Tibolone modulates neuronal plasticity through regulating Tau, GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5 p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice

Aging is a key risk factor for cognitive decline and age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Also, an age-related decrease in sex steroid hormones may have a negative impact on the formation of neurofibrillary tangles （NFTs）; these hormones can regulate Tau phosphorylation and the principal kinase GSK3β involved in this process. Hormone replacement therapy decreases NFTs, but it increases the risk of some types of cancer. However, other synthetic hormones such as tibolone （TIB） have been used for hormone replacement therapy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term effects of TIB （0.01 mg/kg and 1mg/kg, intragastrically for 12 weeks） on the content of total and hyperphosphorylated Tau （PHF-1） proteins and the regulation of GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes in the hippocampus of aged male mice. We observed that the content of PHF-1 decreased with TIB administration. In contrast, no changes were observed in the active form of GSK3β or PI3K. TIB decreased the expression of the total and phosphorylated form of Akt while increased that of p110 and p85. The content of CDK5 was differentially modified with TIB： it was increased at low doses and decreased at high doses. When we analyzed the content of CDK5 activators, an increase was found on p35; however, the content of p25 decreased with administration of low dose of TIB. Our results suggest a possible mechanism of action of TIB in the hippocampus of aged male mice. Through the regulation of Tau and GSK3β/Akt/PI3K pathway, and CDK5/p35/p25 complexes, TIB may modulate neuronal plasticity and regulate learning and memory processes.

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

不同强度运动抑制糖尿病大鼠肾脏PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路改善自噬的比较

背景:2型糖尿病损害肾功能。研究表明运动干预可以保护肾脏;鸢尾素可以通过抑制磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/雷帕霉素靶蛋白信号通路恢复自噬,保护糖尿病肾病患者的肾功能。目的:探讨运动能否通过抑制肾脏磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/雷帕霉素靶蛋白信号通路过度激活来恢复自噬,改善肾损伤,以及分析不同方式运动产生影响的差异。方法:将6周龄的SD大鼠随机分为空白对照组(正常大鼠)和糖尿病组,其中糖尿病组大鼠经过高脂高糖喂养加腹腔注射低剂量1%链脲佐菌素(30 mg/kg)建立2型糖尿病模型。造模成功后再将糖尿病组大鼠随机分成糖尿病模型组、中强度持续运动组和高强度间歇运动组。两个运动组大鼠分别进行8周不同强度运动干预。取材后采用葡萄糖氧化酶法检测大鼠空腹血糖,使用试剂盒检测糖化血红蛋白水平,Elisa法检测血清胰岛素浓度,计算胰岛素抵抗指数,RT-PCR检测肾组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶、蛋白激酶B、雷帕霉素靶蛋白、Beclin-1、podocin、nephrin的基因表达量,Western Blot检测肾组织雷帕霉素靶蛋白及自噬标记蛋白LC3-1、LC3-2、Beclin-1的蛋白表达量。结果与结论:①2型糖尿病大鼠空腹血糖和糖化血红蛋白水平极显著性升高,胰岛素抵抗水平显著上升,胰岛素水平显著下降;两种运动均能使2型糖尿病大鼠空腹血糖和糖化血红蛋白水平极显著下降,胰岛素抵抗水平显著下降,胰岛素水平显著上升;与中强度持续运动组相比,高强度间歇运动组胰岛素水平显著上升。②2型糖尿病大鼠podocin、nephrin基因表达量显著降低;两种不同形式运动均能显著提高其表达;与高强度间歇运动组相比,中等强度持续性运动组足细胞相关蛋白基因表达有进一步上升趋势,但无显著性差异。③2型糖尿病大鼠肾组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶、蛋白激酶B、mTORC1的mRNA及蛋白的表达量显著增加,自噬标志蛋白Beclin-1、LC3-2表达量以及LC3-2/LC3-1显著降低;两种不同形式运动均能使肾组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶、蛋白激酶B、mTORC1的mRNA及雷帕霉素靶蛋白蛋白的表达量显著降低,自噬标志蛋白Beclin-1、LC3-2以及LC3-2/LC3-1显著升高;与中等强度持续性运动组相比,高强度间歇运动的磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶、蛋白激酶B、mTORC1的mRNA及雷帕霉素靶蛋白的蛋白表达量有进一步下降的趋势,Beclin-1、LC3-2以及LC3-2/LC3-1有进一步升高的趋势,但仅Beclin-1有显著性差异。④结果说明2型糖尿病肾脏足细胞损伤,自噬受到抑制,与磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/mTORC1信号通路被异常激活密切相关。高强度间歇运动和中等强度持续性运动可以保护糖尿病肾脏,减少足细胞损伤,促进自噬恢复,这可能与运动抑制磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/雷帕霉素靶蛋白信号通路过度激活有关。与中等强度持续性运动相比,高强度间歇运动恢复自噬的效果呈更优趋势,但足细胞蛋白表达稍有下降。

