Hypoglycemic mechanism of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharides on type 2 diabetic mice by altering gut microbiota and regulating the PI3K-akt signaling pathwaye

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a complex metabolic disease threatening human health.We investigated the effects of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharide(TGP)and determined its potential mechanisms in a mouse model of T2DM established through a high-fat diet and streptozotocin.TGP(5.1×10^(3) Da)was composed of mannose,glucosamine,rhamnose,glucuronic acid,galactosamine,glucose,galactose,xylose,and fucose.It could significantly alleviate weight loss,reduce fasting blood glucose levels,reverse dyslipidemia,reduce liver damage from oxidative stress,and improve insulin sensitivity.RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated that TGP could activate the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway to regulate disorders in glucolipid metabolism and improve insulin resistance.TGP increased the abundance of Allobaculum,Akkermansia,and Bifidobacterium,restored the microbiota abundance in the intestinal tracts of mice with T2DM,and promoted short-chain fatty acid production.This study provides new insights into the antidiabetic effects of TGP and highlights its potential as a natural hypoglycemic nutraceutical.

Thymoquinone affects hypoxia-inducible factor-1αexpression in pancreatic cancer cells via HSP90 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways

BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer(PC)is associated with some of the worst prognoses of all major cancers.Thymoquinone(TQ)has a long history in traditional medical practice and is known for its anti-cancer,anti-inflammatory,anti-fibrosis and antioxidant pharmacological activities.Recent studies on hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and PC have shown that HIF-1αaffects the occurrence and development of PC in many aspects.In addition,TQ could inhibit the development of renal cancer by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α.Therefore,we speculate whether TQ affects HIF-1αexpression in PC cells and explore the mechanism.AIM To elucidate the effect of TQ in PC cells and the regulatory mechanism of HIF-1αexpression.METHODS Cell counting kit-8 assay,Transwell assay and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of TQ on the proliferative activity,migration and invasion ability and apoptosis of PANC-1 cells and normal pancreatic duct epithelial(hTERTHPNE)cells.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot assay were performed to detect the expression of HIF-1αmRNA and protein in PC cells.The effects of TQ on the HIF-1αprotein initial expression pathway and ubiquitination degradation in PANC-1 cells were examined by western blot assay and co-immunoprecipitation.RESULTS TQ significantly inhibited proliferative activity,migration,and invasion ability and promoted apoptosis of PANC-1 cells;however,no significant effects on hTERT-HPNE cells were observed.TQ significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1αin PANC-1,AsPC-1,and BxPC-3 cells.TQ significantly inhibited the expression of the HIF-1αinitial expression pathway(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)related proteins,and promoted the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein in PANC-1 cells.TQ had no effect on the hydroxylation and von Hippel Lindau protein mediated ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein but affected the stability of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90,thus promoting its ubiquitination degradation.CONCLUSION The regulatory mechanism of TQ on HIF-1αprotein expression in PC cells was mainly to promote the ubiquitination degradation of the HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the interaction between HIF-1αand HSP90;Secondly,TQ reduced the initial expression of HIF-1αprotein by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

YBX1 inhibits mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in ischemic heart through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:Myocardial infarction(MI)is associated with higher morbidity and mortality in the world,especially in cold weather.YBX1 is an RNA-binding protein that is required for pathological growth of cardiomyocyte by regulating cell growth and protein synthesis.But YBX1,as an individual RNA-binding protein,regulates cardiomyocytes through signaling cascades during myocardial infarction remain largely unexplored.Methods:In vivo,the mouse MI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery(LAD),and randomly divided into sham operation group,MI group,MI+YBX1 knockdown/overexpression group and MI+negative control(NC)group.The protective effect of YBX1 was verified by echocardiography and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.In vitro,mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis was investigated by using CCK8,TUNEL staining,reactive oxygen species(ROS)staining and JC-1 staining in hypoxic neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes(NMCMs).Results:YBX1 expression of cardiomyocytes was downregulated in a mouse model and a cellular model on the ischemic condition.Compared to mice induced by MI,YBX1 overexpression mediated by adeno-associated virus serotype 9(AAV9)vector reduced the infarcted size and improved cardiac function.Knockdown of endogenous YBX1 by shRNA partially aggravated ischemia-induced cardiac dysfunction.In hypoxic cardiomyocytes,YBX1 overexpression decreased lactic dehydrogenase(LDH)release,increased cell viability,and inhibited apoptosis by affecting the expression of apoptosis related proteins,while knockdown of endogenous YBX1 by siRNA had the opposite effect.Overexpression of YBX1 restored mitochondrial dysfunction in hypoxic NMCMs by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content and decreasing ROS.In hypoxic NMCMs,YBX1 overexpression increased the expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase(PI3K)/AKT,and the anti-apoptosis effect of YBX1 was eliminated t by LY294002,PI3K/AKT inhibitor.Conclusion:YBX1 protected the heart from ischemic damage by inhibiting the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis through PI3K/AKT pathway.It is anticipated that YBX1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for MI.

