Timosaponin AⅢ induces drug-metabolizing enzymes by activating constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) via dephosphorylation of the EGFR signaling pathway

The current study aimed to assess the effect of timosaponin AⅢ(T-AⅢ)on drug-metabolizing enzymes during anticancer therapy.The in vivo experiments were conducted on nude and ICR mice.Following a 24-day administration of T-AⅢ,the nude mice exhibited an induction of CYP2B10,MDR1,and CYP3A11 expression in the liver tissues.In the ICR mice,the expression levels of CYP2B10 and MDR1 increased after a three-day T-AⅢ administration.The in vitro assessments with HepG2 cells revealed that T-AⅢ induced the expression of CYP2B6,MDR1,and CYP3A4,along with constitutive androstane receptor(CAR)activation.Treatment with CAR siRNA reversed the T-AⅢ-induced increases in CYP2B6 and CYP3A4 expression.Furthermore,other CAR target genes also showed a significant increase in the expression.The up-regulation of murine CAR was observed in the liver tissues of both nude and ICR mice.Subsequent findings demonstrated that T-AⅢ activated CAR by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation,with this effect being partially reversed by the ERK activator t-BHQ.Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway was also observed in vivo.Additionally,T-AⅢ inhibited the phosphorylation of EGFR at Tyr1173 and Tyr845,and suppressed EGF-induced phosphorylation of EGFR,ERK,and CAR.In the nude mice,T-AⅢ also inhibited EGFR phosphorylation.These results collectively indicate that T-AⅢ is a novel CAR activator through inhibition of the EGFR pathway.

VEGFR2 mediated RAS/MAPK signaling pathway to explore the mechanism of Bushen Antai Granule in the treatment of recurrent abortion

Objective:To investigate the effect of Bushen Antai Granule on the mRNA and protein expression of Ras protein/mitogen activated protein kinase mediated by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 with small interference RNA interference.Methods:Method to construct the placenta microvascular endothelial cells,and the preparation of kidney fetus granule drug-containing serum,select the best drug-containing serum concentration,it can be divided into normal group,the serum siRNA-NC normal serum group,drug serum,siRNA normal serum group,siRNA drug serum group,using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR,Western blotting,immunofluorescence test respectively the RAS/MAPK mRNA and protein expression.Results:Results there was no significant difference in Ras and MAPK mRNA and protein expression between the normal group and the negative control group(P>0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of Ras and MAPK in the drug serum group were significantly higher than those in the normal serum group(P<0.01).Ras and MAPK mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased in siRNA1 normal serum group compared with normal serum group(P<0.01).Ras,MAPK mRNA and protein expression in siRNA1 drug serum group were significantly different from that in siRNA1 normal serum group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Conclusion The therapeutic effect of Bushen Antai Granule on recurrent abortion may be realized by upregulation of RAS/MAPK mRNA and protein expression.

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

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

Immunoregulatory polysaccharides from Apocynum venetum L.flowers stimulate phagocytosis and cytokine expression via activating the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways in RAW264.7 cells

Two immunomodulatory polysaccharides(Vp2a-Ⅱ and Vp3) were isolated and identified from Apocynum venetum L. flowers, and their innate immune-stimulating functions and working mechanisms were evaluated in RAW264.7 cells. Both the level of released nitric oxide(NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) m RNA were significantly enhanced in the RAW264.7 macrophages cells treated by Vp2a-Ⅱ and Vp3. Vp2a-Ⅱ(100–800 μg/m L) and Vp3(400 μg/mL) could significantly increase the phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 cells and the secretion and m RNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in a concentrationdependent manner through affecting mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) activity and nuclear factor κB(NF-κB) nuclear translocation. Vp2a-Ⅱ might activate the MAPK signaling pathways and induce the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, whilst Vp3 likely activated the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways without influencing the p38 MAPK route.

