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.

Mechanism of Sanshi decoction inhibits macrophage pyroptosis by inhibiting BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in the treatment of gouty arthritis

Objective:To observe the effect of Sanshi decoction on BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathwaymediated macrophage pyroptosis,so as to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Methods:THP-1 was induced into macrophages with foboside and the divided into the control group,model group,low-dose,medium-dose,high-dose group of Sanshi decoction,and BRD4 inhibitor group.Except for the control group,the remaining groups were induced with monosodium urate crystals to construct a gouty arthritis cell model.The activity of macrophages was detected by CCK8,the level of macrophage pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry,the activity of LDH,the content of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and the expression of related proteins in the BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was detected by Western blot.Results:Compared with the control group,macrophage activity was decreased in the model group,and the level of pyroptosis,LDH activity,contents of IL-1β and IL-18,expression levels of BRD4,p-NF-kB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1 p20,and IL-1β protein were significantly up-regulated,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Compared with the model group,macrophage activity was up-regulated in the Sanshi Decoction,and the level of pyroptosis,LDH activity,IL-1β and IL-18 contents,expression levels of BRD4,p-NF-kB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1 p20,and IL-1β protein were significantly decreased with statistically significant differences(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Conclusion:Sanshi decoction inhibits macrophage pyroptosis by inhibiting BRD4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway activation,thus improving the inflammation level of gouty arthritis.

Luteolin affects the EMT transformation and cell biological behavior of osteosarcoma U2OS cells via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effect of luteolin on the Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of osteosarcoma cell line U2OS and its molecular mechanism by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor-kappa B(PI3K/AKT/NF-κB)signaling pathway.Methods:U2OS cells were treated in different concentrations(10,20 and 40μmol/L)of luteolin.MTT was used to detect the effect of luteolin on the proliferation of osteosarcoma U2OS cells.Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the influence of luteolin on migration of U2OS cells.qPCR was used to detect the influence of luteolin on the mRNA expression of Bax,Bcl-2 and Caspase-2 in U2OS cells.Western blot was used to observe the change of p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-IKK and NF-κB proteins.Immunofluorescence was used to detect the influence of luteolin on the protein expression of E-cadherin and vimentim.Results:Luteolin inhibited significantly the proliferation of U2OS cells(P<0.05)in a time-concentration-dependent manner.Luteolin inhibited significantly the migration of U2OS cells(P<0.05).After treatment with luteolin,the mRNA expression of Bax and Caspase-2 was increased significantly(P<0.05),but Bcl-2 was reduced significantly(P<0.05)in U2OS cells.The protein expression of p-PI3K,p-AKT,p-IKK,NF-κB,E-cadherin and vimentin was decreased significantly(P<0.05).Conclusions:Luteolin inhibits the proliferation,migration and EMT transformation of osteosarcoma U2OS cells,which may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Acacetin protects against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via the NLRP3 signaling pathway

Acacetin(5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), a potential neuroprotective agent, has an inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory reactions. However, whether acacetin has an effect on inflammatory corpuscle 3(NLRP3) after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury has not been fully determined. This study used an improved suture method to establish a cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model in C57BL/6 mice. After ischemia with middle cerebral artery occlusion for 1 hour, reperfusion with intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg of acacetin(acacetin group) or an equal volume of saline(0.1 mL/10 g, middle cerebral artery occlusion group) was used to investigate the effect of acacetin on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Infarct volume and neurological function scores were determined by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and the Zea-Longa scoring method. Compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group, neurological function scores and cerebral infarction volumes were significantly reduced in the acacetin group. To understand the effect of acacetin on microglia-mediated inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, immunohistochemistry for the microglia marker calcium adapter protein ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1(Iba1) was examined in the hippocampus of ischemic brain tissue. In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6 expression in ischemic brain tissue of mice was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of Iba1, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 was significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Western blot assay results showed that expression of Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor kappa B, NLRP3, procaspase-1, caspase-1, pro-interleukin-1β, and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the acacetin group compared with the middle cerebral artery occlusion group. Our findings indicate that acacetin has a protective effect on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, and its mechanism of action is associated with inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation and the NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Regulatory Effects of Zuogui Pill on Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γRays Based on PI3K/Akt/m TOR Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the protective effects of Zuogui Pill on ^(60)Co-γ-ray-induced premature aging of rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway.[Methods]Sixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with ^(60)Co-γ-ray(6.0 Gy,LD 40)for 24 h at one time.These rats were randomly divided into model group,Progynova group[0.18(g·kg)/d],Progynova[0.09(g·kg)/d]+Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill medium dose[9.45(g·kg)/d)]group and Zuogui Pill low dose[4.725(g·kg)/d]group.The administration(once a day)lasted 21 d.The rat serum[follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E_(2))]were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The morphological changes of ovary were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL).The protein expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the model group showed significant increase in the serum FSH(P<0.01),significant decrease in serum E_(2)(P<0.05),and decrease in the number of early follicles and luteum in the ovary(P<0.01).Besides,the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue decreased significantly,while the expression of Bax increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of early follicles in the ovary increased and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells decreased after intervention in each administration group.In addition,the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 increased,while the expression of Bax decreased,especially in Progynova+Zuogui Pill high dose group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Zuogui Pill may protect the radiation-injured ovary through activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue,increasing the amount of Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

