Activation of the wnt/β-catenin/CYP1B1 pathway alleviates oxidative stress and protects the blood-brain barrier under cerebral ischemia/reperfusion conditions

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway participate in stroke-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier.However,the potential links between them following ischemic stroke remain largely unknown.The present study found that cerebral ischemia leads to oxidative stress and repression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Meanwhile,Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by the pharmacological inhibito r,TWS119,relieved oxidative stress,increased the levels of cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1)and tight junction-associated proteins(zonula occludens-1[ZO-1],occludin and claudin-5),as well as brain microvascular density in cerebral ischemia rats.Moreove r,rat brain microvascular endothelial cells that underwent oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation displayed intense oxidative stress,suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,aggravated cell apoptosis,downregulated CYP1B1and tight junction protein levels,and inhibited cell prolife ration and migration.Overexpression ofβ-catenin or knockdown ofβ-catenin and CYP1B1 genes in rat brain mic rovascular endothelial cells at least partly ameliorated or exacerbated these effects,respectively.In addition,small interfering RNA-mediatedβ-catenin silencing decreased CYP1B1 expression,whereas CYP1B1 knoc kdown did not change the levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β,Wnt-3a,andβ-catenin proteins in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivatio n/reoxygenation.Thus,the data suggest that CYP1B1 can be regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling,and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin/CYP1B1 pathway contributes to alleviation of oxidative stress,increased tight junction levels,and protection of the blood-brain barrier against ischemia/hypoxia-induced injury.

Argatroban promotes recovery of spinal cord injury by inhibiting the PAR1/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Argatroban is a synthetic thrombin inhibitor approved by U.S.Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of thrombosis.However,whether it plays a role in the repair of spinal cord injury is unknown.In this study,we established a rat model of T10 moderate spinal cord injury using an NYU Impactor ModerⅢand performed intraperitoneal injection of argatroban for 3 consecutive days.Our results showed that argatroban effectively promoted neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury and decreased thrombin expression and activity in the local injured spinal cord.RNA sequencing transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes in the argatroban-treated group were enriched in the JAK2/STAT3 pathway,which is involved in astrogliosis and glial scar formation.Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that argatroban downregulated the expression of the thrombin receptor PAR1 in the injured spinal cord and the JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway.Argatroban also inhibited the activation and proliferation of astrocytes and reduced glial scar formation in the spinal cord.Taken together,these findings suggest that argatroban may inhibit astrogliosis by inhibiting the thrombin-mediated PAR1/JAK2/STAT3 signal pathway,thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury.

Prohibitin 1 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis via the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway in vitro

BACKGROUND Prohibitin 1(PHB1)has been identified as an antiproliferative protein that is highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed,and it participates in a variety of essential cellular functions,including apoptosis,cell cycle regulation,prolifera-tion,and survival.Emerging evidence indicates that PHB1 may play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).However,the role of PHB1 in HCC is controversial.AIM To investigate the effects of PHB1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human HCC cells and the relevant mechanisms in vitro.METHODS HCC patients and healthy individuals were enrolled in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria;then,PHB1 levels in the sera and liver tissues of these participates were determined using ELISA,RT-PCR,and immunohistoche-mistry.Human HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells were transfected with the pEGFP-PHB1 plasmid and PHB1-specific shRNA(shRNA-PHB1)for 24-72 h.Cell prolif-eration was analysed with an MTT assay.Cell cycle progression and apoptosis were analysed using flow cytometry(FACS).The mRNA and protein expression levels of the cell cycle-related molecules p21,Cyclin A2,Cyclin E1,and CDK2 and the cell apoptosis-related molecules cytochrome C(Cyt C),p53,Bcl-2,Bax,caspase 3,and caspase 9 were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot,respectively.RESULTS Decreased levels of PHB1 were found in the sera and liver tissues of HCC patients compared to those of healthy individuals,and decreased PHB1 was positively correlated with low differentiation,TNM stage III-IV,and alpha-fetoprotein≥400μg/L.Overexpression of PHB1 significantly inhibited human HCC cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner.FACS revealed that the overexpression of PHB1 arrested HCC cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle and induced apoptosis.The proportion of cells in the G0/G1 phase was significantly increased and the proportion of cells in the S phase was decreased in HepG2 cells that were transfected with pEGFP-PHB1 compared with untreated control and empty vector-transfected cells.The percentage of apoptotic HepG2 cells that were transfected with pEGFP-PHB1 was 15.41%±1.06%,which was significantly greater than that of apoptotic control cells(3.65%±0.85%,P<0.01)and empty vector-transfected cells(4.21%±0.52%,P<0.01).Similar results were obtained with SMMC-7721 cells.Furthermore,the mRNA and protein expression levels of p53,p21,Bax,caspase 3,and caspase 9 were increased while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Cyclin A2,Cy-clin E1,CDK2,and Bcl-2 were decreased when PHB1 was overexpressed in human HCC cells.However,when PHB1 was upregulated in human HCC cells,Cyt C expression levels were increased in the cytosol and decreased in the mitochondria,which indicated that Cyt C had been released into the cytosol.Conversely,these effects were reversed when PHB1 was knocked down.CONCLUSION PHB1 inhibits human HCC cell viability by arresting the cell cycle and inducing cell apoptosis via activation of the p53-mediated mitochondrial pathway.

