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.

Positive Effects of Isopropanol as a Co-Precipitant in Glycerol-3-Phosphate Acyltransferase Crystallization

Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase(GPAT) is considered as the rate-limiting enzyme of glycerolipid synthesis pathway and the core element in lysophosphatidic acid(LPA) synthesis. For understanding its catalytic mechanism, the structural biology study is expected, but is always hindered by obtaining crystals for X-ray diffraction analysis. In this study, a progressive strategy to optimize the crystal of microalgae plastidial GPAT was presented. After the expression and purification of GPAT, the crystals were screened by hanging-drop and only clusters were obtained. The crystals were optimized by adjusting temperature, pH, protein concentration, or precipitant, but little improvement. To improve the interaction between protein and precipitant, the isopropanol was applied as co-precipitant. The qualified crystals formed. It's suggested that isopropanol is critical to affect protein crystallization by altering polyethylene glycol(PEG)-water-protein interaction when PEG serves as precipitant. The resulting crystal diffracted to a resolution of 2.75 ? and belonged to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 50.79, b = 80.09, c = 88.21 ?, and α = 62.85, β = 73.04, γ = 80.53?. This work introduced a new strategy to optimize the crystal of the heterogeneous catalysis enzymes like GPAT and provided the fundamental structural information for the oriented synthesis of marine microalgae glycerolipid.

Variation in 5-Enolpyruvylshikimate-3-Phosphate Synthase (EPSPS) Coding Sequences and Glyphosate Response among <i>Cyperus rotundus</i>L. Populations

The gene sequence encoding 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS), the enzymatic target site of the herbicide glyphosate, was determined for several purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) accessions from geographically distant locations and these were aligned to generate a consensus sequence. The EPSPS sequences each had single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) only a few of which were predicted to cause an amino acid change in the EPSP synthase. None had the proline to serine substitution or other substitutions responsible for glyphosate resistance reported in other species. A dendrogram generated from the cluster analysis of the EPSPS gene sequences indicated similarities between accessions from Tanzania, Indonesia, California-2, Greece, Brazil, Argentina and Iran much like cluster analysis previously reported based on RAPD scores and morphological traits possibly indicating a common genetic background or origin. Considering the differences in EPSPS sequences, the response of these purple nutsedge accessions to 0.84 kg·ae·ha-1 of glyphosate was assessed to determine whether differential tolerance was present. At 7 days after the first application control ranged from 9% for the accession from Greece to 73% for the accession from Tanzania. Control of these accessions increased to 45% and 93% respectively by 14 days after the second application. The I50’s for glyphosate inhibition of growth for four accessions from geographically distant countries (Mississippi, Brazil, Indonesia and Tanzania) were 0.21, 0.10, 0.25 and 0.06 kg·ha-1, respectively, which represented a 4-fold difference. The difference in sensitivity to glyphosate may be a result of a non-target site mechanism such as differences in sequestration, translocation or cuticle thickness rather than alterations in EPSPS.

Separation and Purification of GST-glycerol-3-phosphate Dehydrogenase

In order to investigate the expression of glycerol-3 -phosphate dehydrogenase by GCY1 gene in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae, induction culture of the S. cerevisiaestrain was performed with SD-URA 2% galactose, 3 × YP ＋ 6% glucose, SC-URA 2% galactose, and SC-URA 2% galactose ＋ 5% NaCI glyeerol-3-phosphate dehydregenase, the cultured S. cerevisiaewas comminuted followed by full-automatic high-speed purification, and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis was performed for molecular weight of the GST fusion protein. The results showed that after shaking culture of the S. cerevisiae containing GCY1 at 25 ℃, the OD values of its 3 × YP ＋ 6% glucose culture and SC-URA 2% galaetose ＋ 5% NaC1 culture were 8.75 and 7.35, respectively. It was shown by purification with a Profinia low-pressure liquid chromatograph that only the S. cerevisiae cultured in SC-URA 2% galactose ＋ 5% NaC1 medium expressed glycerel-3-phosphate de- hydrogenase, the molecular weight of which was detected as 65 ku by SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis.

