Discovery of Chrysoeriol,a PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathway Inhibitor with Potent Antitumor Activity against Human Multiple Myeloma Cells in vitro

This study was designed to determine the impact of chrysoeriol on proliferation and cell cycle progression in the human multiple myeloma cell lines RPMI 8226 and KM3,and its related molecular mechanisms.Chryseoriol was identified by using the phosphorylated AKT-specific cytoblot high throughput assay.CCK-8 assay was employed to examine the growth inhibition rate and IC 50 (48 h) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs),RPMI 8226 and KM3 cells treated with chrysoeriol at various concentrations.Cells were labeled with 5-6-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE),and the proliferation dynamics was detected by flow cytometry and analyzed with ModFit software.The cell cycles of RPMI 8226 and KM3 cells were measured by flow cytometry when the IC 50 concentration of chrysoeriol was adopted.The alterations in cell-cycle related proteins (Cyclin B1,Cyclin D1,p21) and proteins in PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway were determined by Western blot analysis.The results showed the proliferation of multiple myeloma cells was significantly inhibited by chrysoeriol,resulting in cell cycle arrest in G 2 /M phase.Chrysoeriol could significantly reduce the expression of p-AKT (s473) and p-4eBP1 (t37/46) protein,meanwhile enhanced Cyclin B1 and p21 protein expression.Similar effects were not observed in PBMNCs from normal donors.It was concluded that chrysoeriol was a selective PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitor.It restrained the proliferation of human multiple myeloma cells,but didn’t affect proliferation of PBMNCs from normal donors.It might exhibit the cell cycle regulatory effect via the inhibition of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal pathway.

Forkhead box protein O1(FoxO1)regulates lipids metabolism and cell proliferation mediated by insulin and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in goose primary hepatocytes

In order to explore the role of forkhead box protein O1(FoxO1)in the lipid metabolism and cell proliferation,goose primary hepatocytes were isolated and incubated with insulin or PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway dual inhibitor NVPBEZ235,and then transfected with FoxO1 interference plasmid.The related parameters of lipid metabolism and cell proliferation were measured.The results firstly showed that FoxO1 interference increased the intracellular TG and lipids concentration(P<0.05);and increased the proliferative index(PI),cell DNA synthesis,protein expression of Cyclin D1 in goose primary hepatocytes(P<0.05).Secondly,the co-treatment of insulin and FoxO1 interference increased the mRNA level and protein content of Cyclin D1(P<0.05);however,there was no significant difference between the insulin treatment and the co-treatment of insulin and miR-FoxO1 interference in the intracellular TG and lipids concentration and PI(P>0.05).Lastly,the decrease of intracellular TG and lipids concentration and PI induced by NVP-BEZ235 was up-regulated by FoxO1 interference significantly(P<0.05).In summary,FoxO1 could regulate the lipids metabolism and cell proliferation mediated by PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in goose primary hepatocytes.Further investigations are required to highlight the potential role of FoxO1 in the lipid metabolism and cell proliferation mediated by insulin in goose primary hepatocyte.