Effect of the Tiaobufeishen decoction on Caveolin-1-p38 MAPK signaling pathway and mechanism of improving the tracheobronchomalacia in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: Reliving the rela ti onship of the Caveolin-1-p38 MAPK signaling pathway and COPD tr acheob ronchomalacia, and resea rch the mechanism of Tiaobufeishen decoc tion imp rove the regression of the weasand cartilage cells. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to analyze the apoptosis rate to determine the optimal concentration of Tiaobufeishen decoction and CSE, CCK8 assay was used to dete rmine the op ti mal concent ration of P38-MAPK specific inhibitor. The COPD cell model was created by tracheal chondrocyte which dispose by optimal concent ration CSE, then add the IL-1P set up the chond rocyte degene ration model, use the method of toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical authenticate degeneration of cartilage. This research included control group, model group, model-Tiaobufeishen group, model-blocker group. When the model was set up succeed, add the Tiaobufeishen decoction and P38-MAPK blocke r in the model-Tiaobufeishen and model-blocke r gr oups, r espectively. Weste rn Blot was used to detect the exp ression of caveolin-1 and p-p38 in the chond rocyte. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MMP3 and caveolin-1 in the matrix. Results: The cell activity was not influence by the concentration of Tiaobufeishen decoction and blocker, the concentration of the CSE model was moderation. Compared with control group, the level of caveolin-1, p38MAPK, MMP3 in the model group was significant increase, moreover, the result of toluidine blue staining and immunohistochemical methods show that the chond rocyte has obvious reg ression. The exp ression of caveolin-1, p38MAPK, and MMP3 have significant decrease than the control group, and the reduction of chondrocyte degeneration. Conclusion: The caveolin-1-p38MAPK signaling pathway play an important role in the morbidity of the tracheobronchomalacia. Tiaobufeishen decoction could decrease the exp ression of the caveolin-1, p-p38, MMP3, inhibit the activa tion of the caveolin-1-p38MAPK signaling pathway, therefore, it can improve the tracheobronchomalacia.

BcSDR1 is involved in regulation of glucose transport and cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways in Botrytis cinerea

Botrytis cinerea is a typical necrotrophic pathogenic fungus that causes severe diseases in a wide range of plant species, leading to significant economic losses. Our previous study showed that BcSDR1 positively regulates growth,development, and pathogenicity of B. cinerea. However, the regulation mechanism of BcSDR1 and the relationship between BcSDR1 and cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways are not well understood. In this study, transcriptome data showed that BcSDR1 is involved in glucose transmembrane transport, signal transduction, secondary metabolism, and other biological processes. BcSDR1 mutant(BCt41) showed remarkably weak sensitivity to cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways specific inhibitors, SQ22536 and U0126, and significantly decreased cAMP content. The key genes of cAMP and MAPK signaling pathways, BcGB1, BcBTP1, BcBOS1, BcRAS1, and BcBMP3 were significantly upregulated,whereas BcPLC1, BcBCG1, BcCDC4, BcSAK1, BcATF1, and BcBAP1 were significantly downregulated(P<0.05).BcSDR1 was obviously upregulated in BcBCG2, BcBCG3, BcPKA1, and BcPKAR RNA interference(RNAi) mutants, but significantly downregulated in BcPKA2, BcBMP1, and BcBMP3 RNAi mutants. Thus, BcBCG2, BcBCG3, BcPKA1, and BcPKAR negatively regulate BcSDR1 expression, whereas BcPKA2, BcBMP1, and BcBMP3 positively regulate BcSDR1expression.

To investigate the effects of butylphthalide on reducing neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by inhibiting the JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of butylphthalide on reducing neuronal apoptosis in rats with cerebral infarction by inhibiting the JNK/P38 MAPK signaling pathway.Methods:Forty-eight SD male rats were divided into DZ group(control group),CI group(model group)and NBP group(butylphthalide group).Rats in CI group and NBP group were used to establish cerebral infarction models.NBP group used NBP.The solution(80 mg/(kg?d))was administered orally,and the remaining two groups were administered with the same volume of peanut oil.After 14 consecutive days of treatment,the Zea Longa score was used to evaluate the neurological function of DZ,CI and NBP rats.Scoring,TTC staining was used to observe the cerebral infarction volume of rats in DZ group,CI group and NBP group,HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of brain tissue in DZ group,CI group and NBP group.Neuronal apoptosis,Western blot was used to detect the expression of p-JNK and p-p38MAPK in brain tissues of DZ group,CI group and NBP group.Results:The neurological function of the rats in the CI group was higher than that in the DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The neurological function score of the rats in the NBP group was reduced compared with the CI group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The cerebral infarction volume in the group was 35.56%higher than that in the DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The minor infarct volume in the NBP group was 21.59%,which was less than that in the CI group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Nerve cells are neatly sorted,with a large number.The gap between blood vessels and interstitial tissue in the CI group is enlarged,the cells are severely contracted,and the neuron structure is incomplete.Compared with the CI group,the NBP group has reduced neuron contraction and increased number;The dead nerve cells were brown.The apoptosis rate of nerve cells in the CI group was 79.65%higher than that in the DZ group was 5.82%.The difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The nerve cell apoptosis rate in the NBP group was 30.23%.Compared with CI group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);Western blot results showed that p-JNK and p-p38MAPK protein expression in CI group was higher than that in DZ group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of p-JNK and p-p38MAPK proteins in the NBP group were lower than those in the CI group.There was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Butylphthalide can improve neurological damage,reduce apoptotic nerve cells,and reduce infarct volume in rats with cerebral infarction,which is related to the inhibition of JNK/P38 MAPK pathway expression.

