Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

Electroacupuncture preconditioning attenuates ischemic brain injury by activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Electroacupuncture has therapeutic effects on ischemic brain injury, but its mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, mice were stimulated by electroacupuncture at the Baihui（GV20） acupoint for 30 minutes at 1 m A and 2/15 Hz for 5 consecutive days. A cerebral ischemia model was established by ligating the bilateral common carotid artery for 15 minutes. At 72 hours after injury, neuronal injury in the mouse hippocampus had lessened, and the number of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling-positive cells reduced after electroacupuncture treatment. Moreover, expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α（AMPKα） and phosphorylated AMPKα was up-regulated. Intraperitoneal injection of the AMPK antagonist, compound C, suppressed this phenomenon. Our findings suggest that electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates ischemic brain injury via AMPK activation.

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.

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.

Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide relaxes gastric antral circular smooth muscle of guinea-pig through thecGMP/cGMP-dependent protein kinase pathway

AIM: To systematically investigate if cGMP/cGMP- dependent protein kinase G (PKG) signaling pathway may participate in dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP)-induced relaxation of gastric circular smooth muscle. METHODS: The content of cGMP in guinea pig gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and perfusion solution were measured using radioimmunoassay; spontaneous contraction of gastric antral circular muscles recorded using a 4-channel physiograph; and Ca2+-activated K+ currents (IK(Ca)) and spontaneous transient outward currents (STOCs) in isolated gastric antral myocytes were recorded using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. RESULTS: DNP markedly enhanced cGMP levels in gastric antral smooth muscle tissue and in the perfusion medium. DNP induced relaxation in gastricantral circular smooth muscle, which was inhibited by KT5823, a cGMP-dependent PKG inhibitor. DNP increased IK(Ca). This effect was almost completely blocked by KT5823, and partially blocked by LY83583, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase to change the production of cGMP. DNP also increased STOCs. The effect of DNP on STOCs was abolished in the presence of KT5823, but not affected by KT-5720, a PKA-specific inhibitor. CONCLUSION: DNP activates IK(Ca) and relaxes guinea-pig gastric antral circular smooth muscle via the cGMP/PKG-dependent singling axis instead of cAMP/ PKA pathway.

Effects of Zuogui Pill(左归丸) and Yougui Pill(右归丸) on the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A Signaling Transduction Pathways of Axonal Regeneration in Model Rats with Experimental Autoimm

Objective：To study the effects of Zuogui Pill（左归丸,ZGP）and Yougui Pill（右归丸,YGP）on the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF）and cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP）/protein kinase A（PKA）signaling of axonal regeneration in the Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis（EAE）,in order to explore the possible mechanism of ZGP and YGP on promoting axonal regeneration.Methods：The rats were randomly divided into normal control（NC）,model（MO）,prednisone acetate（PA）,ZGP and YGP groups.The EAE model of rat was established by injecting antigen containing myelin basic protein（MBP）68-86.The brain and spinal cord were harvested on the 14th and 28th day postimmunization（PI）,the protein and mRNA expression of BDNF and PKA in the brain and spinal cord of rats were detected by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（PCR）,and the cAMP levels were detected by using enzyme-immunoassay method.Results：（1）On the 28th day PI,the mRNA expression of BDNF in brain white matter and spinal cord of rats in ZGP and YGP groups were up-regulated,especially in YGP group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）.（2）On the 14th day PI,the cAMP levels in brain white matters significantly increased in PA and YGP groups compared with MO group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）,and the cAMP level in YGP group was higher than that in ZGP group（P〈0.05）.The cAMP level in spinal cord also significantly increased in YGP group compared with MO,PA and ZGP groups,respectively（P〈0.01）.（3）On the 14th day PI,the PKA expression in spinal cord of rats in ZGP group was significantly decreased compared with MO and YGP groups,respectively（P〈0.05）.（4）On the 28th day PI,there was a positive correlation between cAMP and PKA expression in the brain white matter of YGP rats.Conclusions：The results suggest that ZGP and YGP may promote axonal regeneration by modulating cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway,but the targets of molecular mechanism of ZGP may be different from those of YGP.