补中益气汤含药血清对树突状细胞VDR甲基化及PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路的影响

目的补中益气汤对树突状细胞(dendritic cells,DCs)免疫耐受机制的体外研究。方法小鼠树突状细胞株于体外进行培养,分为空白对照组(A组)、中药组(B组)、维生素D组(C组)、中药+维生素D组(D组)、中药+LY组(E组)、维生素D+LY组(F组)、中药+VitD+LY组(G组)。以15%含药血清,10μmol·L-1维生素D、1.5μmol·L-1LY294002(PI3K阻滞剂)分别干预7组细胞,于培养箱中分别培养24、48 h后,BSP法检测树突状细胞维生素D受体(vitamin D receptor,VDR)基因DNA甲基化情况;ELISA法检测细胞上清液中VDR、白细胞介素-10(interleukin-10,IL-10)的含量;流式细胞术检测细胞共刺激分子CD40、CD80、CD86、主要组织相容性复合物-Ⅱ(major histocom-patibility complex,MHC-Ⅱ)的表达水平;Western Blot、qPCR检测各组细胞PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路mRNA及蛋白情况。结果(1)中药及维生素D干预后,DCs上VDR的表达增多(P<0.001或P<0.05),VDR基因DNA甲基化情况显著降低(P<0.05)。(2)中药及维生素D能够提高DCs上清液中IL-10含量(P<0.05或P<0.001),阻滞剂作用后,DCs分泌IL-10的功能均降低(P<0.05或P<0.001)。(3)中药及维生素D能够降低DCs表面因子CD40、CD80、CD86及MHCD-Ⅱ的表达(P<0.05或P<0.001),阻滞剂作用后,CD40、CD80、CD86及MHCD-Ⅱ表达均提高(P<0.001)。(4)Western Blot、qPCR结果显示,中药及维生素D能够升高DCs PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路mRNA和蛋白的表达(P<0.05或P<0.001),抑制剂作用后,PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路mRNA和蛋白水平均下降,其中磷酸化蛋白降低显著(P<0.001)。(5)24 h与48 h两个时间点并未见明显差异(P>0.05)。结论补中益气汤通过抑制DCs VDR基因DNA甲基化,激活PI3K-AKT-mTOR通路,使其维持免疫耐受状态。

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.

同型半胱氨酸经PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路对巨噬细胞自噬及脂质沉积的影响

目的探讨同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)对巨噬细胞自噬及脂质沉积的影响。方法将18只雄性ApoE-/-小鼠分为对照组、Hcy组、Hcy+Rap组,通过蛋白质免疫印迹检测自噬相关蛋白LC3BⅡ、p62、PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路中总蛋白及磷酸化蛋白水平;采用mRFP-GFP-LC3腺病毒感染细胞,观察自噬流的改变;Dil-ox-LDL染色及油红O染色检测Hcy对巨噬细胞内脂质沉积的影响;组织油红O染色观察小鼠主动脉根部斑块的脂质沉积情况;免疫组化检测小鼠主动脉根部斑块中巨噬细胞自噬改变。结果Western blot检测和自噬流实验结果显示,与对照组相比较,给予Hcy干预后,巨噬细胞自噬被抑制,PI3K、AKT、mTOR表达差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05),但PI3K、AKT、mTOR磷酸化水平均升高(P均<0.05);与Hcy组相比较,Hcy+Rap组LC3BⅡ表达增高(P<0.05),p62表达降低(P<0.01);Dil-ox-LDL染色与油红O染色结果显示,与对照组相比较,Hcy组巨噬细胞内脂质沉积增加(P<0.01),而给予Rap干预后,细胞内脂质沉积减少(P<0.01);与对照组相比较,HMD组小鼠主动脉根部斑块中脂质沉积增多(P<0.01),注射Rap后,脂质沉积减少(P<0.01);免疫组化结果显示,与对照组相比较,HMD组自噬被抑制,注射Rap后,自噬得到恢复。结论Hcy能够抑制巨噬细胞自噬并促进脂质沉积,与PI3K-AKT-mTOR信息通路有关。

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.

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.

