Exploring the interaction between the gut microbiota and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-protein kinase A signaling pathway:a potential therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases

The interaction between the gut microbiota and cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)-protein kinase A(PKA)signaling pathway in the host's central nervous system plays a crucial role in neurological diseases and enhances communication along the gut–brain axis.The gut microbiota influences the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway through its metabolites,which activates the vagus nerve and modulates the immune and neuroendocrine systems.Conversely,alterations in the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway can affect the composition of the gut microbiota,creating a dynamic network of microbial-host interactions.This reciprocal regulation affects neurodevelopment,neurotransmitter control,and behavioral traits,thus playing a role in the modulation of neurological diseases.The coordinated activity of the gut microbiota and the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway regulates processes such as amyloid-β protein aggregation,mitochondrial dysfunction,abnormal energy metabolism,microglial activation,oxidative stress,and neurotransmitter release,which collectively influence the onset and progression of neurological diseases.This study explores the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway,along with its implications for potential therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases.Recent pharmacological research has shown that restoring the balance between gut flora and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway may improve outcomes in neurodegenerative diseases and emotional disorders.This can be achieved through various methods such as dietary modifications,probiotic supplements,Chinese herbal extracts,combinations of Chinese herbs,and innovative dosage forms.These findings suggest that regulating the gut microbiota and cAMP-PKA signaling pathway may provide valuable evidence for developing novel therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases.

Amino acids regulate energy utilization through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase pathway in porcine enterocytes

As major fuels for the small intestinal mucosa,dietary amino acids(AA)are catabolized in the mitochondria and serve as sources of energy production.The present study was conducted to investigate AA metabolism that supply cell energy and the underlying signaling pathways in porcine enterocytes.Intestinal porcine epithelial cells(IPEC-J2)were treated with different concentrations of AA,inhibitor,or agonist of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORCl)and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase(AMPK),and mitochondrial respiration was monitored.The results showed that AA treatments resulted in enhanced mitochondrial respiration,increased intracellular content of pyruvic acid and lactic acid,and increased hormone-sensitive lipase mRNA expression.Meanwhile,decreased citrate synthase,isocitrate dehydrogenase alpha,and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 mRNA expression were also observed.We found that AA treatments increased the protein levels of phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin(p-mTOR),phosphorylated-p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase,and phosphorylated-4 E-binding protein 1.What is more,the protein levels of phosphorylated AMPKα(pAMPKa)and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD)-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin-1(SIRT1)were decreased by AA treatments in a time depending manner.Mitochondrial bioenergetics and the production of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates were decreased upon inhibition of mTORCl or AMPK.Moreover,AMPK activation could up-regulate the mRNA expressions of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta(Ikbk(3),integrin-linked protein kinase(ILK),unconventional myosin-Ic(Myolc),ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-2(RPS6 Kβ2),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-β,which are downstream effectors of mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR).The mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit delta isoform(PIK3 CD)and5’-AMP-activated protein kinase subunit gamma-1(PRKAG1),which are upstream regulators of mTOR,were also up-regulated by AMPK activation.On the other hand,AMPK activation also down-regulated FK506-binding protein 1 A(FKBP1 A),serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2 A 55 kDa regulatory subunit B beta isoform,phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN),and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(Ulkl),which are up-stream regulators of mTORCl.Taken together,these data indicated that AA regulated cellular energy metabolism through mTOR and AMPK pathway in porcine enterocytes.These results demonstrated interactions of AMPK and mTORCl pathways in AA catabolism and energy metabolism in intestinal mucosa cells of piglets,and also provided reference for using AA to remedy human intestinal diseases.

