MicroRNA-329-3p inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and proliferation of osteosarcoma cells by targeting transcription factor 7-like 1

An important factor in the emergence and progre sion of osteosarcoma(OS)is the dysregulated expression of microRNAs(miRNAs).Transcription factor 7-like 1(TCF7LI),a member of the T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor(TCF/LEF)transcription factor family,interacts with the Wnt signaling pathway regulator β-catenin and acts as a DNA-specific binding protein.This study sought to elucidate the impact of the interaction between miR 3293p and TCF7L1 on.the growth and apoptosis of OS and analyze the regulatory expression relationship between miRNA and mRNA in osteosarcoma cells using a variety of approaches.MiR329-3p was significantly downregulated,while TCF7L1 was considerably up-regulated in all examined OS cell lines.Additionally,a clinical comparison study was performed using the TCGA database.Subsequently,the regulatory relationship between miR-329-3p and TCF7L1 on the proliferation and apoptosis of OS cells was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments.When miR 329-3p was transfected into the OS cell line,the expression of TCF7L1 decreased,the proliferation of OS cells was inhibited,the cytoskeleton disintegrated,and the nucleus condensed to fom apoptotic bodies.The expression of proteins that indicate apoptosis increased simultaneously.The cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase,and the G1/S transition was blocked.The introduction of miR 3293p also inhibited downstream Cyclin D1 of the Wnt pathway.Xenograf experiments indicated that the overexpression of miR-329-3p signi ficanly inhibited the growth of OS xenografts in nude mice,and the expression of TCF7L1 and C-Myc in tumor tssues decreased.MiR 329-3p was significantly reduced in OS cells and played a suppressive role in tumorigenesis and proliferation by targeting TCF7L1 both in vitro and in vivo.Osteosarcoma cell cycle arrest and pathway inhibition were observed upon the regulation of TCF7LI by miR 3293p.Summarizing these results,it can be inferred that miR.3293p exerts anticancer efects in osteosarcoma by inhibiting TCF7L1.

SOX7通过靶向调控SHP-2/Wnt/β-catenin/ROS通路抑制结直肠癌细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移

目的研究SOX7调控SHP-2/Wnt/β-catenin/ROS通路从而影响结直肠癌细胞增殖、侵袭和迁移的分子机制。方法将20只裸鼠皮下移植瘤模型随机分为SOX7 NC组(n=5)、SOX mimic组(n=5)、SOX7 NC+PHPS1组(n=5)和SOX7 mimic+PHPS1组(n=5),观察肿瘤生长情况。通过脂质体法将人结直肠癌细胞系SW480细胞转染后,将细胞分为6组,分别为SOX7 NC组、SOX7 mimic组、SOX7 NC+H_(2)O_(2)组、SOX7 mimic+H_(2)O_(2)组、SOX7 NC+PHPS1组、SOX7 mimic+PHPS1组。通过Western blot实验检测各组SW480细胞SHP-2/Wnt/β-catenin/ROS通路相关蛋白的表达,通过细胞划痕实验和Transwell侵袭迁移实验检测SW480细胞的侵袭迁移能力,通过CCK-8检测SW480细胞的增殖。结果小鼠体内实验显示:SOX7 mimic组肿瘤体积明显小于SOX7 NC组(P<0.01),经过PHPS1干预的肿瘤体积明显增大,SOX7 mimic+PHPS1组肿瘤体积和SOX7 NC+PHPS1组的差异无统计学意义。体外实验发现:SOX7 mimic抑制了SW480细胞Wnt、β-catenin、NOX2、NOX4、PI3K、P-PI3K、AKT、P-AKT蛋白表达(P<0.01),促进了p-SHP-2蛋白表达(P<0.01);加入H_(2)O_(2)和SHP-2抑制剂后SOX7 mimic组和SOX7 NC组的Wnt、β-catenin、NOX2、NOX4、PI3K、P-PI3K、AKT、P-AKT的蛋白表达水平升高,但差异无统计学意义,SHP-2、p-SHP-2蛋白的表达水平降低,但差异无统计学意义;细胞划痕、Transwell侵袭迁移实验和CCK-8实验结果表明SOX7通过氧化应激和SHP-2通路抑制了SW480细胞的迁移、侵袭和增殖(P<0.01)。结论SOX7可通过靶向SHP-2/Wnt/β-catenin/ROS通路抑制结直肠癌增殖、侵袭和迁移。

