Exploring the mechanism of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on acute colitis rats based on JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway in electroacupuncture of different acupoints on acute colitis rats.Methods:36 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,with 6 rats in each group.The rat model of acute colitis was prepared by enema with glacial acetic acid solution.After the model was established,electroacupuncture was given to each acupoint group,with density wave,frequency 2Hz-50 Hz,intensity 2 mA,muscle tremor as the degree 20 min/time,1 time/day,for 3 consecutive days.Observe the general condition of rats;the pathological changes of colonic mucosa in rats were observed by HE method.The contents of serum interleukin-4(IL-4)and interleukin-8(IL-8)were detected by ELISA.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of JAK2,STAT3,SOCS1 protein and mRNA in rat colon tissue.Results:In contrast to the normal group,the overall condition of the model group was worse,the colonic mucosa was severely damaged,even necrotic,and the ulcer surface was obvious.The content of IL-4 in serum was obviously reduced,and the content of IL-8 was obviously go up(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously go up,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously reduced(P<0.01).In contrast to the model group,the general condition of rats in each acupoint group was significantly improved,the damage and necrosis of colonic mucosa and ulcer surface were obviously alleviated,the content of IL-4 in serum was obviously go up,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously reduced,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Comparison of different acupoint groups,the colonic mucosal injury in the Zusanli group was significantly reduced,the content of serum IL-4 was significantly increased,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein content and mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue were significantly down-regulated,while the protein content and mRNA expression of SOCS1 were significantly go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at each acupoint can improve the damage of colonic mucosa and reduce the inflammatory response.The therapeutic effect of Zusanli(ST36)is better than that of Tianshu(ST25),Dachangshu(BL25)and Shangjuxu(ST37).The mechanism may be related to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway related proteins and inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-8.

Oleanolic acid inhibits colon cancer cell stemness and reverses chemoresistance by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background:Oleanolic acid(OA),a pentacyclic triterpenoid exhibiting specific anti-cancer properties and highly effective antioxidant activity,was isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.Conversely,the OA that impacts colon cancer(CC)cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Methods:The cytotoxic effect of OA alone or OA-5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)combination on normal and CC cells was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT).Then,the impact of OA on CC cell lines(LoVo and HT-29)proliferation and stemness were measured using colon formation and tumorsphere formation assays.Octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4),Prominin-1(CD133),Nanog,and transcription factor SOX-2(SOX2)are cell stemness-related indicators whose expression was assessed usingfluorescence qPCR assay,Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry.The effect of OA on the proliferative potency of CC cells was evaluated using an in vivo model.Results:The stem-like characteristics and clone production of colon cancer cells were markedly reduced by OA alone or in combination with OA-5-FU.Moreover,OA increases the susceptibility of CC cells to 5-FU by blocking the cell stemness-related markers(CD133,Nanog,SOX2,and Oct4)expression levels both in vitro and in vivo,as well as by inactivating the activator of transcription 3(STAT3 signaling)and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer(JAK2).Conclusion:Thesefindings imply that oleanolic acid,both in vitro and in vivo,suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 pathway,which in turn reverses chemoresistance and decreases colon cancer cell stemness.Therefore,by reducing the recommended amount of 5-FU,this strategy may improve chemotherapeutic effectiveness and minimize undesired side effects.