Metformin attenuates motility,contraction,and fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells in vivo and in vitro by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) and subsequent treatment with or without metformin. The level of fibrosis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry. The HSC cell line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of metformin on cell proliferation(CCK8 assay),motility(scratch test and Transwell assay), contraction(collagen gel contraction assay), extracellular matrix(ECM) secretion(Western blot), and angiogenesis(ELISA and tube formation assay) was investigated. We also analyzed the possible signaling pathways involved by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Mice developed marked liver fibrosis after intraperitoneal injection with CCl_4 for 6 wk. Metformin decreased the activation of HSCs, reduced the deposition of ECM, and inhibited angiogenesis in CCl_4-treated mice. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) promoted the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vitro, while metformin inhibited the activation, proliferation, migration, and contraction of HSCs, and reduced the secretion of ECM. Metformin decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in HSCs through inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α in both PDGF-BB treatment and hypoxic conditions, and it down-regulated VEGF secretion by HSCs and inhibited HSC-based angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions in vitro. The inhibitory effects of metformin on activated HSCs were mediated by inhibiting the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathways via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).CONCLUSION Metformin attenuates the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, and may therefore be useful for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Amino acids regulate energy utilization through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase pathway in porcine enterocytes

As major fuels for the small intestinal mucosa,dietary amino acids(AA)are catabolized in the mitochondria and serve as sources of energy production.The present study was conducted to investigate AA metabolism that supply cell energy and the underlying signaling pathways in porcine enterocytes.Intestinal porcine epithelial cells(IPEC-J2)were treated with different concentrations of AA,inhibitor,or agonist of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORCl)and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK),and mitochondrial respiration was monitored.The results showed that AA treatments resulted in enhanced mitochondrial respiration,increased intracellular content of pyruvic acid and lactic acid,and increased hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA expression.Meanwhile,decreased citrate synthase,isocitrate dehydrogenase alpha,and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA expression were also observed.We found that AA treatments increased the protein levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR),phosphorylated-p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase,and phosphorylated-4 E-binding protein 1.What is more,the protein levels of phosphorylated AMPKα(pAMPKa)and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD)-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1(SIRT1)were decreased by AA treatments in a time depending manner.Mitochondrial bioenergetics and the production of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates were decreased upon inhibition of mTORCl or AMPK.Moreover,AMPK activation could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta(Ikbk(3),integrin-linked protein kinase(ILK),unconventional myosin-Ic(Myolc),ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-2(RPS6 Kβ2),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-β,which are downstream effectors of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR).The mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit delta isoform(PIK3 CD)and5’-AMP-activated protein kinase subunit gamma-1(PRKAG1),which are upstream regulators of mTOR,were also up-regulated by AMPK activation.On the other hand,AMPK activation also down-regulated FK506-binding protein 1 A(FKBP1 A),serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2 A 55 kDa regulatory subunit B beta isoform,phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN),and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(Ulkl),which are up-stream regulators of mTORCl.Taken together,these data indicated that AA regulated cellular energy metabolism through mTOR and AMPK pathway in porcine enterocytes.These results demonstrated interactions of AMPK and mTORCl pathways in AA catabolism and energy metabolism in intestinal mucosa cells of piglets,and also provided reference for using AA to remedy human intestinal diseases.

Adenosine triphosphate promotes locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by activating mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in rats

The mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway plays an important role in neuronal growth, proliferation and differentiation. To better understand the role of mTOR pathway involved in the induction of spinal cord injury, rat models of spinal cord injury were established by modified Allen＇s stall method and interfered for 7 days by intraperitoneal administration of mTOR activator adenosine triphosphate and mTOR kinase inhibitor rapamycin. At 1-4 weeks after spinal cord injury induction, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate rat locomotor function, and immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of nestin （neural stem cell marker）, neuronal nuclei （neuronal marker）, neuron specific enolase, neurofilament protein 200 （axonal marker）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （astrocyte marker）, Akt, mTOR and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Results showed that adenosine triphosphate-mediated Akt/mTOR/STAT3 pathway increased endogenous neural stem cells, induced neurogenesis and axonal growth, inhibited excessive astrogliosis and improved the locomotor function of rats with spinal cord injury.

Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance and Adenosine Monophosphate?activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Obese Mice

Objectives: The objective of the study is to observe the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on indexes of body weight, body composition, blood lipid, skeletal muscle endurance, and insulin sensitivity in obese mice, probe into its pharmacological action, and further explore its effects on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old C57 BL/6 J mice were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish obese mouse model. The model-establishment obese mice were randomly divided into three groups including model control group, metformin group, and ginsenoside Rb1 group. In the normal control group, normal diet was administered. The intervention period was 8 weeks. Body weight and food intake of the mice were measured regularly every week. The treadmill test was performed at weeks 3 and 7, and the oral glucose tolerance test was carried out at weeks 4 and 8. Body composition of the mice was detected by applying NMR Animal Body Composition Analyzer at week 8. Four parameters of blood lipids and free fatty acid(FFA)levels were detected. The m RNA expression of AMPKα and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α) in skeletal muscle was examined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the influence of ginsenoside Rb1 on protein expression of AMPKα, p-AMPKα, and PGC-1α was observed by western blotting. Results: The body weight(since the 5 th week of drug administration)and food intake of the mice in the ginsenoside Rb1 group were significantly lower than those in the model control group(P < 0.05) in a time-dependent manner. Ginsenoside Rb1 could significantly reduce the levels of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level(P < 0.05). In addition, ginsenoside Rb1 could reduce the serum FFA level(P < 0.05).After the administration of ginsenoside Rb1 for 8 weeks, the body fat mass of obese mice decreased and the lean mass increased(P < 0.05).The skeletal muscle endurance and the oral glucose tolerance of the obese mice improved using ginsenoside Rb1. At the molecular level,ginsenoside Rb1 could up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of AMPKα in skeletal muscle, and increase the content of p-AMPK protein significantly(P < 0.01). At the same time, the mRNA and protein level of PGC-1α was also un-regulated, correspondingly(P < 0.01).Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts effects on reducing body weight, decreasing blood lipid levels, enhancing the skeletal muscle endurance,and increasing the insulin sensitivity in obese mice by activating the related proteins in AMPK signaling pathway in skeletal muscle.

Regulatory role of CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in acute sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior mice

Objective:To investigate the regulatory role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein(CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)signaling pathway in acute sleep deprivation(SD)-induced anxiety-like behavior mice(SD group)to study the mechanism of anxiety-like behavior better.Methods:The SD chamber was used to deprive the mice of sleep,and the anxiety-like behavior of the mice was verified using an open field test(OFT),elevated plus maze(EPM),forced swim test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Finally,proteins were detected by Western blotting.Result:OFT showed that the active distance and the time of stay in the central area were significantly reduced(P<0.05).EPM showed that the time and number of open arms in the SD group were significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The FST showed that the forced swimming immobility time of the SD group was significantly lower than that of the control(P<0.05).Moreover,the TST showed that the immobility time of the tail suspension experiment in the SD group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acute SD can regulate anxiety-like behavior in mice through the CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

Beneficial effects of metformin on primary cardiomyocytes via activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase

Background Metformin has become a cornerstone in the treatment of patients with type-2 diabetes. Accumulated evidence suggests that metformin supports direct cardiovascular effects. The present study aimed to investigate if metformin has beneficial effects on primary cardiomyocytes damaged by H2O2, and reveal the potential mechanism of action of metformin. Methods Cardiomyocytes were incubated in the presence of 100μmol/L H2O2 for 12 hours. Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with metformin at different concentrations and time and with aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide （AICAR） （500μmol/L）, an adenosine monophophate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） agonist for 60 minutes before the addition of H2O2. Other cells were preincubated with compound C （an AMPK antagonist, 20μmol/L） for 4 hours. The viability and apoptosis of cells were analyzed. AMPK, endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）, and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 were analyzed using immunblotting. Results Metformin had antagonistic effects on the influences of H2O2 on cell viability and attenuated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Metformin also increased phosphorylation of AMPK and eNOS, and reduced the expression of TGF-β1, basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）, and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α. Conclusions Metformin has beneficial effects on cardiomyocytes, and this effect involves activation of the AMPK-eNOS pathway. Metformin may be potentially beneficial for the treatment of heart disease.