内异痛经灵调控Wnt7a/β-catenin信号通路改善子宫内膜异位症的实验研究

目的旨在明确内异痛经灵(NYTJL)对大鼠子宫内膜异位症的改善效果并从调控Wnt7a/β-catenin信号通路明确其分子机制。方法将30只雌性,SPF级,SD大鼠,随机分为5组,每组6只。除Control组外,Sham组、Model组、高剂量内异痛经灵(NYTJL-H,40 mg/kg)组和低剂量内异痛经灵(NYTJL-L,20 mg/kg)组均将大鼠子宫内膜固定在腹壁进行上造模;并对应灌胃给药,干预结束后,利用HE染色观察子宫内膜组织形态变化,应用Ki67免疫组化及TUNEL染色检测子宫内膜组织中细胞增殖及凋亡,应用RT-qPCR及蛋白印迹检测子宫内膜组织中Wnt7a及β-catenin的表达,以免疫荧光检测β-catenin的表达。结果与Model组比较,NYTJL高剂量组可以显著改善子宫内膜的组织学形态,降低浸润细胞数量,促进细胞分散排布,减少腺体数量,缩小腺腔体积;与Model组比较,NYTJL-H组和NYTJL-L组均可显著促进异位子宫内膜细胞凋亡,抑制异位子宫内膜细胞增殖;与Control和Sham组比较,Model组Wnt7a和β-catenin的mRNA和蛋白表达均显著上升,而与Model组比较,NYTJL-H组和NYTJL-L组对Wnt7a和β-catenin的表达有显著的抑制作用。结论NYTJL可以抑制Wnt7a/β-catenin信号通路进而促进异位子宫内膜细胞凋亡,进而治疗子宫内膜异位症。

Activation of the wnt/β-catenin/CYP1B1 pathway alleviates oxidative stress and protects the blood-brain barrier under cerebral ischemia/reperfusion conditions

Accumulating evidence suggests that oxidative stress and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway participate in stroke-induced disruption of the blood-brain barrier.However,the potential links between them following ischemic stroke remain largely unknown.The present study found that cerebral ischemia leads to oxidative stress and repression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.Meanwhile,Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by the pharmacological inhibito r,TWS119,relieved oxidative stress,increased the levels of cytochrome P4501B1(CYP1B1)and tight junction-associated proteins(zonula occludens-1[ZO-1],occludin and claudin-5),as well as brain microvascular density in cerebral ischemia rats.Moreove r,rat brain microvascular endothelial cells that underwent oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation displayed intense oxidative stress,suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,aggravated cell apoptosis,downregulated CYP1B1and tight junction protein levels,and inhibited cell prolife ration and migration.Overexpression ofβ-catenin or knockdown ofβ-catenin and CYP1B1 genes in rat brain mic rovascular endothelial cells at least partly ameliorated or exacerbated these effects,respectively.In addition,small interfering RNA-mediatedβ-catenin silencing decreased CYP1B1 expression,whereas CYP1B1 knoc kdown did not change the levels of glycogen synthase kinase 3β,Wnt-3a,andβ-catenin proteins in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells after oxygen glucose deprivatio n/reoxygenation.Thus,the data suggest that CYP1B1 can be regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling,and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin/CYP1B1 pathway contributes to alleviation of oxidative stress,increased tight junction levels,and protection of the blood-brain barrier against ischemia/hypoxia-induced injury.