Substrate Stiffness Affects Endothelial Cell Junctions and MAPK Signaling Pathway

Vascular homeostasis is critical for maintaining normal vascular structure and function. Aging is an irreversible trigger of vascular sclerosis, which causes structural and functional damage to blood vessels, leading to severe atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells (ECs) can respond to mechanical stimuli from the extracellular matrix, causing disruption of endothelial barrier function and activating signaling pathways to regulate cellular behavior under pathological conditions. In this paper, we investigated the effect of substrate stiffness on endothelial cell junctions, and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. An in vitro stiffness model was established using polyacrylamide hydrogels of 1 kPa, 20 kPa and 100 kPa. By transcriptome analysis, we found that the cell-cell junction, cadherin binding, cytoskeleton and classical signaling pathways such as MAPK and Rho GTPase of endothelial cells were regulated by substrate stiffness. The expression of cell junction-related molecules TJP1, TJP2, JAM3 and JCAD was also found to be reduced at higher stiffness. The MAPK signaling pathway-related molecules MAP2K3, MAP2K7, MAP3K3, MAP3K6, MAPK3, MAPK7 were upregulated with increased stiffness. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the gene expression of JCAD was reduced with increased stiffness. Immunofluorescence staining of VE-cadherin indicated that the total fluorescence level of VE-cadherin decreased significantly with increased stiffness, and stiffness impaired the cell-cell junction with increased punctuation and discontinuity. Western blotting analysis confirmed that the protein expression ratio of pp38MAPK/p38MAPK increased with stiffness. Our research suggested that substrate stiffness played an important role in regulating endothelial cell integrity and MAPK signaling pathway.

MiR-204-3p overexpression inhibits gastric carcinoma cell proliferation by inhibiting the MAPK pathway and RIP1/MLK1 necroptosis pathway to promote apoptosis

BACKGROUND Gastric carcinoma(GC)is the third most frequent cause of cancer-related death,highlighting the pressing need for novel clinical treatment options.In this regard,microRNAs(miRNAs)have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy.Studies have shown that miRNAs can regulate related signaling pathways,acting as tumor suppressors or tumor promoters.AIM To explore the effect of miR-204-3p on GC cells.METHODS We measured the expression levels of miR-204-3p in GC cells using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,followed by the delivery of miR-204-3p overexpression and miR-204-3p knockdown vectors into GC cells.CCK-8 was used to detect the effect of miR-204-3p on the proliferation of GC cells,and the colony formation ability of GC cells was detected by the clonal formation assay.The effects of miR-204-3p on GC cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry.The BABL/c nude mouse subcutaneous tumor model using MKN-45 cells was constructed to verify the effect of miR-204-3p on the tumorigenicity of GC cells.Furthermore,the study investigated the effects of miR-204-3p on various proteins related to the MAPK signaling pathway,necroptosis signaling pathway and apoptosis signaling pathway on GC cells using Western blot techniques.RESULTS Firstly,we found that the expression of miR-204-3p in GC was low.When treated with the lentivirus overexpression vector,miR-204-3p expression significantly increased,but the lentivirus knockout vector had no significant effect on miR-204-3p.In vitro experiments confirmed that miR-204-3p overexpression inhibited GC cell viability,promoted cell apoptosis,blocked the cell cycle,and inhibited colony formation ability.In vivo animal experiments confirmed that miR-204-3p overexpression inhibited subcutaneous tumorigenesis ability in BABL/c nude mice.Simultaneously,our results verified that miR-204-3p overexpression can inhibit GC cell proliferation by inhibiting protein expression levels of KRAS and p-ERK1/2 in the MAPK pathway,as well as inhibiting protein expression levels of p-RIP1 and p-MLK1 in the necroptosis pathway to promote the BCL-2/BAX/Caspase-3 apoptosis pathway.CONCLUSION MiR-204-3p overexpression inhibited GC cell proliferation by inhibiting the MAPK pathway and necroptosis pathway to promote apoptosis of GC cells.Thus,miR-204-3p may represent a new potential therapeutic target for GC.

