Maintaining cholesterol homeostasis: Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins

The molecular mechanism of how hepatocytes maintain cholesterol homeostasis has become much more transparent with the discovery of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in recent years. These membrane proteins aremembers of the basic helix-loop-helix-leucine zipper (bHLHZip) family of transcription factors. They activate the expression of at least 30 genes involved in the synthesis of cholesterol and lipids. SREBPs are synthesized as precursor proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where they form a complex with another protein, SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP). The SCAP molecule contains a sterol sensory domain. In the presence of high cellular sterol concentrations SCAP confines SREBP to the ER. With low cellular concentrations, SCAP escorts SREBP to activation in the Golgi. There, SREBP undergoes two proteolytic cleavage steps to release the mature, biologically active transcription factor, nuclear SREBP (nSREBP). nSREBP translocates to the nucleus and binds to sterol response elements (SRE) in the promoter/enhancer regions of target genes. Additional transcription factors are required to activate transcription of these genes. Three different SREBPs are known, SREBPs-1a, -1c and -2. SREBP-1a and -1c are isoforms produced from a single gene by alternate splicing. SREBP-2 is encoded by a different gene and does not display any isoforms. It appears that SREBPs alone, in the sequence described above, can exert complete control over cholesterol synthesis, whereas many additional factors (hormones, cytokines, etc.) are required for complete control of lipid metabolism. Medicinal manipulation of the SREBP/SCAP system is expected to prove highly beneficial in the management of cholesterol-related disease.

Tonicity response element binding protein associated with neuronal cell death in the experimental diabetic retinopathy

AIM: To study the contribution of tonicity response element binding protein(Ton EBP) in retinal ganglion cell(RGC) death of diabetic retinopathy(DR).METHODS: Diabetes was induced in C57BL/6 mice by five consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin(STZ). Control mice received vehicle(phosphate-buffered saline). All mice were killed 2mo after injections, and the extent of cell death and the protein expression levels of Ton EBP and aldose reductase(AR) were examined.RESULTS: The Ton EBP and AR protein levels and the death of RGC were significantly increased in the retinas of diabetic mice compared with controls 2mo after the induction of diabetes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(Td T)-mediated d UTP nick end labeling(TUNEL)-positive signals co-localized with Ton EBP immunoreactive RGC. These changes were increased in the diabetic retinas compared with controls.CONCLUSION: The present data show that AR and Ton EBP are upregulated in the DR and Ton EBP may contribute to apoptosis of RGC in the DR.

Icariin upregulates phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein levels in the hippocampus of the senescence-accelerated mouse

At 8 weeks after intragastric administration of icariin to senescence-accelerated mice （P8 strain）, Morris water maze results showed that escape latency was shortened, and the number of platform crossings was increased. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assay detected significantly increased levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein These results suggest that icariin upregulates phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein levels and improves learning and memory functions in hippocampus of the senescence-accelerated mouse.

Effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal cAMP-response element-binding protein expression in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

BACKGROUND： cAMP-response element binding protein （CREB） is a key modulator of various signaling pathways. CREB activation initiates a series of intracellular signaling pathways that promote neuronal survival. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the regulatory effects of basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） on cerebral neuronal CREB expression following ischemia/reperfusion injury. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： An immunohistochemical detection experiment was performed at the Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, between October 2006 and April 2008. MATERIALS： A total of 60 healthy, adult, Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated （n =12）, ischemia/reperfusion （n = 24）, and bFGF-treated （n = 24）. Rabbit anti-rat CREB （1： 100） and biotin labeled goat anti-rabbit IgG were purchased from the Wuhan Boster Company, China. MetaMorph-evolution MP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system was provided by China Medical University, China. METHODS： Rat models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury were developed using the suture method for right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Two-hour ischemia was followed by reperfusion. Rats from the bFGF-treated and ischemia/reperfusion groups were intraperitoneally administered endogenous bFGF （500 IU/mL, 2 000 IU/kg） or an equal amount of physiological saline. Rats from the sham-operated group underwent a similar surgical procedure, without induction of ischemia/reperfusion injury and drug administration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After 48-hour reperfusion, hippocampal and parietal cortical neuronal CREB expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the absorbance of hippocampal CREB-positive products was determined using MetaMorph-evolutionMP5.0-BX51 microscopy imaging system. RESULTS： The sham-operated group exhibited noticeable CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons. In the ischemia/reperfusion group, the CREB expression was discrete and neurons were poorly arranged. The bFGF-treated group exhibited increased CREB expression and better neuronal arrangement compared with the ischemia/reperfusion group. The mean absorbance of CREB-immunoreactive products in the hippocampus and parietal cortex was significantly higher in the ischemia/reperfusion group than in the sham-operated group （P 〈 0.05）, and significantly higher in the bFGF-treated group than in the ischemia/reperfusion group （P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： bFGF significantly upregulates CREB expression in hippocampal and parietal cortical neurons following ischemia/reperfusion injury.