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.

MicroRNA (let-7b-5p)-targeted DARS2 regulates lung adenocarcinoma growth by PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:The aberrant intraellular expression of a mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase 2(DARS2)has been reported in human cancers.Nevertheless its critical role and detailed mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)remain unexplored.Methods:Initially,The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)based Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis(GEPIA)database (http:/gepia.cancer-pku.cn/)was used to analyze the prognostic relevance of DARS2 expression in LUAD.Further,cell counting kit(CCK)8,immunostaining,and transwell invasion assays in LUAD cell lines in vitro,as well as DARS2 silence on LUAD by tumorigenicity experiments in wivo in nude mice,were performed.Besides,we analyzed the expression levels of p-PI3K(phosphorylated Phosphotylinosital3 kinase),PI3K,AKT(Protein Kinase B),p-AKT(phosphorylated Protein Kinase B),PCNA(proliferating cell nudear antigen),cleaved-caspase 3,E cadherin,and N-cadherin proteins using the Westem blot analysis.Results:LUAD tissues showed higher DARS2 expression compared to normal tissues.Upregulation of DARS2 could be related to Tumor-Node-Metastasis(TNM)stage,high lymph node metastasis,and inferior prognosis.DARS2 silence decreased the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities of LUAD cells.In addition,the DARS2 downregulation decreased the PCNA and N-cadherin expression and increased cleaved:caspase 3 and E cadherin expressions in LUAD cells,coupled with the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Moreover,DARS2 silence impaired the tumonigenicity of LUAD in vivo.Interestingly,let:7b-5p could recognize DARS2 through a complementary sequence.Mechanistically,the increased let 7b 5p expression attenuated the promo oncogenic action of DARS2 during LUAD progression,which were inversely correlated to each other in the LUAD tssues Conclusion:In summary,let 7b-5p,downregulated DARS2 expression,regulating the progression of LUAD cells by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus ameliorate restenosis via improving inflammation and regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Restenosis is a common complication following coronary angioplasty.The traditional use of seaweeds for health benefits has increasingly been explored,however few studies exist reporting its protective effects on the development of restenosis and gut dysbiosis.The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of seaweed extracts(SE) of Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus in inhibiting intimal hyperplasia in a rat model of restenosis and its underlying mechanisms in macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells(vSMCs).16S rRNA sequencing was done to investigate the regulatory effect of SE on the gut microbiome of injured rats.As indicated by the results,SE significantly inhibited the progression of intimal hyperplasia in vivo,attenuated inflammation in macrophages and could inhibit the proliferation,dedifferentiation and migration of vSMCs.It was observed through immunoblotting assays that treatment with SE significantly upregulated PTEN expression in macrophages and inhibited the upregulation of PI3K and AKT expression in vSMCs.Meanwhile,according to the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis,supplementation with SE modulated gut microbiota composition in injured rats.In conclusion,SE could ameliorate intimal hyperplasia by inhibiting inflammation and vSMCs proliferation through the regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway and modulating the gut microbiome.

