Reduction of the oxidative damage to H_(2)O_(2)-induced HepG2 cells via the Nrf2 signalling pathway by plant flavonoids Quercetin and Hyperoside

Hyperoside and quercetin are similar in molecular structures.In this study,the antioxidant regulatory targets of hyperoside and quercetin are mainly in the nuclear factor(erythroid-2-derived)-related factor 2(Nrf2)pathway predicted by network pharmacology.And the antioxidant effect and mechanism of hyperoside and quercetin were measured and compared in H_(2)O_(2)-induced Hep G2 cells and Caenorhabditis elegans.The findings indicated that quercetin was more effective than hyperoside in reducing oxidative damage,which was proved by improved cell viability,decreased reactive oxygen species(ROS)production,decreased cellular apoptosis,and alleviated mitochondrial damage.In addition,quercetin was more efficient than hyperoside in enhancing the expression of Nrf2-associated m RNAs,increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT),and reducing the cellular malondialdehyde(MDA)content.Quercetin was superior to hyperoside in prolonging the lifespan of worms,decreasing the accumulation of lipofuscin,inhibiting ROS production,and increasing the proportion of skn-1 in the nucleus.With the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385,we verified that quercetin and hyperoside primarily protected the cells against oxidative damage via the Nrf2 signalling pathway.Furthermore,molecular docking and dynamics simulations demonstrated that the quercetin-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)complex was more stable than the hyperoside-Keap1 complex.The stable structure of the complex might hinder the binding of Nrf2 and Keap1 to release Nrf2 and facilitate its entry into the nucleus to play an antioxidant role.Overall,quercetin had a better antioxidant than hyperoside.

Hesperidin ameliorates H_(2)O_(2)-induced bovine mammary epithelial cell oxidative stress via the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Background Hesperidin is a citrus flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. However, its protective effects on bovine mammary epithelial cells(b MECs) exposed to oxidative stress have not been elucidated.Results In this study, we investigated the effects of hesperidin on H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative stress in b MECs and the underlying molecular mechanism. We found that hesperidin attenuated H_(2)O_(2)-induced cell damage by reducing reactive oxygen species(ROS) and malondialdehyde(MDA) levels, increasing catalase(CAT) activity, and improving cell proliferation and mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, hesperidin activated the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway by inducing the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the expression of its downstream genes NQO1 and HO-1, which are antioxidant enzymes involved in ROS scavenging and cellular redox balance. The protective effects of hesperidin were blocked by the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385, indicating that they were Nrf2 dependent.Conclusions Our results suggest that hesperidin could protect b MECs from oxidative stress injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, suggesting that hesperidin as a natural antioxidant has positive potential as a feed additive or plant drug to promote the health benefits of bovine mammary.

Naringin ameliorates H_(2)O_(2)-induced oxidative damage in cells and prolongs the lifespan of female Drosophila melanogaster via the insulin signaling pathway

Naringin exists in a wide range of Chinese herbal medicine and has proven to possess several pharmacological properties.In this study,PC12,HepG2 cells,and female Drosophila melanogaster were used to investigate the antioxidative and anti-aging effects of naringin and explore the underlying mechanisms.The results showed that naringin inhibited H_(2)O_(2)-induced decline in cell viability and decreased,the content of reactive oxygen species in cells.Meanwhile,naringin prolonged the lifespan of flies,enhanced the abilities of climbing and the resistance to stress,improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes,and decreased malondialdehyde content.Naringin also improved intestinal barrier dysfunction and reduced abnormal proliferation of intestinal stem cells.Moreover,naringin down-regulated the mRNA expressions of inr,chico,pi 3k,and akt-1,and up-regulated the mRNA expressions of dilp2,dilp3,dilp5,and foxo,thereby activating autophagy-related genes and increasing the number of lysosomes.Furthermore,the mutant stocks assays and computer molecular simulation results further indicated that naringin delayed aging by inhibiting the insulin signaling(IIS)pathway and activating the autophagy pathway,which was consistent with the result of network pharmacological predictions.

Paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis via the DR3 signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells

Inhibiting the death receptor 3(DR3)signaling pathway in group 3 innate lymphoid cells(ILC3s)presents a promising approach for promoting mucosal repair in individuals with ulcerative colitis(UC).Paeoniflorin,a prominent component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.,has demonstrated the ability to restore barrier function in UC mice,but the precise mechanism remains unclear.In this study,we aimed to delve into whether paeoniflorin may promote intestinal mucosal repair in chronic colitis by inhibiting DR3 signaling in ILC3s.C57BL/6 mice were subjected to random allocation into 7 distinct groups,namely the control group,the 2%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)group,the paeoniflorin groups(25,50,and 100 mg/kg),the anti-tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A(anti-TL1A)antibody group,and the IgG group.We detected the expression of DR3 signaling pathway proteins and the proportion of ILC3s in the mouse colon using Western blot and flow cytometry,respectively.Meanwhile,DR3-overexpressing MNK-3 cells and 2%DSS-induced Rag1^(-/-)mice were used for verification.The results showed that paeoniflorin alleviated DSS-induced chronic colitis and repaired the intestinal mucosal barrier.Simultaneously,paeoniflorin inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s and regulated the content of cytokines(interleukin-17A,granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor,and interleukin-22).Alternatively,paeoniflorin directly inhibited the DR3 signaling pathway in ILC3s to repair mucosal damage independently of the adaptive immune system.We additionally confirmed that paeoniflorin-conditioned medium(CM)restored the expression of tight junctions in Caco-2 cells via coculture.In conclusion,paeoniflorin ameliorates chronic colitis by enhancing the intestinal barrier in an ILC3-dependent manner,and its mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the DR3 signaling pathway.

TCGA-based analysis of oncogenic signaling pathways underlying oral squamous cell carcinoma

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)represents a prevalent malignancy in the oral and maxillofacial area,having a considerable negative impact on both the quality of life and overall survival of affected individuals.Our research endeavors to leverage bioinformatic approaches to elucidate oncogenic signaling pathways,with the ultimate goal of gaining deeper insights into the molecular underpinnings of OSCC pathogenesis,and thus laying the groundwork for the development of more effective therapeutic and preventive strategies.Methods:Differential expression analysis was performed on mRNA data from tumor and normal tissue groups to identify genes associated with OSCC,using The Cancer Genome Atlas database.Predictions of oncogenic signaling pathways linked to differentially expressedmRNAs were made,and these results were presented visually using R software,using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichments.Results:GO and KEGG analyses of 2938 differentially expressed genes in OSCC highlighted their significant involvement in various biological processes.Notably,these processes were related to the extracellular matrix,structural organization,connective tissue development,and cell cycle regulation.Conclusions:The comprehensive exploration of gene expression patterns provides valuable insights into potential oncogenic mechanisms in OSCC.

Abnormally activated wingless/integrated signaling modulates tumor-associated macrophage polarization and potentially promotes hepatocarcinoma cell growth

In this article,we comment on the article by Huang et al.The urgent development of new therapeutic strategies targeting macrophage polarization is critical in the fight against liver cancer.Tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),primarily of the M2 subtype,are instrumental in cellular communication within the tumor microenvironment and are influenced by various signaling pathways,including the wingless/integrated(Wnt)pathway.Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is pivotal in promoting M2 TAMs polarization,which in turn can exacerbate hepatocarcinoma cell proliferation and migration.This manuscript emphasizes the burgeoning significance of the Wnt signaling pathway and M2 TAMs polarization in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer,highlighting the potential therapeutic benefits of inhibiting the Wnt pathway.Lastly,we point out areas in Huang et al’s study that require further research,providing guidance and new directions for similar studies.

Effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on hematopoietic stem cells in treating aplastic anemia in mice via MAPK pathway