Metformin promotes angiogenesis and functional recovery in aged mice after spinal cord injury by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway

Treatment with metformin can lead to the recovery of pleiotropic biological activities after spinal cord injury.However,its effect on spinal cord injury in aged mice remains unclear.Considering the essential role of angiogenesis during the regeneration process,we hypothesized that metformin activates the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway in endothelial cells,thereby promoting microvascular regeneration in aged mice after spinal cord injury.In this study,we established young and aged mouse models of contusive spinal cord injury using a modified Allen method.We found that aging hindered the recovery of neurological function and the formation of blood vessels in the spinal cord.Treatment with metformin promoted spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell migration and blood vessel formation in vitro.Furthermore,intraperitoneal injection of metformin in an in vivo model promoted endothelial cell proliferation and increased the density of new blood vessels in the spinal cord,thereby improving neurological function.The role of metformin was reversed by compound C,an adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor,both in vivo and in vitro,suggesting that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway likely regulates metformin-mediated angiogenesis after spinal cord injury.These findings suggest that metformin promotes vascular regeneration in the injured spinal cord by activating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/endothelial nitric oxide synthase pathway,thereby improving the neurological function of aged mice after spinal cord injury.

Electroacupuncture preconditioning attenuates ischemic brain injury by activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling pathway

Electroacupuncture has therapeutic effects on ischemic brain injury, but its mechanism is still poorly understood. In this study, mice were stimulated by electroacupuncture at the Baihui（GV20） acupoint for 30 minutes at 1 m A and 2/15 Hz for 5 consecutive days. A cerebral ischemia model was established by ligating the bilateral common carotid artery for 15 minutes. At 72 hours after injury, neuronal injury in the mouse hippocampus had lessened, and the number of terminal deoxynucleotide transferase-mediated d UTP nick-end labeling-positive cells reduced after electroacupuncture treatment. Moreover, expression of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α（AMPKα） and phosphorylated AMPKα was up-regulated. Intraperitoneal injection of the AMPK antagonist, compound C, suppressed this phenomenon. Our findings suggest that electroacupuncture preconditioning alleviates ischemic brain injury via AMPK activation.

Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation enhances embryonic neural stem cell apoptosis in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Alterations in embryonic neural stem cells play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We hypothesized that embryonic neural stem cells from SOD1G93A individuals might be more susceptible to oxidative injury, resulting in a propensity for neurodegeneration at later stages. In this study, embryonic neural stem cells obtained from human superoxide dis- mutase 1 mutant （SOD1G93A） and wild-type （SOD1wv） mouse models were exposed to H202. We assayed cell viability with mitochondrial succinic dehydrogenase colorimetric reagent, and measured cell apoptosis by flow cytometry. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of the adenos- ine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK） ct-subunit, paired box 3 （Pax3） protein, and p53 in western blot analyses. Compared with SOD1wr cells, SOD1~93A embryonic neural stem cells were more likely to undergo H202-induced apoptosis. Phosphorylation of AMPKct in SOD1G93A cells was higher than that in SOD1wr cells. Pax3 expression was inversely correlated with the phosphorylation levels of AMPKct. p53 protein levels were also correlated with AMPKct phosphorylation levels. Compound C, an inhibitor of AMPKa, attenuated the effects of H20~. These results suggest that embryonic neural stem cells from SOD1C93A mice are more susceptible to apoptosis in the presence of oxidative stress compared with those from wild-type controls, and the effects are mainly mediated by Pax3 and p53 in the AMPKa pathway.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of rutin for spinal cord injury through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation and inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway

Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin （30 mg/kg） for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.

Metformin attenuates motility,contraction,and fibrogenic response of hepatic stellate cells in vivo and in vitro by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) and subsequent treatment with or without metformin. The level of fibrosis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry. The HSC cell line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of metformin on cell proliferation(CCK8 assay),motility(scratch test and Transwell assay), contraction(collagen gel contraction assay), extracellular matrix(ECM) secretion(Western blot), and angiogenesis(ELISA and tube formation assay) was investigated. We also analyzed the possible signaling pathways involved by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Mice developed marked liver fibrosis after intraperitoneal injection with CCl_4 for 6 wk. Metformin decreased the activation of HSCs, reduced the deposition of ECM, and inhibited angiogenesis in CCl_4-treated mice. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) promoted the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vitro, while metformin inhibited the activation, proliferation, migration, and contraction of HSCs, and reduced the secretion of ECM. Metformin decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in HSCs through inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α in both PDGF-BB treatment and hypoxic conditions, and it down-regulated VEGF secretion by HSCs and inhibited HSC-based angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions in vitro. The inhibitory effects of metformin on activated HSCs were mediated by inhibiting the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathways via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).CONCLUSION Metformin attenuates the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, and may therefore be useful for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Adenosine triphosphate promotes locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by activating mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in rats

The mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway plays an important role in neuronal growth, proliferation and differentiation. To better understand the role of mTOR pathway involved in the induction of spinal cord injury, rat models of spinal cord injury were established by modified Allen＇s stall method and interfered for 7 days by intraperitoneal administration of mTOR activator adenosine triphosphate and mTOR kinase inhibitor rapamycin. At 1-4 weeks after spinal cord injury induction, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate rat locomotor function, and immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of nestin （neural stem cell marker）, neuronal nuclei （neuronal marker）, neuron specific enolase, neurofilament protein 200 （axonal marker）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （astrocyte marker）, Akt, mTOR and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Results showed that adenosine triphosphate-mediated Akt/mTOR/STAT3 pathway increased endogenous neural stem cells, induced neurogenesis and axonal growth, inhibited excessive astrogliosis and improved the locomotor function of rats with spinal cord injury.

Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 on Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance and Adenosine Monophosphate?activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in Obese Mice

Objectives: The objective of the study is to observe the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on indexes of body weight, body composition, blood lipid, skeletal muscle endurance, and insulin sensitivity in obese mice, probe into its pharmacological action, and further explore its effects on adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old C57 BL/6 J mice were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish obese mouse model. The model-establishment obese mice were randomly divided into three groups including model control group, metformin group, and ginsenoside Rb1 group. In the normal control group, normal diet was administered. The intervention period was 8 weeks. Body weight and food intake of the mice were measured regularly every week. The treadmill test was performed at weeks 3 and 7, and the oral glucose tolerance test was carried out at weeks 4 and 8. Body composition of the mice was detected by applying NMR Animal Body Composition Analyzer at week 8. Four parameters of blood lipids and free fatty acid(FFA)levels were detected. The m RNA expression of AMPKα and proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α(PGC-1α) in skeletal muscle was examined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the influence of ginsenoside Rb1 on protein expression of AMPKα, p-AMPKα, and PGC-1α was observed by western blotting. Results: The body weight(since the 5 th week of drug administration)and food intake of the mice in the ginsenoside Rb1 group were significantly lower than those in the model control group(P < 0.05) in a time-dependent manner. Ginsenoside Rb1 could significantly reduce the levels of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level(P < 0.05). In addition, ginsenoside Rb1 could reduce the serum FFA level(P < 0.05).After the administration of ginsenoside Rb1 for 8 weeks, the body fat mass of obese mice decreased and the lean mass increased(P < 0.05).The skeletal muscle endurance and the oral glucose tolerance of the obese mice improved using ginsenoside Rb1. At the molecular level,ginsenoside Rb1 could up-regulate the mRNA and protein expression of AMPKα in skeletal muscle, and increase the content of p-AMPK protein significantly(P < 0.01). At the same time, the mRNA and protein level of PGC-1α was also un-regulated, correspondingly(P < 0.01).Conclusion: Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts effects on reducing body weight, decreasing blood lipid levels, enhancing the skeletal muscle endurance,and increasing the insulin sensitivity in obese mice by activating the related proteins in AMPK signaling pathway in skeletal muscle.