AU-rich element-binding proteins in colorectal cancer

Trans-acting factors controlling mRNA fate are critical for the post-transcriptional regulation of inflammation-related genes, as well as for oncogene and tumor suppressor expression in human cancers. Among them, a group of RNA-binding proteins called "Adenylate-Uridylate-rich elements binding proteins"(AUBPs)control mRNA stability or translation through their binding to AU-rich elements enriched in the 3'UTRs of inflammation-and cancer-associated mRNA transcripts. AUBPs play a central role in the recruitment of target mRNAs into small cytoplasmic foci called Processing-bodies and stress granules(also known as P-body/SG). Alterations in the expression and activities of AUBPs and Pbody/SG assembly have been observed to occur with colorectal cancer(CRC)progression, indicating the significant role AUBP-dependent post-transcriptional regulation plays in controlling gene expression during CRC tumorigenesis.Accordingly, these alterations contribute to the pathological expression of many early-response genes involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis and inflammation,along with key oncogenic pathways. In this review, we summarize the current role of these proteins in CRC development. CRC remains a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide and, therefore, targeting these AUBPs to restore efficient post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression may represent an appealing therapeutic strategy.

Hippocampal expression of synaptic structural proteins and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein in a rat model of vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

The present study established a rat model of vascular dementia induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion through permanent ligation of bilateral common carotid arteries.At 60 days after modeling,escape latency and swimming path length during hidden-platform acquisition training in Morris water maze significantly increased in the model group.In addition,the number of accurate crossings over the original platform significantly decreased,hippocampal CA1 synaptophysin and growth-associated protein 43 expression significantly decreased,cAMP response element-binding protein expression remained unchanged,and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein expression significantly decreased.Results suggested that abnormal expression of hippocampal synaptic structural protein and cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation played a role in cognitive impairment following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion.

Mechanisms of extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signal transduction pathway in depressive disorder

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor signal transduction pathway plays an important role in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs and has dominated recent studies on the pathogenesis of depression. In the present review we summarize the known roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, cAMP response element-binding protein and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the pathogenesis of depression and in the mechanism of action of antidepressant medicines. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein/brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway has potential to be used as a biological index to help diagnose depression, and as such it is considered as an important new target in the treatment of depression.

Sevoflurane effects on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein,phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein,and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus of a vascular cognitive impairment rat

BACKGROUND： Neuronal necrosis and apoptosis play important roles in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemia and resulting cognitive impairment. However, inhibition of neuronal necrosis and apoptosis has been shown to attenuate cognitive impairment following cerebral ischemia. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of sevoflurane on cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein （CREB）, phosphorylated CREB （pCREB）, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus of a rat model of vascular cognitive impairment.DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled experiment was performed in the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology between June 2007 and July 2008.MATERIALS： Sevoflurane was provided by Abbott Laboratory, UK; Morris water maze was provided by Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China; goat anti-rat CREB, goat anti-rat pCREB and goat anti-rat Livin antibodies were provided by Biosource International, USA. METHODS： A total of 42 female, Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following groups： sham operation, vascular cognitive impairment, and sevoflurane treatment. The vascular cognitive impairment rat model was established by permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries, and 1.0 MAC sevoflurane was immediately administered by inhalation for 2 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression was measured in the cortex and hippocampus by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Behavior was evaluated with Morris water maze. RESULTS： CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment group was significantly greater than the vascular cognitive impairment group （P 〈 0.01）. However, expression of CREB and pCREB was significantly less in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups, compared with the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Livin expression in the sevoflurane treatment and vascular cognitive impairment groups was significantly greater than the sham operation group （P 〈 0.01）. Learning, memory, and behavior disorders were observed in the vascular cognitive impairment group. Sevoflurane treatment significantly improved these observed disorders. CONCLUSION： Sevoflurane improved cognitive impairment due to permanent bilateral occlusion of both common carotid arteries. Improved function was associated with increased CREB, pCREB, and Livin expression in the cortex and hippocampus.