Calculus bovis inhibits M2 tumor-associated macrophage polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation to suppress liver cancer

BACKGROUND Calculus bovis(CB),used in traditional Chinese medicine,exhibits anti-tumor effects in various cancer models.It also constitutes an integral component of a compound formulation known as Pien Tze Huang,which is indicated for the treatment of liver cancer.However,its impact on the liver cancer tumor microenvironment,particularly on tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),is not well understood.AIM To elucidate the anti-liver cancer effect of CB by inhibiting M2-TAM polarization via Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation.METHODS This study identified the active components of CB using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS,evaluated its anti-neoplastic effects in a nude mouse model,and elucidated the underlying mechanisms via network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking.In vitro assays were used to investigate the effects of CB-containing serum on HepG2 cells and M2-TAMs,and Wnt pathway modulation was validated by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.RESULTS This study identified 22 active components in CB,11 of which were detected in the bloodstream.Preclinical investigations have demonstrated the ability of CB to effectively inhibit liver tumor growth.An integrated approach employing network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking implicated the Wnt signaling pathway as a target of the antineoplastic activity of CB by suppressing M2-TAM polarization.In vitro and in vivo experiments further confirmed that CB significantly hinders M2-TAM polarization and suppresses Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation.The inhibitory effect of CB on M2-TAMs was reversed when treated with the Wnt agonist SKL2001,confirming its pathway specificity.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that CB mediates inhibition of M2-TAM polarization through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,contributing to the suppression of liver cancer growth.

Silencing of peroxiredoxin 2 suppresses proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway,and induces senescence in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),a common malignancy worldwide,still lacks effective clinical treatment.The study aimed to investigate the oncogenes that affect the progression of HCC and their possible mechanisms.In our study,we initially confirmed a higher level of PRDX2 in the bile of HCC patients compared to those with choledocholithiasis by 2-DE,LC-MS,and ELISA.Subsequently,we demonstrated the high expression of peroxiredoxin 2(PRDX2)in HCC based on the TCGA database and clinical sample analysis.Furthermore,PRDX2 overexpression enhanced the viability of HCC cells.And PRDX2 silencing induced senescence of HCC cells.In vivo,knockdown of PRDX2 significantly reduced the weight of xenograft tumors.PRDX2 also was found to activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by inducingβ-catenin nuclear translocation.Consequently,we proved that silencing PRDX2 could inhibit proliferation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway while promoting senescence in HCC cells.

Cinobufotalin prevents bone loss induced by ovariectomy in mice through the BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways

Background:Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease characterized by bone loss and decreased bone strength.However,current anti-resorptive drugs carry a risk of various complications.The deep learning-based efficacy prediction system(DLEPS)is a forecasting tool that can effectively compete in drug screening and prediction based on gene expression changes.This study aimed to explore the protective effect and potential mechanisms of cinobufotalin(CB),a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),on bone loss.Methods:DLEPS was employed for screening anti-osteoporotic agents according to gene profile changes in primary osteoporosis.Micro-CT,histological and morphological analysis were applied for the bone protective detection of CB,and the osteogenic differentiation/function in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(hBMMSCs)were also investigated.The underlying mechanism was verified using qRT-PCR,Western blot(WB),immunofluorescence(IF),etc.Results:A safe concentration(0.25mg/kg in vivo,0.05μM in vitro)of CB could effectively preserve bone mass in estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss and promote osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs.Both BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways participated in CB-induced osteogenic differentiation,further regulating the expression of osteogenesis-associated factors,and ultimately promoting osteogenesis.Conclusion:Our study demonstrated that CB could significantly reverse estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss,further promoting osteogenic differentiation/function of hBMMSCs,with BMPs/SMAD and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways involved.