MIF May Participate in Pathogenesis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Rats through MAPK Signalling pathway

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) model was established in fats and correlation between the expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and cytokinesis with the MAPK signalling pathway in the rat ovary was measured. The PCOS model in rats was established by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).Thirty sexually immature female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly and equally assigned to three groups:control group,PCOS group,and PCOS with high-fat diet (HFD) group.Serum hormones were assayed by radioimmunoassay (RIA).The ovaries'were immunohistochemically stained with MIF,and the expression of MIF,p-JNK and p-p38 was detected by Western blotting in ovaries.The serum testosterone level,LH concentration,LH/FSH ratio,fasting insulin level and HOMA IR index in the PCOS group (6.077±0.478,13.809±1.701,1.820±0.404,10.83±1.123 and 1.8692±0.1096)and PCOS with HFD group (6.075±0.439,14.075±1.927,1.779±0.277,10.20±1.377 and 1.7736±0.6851)were significantly higher than those in the control group (4.949±0.337, 2.458±0.509,1.239±0.038,9.53±0.548 and 1.5329±0.7363),but there was no significant difference between the PCOS group and PCOS with HFD group.The expression levels of MIF,p-JNK,and p-p38 in the PCOS group (0.4048±0.013,0.6233±0.093 and 0.7987±0.061)and PCOS withHFD group (0.1929±0.012,0.3346±0.103 and 0.3468±0.031)were obviously higher than those in control group (0.2492±0.013, 0.3271±0.093 and 0.3393±0.061),but no Significant difference was observed between PCOS group and PCOS with HFD group.It was suggested that MIF may participate in the pathogenesis of PCOS through the MAPK signalling pathway in PCOS rats induced by DHEA.

Exogenous p27KIP1 expression induces anti-tumour effects and inhibits the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in PC3 cells

p27 is a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor that regulates the progression of cells from G1 to S phase of the cell cycle. Loss of p27 has been associated with disease progression and with an unfavourable outcome in prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated whether exogenous p27 expression in the human androgen-independent prostate cancer PC3 cell line had any effect on cell growth, and we studied the molecular mechanisms involved. p27 expression was restored in PC3 cells by plasmid delivery. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed in PC3 cells transfected with p27. We also investigated the effects of p27 on the epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）/ phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/Akt signalling pathway in PC3 cells. By restoring p27 expression in PC3 cells, we observed that p27 reduced proliferation and induced arrest in G0/G1 phase. Moreover, p27-transfected PC3 cells underwent apoptosis, as shown by flow cytometric analysis and western blotting analysis of Bcl-2, Bax, Bad, caspase-3 and poly（ADP-ribose）polymerase expression. Furthermore, the p27-induced anti-tumour action corre- lated with inhibition of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway, as confirmed by western blotting analysis and densitometry of EGFR, PI3K （p85）, Akt and p-Akts473 expression. Our results suggest that exogenous expression of p27 inhibits the proliferation of PC3 cells through induction of G1 arrest and apoptosis, and this process correlates with inhibition of the EGFR/PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

Promotion effect of FOXCUT as a microRNA sponge for miR-24-3p on progression in triple-negative breast cancer through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway

Background:Triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)is a type of highly invasive breast cancer with a poor prognosis.According to new research,long noncoding RNAs(lncRNAs)play a significant role in the progression of cancer.Although the role of lncRNAs in breast cancer has been well reported,few studies have focused on TNBC.This study aimed to explore the biological function and clinical significance of forkhead box C1 promoter upstream transcript(FOXCUT)in triple-negative breast cancer.Methods:Based on a bioinformatic analysis of the cancer genome atlas(TCGA)database,we detected that the lncRNA FOXCUT was overexpressed in TNBC tissues,which was further validated in an external cohort of tissues from the General Surgery Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University.The functions of FOXCUT in proliferation,migration,and invasion were detected in vitro or in vivo.Luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP)were performed to reveal that FOXCUT acted as a competitive endogenous RNA(ceRNA)for the microRNA miR-24-3p and consequently inhibited the degradation of p38.Results:lncRNA FOXCUT was markedly highly expressed in breast cancer,which was associated with poor prognosis in some cases.Knockdown of FOXCUT significantly inhibited cancer growth and metastasis in vitro or in vivo.Mechanistically,FOXCUT competitively bounded to miR-24-3p to prevent the degradation of p38,which might act as an oncogene in breast cancer.Conclusion:Collectively,this research revealed a novel FOXCUT/miR-24-3p/p38 axis that affected breast cancer progression and suggested that the lncRNA FOXCUT could be a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Nucleolin Mediates LPS-induced Expression of Inflammatory Mediators and Activation of Signaling Pathways

