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

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

Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Chronic Kidney Disease through Crosstalk between the NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway and Ferroptosis in GMCs

Objective Porphyromonas gingivalis(P.gingivalis)is a gram-negative bacterium found in the human oral cavity and is a recognized pathogenic bacterium associated with chronic periodontitis and systemic diseases,including chronic kidney disease(CKD),but the roles and molecular mechanism of P.gingivalis in CKD pathogenesis are unclear.Methods In this study,an animal model of oral P.gingivalis administration and glomerular mesangial cells(GMCs)cocultured with M1-polarized macrophages and P.gingivalis supernatant were constructed.After seven weeks of P.gingivalis gavaged,peripheral blood was collected to detect the changes in renal function.By collecting the teeth and kidneys of mice,H&E staining and IHC were used to analyze the expression of periodontal inflammatory factors in mice,PAS staining was used to analyze glomerular lesions.The supernatant of macrophages was treated with 5%P.gingivalis supernatant.H&E staining,IHC,Western blot and RT-PCR were applied to analyze renal inflammatory factors,macrophage M1 polarization,NF-κB,NLRP3 and ferroptosis changes in vitro.Results We found that oral P.gingivalis administration induced CKD in mice.P.gingivalis supernatant induced macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor upregulation,which triggered the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs.By inhibiting the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs,cell viability and the inflammatory response were partially alleviated in vitro.Conclusion We demonstrated that P.gingivalis induced CKD in mice by triggering crosstalk between the NFκB/NLRP3 pathway and ferroptosis in GMCs.Overall,our study suggested that periodontitis can promote the pathogenesis of CKD in mice,which provides evidence of the importance of periodontitis therapy in the prevention and treatment of CKD.

Branched-chain fatty acids from goat milk alleviate ulcerative colitis via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway

Branched-chain fatty acids(BCFAs)are new bioactive fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties.However,the role of BCFAs in alleviating ulcerative colitis has not been clarified.Herein,we evaluated the protective effect of BCFAs from goat milk in mice with colitis induced using dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)and explored the corresponding mechanism.These results show that BCFAs extracted from goat milk can significantly alleviate weight loss in mice,and reduce the disease activity index and the activity of myeloperoxidase while increasing the content of antioxidant enzymes in colon tissue and reducing the oxidation stress response.These data also show that BCFAs can down-regulate the gene and protein expression of the toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factorκB p65(NF-κB p65)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway,and at the same time significantly reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factorα(TNF-α),interleukin 1β(IL-1β),and IL-18 in colon tissue,and significantly increase the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10.In conclusion,these results demonstrated that BCFAs in goat milk exerted effects on colitis-related inflammatory cytokines and inhibited inflammation by inducing the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway to alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis.This study provides evidence for the potential of BCFAs as bioactive fatty acids in food products and to ameliorate ulcerative colitis development in mice.

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

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

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

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

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

Elaidic acid-induced intestinal barrier damage led to gut-liver axis derangement and triggered NLRP3 inflammasome in the liver of SD rats

Previous studies have shown that trans fatty acids(TFA) are associated with several chronic diseases,the gut microbiota is directly influenced by dietary components and linked to chronic diseases.Our research investigated the effects of elaidic acid(EA),a typical TFA,on the gut microbiota to understand the underlying mechanisms of TFA-related chronic diseases.16S rDNA gene sequencing on faecal samples from Sprague-Dawley rats were performed to explore the composition change of the gut microbiota by EA gavage for 4 weeks.The results showed that the intake of EA increased the abundance of well-documented harmful bacteria,such as Proteobacteria,Anaerotruncus,Oscillibacter and Desulfovibrionaceae.Plus,EA induced translocation of lipopolysaccharides(LPS) and the above pathogenic bacteria,disrupted the intestinal barrier,led to gut-liver axis derangement and TLR4 pathway activation in the liver.Overall,EA induced intestinal barrier damage and regulated TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB/MAPK pathways in the liver of SD rats,leading to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and inflammatory liver damage.

