All-trans Retinoic Acid Diminishes Collagen Production in a Hepatic Stellate Cell Line via Suppression of Active Protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Signal

Following acute and chronic liver injury,hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated to undergo a phenotypic transformation into myofibroblast-like cells and lose their retinol content,but the mechanisms of retinoid loss and its potential roles in HSCs activation and liver fibrosis are not understood.The influence of retinoids on HSCs and hepatic fibrosis remains controversial.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of all-trans retinoid acid (ATRA) on cell proliferation,mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) and the upstream element (JNK and AP-1) in the rat hepatic stellate cell line (CFSC-2G).Cell proliferation was evaluated by measuring BrdU incorporation.The mRNA expression levels of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)],profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and fibrolytic genes (MMP-3,MMP-13) were quantitatively detected by using real-time PCR.The mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1 was quantified by RT-PCR.The results showed that ATRA inhibited HSCs proliferation and diminished the mRNA expression of collagen genes [procollagen α1 (Ⅰ),procollagen α1 (Ⅲ)] and profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly stimulated the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13 in HSCs by suppressing the mRNA expression of JNK and AP-1.These findings suggested that ATRA could inhibit proliferation and collagen production of HSCs via the suppression of active protein-1 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal,then decrease the mRNAs expression of profibrogenic genes (TGF-β 1,CTGF,MMP-2,TIMP-1,TIMP-2,PAI-1),and significantly induce the mRNA expression of MMP-3 and MMP-13.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase-mediated Rubicon expression enhances hepatocyte lipoapoptosis and promotes hepatocyte ballooning

AIM: To clarify the relationship between autophagy and lipotoxicity-induced apoptosis, which is termed "lipoapoptosis," in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet(HFD) for 12 wk, after which the liver histology and expression of proteins such as p62 or LC3 were evaluated. Alpha mouse liver 12(AML12) cells treated with palmitate(PA) were used as an in vitro model. RESULTS: LC3-Ⅱ, p62, and Run domain Beclin-1 interacting and cysteine-rich containing(Rubicon) proteins increased in both the HFD mice and in AML12 cells in response to PA treatment. Rubicon expression was decreased upon c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) inhibition at both the m RNA and the protein level in AML12 cells. Rubicon knockdown in AML12 cells with PA decreased the protein levels of both LC3-Ⅱ and p62. Rubicon expression peaked at 4 h of PA treatment in AML12, and then decreased. Treatment with caspase-9 inhibitor ameliorated the decrease in Rubicon protein expression at 10 h of PA and resulted in enlarged AML12 cells under PA treatment. The enlargement of AML12 cells by PA with caspase-9 inhibition was canceled by Rubicon knockdown.CONCLUSION: The JNK-Rubicon axis enhanced lipoapoptosis, and caspase-9 inhibition and Rubicon had effects that were cytologically similar to hepatocyte ballooning. As ballooned hepatocytes secrete fibrogenic signals and thus might promote fibrosis in the liver, the inhibition of hepatocyte ballooning might provide antifibrosis in the NASH liver.

Correlation between spina bifida manifesta in fetal rats and c-Jun N-terminal kinase signaling

Fetal rat models with neural tube defects were established by injection with retinoic acid at 10 days after conception. The immunofluorescence assay and western blot analysis showed that the number of caspase-3 positive cells in myeloid tissues for spina bifida manifesta was increased. There was also increased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase, a member of the mitogen activated protein kinase family. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation level was positively correlated with caspase-3 expression in myeloid tissues for spina bifida manifesta. Experimental findings indicate that abnormal apoptosis is involved in retinoic acid-induced dominant spina bifida formation in fetal rats, and may be associated with the c-Jun N-terminal kinase signal transduction pathway.

c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 deficiency protects axotomized retinal ganglion cells via affecting mitochondria involved apoptosis pathway