AB020.Inhibition of cyclic-AMP-response element binding protein and its impact on corneal wound healing in vitro and in vivo

Background:The cornea composes the outer surface of the eye and its transparency is required to allow light transmission to the retina.However,because of its position,the cornea is subjected to chemical and mechanical injuries that may lead to blindness.Our studies conducted using the human tissue-engineered cornea(hTEC)as a model provided evidence that the cyclic-AMP-response element binding protein(CREB)pathway is repressed during closure of corneal wounds.Based on these results,we hypothesized that closure of corneal wounds can be enhanced by preventing activation of CREB with the pharmacological inhibitor C646.Our goals were to proceed to the pharmacological inhibition of CREB(I)in vitro using the hTECs as a model,and then(II)in vivo using the rabbit as a model.Methods:The self-assembly approach was used to create hTECs,that were then wounded with an 8-mm diameter biopsy punch to create an epithelial defect.The tissues were then incubated with 10μM of C646(n=8).DMSO was used alone as a negative control(n=4).Closure of the wounds was monitored over a period of 5 days.Besides,the cornea of New Zealand white rabbits was debrided with an ethanol 70%solution to create an epithelial defect of 8-mm diameter.Several concentrations of C646(1,10,100μM et 1 mM)were applied as eye drops 3 times a day for up to 7 days.The wounded corneas(n=4 per concentration)were stained with fluorescein and photographed every day.Results:In vitro pharmacological inhibition of CREB with C646 considerably accelerated wound closure of all treated hTECs(4 days)compared to the control group(7 days).Moreover,the in vivo C646 treatment also accelerated wound healing of the corneas compared to the control group.The most effective concentration of C646 tested was the lowest(1μM),as it considerably enhanced the wound healing process.Conclusions:This study demonstrates that wound healing both in vitro and in vivo can be enhanced by preventing activation of CREB using a pharmacological inhibition approach.Most of all,this experiment suggests mediators from the CREB pathway as potential therapeutic targets on which we may influence to alter the wound healing dynamic of the cornea.We believe this study will lead to significant advancements in the clinical field of corneal defects.

Increased phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding protein(CREB)in the dorsal root ganglia and superficial dorsal horn neurons following chronic constriction injury

Objective To investigate whether chronic constriction injury(CCI)of the sciatic nerve of rats could produce alterations in the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding(CREB)protein in dorsal root ganglia(DRG)and superficial dorsal horn neurons of the spinal cord.Methods Chronic constriction injury(CCI)of the sciatic nerve was employed as a model of neuropathic pain.Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into Na⒍ve,Sham,CCI2w(received CCI for2weeks)and CCI4w(received CCI for4weeks)groups.Hind pawwithdrawal threshold to mechanical stimuli and withdrawal latency to thermal stimuli were used to determine the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia.Then all the rats were deeply anesthetized and perfused intracardially with paraformaldehyde.The fixed L 4-5 spinal cord and the L 5 DRG ipsilateral to CCI were harvested for fixation.The pCREB-immunoreactive(pCREB-IR)cells in both DRG and superficial dorsal horn neurons were quantified for analysis using immunohistochemistry methods.Results On the14th day after sciatic nerve injury,all the rats exhibited significant mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia.The mechanical withdrawal thresholds to von Frey filament from CCI2w group decreased significantly compared to both baseline values and those of Sham group(P<0.01);Thermal withdwal latencies from CCI2w group decreased significantly compared to both baseline values and those of Sham group(P<0.01).Some rats from Sham group also showed mechanical hyperalgesia compared to both baseline values and those of Na⒍ve group(P<0.01).28days after CCI,both mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity were significantly alleviated,with no statistical significance compared to those of Sham group.On the14th day after CCI,the number of pCREB-IR cells significantly increased in ipsilateral L 5 DRGs and superficial dorsal horns(P<0.01)compared to Sham group.The number of phosphorylated CREB-IR cells in the ipsilateral DRGs from Sham group also increased compared to that of Naive rats(P<0.05).There were no significant statistical differences of numbers of CREB-IR neuron between Sham group and CCI4wgroup.Conclusion CCI increases CREB phosphorylation both in DRG and superficial dorsal horn neurons of the lumbar spinal cord,and may be one of the key molecular mechanisms of central and peripheral sensitization following peripheral nerve injury.