Role of Cathepsin G in the Degradation of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Triggered by 4-Hydroxy-2-Nonenal in U937 Cells

Degradation of oxidized or oxidatively modified proteins is an essential part of the cellular antioxidant defense system. 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), a major reactive aldehyde formed by lipid peroxidation, causes many types of cellular damage. HNE-modified proteins are degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway or the lysosomal pathway. However, our previous studies using U937 cells showed that HNE-modified glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is degraded by cathepsin G. In the present study, we examined whether GAPDH in U937 cells treated with HNE in culture is degraded similarly to that incubated with HNE and U937 cell extract. Treatment with HNE for 10 min in culture decreased GAPDH activity in a concentration dependent manner, but did not affect GAPDH degradation. The proteasome activities were not affected by HNE, but culturing with HNE decreased cathepsin G activity and protein level in a concentration dependent manner. These results suggest that HNE-induced oxidative stress leads to decreased cathepsin G activity and results in the loss of GAPDH degradation. Taken together, our findings indicate that cathepsin G has an important role in the degradation of oxidatively modified GAPDH in U937 cells.

Purification and characterization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase from saline strain Idiomarina loihiensis

Idiomarina loihiensis was isolated from the salt works in Sfax (Tunisia), until now, the characterization of the GAPDH phosphorylante was never studied. Here, we report the isolation and the biochemical characterization of glyceralehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) fromI. loihiensis saline’s bacteria on the basis of the apparent native and subunit molecular weights, physico-chemical and kinetic characterizations. The purification method consisted of two steps, ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by one chromatographic step, namely dye-affinity on Blue Sepharose CL-6B. Polyclonal antibodies against the purified enzyme were used to recognize theI. loihiensis GAPDH by Western blotting. The optimum pH of the purified enzyme was 8.5. Studies on the effect of temperatures revealed an enzyme increasing activity of about 45?C. The molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 36 kDa determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Non-denaturing polyacrylamide gels yield a molecular weight of 147 kDa. The Michaelis constants for NAD+ and D-glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate estimated was 19 μM and 3.1 μM, respectively. The maximal velocity of the purified enzyme was estimated to be 2.06 U/mg, approximately 6-fold increase in specific activity and a final yield of approximately 32.5%. The physicochemical properties of this GAPDH, being characterized, could be used in further studies.

Neural stem cell transplantation in the hippocampus of rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury Activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt pathway and increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression

The phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase （PI3K）/Akt pathway and brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） are involved in neurological functional recovery following cerebral ischemia. Therefore, we hypothesized that mechanisms of neuroprotection by transplantation of neural stem cells （NSCs） on cerebral ischemia contributed to activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and enhanced BDNF expression. In the present study, Wortmannin （a specific, covalent inhibitor of PI3K） was administered adjacent to ischemic hippocampus by stereotactic transplantation to further confirm the neuroprotective mechanisms of NSC transplantation following cerebral ischemia. Results showed that focal infarct volume was significantly smaller in the NSCs group, but the neurological behavior score in the NSC group was significantly greater than the middle cerebral artery occlusion model group, Wortmannin treatment group, and NSCs ＋ Wortmannin treatment group. Protein expression of BDNF was significantly greater in the NSC group compared with the Wortmannin treatment group and NSCs ＋ Wortmannin treatment group. These results suggest that the neuroprotective role of NSC transplantation in the cerebral ischemia activated the PI3K/Akt pathway and upregulated BDNF expression in lesioned brains.

Expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase and effects of inhibitor Wortmannin on expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in severe acute pancreatitis associated with acute lung injury

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury(ALI) is a common and serious complication of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP). The study aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K) inhibitor Wortmannin in SAP associated with ALI.METHODS: Ninety rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham operation(SO) group(n=30), SAP group(n=30), and SAP+Wortmannin(SAP+W) group(n=30). SAP model was induced by retrograde injection of 4% sodium taurocholate into the biliopancreatic duct of rats. The rate of lung water content, myeloperoxidase(MPO), matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9), protein kinase B(PKB), abdphosphorylation of protein kinase B(P-PKB) activity in the lung tissue were evaluated.RESULTS: In the SAP group, the p-PKB expression in the lung tissue began to rise at 3 hours after modeling, and peaked at 12 hours(P<0.05); the rate of lung water content, MPO and TNF-α activity were also gradually increased, and the degree of lung lesion gradually increased(P<0.05). In the SAP+Wortmannin group, the p-PKB expression in the lung tissue began to rise at 3 hours after modeling, and peaked at 12 hours; it was higher than that in the SO group(P<0.05), but significantly lower than that in the SAP group(P<0.05). The rest indicators in the SAP+Wortmannin group were also significantly decreased as compared with the SAP group(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS: The expression of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B was elevated in severe pancreatitis rats with lung injury. This suggested that PI3 K signal transduction pathway is involved in the control and release of proinfl ammatory cytokines TNF-α, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis associated with lung injury. This finding indicated that Wortmannin can block the PI3 K signal transduction pathway, and inhibit the release of infl ammatory factor TNF-α.

Cytotoxicity of nonylphenol on spermatogonial stem cells via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway

BACKGROUND With continuous advancement of industrial society,environmental pollution has become more and more serious.There has been an increase in infertility caused by environmental factors.Nonylphenol(NP)is a stable degradation product widely used in daily life and production and has been proven to affect male fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms therein are unclear.Thus,it is necessary to study the effect and mechanism of NP on spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs).AIM To investigate the cytotoxic effect of NP on SSCs via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway.METHODS SSCs were treated with NP at 0,10,20 or 30μmol.MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of NP on the proliferation of SSCs.Flow cytometry was conducted to measure SSC apoptosis.The expression of Bad,Bcl-2,cytochrome-c,pro-Caspase 9,SOX-2,OCT-4,Nanog,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,PLZF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related proteins was observed by western blot,and the mRNA expression of SOX-2,OCT-4 and Nanog was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Compared with untreated cells(0μmol NP),SSCs treated with NP at all concentrations showed a decrease in cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2,Nanog,OCT-4,SOX-2,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,and PLZF(P<0.05),whereas the expression of Bad,cytochrome-c,and pro-Caspase 9 increased significantly(P<0.05).We further examined the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and found that the phosphorylation of PI3K,AKT,mTORC1,and S6K was significantly decreased by NP at all concentrations compared to that in untreated SSCs(P<0.05).NP exerted the greatest effect at 30μmol among all NP concentrations.CONCLUSION NP attenuated the proliferation,differentiation and stemness maintenance of SSCs while promoting apoptosis and oxidative stress.The associated mechanism may be related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Role of sphingosine kinases and sphingosine 1-phosphate in mediating adipogenesis

Recent Background: Development of obesity involves promotion of preadipocyte differrentiation. This study investigated the role that sphingosine kinases (SPHK) and ceramide-derived sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) play in adipocyte terminal differentiation. Materials and Methods: The mouse 3T3-L1 cell line was used as a model for adipogenesis. Cells were harvested at specific time points after initation of differentiation, and SPHK activity was measured. 3T3-L1 cells were treated with S1P and expression of early adipogenesis transcription markers was measured by real time PCR. The expression of S1P-receptors (S1PRs) during differentiation was measured. Results: SPHK activity is induced when 3T3-L1 cells are treated with insulin, dexamethasone, and isobutylmethylxanthine to induce differentiation. SPHK1 is active in preadipocytes and early in the differentiation process. Both SPHK1 and SPHK2 isozymes contribute to activity in differentiated adipocytes. Inhibition of SPHK1 attenuates adipocyte differentiation;however, extracellular S1P does not rescue the effect of SPHK1 inhibition on adipogenesis. Although treatment of preadipocytes with S1P induced message expression of the early adipogenesis transcription factor CC AAT/ binding proteinalpha, continued treatment did not fully support the development of differentiated adipocytes. Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors (S1PRs) are expressed in preadipocytes and message expression declines markedly during adipocyte differentiation. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the contribution of SPHK and S1P to adipogenesis is mediated primarily through biphasic activation of SPHK1 and 2 with extracellular S1P and S1PRs playing little role during preadipocyte differentiation.