Involvement of M3 Cholinergic Receptor Signal Transduction Pathway in Regulation of the Expression of Chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 Genes in Pancreatic Acinar Cells

Whether M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway is involved in regulation of the activation of NF-κB and the expression of chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells was investigated. Rat pancreatic acinar cells were isolated, cultured and treated with carbachol, atropine and PDTC in vitro. The MOB-1 and MCP-1 mRNA expression was detected by using RT-PCR. The activation of NF-κB was monitored by using electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The results showed that as compared with control group, M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L, 10 -4 mol/L carbachol) could induce a concentration-dependent and time-dependent increase in the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA in pancreatic acinar cells. After treatment with 10 -3 mol/L carbachol for 2 h, the expression of MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA was strongest. The activity of NF-κB in pancreatic acinar cells was significantly increased (P<0.01) after treated with M3 cholinergic receptor agonist (10 -3 mol/L carbachol) in vitro for 30 min. Either M3 cholinergic receptor antagonist (10 -5 mol/L atropine) or NF-κB inhibitor (10 -2 mol/L PDTC) could obviously inhibit the activation of NF-κB and the chemokine MOB-1, MCP-1 mRNA expression induced by carbachol (P<0.05). This inhibitory effect was significantly increased by atropine plus PDTC (P<0.01). The results of these studies indicated that M3 cholinergic receptor signal transduction pathway was likely involved in regulation of the expression of chemokine MOB-1 and MCP-1genes in pancreatic acinar cells in vitro through the activation of NF-κB.

Novel phenanthrene/bibenzyl trimers from the tubers of Bletilla striata attenuate neuroinflammation via inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway

Five novel(9,10-dihydro)phenanthrene and bibenzyl trimers,as well as two previously identified biphenanthrenes and bibenzyls,were isolated from the tubers of Bletilla striata.Their structures were elucidated through comprehensive analyses of NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopic data.The absolute configurations of these compounds were determined by calculating rotational energy barriers and comparison of experimental and calculated ECD curves.Compounds 5b and 6 exhibited inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in BV-2 cells,with IC_(50) values of 12.59±0.40 and 15.59±0.83μmol·L^(-1),respectively.A mechanistic study suggested that these compounds may attenuate neuroinflammation by reducing the activation of the AKT/IκB/NF-κB signaling pathway.Additionally,compounds 3a,6,and 7 demonstrated significant PTP1B inhibitory activities,with IC_(50) values of 1.52±0.34,1.39±0.11,and 1.78±0.01μmol·L^(-1),respectively.Further investigation revealed that compound 3a might inhibit LPS-induced PTP1B overexpression and NF-κB activation,thereby mitigating the neuroinflammatory response in BV-2 cells.

Huoxin Pill Reduces Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats via TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway

