Tumor-related factor complement Clq/TNF-related protein 6 affects the development of digestive system tumors through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway

In this editorial,we review the work of Razali et al published in World J Gas-troenterology,with a particular focus on the effect of rs10889677 variation in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)pathway and buparlisib on colitis-associated cancer.The role of PI3K in promoting cancer progression has been widely recognized,as it is involved in regulating the survival,differentiation,and prolif-eration of cancer cells.The complement Clq/TNF-related protein 6(CTRP6)is a newer tumor-associated factor.Recent studies have revealed the pro-tumor effect of CTRP6 in gastric cancer,hepatocellular carcinoma,colorectal cancer,and other gastrointestinal tumors through the PI3K pathway.This article attempts to reveal the mechanism through which the CTRP6 affects the development of digestive system tumors through the PI3K pathway by summarizing recent research.

Role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis

A large body of experimental and clinical data supports the notion that inflammation in acute pancreatitis has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of local and systemic damage and is a major determinant of clinical severity. Thus, research has recently focused on molecules that can regulate the inflammatory processes, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), a family of lipid and protein kinases involved in intracellular signal transduction. Studies using genetic ablation or pharmacologic inhibitors of different PI3K isoforms, in particular the class I PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ, have contributed to a greater understanding of the roles of these kinases in the modulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Recent data suggest that PI3Ks are also involved in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis. Activation of the PI3K signaling pathway, and in particular of the class IB PI3Kγ isoform, has a significant role in those events which are necessary for the initiation of acute pancreatic injury, namely calcium signaling alteration, trypsinogen activation, and nuclear factor-κB transcription. Moreover, PI3Kγ is instrumental in modulating acinar cell apoptosis, and regulating local neutrophil infiltration and systemic inflammatory responses during the course of experimental acute pancreatitis. The availability of PI3K inhibitors selective for specific isoforms may provide new valuable therapeutic strategies to improve the clinical course of this disease. This article presents a brief summary of PI3K structure and function, and highlights recent advances that implicate PI3Ks in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis.

Effects of small interfering RNA inhibit Class Ⅰ phosphoinositide 3-kinase on human gastric cancer cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated inhibition of Class?I?phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Class?I?PI3K) signal transduction on the proliferation, apoptosis, and autophagy of gastric cancer SGC7901 and MGC803 cells.METHODS: We constructed the recombinant replication adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNA interference (RNAi)-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and control adenovirus NC-RNAi-GFP, and infected it into human gastric cancer cells. MTT assay was used to determine the growth rate of the gastric cancer cells. Activation of autophagy was monitored with monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining after adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP and control adenovirus NC-RNAi-GFP treatment. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using the fluorescent probe JC-1. The expression of autophagy was monitored with MDC, LC3 staining, and transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to detect p53, Beclin-1, Bcl-2, and LC3 protein expression in the culture supernatant.RESULTS: The viability of gastric cancer cells was inhibited after siRNA targeting to the Class?I?PI3K blocked Class?I?PI3K signal pathway. MTT assays revealed that, after SGC7901 cancer cells were treated with adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP, the rate of inhibition reached 27.48% ± 2.71% at 24 h, 41.92% ± 2.02% at 48 h, and 50.85% ± 0.91% at 72 h. After MGC803 cancer cells were treated with adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP, the rate of inhibition reached 24.39% ± 0.93% at 24 h, 47.00% ± 0.87% at 48 h, and 70.30% ± 0.86% at 72 h (P < 0.05 compared to control group). It was determined that when 50 MOI, the transfection efficiency was 95% ± 2.4%. Adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP (50 MOI) induced mitochondrial dysfunction and activated cell apoptosis in SGC7901 cells, and the results described here prove that RNAi of Class?I?PI3K induced apoptosis in SGC7901 cells. The results showed that adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP transfection induced punctate distribution of LC3 immunoreactivity, indicating increased formation of autophagosomes. The results showed that the basal level of Beclin-1 and LC3 protein in SGC7901 cells was low. After incubating with adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP (50 MOI), Beclin-1, LC3, and p53 protein expression was significantly increased from 24 to 72 h. We also found that Bcl-2 protein expression down-regulated with the treatment of adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP (50 MOI). A number of isolated membranes, possibly derived from ribosome-free endoplasmic reticulum, were seen. These isolated membranes were elongated and curved to engulf a cytoplasmic fraction and organelles. We used transmission electron microscopy to identify ultrastructural changes in SGC7901 cells after adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP (50 MOI) treatment. Control cells showed a round shape and contained normal-looking organelles, nucleus, and chromatin, while adenovirus PI3K(I)-RNAi-GFP (50 MOI)-treated cells exhibited the typical signs of autophagy.CONCLUSION: After the Class?I?PI3K signaling pathway has been blocked by siRNA, the proliferation of cells was inhibited and the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells was enhanced.

Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase/Akt and Nuclear Factor-κB Are Involved in Staphylococcus Aureus-induced Apoptosis in U937 Cells

Objective To explore the mechanisms involved in Staphylococcus aureus （S. aureus） invading human monocytic U937 cells. Methods S. aureus were added to U937 cells at multiplicity of infections （MOI） of 20：1 for 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, respectively. Cell apoptosis was analyzed with Hoechst 33258 staining and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate （FITC）/propidium iodide （PI） flow cytometry analysis. Akt and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） activities were detected by Western blotting. Results Infection of U937 cells with S. aureus induced rapid cell death in a time-dependent manner, and the cells displayed characteristic features of apoptosis. S. aureus-induced apoptosis was associated with a prominent downregulation of activated （phosphorylated） Akt and NF-κB. The inhibition of phosphorylated Akt by LY294002 led to the inhibition of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of Akt with LY294002 caused further increase in apoptosis of U937 cells. Conclusions S. aureus can stimulate the apoptosis of U937 ceils. S. aureus induces apoptosis of U937 cells by inhibiting Akt-regulated NF-κB.

Xihuang pills induce apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase- B/mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway

BACKGROUND The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase-B/mechanistic target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signalling pathway is crucial for cell survival, differentiation, apoptosis and metabolism. Xihuang pills(XHP) are a traditional Chinese preparation with antitumour properties. They inhibit the growth of breast cancer, glioma, and other tumours by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of XHP in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) remain unclear. Regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway effectively inhibits the progression of HCC. However, no study has focused on the XHPassociated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that XHP might play a role in inhibiting HCC through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.AIM To confirm the effect of XHP on HCC and the possible mechanisms involved.METHODS The chemical constituents and active components of XHP were analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Cellbased experiments and in vivo xenograft tumour experiments were utilized to evaluate the effect of XHP on HCC tumorigenesis. First, SMMC-7721 cells were incubated with different concentrations of XHP(0, 0.3125, 0.625, 1.25, and 2.5 mg/mL) for 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, followed by an assessment of cell migration using a wound healing assay.Second, the effect of XHP on the apoptosis of SMMC-7721 cells was evaluated. SMMC-7721 cells were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate and annexin V/propidium iodide. The number of apoptotic cells and cell cycle distribution were measured using flow cytometry. The cleaved protein and mRNA expression levels of caspase-3 and caspase-9 were detected using Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR), respectively.Third, Western blotting and RT–qPCR were performed to confirm the effects of XHP on the protein and mRNA expression of components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway.Finally, the effects of XHP on the tumorigenesis of subcutaneous hepatocellular tumours in nude mice were assessed.RESULTS The following 12 compounds were identified in XHP using high-resolution mass spectrometry:Valine, 4-gingerol, myrrhone, ricinoleic acid, glycocholic acid, curzerenone, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, oleic acid, germacrone, 3-acetyl-9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, 5β-androstane-3,17-dione, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid. The cell viability assay results showed that treatment with 0.625mg/mL XHP extract decreased HCC cell viability after 12 h, and the effects were dose-and timedependent. The results of the cell scratch assay showed that the migration of HCC cells was significantly inhibited in a time-dependent manner by the administration of XHP extract(0.625mg/mL). Moreover, XHP significantly inhibited cell migration and resulted in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, XHP downregulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, which activated apoptosis executioner proteins(e.g., caspase-9 and caspase-3). The inhibitory effects of XHP on HCC cell growth were determined in vivo by analysing the tumour xenograft volumes and weights.CONCLUSION XHP inhibited HCC cell growth and migration by stimulating apoptosis via the downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, followed by the activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3.Our findings clarified that the antitumour effects of XHP on HCC cells are mediated by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, revealing that XHP may be a potential complementary therapy for HCC.