BACKGROUND Aplastic anemia(AA)presents a significant clinical challenge as a life-threatening condition due to failure to produce essential blood cells,with the current the-rapeutic options being notably limited.AIM To assess the therapeutic potential of ginsenoside Rg1 on AA,specifically its protective effects,while elucidating the mechanism at play.METHODS We employed a model of myelosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide(CTX)in C57 mice,followed by administration of ginsenoside Rg1 over 13 d.The invest-igation included examining the bone marrow,thymus and spleen for pathological changes via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Moreover,orbital blood of mice was collected for blood routine examinations.Flow cytometry was employed to identify the impact of ginsenoside Rg1 on cell apoptosis and cycle in the bone marrow of AA mice.Additionally,the study further evaluated cytokine levels with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the expression of key proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway via western blot.RESULTS Administration of CTX led to significant damage to the bone marrow’s structural integrity and a reduction in hematopoietic cells,establishing a model of AA.Ginsenoside Rg1 successfully reversed hematopoietic dysfunction in AA mice.In comparison to the AA group,ginsenoside Rg1 provided relief by reducing the induction of cell apoptosis and inflammation factors caused by CTX.Furthermore,it helped alleviate the blockade in the cell cycle.Treatment with ginsenoside Rg1 significantly alleviated myelosuppression in mice by inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that ginsenoside Rg1 addresses AA by alleviating myelosuppression,primarily through modulating the MAPK signaling pathway,which paves the way for a novel therapeutic strategy in treating AA,highlighting the potential of ginsenoside Rg1 as a beneficial intervention.

YWHAH activates the HMGA1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by positively regulating Fra-1 to affect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells

Fos-related antigen 1(Fra-1)is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates cell growth,differentiation,and apoptosis.It is involved in the proliferation,invasion,apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transformation of malignant tumor cells.Fra-1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer(GC),affects the cycle distribution and apoptosis of GC cells,and participates in GC occurrence and development.However,the detailed mechanism of Fra-1 in GC is unclear,such as the identification of Fra-1-interacting proteins and their role in GC pathogenesis.In this study,we identified tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein eta(YWHAH)as a Fra-1-interacting protein in GC cells using co-immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Experiments showed that YWHAH positively regulated Fra-1 mRNA and protein expression,and affected GC cell proliferation.Whole proteome analysis showed that Fra-1 affected the activity of the high mobility group AT-hook 1(HMGA1)/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway in GC cells.Western blotting and flow cytometry confirmed that YWHAH activated HMGA1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by positively regulating Fra-1 to affect GC cell proliferation.These results will help to discover new molecular targets for the early diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis prediction of GC.

MIR-448 Regulates MAGEA6/AMPK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Stem Cells

Objective: To explore the role of miR-448 in regulating MAGEA6/AMPK signaling pathway in the biological study of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor stem cells. Methods: Using the database, the hepatocellular carcinoma related expression chips were obtained and the regulatory mirnas of candidate genes were predicted, and the predicted results were analyzed. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on the pellet formation rate and clone formation rate of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by immunofluorescence identification of stem cell markers and light microscope counting method. The effects of miR-448 and MAGEA6 on migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells were detected by scratch and Transwell assay. Dual luciferase reporter assay to verify whether miR-448 targets MAGEA6. The expression and influence of miR-448 on MAGEA6 and AMPK pathway were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results: It was found that miR-448 may directly regulate the expression of MAGEA6. Overexpression of miR-448 inhibited the characteristics, proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma stem cells in vitro, as well as the ability of xenograft tumor formation in vivo. However, inhibition of miR-448 showed opposite results. In addition, miR-448 directly targets MAGEA6 and regulates AMPK signaling. Silencing MAGEA6 and adding AMPK activator further verified that miR-448 activated AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thus affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. Conclusions: Our results reveal that miR-448 activates AMPK signaling pathway by targeting MAGEA6, thereby affecting characteristics, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma stem cells. It is suggested that overexpression of miR-448 may be a new therapeutic strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Adenosine 2A receptor contributes to the facilitation of postinfectious irritable bowel syndrome by γδ T cells via the PKA/CREB/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Immunological dysfunction-induced low-grade inflammation is regarded as one of the predominant pathogenetic mechanisms in post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome(PI-IBS).γδT cells play a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity.Adenosine receptors expressed on the surface ofγδT cells participate in intestinal inflammation and immunity regulation.AIM To investigate the role ofγδT cell regulated by adenosine 2A receptor(A2AR)in PI-IBS.METHODS The PI-IBS mouse model has been established with Trichinella spiralis(T.spiralis)infection.The intestinal A2AR and A2AR inγδT cells were detected by immunohistochemistry,and the inflammatory cytokines were measured by western blot.The role of A2AR on the isolatedγδT cells,including proliferation,apoptosis,and cytokine production,were evaluated in vitro.Their A2AR expression was measured by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The animals were administered with A2AR agonist,or A2AR antagonist.Besides,γδT cells were also injected back into the animals,and the parameters described above were examined,as well as the clinical features.Furthermore,the A2AR-associated signaling pathway molecules were assessed by western blot and RT-PCR.RESULTS PI-IBS mice exhibited elevated ATP content and A2AR expression(P<0.05),and suppression of A2AR enhanced PI-IBS clinical characteristics,indicated by the abdominal withdrawal reflex and colon transportation test.PI-IBS was associated with an increase in intestinal T cells,and cytokine levels of interleukin-1(IL-1),IL-6,IL-17A,and interferon-α(IFN-α).Also,γδT cells expressed A2AR in vitro and generated IL-1,IL-6,IL-17A,and IFN-α,which can be controlled by A2AR agonist and antagonist.Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the A2AR antagonist improved the function ofγδT cells through the PKA/CREB/NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION Our results revealed that A2AR contributes to the facilitation of PI-IBS by regulating the function ofγδT cells via the PKA/CREB/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Effects of Cigu Xiaozhi Formula on miR-378a-3p Expression and Hh Signaling Pathway in TGF-β1 Induced LX2 Cells