AIM: To illustrate the isoform-specific role and mechanism of c-Jun N-terminal kinases(JNKs) in mouse optic nerve axotomy induced neurotrauma. METHODS: We firstly investigated the expression of JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3 in the retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) by double-immunofluorescent staining. Then we created optic nerve axotomy model in wild type as well as JNK1, JNK2, JNK3, isoform specific gene deficiency mice. With that, we checked the protein expression profile of JNKs and its active form, and quantified the survival RGCs number by immunofluorescence staining. We further explored the molecules underlying isoform specific protective effect by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blotting assay. RESULTS: We found that all the three isoforms of JNKs were expressed in the RGCs. Deficiency of JNK3, but not JNK1 or JNK2, significantly alleviated optic nerve axotomyinduced RGCs apoptosis. We further established that expression of Noxa, a pro-apoptotic member of BH3 family, was significantly suppressed only in JNK3 gene deficiency mice. But tumor necrosis factor receptor 1(TNFR1) and Fas, two key modulators of death receptor mediated apoptosis pathway, did not display obvious change in the expression. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that mitochondria mediated apoptosis, but not death receptor mediated apoptosis got involved in the JNK3 gene deficiency induced RGCs protection. Our study provides a novel insight into the isoform-specific role of JNKs in neurotrauma and indicates some cues for its therapeutics.

Jianpi Gushen Huayu decoction ameliorated diabetic nephropathy through modulating metabolites in kidney,and inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 and JNK/P38 pathways

BACKGROUND Jianpi Gushen Huayu Decoction(JPGS)has been used to clinically treat diabetic nephropathy(DN)for many years.However,the protective mechanism of JPGS in treating DN remains unclear.AIM To evaluate the therapeutic effects and the possible mechanism of JPGS on DN.METHODS We first evaluated the therapeutic potential of JPGS on a DN mouse model.We then investigated the effect of JPGS on the renal metabolite levels of DN mice using non-targeted metabolomics.Furthermore,we examined the effects of JPGS on c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/P38-mediated apoptosis and the inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3).RESULTS The ameliorative effects of JPGS on DN mice included the alleviation of renal injury and the control of inflammation and oxidative stress.Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that JPGS altered the metabolites of the kidneys in DN mice.A total of 51 differential metabolites were screened.Pathway analysis results indicated that nine pathways significantly changed between the control and model groups,while six pathways significantly altered between the model and JPGS groups.Pathways related to cysteine and methionine metabolism;alanine,tryptophan metabolism;aspartate and glutamate metabolism;and riboflavin metabolism were identified as the key pathways through which JPGS affects DN.Further experimental validation showed that JPGS treatment reduced the expression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways and JNK/P38 pathway-mediated apoptosis related factors.CONCLUSION JPGS could markedly treat mice with streptozotocin(STZ)-induced DN,which is possibly related to the regulation of several metabolic pathways found in kidneys.Furthermore,JPGS could improve kidney inflammatory responses and ameliorate kidney injuries in DN mice via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit JNK/P38 pathwaymediated apoptosis in DN mice.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 protects PC12 cells from amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity

The mitogen-activated protein kinase（MAPK） signaling pathway plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, transformation and death. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 1（MKP1） has an inhibitory effect on the p38 MAPK and JNK pathways, but it is unknown whether it plays a role in Aβ-induced oxidative stress and neuronal inflammation. In this study, PC12 cells were infected with MKP1 sh RNA, MKP1 lentivirus or control lentivirus for 12 hours, and then treated with 0.1, 1, 10 or 100 μM amyloid beta 42（Aβ42）. The cell survival rate was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay. MKP1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha（TNF-α） and interleukin-1β（IL-1β） m RNA expression levels were analyzed using quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. MKP1 and phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） expression levels were assessed using western blot assay. Reactive oxygen species（ROS） levels were detected using 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using flow cytometry. Superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde levels were evaluated using the colorimetric method. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was measured using a microplate reader. Caspase-3 expression levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Apoptosis was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling method. MKP1 overexpression inhibited Aβ-induced JNK phosphorylation and the increase in ROS levels. It also suppressed the Aβ-induced increase in TNF-α and IL-1β levels as well as apoptosis in PC12 cells. In contrast, MKP1 knockdown by RNA interference aggravated Aβ-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and cell damage in PC12 cells. Furthermore, the JNK-specific inhibitor SP600125 abolished this effect of MKP1 knockdown on Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. Collectively, these results show that MKP1 mitigates Aβ-induced apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation by inhibiting the JNK signaling pathway, thereby playing a neuroprotective role.