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

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

Danggui Shaoyao powder improves hepatic lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis mice via PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 pathway regulation

Objective:To observe the effects of Danggui Shaoyao powder(DSP)on hepatic lipid metabolism and further explore its mechanism of action by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPARγ)-liver X receptor(LXRα)-adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-binding cassette transporter A1(ABCA1)pathway regulation.Methods: Eight C57BL/6J male mice were selected as the control group,and 24 ApoE^(−/−)male mice were randomly divided into the atherosclerosis model(AS)group,atorvastatin calcium(AC)group,and DSP group(n=8 each group).To establish an AS model,ApoE^(−/−)mice were fed a high-fat diet for 16 weeks.Pathologic changes in the aortic vasculature and liver were identified using Oil Red O staining.Triglyceride(TG),cholesterol(TC),and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)levels were determined in the livers using a single-reagent GPO-PAP method.Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to observe and evaluate the mRNA and protein expression of the PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 intermediates in the liver.Results: After 16 weeks of a high-fat diet,ApoE^(−/−)mice showed more Oil Red O staining in the aorta and liver compared to the CONT group.Compared to the AS group,the DSP and AC treatment reduced aortic plaque and hepatic lipid deposition to varying degrees.Furthermore,DSP significantly reduced the hepatic lipid area in ApoE^(−/−)mice(P<.001)and decreased the levels of TG,TC,and LDL-C in liver(P<.001,P=.027,P<.001,respectively).DSP also significantly increased the levels of PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,and ABCG1 mRNA expression,as well as the PPARγ,LXRα,ABCA1,and ABCG1 protein expression in liver.Conclusion: DSP improved hepatic lipid metabolism via PPARγ-LXRα-ABCA1 pathway modulation for AS treatment.

Silvestrol alleviates glioblastoma progression through ERK pathway modulation and MANBA and NRG-1 expression

Background:Glioblastoma,a notably malignant tumor within the central nervous system,is distinguished by its aggressive behavior.Silvestrol,a robust inhibitor of the RNA helicase eukaryotic initiation factor 4A(eIF4A),has shown significant potential as an anticancer compound.Yet,the impact of silvestrol on glioblastoma,especially its molecular mechanisms,has not been fully elucidated.Methods:This investigation employed a variety of in vitro assays,such as cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),clonogenic,5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine(EDU),wound healing,and flow cytometry,to evaluate cell cycle progression,apoptosis,cell viability,and migration.Western blot analysis was also performed to study the apoptosis and extracellular regulated kinase(ERK)pathways.After the ERK pathway was inhibited,differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in U87 cells were identified,followed by an analysis of target genes using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis(GEPIA)database.Results:Silvestrol significantly suppressed the proliferation,migration,and colony formation of glioma cells.It caused cell cycle arrest and enhanced apoptosis in these cells.Additionally,silvestrol stimulated the ERK pathway,with these effects being reversible by an ERK phosphorylation inhibitor.Transcriptome combined with GEPIA,GSCA,UALCAN,TIMER database screened 4 potential drug targets of silvestrol:chromosome 1 open reading frame 226(C1ORF226),mannosidase beta A(MANBA),IQ motif and Sec7 domain 2(IQSEC2),neuregulin 1(NRG-1).Among them,C1ORF226 was lower risk gene while MANBA,IQSEC2,and NRG-1 were high-risk genes.Furthermore,silvestrol notably reduced MANBA mRNA levels,which could be reversed by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation.Furthermore,silvestrol markedly decreased NRG-1 protein levels,with an additional reduction observed when the ERK pathway was blocked.Conclusion:Silvestrol’s anti-glioma effects are primarily due to the suppression of MANBA expression via the ERK pathway and possibly by hindering the translation of NRG-1 protein,thus reducing its expression.The downregulation of MANBA and NRG-1 proteins may be crucial in hindering glioma development and progression.These results highlight the intricate relationship between the ERK pathway and gene expression regulation in silvestrol’s therapeutic effectiveness against glioma.