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

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

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase,catalytic,alpha polypeptide RNA interference inhibits growth of colon cancer cell SW948

AIM:To investigate the gene knock-down effect by the phosphoinositide-3-kinase,catalytic,alpha polypeptide(PIK3CA)-targeted double-stranded RNA(dsRNA) and its effect on cell proliferation and cycle distribution in SW948.METHODS:Two PIK3CA-targeted dsRNAs were constructed and transfected into SW948 cells.Transfections were performed using lipofectamine TM 2000.The transfection effectiveness was calculated basing on the rate of fluorescence cell of SW948 at 6 h after transfection.Total messenger RNA was extracted from these cells using the RNeasy kit,and semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the down-regulation of PIK3CA,AKT1,MYC,and CCND1 gene expression.Cells were harvested,proteins were resolved,and western blot was employed to detect the expression levels of PIK3CA,AKT1,MYC,and CCND1 gene.Cell proliferation was assessed by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide assay and the inhibition rate was calculated.Soft agar colony formation assay was performed basing on colonies greater than 60 μm in diameter at ×100 magnification.The effect on cell cycle distribution and apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry.All experiments were performed in triplicate.RESULTS:Green fluorescence was observed in SW948 cell transfected with plasmid Pgenesil-1,and the transfection effectiveness was about 65%.Forty-eight hours post-transfection,mRNA expression of PIK3CA in SW948 cells was 0.51 ± 0.04 vs 0.49 ± 0.03 vs 0.92 ± 0.01 vs 0.93 ± 0.03(P = 0.001) in Pgenesil-CA1,Pgenesil-CA2,negative and blank group respectively.mRNA expression of AKT1 was 0.50 ± 0.03 vs 0.48 ± 0.01 vs 0.93 ± 0.04 vs 0.92 ± 0.02(P = 0.000) in Pgenesil-CA1,Pgenesil-CA2,negative and blank group respectively.mRNA expression of MYC was 0.49 ± 0.01 vs 0.50 ± 0.04 vs 0.90 ± 0.02 vs 0.91 ± 0.03(P = 0.001) in the four groups respectively.mRNA expression of CCND1 was 0.45 ± 0.02 vs 0.51 ± 0.01 vs 0.96 ± 0.03 vs 0.98 ± 0.01(P = 0.001) in the four groups respectively.The protein level of PIK3CA was 0.53 ± 0.01 vs 0.54 ± 0.02 vs 0.92 ± 0.03 vs 0.91 ± 0.02(P = 0.001) in Pgenesil-CA1,Pgenesil-CA2,negative and blank group respectively.The protein level of AKT1 in the four groups was 0.49 ± 0.02 vs 0.55 ± 0.03 vs 0.94 ± 0.03 vs 0.95 ± 0.04,P = 0.000).The protein level of MYC in the four groups was 0.51 ± 0.03 vs 0.52 ± 0.04 vs 0.92 ± 0.02 vs 0.95 ± 0.01(P = 0.000).The protein level of CCND1 in the four groups was 0.54 ± 0.04 vs 0.56 ± 0.03 vs 0.93 ± 0.01 vs 0.93 ± 0.03(P = 0.000).Both Pgenesil-CA1 and Pgenesil-CA2 plasmids significantly suppressed the growth of SW948 cells when compared with the negative or blank group at 48 h after transfec-tion(29% vs 25% vs 17% vs 14%,P = 0.001),60 h after transfection(38% vs 34% vs 19% vs 16%,P = 0.001),and 72 h after transfection(53% vs 48% vs 20% vs 17%,P = 0.000).Numbers of colonies in negative,blank,CA1,and CA2 groups were 42 ± 4,45 ± 5,8 ± 2,and 10 ± 3,respectively(P = 0.000).There were more than 4.5 times colonies in the blank and negative control groups as there were in the CA1 and CA2 groups.In addition,the colonies in blank and negative control groups were also larger than those in the CA1 and CA2 groups.The percentage of cells in the CA1 and CA2 groups was significantly higher in G 0 /G 1 phase,but lower in S and G 2 /M phase when compared with the negative and control groups.Moreover,cell apoptosis rates in the CA1 and CA2 groups were 5.11 ± 0.32 and 4.73 ± 0.32,which were significantly higher than those in negative(0.95 ± 0.11,P = 0.000) and blank groups(0.86 ± 0.13,P = 0.001).No significant difference was found between CA1 and CA2 groups in cell cycle distribution and apoptosis.CONCLUSION:PIK3CA-targeted short hairpin RNAs can block the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathway and inhibit cell growth,increase apoptosis,and induce cell cycle arrest in the PIK3CA-mutant colon cancer SW948 cells.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4 participates in the occurrence and development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis by regulating autophagy