Summary:In this study,we investigated the effects of nucleolin on lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced activation of MAPK and NF-KappaB(NF-kB)signaling pathways and secretion of TNF-a,IL-1βand HMGB1 in THP-1 monocytes.Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting were used to identify the nucleolin expression in cell membrane,cytoplasm and nucleus of THP-1 monocytes.Inactivation of nucleolin was induced by neutralizing antibody against nucleolin.THP-1 monocytes were pretreated with anti-nucleolin antibody for 1 h prior to LPS challenge.The irrelevant IgG group was used as control.Secretion of inflammatory mediators(TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1)and activation of MAPK and NF-kB/I-kB signaling pathways were examined to assess the effects of nucleolin on LPS-mediated inflammatory response.Nucleolin existed in cell membrane,cytoplasm and nucleus of THP-1 monocytes.Pretreatment of anti-nucleolin antibody significantly inhibited the LPS-induced secretion of TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1.P38,JNK,ERK and NF-κB subunit p65 inhibitors could significantly inhibit the secretion of IL-1β,TNF-a and HMGB1 induced by LPS.Moreover,the phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65)was significantly increased after LPS challenge.In contrast,pretreatment of anti-nucleolin antibody could significantly inhibit the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65).However,the irrelevant IgG,as a negative control,had no effect on LPS-induced secretion of TNF-a and IL-Iβ and phosphorylation of p38,JNK,ERK and p65(or nuclear translocation of p65).We demonstrated that nucleolin mediated the LPS-induced activation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways,and regulated the secretion of inflammatory mediators(TNF-a,IL-1β and HMGB1).

Effects of (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate on some protein factors involved in the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway

（-）-Epigallocatechin gallate （EGCG）, a major polyphenolic constituent of green tea, can inhibit activity of specific receptor tyrosine kinases （RTKs） and related downstream signal transduction pathways, resulting in the control of unwanted cell proliferation. The epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR） signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways that regulates growth, survival,proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells. This review addresses the effects of EGCG on some protein factors involved in the EGFR signaling pathway in a direct or indirect manner. Based on our understanding of the interaction between EGCG and these factors, and based on their structures, EGCG could be used as a lead compound for designing and synthesizing novel drugs with significant biological activity.

惠州客家人群食管癌EGFR蛋白表达及与MAPK信号通路相关性的初步研究

目的检测EGFR在惠州客家人群食管癌组织的表达,探讨EGFR与惠州客家人群食管癌发生发展之间的关系及与MAPK信号传导激活状态的相关性。方法采用免疫组织化学及免疫蛋白印迹方法 ,检测53例惠州客家人群食管癌和癌旁正常组织标本中EGFR、MAPK(ERK1/2)和p-ERK1/2蛋白的表达。结果 EGFR和p-ERK1/2在食管癌组织中的表达率显著高于癌旁正常组织(P<0.01);分化程度越低,EGFR和p-ERK1/2的表达越高;有淋巴结转移患者EGFR和p-ERK1/2的表达明显高于无淋巴转移者(P<0.01);浸润浅肌层患者的p-ERK1/2表达阳性率明显低于浸润深肌层(P<0.05)。结论 EGFR/MAPK信号传导与惠州客家人群食管癌的发生发展密切相关。伴随EGFR的过表达,MAPK(ERK1/2)信号通路活化水平升高,EGFR/MAPK信号通路可为食管癌的早期基因治疗提供新的靶点。

Mannitol inhibits the proliferation of neural stem cell by a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent signaling pathway