Regulatory role of CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in acute sleep deprivation-induced anxiety-like behavior mice

Objective:To investigate the regulatory role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element binding protein(CREB)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)signaling pathway in acute sleep deprivation(SD)-induced anxiety-like behavior mice(SD group)to study the mechanism of anxiety-like behavior better.Methods:The SD chamber was used to deprive the mice of sleep,and the anxiety-like behavior of the mice was verified using an open field test(OFT),elevated plus maze(EPM),forced swim test(FST),and tail suspension test(TST).Finally,proteins were detected by Western blotting.Result:OFT showed that the active distance and the time of stay in the central area were significantly reduced(P<0.05).EPM showed that the time and number of open arms in the SD group were significantly lower than in the control group(P<0.05).The FST showed that the forced swimming immobility time of the SD group was significantly lower than that of the control(P<0.05).Moreover,the TST showed that the immobility time of the tail suspension experiment in the SD group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acute SD can regulate anxiety-like behavior in mice through the CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

山姜素调节cAMP/PKA/CREB信号通路促进骨质疏松性骨折大鼠骨折愈合

背景:山姜素具有抗炎、抗肿瘤、抗菌等作用,已被证实能够缓解骨质疏松症,但山姜素对骨质疏松性骨折的影响及机制仍不清楚。目的:探讨山姜素调节环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白信号通路对骨质疏松性骨折大鼠的改善作用。方法:采用双侧卵巢切除手术构建骨质疏松症骨折大鼠模型,将成功造模大鼠依据随机数字表法分为山姜素低、中、高剂量组、抑制剂组和模型组,另选12只大鼠作为假手术组。骨折造模当天,山姜素低、中、高剂量组大鼠灌胃7.5,15,30 mg/kg的山姜素+腹腔注射等量的生理盐水,抑制剂组灌胃30 mg/kg的山姜素+腹腔注射5 mg/kg的H-89(通路抑制剂),模型组与假手术组给予(灌胃+腹腔注射)等量生理盐水,1次/d,连续8周。放射性检查评估大鼠骨折愈合情况并进行愈合评分;骨密度扫描仪测定骨折处骨密度;通过三点弯曲实验和压缩实验评估大鼠股骨生物力学状况;苏木精-伊红染色观察大鼠骨折处病理损伤;酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法检测血清碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素和Ⅰ型胶原交联C-末端肽、环磷酸腺苷水平的变化;Western blot检测股骨组织中骨形态发生蛋白2和环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白通路蛋白表达。结果与结论:①相较于假手术组,模型组大鼠骨折愈合评分、骨密度、最大负荷、最大应力、碱性磷酸酶、骨钙素、环磷酸腺苷水平、骨形态发生蛋白2、磷酸化蛋白激酶A/蛋白激酶A、磷酸化环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白表达下降,Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基末端肽水平增加(P<0.05);与模型组比较,山姜素各剂量组大鼠上述各项指标呈现相反的变化(P<0.05);与山姜素高剂量组比较,抑制剂组大鼠上述指标变化均被逆转(P<0.05)。②结论:山姜素可能通过激活环磷酸腺苷/蛋白激酶A/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白信号通路加速骨质疏松症骨折大鼠的骨折愈合。

Dan-gua Fang (丹瓜方) Improves Glycolipid Metabolic Disorders by Promoting Hepatic Adenosine 5'-monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase Expression in Diabetic Goto-kakizaki Rats