Dan-gua Fang (丹瓜方) Improves Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders by Promoting Hepatic Adenosine 5'-monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase Expression in Diabetic Goto-kakizaki Rats

Objective：To investigate the effect of Dan-gua Fang（丹瓜方） on adenosine 5’-monophosphate（AMP） activated protein kinase（AMPK） α expression in liver and subsequent improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism.Methods：Forty 13-week-old diabetic Goto-Kakizaki（GK） rats were randomly divided into model,Dan-gua Fang,metformin and simvastatin groups（n=10 for each）,and fed high-fat diet ad libitum.Ten Wistar rats were used as normal group and fed normal diet.After 24 weeks,liver expression of AMPK α mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR.AMPK α and phospho-AMPK α protein expression in liver was evaluated by Western blot.Liver histomorphology was carried out after hematoxylin-eosin staining,and blood glucose（BG）,glycosylated hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）,food intake and body weight recorded.Results：Similar AMPK α mRNA levels were found in the Dan-gua Fang group and normal group,slightly higher than the values obtained for the remaining groups（P〈0.05）.AMPK α protein expression in the Dan-gua Fang group animals was similar to other diabetic rats,whereas phospho-AMPK α（Thr-172） protein levels were markedly higher than in the metformin group and simvastatin group（P〈0.05）,respectively.However,phosphor-AMPKa/AMPK α ratios were similar in all groups.Dan-gua Fang reduced fasting blood glucose with similar strength to metformin,and was superior in reducing cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with simvastatin and metformin.Dan-gua Fang decreases plasma alanine aminotransferase（ALT） significantly.Conclusion：Dan-gua Fang,while treating phlegm-stasis,could decrease BG and lipid in type 2 diabetic GK rats fed with high-fat diet,and effectively protect liver histomorphology and function.This may be partly explained by increased AMPK expression in liver.Therefore,Dan-gua Fang might be an ideal drug for comprehensive Intervention for glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Metformin inhibits nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines expression induced by high glucose via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation in rat glomerular mesangial cells in vitro

Background The renoprotective mechanisms of adenosine monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） agonist-metformin have not been stated clearly.We hypothesized that metformin may ameliorate inflammation via AMPK interaction with critical inflammatory cytokines The aim of this study was to observe the effects of metformin on expression of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） and transforming growth factor-beta 1 （TGF-β1） induced by high glucose （HG） in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells （MCs）.Methods MCs were cultured in the medium with normal concentration glucose （group NG,5.6 mmol/L）,high concentration glucose （group HG,25 mmol/L） and different concentrations of metformin （group M1,M2,M3）.After 48-hour exposure,the supernatants and MCs were collected.The expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 mRNA was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction.Westem blotting was used to detect the expression of AMPK,phospho-Thr-172 AMPK （p-AMPK）,NF-κB p65,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 protein.Results After stimulated by HG,the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 mRNA and protein of MCs in group HG increased significantly compared with group NG （P ＜0.05）.Both genes and protein expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 of MCs induced by high glucose were markedly reduced after metformin treatment in a dose-dependent manner （P ＜0.05）.The expression of p-AMPK increased with the rising of metformin concentration,presenting the opposite trend,while the level of total-AMPK protein was unchanged with exposure to HG or metformin.Conlusion Metformin can suppress the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 of glomerular MCs induced by high glucose via AMPK activation,which may partlv contribute to its reno-protection.