Elevated retinol binding protein 4 levels are associated with atherosclerosis in diabetic rats via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide and is driven by multiple risk factors,including diabetes,which results in an increased atherosclerotic burden,but the precise mechanisms for the occurrence and development of diabetic atheroscerosis have not been fully elucidated.AIM To summarize the potential role of retinol binding protein 4(RBP4) in the pathogenesis of diabetic atheroscerosis,particularly in relation to the RBP4-Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)signaling pathway.METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups,including a control group(NC group),diabetic rat group(DM group),and diabetic atherosclerotic rat group(DA group).The contents of total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLc), fasting insulin(FINS),fasting plasma glucose,and hemoglobin A1 c(HbA1 c)were measured.Moreover,the adipose and serum levels of RBP4,along with the expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2), STAT3,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Cyclin D1 in aortic tissues were also measured.Besides,homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) and atherogenic indexes(AI) were calculated.RESULTS Compared with the NC and DM groups,the levels LDL-c,TG,TC,FINS,HOMAIR,RBP4,and AI were upregulated,whereas that of HDL-c was downregulated in the DA group(P <0.05);the mRNA levels of JAK2,STAT3,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 in the DA group were significantly increased compared with the NC group and the DM group;P-JAK2,p-JAK2/JAK2 ratio,p-STAT3,p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 at protein levels were significantly upregulated in the DA group compared with the NC group and DM group.In addition,as shown by Pearson analysis,serum RBP4 had a positive correlation with TG,TC,LDL-c,FINS,HbA1 C,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Bcl-2,Cyclin D1,AI,and HOMA-IR but a negative correlation with HDL-c.In addition,multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that serum RBP4,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,and LDL-c were predictors of the presence of diabetic atherosclerosis.CONCLUSION RBP4 could be involved in the initiation or progression of diabetic atherosclerosis by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

3-epi-bufotalin suppresses the proliferation in colorectal cancer cells through the inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been increasingly employed in the last decades in China for both preventing and treating a variety of cancers.3-epi-bufotalin is an active ingredient of TCM“Chanpi”with anti-tumor potential.However,the effect and mechanism of 3-epi-bufotalin on colorectal cancers were not well disclosed.The present study demonstrated that 3-epi-bufotalin could reduce viability,trigger apoptosis,and block the cell cycle at the G2/M stage in colorectal cancer cell lines HT29,RKO,and COLO205 in vitro.Moreover,3-epi-bufotalin inhibited the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.These results indicated the anti-proliferation ability of 3-epi-bufotalin in colorectal cancer cells.

Effects of plumbagin on migration and invasion of human hepatoma cell line via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Objective:To study the effect of plumbagin(PL)on the migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cells and its possible mechanism.Methods:The cell counting kit(CCK-8)was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of plumbagin on the proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma Huh-7 and LM3 cells.The effect of plumbagin on the migration ability of Huh-7 and LM3 cells was detected by scratch test and Transwell migration test,and the effect of on the invasion ability of Huh-7 and LM3 cells was detected by Transwell invasion test.Western Blot was used to detect the expression of E-cadherin,N-cadherin,matrix metalloproteinase-2 and related proteins in JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in Huh-7 and LM3 cells.Results:Plumbagin could inhibit the proliferation of Huh-7 and LM3 cells in a time-and concentration-dependent manner.Plumbagin inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh-7 and LM3 cells in a concentration dependent manner,and it can down-regulate the expression of N-cadherin and MMP-2 protein,up-regulate the expression of E-cadherin protein,and inhibit the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.Conclusion:Plumbagin can inhibit the migration and invasion of human hepatocellular carcinoma Huh-7 and LM3 cells,and the molecular mechanism of this process may be related to the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.

To explore the mechanism of Dahuang Lingxian Formula in relieving inflammatory response of bile duct cells based on IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway

Objective:To explore the mechanism of action of Dahuang Lingxian Formula in alleviating the inflammatory response of bile duct cells in LPS-induced intrahepatic bile duct inflammation model rats based on IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway.Methods:Fifty SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,blank group,model group,choling tablets(0.5 g/kg),and low and high concentration groups(2.4 g/kg and 4.8 g/kg)of Dahuang Lingxian Formula,ten rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the rats in each group were injected with 1.25 mg/kg LPS at the common bile duct at one time to construct an animal model of intrahepatic bile duct infection.After gavage on day 8,liver tissues were taken from rats at the hepatic hilum,and the histopathological changes of the hepatic hilum and biliary tree were observed by HE staining.The expression levels of serum glutamic alanine transaminase(ALT),glutamic oxalacetic transaminase(AST),malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)were measured by biochemical method.The expression levels of interleukin 6(IL-6),Janus protein tyrosine kinase 2(JAK2),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)in rat serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Protein immunoblotting(WB)and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)were used to detect the expression levels of IL-6,JAK2,STAT3 protein and mRNA in biliary tree tissues.Results:①Compared with the blank group,the structures such as interlobular bile ducts in the hepatic sinusoids and portal duct area of the model rats were destroyed,and inflammatory cells infiltrated around them.The expression of ALT,AST,MDA,IL-6,JAK2 and STAT3 in the serum increased significantly,the expression level of SOD decreased,and the expression levels of IL-6,JAK2 and STAT3 proteins and mRNA increased.②Compared with the model group,the degree of liver pathological damage in rats in the Chiling Ning tablet group and the low and high concentration groups of Dahuang Lingxian Formula were improved,which could significantly reduce the expression levels of ALT,AST,MDA,IL-6,JAK2,STAT3 and up-regulate SOD in serum,and down-regulate the expression of IL-6,JAK2,STAT3 protein and mRNA,with the best effect in the high concentration group of Dahuang Lingxian Formula.③Compared with the choling tablet group,the rats in the low and high concentration groups of Dahuang Lingxian Formula tended to normalize the degree of liver pathological damage,without obvious inflammatory cell infiltration,and the expression levels of ALT,AST,MDA,IL-6,JAK2,STAT3 and the expression levels of IL-6,JAK2,STAT3 protein and mRNA in serum were reduced,and the expression levels of SOD were increased,with the best effect of Dahuang Lingxian Formula The treatment effect was best in the high concentration group.Conclusion:The mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of IL-6/JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway activation,and the best therapeutic effect was achieved by the high concentration group of Dahuang Lingxian Formula.

Value of spiral CT perfusion parameters for evaluating acute pancreatitis and their correlation with inflammatory factor and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Objective: To study the value of spiral CT perfusion parameters for evaluating acute pancreatitis and their correlation with inflammatory factor and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Methods: Patients with acute pancreatitis and patients with pancreatic trauma who underwent surgical resection in Liaocheng Dongchangfu People's Hospital between May 2014 and March 2017 were selected and enrolled in the AP group and the control group of the research respectively;spiral CT perfusion scanning was conducted before surgery to measure the blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), and mean transit time (MTT), and the serum was collected to determine the contents of inflammatory factors;pancreatitis tissue and normal pancreatic tissue were collected after surgical resection to determine the expression of JAK2/STAT3 signal molecules. Results: pancreatic tissue BF and BV levels of AP group were significantly lower than those of control group while MTT level was not different from that of control group;CRP, PCT, HMGB-1, Ghrelin and sTREM-1 contents in serum as well as JAK2, STAT3, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL mRNA expression in pancreatic tissue of AP group were significantly higher than those of control group and negatively correlated with BF and BV levels in pancreatic tissue. Conclusion: Spiral CT perfusion parameters BF and BV can reflect the microcirculatory disorder of acute pancreatitis and are associated with the increased secretion of inflammatory factors and the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the course of disease.

HBP1 inhibits chicken preadipocyte differentiation by activating the STAT3 signaling via directly enhancing JAK2 expression

Obesity presents a serious threat to human health and broiler performance.The expansion of adipose tissue is mainly regulated by the differentiation of preadipocytes.The differentiation of preadipocytes is a complex biological process regulated by a variety of transcription factors and signaling pathways.Previous studies have shown that the transcription factor HMG-box protein 1(HBP1)can regulate the differentiation of mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.However,it is unclear whether HBP1 involved in chicken preadipocyte differentiation and which signaling pathways it regulates.The aim of the current study was to explore the biological function and molecular regulatory mechanism of HBP1 in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes.The expression patterns of chicken HBP1 in abdominal adipose tissue and during preadipocyte differentiation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and Western blot.The preadipocyte stably overexpressing HBP1 or knockout HBP1 and their control cell line were used to analyze the effect of HBP1 on preadipocyte differentiation by oil red O staining,RT-qPCR and Western blot.Cignal 45-Pathway Reporter Array was used to screen the signal pathways that HBP1 regulates in the differentiation of chicken preadipocytes.Chemical inhibitor and siRNA for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)were used to analyze the effect of STAT3 on preadipocyte differentiation.The preadipocyte stably overexpressing HBP1 was transfected by the siRNA of STAT3 or treated with a chemical inhibitor of STAT3 for the rescue experiment.The results of gene expression analysis showed that the expression of HBP1 was related to abdominal fat deposition and preadipocyte differentiation in chickens.The results of function gain and loss experiments indicated that overexpression/knockout of HBP1 in chicken preadipocytes could inhibit/promote(P<0.05)lipid droplet deposition and the expression of adipogenesis-related genes.Mechanismlly,HBP1 activates(P<0.05)the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway by targeting janus kinase 2(JAK2)transcription.The results of functional rescue experiments indicated that STAT3 signaling mediated the regulation of HBP1 on chicken preadipocyte differentiation.In conclusion,HBP1 inhibits chicken preadipocyte differentiation by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway via directly enhancing JAK2 expression.Our findings provided new insights for further analysis of the molecular genetic basis of chicken adipose tissue growth and development.

Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived exosomal miRNA-761 regulates the tumor microenvironment by targeting the SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND:Exosomes and exosomal microRNAs have been implicated in tumor occurrence and metastasis.Our previous study showed that microRNA-761(miR-761)is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tissues and that its inhibition affects mitochondrial function and inhibits HCC metastasis.The mechanism by which exosomal miR-761 modulates the tumor microenvironment has not been elucidated.METHODS:Exosomal miR-761 was detected in six cell lines.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)and transwell migration assays were performed to determine the function of exosomal miR-761 in HCC cells.The luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze miR-761 target genes in normal fi broblasts(NFs).The inhibitors AZD1480 and C188-9 were employed to determine the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)signaling pathway in the transformation of cancer-associated fi broblasts(CAFs).RESULTS:In this study,we characterized the mechanism by which miR-761 reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment.We found that HCC-derived exosomal miR-761 was taken up by NFs.Moreover,HCC exosomes aff ected the tumor microenvironment by activating NFs via suppressor of cytokine signaling 2(SOCS2)and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.CONCLUSIONS:These results demonstrated that exosomal miR-761 modulated the tumor microenvironment via SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent activation of CAFs.Our fi ndings may inspire new strategies for HCC prevention and therapy.

Research progress on signaling pathways in cirrhotic portal hypertension

Portal hypertension(PHT) is an important consequence of liver cirrhosis, which can lead to complications that adversely affect a patient's quality of life and survival, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and portosystemic encephalopathy. In recent years, advances in molecular biology have led to major discoveries in the pathological processes of PHT, including the signaling pathways that may be involved: PI3 K-AKT-mTOR, RhoA/Rho-kinase, JAK2/STAT3, and farnesoid X receptor. However, the pathogenesis of PHT is complex and there are numerous pathways involved. Therefore, the targeting of signaling pathways for medical management is lagging. This article summarizes the progress that has been made in understanding the signaling pathways in PHT, and provides ideas for treatment of the disorder.

GPR160 regulates the self-renewal and pluripotency of mouse embryonic stem cells via JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway

G-protein-coupled receptors(GPCRs)are the largest family of transmembrane receptors and regulate various physiological and pathological processes.Despite extensive studies,the roles of GPCRs in mouse embryonic stem cells(mESCs)remain poorly understood.Here,we show that GPR160,a class A member of GPCRs,is dramatically downregulated concurrent with mESC differentiation into embryoid bodies in vitro.Knockdown of Gpr160 leads to downregulation of the expression of pluripotency-associated transcription factors and upregulation of the expression of lineage markers,accompanying with the ar-rest of the mESC cell-cycle in the G0/G1 phase.RNA-seq analysis shows that GPR160 participates in the JAK/STAT signaling pathway crucial formaintaining ESC stemness,and the knockdown of Gpr160 results in the downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation level,which in turn is partially rescued by colivelin,a STAT3 activator.Consistent with these observations,GPR160 physically interacts with JAK1,and co-operates with leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR)and gp130 to activate the STAT3 pathway.In summary,our results suggest that GPR160 regulates mESC self-renewal and pluripotency by interacting with the JAK1-LIFR-gp130 complex to mediate the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Interaction of IL-22/IL-22R1 promotes cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis of colorectal cancer via phosphorylation of STAT3