基于PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路探讨灵芝孢子对2型糖尿病大鼠睾丸的保护作用

目的:观察2型糖尿病对大鼠睾丸的损伤作用及灵芝孢子通过PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路对其损伤的保护作用。方法:选取40只雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组(NC)、高脂高糖饮食组(HF)、糖尿病模型组(DM)及灵芝孢子干预组(GLSP),每组10只。通过腹腔注射链脲佐菌素(STZ30mg/kg)联合高脂高糖饮食制备糖尿病大鼠模型,模型制备成功后治疗组使用灵芝孢子300mg/(kg·d)灌胃,其余3组使用同体积生理盐水灌胃,连续12周,期间观测各组大鼠一般情况及状态,每周测定1次大鼠血糖及体质量变化。末次称量体质量及检测空腹血糖后处死大鼠,称量睾丸质量,取附睾尾制涂片染色观察精子形态,试剂盒检测超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)水平;Western blotting检测PI3K、p-PI3K、AKT、p-AKT、mTOR、p-mTOR蛋白水平。结果:DM组大鼠较NC组大鼠血糖升高,精神萎靡,SOD水平降低,MDA水平升高,体质量及睾丸质量减轻(P<0.01),精子形态差。灵芝孢子可改善DM大鼠的精神状态及精子形态,降低DM大鼠血糖、MDA水平,升高DM大鼠体质量及睾丸质量(P<0.01)。同时灵芝孢子可使p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-mTOR/mTOR、SOD水平升高(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论:灵芝孢子可减轻DM大鼠的睾丸损伤情况,其机制可能与抑制PI3K-AKT-mTOR信号通路有关。

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.

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.

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.

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.

Liqi Huoxue dripping pill protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway in rats

Background:Liqi Huoxue dripping pill(LQHXDP),a traditional Chinese drug for coronary heart disease,has a protective effect on the heart of rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)in previous studies;however,its mechanism of action remains unclear.The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of LQHXDP on MIRI in rats and its relationship with the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:In this study,Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-infused with LQHXDP(175 mg/kg/d)for 10 days.PI3K inhibitor LY294002(0.3 mg/kg)was intravenously injected 15 minutes before ischemia.The rat model of MIRI was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery.Subsequently,cardiac hemodynamics,serum myocardial injury markers,inflammatory factors,myocardial infarct size,antioxidant indexes,myocardial histopathology,and phosphorylation levels of key proteins of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were assessed in rats.Results:LQHXDP was found to improve cardiac hemodynamic indexes,reduce serum creatine kinase MB isoenzyme activity and cardiac troponin and heart-type fatty acid binding protein levels,lower serum interleukin-1 beta,interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factorαlevels,reduce the myocardial infarct size and enhance the antioxidant capacity of myocardial tissue in MIRI rats.Pathological analysis revealed that LQHXDP attenuated the extent of myocardial injury and protected mitochondria from damage in MIRI rats.Immunoblot analysis revealed that LQHXDP increased the expression levels of p-Akt and p-GSK-3βin MIRI rat cardiomyocytes.PI3K inhibitor LY294002 could impair these effects of LQHXDP.Conclusion:LQHXDP attenuated myocardial injury,attenuated oxidative stress injury and reduced inflammatory response in MIRI rats,and its protective effects were mediated by activating of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3βsignaling pathway.

Echinoside A from Pearsonothuria graeffei Exert the Cytotoxicity to MDA-MB-231 Cells via Mitochondrial Membrane and Modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway

A kind of triterpene glycosides echinoside A(EA)was extracted from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei,and its yield was about 0.78%.The purity of EA was 99.0%,and its molecular weight was 1206 Da.EA was a linear tetrasaccharide attached to a pentacyclic triterpene aglycon.It inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.The antitumor effect was related to elevate ROS level,decrease mitochondrial membrane potential,enhance caspase-3 expression,induce cells apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase.EA also dose-dependently suppressed the expressions of phophorylation proteins p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR as analyzed by western blotting.These results suggested that EA caused MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.EA can be a potential anti-breast cancer agent to enhance the clinical efficacy.

Zuo Gui Wan Promotes Osteogenesis via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway:Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation

Objective Osteogenesis is vitally important for bone defect repair,and Zuo Gui Wan(ZGW)is a classic prescription in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)for strengthening bones.However,the specific mechanism by which ZGW regulates osteogenesis is still unclear.The current study is based on a network pharmacology analysis to explore the potential mechanism of ZGW in promoting osteogenesis.Methods A network pharmacology analysis followed by experimental validation was applied to explore the potential mechanisms of ZGW in promoting the osteogenesis of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs).Results In total,487 no-repeat targets corresponding to the bioactive components of ZGW were screened,and 175 target genes in the intersection of ZGW and osteogenesis were obtained.And 28 core target genes were then obtained from a PPI network analysis.A GO functional enrichment analysis showed that the relevant biological processes mainly involve the cellular response to chemical stress,metal ions,and lipopolysaccharide.Additionally,KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that multiple signaling pathways,including the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway,were associated with ZGW-promoted osteogensis.Further experimental validation showed that ZGW could increase alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity as well as the mRNA and protein levels of ALP,osteocalcin(OCN),and runt related transcription factor 2(Runx 2).What’s more,Western blot analysis results showed that ZGW significantly increased the protein levels of p-PI3K and p-AKT,and the increases of these protein levels significantly receded after the addition of the PI3K inhibitor LY294002.Finally,the upregulated osteogenic-related indicators were also suppressed by the addition of LY294002.Conclusion ZGW promotes the osteogenesis of BMSCs via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

加减益经汤对卵巢功能减退大鼠PI3K-Akt-mTOR信号通路的影响

目的:探讨加减益经汤对卵巢功能减退大鼠PI3K-Akt-mTOR信号通路的影响。方法:40只大鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、加减益经汤组、戊酸雌二醇片组及雷帕霉素组,各8只。计算大鼠动情周期紊乱率及性腺指数;HE染色观察大鼠卵巢组织病变;ELISA法检测血清促性腺激素释放激素(Gn-RH)、促卵泡生成素(FSH)、促黄体生成素(LH)、雌二醇(E_(2))、抗苗勒管激素(AMH);qRT-PCR及WB检测PI3K、Akt、mTOR mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:与空白组相比,模型组大鼠动情周期紊乱率、血清Gn-RH、FSH、LH水平升高,卵巢指数和子宫指数、血清E_(2)、AMH水平、PI3K、Akt、mTOR mRNA、蛋白表达降低。与模型组相比,加减益经汤组及戊酸雌二醇片组大鼠动情周期紊乱率、血清Gn-RH、FSH、LH水平降低,卵巢指数和子宫指数、血清E_(2)、AMH水平、PI3K、Akt、mTOR mRNA、蛋白升高。空白组大鼠卵巢组织无病变;模型组与雷帕霉素组大鼠卵巢萎缩,皮质增厚,卵泡异常,闭锁卵泡增加,髓质萎缩;加减益经汤组及戊酸雌二醇片组大鼠卵巢组织病变减轻,卵泡略增多,闭锁卵泡及间质腺少见,髓质略萎缩。结论:加减益经汤可通过激活PI3K-Akt-mTOR信号通路减轻卵巢功能减退大鼠病理损伤,提高卵巢储备功能。

FGF2 promotes the chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer cells through activating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the role of fibroblast growth factor 2(FGF2)in chemotherapy resistance of colon cancer.Methods:An HCT116/5-fluorouracil(5-FU)-resistant cell line was established,and FGF2 levels were detected in a sensitive cell group(HCT116)and a resistant cell group(HCT1116-R)using different methods.Fibroblast growth factor 2 levels in the medium were determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay.The protein expressions of FGF2,fibroblast growth factor receptor 1(FGFR1),and phospho-FGFR1 were assessed by Western blotting,and FGF2 mRNA levels were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Fibroblast growth factor 2 recombinant protein was added to sensitive cells,and FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 was added to resistant cells,and the cell survival rate was determined using the cell counting kit-8 method and the protein expressions of PI3K(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase),p-PI3K(phospho-PI3K),Akt(protein kinase B),p-Akt(phospho-Akt),mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR),p-mTOR(phospho-mTOR),Bad(Bcl-xL/Bcl-2-associated death promoter),NF-κB(nuclear factorκB),GSK-3(glycogen synthase kinase-3),FKHR(forkhead box protein O1),and PTEN(phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten)were detected by Western blotting.Results:Fibroblast growth factor 2 protein and mRNA expression levels in the HCT116-R group were significantly higher than those in the HCT116 group.Fibroblast growth factor 2 increased the survival rate of HCT116 cells;improved tolerance to 5-FU;upregulated p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR;and downregulated Bad.The FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 decreased cell survival rate and tolerance to 5-FU;downregulated p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR expression;and upregulated Bad.Conclusions:Fibroblast growth factor 2 promotes chemotherapy tolerance in colon cancer cells by activating the Akt/mTOR and Akt/Bad signaling pathways downstream of PI3K.