[Objectives]To observe the effects of Cigu Xiaozhi Formula on miR-378a-3p expression and Hh signaling pathway in TGF-β1 induced and activated LX2 cells.[Methods]Cells were divided into control group,induction group,drug-containing serum group,miR-378a-3p inhibitor group,and miR inhibitor NC group.CCK-8 method was used to detect the cell viability of each group,and flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of each group.RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression of miR-378a-3p in each group s cells,and RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of Shh,Gli1,Gli2,Col-I,andα-SMA in each group s cells.[Results]Compared with the control group,the cell viability and expression of Shh,Gli1,Gli2,Col-I,andα-SMA mRNA and protein in induction group increased(P<0.01),while the expression of miR-378a-3p decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the induction group,the cell viability and expression of Shh,Gli1,Gli2,Col-I,α-SMA mRNA andα-SMA and Gli2 protein decreased in drug-containing serum group(P<0.05),while cell apoptosis rate and miR-378a-3p expression increased(P<0.01).In miR-378a-3p inhibitor group,cell viability and the expression of Shh,Gli1,Gli2,Col-I,α-SMA mRNA and Gli1,Gli2,α-SMA protein increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the apoptosis rate and miR-378a-3p expression decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Cigu Xiaozhi Formula containing serum can upregulate miR-378a-3p expression and downregulate the expression of Gli2 andα-SMA in TGF-β1 induced LX2 cells,thereby inhibiting the activation of LX2 cells and exerting the effects of anti liver fibrosis.

Anti-diabetic potential of apigenin,luteolin,and baicalein via partially activating PI3K/Akt/GLUT-4 signaling pathways in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells

Dietary flavonoids are abundant in natural plants and possess multiple pharmacological and nutritional activities.In this study,apigenin,luteolin,and baicalein were chosen to evaluate their anti-diabetic effect in high-glucose and dexamethasone induced insulin-resistant(IR)HepG2 cells.All flavonoids improves the glucose consumption and glycogen synthesis abilities in IR-HepG2 cells via activating glucose transporter protein 4(GLUT4)and phosphor-glycogen synthase kinase(GSK-3β).These fl avonoids signifi cantly inhibited the production of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and advanced glycation end-products(AGEs),which were closely related to the suppression of the phosphorylation form of NF-κB and P65.The expression levels of insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1),insulin receptor substrate-2(IRS-2)and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)pathway in IR-HepG2 cells were all partially activated by the fl avonoids,with variable effects.Furthermore,the intracellular metabolic conditions of the fl avonoids were also evaluated.