Telencephalin protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis by activating the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Telencephalin is a neural glycoprotein that reduces apoptosis induced by amyloid beta protein in the human neural tumor cell line PAJU. In this study, we examined the role of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in this process. Western blot analysis demonstrated that telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B were not expressed in PAJU cells transfected with empty plasmid, while they were expressed in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid. After treatment with 1.0 nM amyloid beta protein 42, expression of telencephalin and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B in the transfected cells gradually diminished, while levels of phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin increased. In addition, the high levels of telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B expression in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid could be suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These findings indicate that telencephalin activates the ezrin/radixin/moesin family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

Overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 ameliorates amyloid-β-induced neuronal damage

Previous studies have shown that fibroblast growth factor 13 is downregulated in the brain of both Alzheimer’s disease mouse models and patients,and that it plays a vital role in the learning and memory.However,the underlying mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor 13 in Alzheimer’s disease remain unclear.In this study,we established rat models of Alzheimer’s disease by stereotaxic injection of amyloid-β(Aβ_(1-42))-induced into bilateral hippocampus.We also injected lentivirus containing fibroblast growth factor 13 into bilateral hippocampus to overexpress fibroblast growth factor 13.The expression of fibroblast growth factor 13 was downregulated in the brain of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats.After overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13,learning and memory abilities of the Alzheimer’s disease model rats were remarkably improved.Fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression increased brain expression levels of oxidative stress-related markers glutathione,superoxide dismutase,phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase,AKT and glycogen synthase kinase 3β,and anti-apoptotic factor BCL.Furthermore,fibroblast growth factor 13 overexpression decreased the number of apoptotic cells,expression of pro-apoptotic factor BAX,cleaved-caspase 3 and amyloid-βexpression,and levels of tau phosphorylation,malondialdehyde,reactive oxygen species and acetylcholinesterase in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease model rats.The changes were reversed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002.These findings suggest that overexpression of fibroblast growth factor 13 improved neuronal damage in a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease through activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT/glycogen synthase kinase 3βsignaling pathway.

电项针对全脑缺血VD模型大鼠PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β信号通路的影响

目的研究电项针对全脑缺血血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)模型大鼠磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶/丝氨酸-苏氨酸蛋白激酶/糖原合成酶激酶-3β(Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/serine-threonine kinase/glycogen synthase kinase-3β,P13K/AKT/GSK-3β)信号通路的影响。方法采用四血管阻断方法制备VD模型大鼠,电项针组取双侧风池穴、供血穴,电针30 min/次,1次/d,治疗14d。采用Y迷宫评价大鼠学习记忆能力;荧光定量PCR(RT-PCR)、Western blot法检测大鼠海马组织中磷酸化蛋白激酶B(phosphorylatedproteinkinaseB,p-AKT)、磷酸化糖原合成酶激酶-3β(Phosphorylated GSK-3β,P-GSK-3β)mRNA和p-AKT、p-GSK-3β蛋白的表达。结果与模型组比较,电项针组可显著提高VD大鼠Y迷宫学习与记忆正确次数(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,电项针组大鼠海马组织中p-AKT、p-GSK-3βmRNA和p-AKT、p-GSK-3β蛋白表达均有不同程度的升高(P<0.01)。结论电项针能够改善VD模型大鼠学习记忆能力,具体机制可能是激活PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β信号通路,发挥抗凋亡作用,起到对缺血海马神经元的保护作用。

No Significant Association between PIK3CA Mutation and Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma:A Meta-analysis