Interleukin-22(IL-22)is a member of IL-10 cytokine family which is expressed in activated T cells predominantly and in activated natural killer cells at lower levels.Previous studies have demonstrated the link between elevated levels of IL-22 and disease severity of psoriasis,Crohn’s disease,rheumatoid arthritis and interstitial lung diseases.However,the function of IL-22 in the development and progression of colorectal cancer(CRC)remains elusive.In this study,we first evaluated the IL-22/IL-22R1 level in CRC patients,and found that tumor tissues have more active expression of IL-22 and IL-22R1 than normal tissues,presenting correlation with the degree of differentiation of tumor tissues.Subsequently,caspase and cell viability assays were performed on SW-480 cell line,which expresses high level of IL-22R1,to examine if the supplementation of IL-22 has an impact on apoptosis and proliferation.In comparison with treatment of 5-FU,supplementation of IL-22 promoted cell proliferation and ameliorated apoptosis.To unveil signal transduction upon activation of IL-22R,we examined the phosphorylation of STAT3 in SW-480 cell line following supplementation of IL-22.The treatment of IL-22 also increased the level of p-Akt,an essential component in PI3K/Akt pathway.Although the link between STAT3 phosphorylation and PI3K/Akt activation remains to be explored,our study revealed the mechanism underlying the effects of IL-22R activation on apoptosis as well as tumor differentiation,indicating the prognostic value of IL-22/IL-22R.

The Influence of Gastrodin on Expression of IL-10, STAT3 and JAK2 in Epileptic Rats’ Hippocampus

Objective: To explore the influence of gastrodin on IL-10, JAK2 and STAT3 in hippocampus of epileptic rats induced by pentylenetetrazol and the role of the IL-10 pathway in epilepsy. Methods: 50 adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control group (NC Group), epilepsy model group (EP Group), low doses of gastrodin + EP Group (GE1 Group), medium doses of gastrodin + EP Group (GE2 Group), high doses of gastrodin + EP Group (GE3 Group). EP group and GE Groups were injected subthreshold doses of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) by intraperitoneal once a day until reaching the ignited standards. GE groups were respectively injected 4, 6, 8 mg/kg gastrodin by intraperitoneal. All groups were administered for 28 consecutive days. The behavioral changes of the rats were observed and recorded daily 1 hour after the injection. mRNAs of IL-10, STAT3 and JAK2 in hippocampus were measured by RT-qPCR, and proteins by Western blot. Results: Compared GE2 group with EP group, the incubation of seizure was significantly prolonged (P Conclusions: Gastrodin can increase the expression of IL-10, and reduce the expression of STAT3 and JAK2, which may play an antiepileptic effect through regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways by IL-10.

3C^(pro)of FMDV inhibits type II interferon-stimulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway by blocking STAT1 nuclear translocation

Foot-and-mouth disease virus(FMDV)has developed various strategies to antagonize the host innate immunity.FMDV Lpro and 3Cpro interfere with type I IFNs through different mechanisms.The structural protein VP3 of FMDV degrades Janus kinase 1 to suppress IFN-γsignaling transduction.Whether non-structural proteins of FMDV are involved in restraining type II IFN signaling pathways is unknown.In this study,it was shown that FMDV replication was resistant to IFN-γtreatment after the infection was established and FMDV inhibited type II IFN induced expression of IFN-γ-stimulated genes(ISGs).We also showed for the first time that FMDV non-structural protein 3C antagonized IFN-γ-stimulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway by blocking STAT1 nuclear translocation.3C^(pro)expression significantly reduced the ISGs transcript levels and palindromic gamma-activated sequences(GAS)promoter activity,without affecting the protein level,tyrosine phosphorylation,and homodimerization of STAT1.Finally,we provided evidence that 3C protease activity played an essential role in degrading KPNA1 and thus inhibited ISGs mRNA and GAS promoter activities.Our results reveal a novel mechanism by which an FMDV non-structural protein antagonizes host type II IFN signaling.