Accelerated fracture healing by osteogenic Ti45Nb implants through the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway

The key to managing fracture is to achieve stable internal fixation,and currently,biologically and mechanically appropriate internal fixation devices are urgently needed.With excellent biocompatibility and corrosion resistance,titanium–niobium alloys have the potential to become a new generation of internal fixation materials for fractures.However,the role and mechanism of titanium–niobium alloys on promoting fracture healing are still undefined.Therefore,in this study,we systematically evaluated the bone-enabling properties of Ti45Nb via in vivo and in vitro experiments.In vitro,we found that Ti45Nb has an excellent ability to promote MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion and proliferation without obvious cytotoxicity.Alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity and alizarin red staining and semiquantitative analysis showed that Ti45Nb enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells compared to the Ti6Al4V control.In the polymerase chain reaction experiment,the expression of osteogenic genes in the Ti45Nb group,such as ALP,osteopontin(OPN),osteocalcin(OCN),type 1 collagen(Col-1)and runt-related transcription factor-2(Runx2),was significantly higher than that in the control group.Meanwhile,in the western blot experiment,the expression of osteogenic-related proteins in the Ti45Nb group was significantly increased,and the expression of PI3K–Akt-related proteins was also higher,which indicated that Ti45Nb might promote fracture healing by activating the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway.In vivo,we found that Ti45Nb implants accelerated fracture healing compared to Ti6Al4V,and the biosafety of Ti45Nb was confirmed by histological evaluation.Furthermore,immunohistochemical staining confirmed that Ti45Nb may promote osteogenesis by upregulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Our study demonstrated that Ti45Nb exerts an excellent ability to promote fracture healing as well as enhance osteoblast differentiation by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,and its good biosafety has been confirmed,which indicates its clinical translation potential.

XB130 inhibits healing of diabetic skin ulcers through the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

BACKGROUND Diabetic skin ulcers,a significant global healthcare burden,are mainly caused by the inhibition of cell proliferation and impaired angiogenesis.XB130 is an adaptor protein that regulates cell proliferation and migration.However,the role of XB130 in the development of diabetic skin ulcers remains unclear.AIM To investigate whether XB130 can regulate the inhibition of proliferation and vascular damage induced by high glucose.Additionally,we aim to determine whether XB130 is involved in the healing process of diabetic skin ulcers,along with its molecular mechanisms.METHODS We conducted RNA-sequencing analysis to identify the key genes involved in diabetic skin ulcers.We investigated the effects of XB130 on wound healing using histological analyses.In addition,we used reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferasemediated dUTP nick end labeling staining,immunofluorescence,wound healing,and tubule formation experiments to investigate their effects on cellular processes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)stimulated with high glucose.Finally,we performed functional analysis to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic skin ulcers.RESULTS RNA-sequencing analysis showed that the expression of XB130 was up-regulated in the tissues of diabetic skin ulcers.Knockdown of XB130 promoted the healing of skin wounds in mice,leading to an accelerated wound healing process and shortened wound healing time.At the cellular level,knockdown of XB130 alleviated high glucose-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and angiogenic impairment in HUVECs.Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway removed the proliferative effects and endothelial protection mediated by XB130.CONCLUSION The findings of this study indicated that the expression of XB130 is up-regulated in high glucose-stimulated diabetic skin ulcers and HUVECs.Knockdown of XB130 promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway,which accelerates the healing of diabetic skin ulcers.