Purpose:Mannitol is one of the first-line drugs for reducing cerebral edema through increasing the extracellular osmotic pressure.However,long-term administration of mannitol in the treatment of cerebral edema triggers damage to neurons and astrocytes.Given that neural stem cell(NSC)is a subpopulation of main regenerative cells in the central nervous system after injury,the effect of mannitol on NSC is still elusive.The present study aims to elucidate the role of mannitol in NSC proliferation.Methods:C57 mice were derived from the animal house of Zunyi Medical University.A total of 15 pregnant mice were employed for the purpose of isolating NSCs in this investigation.Initially,mouse primary NSCs were isolated from the embryonic cortex of mice and subsequently identified through immunofluorescence staining.In order to investigate the impact of mannitol on NSC proliferation,both cell counting kit-8 assays and neurospheres formation assays were conducted.Thein vitro effects of mannitol were examined at various doses and time points.In order to elucidate the role of Aquaporin 4(AQP4)in the suppressive effect of mannitol on NSC proliferation,various assays including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,western blotting,and immunocytochemistry were conducted on control and mannitol-treated groups.Additionally,the phosphorylated p38(p-p38)was examined to explore the potential mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of mannitol on NSC proliferation.Finally,to further confirm the involvement of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent(MAPK)signaling pathway in the observed inhibition of NSC proliferation by mannitol,SB203580 was employed.All data were analyzed using SPSS 20.0 software(SPSS,Inc.,Chicago,IL).The statistical analysis among multiple comparisons was performed using one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA),followed by Turkey’’s post hoc test in case of the data following a normal distribution using a Shapiro-Wilk normality test.Comparisons between 2 groups were determined using Student’s t-test,if the data exhibited a normal distribution using a Shapiro-Wilk normality test.Meanwhile,data were shown as median and interquartile range and analyzed using the Mann-WhitneyU test,if the data failed the normality test.A p<0.05 was considered as significant difference.Results:Primary NSC were isolated from the mice,and the characteristics were identified using immunostaining analysis.Thereafter,the results indicated that mannitol held the capability of inhibiting NSC proliferation in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner using cell counting kit-8,neurospheres formation,and immunostaining of Nestin and Ki67 assays.During the process of mannitol suppressing NSC proliferation,the expression of AQP4 mRNA and protein was downregulated,while the gene expression of p-p38 was elevated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction,immunostaining,and western blotting assays.Subsequently,the administration of SB203580,one of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway inhibitors,partially abrogated this inhibitory effect resulting from mannitol,supporting the fact that the p38 MAPK signaling pathway participated in curbing NSC proliferation induced by mannitol.Conclusions:Mannitol inhibits NSC proliferation through downregulating AQP4,while upregulating the expression of p-p38 MAPK.

奥沙利铂抑制EGFR-MAPK促进HCT116细胞凋亡

结直肠癌(colorectal cancer,CRC)是全世界最常见的肿瘤之一^([1]),致病原因复杂,发病率及复发率高。奥沙利铂(oxaliplatin,OXA)是第三代铂类化疗药的代表药物,与DNA发生交联后细胞周期停滞,诱导细胞凋亡,但在临床发现严重毒副作用^([2])。丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(mitogen-activated protein kinase,MAPK)和表皮生长因子受体(epidermal growth factor receptor,EGFR)在细胞生长和凋亡中起关键作用^([3])。抑制MAPK/ERK信号通路促进细胞凋亡^([4]),因此探究奥沙利铂通过EGFR-MAPK信号通路中EGFR-RAS-RAF-ERK1/2的信号级联反应产生的作用机制,为奥沙利铂靶向用药及临床应用提供数据支持。

N-乙酰半胱氨酸通过调控EGFR/MAPK信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病气道黏液高分泌的作用研究