Downregulation of MUC1 Inhibits Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis by Inactivating NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Human Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Objective To investigate the effect of mucin 1(MUC1)on the proliferation and apoptosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)and its regulatory mechanism.Methods The 60 NPC and paired para-cancer normal tissues were collected from October 2020 to July 2021 in Quanzhou First Hospital.The expression of MUC1 was measured by real-time quantitative PCR(qPCR)in the patients with PNC.The 5-8F and HNE1 cells were transfected with siRNA control(si-control)or siRNA targeting MUC1(si-MUC1).Cell proliferation was analyzed by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assay,and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry analysis in the 5-8F and HNE1 cells.The qPCR and ELISA were executed to analyze the levels of TNF-αand IL-6.Western blot was performed to measure the expression of MUC1,NFкB and apoptosis-related proteins(Bax and Bcl-2).Results The expression of MUC1 was up-regulated in the NPC tissues,and NPC patients with the high MUC1 expression were inclined to EBV infection,growth and metastasis of NPC.Loss of MUC1 restrained malignant features,including the proliferation and apoptosis,downregulated the expression of p-IкB、p-P65 and Bcl-2 and upregulated the expression of Bax in the NPC cells.Conclusion Downregulation of MUC1 restrained biological characteristics of malignancy,including cell proliferation and apoptosis,by inactivating NF-κB signaling pathway in NPC.

LRP1 facilitates hepatic glycogenesis by improving the insulin signaling pathway in HFD-fed mice

Background: LDL receptor-related protein-1(LRP1) is a cell-surface receptor that functions in diverse physiological pathways. We previously demonstrated that hepatocyte-specific LRP1 deficiency(hLRP1KO) promotes diet-induced insulin resistance and increases hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice. However, it remains unclear whether LRP1 regulates hepatic glycogenesis.Methods: Insulin signaling, glycogenic gene expression, and glycogen content were assessed in mice and HepG2 cells. The pcDNA 3.1 plasmid and adeno-associated virus serotype 8 vector(AAV8) were used to overexpress the truncated β-chain(βΔ) of LRP1 both in vitro and in vivo.Results: On a normal chow diet, hLRP1KO mice exhibited impaired insulin signaling and decreased glycogen content. Moreover, LRP1 expression in HepG2 cells was significantly repressed by palmitate in a dose-and time-dependent manner. Both LRP1 knockdown and palmitate treatment led to reduced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β, increased levels of phosphorylated glycogen synthase(GYS), and diminished glycogen synthesis in insulin-stimulated HepG2 cells, which was restored by exogenous expression of the βΔ-chain. By contrast, AAV8-mediated hepatic βΔ-chain overexpression significantly improved the insulin signaling pathway, thus activating glycogenesis and enhancing glycogen storage in the livers of high-fat diet(HFD)-fed mice.Conclusion: Our data revealed that LRP1, especially its β-chain, facilitates hepatic glycogenesis by improving the insulin signaling pathway, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for hepatic insulin resistance-related diseases.

Enhancement of porcine in vitro embryonic development through luteolin‑mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway

Background Oxidative stress,caused by an imbalance in the production and elimination of intracellular reactive oxygen species(ROS),has been recognized for its detrimental effects on mammalian embryonic development.Luteolin(Lut)has been documented for its protective effects against oxidative stress in various studies.However,its specific role in embryonic development remains unexplored.This study aims to investigate the influence of Lut on porcine embryonic development and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results After undergoing parthenogenetic activation(PA)or in vitro fertilization,embryos supplemented with 0.5μmol/L Lut displayed a significant enhancement in cleavage and blastocyst formation rates,with an increase in total cell numbers and a decrease in the apoptosis rate compared to the control.Measurements on D2 and D6 revealed that embryos with Lut supplementation had lower ROS levels and higher glutathione levels compared to the control.Moreover,Lut supplementation significantly augmented mitochondrial content and membrane potential.Intriguingly,activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway was observed in embryos supplemented with Lut,leading to the upregulation of antioxidant-related gene transcription levels.To further validate the relationship between the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway and effects of Lut in porcine embryonic development,we cultured PA embryos in a medium supplemented with brusatol,with or without the inclusion of Lut.The positive effects of Lut on developmental competence were negated by brusatol treatment.Conclusions Our findings indicate that Lut-mediated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway contributes to the enhanced production of porcine embryos with high developmental competence,and offers insight into the mechanisms regulating early embryonic development.

Netrin-1 signaling pathway mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases

Netrin-1 and its receptors play crucial roles in inducing axonal growth and neuronal migration during neuronal development.Their profound impacts then extend into adulthood to encompass the maintenance of neuronal survival and synaptic function.Increasing amounts of evidence highlight several key points:(1)Diminished Netrin-1 levels exacerbate pathological progression in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,and potentially,similar alterations occur in humans.(2)Genetic mutations of Netrin-1 receptors increase an individuals’susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders.(3)Therapeutic approaches targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors offer the benefits of enhancing memory and motor function.(4)Netrin-1 and its receptors show genetic and epigenetic alterations in a variety of cancers.These findings provide compelling evidence that Netrin-1 and its receptors are crucial targets in neurodegenerative diseases.Through a comprehensive review of Netrin-1 signaling pathways,our objective is to uncover potential therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders.

Exploring the effect of Bushen Bitong recipe-containing serum on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis based on SOX9/NF-κB/MMP-13 signaling pathway

Objective:To observe the effect and possible mechanism of action of Bushen Bitong recipe(BSBT)containing serum on IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.Methods:Generation 3 rat chondrocytes were randomized into Control,IL-1β,IL-1β+BSBT(L),IL-1β+BSBT(M),and IL-1β+BSBT(H)groups(5%,10%and 15%BSBT-containing serum),and then 24h after intervention respectively,the cell proliferation and Apoptosis rate;Western blot detected the expression levels of Bcl-2,BAX,Caspase-3,SOX9,NF-κB p65,MMP-13 proteins in chondrocytes.ELISA detected the levels of TNF-α,IL-6,and bFGF in the supernatants of chondrocyte culture.Results:Compared with Control group,cell proliferation activity decreased,apoptosis rate increased,NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-α,IL-6 level increased,and SOX9 protein level and bFGF level decreased in IL-1βgroup;compared with IL-1βgroup,different concentrations of BSBT-containing serum group,cell proliferation activity increased,and apoptosis rate decreased.NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-α,IL-6 level decreased,SOX9 protein level and bFGF level increased;compared with IL-1β+BSBT(L)group,cell proliferation activity increased,apoptosis rate decreased in IL-1β+BSBT(M)and IL-1β+BSBT(H)groups,and NF-κB p65,MMP-13 protein level and TNF-αlevel decreased.13 protein levels and TNF-αand IL-6 levels decreased,and SOX9 protein levels and bFGF levels increased.Conclusion:BSBT-containing serum may promote IL-1β-induced proliferation of chondrocytes,reduce apoptosis,improve the microenvironment of chondrocytes,and promote cartilage repair through the SOX9/NF-κB/MMP-13 signaling pathway.

Corilagin alleviates podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy by regulating autophagy via the SIRT1-AMPK pathway

BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is the most frequent chronic microvascular consequence of diabetes,and podocyte injury and malfunction are closely related to the development of DN.Studies have shown that corilagin(Cor)has hepatoprotective,anti-inflammatory,antibacterial,antioxidant,anti-hypertensive,antidiabetic,and anti-tumor activities.AIM To explore the protective effect of Cor against podocyte injury in DN mice and the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Streptozotocin and a high-fat diet were combined to generate DN mice models,which were then divided into either a Cor group or a DN group(n=8 in each group).Mice in the Cor group were intraperitoneally injected with Cor(30 mg/kg/d)for 12 wk,and mice in the DN group were treated with saline.Biochemical analysis was used to measure the blood lipid profiles.Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to detect pathological changes in kidney tissue.Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to assess the protein expression of nephrin and podocin.Mouse podocyte cells(MPC5)were cultured and treated with glucose(5 mmol/L),Cor(50μM),high glucose(HG)(30 mmol/L),and HG(30 mmol/L)plus Cor(50μM).Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting RESULTS Compared with the control group,the DN mice models had increased fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,triglycerides,and total cholesterol,decreased nephrin and podocin expression,increased apoptosis rate,elevated inflammatory cytokines,and enhanced oxidative stress.All of the conditions mentioned above were alleviated after intervention with Cor.In addition,Cor therapy improved SIRT1 and AMPK expression(P<0.001),inhibited reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress,and elevated autophagy in HG-induced podocytes(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Cor alleviates podocyte injury by regulating autophagy via the SIRT1-AMPK pathway,thereby exerting its protective impact on renal function in DN mice.