The development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis(ALS)may be related to the abnormal alterations of multiple proteins.Our previous study revealed that the expression of phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4(PIK3R4)was decreased in ALS.However,the role of PIK3R4 in ALS pathogenesis remains unknown.This study was the first to find that transfection of PC12 cells with small interfering RNA against the PIK3R4 gene significantly decreased the expression levels of PIK3R4 and the autophagy-related proteins p62 and LC3.Additionally,in vivo experiments revealed that the PIK3R4 protein was extensively expressed in the anterior horn,posterior horn,central canal,and areas surrounding the central canal in cervical,thoracic,and lumbar segments of the spinal cord in adult mice.PIK3R4 protein was mainly expressed in the neurons within the spinal lumbar segments.PIK3R4 and p62 expression levels were significantly decreased at both the pre-onset and onset stages of ALS disease in Tg(SOD1*G93A)1 Gur mice compared with control mice,but these proteins were markedly increased at the progression stage.LC3 protein expression did not change during progression of ALS.These findings suggest that PIK3R4 likely participates in the prevention of ALS progression.This study was approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Care and Use of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital,Affiliated People’s Hospital of Nanchang University(approval No.2020025)on March 26,2020.

The cardioprotection induced by lipopolysaccharide involves phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and high mobility group box 1 pathways

Objective： The mechanisms by which lipopolysaccharide （LPS） pretreatment induces cardioprotection following ischaemia/reperfusion （I/R） have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/Akt and high mobility group box 1 （HMGBxl） signaling plays an important role in LPS-induced cardioprotection. Methods： In in vivo experiments, age- and weight- matched male C57BL/10Sc wild type mice were pretreated with LPS before ligation of the left anterior descending coronary followed by reperfusion. Infarction size was examined by triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining. Akt, phospho-Akt, and HMGBxl were assessed by immunoblotting with appropriate primary antibodies. In situ cardiac myocyte apop- tosis was examined by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling （TUNEL） assay. In an in vitro study, rat cardiac myoblasts （H9c2） were subdivided into two groups, and only one was pretreated with LPS. After pretreatment, the cells were transferred into a hypoxic chamber under 0.5% 02. Levels of HMGBxl were assessed by immunoblot. Results： In the in vivo experiment, pretreatment with LPS reduced the at risk infarct size by 70.6% and the left ventricle infarct size by 64.93% respectively. Pretreatment with LPS also reduced cardiac myocytes apoptosis by 39.1% after ischemia and reperfusion. The mechanisms of LPS induced cardioprotection involved increasing PI3K/Akt activity and decreasing expression of HMGBxl. In the in vitro study, pretreatment with LPS reduced the level of HMGBxl in H9c2 cell cytoplasm following hypoxia. Conclusion： The results suggest that the cardioprotection following I/R induced by LPS pretreatment involves PI3K/Akt and HMGBxl pathways.

Leptin Regulated Insulin Secretion via Stimulating IRS2-associated Phosphoinositide 3-kinase Activity in the isolated Rat Pancreatic Islets