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。

黄芩苷调节cAMP/PKA/CREB信号通路对湿疹大鼠皮肤屏障功能的影响

目的探讨黄芩苷(BA)调节环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)/蛋白激酶A(PKA)/cAMP反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)通路对湿疹大鼠皮肤屏障功能的影响。方法将SD大鼠随机分为对照组(NC组)、Model组、低剂量BA组(BA-L组,25 mg/kg)、中剂量BA组(BA-M组,50 mg/kg)、高剂量BA组(BA-H组,100 mg/kg)、泼尼松组(PNS组,25 mg/kg)、BAH+cAMP抑制剂(SQ22536)组(100 mg/kg+2.13 mg/kg)、BA-H+PKA抑制剂(H-89)组(100 mg/kg+5 mg/kg),每组12只。除NC组外,其余组大鼠均构建湿疹大鼠模型。建模成功2 d后,分组进行给药处理。检测湿疹面积及严重度指数(EASI)评分、经皮肤水分流失量(TEWL)、角质层含水量(WCSC)变化;酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测大鼠血清中免疫球蛋白E(IgE)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)水平及大鼠背部受试区皮损组织中c AMP蛋白表达;HE染色检测大鼠背部受试区皮损组织病理变化;Western blot检测大鼠背部受试区皮损组织中水通道蛋白3(AQP3)、cathelicidin相关抗菌肽(CRAMP)、p-PKA、p-CREB蛋白表达。结果与NC组比较,Model组大鼠背部受试区皮损组织病理损伤严重,EASI评分、TEWL、IgE、IL-4水平升高,WCSC、IFN-γ水平、AQP3、CRAMP、cAMP、p-PKA、p-CREB蛋白水平降低(P<0.05)。与Model组比较,BA-L组、BA-M组、BA-H组、PNS组大鼠背部受试区皮损组织病理损伤减轻,EASI评分、TEWL、IgE、IL-4水平降低,WCSC、IFN-γ水平、AQP3、CRAMP、cAMP、p-PKA、p-CREB蛋白水平升高(P<0.05);且BA-L组、BA-M组、BA-H组上述指标变化呈剂量依赖性。SQ22536或H-89减弱了高剂量BA对湿疹大鼠皮肤屏障功能的改善作用。结论BA可能通过激活cAMP/PKA/CREB信号通路改善湿疹大鼠皮肤屏障功能。

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。

胡黄连苷Ⅱ调节cAMP/PKA信号轴对脊髓损伤大鼠神经功能恢复的影响

目的探讨胡黄连苷Ⅱ(PicrosideⅡ,PⅡ)对脊髓损伤(spinal cord injury,SCI)大鼠神经功能恢复的影响及对环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)-蛋白激酶A(PKA)信号通路的调节作用。方法建立SCI大鼠模型,大鼠分为正常组(CT组)、SCI模型组(SCI组)、PⅡ低剂量组(PⅡL组,5 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1))、PⅡ高剂量组(PⅡH组,20 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1))和PⅡ高剂量+PKA抑制剂组(PⅡH+H-89组,20 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1) PⅡ+5 mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)),每组18只。Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)评分评价SCI大鼠运动功能,HE染色评价脊髓组织病理学特征,劳克坚牢蓝(LFB)染色观察脱髓鞘情况,免疫荧光检测胶质纤维酸性蛋白(GFAP)、离子钙结合适配器分子-1(IBA-1)表达,ELISA检测丙二醛(MDA)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、环腺苷酸(cAMP)的含量,Western blot检测磷酸化(p)-PKA、PKA、p-环磷酸腺苷反应成分结合蛋白(CREB)、CREB蛋白表达。结果与CT组比较,SCI组大鼠脊髓组织缺损、空腔,大量炎性细胞浸润,脱髓鞘以及GFAP、IBA-1、MDA表达增加,BBB评分以及SOD、cAMP、p-PKA/PKA、p-CREB/CREB表达减少(P<0.05);与SCI组比较,PⅡL组、PⅡH组组织损伤改善,空腔及炎性细胞减少,脱髓鞘以及GFAP、IBA-1、MDA表达降低,BBB评分以及SOD、cAMP、p-PKA/PKA、p-CREB/CREB表达增加(P<0.05);与PⅡH组比较,PⅡH+H-89组组织损伤严重,脱髓鞘以及GFAP、IBA-1、MDA表达增加,BBB评分以及SOD、cAMP、p-PKA/PKA、p-CREB/CREB表达减少(P<0.05)。结论PⅡ可能通过激活cAMP/PKA信号轴促进SCI大鼠神经功能恢复。