Serine-threonine protein kinase activation may be an effective target for reducing neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury

The signaling mechanisms underlying ischemia-induced nerve cell apoptosis are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of apoptosis-related signal transduction pathways following ischemic spinal cord injury, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase（ERK）, serine-threonine protein kinase（Akt） and c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） signaling pathways. We established a rat model of acute spinal cord injury by inserting a catheter balloon in the left subclavian artery for 25 minutes. Rat models exhibited notable hindlimb dysfunction. Apoptotic cells were abundant in the anterior horn and central canal of the spinal cord. The number of apoptotic neurons was highest 48 hours post injury. The expression of phosphorylated Akt（pAkt） and phosphorylated ERK（p-ERK） increased immediately after reperfusion, peaked at 4 hours（p-Akt） or 2 hours（p-ERK）, decreased at 12 hours, and then increased at 24 hours. Phosphorylated JNK expression reduced after reperfusion, increased at 12 hours to near normal levels, and then showed a downward trend at 24 hours. Pearson linear correlation analysis also demonstrated that the number of apoptotic cells negatively correlated with p-Akt expression. These findings suggest that activation of Akt may be a key contributing factor in the delay of neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord ischemia, particularly at the stage of reperfusion, and thus may be a target for neuronal protection and reduction of neuronal apoptosis after spinal cord injury.

Ceramide from sphingomyelin hydrolysis differentially mediates mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation following cerebral ischemia in rat hippocampal CA1 subregion

Objective： To explore the role that ceramide plays in the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases （MAPKs） during cerebral ischemia and reperfusion. Methods： Rats were subjected to ischemia by the fourvessel occlusion （4-VO） method. The sphingomyelinase inhibitor TPCK was administered to the CA1 subregion of the rat hippocampus before inducing ischemia. Western blot was used to examine the activity of extracellular- signal regulated kinase （ERK） and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase （JNK） using antibodies against ERK, JNK and diphosphorylated ERK and JNK. Results： At lh reperfusion post-ischemia, JNK reached its peak activity while ERK was undergoing a sharp inactivation （P 〈 0.05）. The level of diphosphorylated JNK was significantly reduced but the sharp inactivation of ERK was visibly reversed （P 〈 0.05） by the sphingomyelinase inhibitor. Conclusion： The ceramide signaling pathway is up-regulated through sphingomyelin hydrolysis in brain ischemia, promoting JNK activation and suppressing ERK activation, culminating in the ischemic lesion.

Stress-activated kinases as therapeutic targets in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disease with high incidence and poor survival rates.With the aim to improve overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients,new therapeutic approaches are urgently needed.Protein kinases are key regulatory players in basically all stages of development,maintaining physiologic functions but also being involved in pathogenic processes.c-Jun N-terminal kinases(JNK)and p38 kinases,representatives of the mitogen-activated protein kinases,as well as the casein kinase 1(CK1)family of protein kinases are important mediators of adequate response to cellular stress following inflammatory and metabolic stressors,DNA damage,and others.In their physiologic roles,they are responsible for the regulation of cell cycle progression,cell proliferation and differentiation,and apoptosis.Dysregulation of the underlying pathways consequently has been identified in various cancer types,including pancreatic cancer.Pharmacological targeting of those pathways has been the field of interest for several years.While success in earlier studies was limited due to lacking specificity and off-target effects,more recent improvements in small molecule inhibitor design against stress-activated protein kinases and their use in combination therapies have shown promising in vitro results.Consequently,targeting of JNK,p38,and CK1 protein kinase family members may actually be of particular interest in the field of precision medicine in patients with highly deregulated kinase pathways related to these kinases.However,further studies are warranted,especially involving in vivo investigation and clinical trials,in order to advance inhibition of stress-activated kinases to the field of translational medicine.

Effects of Different Therapeutic Methods and Typical Recipes of Chinese Medicine on Activation of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase in Kupffer Cells of Rats with Fatty Liver Disease