To investigate the molecular mechanism of leptin regulating insulin secretion through determining the regulation of insulin secretion and the insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2-associated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity by leptin in the isolated rat pancreatic islets, pancreatic islets were isolated from male SD rats by the collagenase method. The purified islets were incubated with leptin 2 nmol/L for 1 h in the presence of 5.6 mmol/L or 11.1 mmol/L glucose. Insulin release was measured using radioimmunoassay. IRS-2-associated activity of PI3K was determined by immunoprecipitate assay and Western blot. The results showed that in the presence of 5.6 mmol/L glucose, leptin had no significant effect on both insulin secretion and IRS-2-associated PI3K activity, but in the presence of 11.1 mmol/L glucose, insulin release was significantly inhibited after the islets were exposed to leptin for 1 h (P<0.01). PI3K inhibitor wortmannin blocked the inhibitory regulation of leptin on insulin release (P<0.05). Western Blot assay revealed that 2 nmol/L leptin could significantly increase the IRS-2-associated activity of PI3K by 51.5 % (P<0.05) in the presence of 11.1 mmol/L glucose. It was concluded that Leptin could significantly inhibit insulin secretion in the presence of 11.1 mmol/L glucose by stimulating IRS-2-associated activity of PI3K, which might be the molecular mechanism of leptin regulating insulin secretion.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase dependent modulation of morphine versus cocaine dependence involves activation of nischarin

OBJECTIVE Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) activation was reported to participate in the development of effect of some drugs,such as morphine and cocaine dependence.We previous found nischarin is associated with the activation of PI3K.It is our great interest to investigate the involvement of nischarin in PI3K dependent modulation of morphine versus cocaine dependence.METHODS In order to study the role of nischarin in drug dependence and tolerance,nischarin knockout mice were used for our research.Effect of psychological dependence was studied by conditioned place preference(CPP),and the effect of physical dependence was tested by naloxone-precipitated withdrawal signs.Some brain tissues were harvested 24 h after the behavioral experiment for the further measurement.RESULTS PI3K specific inhibitor LY294002 significantly blocked the acquisition of morphine-induced CPP in wild-type mice,but had no effect on its expression.In comparison,LY294002 failed to block the acquisition of cocaine-induced CPP but inhibited the expression.Furthermore,we found naloxoneprecipitated withdrawal signs in the morphine dependent mice was inhibited by LY294002.Nischarin knockout in mice could abolish the effect of LY294002 on blocking the effects of morphine,but had no effect on cocaine.CONCLUSION PI3K activation is involved in the different phases of morphine and cocaine dependence,and nischarin plays an important role in the process.

Roles of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases signaling pathway in inflammation-related cancer:Impact of rs10889677 variant and buparlisib in colitis-associated cancer

BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases(PI3K)is a well-known route in inflammationrelated cancer.Recent discovery on PI3K-related genes revealed a potential variant that links ulcerative colitis(UC)and colorectal cancer(CRC)with colitisassociated cancer(CAC).PI3K/AKT pathway has been recommended as a potential additional therapeutic option for CRC due to its substantial role in modifying cellular processes.Buparlisib is a pan-class I PI3K inhibitor previously shown to reduce tumor growth.AIM To investigate the regulation of rs10889677 and the role of buparlisib in the PI3K signaling pathway in CAC pathogenesis.METHODS Genomic DNA from 32 colonic samples,including CAC(n=7),UC(n=10)and CRC(n=15),was sequenced for the rs10889677 mutation.The mutant and wildtype fragments were amplified and cloned in the pmirGLO vector.The luciferase activity of cloned vectors was assessed after transfection into the HT29 cell line.CAC mice were induced by a mixture of a single azoxymethane injection and three cycles of dextran sulphate sodium,then buparlisib was administered after 14 d.The excised colon was subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and Cleaved-caspase-3 markers and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis for Pdk1 and Sgk2.RESULTS Luciferase activity decreased by 2.07-fold in the rs10889677 mutant,confirming the hypothesis that the variant disrupted miRNA binding sites,which led to an increase in IL23R expression and the activation of the PI3K signaling pathway.Furthermore,CAC-induced mice had a significantly higher disease activity index(P<0.05).Buparlisib treatment significantly decreased mean weight loss in CAC-induced mice(P<0.05),reduced the percentage of proliferating cells by 5%,and increased the number of apoptotic cells.The treatment also caused a downward trend of Pdk1 expression and significantly decreased Sgk2 expression.CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that the rs10889677 variant as a critical initiator of the PI3K signaling pathway,and buparlisib had the ability to prevent PI3K-non-AKT activation in the pathophysiology of CAC.

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.