Wedelolactone attenuates sepsis-associated acute liver injury by regulating the macrophage M1/M2 polarization balance through the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signalling pathway

Background:Liver injury caused by sepsis seriously impairs the normal physiology of the liver.Wedelactone(WED)has an obvious anti-inflammatory effect against liver damage caused by various factors.Nevertheless,further research is needed to determine if WED might mitigate acute liver damage linked to sepsis by influencing macrophage polarization.Methods:We first assessed the effect of WED on lipopolysaccharides-triggered liver injury by biochemistry assay and tissue staining.Inflammatory factors were assessed using the ELISA kits.The expression of Cluster of Differentiation 86(CD86)and Cluster of Differentiation 206(CD206)was measured by immunofluorescence assay.The protein levels of inducible nitric oxide sythase(iNOS),Arginase 1(Arg-1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),PI3K phosphorylation(p-PI3K),AKT phosphorylation(p-AKT),inhibitor of kappa B kinase(IKK),inhibitor of kappa B(IκB),and nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)p65 were quantified by western blot analysis.Results:WED decreased the level of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and malondialdehyde,and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-PX).Moreover,WED exerted effective anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the level of Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and Interleukin 6(IL-6)and increasing the level of Interleukin 10(IL-10)in serum and cells.WED not only decreased CD86 and iNOS expression but also increased CD206 and Arg-1 expression.WED also downregulated the increased expression of PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,p-AKT,IKK,and NF-κB p65 induced by lipopolysaccharides,while up-regulated the decreased expression of IκB.Besides,LY294002 with WED decreased the expression of protein PI3K,AKT,p-PI3K,p-AKT,IKK and NF-κB p65,and raised the expression of IκBα.Conclusion:Wedelolactone could attenuate sepsis-associated acute liver injury,and its mechanism may be associated with balancing pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory by the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarization via the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Acalypha australis L.extract inhibits B16 melanoma cell metastasis through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Background:Melanoma is a deadly skin tumor resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes.It is highly malignant and invasive,with the highest mortality rate among skin cancers.Acalypha australis L.(AAL),a plant with dual medicinal and culinary purposes,is commonly regarded as an edible wild vegetable in southern China.Additionally,AAL has a long history of medicinal use in China,often employed for its hemostatic,anti-diarrheal,and anti-inflammatory properties.Modern pharmacology has demonstrated that AAL possesses functions such as weight loss,antimicrobial activity,antiviral effects,and treatment for ulcerative colitis.However,there is currently no research available regarding its effectiveness and mechanisms of action on melanoma.Methods:In this investigation,we used methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay to detect cell viability,transwell assay to detect cell migration and invasion ability,and Western blot assay to detect relevant signaling pathways.Results:The present study reveals that 2 mg/mL AAL effectively suppresses the metastasis of B16 cells,while simultaneously triggering the expression of key apoptosis-related proteins,including Bcl-2,Bax,and cleaved caspased 3.Subsequent investigations demonstrate that AAL exerts this inhibitory effect via the PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway,as evidenced by the observed deficits in Ras,AKT,p-AKT,and PI3K expression levels.Conclusion:These findings indicated that AAL could be a valuable therapeutic option for reducing the metastatic potential of B16 melanoma cells.

Mechanism of stilbene glycosides on apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of stilbene glycoside(TSG)on okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y)via the PI3K/AKT pathway.Methods:The optimal concentration of OA was screened by CCK-8 assay,and SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group,model group,TSG group,LY294002 group and LY294002+TSG group.The proliferation and apoptosis in each group were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays;Western blotting method and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of PI3K,P-PI3K(Y607),AKT,P-AKT(Ser473),Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.The relative protein expression was represented by P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax gray ratio.Results:CCK-8 screened the optimal concentration of OA as 40 nmol/L.Compared with the control group,the model group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,the pathway and apoptotic proteins expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were decreased,and the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 were decreased.Bax mRNA expression level increased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,increased protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT,Bcl-2/Bax,and increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and Bcl-2.Bax mRNA expression decreased(P<0.05),LY294002 group decreased relative cell viability,increased apoptosis rate,P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression levels were significantly decreased,but there was no statistical significance,PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels were decreased,and Bax mRNA expression levels were increased(all P<0.05);Compared with LY294002 group,LY294002+TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were increased.The mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,Bcl-2 were increased,Bax was decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Stilbene glycoside may alleviate okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which in turn regulates the expression of apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bax.

