery after 30-Gy/10-fractionpreoperative radiotherapy.The relation between PIK3CB expression and tumor regression grade,clinicopathological characteristics,and survival time was statistically analyzed.Western blotting and in vitro clonogenic formation assay were used to detect PIK3CB expression in four colorectal cancer cell lines(HCT116,HT29,Lo Vo,and LS174T)treated with 6-Gy ionizing radiation.Pharmacological assays were used to evaluate the therapeutic relevance of TGX-221(a PIK3CB-specific inhibitor)in the four colorectal cancer cell lines.RESULTS:Immunohistochemical staining indicated that PIK3CB was more abundant in rectal adenocarcinoma tissues with poor response to preoperative radiotherapy.High expression of PIK3CB was closely correlated with tumor height(P<0.05),yp T stage(P<0.05),and high-degree tumor regression grade(P<0.001).High expression of PIK3CB was a potential prognostic factor for local recurrence-free survival(P<0.05)and metastasis-free survival(P<0.05).High expression of PIK3CB was also associated with poor therapeutic response and adverse outcomes in rectal adenocarcinoma patients treated with 30-Gy/10-fraction preoperative radiotherapy.In vitro,PIK3CB expression was upregulated in all four colorectal cancer cell lines concurrently treated with 6-Gy ionizing radiation,and the PIK3CB-specific inhibitor TGX-221 effectively inhibited the clonogenic formation of these four colorectal cancer cell lines.CONCLUSION:PIK3CB is critically involved in response to preoperative radiotherapy and may serve as a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

Analysis of Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase Activation in the Adipose Tissue of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients and Insulin Resistance

The P85 regulatory subunit protein and gene expression and P110 catalylic subunit activity of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K) were investigated in adipose tissue of patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to explore the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance (IR) of GDM. Samples from patients with GDM (n=50), and controls (n=50) were collected. Fasting insulin (FIN) was determined by radioimmunoassay. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was measured by oxidase assay. Western blot technique was used to detect the levels of PI-3K P85 subunit in adipose tissues of patients with GDM. The mRNA expression of PI-3K P85 subunit was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method in the adipose tissue. PI-3K activity was examined by immunoprecipitation, thin-layer chromatography and gamma scintillation counting. The results were analyzed statistically. It was found that the levels of FPG, FIN and HOMA-IR in GDM group were significantly higher than those in control group (all P0.05). PI-3K activity was significantly decreased to 82.89% in GDM group as compared with control group (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with HOMA-IR (r=-0.75, P<0.01). It was concluded that PI-3K in GDM patients may be involved in the insulin signaling pathway, resulting in IR of GDM.

Micro RNA-21 promotes phosphatase gene and protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase expression in colorectal cancer

AIM: To explore the regulatory mechanism of the target gene of micro RNA-21(mi R-21), phosphatase gene(p TEN), and its downstream proteins, protein kinase B(AKT) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p I3K), in colorectal cancer(CRC) cells. METHODS: Quantitative real-time p CR(q RT-p CR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN in HCT116, HT29, Colo32 and SW480 CRC cell lines. Also, the expression levels of p TEN m RNA and its downstream proteins AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulating mi R-21 were investigated. RESULTS: Comparing the mi R-21 expression in CRC cells, the expression levels of mi R-21 were highest in HCT116 cells, and the expression levels of mi R-21 were lowest in SW480 cells. In comparing mi R-21 and p TEN expression in CRC cells, we found that the protein expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN were inversely correlated(p < 0.05); when mi R-21 expression was reduced, m RNA expression levels of p TEN did not significantly change(p > 0.05), but the expression levels of its protein significantly increased(p < 0.05). In comparing the levels of p TEN protein and downstream AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulation of mi R-21 expression, the levels of AKT and p I3 K protein expression significantly decreased(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: p TEN is one of the direct target genesof mi R-21. Thus, phosphatase gene and its downstream AKT and p I3 K expression levels can be regulated by regulating the expression levels of mi R-21, which in turn regulates the development of CRC.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

Xihuang pills induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase- B/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway

BACKGROUND The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mechanistic target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signalling pathway is crucial for cell survival, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism. Xihuang pills(XHP) are a traditional Chinese preparation with antitumour properties. They inhibit the growth of breast cancer, glioma, and other tumours by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of XHP in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) remain unclear. Regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway effectively inhibits the progression of HCC. However, no study has focused on the XHPassociated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that XHP might play a role in inhibiting HCC through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.AIM To confirm the effect of XHP on HCC and the possible mechanisms involved.METHODS The chemical constituents and active components of XHP were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Cellbased experiments and in vivo xenograft tumour experiments were utilized to evaluate the effect of XHP on HCC tumorigenesis. First, SMMC-7721 cells were incubated with different concentrations of XHP(0, 0.3125, 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL) for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, followed by an assessment of cell migration using a wound healing assay.Second, the effect of XHP on the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells was evaluated. SMMC-7721 cells were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate and annexin V/propidium iodide. The number of apoptotic cells and cell cycle distribution were measured using flow cytometry. The cleaved protein and mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were detected using Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively.Third, Western blotting and RT–qPCR were performed to confirm the effects of XHP on the protein and mRNA expression of components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.Finally, the effects of XHP on the tumorigenesis of subcutaneous hepatocellular tumours in nude mice were assessed.RESULTS The following 12 compounds were identified in XHP using high-resolution mass spectrometry:Valine, 4-gingerol, myrrhone, ricinoleic acid, glycocholic acid, curzerenone, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, oleic acid, germacrone, 3-acetyl-9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, 5β-androstane-3,17-dione, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. The cell viability assay results showed that treatment with 0.625mg/mL XHP extract decreased HCC cell viability after 12 h, and the effects were dose-and timedependent. The results of the cell scratch assay showed that the migration of HCC cells was significantly inhibited in a time-dependent manner by the administration of XHP extract(0.625mg/mL). Moreover, XHP significantly inhibited cell migration and resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, XHP downregulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which activated apoptosis executioner proteins(e.g., caspase-9 and caspase-3). The inhibitory effects of XHP on HCC cell growth were determined in vivo by analysing the tumour xenograft volumes and weights.CONCLUSION XHP inhibited HCC cell growth and migration by stimulating apoptosis via the downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, followed by the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3.Our findings clarified that the antitumour effects of XHP on HCC cells are mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, revealing that XHP may be a potential complementary therapy for HCC.

Salvianolic acid B promotes the invasion and migration of H_(2)O_(2)-induced HTR-8/Svneo trophoblast cells by upregulating matrix metalloproteinase-9 via the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

OBJECTIVE:To elucidate the regulatory effects of salvianolic acid B(Sal B)on trophoblast cells in preeclampsia(PE).METHODS:3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide(MTT)assays were used to detect the viability of human extravillous trophoblast HTR-8/Svneo cells induced by H_(2)O_(2)following treatment with different concentrations of Sal B.The levels of oxidative stressrelated molecules,including superoxide dismutase,glutathione-Px and malondialdehyde were detected using corresponding kits.Cell apoptosis was detected using a Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)d UTP NickEnd Labeling(TUNEL)assay,and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was detected using western blot analysis.In the present study,wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to measure the levels of cell invasion and migration.Western blot analysis was also used to detect the expression levels of epithelialmesenchymal transition-related proteins.The mechanisms underlying Sal B were further investigated using reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-q PCR)and western blot analysis,to determine the expression levels of matrix metallopeptidase 9(MMP-9)and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt).RESULTS:Sal B increased the activity of HTR-8/Svneo cells,inhibited oxidative damage and promoted the invasion and migration of trophoblast cells induced by H_(2)O_(2).Furthermore,the expression levels of MMP-9 and members of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were significantly decreased.The pathway agonist,LY294002,and MMP-9 inhibitor,GM6001,reversed the effects of Sal B on H_(2)O_(2)-induced cells.CONCLUSIONS:Sal B promoted the invasion and migration of H_(2)O_(2)-induced HTR-8/Svneo trophoblast cells by upregulating MMP-9 via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Impaired PI3K/Akt signal pathway and hepatocellular injury in high-fat fed rats