The prognostic value of phosphatidylinositol-4, 5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha(PIK3CA) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) is controversial. We aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of PIK3CA mutation in patients with ESCC. EMBASE, Pub Med, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception through Oct. 3, 2016. The hazard ratios(HRs) and 95% confidence intervals(CI) were calculated using a random effects model for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS). Seven studies enrolling 1505 patients were eligible for inclusion of the current meta-analysis. Results revealed that PIK3CA mutation was not significantly associated with OS(HR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.63–1.30, P=0.591), with a significant heterogeneity(I2=65.7%, P=0.012). Additionally, subgroup analyses were further conducted according to various variables, such as types of specimen, the sample size, technique and statistical methodology. All results suggested that no significant relationship was found between PIK3CA mutation and OS in patients with ESCC. For DFS, there was no significant association between PIK3CA mutation and DFS in patients with ESCC(HR: 1.00, 95% CI=0.47–2.11, P=0.993, I2=73.7%). Publication bias was not present and the results of sensitivity analysis were very stable in the current meta-analysis. Our findings suggest that PIK3CA mutation has no significant effects on OS and DFS in ESCC patients. More well-designed prospective studies with better methodology for PIK3CA assessment are required to clarify the prognostic significance of PIK3CA mutation in ESCC patients.

Adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener protects PC12 cells against hypoxia-induced apoptosis through PI3K/Akt and Bcl-2 signaling pathways

Although previous studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of the adenosine triphosphate （ATP）-sensitive potassium （KATP） channel opener against ischemic neuronal damage, little is known about the mechanisms involved. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase （PI3K）/v-akt murine thy-moma viral oncogene homolog （Akt） and Bcl-2 are thought to be important factors that mediate neuroprotection. The present study investigated the effects of KATP openers on hypoxia-induced PC12 cell apoptosis, as well as mRNA and protein expression of Akt and Bcl-2. Results demon-strated that pretreatment of PC12 cells with pinacidil, a KATP opener, resulted in decreased PC12 cell apoptosis following hypoxia, as detected by Annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate/ propidium iodide double staining flow cytometry. In addition, mRNA and protein expression of phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt） and Bcl-2 increased, as detected by immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The protective effect of this preconditioning was attenuated by glipizide, a selective KATP blocker. These results demonstrate for the first time that the protective mechanisms of KATP openers on PC12 cell apoptosis following hypoxia could result from activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which further activates expression of the downstream Bcl-2 gene.

Effect of mango seed kernel extract on the adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in rats fed a high fat diet

Mangoes (Mangifera indica L.) are one of the most important tropical foods. The seed is one of the main by-products of mango processing. Therefore, it is important to find an economically viable use for this waste (e.g., as a food additive or supplement with high nutraceutical value). We investigated the anti-obesity effects of mango seed kernel extract with hot water (MSKE-W) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity rat model. MSKE-W caused a significant decrease in the activity of glycerol 2-phosphate dehydrogenase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes without eliciting cell cytotoxicity and inhibited cellular lipid accumulation through down-regulation of transcription factors such as PPARγ and C/EBPα. In the animal model, rats fed an HFD containing 1% MSKE-W gained less weight than rats fed an HFD alone. The visceral fat mass in rats fed an HFD containing 1% MSKE-W tended to be lower than that in rats fed an HFD alone. Furthermore, histological examination of rat livers from an HFD showed steatohepatitis. However, rats on an HFD containning 1% MSKE-W showed no histopathological changes in liver tissue. Our results indicate that MSKE-W influences anti-obesity effects, both in vitro and in vivo, and suggest that MSKE-W provides a novel preventive potential against obesity.