Objective：To investigate the effect of Dan-gua Fang（丹瓜方） on adenosine 5’-monophosphate（AMP） activated protein kinase（AMPK） α expression in liver and subsequent improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism.Methods：Forty 13-week-old diabetic Goto-Kakizaki（GK） rats were randomly divided into model,Dan-gua Fang,metformin and simvastatin groups（n=10 for each）,and fed high-fat diet ad libitum.Ten Wistar rats were used as normal group and fed normal diet.After 24 weeks,liver expression of AMPK α mRNA was assessed by real-time PCR.AMPK α and phospho-AMPK α protein expression in liver was evaluated by Western blot.Liver histomorphology was carried out after hematoxylin-eosin staining,and blood glucose（BG）,glycosylated hemoglobin A1c（HbA1c）,food intake and body weight recorded.Results：Similar AMPK α mRNA levels were found in the Dan-gua Fang group and normal group,slightly higher than the values obtained for the remaining groups（P〈0.05）.AMPK α protein expression in the Dan-gua Fang group animals was similar to other diabetic rats,whereas phospho-AMPK α（Thr-172） protein levels were markedly higher than in the metformin group and simvastatin group（P〈0.05）,respectively.However,phosphor-AMPKa/AMPK α ratios were similar in all groups.Dan-gua Fang reduced fasting blood glucose with similar strength to metformin,and was superior in reducing cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in comparison with simvastatin and metformin.Dan-gua Fang decreases plasma alanine aminotransferase（ALT） significantly.Conclusion：Dan-gua Fang,while treating phlegm-stasis,could decrease BG and lipid in type 2 diabetic GK rats fed with high-fat diet,and effectively protect liver histomorphology and function.This may be partly explained by increased AMPK expression in liver.Therefore,Dan-gua Fang might be an ideal drug for comprehensive Intervention for glucose and lipid metabolism disorders in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effects of Zuogui Pill(左归丸) and Yougui Pill(右归丸) on the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A Signaling Transduction Pathways of Axonal Regeneration in Model Rats with Experimental Autoimm

Objective：To study the effects of Zuogui Pill（左归丸,ZGP）and Yougui Pill（右归丸,YGP）on the expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor（BDNF）and cyclic adenosine monophosphate（cAMP）/protein kinase A（PKA）signaling of axonal regeneration in the Lewis rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis（EAE）,in order to explore the possible mechanism of ZGP and YGP on promoting axonal regeneration.Methods：The rats were randomly divided into normal control（NC）,model（MO）,prednisone acetate（PA）,ZGP and YGP groups.The EAE model of rat was established by injecting antigen containing myelin basic protein（MBP）68-86.The brain and spinal cord were harvested on the 14th and 28th day postimmunization（PI）,the protein and mRNA expression of BDNF and PKA in the brain and spinal cord of rats were detected by Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction（PCR）,and the cAMP levels were detected by using enzyme-immunoassay method.Results：（1）On the 28th day PI,the mRNA expression of BDNF in brain white matter and spinal cord of rats in ZGP and YGP groups were up-regulated,especially in YGP group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）.（2）On the 14th day PI,the cAMP levels in brain white matters significantly increased in PA and YGP groups compared with MO group（P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）,and the cAMP level in YGP group was higher than that in ZGP group（P〈0.05）.The cAMP level in spinal cord also significantly increased in YGP group compared with MO,PA and ZGP groups,respectively（P〈0.01）.（3）On the 14th day PI,the PKA expression in spinal cord of rats in ZGP group was significantly decreased compared with MO and YGP groups,respectively（P〈0.05）.（4）On the 28th day PI,there was a positive correlation between cAMP and PKA expression in the brain white matter of YGP rats.Conclusions：The results suggest that ZGP and YGP may promote axonal regeneration by modulating cAMP/PKA signal transduction pathway,but the targets of molecular mechanism of ZGP may be different from those of YGP.

Beneficial effects of metformin on primary cardiomyocytes via activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase

Background Metformin has become a cornerstone in the treatment of patients with type-2 diabetes. Accumulated evidence suggests that metformin supports direct cardiovascular effects. The present study aimed to investigate if metformin has beneficial effects on primary cardiomyocytes damaged by H2O2, and reveal the potential mechanism of action of metformin. Methods Cardiomyocytes were incubated in the presence of 100μmol/L H2O2 for 12 hours. Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with metformin at different concentrations and time and with aminoimidazole carboxamide ribonucleotide （AICAR） （500μmol/L）, an adenosine monophophate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） agonist for 60 minutes before the addition of H2O2. Other cells were preincubated with compound C （an AMPK antagonist, 20μmol/L） for 4 hours. The viability and apoptosis of cells were analyzed. AMPK, endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）, and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β1 were analyzed using immunblotting. Results Metformin had antagonistic effects on the influences of H2O2 on cell viability and attenuated oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Metformin also increased phosphorylation of AMPK and eNOS, and reduced the expression of TGF-β1, basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF）, and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α. Conclusions Metformin has beneficial effects on cardiomyocytes, and this effect involves activation of the AMPK-eNOS pathway. Metformin may be potentially beneficial for the treatment of heart disease.