Melatonin improves synapse development by PI3K/Akt signaling in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders involving more than 1100 genes,including Ctnnd2 as a candidate gene.Ctnnd2knockout mice,serving as an animal model of autis m,have been demonstrated to exhibit decreased density of dendritic spines.The role of melatonin,as a neuro hormone capable of effectively alleviating social interaction deficits and regulating the development of dendritic spines,in Ctnnd2 deletion-induced nerve injury remains unclea r.In the present study,we discove red that the deletion of exon 2 of the Ctnnd2 gene was linked to social interaction deficits,spine loss,impaired inhibitory neurons,and suppressed phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt) signal pathway in the prefrontal cortex.Our findings demonstrated that the long-term oral administration of melatonin for 28 days effectively alleviated the aforementioned abnormalities in Ctnnd2 gene-knockout mice.Furthermore,the administration of melatonin in the prefro ntal cortex was found to improve synaptic function and activate the PI3K/Akt signal pathway in this region.The pharmacological blockade of the PI3K/Akt signal pathway with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor,wo rtmannin,and melatonin receptor antagonists,luzindole and 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin,prevented the melatonin-induced enhancement of GABAergic synaptic function.These findings suggest that melatonin treatment can ameliorate GABAe rgic synaptic function by activating the PI3K/Akt signal pathway,which may contribute to the improvement of dendritic spine abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders.

Myricetin induces M2 macrophage polarization to alleviate renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy via PI3K/Akt pathway

BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Downregulation of Serum PTEN Expression in Mercury-Exposed Population and PI3K/AKT Pathway-Induced Inflammation

Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.

The MORC2 p.S87L mutation reduces proliferation of pluripotent stem cells derived from a patient with the spinal muscular atrophy-like phenotype by inhibiting proliferation-related signaling pathways

Mutations in the microrchidia CW-type zinc finger protein 2(MORC2)gene are the causative agent of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 2Z(CMT2Z),and the hotspot mutation p.S87L is associated with a more seve re spinal muscular atrophy-like clinical phenotype.The aims of this study were to determine the mechanism of the severe phenotype caused by the MORC2 p.S87L mutation and to explore potential treatment strategies.Epithelial cells were isolated from urine samples from a spinal muscular atrophy(SMA)-like patient[MORC2 p.S87L),a CMT2Z patient[MORC2 p.Q400R),and a healthy control and induced to generate pluripotent stem cells,which were then differentiated into motor neuron precursor cells.Next-generation RNA sequencing followed by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes involved in the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways were enriched in the p.S87L SMA-like patient group and were significantly downregulated in induced pluripotent stem cells.Reduced proliferation was observed in the induced pluripotent stem cells and motor neuron precursor cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient group compared with the CMT2Z patient group and the healthy control.G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest was observed in induced pluripotent stem cells derived from the p.S87L SMA-like patient.MORC2 p.S87Lspecific antisense oligonucleotides(p.S87L-ASO-targeting)showed significant efficacy in improving cell prolife ration and activating the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK pathways in induced pluripotent stem cells.Howeve r,p.S87L-ASO-ta rgeting did not rescue prolife ration of motor neuron precursor cells.These findings suggest that downregulation of the PI3K/Akt and MAP K/ERK signaling pathways leading to reduced cell proliferation and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest in induced pluripotent stem cells might be the underlying mechanism of the severe p.S87L SMA-like phenotype.p.S87L-ASO-targeting treatment can alleviate disordered cell proliferation in the early stage of pluripotent stem cell induction.

Alleviatory effect of isoquercetin on benign prostatic hyperplasia via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

We evaluated the effect of isoquercetin(quercetin-O-3-glucoside-quercetin,IQ)as a functional component of Abeliophyllum disistichum Nakai ethanol extract(ADLE)on prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis and its effects on the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Metabolites in ADLE were analyzed using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and HPLC.IQ was orally administered(1 or 10 mg/kg)to a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model,and its effects on the prostate weight were evaluated.The effect of IQ on androgen receptor(AR)signaling was analyzed in LNCaP cells.Whether IGF-1 and IQ affect the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BPH-1 cells was also examined.The metabolites in ADLE were identified and quantified,which confirmed that ADLE contained abundant IQ(20.88 mg/g).IQ significantly reduced the prostate size in a concentration-dependent manner in a BPH rat model,and significantly decreased the expression of AR signaling factors in the rat prostate tissue and LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner.IQ also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activated by IGF-1 treatment in BPH-1 cells.In BPH-1 cells,IQ led to G0/G1 arrest and suppressed the expression of proliferation factors while inducing apoptosis.Thus,IQ shows potential for use as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical for BPH.