Response of Subcutaneous Xenografts of Endometrial Cancer in Nude Mice to Inhibitors of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathways: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy for Endometrial Cancer

Objective: This study was designed to explore whether inhibition of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways can inhibit the growth of xenografts of endometrial cancer cell lines with different estrogen receptors (ER) profiles in vivo and to provide preliminary laboratory basis for the probability of endometrial adenocarcinoma treatment with blockage of the two pathways, especially to endometrial cancer with low ER status. Methods: Human endometrial cancer Ishikawa bearing ER and HEC-1Awith low ER status cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice to establish endometrial cancer xenograft tumor models. The effects of PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, MAPK/ERK1/2 inhibitor PD-98059 and their combinations on the growth of the xenograft tumors and apoptotic state of Ishikawa and HEC-1Acells were tested in vivo using the inhibitory rate, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assay, H/E-stain. Western blot analysis was used to detect the alterations of activated ERK (P-ERK) and AKT (P-AKT) during this process. Results: LY294002, a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, induced significant suppression in the growth of both Ishikawa and HEC-1Acell xenograft tumors, concomitant with increased apoptosis in xenografts as evidenced by TUNEL. A similar effect was also observed when the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway was inhibited by PD98059. Concurrent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways showed enhanced anti-tumor effects in vivo as indicated by increased apoptosis. At the same time, the levels of P-ERK and P-AKT in both xenograft tumors decreased, and their levels in combination group was the lowest. Conclusions: PD98059, LY294002 and their combinations showed remarkable inhibitory effects on xenograft tumors of endometrial carcinoma cell lines with different expression status of ER in vivo through blockage of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. This suggests that targeting these pathways may be an effective therapeutic strategy against endometrial carcinomas, especially for ER-negative cancers which show poor response to endocrinal therapy.

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.

Emerging role of autophagy in colorectal cancer:Progress and prospects for clinical intervention

Autophagy is a physiological mechanism in which cells degrade themselves and quickly recover the degraded cell components.Recent studies have shown that autophagy plays an important role in the occurrence,development,treatment,and prognosis of colorectal cancer.In the early stages of colorectal cancer,autophagy can inhibit the production and development of tumors through multiple mechanisms such as maintaining DNA stability,inducing tumor death,and enhancing immune surveillance.However,as colorectal cancer progresses,autophagy may mediate tumor resistance,enhance tumor metabolism,and other pathways to promote tumor development.Therefore,intervening in autophagy at the appropriate time has broad clinical application prospects.This article summarizes the recent research progress of autophagy and colorectal cancer and is expected to provide new theoretical basis and reference for clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.

Regulation of enolase activation to promote neural protection and regeneration in spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injury(SCI)is a debilitating condition characterized by damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of function,mobility,and sensation with no U.S.Food and Drug Administration-approved cure.Enolase,a multifunctional glycolytic enzyme upregulated after SCI,promotes pro-and anti-inflammatory events and regulates functional recovery in SCI.Enolase is normally expressed in the cytosol,but the expression is upregulated at the cell surface following cellular injury,promoting glial cell activation and signal transduction pathway activation.SCI-induced microglia activation triggers pro-inflammatory mediators at the injury site,activating other immune cells and metabolic events,i.e.,Rho-associated kinase,contributing to the neuroinflammation found in SCI.Enolase surface expression also activates cathepsin X,resulting in cleavage of the C-terminal end of neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and non-neuronal enolase(NNE).Fully functional enolase is necessary as NSE/NNE C-terminal proteins activate many neurotrophic processes,i.e.,the plasminogen activation system,phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B,and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase.Studies here suggest an enolase inhibitor,ENOblock,attenuates the activation of Rho-associated kinase,which may decrease glial cell activation and promote functional recovery following SCI.Also,ENOblock inhibits cathepsin X,which may help prevent the cleavage of the neurotrophic C-terminal protein allowing full plasminogen activation and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase activity.The combined NSE/cathepsin X inhibition may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing neuroinflammation/degeneration and promoting neural cell regeneration and recovery following SCI.The role of cell membrane-expressed enolase and associated metabolic events should be investigated to determine if the same strategies can be applied to other neurodegenerative diseases.Hence,this review discusses the importance of enolase activation and inhibition as a potential therapeutic target following SCI to promote neuronal survival and regeneration.