AIM:To determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from high-fat diet is related to impairment of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt,also known as PKB) pathway. METHODS:Rat models of nonalcoholic fatty liver were established by high-fat diet feeding. The expression of total and phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was determined by Western blotting. Degree of fat accumulation in liver was measured by hepatic triglyceride. Mitochondrial number and size were determined using quantitative morphometric analysis under transmission electron microscope. The permeability of the outer mitochondrial membrane was assessed by determining the potential gradient across this membrane.RESULTS:After Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for 16 wk,their hepatocytes displayed an accumulation of fat (103.1 ± 12.6 vs 421.5 ± 19.7,P < 0.01),deformed mitochondria (9.0% ± 4.3% vs 83.0% ± 10.9%,P < 0.05),and a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (389.385% ± 18.612% vs 249.121% ± 13.526%,P < 0.05). In addition,the expression of the phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was reduced,as was the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,while expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 was increased. When animals were treated with pharmacological inhibitors of P13K or Akt,instead of high-fat diet,a similar pattern of hepatocellular fat accumulation,mitochondrial impairment,and change in the levels of PI3K,Akt,Bcl-2 was observed. CONCLUSION:High-fat diet appears to inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may lead to hepa-tocellular injury through activation of the mitochondrial membrane pathway of apoptosis.

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Promotes HaCaT Cell Proliferation and Migration by Regulating HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT Pathways and Circ_0084443

Objective:To investigate the effect and possible mechanism of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA) on human immortalized keratinocyte cell proliferation and migration.Methods:HaCaT cells were treated with HSYA.Cell proliferation was detected by the cell counting kit-8 assay,and cell migration was measured using wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay.The mRNA and protein expression levels of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor(EGF)-like growth factor(HBEGF),EGF receptor(EGFR),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) and Western blot,respectively.Circ_0084443-overexpressing HaCaT cells and empty plasmid HaCaT cells were constructed using the lentiviral stable transfection and treated with HSYA.The expression of circ_0084443 was detected by qRT-PCR.Results:HSYA(800 μmol/L) significantly promoted HaCaT cell proliferation and migration(P<0.05or P<0.01).It also increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of HBEGF,EGFR,PI3K,AKT,mTOR and HIF-1α,and increased the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Furthermore,HSYA promoted HaCaT cell proliferation and migration via the HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT/m TOR signaling pathways(P<0.01).Circ_0084443 attenuated the mRNA expression levels of HBEGF,EGFR,PI3K,AKT,mTOR and HIF-1α(P<0.05).HSYA inhibited the circ_0084443 expression,further antagonized the inhibition of circ_0084443on HBEGF,EGFR,PI3K,AKT,m TOR and HIF-1α,and promoted the proliferation of circ_0084443-overexpressing HaCaT cells(P<0.05 or P<0.01).However,HSYA could not influence the inhibitory effect of circ_0084443 on HaCaT cell migration(P>0.05).Conclusion:HSYA played an accelerative role in HaCaT cell proliferation and migration,which may be attributable to activating HBEGF/EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways,and had a particular inhibitory effect on the keratinocyte negative regulator circ_0084443.