PI3K/AKT信号通路对冷却滩羊肉贮藏期间细胞凋亡的影响

以滩羊后腿肉为研究对象,采用10μmol/L磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(phosphoinositide 3-kinase,PI3K)抑制剂LY294002溶液对滩羊肉进行注射处理,4℃条件下分别贮藏0、2、4、6、8 d,通过十二烷基硫酸钠-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶电泳和蛋白质免疫印迹分析PI3K、蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,AKT)蛋白的表达情况,以此验证PI3K/AKT信号通路抑制的有效性,同时分析滩羊肉贮藏期间能量因子、氧化应激水平、线粒体损伤程度以及胱天蛋白酶(cysteine aspastic acid-specific protease,Caspase)-3活性的变化,以探索PI3K/AKT信号通路对冷却滩羊肉贮藏期间细胞凋亡途径的诱导机制。结果表明,PI3K和AKT蛋白表达量均减少,验证了PI3K/AKT信号通路被抑制的有效性。与对照组相比,LY294002处理组线粒体ATP、糖原含量、琥珀酸脱氢酶和柠檬酸合成酶活性显著下降(P<0.05);线粒体活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)逐渐增多,氧化应激水平和线粒体膜通透性转换孔(mitochondrial permeability transition pore,MPTP)开放程度增加;膜电位显著下降(P<0.05);凋亡因子Caspase-3活性显著升高(P<0.05),表明PI3K/AKT信号通路通过促进ROS产生并与PI3K相互作用,介导了下游Caspase-3的活化,使线粒体结构与功能受损,导致MPTP开放、膜电位降低,进而诱发细胞凋亡。

基于PI3K/Akt/mTOR 通路探究七氟醚麻醉对大鼠神经细胞凋亡的影响

目的探讨七氟醚麻醉对大鼠认知功能及神经细胞凋亡的影响。方法取96只大鼠,随机分为对照组(吸入2 L·min^(−1)氧气)、七氟醚低浓度组(吸入体积分数为1%的七氟醚+2 L·min^(−1)氧气)、七氟醚中浓度组(吸入体积分数为2%的七氟醚+2 L·min^(−1)氧气)、七氟醚高浓度组(吸入体积分数为4%的七氟醚+2 L·min^(−1)氧气),持续吸入6 h。用Morris水迷宫实验观察各组大鼠认知能力,用HE染色观察海马组织学形态,用酶联免疫吸附试验(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay,ELISA)测定海马组织中枢神经特异性蛋白(soluble protein 100β,S-100β)、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(neuron-specific enolase,NSE)、白细胞介素-1β(interleukin-1β,IL-1β)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)水平,流式细胞术测定神经细胞凋亡情况,蛋白印迹法(Western blotting)测定海马组织B淋巴细胞瘤-2(B-cell lymphoma-2,Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl2-associated X protein,Bax)、磷酸化磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase,p-PI3K)、磷酸化丝氨酸/苏氨酸激酶(phosphorylated serine/threonine kinase,p-Akt)和磷酸化哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin,p-mTOR)的水平。结果HE染色结果表明,对照组海马组织神经细胞结构正常,排列紧密,七氟醚各浓度组大鼠海马组织神经细胞减少,排列紊乱,分布不均匀。与对照组比较,七氟醚各浓度组大鼠逃避潜伏期时间,S100-β、NSE、IL-1β、TNF-α水平,Bax蛋白水平和神经细胞凋亡率均升高,穿越平台次数,平台停留时间,Bcl-2、p-PI3K、p-Akt和p-mTOR蛋白水平均降低(P<0.05);七氟醚各浓度组诸项指数水平变化规律相同,并呈剂量依赖性(P<0.05)。结论七氟醚麻醉可诱导大鼠神经细胞凋亡,使大鼠认知能力衰退,其可能与调控PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路有关。