Eukaryotic elongation factor-1α 2 knockdown inhibits hepatocarcinogenesis by suppressing PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling

AIM: To assess the impact of eukaryotic elongation factor 1 alpha 2 (eEF1A2) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion, and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS: eEF1A2 levels were detected in 62 HCC tissue samples and paired pericarcinomatous specimens, and the human HCC cell lines SK-HEP-1, HepG2 and BEF-7402, by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Experimental groups included eEF1A2 silencing in BEL-7402 cells with lentivirus eEF1A2-shRNA (KD group) and eEF1A2 overexpression in SK-HEP-1 cells with eEF1A2 plasmid (OE group). Non-transfected cells (control group) and lentivirus-based empty vector transfected cells (NC group) were considered control groups. Cell proliferation (MTT and colony formation assays), apoptosis (Annexin V-APC assay), cell cycle (DNA ploidy assay), and migration and invasion (Transwell assays) were assessed. Protein levels of PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling effectors were evaluated by Western blot.RESULTS: eEF1A2 mRNA and protein levels were significantly higher in HCC cancer tissue samples than in paired pericarcinomatous and normal specimens. SK-HEP-1 cells showed lower eEF1A2 mRNA levels; HepG2 and BEL-7402 cells showed higher eEF1A2 mRNA levels, with BEL-7402 cells displaying the highest amount. Efficient eEF1A2 silencing resulted in reduced cell proliferation, migration and invasion, increased apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest. The PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling pathway was notably inhibited. Inversely, eEF1A2 overexpression resulted in promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion.CONCLUSION: eEF1A2, highly expressed in HCC, is a potential oncogene. Its silencing significantly decreases HCC tumorigenesis, likely by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/NF-&#x003ba;B signaling.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

To investigate the effect of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula on CSE induced inflammatory response of MH-S cells based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway

Objective:To study the effects of Shenqi Tiaoshen Formula(SQTS)on the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by cigarette smoking extract(CSE)and its mechanism based on TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Methods:MH-S cells were used as subjects to evaluate cell viability by CCK-8 method.The levels of TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 in the supernatant were detected by ELISA.ROS were detected by DCFH-DA fluorescence probe.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein,and TAK-242,a TLR4 inhibitor,was used to verify the role of SQTS in the TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.Results:Compared with blank group,the cell survival rate of CSE group was decreased,and the contents of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α,IL-1βand IL-6 were increased(P<0.05),ROS fluorescence expression level was significantly increased(P<0.01),TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein expression was significantly increased(P<0.05);Compared with CSE group,the survival rate of cells in SQTS groups was increased,and the expression levels of the above indexes were decreased(P<0.05),and TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway protein decreased in TAK-242 groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:SQTS can reduce the inflammatory response of MH-S cells induced by CSE by inhibiting TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 pathway.

Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

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

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

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

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

茯苓酸调节PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌相关性胃炎的治疗作用

目的 探讨茯苓酸(PA)对大鼠幽门螺旋杆菌(Hp)相关性胃炎的治疗效果及作用机制。方法 建立Hp相关性胃炎大鼠模型;所有大鼠分为对照组(CT组)、模型组(M组)、PA低剂量组(PA L组)和PA高剂量组(PA H组)、PA H+磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)激活剂(740 Y-P)组;评估各组大鼠胃黏膜损伤指数(UI),透射电子显微镜观察胃黏膜细胞形态学,HE染色评价胃黏膜病理学特征,ELISA检测胃组织白介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、IL-10、诱导型一氧化氮合酶(iNOS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的水平,Western blot法检测PI3K、磷酸化-PI3K(p-PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、p-AKT、核因子(NF)-κB p65、p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达。结果 与CT组比较,M组大鼠胃黏膜糜烂,上皮水肿、充血、溃疡严重,上皮细胞固缩,炎性细胞浸润,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05);与M组比较,PA L组、PA H组大鼠胃黏膜损伤改善,炎性细胞浸润减少,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平降低,IL-10和SOD水平升高(P<0.05);与PA H组比较,PA H+740 Y-P组大鼠胃黏膜病理损伤加重,上皮细胞固缩,UI、IL-6、TNF-α、iNOS以及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65蛋白表达水平升高,IL-10和SOD水平降低(P<0.05)。结论 PA可能通过抑制PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路发挥对大鼠Hp相关性胃炎的治疗作用。