红景天苷改善顺铂引起的小鼠耳蜗毛细胞和螺旋神经节神经元损伤的机制

目的探究红景天苷(SAL)改善顺铂(CIS)引起的耳蜗毛细胞(CHC)和螺旋神经节神经元(SGN)损伤的作用及其与环磷腺苷(cAMP)/蛋白激酶A(PKA)/cAMP效应元件结合蛋白(CREB)通路的关系。方法分离新生C57BL/6小鼠的耳蜗基底膜,分为对照组(C组)、CIS组、SAL组、SAL+SQ22536(cAMP抑制剂)组和SAL+H-89(PKA抑制剂)组,每组20条。C组仅加入无血清BME培养液;CIS组在培养液中加入15μmol/L CIS;SAL组在CIS组基础上加入5μmol/L SAL;SAL+SQ22536组在CIS组基础上加入5μmol/L SAL和5μmol/L SQ22536;SAL+H-89组在CIS组基础上加入5μmol/L SAL和30μmol/L H-89。各组在培养箱中孵育48 h后,免疫荧光染色观察各组CHC和SGN损伤;试剂盒检测各组耳蜗基底膜中ROS和cAMP含量;Western blot检测各组PKA、p-CREB、CREB、Bcl-2、BDNF、NF-M蛋白水平。结果CIS组CHC排列混乱、体积肿大,SGN细胞核破碎、神经突缺失,SAL可减轻CHC和SGNs损伤。与C组相比,CIS组CHC、SGN数量较少(P<0.05),ROS、cAMP含量、PKA、BDNF、NF-M、Bcl-2蛋白及p-CREB/CREB水平较高(P<0.05);与CIS组相比,SAL组CHC、SGN数量较多(P<0.05),ROS含量较低(P<0.05),cAMP含量、PKA、BDNF、NF-M、Bcl-2蛋白及p-CREB/CREB水平较高(P<0.05)。SQ22536和H-89均可逆转SAL对CHC和SGN的保护作用。结论SAL可能通过激活cAMP/PKA/CREB通路,促进抗凋亡蛋白和神经保护因子表达,缓解CIS引起的CHC和SGN损伤。

柚皮素对口腔鳞状细胞癌细胞的干预作用研究

目的:探究柚皮素(NRG)对口腔鳞状细胞癌(OSCC)细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移与侵袭的影响。方法:采用浓度(μmol/L)为0、5、10、15、20、25、30的NRG处理OSCC CAL-27细胞,CCK-8法检测细胞活力;将CAL-27细胞分为低、中、高剂量NRG组(NRG-L、NRG-M组、NRG-H组)、Compound C(AMPK抑制剂)组、NRG-H+Compound C组、对照组(NC组,正常培养),CCK-8与EdU染色、流式细胞术、划痕实验、Transwell分别检测细胞增殖、凋亡、迁移、侵袭;Western blot检测天冬氨酸特异性半胱氨酸蛋白酶-3(Caspase-3)、增殖细胞核抗原(PCNA)、基质金属蛋白酶(MMP)-2、MMP-9、磷酸化腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶(p-AMPK)、沉默信息调节蛋白1(SIRT1)、乙酰化核因子κB p65(Ac-NF-κB p65)蛋白表达。结果:选取5、10、20μmol/L NRG分别作为后续处理CAL-27细胞的低、中、高剂量;与NC组比较,NRG-L组、NRG-M组、NRG-H组EdU阳性率、划痕愈合率、A 450值、侵袭细胞数及MMP-2、PCNA、MMP-9、Ac-NF-κB p65蛋白下调,细胞凋亡率及p-AMPK、Caspase-3、SIRT1蛋白上调(P<0.05);与NC组相比,Compound C组EdU阳性率、划痕愈合率、A 450值、侵袭细胞数及MMP-2、PCNA、MMP-9、Ac-NF-κB p65蛋白升高,细胞凋亡率及p-AMPK、Caspase-3、SIRT1蛋白表达下调(P<0.05);Compound C逆转了高剂量NRG对CAL-27细胞增殖、迁移、凋亡及侵袭的影响。结论:NRG抑制CAL-27细胞增殖、迁移与侵袭,并诱导细胞凋亡,其机制可能与激活AMPK进而抑制NF-κB通路有关。