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes improve blood-brain barrier function after intracerebral hemorrhage by activating astrocytes via PI3K/AKT/MCP-1 axis

Cerebral edema caused by blood-brain barrier injury after intracerebral hemorrhage is an important factor leading to poor prognosis.Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cell exosomes(hiPSC-NSC-Exos)have shown potential for brain injury repair in central nervous system diseases.In this study,we explored the impact of hiPSC-NSC-Exos on blood-brain barrier preservation and the underlying mechanism.Our results indicated that intranasal delivery of hiPSC-NSC-Exos mitigated neurological deficits,enhanced blood-brain barrier integrity,and reduced leukocyte infiltration in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.Additionally,hiPSC-NSC-Exos decreased immune cell infiltration,activated astrocytes,and decreased the secretion of inflammatory cytokines like monocyte chemoattractant protein-1,macrophage inflammatory protein-1α,and tumor necrosis factor-αpost-intracerebral hemorrhage,thereby improving the inflammatory microenvironment.RNA sequencing indicated that hiPSC-NSC-Exo activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion,thereby improving blood-brain barrier integrity.Treatment with the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 or the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 neutralizing agent C1142 abolished these effects.In summary,our findings suggest that hiPSC-NSC-Exos maintains blood-brain barrier integrity,in part by downregulating monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion through activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in astrocytes.

二甲双胍抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路保护骨关节炎模型大鼠关节软骨

背景:研究表明,二甲双胍具有抗炎、抗肿瘤、抗衰老与血管保护作用,可抑制骨关节炎的进展,但其具体的作用机制仍不明确。目的:探讨二甲双胍对骨关节炎模型大鼠软骨保护的作用机制。方法:取40只雄性SD大鼠,采用随机数字表法分4组(n=10):空白组不进行任何手术,假手术组暴露关节腔,模型组、二甲双胍组采用改良Hulth法建立骨关节炎模型;造模后1 d,二甲双胍组大鼠灌胃给予二甲双胍200 mg/(kg·d),模型组、空白组、假手术组灌胃给予生理盐水,连续给药4周。给药结束后,苏木精-伊红、甲苯胺蓝和番红O-固绿染色观察大鼠膝关节软骨病理形态,免疫组化染色与Western blotting检测大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、ADAMTS5、Beclin1、P62、p-PI3K、PI3K、p-AKT、AKT、p-mTOR、mTOR的蛋白表达。结果与结论:①苏木精-伊红、甲苯胺蓝和番红O-固绿染色结果显示,空白组、假手术组大鼠膝关节软骨表面光滑,组织形态正常;模型组大鼠膝关节软骨表面不规则,软骨组织出现缺损,软骨细胞数量减少,软骨基质中蛋白多糖含量减少;相较于模型组,二甲双胍组大鼠膝关节软骨结构损伤有明显改善,软骨表面趋于平整,软骨细胞数量与软骨基质中蛋白多糖含量增加;②免疫组化染色与Western blotting检测结果显示,与空白组、假手术组比较,模型组大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、Beclin1蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),ADAMTS5、P62及p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,二甲双胍组大鼠软骨组织中SOX9、Ⅱ型胶原、Beclin1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),ADAMTS5、P62及p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR蛋白表达降低(P<0.05);③结果表明,二甲双胍可通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的活化提高骨关节炎模型大鼠软骨细胞自噬活性、减少软骨基质降解,进而发挥关节软骨保护作用。

Myricetin induces M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

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

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

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

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

Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

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

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

YBX1 inhibits mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in ischemic heart through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:Myocardial infarction(MI)is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in the world,especially in cold weather.YBX1 is an RNA-binding protein that is required for pathological growth of cardiomyocyte by regulating cell growth and protein synthesis.But YBX1,as an individual RNA-binding protein,regulates cardiomyocytes through signaling cascades during myocardial infarction remain largely unexplored.Methods:In vivo,the mouse MI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD),and randomly divided into sham operation group,MI group,MI+YBX1 knockdown/overexpression group and MI+negative control(NC)group.The protective effect of YBX1 was verified by echocardiography and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.In vitro,mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis was investigated by using CCK8,TUNEL staining,reactive oxygen species(ROS)staining and JC-1 staining in hypoxic neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes(NMCMs).Results:YBX1 expression of cardiomyocytes was downregulated in a mouse model and a cellular model on the ischemic condition.Compared to mice induced by MI,YBX1 overexpression mediated by adeno-associated virus serotype 9(AAV9)vector reduced the infarcted size and improved cardiac function.Knockdown of endogenous YBX1 by shRNA partially aggravated ischemia-induced cardiac dysfunction.In hypoxic cardiomyocytes,YBX1 overexpression decreased lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)release,increased cell viability,and inhibited apoptosis by affecting the expression of apoptosis related proteins,while knockdown of endogenous YBX1 by siRNA had the opposite effect.Overexpression of YBX1 restored mitochondrial dysfunction in hypoxic NMCMs by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content and decreasing ROS.In hypoxic NMCMs,YBX1 overexpression increased the expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/AKT,and the anti-apoptosis effect of YBX1 was eliminated t by LY294002,PI3K/AKT inhibitor.Conclusion:YBX1 protected the heart from ischemic damage by inhibiting the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through PI3K/AKT pathway.It is anticipated that YBX1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for MI.