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

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

Mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis by NLRP3 inflammasome

Objective:To observe the effect of Sanshi decoction on P2X7R/PKR pathway-mediated activation of macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome to elucidate the molecular mechanism of Sanshi decoction in the treatment of gouty arthritis.Methods:THP-1 macrophages were divided into control group,model group,low dose group,medium dose group,high dose group of Sanshi decoction and inhibitor group.The remaining groups were induced with monosodium urate crystals to establish a gouty arthritis cell model except the control group.Flow cytometry was used to detect macrophage ROS levels in each group,ELISA to detect MDA levels and SOD and GSH-PX activities in each group,and Western blot to detect P2X7R/PKR pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome-associated protein expression.We also used CCK-8 and flow cytometry to measure MH7A activity and apoptotic levels.Results:Compared with the control group,the ROS level,the content of MDA,the activities of SOD and GSH-PX were significantly increased,and the expression levels of NLRP3,full-length IL-1β,pro-IL-1β,full-length IL-18,pro-IL-18,full-length caspase-1,GSDMD-NT,P2X7R and p-PKR protein expression levels were significantly upregulated,and GSDMD-FL protein expression was significantly downregulated in the model group,and that the differences between them were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Compared with the model group,Sanshi decoction could reduce macrophage ROS levels,MDA content,SOD and GSHPX activities,and downregulate macrophage NLRP3,mature IL-1β,pro IL-1β,mature IL-18,pro IL-18,mature caspase-1,GSDMD-NT,P2X7R and p-PKR protein expression,and upregulate GSDMD-FL protein expression,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05 and P<0.01).In addition,MH7A activity was downregulated,and apoptosis level was upregulated in the model group in comparison with the control group,and differences were all significantly different(P<0.05).As compared to the model group,Sanshi decoction could significantly increase the activity of MH7A and inhibit the level of apoptosis,and that the differences between them were statistically significant(P<0.05 and P<0.01).Conclusion:Sanshi decoction can achieve the therapeutic effect of gouty arthritis by inhibiting P2X7R/PKR pathway activation,thus reducing the activation level of NLRP3.

Impaired PI3K/Akt signal pathway and hepatocellular injury in high-fat fed rats

AIM:To determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from high-fat diet is related to impairment of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt,also known as PKB) pathway. METHODS:Rat models of nonalcoholic fatty liver were established by high-fat diet feeding. The expression of total and phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was determined by Western blotting. Degree of fat accumulation in liver was measured by hepatic triglyceride. Mitochondrial number and size were determined using quantitative morphometric analysis under transmission electron microscope. The permeability of the outer mitochondrial membrane was assessed by determining the potential gradient across this membrane.RESULTS:After Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for 16 wk,their hepatocytes displayed an accumulation of fat (103.1 ± 12.6 vs 421.5 ± 19.7,P < 0.01),deformed mitochondria (9.0% ± 4.3% vs 83.0% ± 10.9%,P < 0.05),and a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (389.385% ± 18.612% vs 249.121% ± 13.526%,P < 0.05). In addition,the expression of the phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was reduced,as was the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,while expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 was increased. When animals were treated with pharmacological inhibitors of P13K or Akt,instead of high-fat diet,a similar pattern of hepatocellular fat accumulation,mitochondrial impairment,and change in the levels of PI3K,Akt,Bcl-2 was observed. CONCLUSION:High-fat diet appears to inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may lead to hepa-tocellular injury through activation of the mitochondrial membrane pathway of apoptosis.