Objective： To observe the effects of different therapeutic methods and the recipes of Chinese medicine （CM） on the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） in Kupffer cells of rats with fatty liver disease and to explore the mechanisms of these therapeutic methods. Methods： By using a random number table, 98 rats were randomly divided into 7 groups： control group, model group, and 5 treatment groups, including soothing Liver （Gan） recipe group, invigorating Spleen （Pi） recipe group, dispelling dampness recipe group, promoting blood recipe group, and complex recipe group. Rats in the control group were fed with normal food and distilled water by gastric perfusion, while rats in the model group were fed with high-fat food and distilled spirits by gastric perfusion. Rats in the 5 treatment groups were fed with high-fat food and corresponding recipes by gastric perfusion. Twelve weeks later, all rats were sacrificed and liver tissues were stained for pathohistological observation. Kupffer cells were isolated from livers of rats to evaluate JNK and phospho-JNK expressions by Western blotting. Results： The grade of hepatic steatosis was higher in the model group than the control group （P〈0.05）. Compared with the model group, the grade of fatty degeneration in soothing Liver recipe group and invigorating Spleen recipe group were significantly ameliorated （P〈0.05）. Expressions of JNK and phospho-JNK in Kupffer cells were significantly higher in the model group than those in the control group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Compared with the model group, expressions of JNK in all treatment groups decreased, especially in invigorating Spleen recipe group and promoting blood recipe group （P〈0.05）. Compared with the model group, expressions of phospho-JNK in all treatment groups declined significantly （P〈0.01）, especially in soothing Live recipe group and invigorating Spleen recipe group. Conclusions： The high expressions of JNK and phospho-JNK in Kupffer cells might play an important role in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease in rats. The recipes of CM, especially invigorating Spleen recipe and soothing Liver recipe, might protect liver against injury by reducing the total JNK protein content and inhibiting the activation of JNK protein in Kupffer cells of fatty liver model rats, which showed beneficial effects on fatty liver disease.

Activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 regulated by nitric oxide is associated with neuronal survival in hippocampal neurons in a rat model of ischemia

Background C-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） signaling pathway plays a critical role in cerebral ischemia. Although the mechanistic basis for this activation of JNK1/2 is uncertain, oxidative stress may play a role. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the activation of JNK1/2 is associated with the production of endogenous nitric oxide （NO）. Methods Ischemia and reperfusion （I/R） was induced by cerebral four-vessel occlusion. Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were divided into 6 groups： sham group, I/R group, neuronal nitric oxide synthase （nNOS） inhibitor （7-nitroindazole, 7-NI） given group, inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） inhibitor （2-amino-5,6-dihydro-methylthiazine, AMT） given group, sodium chloride control group, and 1% dimethyl sulfoxide （DMSO） control group. The levels of protein expression and phospho-JNK1/2 were detected by Western blotting and the survival hippocampus neurons in CA1 zone were observed by cresyl violet staining. Results The study illustrated two peaks of JNK1/2 activation occurred at 30 minutes and 3 days during reperfusion. 7-NI inhibited JNK1/2 activation during the early reperfusion, whereas AMT preferably attenuated JNK1/2 activation during the later reperfusion. Administration of 7-NI and AMT can decrease I/R-induced neuronal loss in hippocampal CA1 region. Conclusion JNK1/2 activation is associated with endogenous NO in response to ischemic insult.

Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Signaling Pathway Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Rats

Background： An acute respiratory distress syndrome （ARDS） is still one of the major challenges in critically ill patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） on ARDS in a lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced ARDS rat model. Methods： Thirty-six rats were randomized into three groups： control, LPS, and LPS ＋ JNK inhibitor Rats were sacrificed 8 h alter LPS treatment. The lung edema was observed by measuring the wet-to-dry weight （W/D） ratio of the lung. The severity of ptdmonary inflammation was observed by measuring myeloperoxidase （MPO） activity of lung tissue. Moreover, the neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were cotinted to observe the airway inflammation. In addition, lung collagen accumulation was quantified by Sircol Collagen Assay. At the same time, the pulmonary histologic examination was perlbrmed, and lung injury score was achieved in all three groups. Results： MPO activity in lung tissue was found increased in rats treated with LPS comparing with that in control （I.26 ＋ 0.15 U in LPS vs. 0.77 ± 0.27 U in control, P 〈 0.05）. Inhibiting ,INK attenuated LPS-induced MPO activity upregulation （0.52 ± 0. 12 U in LPS ＋ JNK inhibitor vs. 1.26 ± 0.15 U in LPS, P 〈 0.05）. Neutrophils in BALF were also found to be increased with LPS treatment, and inhibiting ,INK attenuated LPS-induced neutrophils increase in BALF （255.0 ± 164.4 in LPS vs. 53 （44.5-103） in control vs. 127.0 ± 44.3 in LPS JNK inhibitor, P 〈 0.05）. At the same time, the lung injury score showed a reduction in LPS ＋ JNK inhibitor group comparing with that in LPS group （ 13.42 ± 4.82 vs. 7.00 ± 1.83, P 0.001 ）. However, the lung W/D ratio and the collagen in BALF did not show any difl＇erences between LPS and LPS ＋ JNK inhibitor group.Conclusions： Inhibiting JNK alleviated LPS-induced acute lung inflammation and had no effects on pulmonary edema and fibrosis..INK inhibitor might be a potential therapeutic medication in ARDS, in the context of reducing lung inflammatory.