Effects of Mg2+ on the binding of the CREB/CRE complex:Full-atom molecular dynamics simulations

Metal ions play critical roles in the interaction between deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA) and protein.The experimental research has demonstrated that the Mg^2+ ion can affect the binding between transcription factor and DNA.In our work,by full-atom molecular dynamic simulation, the effects of the Mg^2+ ion on the cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)response element binding protein(CREB)/cAMP response elements(CRE) complex are investigated.It is illustrated that the number of hydrogen bonds formed at the interface between protein and DNA is significantly increased when the Mg^2+ ion is added.Hence, an obvious change in the structure of the DNA is observed.Then the DNA base groove and base pair parameters are analyzed.We find that, due to the introduction of the Mg2+ ion, the DNA base major groove becomes narrower.A potential mechanism for this observation is proposed.It is confirmed that the Mg^2+ ion can enhance the stability of the DNA–protein complex.

Bacterial ArtA protein specifically binds to the internal region of IS1 <i>in vitro</i>

The internal region of bacterial translocatable IS1 acts as a cis-element to stimulate transcription from the various promoters located upstream. The product of the artA gene is genetically shown to stimulate transcription with the cis-element. Here, a codon-optimized artA gene was synthesized and cloned to express the ArtA protein. ArtA was purified as the Histagged protein. Nitrocellulose filter binding assay showed that ArtA specifically binds to the IS1 internal region. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay also showed specific binding of ArtA to the IS1 internal region. These results imply that ArtA directly binds to the IS1 internal region and stimulates transcription.

Activation of skeletal carbohydrate-response element binding protein(ChREBP)-mediated de novo lipogenesis increases intramuscular fat content in chickens

The intracellular lipids in muscle cells of farm animals play a crucial role in determining the overall intramuscular fat(IMF)content,which has a positive impact on meat quality.However,the mechanisms underlying the deposition of lipids in muscle cells of farm animals are not yet fully understood.The purpose of this study was to determine the roles of carbohydrate-response element binding protein(ChREBP)and fructose in IMF deposition of chickens.For virus-mediated ChREBP overexpression in tibialis anterior(TA)muscle of chickens,seven 5-d-old male yellow-feather chickens were used.At 10 d after virus injection,the chickens were slaughtered to obtain TA muscles for analysis.For fructose administration trial,sixty 9-wk-old male yellow-feather chickens were randomly divided into 2 groups,with 6 replicates per group and 5 chickens per replicate.The chickens were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 10%fructose(purity≥99%).At 4 wk later,the chickens were slaughtered,and breast and thigh muscles were collected for analysis.The results showed that the skeletal ChREBP mRNA levels were positively associated with IMF content in multiple species,including the chickens,pigs,and mice(P<0.05).ChREBP overexpression increased lipid accumulation in both muscle cells in vitro and the TA muscles of mice and chickens in vivo(P<0.05),by activation of the de novo lipogenesis(DNL)pathway.Moreover,activation of ChREBP by dietary fructose administration also resulted in increased IMF content in mice and notably chickens(P<0.05).Furthermore,the lipidomics analysis revealed that ChREBP activation altered the lipid composition of chicken IMF and tented to improve the flavor profile of the meat.In conclusion,this study found that ChREBP plays a pivotal role in mediating the deposition of fat in chicken muscles in response to fructose-rich diets,which provides a novel strategy for improving meat quality in the livestock industry.