ROR2 promotes invasion and chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the role of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2(ROR2)in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods:ROR2 expression in primary TNBC and metastatic TNBC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and PCR.ROR2 expression in TNBC cell lines was detected by PCR and Western blot analysis.The migration,invasion and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells with overexpression or knockdown of ROR2 were examined.Results:ROR2 expression was high in metastatic TNBC tissues.ROR2 knockdown suppressed the migration,invasion and chemoresistance of TNBC cells.ROR2 overexpression in MDA-MB-435 cells promoted the migration,invasion,and chemoresistance.Moreover,ROR2 knockdown in HC1599 and MDA-MB-435 adriamycin-resistant cells enhanced chemosensitivity to adriamycin.ROR2 could activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in TNBC cells.Conclusion:ROR2 is upregulated and promotes metastatic phenotypes of TNBC by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

Indirubin alleviates retinal neurodegeneration through the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling

Retinal neurodegenerative disease is a leading cause of blindness among the elderly in developed countries,including glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy,traumatic optic neuropathy and optic neuritis,etc.The current clinical treatment is not very effective.We investigated indirubin,one of the main bioactive components of the traditional Chinese medicine Danggui Longhui Pill,in the present study for its role in retinal neurodegeneration.Indirubin exhibited no detectable tissue toxicity in vivo or cytotoxicity in vitro.Moreover,indirubin improved visual function and ameliorated retinal neurodegeneration in mice after optic nerve crush injury in vivo.Furthermore,indirubin reduced the apoptosis of retinal ganglion cells induced by oxidative stress in vitro.In addition,indirubin significantly suppressed the increased production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and the decreased activity of superoxide dismutase induced by oxidative stress.Mechanically,indirubin played a neuroprotective role by regulating the PI3K/AKT/BAD/BCL-2 signaling.In conclusion,indirubin protected retinal ganglion cells from oxidative damage and alleviated retinal neurodegeneration induced by optic nerve crush injury.The present study provides a potential therapeutic medicine for retinal neurodegenerative diseases.

益智仁-乌药药对调控PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路介导细胞自噬保护肾小球足细胞的作用机制研究

目的研究益智仁-乌药药对通过调控PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路促进足细胞自噬治疗糖尿病肾病(Diabetic Nephropathy,DN)的作用。方法60只造模成功的C57BL/KSJ-db/db(以下简称db/db)小鼠随机分为模型组、二甲双胍组、缬沙坦组、益智仁-乌药药对(低、中、高剂量)组,每组10只;另取10只C57BL/KSJ-db/m(以下简称db/m)小鼠为正常组,正常组和模型组给予生理盐水,治疗组小鼠分别给予相应药物,给药8周后检测小鼠肾脏病理学改变,足细胞自噬体数量、结构及相关蛋白表达。结果与模型组相比,益智仁-乌药药对组可显著减轻糖尿病肾病小鼠肾小球基底膜增厚情况,增加足细胞自噬体数量,显著升高自噬相关蛋白表达(P<0.05),降低PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路相关蛋白的表达(P<0.05)。其中益智仁-乌药药对高剂量组各指标改善优于益智仁-乌药低、中剂量组。结论益智仁-乌药药对通过抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路激活,提高足细胞自噬水平,减轻足细胞损伤,发挥治疗糖尿病肾病的作用。