Ghrelin通过JNK信号通路抑制LPS诱导的肺泡巨噬细胞凋亡

【目的】观察体外条件下加入外源性ghrelin对内毒素(LPS)诱导大鼠肺泡巨噬细胞NR8383凋亡以及吞噬能力的影响,并探讨JNK(c-Jun N-terminal kinase)信号通路在其中所起的作用。【方法】用CCK-8(Cell Counting Kit-8)法检测加入LPS或者ghrelin与LPS共孵育后NR8383的细胞毒性;流式细胞技术、原位末端标记法(TUNEL)检测细胞凋亡率;Western blot检测JNK、phospho-JNK信号通路蛋白以及cleaved caspase-3、Bax、Bcl-2凋亡相关分子蛋白的表达;激光共聚焦技术检测巨噬细胞的吞噬能力;使用ghrelin受体拮抗剂[D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6、JNK特异性抑制剂SP600125分别抑制ghrelin受体及JNK激酶的激活。【结果】CCK-8检测结果显示LPS可显著抑制NR8383增殖,而ghrelin可呈浓度依赖性地阻断这种抑制作用;流式和TUNEL检测进一步证实ghrelin可显著降低LPS所致NR8383凋亡作用(P<0.05),而应用ghrelin受体拮抗剂[D-Lys-3]-GHRP-6可以减弱ghrelin的抗凋亡效果(P<0.05);LPS可以激活JNK激酶活性,并改变其下游凋亡相关蛋白的表达,其中促凋亡蛋白Bax以及cleaved caspase-3表达上调,抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2表达下调,应用ghrelin可以逆转LPS对JNK激酶的激活,继而下调Bax以及cleaved caspase-3的表达,上调Bcl-2的表达,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05);ghrelin还可以维持LPS持续刺激下NR8383的吞噬能力(P<0.05)。【结论】ghrelin通过下调JNK信号通路的激活抑制LPS诱导的NR8383的凋亡,并维持其吞噬能力。

Tumor necrosis factor-α mediates JNK activation response to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM:To investigate whether tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)mediates ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)-induced intestinal mucosal injury through c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)activation.METHODS:In this study,intestinal I/R was induced by 60-min occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery in rats followed by 60-min reperfusion,and the rats were pretreated with a TNF-α inhibitor,pentoxifylline,or the TNF-α antibody infliximab.After surgery,part of the intestine was collected for histological analysis.The mucosal layer was harvested for RNA and protein extraction,which were used for further real-time polymerase chain reaction,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting analyses.The TNF-α expression,intestinal mucosal injury,cell apoptosis,activation of apoptotic protein and JNK signaling pathway were analyzed.RESULTS:I/R significantly enhanced expression of mucosal TNF-α at both the mRNA and protein levels,induced severe mucosal injury and cell apoptosis,activated caspase-9/caspase-3,and activated the JNK signaling pathway.Pretreatment with pentoxifylline markedly downregulated TNF-α at both the mRNA and protein levels,whereas infliximab pretreatment did not affect the expression of TNF-α induced by I/R.However,pretreatment with pentoxifylline or infliximab dramatically suppressed I/R-induced mucosal injury and cell apoptosis and significantly inhibited the activation of caspase-9/3 and JNK signaling.CONCLUSION:The results indicate there was a TNFα-mediated JNK activation response to intestinal I/R injury.