Objective:To explore the protective effect of Huoxin Pill(HXP)on acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion(MIRI)injury in rats.Methods:Seventy-five adult SD rats were divided into the sham-operated group,model group,positive drug group(diltiazem hydrochloride,DH),high dose group(24 mg/kg,HXP-H)and low dose group(12 mg/kg,HXP-L)of Huoxin Pill(n=15 for every group)according to the complete randomization method.After 1 week of intragastric administration,the left anterior descending coronary artery of the rat's heart was ligated for 45 min and reperfused for 3 h.Serum was separated and the levels of creatine kinase(CK),creatine kinase isoenzyme(CK-MB)and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA),hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were measured.Myocardial ischemia rate,myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate were determined by staining with Evans blue and 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC).Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine(BATMAN)databases were used to screen for possible active compounds of HXP and their potential therapeutic targets;the results of anti-inflammatory genes associated with MIRI were obtained from GeneC ards,Drugbank,Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM),and Therapeutic Target Datebase(TTD)databases was performed;Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment were used to analyze the intersected targets;molecular docking was performed using AutoD ock Tools.Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B(NFκB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3).Results:Compared with the model group,all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB(P<0.05,P<0.01);HXP significantly increased serum activity of SOD(P<0.05,P<0.01);all doses of HXP significantly reduced the levels of hs-CRP and IL-1β(P<0.05,P<0.01)and the myocardial infarction rate and myocardial no-reflow rate(P<0.01).GO enrichment analysis mainly involved positive regulation of gene expression,extracellular space and identical protein binding,KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involved PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and lipid and atherosclerosis.Molecular docking results showed that kaempferol and luteolin had a better affinity with TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 molecules.The protein expressions of TLR4,NFκB and NLRP3 were reduced in the HXP group(P<0.01).Conclusions:HXP has a significant protective effect on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats,and its effect may be related to the inhibition of redox response and reduction of the inflammatory response by inhibiting the TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

芦丁在BV2细胞中抗弓形虫的作用及机制分析

本研究旨在分析芦丁在BV2细胞中的体外抗弓形虫作用及其潜在机制。首先通过CCK8法、间接荧光染色法等测定芦丁的细胞毒性、弓形虫抑制率及增殖情况以探究芦丁在BV2细胞中的抗弓形虫作用;随后,将细胞分成4组,分别为:空白组(Normal)、感染对照组(T.gondii)、感染后低剂量芦丁治疗组(Rut 50)和感染后高剂量芦丁治疗组(Rut 100),进行弓形虫感染及芦丁处理试验,并用ELISA等方法检测细胞培养液上清液中抗氧化酶SOD、GSH及脂质氧化产物MDA水平,炎症因子TNF-α、IL-6及IL-1β水平,用Western blot检测BV2细胞中PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/HO-1、TLR4/NF-κB及P2X7R/NLRP3信号通路中关键蛋白表达量。结果表明,在BV2细胞中,50和100μg·mL^(-1)的芦丁具有明显的抗虫效果,可显著抑制弓形虫感染率、入侵能力和增殖(P<0.05)。50和100μg·mL^(-1)的芦丁还可显著增多上清液中的SOD、GSH含量并降低MDA含量(P<0.05),且降低TNF-α、IL-6及IL-1β水平(P<0.05),并显著上调抗氧化通路PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/HO-1、下调炎症通路TLR4/NF-κB及P2X7R/NLRP3中关键蛋白表达量(P<0.05)。结果提示,芦丁在BV2细胞中具有明显的抗弓形虫作用,这可能与其可以通过激活PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/HO-1通路从而增强细胞抗氧化能力、以及抑制TLR4/NF-κB及P2X7R/NLRP3通路从而减弱炎症反应有关。研究结果可为后续探究芦丁体内抗虫效果及分析其对弓形虫性脑损伤保护机制相关研究提供一定的理论参考,并为将芦丁开发成治疗人畜弓形虫病的潜在药物提供科学依据。

Jinyinqingre Oral Liquid alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway

Acute lung injury(ALI)is a prevalent and severe clinical condition characterized by inflammatory damage to the lung endothelial and epithelial barriers,resulting in high incidence and mortality rates.Currently,there is a lack of safe and effective drugs for the treatment of ALI.In a previous clinical study,we observed that Jinyinqingre oral liquid(JYQR),a Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation prepared by the Taihe Hospital,Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Medicine,exhibited notable efficacy in treating inflammation-related hepatitis and cholecystitis in clinical settings.However,the potential role of JYQR in ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)and its anti-inflammatory mechanism remains unexplored.Thus,the present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of JYQR in ALI using a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced ALI and an in vitro RAW264.7 cell model.JYQR yielded substantial improvements in LPS-induced histological alterations in lung tissues.Additionally,JYQR administration led to a noteworthy reduction in total protein levels within the BALF,a decrease in MPAP,and attenuation of pleural thickness.These findings collectively highlight the remarkable efficacy of JYQR in mitigating the deleterious effects of LPS-induced ALI.Mechanistic investigations revealed that JYQR pretreatment significantly inhibited NF-κB activation and downregulated the expressions of the downstream proteins,namely NLRP3 and GSDMD,as well as proinflammatory cytokine levels in mice and RAW2647 cells.Consequently,JYQR alleviated LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.JYQR exerts a protective effect against LPS-induced ALI in mice,and its mechanism of action involves the downregulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/GSDMD inflammatory pathway.

