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 a...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.展开更多
Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory p...Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
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 minute...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.展开更多
Background:Metabolic stress has been proposed to contribute to neuronal damage in glaucoma,but the mechanism driving this response is not understood.The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)is a maste...Background:Metabolic stress has been proposed to contribute to neuronal damage in glaucoma,but the mechanism driving this response is not understood.The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)is a master regulator of energy homeostasis that becomes active at the onset of energy stress.AMPK is a potent inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1),which we showed is essential for the maintenance of retinal ganglion cell(RGC)dendrites,synapses,and survival.Here,we tested the hypothesis that AMPK is an early mediator of metabolic stress in glaucoma.Methods:Unilateral elevation of intraocular pressure was induced by injection of magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein in RGCs.Inhibition of AMPK was achieved by administration of siRNA or compound C.RGC dendritic trees were 3D-reconstructed and analyzed with Imaris(Bitplane),and survival was assessed by counting Brn3a or RBPMS-labeled soma and axons in the optic nerve.RGC function was examined by quantification of anterograde axonal transport after intraocular administration of cholera toxinβ-subunit.Retinas from glaucoma patients were analyzed for expression of active AMPK.Results:Ocular hypertension triggered rapid upregulation of AMPK activity in RGCs concomitant with loss of mTORC1 function.AMPK inhibition with compound C or siRNA effectively restored mTORC1 activity and promoted an increase in total dendritic length,surface and complexity relative to control retinas.Attenuation of AMPK activity led to robust RGC soma and axon survival.For example,95%of RGCs(2,983±258 RGCs/mm2,mean±S.E.M.)survived with compound C compared to 77%in vehicle-treated eyes(2,430±233 RGCs/mm2)(ANOVA,P<0.001)at three weeks after glaucoma induction(n=8-10/group).Importantly,blockade of AMPK activity effectively restored anterograde axonal transport.Lastly,RGC-specific upregulation of AMPK activity was detected in human glaucomatous retinas relative to age-matched controls(n=10/group).Conclusions:Metabolic stress in glaucoma involves AMPK activation and mTORC1 inhibition promoting early RGC dendritic pathology,dysfunction and neurodegeneration.展开更多
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 enh...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.展开更多
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 te...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.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulating Zusanli(ST36),Sanyinjiao(SP6)on inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor(A2AR)and the p38αMitogen-Activated Prot...OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulating Zusanli(ST36),Sanyinjiao(SP6)on inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor(A2AR)and the p38αMitogen-Activated Protein Kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway in mediating this effect.METHODS:Mice with collagen induced arthritis(CIA)received different treatments.Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to determine the levels of multiple signaling molecules in these joints[receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)ligand(RANKL),receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK),tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6(TRAF6),p38α,NF-κB,and nuclear factor of activated T cells C1(NFATc1)].Osteoclasts were identified using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining.RESULTS:The immunohistochemistry results indicated upregulation of p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups,but reduced levels in the CIA-EA group.Western blotting indicated upregulation of RANKL,RANK,TRAF6,p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups,but reduced expression in the CIA-EA group.Osteoclasts were more abundant in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups than in the CIA-EA group.CONCLUSIONS:EA treatment enhanced the A2AR activity and inhibited osteoclast formation by inhibition of RANKL,RANK,TRAF6,p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1.SCH58261 reversed the effect of EA.These results suggest that EA regulated p38α-MAPK signaling by increasing A2AR activity,which inhibited osteoclastogenesis.展开更多
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 ...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.展开更多
基金supported by the Natural Nature Science Foundation of China,Nos.82030071,81874004the Science and Technology Major Project of Changsha,No.kh2103008(all to JZH).
文摘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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaNos.81971047 (to WTL) and 82073910 (to XFW)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20191253 (to XFW)Key R&D Program (Social Development) Project of Jiangsu Province,No.BE2019 732 (to WTL)Jiangsu Province Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University) Clinical Capacity Enhancement Project,No.JSPH-511B2018-8 (to YBP)。
文摘Opioids,such as morphine,are the most potent drugs used to treat pain.Long-term use results in high tolerance to morphine.High mobility group box-1(HMGB1) has been shown to participate in neuropathic or inflammatory pain,but its role in morphine tolerance is unclear.In this study,we established rat and mouse models of morphine tolerance by intrathecal injection of morphine for 7 consecutive days.We found that morphine induced rat spinal cord neurons to release a large amount of HMGB1.HMGB1 regulated nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production by increasing Toll-like receptor 4receptor expression in microglia,thereby inducing morphine tolerance.Glycyrrhizin,an HMGB1 inhibito r,markedly attenuated chronic morphine tole rance in the mouse model.Finally,compound C(adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase inhibitor) and zinc protoporphyrin(heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor)alleviated the morphine-induced release of HMGB1 and reduced nuclear factor κB p65 phosphorylation and interleukin-1β production in a mouse model of morphine tolerance and an SH-SY5Y cell model of morphine tole rance,and alleviated morphine tolerance in the mouse model.These findings suggest that morphine induces HMGB1 release via the adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway,and that inhibiting this signaling pathway can effectively reduce morphine tole rance.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China,No.81030019
文摘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.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81273821
文摘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.