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.

Exploring the relationship between red blood cell levels and emotional regulation through the miR191-Riok3-Mxi1 pathway

Objective:To assess emotional fluctuations,physical and mental health status,and indicators closely related to red blood cells,such as RIO kinase 3(Riok3),MAX interactor 1(Mxi1),and microRNA 191(miR191),in participants with different levels of red blood cells.Methods:Participants who underwent physical examinations at Dongfang Hospital between April and October 2019 were divided into healthy,blood deficiency,and anemia groups(30 individuals in the healthy and blood deficiency group respectively,and 13 in the anemia group).The physical and mental conditions of the participants were evaluated through questionnaires,and emotional fluctuations were assessed through an emotion-inducing experiment,in which participants watched video segments designed to induce specific emotions.Relative expression levels of miR191,Riok3,and Mxi1 from venous blood samples were also determined.Results:The main psychological factors identified in the anemia and blood deficiency groups were obsessive-compulsive symptoms,depression,anxiety,and other negative emotions.Relative gene expression levels indicated that miR191 was upregulated and Riok3 and Mxi1 were downregulated in both the blood deficiency and anemia groups.Regarding the emotional score of disgust on video stage,the main effect was significant(F=335.58,P<.001),which showed that watching the three videos caused participants to have a dominant emotion,and there is a difference on group(F=5.35,P=.01),with higher disgust scores in the anemia and blood deficiency groups.The symptoms of blood deficiency and anemia,such as weakness in limbs were significantly negatively correlated with Riok3 and Mxi1 expression(r=-0.38 and-0.31 respectively),but was significantly positively correlated with miR191 expression(r=0.29).Conclusion:We determined that a close relationship exists between red blood cell levels and emotional status.Our findings suggest that individuals with anemia and blood deficiency are more likely to experience psychological problems and negative emotions,particularly disgust.We also demonstrate that emotional regulation is related to mir191-Riok3-Mxi1 pathway activity,identifying these pathway components are potential targets for genetic therapies in combination with psychological therapy.

Pachymic acid exerts antitumor activities by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B

Objective:To determine the inhibitory effects of pachymic acid on lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods:CCK-8,wound healing,Transwell,Western blot,tube formation,and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to measure the effects of various concentrations of pachymic acid on LUAD cell proliferation,metastasis,angiogenesis as well as autophagy.Subsequently,molecular docking technology was used to detect the potential targeted binding association between pachymic acid and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B).Moreover,PTP1B was overexpressed in A549 cells to detect the specific mechanisms of pachymic acid.Results:Pachymic acid suppressed LUAD cell viability,metastasis as well as angiogenesis while inducing cell autophagy.It also targeted PTP1B and lowered PTP1B expression.However,PTP1B overexpression reversed the effects of pachymic acid on metastasis,angiogenesis,and autophagy as well as the expression of Wnt3a andβ-catenin in LUAD cells.Conclusions:Pachymic acid inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis,and promotes autophagy in LUAD cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B.