目的:研究N-乙酰半胱氨酸(NAC)通过调控表皮生长因子受体/丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(EGFR/MAPK)信号通路对慢性阻塞性肺疾病(COPD)气道黏液高分泌的作用。方法:30只雄性清洁级Wistar大鼠,随机分为3组,各10只,对照组为健康大鼠,模型组为COPD气道黏液高分泌大鼠,NAC组自造模起予以3 mmol/kg 100 μL NAC,共30 d,比较各组肺组织病理结果、气道阻力(RL)和动态顺应性(Cdyn)、血气分析[动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO 2)、动脉血氧分压(PaO 2)]、黏膜层厚度/支气管壁厚度(Reid指数)、气道上皮阳性杯状细胞/总上皮细胞数、EGFR/MAPK信号通路蛋白[EGFR、磷酸化应激活化蛋白激酶(p-JNK)/总JNK、磷酸化-丝裂原活化蛋白激酶p38(p-P38MAPK)/总P38、磷酸化细胞外调节蛋白激酶(p-ERK)/总ERK、黏蛋白5AC(MUC5AC)]表达。结果:对照组上皮细胞、气道黏膜上皮、黏膜下腺体、支气管管壁无异常,管腔无分泌物;模型组肺间质血管充血,肺泡间隔变薄、断裂,相邻肺泡融合形成较多囊腔,上皮细胞存在明显增厚、增生、坏死脱落,黏膜下腺体肥大,杯状细胞增生,支气管周围炎性细胞浸润明显,管壁平滑肌束萎缩、断裂;NAC组与对照组相比,存在异常,但与模型组相比,各病理特征均减轻;模型组Cdyn、PaO 2低于对照组,RL、PaCO 2高于对照组(P<0.05);NAC组Cdyn、PaO 2高于模型组,RL、PaCO 2低于模型组(P<0.05);模型组Reid指数、阳性杯状细胞/总上皮细胞数高于对照组(P<0.05);NAC组Reid指数、阳性杯状细胞/总上皮细胞数低于模型组,但与对照组相比,差异仍具有统计学意义(P<0.05);模型组p-JNK/JNK、p-P38/P38、p-ERK/ERK、MUC5AC高于对照组(P<0.05);NAC组p-JNK/JNK、p-P38/P38、p-ERK/ERK、MUC5AC低于模型组,但与对照组相比,差异仍具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:N-乙酰半胱氨酸能通过抑制EGFR/MAPK信号通路表达,改善慢性阻塞性肺疾病支气管黏液腺体增生、杯状细胞广泛化生,抑制气道黏液高分泌状态,提高大鼠肺功能。

Maackiain inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells by inhibiting the MAPK/Ras signaling pathway

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is the third most common malignancy with a high recurrence and metastasis rate in South China.Natural compounds extracted from traditional Chinese herbal medicines have been developed and utilized for the treatment of a variety of cancers with modest properties and slight side effects.Maackiain(MA)is a type of flavonoid that was first isolated from leguminous plants,and it has been reported to relieve various nervous system disorders and exert anti-allergic as well as antiinflammatory effects.In this study,we demonstrated that MA inhibited proliferation,arrested cell cycle and induced apoptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma CNE1 and CNE2 cells in vitro and in vivo.The expression of the related proteins associated with these processes were consistent with the above effects.Moreover,transcriptome sequencing and subsequent Western blot experiments revealed that inhibition of the MAPK/Ras pathway may be responsible to the anti-tumor effect of MA on NPC cells.Therefore,the effects of MA and an activator of this pathway,tertiary butylhydroquinone(TBHQ),alone or combination,were investigated.The results showed TBHQ neutralized the inhibitory effects of MA.These data suggest that MA exerts its anti-tumor effect by inhibiting the MAPK/Ras signaling pathway and it has the potential to become a treatment for patients with NPC.

ANTI-OXIDATIVE MECHANISMS OF PRAVASTATIN PREVENTING AORTIC ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN apoE KNOCKOUT MICE:ROLE OF p38 MAPK PATHWAY

Objective To determine whether pravastatin exerts anti-oxidative effects on preventing aortic＂ atherosclerosis via modulating p38 MAPK pathway. Methods Male 8-week-old apoE^-/- mice fed a diet containing 1.25% cholesterol （wt/wt） were divided into pravastatin group administered with pravastatin （80 mg. kg ^-1· d^-1 ） and atherosclerosis group administered with PBS; and male 8-week-old C57BL/6J mice fed a normal diet were as control group （ n = 12 ）. In thoracoabdominal aortas of mice, levels of Malondialdehyde （ MDA ） and activities of superoxide dismutase （ SOD ） were measured and expression of phosphorylated p38 MAPK （ p-p38 MAPK） and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcr（ption 1 （pSTAT1） were examined by Western blotting. Results After eight weeks, atherosclerosis in aortic root was significantly prevented by pravastatin. In aortic atherosclerosis lesion, the level of MDA was significantly reduced; adversely the activity, of SOD was increased. Expressions of p-p38 MAPK and pSTAT1 were significantly decreased in aortic atherosclerosis lesion. Conclusion Our results suggests that anti-oxidative mechanisms of pravastatin preventing aortic atherosclerosis may partially depend on modulating p38 MAPK signal pathway.