山姜素调节cAMP/PKA/CREB信号通路促进骨质疏松性骨折大鼠骨折愈合

背景:山姜素具有抗炎、抗肿瘤、抗菌等作用,已被证实能够缓解骨质疏松症,但山姜素对骨质疏松性骨折的影响及机制仍不清楚。目的:探讨山姜素调节环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白信号通路对骨质疏松性骨折大鼠的改善作用。方法:采用双侧卵巢切除手术构建骨质疏松症骨折大鼠模型,将成功造模大鼠依据随机数字表法分为山姜素低、中、高剂量组、抑制剂组和模型组,另选12只大鼠作为假手术组。骨折造模当天,山姜素低、中、高剂量组大鼠灌胃7.5,15,30 mg/kg的山姜素+腹腔注射等量的生理盐水,抑制剂组灌胃30 mg/kg的山姜素+腹腔注射5 mg/kg的H-89(通路抑制剂),模型组与假手术组给予(灌胃+腹腔注射)等量生理盐水,1次/d,连续8周。放射性检查评估大鼠骨折愈合情况并进行愈合评分;骨密度扫描仪测定骨折处骨密度;通过三点弯曲实验和压缩实验评估大鼠股骨生物力学状况;苏木精-伊红染色观察大鼠骨折处病理损伤;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测血清碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素和Ⅰ型胶原交联C-末端肽、环磷酸腺苷水平的变化;Western blot检测股骨组织中骨形态发生蛋白2和环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白通路蛋白表达。结果与结论:①相较于假手术组,模型组大鼠骨折愈合评分、骨密度、最大负荷、最大应力、碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素、环磷酸腺苷水平、骨形态发生蛋白2、磷酸化蛋白激酶A/蛋白激酶A、磷酸化环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白表达下降,Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基末端肽水平增加(P<0.05);与模型组比较,山姜素各剂量组大鼠上述各项指标呈现相反的变化(P<0.05);与山姜素高剂量组比较,抑制剂组大鼠上述指标变化均被逆转(P<0.05)。②结论:山姜素可能通过激活环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白信号通路加速骨质疏松症骨折大鼠的骨折愈合。

Association of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 genetic polymorphisms with avascular necrosis of the femoral head in the Chinese population

Background Sterol regulatory element binding protein （SREBP）-2 plays a key role in lipid homeostasis by stimulating gene expression of cholesterol biosynthetic pathways. The insulin-like growth factor binding protein （IGFBP） family regulates growth and metabolism, especially bone cell metabolism, and correlates with osteonecrosis. However, association of their gene polymorphisms with risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head （ANFH） has rarely been reported. We determined whether SREBP-2 and IGFBP-3 gene polymorphisms were associated with increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population. Methods Two single nucleotide polymorphisms of SREBP2 gene, rs2267439 and rs2267443, and one of IGFBP-3 gene, rs2453839, were selected and genotyped in 49 ANFH patients and 42 control individuals by direct sequencing assay. Results The frequencies of rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA of SREBP2 and rs2453839 TT and CT of IGFBP-3 in the ANFH group showed increased and decreased tendencies （against normal control group）, respectively. Interaction analysis of genes revealed that the frequency of carrying rs2267439 TT and rs2267443 GA genotypes of SREBF-2 in ANFH patients was significantly higher than in the control group （P 〈0.05）. Association analysis between polymorphisms and clinical phenotype demonstrated that the disease course in ANFH patients with the rs2453839 TT genotype of IGFBP-3 was significantly shorter than that of CT＋CC carriers （P 〈0.01）. CT＋CC genotype frequency in patients with stage Ill/IV bilateral hip lesions was significantly higher than in those with stage Ill/IV unilateral lesions and stage II/111 bilateral lesions （P 〈0.05-0.02）. Conclusions Our results suggested that interaction of SREBP-2 gene polymorphisms and the relationship between the polymorphisms and clinical phenotype of IGFBP-3 were closely related to increased ANFH risk in the Chinese population. The most significant finding was that the CT＋CC genotype carriers of IGFBP-3 rs2453839 were highly associated with the development of ANFH.