Calculus bovis in hepatocellular carcinoma:Tumor molecular basis,Wnt/β-catenin pathway role,and protective mechanism

In this editorial,we comment on the recent article by Huang et al.The editorial focuses specifically on the molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),mechanism of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC,and protective mechanism of Calculus bovis(CB)in HCC.Liver cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally.The most prevalent kind of primary liver cancer,HCC,is typically brought on by long-term viral infections(hepatitis B and C),non-alcoholic steatohepatitis,excessive alcohol consumption,and other conditions that can cause the liver to become chronically inflamed and cirrhotic.CB is a wellknown traditional remedy in China and Japan and has been used extensively to treat a variety of diseases,such as high fever,convulsions,and stroke.Disturbances in lipid metabolism,cholesterol metabolism,bile acid metabolism,alcohol metabolism,and xenobiotic detoxification lead to fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis.Succinate,which is a tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediate,is vital to energy production and mitochondrial metabolism.It is also thought to be a signaling molecule in metabolism and in the development and spread of liver malignancies.The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is made up of a group of proteins that are essential for both adult tissue homeostasis and embryonic development.Cancer is frequently caused by the dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.In HCC liver carcinogenesis,Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated by the expression of downstream target genes.Communication between the liver and the gut exists via the portal vein,biliary tract,and systemic circulation.This"gutliver axis"controls intestinal physiology.One of the main factors contributing to the development,progression,and treatment resistance of HCC is the abnormal activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway.Therefore,understanding this pathway is essential to treating HCC.Eleven ingredients of CB,particularly oleanolic acid,ergosterol,and ursolic acid,have anti-primary liver cancer properties.Additionally,CB is important in the treatment of primary liver cancer through pathways linked to immune system function and apoptosis.CB also inhibits the proliferation of cancer stem cells and tumor cells and controls the tumor microenvironment.In the future,clinicians may be able to recommend one of many potential new drugs from CB ingredients to treat HCC expression,development,and progress.

Inhibition of M2 tumor-associated macrophages polarization by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a possible liver cancer therapy method

The problem of liver cancer is becoming increasingly important due to the epi-demic of metabolic diseases and persistent high alcohol consumption.This deter-mines great attention to the development and improvement of methods for early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.Huang et al presented a study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology,in which they showed that the use of the traditional Chinese medicine Calculus bovis(CB)can suppress tumor growth in mice by inhibiting M2 tumor-associated macrophages(TAM)through modulating the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.The interaction of CB components with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway,M2 TAM polarization,and tumor dynamics were studied using network pharmacology,transcriptomics,and molecular docking.It is now generally accepted that the polarization of TAM and the differentiation of the functions of M1 and M2 phagocytes are of great importance for the progression of neoplasms.It is assumed that M2 TAM promote proliferation and migration of tumor cells.Attempts to medicinally influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in order to modulate phagocyte polarization now belong to one of the most promising areas of immunotherapy of oncological diseases.Undoubtedly,the work of the Chinese authors deserves attention and further development.

N-glycosylation of Wnt3 regulates the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by affecting Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway

BACKGROUND Wnt/FZD-mediated signaling pathways are activated in more than 90%of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)cell lines.As a well-known secretory glycoprotein,Wnt3 can interact with FZD receptors on the cell surface,thereby activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.However,the N-glycosylation modification site of Wnt3 and the effect of this modification on the biological function of the protein are still unclear.AIM To investigate the effect of Wnt3 N-glycosylation on the biological function of HCC cells.METHODS Site-directed mutagenesis was used to verify the Wnt3 N-glycosylation sites,actinomycin D treatment was used to detect the stability of Wnt3 after site-directed mutation,the binding of the N-glycosylation site-directed mutant Wnt3 to FZD7 was observed by laser confocal microscopy,and the effects of the N-glycosylation site-directed mutation of Wnt3 on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the progression of HCC cells were detected by western blot and cell function experiments.RESULTS Wnt3 has two N-glycosylation-modified sites(Asn90 and Asn301);when a single site at amino acid 301 is mutated,the stability of Wnt3 is weakened;the binding ability of Wnt3 to FZD7 decreases when both sites are mutated simultaneously;and the level of proteins related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is downregulated.Cell proliferation,migration and invasion are also weakened in the case of single 301 site and double-site mutations.CONCLUSION These results indicate that by inhibiting the N-glycosylation of Wnt3,the proliferation,migration,invasion and colony formation abilities of liver cancer cells can be weakened,which might provide new therapeutic strategies for clinical liver cancer in the future.