文摘Background:Metabolic stress has been proposed to contribute to neuronal damage in glaucoma,but the mechanism driving this response is not understood.The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)is a master regulator of energy homeostasis that becomes active at the onset of energy stress.AMPK is a potent inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1),which we showed is essential for the maintenance of retinal ganglion cell(RGC)dendrites,synapses,and survival.Here,we tested the hypothesis that AMPK is an early mediator of metabolic stress in glaucoma.Methods:Unilateral elevation of intraocular pressure was induced by injection of magnetic microbeads into the anterior chamber of mice expressing yellow fluorescent protein in RGCs.Inhibition of AMPK was achieved by administration of siRNA or compound C.RGC dendritic trees were 3D-reconstructed and analyzed with Imaris(Bitplane),and survival was assessed by counting Brn3a or RBPMS-labeled soma and axons in the optic nerve.RGC function was examined by quantification of anterograde axonal transport after intraocular administration of cholera toxinβ-subunit.Retinas from glaucoma patients were analyzed for expression of active AMPK.Results:Ocular hypertension triggered rapid upregulation of AMPK activity in RGCs concomitant with loss of mTORC1 function.AMPK inhibition with compound C or siRNA effectively restored mTORC1 activity and promoted an increase in total dendritic length,surface and complexity relative to control retinas.Attenuation of AMPK activity led to robust RGC soma and axon survival.For example,95%of RGCs(2,983±258 RGCs/mm2,mean±S.E.M.)survived with compound C compared to 77%in vehicle-treated eyes(2,430±233 RGCs/mm2)(ANOVA,P<0.001)at three weeks after glaucoma induction(n=8-10/group).Importantly,blockade of AMPK activity effectively restored anterograde axonal transport.Lastly,RGC-specific upregulation of AMPK activity was detected in human glaucomatous retinas relative to age-matched controls(n=10/group).Conclusions:Metabolic stress in glaucoma involves AMPK activation and mTORC1 inhibition promoting early RGC dendritic pathology,dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82003965the Science and Technology Research Project of Sichuan Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.2024MS167(to LH)+2 种基金the Xinglin Scholar Program of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.QJRC2022033(to LH)the Improvement Plan for the'Xinglin Scholar'Scientific Research Talent Program at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.XKTD2023002(to LH)the 2023 National Project of the College Students'Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.202310633028(to FD)。
文摘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.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81370590
文摘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.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China:the Mechanism of Adenosine A2A Receptor Modulate Electroacupuncture Inhibiting Osteoclast Formation in Mice with Collagen-Induced Arthritis (No.81674053)Zhejiang Basic Public Welfare Research Project:the Role of P38 MAPK Pathway in the Inhibition of CIA Osteoclast Differentiation by Electroacupuncture via Adenosine Pathway (No.LY20H270015)+1 种基金Basic Medical and Health Technology Project of Wenzhou Science and Technology Bureau:Electroacupuncture of Mice with CIA Mitigate Joint Damage by the p38MAPK Pathway (No.Y20190198)Scientific Research Incubation Project of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University:Electroacupuncture of Mice with CIA Mitigate Joint Damage by the p38MAPK Pathway (No.FHY2019021)
文摘OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA)stimulating Zusanli(ST36),Sanyinjiao(SP6)on inhibition of osteoclastogenesis and the role of the adenosine A2A receptor(A2AR)and the p38αMitogen-Activated Protein Kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway in mediating this effect.METHODS:Mice with collagen induced arthritis(CIA)received different treatments.Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to determine the levels of multiple signaling molecules in these joints[receptor activator of nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)ligand(RANKL),receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK),tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6(TRAF6),p38α,NF-κB,and nuclear factor of activated T cells C1(NFATc1)].Osteoclasts were identified using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining.RESULTS:The immunohistochemistry results indicated upregulation of p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups,but reduced levels in the CIA-EA group.Western blotting indicated upregulation of RANKL,RANK,TRAF6,p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1 in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups,but reduced expression in the CIA-EA group.Osteoclasts were more abundant in the CIA-control and CIA-EA-SCH58261 groups than in the CIA-EA group.CONCLUSIONS:EA treatment enhanced the A2AR activity and inhibited osteoclast formation by inhibition of RANKL,RANK,TRAF6,p38α,NF-κB,and NFATc1.SCH58261 reversed the effect of EA.These results suggest that EA regulated p38α-MAPK signaling by increasing A2AR activity,which inhibited osteoclastogenesis.
文摘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.