MicroRNA-185-5p mediates regulation of SREBP2 expression by hepatitis C virus core protein

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism for regulation of cholesterol metabolism by hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein in Hep G2 cells.METHODS: HCV genotype 1b core protein was cloned and expressed in Hep G2 cells. The cholesterol content was determined after transfection. The expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP2) and the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis(HMGCR) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting after transfection. The effects of core protein on the SREBP2 promoter and 3'-untranslated region were analyzed by luciferase assay. We used different target predictive algorithms, micro RNA(mi RNA) mimics/inhibitors, and site-directed mutation to identify a putative target of a particular mi RNA.RESULTS: HCV core protein expression in Hep G2 cells increased the total intracellular cholesterol level(4.05 ± 0.17 vs 6.47 ± 0.68, P = 0.001), and this increase corresponded to an increase in SREBP2 and HMGCR m RNA levels(P = 0.009 and 0.037, respectively) and protein expression. The molecular mechanism studyrevealed that the HCV core protein increased the expression of SREBP2 by enhancing its promoter activity(P = 0.004). In addition, mi R-185-5p expression was tightly regulated by the HCV core protein(P = 0.041). Moreover, overexpression of mi R-185-5p repressed the SREBP2 m RNA level(P = 0.022) and protein expression. In contrast, inhibition of mi R-185-5p caused upregulation of SREBP2 protein expression. mi R-185-5p was involved in the regulation of SREBP2 expression by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION: HCV core protein disturbs the cholesterol homeostasis in Hep G2 cells via the SREBP2 pathway; mi R-185-5p is involved in the regulation of SREBP2 by the core protein.

Transthyretin—A Key Gene Involved in Regulating Learning and Memory in Brain, and Providing Neuroprotection in Alzheimer Disease via Neuronal Synthesis of Transthyretin Protein

Transthyretin (TTR), a carrier protein present in the liver and choroid plexus of the brain, has been shown to be responsible for binding thyroid hormone thyroxin (T4) and retinol in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). TTR aids in sequestering of beta-amyloid peptides Aβ deposition, and protects the brain from trauma, ischemic stroke and Alzheimer disease (AD). Accordingly, hippocampal gene expression of TTR plays a significant role in learning and memory as well as in simulation of spatial memory tasks. TTR via interacting with transcription factor CREB regulates this process and decreased expression leads to memory deficits. By different signaling pathways, like MAPK, AKT, and ERK via Src, TTR provides tropical support through megalin receptor by promoting neurite outgrowth and protecting the neurons from traumatic brain injury. TTR is also responsible for the transient rise in intracellular Ca2+ via NMDA receptor, playing a dominant role under excitotoxic conditions. In this review, we tried to shed light on how TTR is involved in maintaining normal cognitive processes, its role in learning and memory, under memory deficit conditions;by which mechanisms it promotes neurite outgrowth;and how it protects the brain from Alzheimer disease (AD).

Effect of Tiantai No.1 (天泰1号) on β-Amyloid-induced Neurotoxicity and NF-κ B and cAMP Responsive Element-binding Protein

Objective： To investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of Tiantai No.1 （天泰1号）, a compound Chinese herbal preparation, for the prevention and reduction of neurotoxicity induced by betaamyloid peptides （Abeta） in vitro and its effects on nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） and cAMP responsive element-binding protein （CREB） pathways using the gene transfection technique. Methods： B104 neuronal cells were used to examine the effects of Tiantai No.1 on lowering the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The cells were pre-treated with Tiantai No.1 at doses of 50, 100,150, or 200μg/mL respectively for 3 days and co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and beta-amyloid peptidel-40 （Aβ 1-40, 10 μmol/L） for 48 h or post-treated with Tiantai No.1 for 48 h after the cells were exposed to beta-amyloid peptides25-35 （Aβ 25-35） for 8 h. In gene transfection assays, cells were treated with Tiantai No.1 at 50 μg/mL and 150μg/mL for 5 days or co-treated with Tiantai No.1 and A 13 1-40 （5 μmo/L） for 3 days after electroporation for the evaluation of NF- κB and CREB expression. Results： Pre-treating and co-treating B104 neuronal cells with Tiantai No.1 lowered the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta, and post-treating with Tiantai No.1 reduced or blocked B104 neuronal apoptotic death induced by Abeta （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. With a dose-dependent relationship, the same treatments increased the expression of NF-κB or CREB in B104 neuronal cells （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. Meanwhile, Tiantai No.1 reduced Aβ-40 induced inhibition on NF-κB expression （P〈0.01）. Conclusions： Tiantai No.1 can protect neurons against the neurotoxicity induced by Abeta. The neuroprotective mechanisms may be associated with the activation of NF-κB and cAMP cellular signal pathways.