Metformin inhibits nuclear factor-κB activation and inflammatory cytokines expression induced by high glucose via adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase activation in rat glomerular mesangial cells in vitro

Background The renoprotective mechanisms of adenosine monophosphate （AMP）-activated protein kinase （AMPK） agonist-metformin have not been stated clearly.We hypothesized that metformin may ameliorate inflammation via AMPK interaction with critical inflammatory cytokines The aim of this study was to observe the effects of metformin on expression of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 （MCP-1）,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） and transforming growth factor-beta 1 （TGF-β1） induced by high glucose （HG） in cultured rat glomerular mesangial cells （MCs）.Methods MCs were cultured in the medium with normal concentration glucose （group NG,5.6 mmol/L）,high concentration glucose （group HG,25 mmol/L） and different concentrations of metformin （group M1,M2,M3）.After 48-hour exposure,the supernatants and MCs were collected.The expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 mRNA was analyzed by real time polymerase chain reaction.Westem blotting was used to detect the expression of AMPK,phospho-Thr-172 AMPK （p-AMPK）,NF-κB p65,MCP-1,ICAM-1,and TGF-β1 protein.Results After stimulated by HG,the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 mRNA and protein of MCs in group HG increased significantly compared with group NG （P ＜0.05）.Both genes and protein expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1,TGF-β1 of MCs induced by high glucose were markedly reduced after metformin treatment in a dose-dependent manner （P ＜0.05）.The expression of p-AMPK increased with the rising of metformin concentration,presenting the opposite trend,while the level of total-AMPK protein was unchanged with exposure to HG or metformin.Conlusion Metformin can suppress the expression of NF-κB,MCP-1,ICAM-1 and TGF-β1 of glomerular MCs induced by high glucose via AMPK activation,which may partlv contribute to its reno-protection.

大黄素调节SIRT1/AMPK信号通路对肺炎克雷伯菌致重症肺炎大鼠细胞自噬和凋亡的影响

目的:探讨大黄素对肺炎克雷伯菌(K.pneumoniae)致重症肺炎(KP)大鼠细胞自噬和凋亡的影响及可能的机制。方法:通过感染K.pneu‐moniae建立KP大鼠模型并用大黄素处理。将大鼠分为假手术组、KP组、低浓度大黄素组(20mg/kg)、中浓度大黄素组(40 mg/kg)、高浓度大黄素组(80mg/kg)、大黄素+sirtinol[沉默信息调节因子(SIRT1)活性抑制剂]组(80 mg/kg大黄素+30μL/kg sirtinol);血气分析仪检测动脉血二氧化碳分压(PaCO_(2))、动脉氧分压(PaO_(2))、动脉血氧饱和度(SaO_(2));瑞氏-吉姆萨染色(Wright-Giemsa)测定支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF)中白细胞和中性粒细胞计数;HE染色检测各组肺组织病理变化;ELISA检测各组肺组织中IL-6、TNF-α、IL-1β表达;电镜扫描观察各组肺组织中细胞自噬情况;免疫荧光染色观察LC3B在肺组织中的表达情况;TUNEL法检测各组大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡变化;Westernblot检测肺组织中SIRT1、腺苷单磷酸活化蛋白激酶(AMPK)、LC3-II、LC3-I、c-caspase-3、caspase-3蛋白表达。结果:K.pneumoniae诱导的肺炎大鼠肺组织呈现严重损伤,肺部炎性浸润和炎性细胞因子释放增加,动脉血中PaO_(2)和SaO_(2)水平降低,PaCO_(2)水平升高,BALF中白细胞和中性粒细胞计数升高,细胞凋亡率和c-caspase-3/caspase-3水平增加,细胞自噬以及自噬相关蛋白LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ水平降低(均P<0.05)。大黄素处理后激活SIRT1/AMPK信号通路,升高动脉血中PaO_(2)和SaO_(2)水平,降低Pa‐CO_(2)水平,抑制炎症反应,抑制肺组织细胞凋亡,恢复细胞自噬水平(均P<0.05),而使用SIRT1抑制剂sirtinol抑制SIRT1/AMPK信号通路后部分逆转了大黄素对KP大鼠的治疗作用(P<0.05)。结论:大黄素可能通过激活SIRT1/AMPK通路进而增强大鼠肺组织细胞自噬,抑制大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡,可能为KP提供潜在的治疗选择。

Sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway:An experimental study

Objective:To study whether sevoflurane pretreatment inhibits the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation through AMPK pathway.Methods:H9c2 myocardial cell lines were cultured and divided into control group(C group),hypoxia reoxygenation group(H/R group),sevoflurane pretreatment+hypoxia reoxygenation group(SP group) and sevoflurane combined with Compound C pretreatment+hypoxia reoxygenation group(ComC group),and the cell proliferation activity and apoptosis rate,myocardial enzyme levels in culture medium as well as the expression of apoptosis genes and p-AMPK in cells were determined.Results:p-AMPK expression in cells of H/R group was significantly lower than that of C group,SP group was significantly higher than that of H/R group;cell proliferation activity value and Bcl-2 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly lower than those of C group,SP group were significantly higher than those of H/R group,Com C group were significantly lower than those of SP group;apoptosis rate,LDH,CK and AST levels as well as the Bax and Caspase-3 expression in cells of H/R group were significantly higher than those of C group,SP group were significantly lower than those of H/R group,ComC group were significantly higher than those of SP group.Conclusions:Sevoflurane pretreatment can activate AMPK signaling pathway to inhibit the myocardial apoptosis caused by hypoxia reoxygenation.

Ginsenoside Rb1 Ameliorates Autophagy of Hypoxia Cardiomyocytes from Neonatal Rats via AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway

Objective: To investigate whether ginsenoside-Rb1(Gs-Rb1) improves the CoCl2-induced autophagy of cardiomyocytes via upregulation of adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) pathway. Methods: Ventricles from 1-to 3-day-old Wistar rats were sequentially digested, separated and incubated in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum for 3 days followed by synchronization. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were randomly divided into 7 groups: control group(normal level oxygen), hypoxia group(500 μmol/L CoCl2), Gs-Rb1 group(200 μmol/L Gs-Rb1 + 500 μmol/L CoCl2), Ara A group(500 μmol/L Ara A + 500 μmol/L CoCl2), Ara A+ Gs-Rb1 group(500 μmol/L Ara A + 200 μmol/L Gs-Rb1 + 500 μmol/L CoCl2), AICAR group [1 mmol/L 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide(AICAR)+ 500 μmol/L CoCl2], and AICAR+Gs-Rb1 group(1 mmol/L AICAR + 200 μmol/L Gs-Rb1 + 500 μmol/L CoCl2). Cel s were treated for 12 h and cell viability was determined by methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay and cardiac troponin I(cTnI) levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). AMPK activity was assessed by 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) ELISA assay. The protein expressions of Atg4 B, Atg5, Atg6, Atg7, microtubule-associated protein 1 A/1 B-light chain 3(LC3), P62, and active-cathepsin B were measured by Western blot. Results: Gs-Rb1 significantly improved the cell viability of hypoxia cardiomyocytes(P<0.01). However, the viability of hypoxia-treated cardiomyocytes was significantly inhibited by Ara A(P<0.01). Gs-Rb1 increased the AMPK activity of hypoxia-treated cardiomyocytes. The AMPK activity of hypoxia-treated cadiomyocytes was inhibited by Ara A(P<0.01) and was not affected by AICAR(P=0.983). Gs-Rb1 up-regulated Atg4B, Atg5, Beclin-1, Atg7, LC3B Ⅱ, the LC3BⅡ/Ⅰ ratio and cathepsin B activity of hypoxia cardiomyocytes(P<0.05), each of these protein levels was significantly enhanced by Ara A(all P<0.01), but was not affected by AICAR(all P>0.05). Gs-Rb1 significantly down-regulated P62 levels of hypoxic cardiomyocytes(P<0.05). The P62 levels of hypoxic cardiomyocytes were inhibited by Ara A(P<0.05) and were not affected by AICAR(P=0.871). Conclusion: Gs-Rb1 may improve the viability of hypoxia cardiomyocytes by ameliorating cell autophagy via the upregulation of AMPK pathway.