Long non-coding RNA Coro Marker regulates oxidized LDL-induced inflammatory injury via NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway

Background Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs) are considered to be important for the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The lnc RNA AC100865.1(referred to as Coro Marker) has been recognized a novel and specific biomarker of coronary artery disease. However, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the implication of Coro Marker in oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)-induced apoptosis and inflammation in THP-1 cells. The regulatory relationship between Coro Marker and the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) pathway was also explored.Methods: THP-1 cells were stimulated with ox-LDL to induce inflammatory injury. The expression of Coro Marker was silenced by small interfering RNA. Cell apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry. Inflammatory response was determined by detecting levels of inflammatory cytokines using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Furthermore, western blot was used to assess the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related proteins. Results: Ox-LDL markedly induced cell injury by promoting cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Meanwhile, the expression of Coro Marker was also up-regulated in ox-LDL-injured THP-1 cells. The knockdown of Coro Marker reduced apoptosis rate and significantly changed the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes(Bax and BCL-2). In addition, knockdown of Coro Marker relieved oxidative stress by significant changes in the level of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and reactive oxygen species, and attenuated inflammatory injury by inhibit the production of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α). Importantly, the suppression of Coro Marker decreased the expression of NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway-related proteins, including p-NF-κB, p-Ik Bα and NLRP3.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that downregulation of Coro Marker alleviated ox-LDL-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in THP-1 cells, possibly by modulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Morinda citrifolia(Noni) Juice Suppresses A549 Human Lung Cancer Cells via Inhibiting AKT/Nuclear Factor-κB Signaling Pathway

Objective:To study the mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of Morinda citrifolia(noni).Methods:The influences of noni juice on cell proliferation,apoptosis,invasion,migration and the activity of AKT/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway in A549 human lung cancer cells were detected by MTT,cell counting kit-8,colony formation,Annexin V/PI double labeling,transwel,scratch test and immunoblotting assay,respectively.A549 cells were inoculated into the right axilla of nude mice,followed by noni juice treatment.The body weight of the nude mice was weighed,and the tumor volume and weight were measured.Cel proliferation and expression of apoptosis-related proteins were measured by immunohistochemistry,and the activity of NF-κB signaling pathway was measured by immunoblotting.Results:The in vitro studies showed that noni juice inhibited the A549 cel s proliferation,migration and invasion.Noni juice also promoted cel s apoptosis in A549 cel s.Immunoblotting assay showed that the phosphorylation level of AKT,p50,and STAT3 proteins was inhibited to different extents after noni juice treatment.The in vivo studies showed that noni juice effectively suppressed tumor formation of A549 cells in nude mice.Noni juice treatment inhibited the expression of Ki67,PCNA,and Bcl-2 protein in the tumor;while promoted the expression of caspase-3 protein.Additionally,we also found that noni juice treatment could restrain the activity of AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway in the tumor tissue.Conclusion:Noni juice inhibited the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells,induced apoptosis,and inhibited cel invasion and migration via regulating AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Targeted and activatable nanosystem for fluorescent and optoacoustic imaging of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and therapy via inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases(IMIDs)represent a diverse group of diseases and challenges remain for the current medications.Herein,we present an activatable and targeted nanosystem for detecting and imaging IMIDs foci and treating them through blocking NF-κB/NLRP3 pathways.A ROS-activatable prodrug BH-EGCG is synthesized by coupling a near-infrared chromophore with the NF-κB/NLRP3 inhibitor epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)through boronate bond which serves as both the fluorescence quencher and ROS-responsive moiety.BH-EGCG molecules readily form stable nanoparticles in aqueous medium,which are then coated with macrophage membrane to ensure the actively-targeting capability toward inflammation sites.Additionally,an antioxidant precursor N-acetylcysteine is co-encapsulated into the coated nanoparticles to afford the nanosystem BH-EGCG&NAC@MM to further improve the anti-inflammatory efficacy.Benefiting from the inflammation-homing effect of the macrophage membrane,the nanosystem delivers payloads(diagnostic probe and therapeutic drugs)to inflammatory lesions more efficiently and releases a chromophore and two drugs upon being triggered by the overexpressed in-situ ROS,thus exhibiting better theranostic performance in the autoimmune hepatitis and hind paw edema mouse models,including more salient imaging signals and better therapeutic efficacy via inhibiting NF-κB pathway and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.This work may provide perceptions for designing other actively-targeting theranostic nanosystems for various inflammatory diseases.