Puerarin partly counteracts the inflammatory response after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion via activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway

Puerarin, a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae （Gegen）, has been reported to inhibit neuronal apoptosis and play an anti-inflammatory role in focal cerebral ischemia model rats. Recent findings regarding stroke pathophysiology have recognized that anti-inflammation is an important target for the treatment of ischemic stroke. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is a highly robust neural-immune mechanism for inflammation control. This study was to investigate whether activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be involved in the mechanism of inhibiting the inflammatory response during puerarin-induced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. Results showed that puerarin pretreatment （intravenous injection） re- duced the ischemic infarct volume, improved neurological deficit after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and decreased the levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a in brain tissue. Pretreatment with puerarin （intravenous injection） attenuated the inflammatory response in rats, which was accompanied by janus-activated kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 （STAT3） activation and nuclear factor kappa B （NF-KB） inhibition. These observa- tions were inhibited by the alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor （a7nAchR） antagonist a-bungarotoxin （a-BGT）. In addition, puerarin pretreatment increased the expression of a7nAchR mRNA in ischemic cerebral tissue. These data demonstrate that puerarin pretreatment strongly protects the brain against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and inhibits the inflammatory re- sponse. Our results also indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of puerarin may partly be medi- ated through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

B7 homolog 3 in pancreatic cancer

Despite advances in cancer treatment,pancreatic cancer(PC)remains a disease with high mortality rates and poor survival outcomes.The B7 homolog 3(B7-H3)checkpoint molecule is overexpressed among many malignant tumors,including PC,with low or absent expression in healthy tissues.By modulating various immunological and nonimmunological molecular mechanisms,B7-H3 may influence the progression of PC.However,the impact of B7-H3 on the survival of patients with PC remains a subject of debate.Still,most available scientific data recognize this molecule as a suppressive factor to antitumor immunity in PC.Furthermore,it has been demonstrated that B7-H3 stimulates the migration,invasion,and metastasis of PC cells,and enhances resistance to chemotherapy.In preclinical models of PC,B7-H3-targeting monoclonal antibodies have exerted profound antitumor effects by increasing natural killer cell-mediated antibodydependent cellular cytotoxicity and delivering radioisotopes and cytotoxic drugs to the tumor site.Finally,PC treatment with B7-H3-targeting antibody-drug conjugates and chimeric antigen receptor T cells is being tested in clinical studies.This review provides a comprehensive analysis of all PC-related studies in the context of B7-H3 and points to deficiencies in the current data that should be overcome by future research.

葫芦巴碱调节PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路对变应性接触性皮炎大鼠免疫反应的影响

目的探讨葫芦巴碱对变应性接触性皮炎(ACD)大鼠免疫、炎性反应及PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路的影响。方法60只SD大鼠随机分为正常组、ACD组、葫芦巴碱(低、中、高)剂量组(20、40、80 mg/kg)和PI3K抑制剂(LY294002)组(40 mg/kg),每组10只。除正常组外,其余组大鼠采用2,4二硝基氟苯(DNFB)诱导ACD模型。给药结束后,通过录像观察大鼠挠痒行为;HE染色检测大鼠耳皮肤组织病理学变化;ELISA检测大鼠血清IgE及Th1、Th2、Th17型细胞因子(IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17)水平;Western blot检测大鼠耳皮肤组织中炎性因子(IL-1β、IL-6)蛋白及PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果与正常组比较,ACD组大鼠挠痒次数增加,血清IgE、IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17水平及耳皮肤组织中IL-1β、IL-6蛋白表达和p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-NF-κB/NF-κB比值升高(P<0.05),耳皮肤组织角化过度且可见大量炎性细胞浸润;与ACD组比较,葫芦巴碱(低、中、高)剂量组和LY294002组大鼠挠痒次数减少,血清IgE、IFN-γ、IL-4、IL-17水平及耳皮肤组织中IL-1β、IL-6蛋白表达和p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-NF-κB/NF-κB比值降低(P<0.05),耳皮肤组织病理损伤均有所改善,且葫芦巴碱各给药组呈剂量依赖效应;葫芦巴碱高剂量组和LY294002组大鼠上述指标比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论葫芦巴碱可抑制ACD大鼠皮肤组织中PI3K/Akt/NF-κB信号通路激活,调控Th1、Th2、Th17型免疫应答并减轻皮肤局部和全身炎性反应。