Sheng-jiang powder ameliorates obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury via stimulating activation of the AMPK signalling pathway in rats

AIM To investigate the mechanisms by which Sheng-jiang powder(SJP) ameliorates obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: normal group(NG), obese group(HLG), or SJP treatment group(HSG). Obesity was induced by feeding a high-fat diet in the HLG and HSG, while the NG received standard chow. Rats were euthanized after 12 wk, and blood and pancreatic tissues were collected for histopathological analyses. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NF-κB) and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β) expression, serum triglyceride and adiponectin levels, and apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells were assessed. A high-fat AR42 J acinar cell injury model was established using very low-density lipoprotein(VLDL). AR42 J acinar cell culture supernatant, treated with different interventions, was applied to seven groups of pancreatic stellate cells(PSCs). The proliferation of PSCs and the expression of fibronectin and type I collagenase were assessed.RESULTS Compared with the NG, we found higher pathological scores for pancreatic tissues, lower serum adiponectin levels, higher expression levels of NF-κB in pancreatic tissues and TGF-β in pancreatic inflammatory cells, and increased apoptosis among pancreatic acinar cells for the HLG(P < 0.05). Compared with the HLG, we found reduced body weight, Lee's index scores, serum triglyceride levels, and pathological scores for pancreatic tissues; higher serum adiponectin levels; and lower expression levels of NF-κB, in pancreatic tissue and TGF-β in pancreatic inflammatory cells for the HSG(P < 0.05). The in vitro studies showed enhanced PSC activation and increased expression levels of fibronectin and type I collagenase after SJP treatment. An adenosine 5‘-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK) inhibitor inhibited PSC activation.CONCLUSION SJP may ameliorate obesity-induced pancreatic inflammatory injury in rats by regulating key molecules of the adiponectin-AMPK signalling pathway.

淫羊藿苷调控mTOR/Akt/CREB通路对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬及凋亡的影响

目的 探讨淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬、凋亡及哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)通路的影响。方法 将小鼠足细胞MPC5分为5组:正常对照组(5.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、高糖组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、淫羊藿苷组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷)、GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)、淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)。培养48 h后,噻唑蓝法检测MPC5细胞活力;吖啶橙染色观察MPC5细胞自噬情况;流式细胞术检测MPC5细胞凋亡;蛋白印迹法检测MPC5细胞自噬[微管相关蛋白1轻链3(LC3)Ⅱ、LC3Ⅰ、自噬相关蛋白(Beclin-1)]、凋亡[Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)]和mTOR/Akt/CREB通路相关蛋白的表达。结果 与正常对照组比较,高糖组MPC5细胞活力、Bcl-2、磷酸化mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)/Akt、磷酸化CREB(p-CREB)/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),自噬能力增强,自噬体表现出橙色荧光,细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与高糖组比较,淫羊藿苷组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著升高,自噬能力进一步增强,自噬体数量增多,自噬体呈现出砖红色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);GDC-0349组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低,自噬能力减弱,自噬体数量减少,自噬体表现出橙色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349可逆转淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导MPC5细胞的作用效果(P<0.05)。结论 淫羊藿苷通过激活mTOR/Akt/CREB通路促进高糖诱导的足细胞自噬抑制细胞凋亡。