Genistein Reverses Free Fatty Acid-induced Insulin Resistance in HepG2 Hepatocytes through Targeting JNK

This study investigated the effects and molecular mechanisms of genistein in improving insulin resistance induced by free fatty acids （FFAs） in HepG2 hepatocytes. A model of insulin resistance in HepG2 cells was established by adding palmitic acid （0.5 mmol/L） to the culture medium and the cells were treated by genistein. Glucose consumption of HepG2 cells was determined by glucose oxidase method. The levels of c-jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） phosphorylation, insulin receptor substrate-1 （IRS-1） Ser307 phosphorylation, JNK, IRS-1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p85 （PI-3K p85） and glucose transporter 1 （GLUT1） proteins were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that after the treatment with palmitic acid for 24 h, the insulin-stimulated glucose transport in HepG2 cells was inhibited, and the glucose consumption was substantially reduced. Meanwhile, the expressions of IRS-1, PI-3K p85 protein and GLUT1 were obviously reduced, while the levels of JNK phosphorylation and IRS-1 Ser307 phosphorylation and the expression of JNK protein were significantly increased, as compared with cells of normal control. However, the aforementioned indices, which indicated the existence of insulin resistance, were reversed by genistein at 1-4 μmol/L in a dose-dependent manner. It was concluded that insulin resistance induced by FFAs in HepG2 hepatocytes could be improved by genistein. Genistein might reverse FFAs-induced insulin resistance in HepG2 cells by targeting JNK.

Pomegranate extract inhibits EMT in clear cell renal cell carcinoma in a NF-κB and JNK dependent manner

Objective:Clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC)is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma(RCC)and is characterized by biallelic inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau(VHL)tumor suppressor gene.One effect of VHL inactivation is hypoxia inducible factor alpha(HIFa)-independent constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)and c-jun N-terminal kinase(JNK).Both NF-κB and JNK drive ccRCC growth and epithelial to mesenchymal transition(EMT).The purpose of this study was to determine the biochemical effects of pomegranate juice extracts(PE)on RCC cell lines.Methods:The pre-clinical effects of PE on NF-κB,JNK,and the EMT phenotype were assayed,including its effect on proliferation,anchorage-independent growth,and invasion of pVHLdeficient RCCs.Results:PE inhibits the NF-κB and JNK pathways and consequently inhibits the EMT phenotype of pVHL-deficient ccRCCs.The effects of PE are concentration-dependent and affect not only biochemical markers of EMT(i.e.,cadherin expression)but also functional manifestations of EMT,such as invasion.These effects are manifested within days of exposure to PE when diluted 2000-fold.Highly dilute concentrations of PE(106 dilution),which do not impact these pathways in the short term,were found to have NF-κB and JNK inhibitory effects and ability to reverse the EMT phenotype following prolonged exposure.Conclusion:These findings suggest that PE may mediate inhibition growth of pVHL-deficient ccRCCs and raises the possibility of its use as a dietary adjunct to managing patients with active surveillance for small,localized,incidentally identified renal tumors so as to avoid more invasive procedures such as nephrectomy.

血浆JNK1与肺循环高压发生发展的相关性分析

目的:通过调查湖南地区部分肺循环高压(PH)患者人群及健康人群血浆JNK1浓度水平,揭示PH患者血清中JNK1表达水平与肺循环高压的发生发展之间的相关性,为PH的早期预防、早期诊断治疗奠定基础。方法:采用横断面调查方法,测定64例肺循环高压患者(肺循环高压组)空腹血浆JNK1水平,并与30例正常健康人群(正常对照组)空腹血浆JNK1水平比较。结果:肺循环高压组血浆JNK1水平与正常对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。线性回归分析结果提示:血浆JNK1浓度与肺动脉平均压力之间无明显相关性(P>0.05),与左心疾病相关的肺循环高压(PHALH)小组(n=27)、与缺氧或呼吸系统疾病相关的肺循环高压(PHAHR)小组(n=19)与正常对照组JNK1水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);PH患者与左心疾病相关的肺循环高压(PHALH)小组(n=27)、与缺氧或呼吸系统疾病相关的肺循环高压(PHAHR)小组(n=19)血清中JNK1表达水平与肺动脉平均压之间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:就肺循环高压患者总体而言,血浆JNK1水平与肺动脉高压的发生发展似乎不相关。但是,在发病机制相似的某一PH患者人群中,血清中JNK1表达水平与肺动脉高压的发生发展之间可能存在相关性。血浆JNK1浓度水平,也许可以作为PH疾病发生发展严重程度的一个标志物。

JNK in Spinal Cord Facilitates Bone Cancer Pain in Rats through Modulation of CXCL1