Pachymic acid exerts antitumor activities by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B

Objective:To determine the inhibitory effects of pachymic acid on lung adenocarcinoma(LUAD)cells and elucidate its underlying mechanism.Methods:CCK-8,wound healing,Transwell,Western blot,tube formation,and immunofluorescence assays were carried out to measure the effects of various concentrations of pachymic acid on LUAD cell proliferation,metastasis,angiogenesis as well as autophagy.Subsequently,molecular docking technology was used to detect the potential targeted binding association between pachymic acid and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B(PTP1B).Moreover,PTP1B was overexpressed in A549 cells to detect the specific mechanisms of pachymic acid.Results:Pachymic acid suppressed LUAD cell viability,metastasis as well as angiogenesis while inducing cell autophagy.It also targeted PTP1B and lowered PTP1B expression.However,PTP1B overexpression reversed the effects of pachymic acid on metastasis,angiogenesis,and autophagy as well as the expression of Wnt3a andβ-catenin in LUAD cells.Conclusions:Pachymic acid inhibits metastasis and angiogenesis,and promotes autophagy in LUAD cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via targeting PTP1B.

IL13RA2 promotes progression of infantile haemangioma by activating glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Background:Interleukin 13 receptor subunit alpha 2(IL13RA2)plays an essential role in the progression of many cancers.However,the role of IL13RA2 in infantile haemangioma(IH)is still unknown.Materials and Methods:IL13RA2 expression in IH tissues was analyzed using western blot,qRT-PCR,and immunofluorescence.The role of IL13RA2 in haemangioma-derived endothelial cells(HemECs)was determined following knockdown or overexpression of IL13RA2 using CCK-8,colony formation,apoptosis,wound healing,tubule formation,Transwell,and western blot.Results:IL13RA2 expression was upregulated in IH tissues.IL13RA2 overexpression promoted proliferation,migration,and invasion of HemECs and induced glycolysis,which was confirmed with a glycolysis inhibitor.Specifically,IL13RA2 interacted withβ-catenin and activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HemECs,which were involved in the above-mentioned effects of IL13RA2.Conclusions:These findings revealed that targeting IL13RA2 is a potential therapeutic approach for IH.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in mice with precancerous gastric cancer lesions

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer(GC),the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is closely linked to tumourigenesis.GC has a high mortality rate and treatment cost,and there are no drugs to prevent the progression of gastric precancerous lesions to GC.Therefore,it is necessary to find a novel drug that is inexpensive and preventive to against GC.AIM To explore the effects of H.pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and precancerous lesions of GC(PLGC).METHODS Mice were divided into the control,N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU),H.pylori+MNU,and Moluodan groups.We first created an H.pylori infection model in the H.pylori+MNU and Moluodan groups.A PLGC model was created in the remaining three groups except for the control group.Moluodan was fed to mice in the Moloudan group ad libitum.The general condition of mice were observed during the whole experiment period.Gastric tissues of mice were grossly and microscopically examined.Through quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting analysis,the expression of relevant genes were detected.RESULTS Mice in the H.pylori+MNU group showed the worst performance in general condition,gastric tissue visual and microscopic observation,followed by the MNU group,Moluodan group and the control group.QRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of relevant genes,the results showed that the H.pylori+MNU group had the highest expression,followed by the MNU group,Moluodan group and the control group.CONCLUSION H.pylori can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby facilitating the development and progression of PLGC.Moluodan suppressed the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby decreasing the progression of PLGC.

Complement factor Ⅰ knockdown inhibits colon cancer development by affecting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling pathway and glycolysis