Sphingosine kinase 1 promotes growth of glioblastoma by increasing inflammation mediated by the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 and JNK/PTX3 pathways

Glioblastoma(GBM)is the most challenging malignant tumor of the central nervous system because of its high morbidity,mortality,and recurrence rate.Currently,mechanisms of GBM are still unclear and there is no effective drug for GBM in the clinic.Therefore,it is urgent to identify new drug targets and corresponding drugs for GBM.In this study,in silico analyses and experimental data show that sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)is up-regulated in GBM patients,and is strongly correlated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival.Overexpression of SPHK1 promoted the proliferation,invasion,metastasis,and clonogenicity of GBM cells,while silencing SPHK1 had the opposite effect.SPHK1 promoted inflammation through the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and led to the phosphorylation of JNK,activating the JNK-JUN and JNK-ATF3 pathways and promoting inflammation and proliferation of GBM cells by transcriptional activation of PTX3.SPHK1 interacted with PTX3 and formed a positive feedback loop to reciprocally increase expression,promote inflammation and GBM growth.Inhibition of SPHK1 by the inhibitor,PF543,also decreased tumorigenesis in the U87-MG and U251-MG SPHK1 orthotopic mouse models.In summary,we have characterized the role and molecular mechanisms by which SPHK1 promotes GBM,which may provide opportunities for SPHK1-targeted therapy.

Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer(CRC)represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells(CSCs),which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties.These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease,recurrence and tumor resistance.Interestingly,some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival,proliferation,and selfrenewal properties,and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs,including the Wingless(Wnt)/β-catenin,Notch,Hedgehog,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad pathways.In this review,we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways,which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes,combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs,and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.

基于网络药理学、微阵列数据分析和分子对接探索头花蓼治疗幽门螺杆菌相关性胃炎的分子机制

目的探索头花蓼(Polygonum capitatum,PC)治疗幽门螺杆菌相关性胃炎(Helicobacter Pylori associated gastritis,HAG)的作用机制。方法运用数据库识别PC活性化合物的作用靶点及HAG相关基因,并取交集获得PC治疗HAG的潜在靶标;利用Cytoscape 3.6.0构建“药物-活性成分-靶点-疾病”网络图和PC治疗HAG潜在靶蛋白的PPI网络,采用多个拓扑指标筛选出网络中的重要节点,运用STRING数据库进行GO和KEGG富集分析,获得PC治疗HAG的潜在信号通路,利用分子对接观察PC活性成分与关键靶蛋白的结合能力;在此基础上,通过体内外实验对PC治疗HAG的相关靶标进行验证。结果通过数据库识别出PC活性化合物及靶标,构建“药物-活性成分-靶点-疾病”网络图和潜在靶蛋白的PPI网络,多个拓扑指标筛选出52个hub genes,进一步的生物信息学分析和高通量测序显示,PC通过Akt/NF-κB/NLRP3通路对HAG发挥作用。基于此,通过实验发现PC作用于HAG GES-1细胞和HAG SD大鼠后,能够减少其IL-18和IL-1β的分泌,上调Akt及其磷酸化水平,减少NF-κB表达,抑制NLRP3炎症小体的活化,从而改善HAG炎症反应。结论PC可通过激活Akt及其磷酸化水平,抑制NF-κB和NLRP3炎症小体相关因子的表达,对HAG发挥治疗作用。本研究为阐释PC治疗HAG的作用机制提供了理论依据。

Targeting the complement system in pancreatic cancer drug resistance:a novel therapeutic approach

Pancreatic cancer is ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality and is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030.The cause of this high mortality rate is due to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma’s rapid progression and metastasis,and development of drug resistance.Today,cancer immunotherapy is becoming a strong candidate to not only treat various cancers but also to combat against chemoresistance.Studies have suggested that complement system pathways play an important role in cancer progression and chemoresistance,especially in pancreatic cancer.A recent report also suggested that several signaling pathways play an important role in causing chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer,major ones including nuclear factor kappa B,signal transducer and activator of transcription 3,c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor,and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B.In addition,it has also been proven that the complement system has a very active role in establishing the tumor microenvironment,which would aid in promoting tumorigenesis,progression,metastasis,and recurrence.Interestingly,it has been shown that the downstream products of the complement system directly upregulate inflammatory mediators,which in turn activate these chemo-resistant pathways.Therefore,targeting complement pathways could be an innovative approach to combat against pancreatic cancer drugs resistance.In this review,we have discussed the role of complement system pathways in pancreatic cancer drug resistance and a special focus on the complement as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.