Sphingosine kinase 1 promotes growth of glioblastoma by increasing inflammation mediated by the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 and JNK/PTX3 pathways

Glioblastoma(GBM)is the most challenging malignant tumor of the central nervous system because of its high morbidity,mortality,and recurrence rate.Currently,mechanisms of GBM are still unclear and there is no effective drug for GBM in the clinic.Therefore,it is urgent to identify new drug targets and corresponding drugs for GBM.In this study,in silico analyses and experimental data show that sphingosine kinase 1(SPHK1)is up-regulated in GBM patients,and is strongly correlated with poor prognosis and reduced overall survival.Overexpression of SPHK1 promoted the proliferation,invasion,metastasis,and clonogenicity of GBM cells,while silencing SPHK1 had the opposite effect.SPHK1 promoted inflammation through the NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway and led to the phosphorylation of JNK,activating the JNK-JUN and JNK-ATF3 pathways and promoting inflammation and proliferation of GBM cells by transcriptional activation of PTX3.SPHK1 interacted with PTX3 and formed a positive feedback loop to reciprocally increase expression,promote inflammation and GBM growth.Inhibition of SPHK1 by the inhibitor,PF543,also decreased tumorigenesis in the U87-MG and U251-MG SPHK1 orthotopic mouse models.In summary,we have characterized the role and molecular mechanisms by which SPHK1 promotes GBM,which may provide opportunities for SPHK1-targeted therapy.

Emerging agents that target signaling pathways to eradicate colorectal cancer stem cells

Colorectal cancer(CRC)represents the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide.The modern concept of cancer biology indicates that cancer is formed of a small population of cells called cancer stem cells(CSCs),which present both pluripotency and self-renewal properties.These cells are considered responsible for the progression of the disease,recurrence and tumor resistance.Interestingly,some cell signaling pathways participate in CRC survival,proliferation,and selfrenewal properties,and most of them are dysregulated in CSCs,including the Wingless(Wnt)/β-catenin,Notch,Hedgehog,nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription(JAK/STAT),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR),phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR),and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)/Smad pathways.In this review,we summarize the strategies for eradicating CRC stem cells by modulating these dysregulated pathways,which will contribute to the study of potential therapeutic schemes,combining conventional drugs with CSC-targeting drugs,and allowing better cure rates in anti-CRC therapy.

Effect of electroacupuncture on JAK2/STAT3 pathway in synovial tissues of rats with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway in knee joint synovial tissues of rats with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore the action mechanism of EA on RA. Methods: Twelve of the 48 SPF male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were assigned to a normal group by the random number table method. The remaining 36 rats were subjected to RA model preparation by intradermal injection of the Freund's complete adjuvant into the right hind foot pad of each rat under sterile conditions. After the model was successfully prepared, rats were then divided into a model group, a drug group and an EA group according to a random number table method (n=12). Rats in the drug group were treated with 2 mL aqueous solution of tripterygium glycosides [8.1 mg/(kg?bw)];rats in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36), for 30 min each time;rats in the normal group and the model group were placed in a special rat fixation tank for 30 min each time, and received the same dose of normal saline as those in the drug group. Rats in all groups received intervention once a day for 4 weeks. Diameter of rat ankle joint and rat arthritis index were measured before and after the intervention. At the end of the experiment, the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 were determined by immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to detect JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs expressions. Results: After the model was produced, the arthritis index >2 was considered successful in model preparation. Compared with the model group, the ankle joint diameters and arthritis indexes of rats in the drug group and the EA group were significantly lower (all P<0.01);immunohistochemical staining cells with phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 were significantly decreased (all P<0.01);the expression levels of JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs were decreased with statistical differences (all P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the EA group and the drug group (all P>0.05). Conclusion: EA can alleviate the inflammatory response of RA rats, improve their pathological conditions, reduce the expressions of phospho-JAK2 and phospho-STAT3 in the synovial tissue of knee joint, and decrease the expressions of JAK2 and STAT3 mRNAs. The therapeutic effect of EA is comparable to that of the tripterygium glycosides. The mechanism of EA treatment may be related to the inactivation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