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

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

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

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

Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus ameliorate restenosis via improving inflammation and regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Restenosis is a common complication following coronary angioplasty.The traditional use of seaweeds for health benefits has increasingly been explored,however few studies exist reporting its protective effects on the development of restenosis and gut dysbiosis.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of seaweed extracts(SE) of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of restenosis and its underlying mechanisms in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells(vSMCs).16S rRNA sequencing was done to investigate the regulatory effect of SE on the gut microbiome of injured rats.As indicated by the results,SE significantly inhibited the progression of intimal hyperplasia in vivo,attenuated inflammation in macrophages and could inhibit the proliferation,dedifferentiation and migration of vSMCs.It was observed through immunoblotting assays that treatment with SE significantly upregulated PTEN expression in macrophages and inhibited the upregulation of PI3K and AKT expression in vSMCs.Meanwhile,according to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis,supplementation with SE modulated gut microbiota composition in injured rats.In conclusion,SE could ameliorate intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting inflammation and vSMCs proliferation through the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating the gut microbiome.

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

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

Wedelolactone attenuates sepsis-associated acute liver injury by regulating the macrophage M1/M2 polarization balance through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway

Background:Liver injury caused by sepsis seriously impairs the normal physiology of the liver.Wedelactone(WED)has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect against liver damage caused by various factors.Nevertheless,further research is needed to determine if WED might mitigate acute liver damage linked to sepsis by influencing macrophage polarization.Methods:We first assessed the effect of WED on lipopolysaccharides-triggered liver injury by biochemistry assay and tissue staining.Inflammatory factors were assessed using the ELISA kits.The expression of Cluster of Differentiation 86(CD86)and Cluster of Differentiation 206(CD206)was measured by immunofluorescence assay.The protein levels of inducible nitric oxide sythase(iNOS),Arginase 1(Arg-1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),PI3K phosphorylation(p-PI3K),AKT phosphorylation(p-AKT),inhibitor of kappa B kinase(IKK),inhibitor of kappa B(IκB),and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 were quantified by western blot analysis.Results:WED decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and malondialdehyde,and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX).Moreover,WED exerted effective anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the level of Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and Interleukin 6(IL-6)and increasing the level of Interleukin 10(IL-10)in serum and cells.WED not only decreased CD86 and iNOS expression but also increased CD206 and Arg-1 expression.WED also downregulated the increased expression of PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,p-AKT,IKK,and NF-κB p65 induced by lipopolysaccharides,while up-regulated the decreased expression of IκB.Besides,LY294002 with WED decreased the expression of protein PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,p-AKT,IKK and NF-κB p65,and raised the expression of IκBα.Conclusion:Wedelolactone could attenuate sepsis-associated acute liver injury,and its mechanism may be associated with balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory by the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

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

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

自拟平衡针灸通过调控PI3K-AKT信号通路及血清GABA水平对老年失眠的治疗作用

目的探讨自拟平衡针灸通过调控磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)-蛋白激酶B(AKT)信号通路及血清氨基丁酸(GABA)水平对老年失眠的治疗作用。方法以老年失眠患者120例作为研究对象,按照随机分组原则分为研究组及对照组,各60例。两组均采取阿普唑仑进行治疗,研究组在此基础上联合采取自拟平衡针灸进行治疗,两组均治疗4 w。比较两组治疗效果、临床改善指标、PI3K-AKT信号通路及GABA、多导睡眠监测仪指标、睡眠质量之间的差异。结果研究组治疗总有效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组睡眠潜伏期、睡眠总时间及觉醒次数均显著改善,且研究组睡眠潜伏期、觉醒次数显著低于对照组(P<0.05),睡眠总时间显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组PI3K、AKT及GABA均显著改善,且研究组PI3K、AKT显著低于对照组,GABA显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组总睡眠时间(TST)、睡眠效率(SE),第一(TS1)、二(TS2)、三(TS3)及四期(TS4)睡眠、快速眼动睡眠时间(REM)、觉醒期时间(WASO)、睡眠潜伏期时间(SL)均显著改善,且研究组以上指标改善均显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。两组日间功能障碍、睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠障碍及入睡时间均显著改善,且研究组日间功能障碍、睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠障碍及入睡时间显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论自拟平衡针灸通过调控PI3K-AKT信号通路及血清GABA水平,有效降低局部炎性反应,优化神经系统的递质传递,有效改善患者的治疗效果。

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.

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

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