淫羊藿苷调控mTOR/Akt/CREB通路对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬及凋亡的影响

目的 探讨淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬、凋亡及哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)通路的影响。方法 将小鼠足细胞MPC5分为5组:正常对照组(5.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、高糖组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、淫羊藿苷组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷)、GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)、淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)。培养48 h后,噻唑蓝法检测MPC5细胞活力;吖啶橙染色观察MPC5细胞自噬情况;流式细胞术检测MPC5细胞凋亡;蛋白印迹法检测MPC5细胞自噬[微管相关蛋白1轻链3(LC3)Ⅱ、LC3Ⅰ、自噬相关蛋白(Beclin-1)]、凋亡[Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)]和mTOR/Akt/CREB通路相关蛋白的表达。结果 与正常对照组比较,高糖组MPC5细胞活力、Bcl-2、磷酸化mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)/Akt、磷酸化CREB(p-CREB)/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),自噬能力增强,自噬体表现出橙色荧光,细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与高糖组比较,淫羊藿苷组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著升高,自噬能力进一步增强,自噬体数量增多,自噬体呈现出砖红色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);GDC-0349组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低,自噬能力减弱,自噬体数量减少,自噬体表现出橙色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349可逆转淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导MPC5细胞的作用效果(P<0.05)。结论 淫羊藿苷通过激活mTOR/Akt/CREB通路促进高糖诱导的足细胞自噬抑制细胞凋亡。

补阳还五汤对糖尿病周围神经病变大鼠的止痛作用及机制研究

【目的】探讨补阳还五汤对糖尿病周围神经病变(DPN)大鼠的止痛作用及机制。【方法】将60只大鼠分为正常组,模型组(MNCV)和感觉神经传导速度(SNCV),中药低、中、高剂量组,中药高剂量+H-89[蛋白激酶A(PKA)抑制剂]组,每组10只。除正常组,其他各组大鼠采用高脂高糖饲料饲喂结合腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)法构建DPN模型。给药结束后,检测大鼠足热痛阈值,测定大鼠运动神经传导速度(MNCV)和感觉神经传导速度(SNCV),免疫组织化学法观察表皮内神经纤维密度(IENF),酶联免疫吸附分析(ELISA)检测血清空腹胰岛素(FINS)、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR),白细胞介素(IL)-1β、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α),血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、血管生成素1(Ang-1)、CD34水平,坐骨神经组织中环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)浓度,Western Blot法检测坐骨神经组织中PKA和反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)表达水平。【结果】与正常组比较,模型组足热痛阈值,TC、TG、LDL-C、HOMA-IR,IL-1β、IL-6和TNF-α水平均显著增加(P<0.05),HDL-C、FINS,VEGF、Ang-1、CD34,IENF,MNCV和SNCV值,cAMP浓度水平,PKA和CREB磷酸化水平均显著降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,中药低、中、高剂量组上述指标均得到显著改善(P<0.05),且呈剂量依赖性;与中药高剂量+H-89组比较,中药高剂量组各指标水平均被逆转。【结论】补阳还五汤可改善DPN大鼠胰岛素抵抗、血脂代谢,减轻肢体疼痛,改善局部微循环障碍,保护神经功能,体现了“活血通络止痛”的治疗特点;补阳还五汤的止痛作用可能与改善局部微循环障碍、抑制炎症因子释放及调节cAMP/PKA/CREB信号通路蛋白表达有关。