MicroRNA-329-3p inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by targeting transcription factor 7-like 1

An important factor in the emergence and progre sion of osteosarcoma(OS)is the dysregulated expression of microRNAs(miRNAs).Transcription factor 7-like 1(TCF7LI),a member of the T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor(TCF/LEF)transcription factor family,interacts with the Wnt signaling pathway regulator β-catenin and acts as a DNA-specific binding protein.This study sought to elucidate the impact of the interaction between miR 3293p and TCF7L1 on.the growth and apoptosis of OS and analyze the regulatory expression relationship between miRNA and mRNA in osteosarcoma cells using a variety of approaches.MiR329-3p was significantly downregulated,while TCF7L1 was considerably up-regulated in all examined OS cell lines.Additionally,a clinical comparison study was performed using the TCGA database.Subsequently,the regulatory relationship between miR-329-3p and TCF7L1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of OS cells was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments.When miR 329-3p was transfected into the OS cell line,the expression of TCF7L1 decreased,the proliferation of OS cells was inhibited,the cytoskeleton disintegrated,and the nucleus condensed to fom apoptotic bodies.The expression of proteins that indicate apoptosis increased simultaneously.The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase,and the G1/S transition was blocked.The introduction of miR 3293p also inhibited downstream Cyclin D1 of the Wnt pathway.Xenograf experiments indicated that the overexpression of miR-329-3p signi ficanly inhibited the growth of OS xenografts in nude mice,and the expression of TCF7L1 and C-Myc in tumor tssues decreased.MiR 329-3p was significantly reduced in OS cells and played a suppressive role in tumorigenesis and proliferation by targeting TCF7L1 both in vitro and in vivo.Osteosarcoma cell cycle arrest and pathway inhibition were observed upon the regulation of TCF7LI by miR 3293p.Summarizing these results,it can be inferred that miR.3293p exerts anticancer efects in osteosarcoma by inhibiting TCF7L1.

MicroRNA-451 from Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Exosomes Inhibits Alveolar Macrophage Autophagy via Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway to Attenuate Burn-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats

Objective Our previous studies established that microRNA(miR)-451 from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes(hUC-MSC-Exos)alleviates acute lung injury(ALI).This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos reduces ALI by modulating macrophage autophagy.Methods Exosomes were isolated from hUC-MSCs.Severe burn-induced ALI rat models were treated with hUC-MSC-Exos carrying the miR-451 inhibitor.Hematoxylin-eosin staining evaluated inflammatory injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay measured lipopolysaccharide(LPS),tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-1βlevels.qRT-PCR detected miR-451 and tuberous sclerosis complex 1(TSC1)expressions.The regulatory role of miR-451 on TSC1 was determined using a dual-luciferase reporter system.Western blotting determined TSC1 and proteins related to the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway and autophagy.Immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to examine exosomes phagocytosis in alveolar macrophages and autophagy level.Results hUC-MSC-Exos with miR-451 inhibitor reduced burn-induced ALI and promoted macrophage autophagy.MiR-451 could be transferred from hUC-MSCs to alveolar macrophages via exosomes and directly targeted TSC1.Inhibiting miR-451 in hUC-MSC-Exos elevated TSC1 expression and inactivated the mTOR pathway in alveolar macrophages.Silencing TSC1 activated mTOR signaling and inhibited autophagy,while TSC1 knockdown reversed the autophagy from the miR-451 inhibitor-induced.Conclusion miR-451 from hUC-MSC exosomes improves ALI by suppressing alveolar macrophage autophagy through modulation of the TSC1/mTOR pathway,providing a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI.

Electroacupuncture improves myocardial fibrosis in heart failure rats by attenuating ECM collagen deposition through modulation of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway

Background: To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on cardiac function and myocardial fibrosis in rat models of heart failure, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of electroacupuncture in heart failure treatment. Methods: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into three groups: Sham group, Model group, and electroacupuncture (Model + EA) group, with each group comprising 8 rats. The model underwent a procedure involving the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce a model of heart failure. The Model + EA group was used for 7 consecutive days for electroacupuncture of bilateral Shenmen (HT7) and Tongli (HT5), once a day for 30 min each time. Left ventricular parameters in rats were assessed using a small-animal ultrasound machine to analyze changes in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular fractional shortening. Serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), cardiac troponin (cTn), and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor levels were measured using ELISA. Histopathological changes in rat myocardium were observed through HE staining, while collagen deposition in rat myocardial tissue was assessed using the Masson staining method. Picro sirius red staining, immunohistochemical staining, and RT-qPCR were utilized to distinguish between the various types of collagen deposition. The expression level of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4/7 mRNA in rat myocardial tissues was determined using RT-qPCR. Additionally, western blot analysis was conducted to assess the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3/7, and p-SMAD3 in rat myocardial tissues. Results: Compared with the Sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening values of the Model group were significantly decreased (P < 0.01);the left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular end-systolic volume values were remarkably increased (P < 0.01);serum N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor content was increased (P < 0.01);serum IL-1β and cTn levels were increased (P < 0.01);myocardial collagen volume fraction were increased (P < 0.01);and those of the expression of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01);the expression of SMAD7 mRNA was decreased (P < 0.01);the protein expression levels of TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 were increased (P < 0.01);the protein expression level of SMAD7 was decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model group. Compared to the Model group, the expression levels of the proteins TGF-β1, SMAD3, and p-Smad3 in myocardial tissue were found to be decreased (P < 0.01), and the expression level of the protein SMAD7 was found to be increased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group;the collagen volume fraction and deposition of type Ⅰ /Ⅲ collagen were decreased (P < 0.01) in the Model + EA group. Conclusion: Electroacupuncture alleviates myocardial fibrosis in rats with heart failure, and this effect is likely due to attributed to the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway, which helps reduce collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix.