毒素清对肺炎痰热证大鼠肺组织Janus激酶/信号转导和转录激活因子信号通路的影响

目的 观察肺炎痰热证大鼠肺组织Janus激酶/信号转导和转录激活因子(JAK/STAT)转导通路,探讨毒素清治疗肺炎痰热证的作用机制.方法 将Wistar大鼠按随机数字表法分为正常组、肺炎组、肺炎痰热证组、阳性对照组、毒素清组,每组12只.制备细菌性肺炎痰热证大鼠模型,采用免疫组化法测定肺组织p-JAK2、p-STAT1、p-STAT3、细胞信号转导抑制蛋白3(SOCS3)表达,采用逆转录-聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)测定肺组织SOCS3 mRNA表达.结果 与正常组比较,肺炎组、肺炎痰热证组肺组织p-JAK2、p-STAT1、p-STAT3、SOCS3蛋白及SOCS3 mRNA表达均显著升高(均P【0.01),且肺炎痰热证组较肺炎组升高明显(均P【0.05).与肺炎痰热证组相比,毒素清组、阳性对照组肺组织p-JAK2、p-STAT1、p-STAT3蛋白表达明显减弱(均P【0.01),SOCS3蛋白及mRNA表达明显增强(均P【0.01),其中,毒素清组肺组织p-JAK2、p-STAT1、p-STAT3蛋白表达较阳性对照组减弱尤为明显(均P【0.05).结论 JAK/STAT信号转导通路参与了肺炎痰热证肺组织的病理损伤过程;毒素清治疗肺炎痰热证的作用机制可能与上调SOCS3,阻断JAK/STAT信号通路,继而减少炎症因子的释放有关.

STAT3-specific nanocarrier for shRNA/drug dual delivery and tumor synergistic therapy

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is a major disease with high incidence,low survival rate and prone to develop drug resistance to chemotherapy.The mechanism of secondary drug resistance in NSCLC chemotherapy is very complex,and studies have shown that the abnormal activation of STAT3(Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3)plays an important role in it.In this study,the pGPU6/GFP/Neo STAT3-shRNA recombinant plasmid was constructed with STAT3 as the precise target.By modifying hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks onto chitosan,a multifunctional vitamin E succinate-chitosan-polyethylene glycol monomethyl ether histidine(VES-CTS-mPEG-His)micelles were synthesized.The micelles could encapsulate hydrophobic drug doxorubicin through self-assembly,and load the recombinant pGPU6/GFP/Neo STAT3-shRNA(pDNA)through positive and negative charges to form dual-loaded nanoparticles DOX/VCPH/pDNA.The co-delivery and synergistic effect of DOX and pDNA could up-regulate the expression of PTEN(Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog),down-regulate the expression of CD31,and induce apoptosis of tumor cells.The results of precision targeted therapy showed that DOX/VCPH/pDNA could significantly down-regulate the expression level of STAT3 protein,further enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy.Through this study,precision personalized treatment of NSCLC could be effectively achieved,reversing its resistance to chemotherapy drugs,and providing new strategies for the treatment of drug-resistant NSCLC.

Sustained release of magnesium and zinc ions synergistically accelerates wound healing

Skin wounds are a major medical challenge that threaten human health.Functional hydrogel dressings demonstrate great potential to promote wound healing.In this study,magnesium(Mg)and zinc(Zn)are introduced into methacrylate gelatin(GelMA)hydrogel via low-temperature magnetic stirring and photocuring,and their effects on skin wounds and the underlying mechanisms are investigated.Degradation testing confirmed that the GelMA/Mg/Zn hydrogel released magnesium ions(Mg^(2+))and zinc ions(Zn^(2+))in a sustained manner.The Mg^(2+) and Zn^(2+)not only enhanced the migration of human skin fibroblasts(HSFs)and human immortalized keratinocytes(HaCats),but also promoted the transformation of HSFs into myofibroblasts and accelerated the production and remodeling of extracellular matrix.Moreover,the GelMA/Mg/Zn hydrogel enhanced the healing of full-thickness skin defects in rats via accelerated collagen deposition,angiogenesis and skin wound re-epithelialization.We also identified the mechanisms through which GelMA/Mg/Zn hydrogel promoted wound healing:the Mg^(2+) promoted Zn^(2+)entry into HSFs and increased the concentration of Zn^(2+)in HSFs,which effectively induced HSFs to differentiate into myofibroblasts by activating the STAT3 signaling pathway.The synergistic effect of Mg^(2+) and Zn^(2+)promoted wound healing.In conclusion,our study provides a promising strategy for skin wounds regeneration.