紫草素对人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响

目的探讨紫草素对人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响及机制。方法将对数生长期MGC803细胞随机分为空白对照组、紫草素组、紫草素+胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)组和紫草素+LY294002组。空白对照组细胞在无药培养基中培养,紫草素组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素的培养基中培养,紫草素+IGF-1组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素和终浓度10μmol·L^(-1) IGF-1的培养基中培养,紫草素+LY294002组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素和终浓度30μmol·L^(-1) LY294002的培养基中培养。培养24 h后,采用细胞计数试剂盒-8法检测细胞增殖情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力,Transwell法检测细胞侵袭能力,Western blot法检测细胞中B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、细胞色素C(Cyt C)、激活型caspase-3(cleaved caspase-3)、cleaved caspase-9、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(PKB)、磷酸化PKB(p-PKB)蛋白表达。结果紫草素组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率均显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),紫草素组和空白对照组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05),紫草素+IGF-1组与紫草素组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05),紫草素+LY294002组与紫草素组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论紫草素可抑制人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进其凋亡,其作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/PKB信号通路有关。

PI3Kγ调控肿瘤相关巨噬细胞表型影响胆管癌细胞EMT进程与干性特征

目的探究磷酸肌醇3-激酶γ(phosphatidylinositide 3-kinaseγ,PI3Kγ)调控肿瘤相关巨噬细胞(tumor-associated macrophage,TAM)表型影响胆管癌细胞EMT进程及干性特征的作用。方法利用佛波酯(Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate,PMA)和IL-4诱导建立M2型TAM,并使用PI3Kγ抑制剂AS605240进行干预,观察细胞形态变化,免疫细胞荧光染色检测细胞表面M2特异性表型标志物CD163表达情况。建立M2型TAM与人胆管癌细胞系QBC-939共培养体系,分组为对照组、M2组、PI3Kγ抑制剂组,进行对应处理后收集QBC-939细胞,Transwell实验检测细胞迁移与侵袭能力,免疫细胞荧光染色观察细胞内E-cadherin与Vimentin表达,Western blotting检测细胞中E-cadherin、N-cadherin、Vimentin、MMP2及MMP9蛋白表达,肿瘤细胞成球实验检测细胞干性,Western blotting检测细胞中肿瘤干细胞相关蛋白CD133、OCT4及SOX2蛋白表达。结果经PMA和IL-4诱导后,细胞呈典型M2型形态,CD163荧光强度明显增加,但经PI3Kγ抑制剂干预后,M2型细胞数目明显减少,CD163荧光强度减弱。与M2组比较,PI3Kγ抑制剂组细胞迁移数目与侵袭数目均减少(P<0.05),E-cadherin荧光密度值升高、Vimentin荧光密度值降低(P<0.05),E-cadherin蛋白表达水平上调而N-cadherin、Vimentin、MMP2、MMP9蛋白表达水平均下调(P<0.05),同时,肿瘤细胞成球数量减少(P<0.05),CD133、OCT4及SOX2蛋白表达水平均下调(P<0.05)。结论抑制PI3Kγ能够抑制M2型TAM表型转化,从而抑制胆管癌细胞的EMT进程及肿瘤干性特征,发挥抗癌作用。

益气续骨方调节PI3K/Akt信号通路对激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢的影响

目的探究益气续骨方调节磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)信号通路对激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢的影响。方法将50只SD雄性大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、益气续骨方低剂量组、益气续骨方高剂量组、益气续骨方+LY294002组,每组10只。除正常组外,其余组大鼠右臀肌肉注射醋酸泼尼松龙注射液4周建立激素性股骨头坏死模型。造模结束后,益气续骨方低、高剂量组大鼠分别给予益气续骨方0.5 mL(含生药0.285 g/mL)和1 mL(含生药0.57 g/mL)灌胃,益气续骨方+LY294002组大鼠给予益气续骨方1 mL灌胃并腹腔注射6 mg/kg的LY294002,正常组和模型组给予等体积生理盐水灌胃,均1次/d,连续干预8周。ELISA检测大鼠血清白细胞介素-4(IL-4)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、血钙、血磷、骨保护素(OPG)、骨钙素(OCN)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)水平,Micro-CT检测观察股骨头形态,HE染色观察股骨头组织病理形态,TRAP染色观察破骨细胞生成情况,Western blot法检测股骨头组织中骨特异性转录因子2(Runx2)、骨形态发生蛋白2(BMP-2)、裂解半胱天冬酶-3(Cleaved-Caspase-3)、PI3K、Akt蛋白表达情况。结果与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、OPG、ALP水平和骨小梁分离度(Tb.Sp)、空骨陷窝率及股骨头组织中Cleaved-Caspase-3蛋白相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),血钙、血磷、OCN水平和骨体积分数(BV/TV)、骨小梁数目(Tb.N)、骨小梁厚度(Tb.Th)及股骨头组织中Runx2、BMP-2、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),破骨细胞数量增多,股骨头破坏、骨小梁空间结构紊乱;与模型组比较,益气续骨方低、高剂量组大鼠血清IL-4、IL-6、TNF-α、OPG、ALP水平和Tb.Sp、空骨陷窝率及股骨头组织中Cleaved-Caspase-3蛋白相对表达量均明显降低(P均<0.05),血钙、血磷、OCN水平和BV/TV、Tb.N、Tb.Th及股骨头组织中Runx2、BMP-2、p-PI3K/PI3K、p-Akt/Akt蛋白相对表达量均明显升高(P均<0.05),破骨细胞数量减少,股骨头破坏程度减轻,骨小梁空间结构形态改善;LY294002可减弱益气续骨方对上述指标的改善作用,各指标与益气续骨方高剂量组比较差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。结论益气续骨方可改善激素性股骨头坏死大鼠骨代谢,降低炎症因子水平,减少破骨细胞数量,减轻大鼠股骨头坏死,机制可能与激活PI3K/Akt信号通路有关。