自拟平衡针灸通过调控PI3K-AKT信号通路及血清GABA水平对老年失眠的治疗作用

目的探讨自拟平衡针灸通过调控磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)-蛋白激酶B(AKT)信号通路及血清氨基丁酸(GABA)水平对老年失眠的治疗作用。方法以老年失眠患者120例作为研究对象,按照随机分组原则分为研究组及对照组,各60例。两组均采取阿普唑仑进行治疗,研究组在此基础上联合采取自拟平衡针灸进行治疗,两组均治疗4 w。比较两组治疗效果、临床改善指标、PI3K-AKT信号通路及GABA、多导睡眠监测仪指标、睡眠质量之间的差异。结果研究组治疗总有效率显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组睡眠潜伏期、睡眠总时间及觉醒次数均显著改善,且研究组睡眠潜伏期、觉醒次数显著低于对照组(P<0.05),睡眠总时间显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组PI3K、AKT及GABA均显著改善,且研究组PI3K、AKT显著低于对照组,GABA显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组总睡眠时间(TST)、睡眠效率(SE),第一(TS1)、二(TS2)、三(TS3)及四期(TS4)睡眠、快速眼动睡眠时间(REM)、觉醒期时间(WASO)、睡眠潜伏期时间(SL)均显著改善,且研究组以上指标改善均显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。两组日间功能障碍、睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠障碍及入睡时间均显著改善,且研究组日间功能障碍、睡眠质量、睡眠时间、睡眠障碍及入睡时间显著优于对照组(P<0.05)。结论自拟平衡针灸通过调控PI3K-AKT信号通路及血清GABA水平,有效降低局部炎性反应,优化神经系统的递质传递,有效改善患者的治疗效果。

异莲心碱通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路影响结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬

目的:探讨异莲心碱(Iso)通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路对结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬的影响。方法:用10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理结肠癌SW480细胞,CCK-8法、流式细胞术和WB法分别检测Iso对细胞增殖活力、凋亡和自噬相关蛋白LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62表达的影响。然后,用20μmol/L的Iso和25μmol/L的PI3K激活剂740 Y-P分别处理SW480细胞,将细胞分为对照组、740 Y-P组、Iso组和Iso+740 Y-P组,流式细胞术、WB法检测Iso和740 Y-P对各组细胞凋亡及细胞中LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62、PI3K、p-PI3K、mTOR和p-mTOR蛋白表达的影响。结果:10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理后,SW480细胞增殖活力均显著下降(均P<0.05),细胞凋亡率均显著升高(均P<0.05),LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著上调(均P<0.05),p26蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.05)。Iso和740 Y-P处理后,与对照组相比,740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05);Iso组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与740 Y-P组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与Iso组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05)。结论:Iso通过抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路抑制结肠癌SW480细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡和自噬。

葛根芩连汤通过IRS-1/PI3K/AKT通路对胃肠湿热型2型糖尿病大鼠糖脂代谢的影响

目的探究葛根芩连汤通过胰岛素受体底物-1(IRS-1)/磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)通路对胃肠湿热型2型糖尿病大鼠糖脂代谢的影响。方法将40只SD大鼠随机分为正常组(2 mL生理盐水灌胃)、造模组(2 mL生理盐水灌胃)、二甲双胍组(4.17 mg/100 g二甲双胍灌胃)和葛根芩连汤组(1 g/100 g葛根芩连汤灌胃),每组10只。采用高脂高糖饲料加腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)构建2型糖尿病大鼠模型,随后喂食油脂、42°白酒及蜂蜜水构建胃肠湿热型2型糖尿病大鼠模型。测量各组大鼠不同时间节点体质量,血糖仪测定空腹血糖(FBG);ELISA检测空腹胰岛素(FINS)、三酰甘油(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)水平变化、计算胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR);HE染色检测肝组织病理学变化;检测肝组织过氧化氢酶(CAT)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)及丙二醛(MDA)含量变化。Western blot检测肝组织IRS-1、PI3K、p-PI3K、AKT及p-AKT蛋白变化。结果与正常组比较,造模组大鼠体质量、FBG、FINS及HOMA-IR、GSH-Px、CAT、SOD、IRS-1、p-PI3K/PI3K及p-AKT/AKT水平均明显下降(P<0.05)、TG、TC、IL-6、TNF-α及MDA含量均显著升高(P<0.05),可见局灶性肝实质损失。与造模组比较,二甲双胍组及葛根芩连汤组大鼠体质量、FBG、FINS及HOMA-IR、GSH-Px、CAT、SOD、IRS-1、p-PI3K/PI3K及p-AKT/AKT水平均明显升高(P<0.05)、TG、TC、IL-6、TNF-α及MDA含量均显著降低(P<0.05),显示正常的肝实质。结论葛根芩连汤可明显改善胃肠湿热型2型糖尿病糖脂紊乱,可能是通过IRS-1/PI3K/AKT通路发挥作用。