In patients with advanced cancer, cancer-induced bone pain（CIBP） is a severe and common problem that is difficult to manage and explain. As c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK） and chemokine（C-X-C motif） ligand 1（CXCL1） have been shown to participate in several chronic pain processes, we investigated the role of JNK and CXCL1 in CIBP and the relationship between them. A rat bone cancer pain model was established by intramedullary injection of Walker 256 rat gland mammary carcinoma cells into the left tibia of Sprague-Dawley rats. As a result, intramedullary injection of Walker 256 carcinoma cells induced significant bone destruction and persistent pain. Both phosphorylated JNK1（p JNK1） and p JNK2 showed time-dependent increases in the ipsilateral spinal cord from day 7 to day 18 after tumor injection. Inhibition of JNK activation by intrathecal administration of SP600125, a selective p JNK inhibitor, attenuated mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia caused by tumor inoculation. Tumor cell inoculation also induced robust CXCL1 upregulation in the ipsilateral spinal cord on day 18 after tumor injection. Inhibition of CXCL1 by intrathecal administration of CXCL1 neutralizing antibody showed a stable analgesic effect. Intrathecal administration of SP600125 reduced CXCL1 increase in the spinal cord, whereas inhibition of CXCL1 in the spinal cord showed no influence on JNK activation. Taken together, these results suggested that JNK activation in spinal cord contributed to the maintenance of CIBP, which may act through modulation of CXCL1. Inhibition of the p JNK/CXCL1 pathway may provide a new choice for treatment of CIBP.

Hepato-protective effect of thymoquinone against acetaminophen induced liver injury is associated with regulation of JNK and AMPK signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE To investigate the hepato-protective mechanism of thymoquinone(TQ) on the development of acetaminophen(APAP)-induced liver injury.METHODS In vivo,male kunming mice were injected with a single dose of 300 mg·kg^(-1) APAP.Some mice were pretreated with TQ(5 or 20 mg·kg^(-1))and N-acetylcysteine(NAC,300 mg·kg^(-1))2 h before APAP injection.Mice were euthanized at 2 h,6 h,12 h after APAP treatment.In vitro,human Chang liver cells were incubated with 3.125,6.25 or 12.5μmol·L^(-1) TQ,10μmol·L^(-1) SP600125 and 500μmol·L^(-1) AICAR in the presence of APAP for 24 h.Cell viability were analyzed by MTT assay,protein expressions were assessed by Western blot.RESULTS TQ pretreatment significantly reduced serum aminotransferase and increased hepatic glutathione(GSH)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX)activities,while significantly inhibited interleukin-1β(IL^(-1)β)levels.TQ significantly inhibited c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK),extracellular signal regulated kinase(ERK)and P38 phosphorylation induced by APAP.Moreover,TQ inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR)signaling activation and activated AMPK phosphorylation induced by APAP.In addition,TQ inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)phosphorylation on APAP-induced liver injury.In vitro,APAP enhanced JNK phosphorylation and attenuated AMPK phosphorylation in Chang liver cel s,and these effects were blocked by pretreatment with TQ,SP600125(JNK inhibitor)and AICAR(AMPK activator).CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that TQ may actively prevent APAP-induced liver injury,and this effect may be mediated by JNK and AMPK signaling pathways.

P75 and phosphorylated c-Jun are differentially regulated in spinal motoneurons following axotomy in rats

The neurotrophin receptor （p75） activates the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathway. Activation of JNK and its substrate c-Jun can cause apoptosis. Here we evaluate the role of p75 in spinal motoneurons by comparing immunoreactivity for p75 and phosphorylated c-Jun （p-c-Jun）, the production of JNK activation in axotomized motoneurons in postnatal day （PN）I, PN7, PN14 and adult rats. Intensive p-c-Jun was induced in axotomized motoneurons in PN1 and PN7. In PN14, p-c-Jun expression was sharply reduced after the same injury. The decreased expression of p-c-Jun at this age coincided with a developmental switch of re-expression of p75 in axotomized cells. In adult animals, no p-c-Jun but intensive p75 was detected in axotomized motoneurons. These results indicate differential expression or turnover of phosphorylation of c-Jun and p75 in immature versus mature spinal motoneurons in response to axonal injury. The non-co-occurrence of p75 and p-c-Jun in injured motoneurons indicated that p75 may not activate JNK pathway, suggesting that the p75 may not be involved in cell death in axotomized motoneurons.