BACKGROUND Colon cancer(CC)occurrence and progression are considerably influenced by the tumor microenvironment.However,the exact underlying regulatory mechanisms remain unclear.AIM To investigate immune infiltration-related differentially expressed genes(DEGs)in CC and specifically explored the role and potential molecular mechanisms of complement factor I(CFI).METHODS Immune infiltration-associated DEGs were screened for CC using bioinformatics.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to examine hub DEGs expression in the CC cell lines.Stable CFI-knockdown HT29 and HCT116 cell lines were constructed,and the diverse roles of CFI in vitro were assessed using CCK-8,5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine,wound healing,and transwell assays.Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were employed to evaluate the influence of CFI on the tumorigenesis of CC xenograft models constructed using BALB/c male nude mice.Key proteins associated with glycolysis and the Wnt pathway were measured using western blotting.RESULTS Six key immune infiltration-related DEGs were screened,among which the expression of CFI,complement factor B,lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1,and SRY-related high-mobility-group box 4 was upregulated,whereas that of fatty acid-binding protein 1,and bone morphogenic protein-2 was downregulated.Furthermore,CFI could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for CC.Functionally,CFI silencing inhibited CC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and tumor growth.Mechanistically,CFI knockdown downregulated the expression of key glycolysis-related proteins(glucose transporter type 1,hexokinase 2,lactate dehydrogenase A,and pyruvate kinase M2)and the Wnt pathway-related proteins(β-catenin and c-Myc).Further investigation indicated that CFI knockdown inhibited glycolysis in CC by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway.CONCLUSION The findings of the present study demonstrate that CFI plays a crucial role in CC development by influencing glycolysis and the Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc pathway,indicating that it could serve as a promising target for therapeutic intervention in CC.

脑卒中后脑血管内皮细胞内质网应激抑制Wnt7/β-catenin通路导致血脑屏障损伤的机制研究

目的·探讨缺血性脑卒中后脑血管内皮细胞Wnt7/β-catenin信号失活是否导致血脑屏障(blood-brain barrier,BBB)完整性破坏,并研究内质网应激爆发是否介导了Wnt7/β-catenin通路的抑制。方法·采用线栓法阻断小鼠大脑中动脉建立大脑中动脉栓塞(middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO)模型,脑缺血60 min后拔除线栓。向MCAO模型小鼠腹腔注射内质网应激抑制剂4-苯基丁酸(4-phenylbutyric acid,4-PBA)作为4-PBA+MCAO组。并设置假手术组(Sham组)。MCAO后24 h用伊文思蓝(Evans blue,EB)测定小鼠BBB的通透性,干湿法测定脑组织含水量,免疫荧光测定小鼠脑血管内皮细胞和周细胞黏附性。对人脑微细血管内皮细胞(human brain microvascular endothelial cells,HBMECs)进行氧糖剥夺(oxygen and glucose deprivation,OGD)4 h,加入4-PBA培养24 h。细胞实验分为空白对照组、OGD组和OGD+4-PBA组。采用CCK-8测定细胞活力,通过检测FITC标记的牛血清白蛋白(FITC-BSA)的通过率来评估细胞通透性;通过ELISA测定HBMECs中血小板衍生生长因子β(platelet-derived growth factorβ,PDGF-β)的分泌水平;采用Fluo-3 AM钙离子荧光探针检测细胞的荧光强度并评估细胞内钙离子浓度,通过CM-H2DCFDA荧光探针测量活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)含量以明确细胞内质网应激状态;蛋白质印迹法(Western blotting)检测HBMECs中的连接蛋白[紧密连接蛋白1(zonula occludens-1,ZO-1)和密封蛋白5(claudin-5)]、内质网应激蛋白[CCAAT/增强子结合蛋白同源蛋白(CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein,CHOP)、葡萄糖调节蛋白78(glucose-regulated protein 78,GRP78)、门冬氨酸特异性半胱氨酸蛋白酶12(cysteine-containing aspartate-specific proteases 12,Caspase-12)]、Wnt7和β-连环蛋白(β-catenin)的表达水平。结果·MCAO模型小鼠脑梗死区水含量较假手术组增加,EB渗出量明显增多(均P<0.05),小鼠脑血管内皮细胞和周细胞之间的黏附性下降;腹腔注射4-PBA后MCAO模型小鼠脑水肿程度减轻,BBB的渗透性降低(均P<0.05),脑血管内皮细胞和周细胞之间的黏附性增加。与空白对照组HBMECs比较,在OGD条件下细胞活力下降,通透性增加(均P<0.05);同时,OGD组HBMECs中连接蛋白ZO-1、claudin-5的表达水平下降,PDGF-β的分泌水平减少,钙离子浓度升高,ROS含量明显上调,内质网应激蛋白CHOP、GRP78、Caspase-12的表达水平增加,Wnt7和β-catenin的表达水平下降(均P<0.05)。而当HBMECs的OGD模型经4-PBA处理后,OGD导致的HBMECs损伤减轻,细胞中连接蛋白的表达水平增加,HBMECs的通透性降低,PDGF-β的分泌水平增加,并且Wnt7/β-catenin信号的活性明显恢复(均P<0.05)。结论·脑卒中后脑血管内皮细胞内质网应激爆发导致Wnt7/β-catenin信号失活引起的内皮细胞损伤,是BBB破坏的关键途经。

Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Cascades in Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels,primarily including coronary heart disease,stroke,and other diseases.It is the world’s leading cause of death,and its incidence is increasing yearly.Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Wnt signaling comprises a series of highly conservative cascading events controlling fundamental biological processes.Wnt signaling pathways include the canonical Wnt pathway(or Wnt/β-catenin pathway),the non canonical planar cell-polarity pathway,and the non-canonical calcium-dependent pathways.Abnormal Wnt signaling promotes cell proliferation and differentiation,cardiac malformations,various malignancies,so drugs targeting Wnt signaling play a great therapeutic potential.Wnt/β-catenin pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke by regulating cell proliferation,migration,apoptosis,blood-brain barrier permeability,inflammation,oxidative stress,and immune response.Based on the latest research progress,this review summarizes the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cardiovascular diseases,in order to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

急性马兜铃酸中毒小鼠肾损伤及Wnt7b/β-catenin/MMP-7的表达变化

目的连续观察急性马兜铃酸Ⅰ(AAⅠ)中毒小鼠肾损伤的病理改变和Wnt通路相关蛋白的表达,探讨Wnt7b信号通路参与马兜铃酸肾病(AAN)损伤修复的机制。方法观察小鼠暴露于AAⅠ后不同时间肾功能的变化,HE和Masson染色观察肾脏病理改变及纤维化情况,免疫组化和电镜观察Wnt7b信号通路相关蛋白的组织和亚细胞的定位和表达。结果小鼠暴露于AAⅠ后血肌酐和尿素氮增多;肾近端小管上皮细胞(PCTEC)刷状缘绒毛脱落、细胞水肿、坏死,小管基底膜裸露、纤维化加重;免疫组化和电镜结果显示,小鼠暴露于AAⅠ后,Wnt7b蛋白在PCTEC的刷状缘聚集,β-catenin的表达从细胞膜下转移至胞质和细胞核内,基质金属蛋白酶-7(MMP-7)表达增多,改变呈时间依赖性(P<0.05)。结论小鼠暴露于AAⅠ后肾脏生理功能异常,PCTEC坏死脱落,在此过程中Wnt7b信号通路被启动,β-catenin和MMP-7蛋白表达量增高。

Nystose attenuates bone loss and promotes BMSCs differentiation to osteoblasts through BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ovariectomized mice

Increasing the osteogenic differentiation ability and decreasing the adipogenic differentiation ability of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)is a potential strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis(OP).Naturally derived oligosaccharides have shown significant anti-osteoporotic effects.Nystose(NST),an oligosaccharide,was isolated from the roots of Morinda officinalis How.(MO).The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of NST on bone loss in ovariectomized mice,and explore the underlying mechanism of NST in promoting differentiation of BMSCs to osteoblasts.Administration of NST(40,80 and 160 mg/kg)and the positive control of estradiol valerate(0.2 mg/kg)for 8 weeks significantly prevented bone loss induced by ovariectomy(OVX),increased the bone mass density(BMD),improved the bone microarchitecture and reduced urine calcium and deoxypyridinoline(DPD)in ovariectomized mice,while inhibited the increase of body weight without significantly affecting the uterus weight.Furthermore,we found that NST increased osteogenic differentiation,inhibited adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro,and upregulated the expression of the key proteins of BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.In addition,Noggin and Dickkopf-related protein-1(DKK-1)reversed the effect of NST on osteogenic differentiation and expression of the key proteins in BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathway.The luciferase activities and the molecular docking analysis further supported the mechanism of NST.In conclusion,these results indicating that NST can be clinically used as a potential alternative medicine for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Actinidia chinensis Planch.root extract downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to treat gastric cancer:a mechanism study based on network pharmacology