X-Paste improves wound healing in diabetes via NF-E2-related factor/HO-1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFU),as severe complications of diabetes mellitus(DM),significantly compromise patient health and carry risks of amputation and mortality.AIM To offer new insights into the occurrence and development of DFU,focusing on the therapeutic mechanisms of X-Paste(XP)of wound healing in diabetic mice.METHODS Employing traditional Chinese medicine ointment preparation methods,XP combines various medicinal ingredients.High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)identified XP’s main components.Using streptozotocin(STZ)-induced diabetic,we aimed to investigate whether XP participated in the process of diabetic wound healing.RNA-sequencing analyzed gene expression differences between XP-treated and control groups.Molecular docking clarified XP’s treatment mechanisms for diabetic wound healing.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were used to investigate the effects of Andrographolide(Andro)on cell viability,reactive oxygen species generation,apoptosis,proliferation,and metastasis in vitro following exposure to high glucose(HG),while NF-E2-related factor-2(Nrf2)knockdown elucidated Andro’s molecular mechanisms.RESULTS XP notably enhanced wound healing in mice,expediting the healing process.RNA-sequencing revealed Nrf2 upregulation in DM tissues following XP treatment.HPLC identified 21 primary XP components,with Andro exhibiting strong Nrf2 binding.Andro mitigated HG-induced HUVECs proliferation,metastasis,angiogenic injury,and inflammation inhibition.Andro alleviates HG-induced HUVECs damage through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation,with Nrf2 knockdown reducing Andro’s proliferative and endothelial protective effects.CONCLUSION XP significantly promotes wound healing in STZ-induced diabetic models.As XP’s key component,Andro activates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,enhancing cell proliferation,tubule formation,and inflammation reduction.

Exploring the mechanism of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on acute colitis rats based on JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway in electroacupuncture of different acupoints on acute colitis rats.Methods:36 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,with 6 rats in each group.The rat model of acute colitis was prepared by enema with glacial acetic acid solution.After the model was established,electroacupuncture was given to each acupoint group,with density wave,frequency 2Hz-50 Hz,intensity 2 mA,muscle tremor as the degree 20 min/time,1 time/day,for 3 consecutive days.Observe the general condition of rats;the pathological changes of colonic mucosa in rats were observed by HE method.The contents of serum interleukin-4(IL-4)and interleukin-8(IL-8)were detected by ELISA.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of JAK2,STAT3,SOCS1 protein and mRNA in rat colon tissue.Results:In contrast to the normal group,the overall condition of the model group was worse,the colonic mucosa was severely damaged,even necrotic,and the ulcer surface was obvious.The content of IL-4 in serum was obviously reduced,and the content of IL-8 was obviously go up(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously go up,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously reduced(P<0.01).In contrast to the model group,the general condition of rats in each acupoint group was significantly improved,the damage and necrosis of colonic mucosa and ulcer surface were obviously alleviated,the content of IL-4 in serum was obviously go up,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously reduced,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Comparison of different acupoint groups,the colonic mucosal injury in the Zusanli group was significantly reduced,the content of serum IL-4 was significantly increased,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein content and mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue were significantly down-regulated,while the protein content and mRNA expression of SOCS1 were significantly go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at each acupoint can improve the damage of colonic mucosa and reduce the inflammatory response.The therapeutic effect of Zusanli(ST36)is better than that of Tianshu(ST25),Dachangshu(BL25)and Shangjuxu(ST37).The mechanism may be related to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway related proteins and inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-8.