Zuo Gui Wan Promotes Osteogenesis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway:Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Objective Osteogenesis is vitally important for bone defect repair,and Zuo Gui Wan(ZGW)is a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for strengthening bones.However,the specific mechanism by which ZGW regulates osteogenesis is still unclear.The current study is based on a network pharmacology analysis to explore the potential mechanism of ZGW in promoting osteogenesis.Methods A network pharmacology analysis followed by experimental validation was applied to explore the potential mechanisms of ZGW in promoting the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Results In total,487 no-repeat targets corresponding to the bioactive components of ZGW were screened,and 175 target genes in the intersection of ZGW and osteogenesis were obtained.And 28 core target genes were then obtained from a PPI network analysis.A GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the relevant biological processes mainly involve the cellular response to chemical stress,metal ions,and lipopolysaccharide.Additionally,KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that multiple signaling pathways,including the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway,were associated with ZGW-promoted osteogensis.Further experimental validation showed that ZGW could increase alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity as well as the mRNA and protein levels of ALP,osteocalcin(OCN),and runt related transcription factor 2(Runx 2).What’s more,Western blot analysis results showed that ZGW significantly increased the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT,and the increases of these protein levels significantly receded after the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.Finally,the upregulated osteogenic-related indicators were also suppressed by the addition of LY294002.Conclusion ZGW promotes the osteogenesis of BMSCs via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

How is the AKT/mTOR pathway involved in cell migration and invasion?

As a pathway that plays a role in nutrient absorption,anabolic response,cell growth and survival,the important role of AKT/mTOR in tumorigenesis has also come to light.For cancer patients,most deaths are caused by the growth of metastatic tumors outside the primary focus.Therefore,migration and invasion in the late stage of tumor progression are the main unresolved issues in the study of tumor pathogenesis,and AKT/mTOR has been found to participate in the migration and invasion of cancer cells,which means that the study of this pathway may contribute to a solution for the problem.Because of its extensive and complex functions in the organism,this pathway can be regulated by a variety of different signals in the body,and then realize its function through different downstream signal molecules.This article reviews the proteins that can indirectly affect this pathway by regulating the common upstream signaling molecules of this pathway,and the proteins that can directly affect the level of phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR in cancer cells.We also review the proteins that can co-regulate this pathway and its downstream pathways.Through this study,we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanism of the AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer cells,in hopes of finding effective and harmless cancer treatment targets in the future.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

Activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes proliferation and self-renewal of rat hepatic oval cell line WB-F344 in vitro

AIM： To investigate the effect of activation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway on the proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells in vitro. METHODS： WB-F344 cells were treated with recombinant Wnt3a （20, 40, 80, 160, 200 ng/mL） in serum-free medium for 24 h. Cell proliferation was measured by Brdu incorporation analysis; untreated WB-F344 cells were taken as controls. After treatment with Wnt3a （160 ng/mL） for 24 h, subcellular localization and protein expression of p-catenin in WB-F344 cells treated and untreated with Wnt3a were examined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. CyclinD1 mRNA expression was determined by semi-quantitative reverse-transcript polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. The mRNA levels of some phenotypic markers （AFP, CK-19, ALB） and two hepatic nuclear factors （HNF-4, HIVF-6） were measured by RT-PCR. Expressions of CK-19 and AFP protein were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS： Wnt3a promoted proliferation of WB-F344 cells. Stimulation of WB-F344 cells with recombinant Wnt3a resulte^l in accumulation of the transcriptional activator β-catenin, together with its translocation into the nuclei, and up-regulated typical Wnt target gene CyclinD1. After 3 d of Wnt3a treatment in the absence of serum, WB-F344 cells retained their bipotential to express several specific phenotypic markers of hepatocytes and cholangiocytes, such as AFP and CK-19, following activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION： The canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes proliferation and self-renewal of rat hepatic oval cells.

Effect of spinal cord extracts after spinal cord injury on proliferation of rat embryonic neural stem cells and Notch signal pathway in vitro