基于PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路探讨化瘀通络灸促血管性痴呆大鼠髓鞘再生的作用机制

目的观察化瘀通络灸对血管性痴呆(vascular dementia,VD)大鼠胼胝体磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase,PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR)信号通路的影响,探讨化瘀通络灸促VD大鼠髓鞘再生的作用机制。方法经Morris水迷宫筛选后,随机选取12只大鼠纳入假手术组,剩余大鼠复制VD模型成功后,随机分为模型组、艾灸组、艾灸+LY294002组,每组12只。艾灸组予以化瘀通络灸干预,艾灸+LY294002组在化瘀通络灸干预的基础上予以PI3K抑制剂LY294002腹腔注射,采用Longa评分法评价各组大鼠神经功能损伤程度,Morris水迷宫实验检测各组大鼠学习记忆能力,Western blot法检测各组大鼠PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路相关蛋白的表达水平,神经髓鞘固蓝染色法观察各组大鼠胼胝体髓鞘的形态,透射电子显微镜观察各组大鼠髓鞘超微结构。结果与假手术组比较,模型组和艾灸+LY294002组大鼠的Longa评分显著升高(P<0.05),逃避潜伏期显著延长(P<0.05),PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路相关蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),胼胝体内髓鞘纹理不清,排列混乱,边缘呈空泡或空网状改变,髓鞘线圈样结构离散,部分膨出和崩解,有髓神经轴突数量显著减少(P<0.05);与模型组和艾灸+LY294002组比较,艾灸组大鼠Longa评分显著下降(P<0.05),逃避潜伏期显著缩短(P<0.05),PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路相关蛋白表达水平显著提高(P<0.05),胼胝体内髓鞘结构有所恢复,排列整齐,边缘结构较为致密,有髓神经轴突数量显著增加(P<0.05)。结论化瘀通络灸可能通过激活PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路,修复VD大鼠损伤髓鞘并促进其重塑,恢复脑白质功能。

Fenofibrate Pre-treatment Suppressed Inflammation by Activating Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase/Protein Kinase B(PI3K/Akt) Signaling in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Fenofibrate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury（IRI） in mice and its potential mechanism. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated group（sham）, IRI＋saline group（IRI group）, IRI＋Fenofibrate（FEN） group. Normal saline or Fenofibrate（3 mg/kg） was intravenously injected 60 min before renal ischemia in IRI group and FEN group, respectively. Blood samples and renal tissues were collected at the end of reperfusion. The renal function, histopathologic changes, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-8（IL-8）, tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α） and IL-6] in serum and renal tissue homogenate were assessed. Moreover, the effects of Fenofibrate on activating phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α（PPAR-α） were also measured in renal IRI. The results showed that plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, histopathologic scores and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly lower in FEN group than in IRI group. Moreover, Fenofibrate pretreatment could further induce PI3K/Akt signal pathway and PPAR-α activation following renal IRI. These findings indicated PPAR-α activation by Fenofibrate exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by suppressing inflammation via PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, Fenofibrate could be a novel therapeutic alternative in renal IRI.