Background:Actinidia chinensis Planch.roots(AcRoots)have been applied as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor drug in the treatment of gastric cancer(GC).However,their mechanisms against GC cells remain unclear.To investigate the anticancer effect of AcRoots in GC and the possible underlying mechanism by using network pharmacology.Methods:Differentially expressed genes between gastric precancerous lesions and cancer were analyzed in Gene Expression Omnibus datasets,and these genes were overlapped with potential targets of AcRoots.Potential targets and pathways for AcRoots treatment of GC predicted by network pharmacology.Furthermore,we used the GC cell line HGC27 to explore the molecular mechanisms in the context of hub genes in apoptosis,invasion,metastasis,and epithelial to mesenchymal transition-promoting factors.Molecular docking between hub targets and active drug components was also performed.Results:Network pharmacological analysis suggested that the potential mechanism was related to the Wnt pathway and predicted nine hub genes.In in vitro studies,AcRoots significantly decreased HGC27 cell viability and promoted apoptosis by upregulating caspase3 and downregulating Bcl2.Moreover,it suppressed invasion and metastasis as well as the expression of epithelial to mesenchymal transition-related factors.In addition,AcRoots affected the phosphorylation level of GSK3β(Ser9)in the Wnt pathway to promote the degradation ofβ-catenin,resulting in the downregulation of the downstream target genes c-myc,cyclin D1 and snail.All the experimental results were consistent with the network pharmacology results.Conclusion:This study combined network pharmacology with in vitro experiments to provide valid evidence for the clinical promotion of AcRoots.

Effects of Qigongwan on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary syndrome

[Objectives] To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qigongwan on PCOS model rats by detecting the changes in sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and observing the effects of ovarian pathological morphological changes, apoptosis and expression of Wnt/β-β catenin signaling pathway protein. [Methods] Ten of 40 female SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the other 30 rats were treated with letrozole combined with high-fat diet to establish the PCOS rat model. After successful modeling, the model group was randomly divided into Qigongwan group, positive Daying-35 (Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate Tablets) group and model group, with 10 rats in each group. Qigongwan group was given 14.7 g/(kg·d) by gavage, Daying-35 group was given 0.21 mg/(kg·d) by oral gavage, and normal group and model group were given the same amount of distilled water, and the intervention lasted for 21 d. ELISA method was used to detect the levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P) in serum. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphological changes of ovarian tissues;TUNEL staining was used to observe apoptosis of ovarian tissue granule cells;the expression of Wnt, β-catenin protein in rat ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. [Results] (i) Compared with the model group, Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group could significantly increase serum E 2 and P levels, significantly reduce serum T levels ( P <0.01), significantly reduce serum LH levels and LH/FSH ratio ( P <0.01), and increase serum FSH levels ( P <0.05) in different degrees. (ii)The results of HE staining showed that compared with the model group, Qigongwan and Daying-35 groups could improve follicular development and reduce atretic follicles in different degrees. Compared with Daying-35 group, the number of GC layers in Qigongwan group was significantly increased. (iii) The results of TUNEL staining showed that compared with the model group, the rate of TUNEL-positive cells in the Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group decreased significantly ( P <0.01). (iv) The immunohistochemical results showed that compared with the model group, the expression levels of wnt and β-catenin in the Qigongwan group and the Daying-35 group increased in different degrees ( P <0.05), and the expression range increased. [Conclusions] Qigongwan can regulate the secretion level of sex hormones such as FSH and LH, improve the pathological damage of ovarian tissue, and inhibit apoptosis of ovarian granule cells, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.