Objective:To investigate the effect of the spinal cord extracts(SCE)after spinal cord injuries(SCIs)on the proliferation of rat embryonic neural stem cells(NSCs)and the expressions of mRNA of Notch1 as well as of Hes1 in this process in vitro.Methods:The experiment was conducted in 4 different mediums:NSCs+PBS(Group A-blank control group),NSCs+SCE with healthy SD rats(Croup B-normal control group),NSCs+SCE with SD rats receiving sham-operation treatment(Croup C-sham-operation group)and NSCs+SCE with SCIs rats(Group D-paraplegic group).Proliferative abilities of 4 different groups were analyzed by MTT chromatometry after co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d,respectively.The expressions of Notch 1 and Hes1 mRNA were also detected with RT-PCR after co-culture for 24 and 48 h,respectively.Results:After co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d respectively,the MTT values of group D were significantly higher than those of group A,group B and group C(P<0.05).However,there were no significantly differences regarding MTT values between group A,group B and group C after co-culture for 1,2,3,4 and 5 d,respectively(P>0.05).Both the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA of group D were significantly higher than those of other 3 groups after co-culture for 24 h and 48 h as well(P<0.05).But there was no difference oin expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA among group A,group B and group C after co-culture for 24 h and 48 h(P>0.05).There was no difference in expressions of Notch1and Hes1 mRNA between 24 h and 48 h treatment in group D.Conclusions:SCE could promote the proliferation of NSCs.It is demonstrated that the microenvironment of SCI may promote the proliferation of NSCs.Besides,SCE could increase the expression of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA of NSC.It can be concluded that the Notch signaling pathway activation is one of the mechanisms that locally injured microenvironment contributes to the proliferation of ENSC after SCIs.This process may be performed by up-regulating the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 gene.

PBX3 promotes migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells via activation of MAPK/ERK signaling pathway

AIM: To investigate the role of pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox (PBX)3 in migration and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells.

How mesenchymal stem cells transform into adipocytes:Overview of the current understanding of adipogenic differentiation

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are stem/progenitor cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into osteoblasts,chondrocytes and adipocytes.The transformation of multipotent MSCs to adipocytes mainly involves two subsequent steps from MSCs to preadipocytes and further preadipocytes into adipocytes,in which the process MSCs are precisely controlled to commit to the adipogenic lineage and then mature into adipocytes.Previous studies have shown that the master transcription factors C/enhancer-binding protein alpha and peroxisome proliferation activator receptor gamma play vital roles in adipogenesis.However,the mechanism underlying the adipogenic differentiation of MSCs is not fully understood.Here,the current knowledge of adipogenic differentiation in MSCs is reviewed,focusing on signaling pathways,noncoding RNAs and epigenetic effects on DNA methylation and acetylation during MSC differentiation.Finally,the relationship between maladipogenic differentiation and diseases is briefly discussed.We hope that this review can broaden and deepen our understanding of how MSCs turn into adipocytes.

Upregulation of MiR-126 Delays the Senescence of Human Glomerular Mesangial Cells Induced by High Glucose via Telomere-p53-p21-Rb Signaling Pathway

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD)is a microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes.The study of DKD mechanisms is the most important target for the prevention of DKD.Renal senescence is one of the important pathogeneses for DKD,but the mechanism of renal and cellular senescence is unclear.Decreased expression of circulating miR-126 is associated with the development of DKD and may be a promising blood-based biomarker for DKD.This study is to probe the effect and mechanism of miR-126 on the aging of human glomerular mesangial cells (HGMCs)induced by high glucose.HGMCs were cultured with Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI-1640)in vitro.The effect of high glucose on morphology of HGMCs was observed 72h after intervention.The cell cycle was examined by flow cytometry.The telomere length was measured by Southern blotting.The expression levels of p53,p21 and Rb proteins in p53-p21-Rb signaling pathway and p-statl,p-stat3 in JAK/STAT signaling pathway were detected by Western blotting respectively.The expression of miR-126 was examined by qRT-PCR.MiR-126 mimics was transfected into HGMCs.The effects of miR-126 mimics transfection on cell morphology,cell cycle,telomere length,p53,p21,Rb,p-stat1 and p-stat3 were observed. The results showed that high glucose not only arrested the cell cycle in G1phase but also shortened the telomere length.High glucose led to high expression of p53,p21,Rb,p-statl and p-stat3 and premature senescence of HGMCs by activating the telomere-p53-p21-Rb and JAK/STAT signaling pathways.Moreover,the miR-126 was decreased in HGMCs induced by high glucose.It was suggested that the transfection of miR-126 mimics could inhibit the telomere-p53-p21-Rb and JAK/STAT signaling pathway activity in vitro and delay the senescence of HGMCs.The results may serve as a new strategy for the treatment of DKD.