Dickkopf-related protein 1/cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 signaling activation by Helicobacter pylori-induced activator protein-1 promotes gastric tumorigenesis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates globally,especially in East Asian countries.Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection is a significant and independent risk factor for GC.However,its underlying mechanism of action is not fully understood.Dickkopf-related protein(DKK)1 is a Wnt signaling antagonist,and cytoskeleton-associated protein(CKAP)4 is a newly identified DKK1 receptor.Recent studies found that the binding of DKK1 to CAKP4 mediated the procancer signaling of DKK1 independent of Wnt signaling.We hypothesize that H.pylori-induced activation of DKK1/CKAP4 signaling contributes to the initiation and progression of GC.AIM To investigate the interaction of H.pylori infection,DKK1 and CAKP4 in GC,as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS RNA sequencing was used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between H.pylori-infected and uninfected primary GC cells.Gain-and loss-offunction experiments were performed to verify the H.pylori-induced upregulation of activator protein-1(AP-1)in GC cells.A dual-luciferase reporter assay and co-immunoprecipitation were used to determine the binding of AP-1 to the DKK1 promoter and DKK1 to CKAP4.Western blotting and immunohistochemistry detected the expression of DKK1,CKAP4,and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)pathway-related proteins in GC cells and tissues.Functional experiments and tumorigenicity in nude mice detected malignant behavior of GC cells in vitro and in vivo.RESULTS We identified 32 DEGs between primary GC cells with and without H.pylori infection,including JUN,fos-like antigen-1(FOSL1),and DKK1,and confirmed that the three proteins and CKAP4 were highly expressed in H.pylori-infected GC cells,H.pylori-infected gerbil gastric tissues,and human GC tissues.JUN and FOSL1 form AP-1 to transcriptionally activate DKK1 expression by binding to the DKK1 promoter.Activated DKK1 bound to CKAP4,but not the most common Wnt coreceptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5/6,to promote GC cell growth,colony formation,migration,invasion,and xenograft tumor growth in nude mice.All these effects were driven by activation of the PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway.Targeting the PI3K signaling pathway by LY294002 inhibited DKK1-mediated CKAP4/PI3K signaling activity and the malignant behavior of GC cells.CONCLUSION H.pylori induces JUN and FOSL1 expression to form AP-1,which transcriptionally activates DKK1.Binding of DKK1 to KAKP4 contributes to gastric tumorigenesis via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Correlation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway with cell apoptosis and invasion in mantle cell lymphoma

Objective: To study the correlation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway with cell apoptosis and invasion in mantle cell lymphoma. Methods: A total of 38 patients who were diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in Xijing Hospital Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University between June 2014 and March 2017 were selected as the MCL group of the research, 55 patients who were diagnosed with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in Xijing Hospital Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University during the same period were selected as the control group of the research, and lymph node tissue was collected to detect the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT as well as the mRNA expression of apoptosis genes and invasion genes. Results: p-PI3K and p-AKT protein expression as well as SOX11, cyclinD1, TNFAIP3, XIAP, PCNA, MMP2, MMP7, MMP9 and VEGF mRNA expression in lymph node of MCL group were significantly higher than those of control group while TNFAIP3 mRNA expression was significantly lower than that of control group;SOX11, cyclinD1, XIAP, PCNA, MMP2, MMP7, MMP9 and VEGF mRNA expression in MCL lymph node with high p-PI3K expression were significantly higher than those in MCL lymph node with low p-PI3K expression while TNFAIP3 mRNA expression was significantly lower than that in MCL lymph node with low p-PI3K expression. Conclusion: The activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in mantle cell lymphoma is closely related to the tumor cell apoptosis disorder and invasion enhancement.

Bornyl acetate extracted from Sharen(Fructus Amomi)inhibits proliferation,invasion and induces apoptosis by suppressing phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the antitumor effects of bornyl acetate(BA)isolated from Sharen(Fructus Amomi)in colorectal cancer(CRC)and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS:SW480 and HT29 cells were treated with increasing doses of BA in order to determine its antitumor effects in vitro.Cell viability,colony formation,cell cycle,and apoptosis as well as migration and invasion were assessed using various assays.In addition,the in vivo antitumor effects of BA were assessed using a xenograft mouse model.We then assessed the mechanism of action of BA by conducting pathway activator-mediated rescue experiments and assessed the protein levels by Western blot analysis.RESULTS:BA showed anti-CRC tumor activities in vitro by suppressing cell proliferation and colony formation,inducing apoptosis,blocking cell cycle,and inhibiting migration and invasion.These effects were mediated via suppression of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)pathway.In the tumor xenograft experiment,BA was found to repress tumor growth in vivo with low toxicity.CONCLUSIONS:The results demonstrated that BA exerts antitumor effects by suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway,with low toxicity.Thus,BA might be a potential novel therapeutic agent for CRC.