Jianpi Qutan Fang(健脾祛痰方)induces anti-atherosclerosis and ameliorates endothelial cell injury in high-fat diet rats via an anti-inflammatory and inhibiting Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE:To investiage the possible mechanism underlying the effect of the Jianpi Qutan Fang(健脾祛痰方,JPQT)on Atherosclerosis(AS)which is the main pathological process of most cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of adults worldwide.METHODS:In the present study,rats were fed with a high-fat-diet(HFD)with vitamin D3 for 16 weeks and were orally administered atorvastatin treatment and different doses of JPQT.Histopathological changes and ultrastructural changes in the aorta were evaluated through hematoxylin-eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM),respectively.Suppressor of cytokine signaling 1(SOCS1)/Janus kinase 1(JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1(STAT1)signaling pathways were detected through Western blotting.RESULTS:JPQT treatment decreased the lipid levels of triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein,and cholesterol,the inflammatory cytokine levels of interleukin 1 beta(IL-1β),IL-6 and IL-8 in rat serum,but increased high-density lipoprotein and IL-10 serum levels.JPQT treatment ameliorated pathological changes in the aorta of AS model rats.Moreover,JPQT upregulated SOCS1 protein expression and down-regulated phosphorylated protein expression levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT1.CONCLUSION:These results suggest that JPQT induces anti-atherosclerosis effects through anti-inflammatory and inhibiting JAK/STAT signaling pathways in HFD fed rats.

Liuwei Dihuang Pill(六味地黄丸)Treats Postmenopausal Osteoporosis with Shen(Kidney) Yin Deficiency via Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signal Pathway by Up-regulating Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine Factor 1 Expression

Objectives： To investigate the mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill （六味地黄丸, LDP） in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis （PMOP） with Shen （Kidney） yin deficiency. Methods： In this study, 205 cases of PMOP were divided into the PMOP Shen-yin deficiency group （Group A）, PMOP Shen-yang deficiency group （Group B）, PMOP without Shen deficiency group （Group C）, and control group （Group N）. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and Western blot techniques were used to observe the effects of LDP treatment on the cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 （CLCF1）, ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 1 （ASB1）, and proldneticin 2 （PROK2） genes and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signaling pathway. Results： The mRNA （P〈0.05） and protein （P〈0.01） expression levels of the CLCF1 gone in Group A were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in Group N. After LDP treatment for 3 months, the mRNA expression levels of the CLCF1 gone were obviously up-regulated （P〈0.01）. After 6-month treatment, the expression levels of CLCF1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated （both P〈0.01）, and the average bone density of the top femur had significantly increased （P〈0.05）. In vitro, CLCF1 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the total protein and phosphorylated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3. Conclusions： The CLCF1 gone is an important gone associated with PMOP Shen-yin deficiency and the therapeutic effects of LDP may be mediated by up-regulation of CLCF1 gone expression and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.

Effects of interleukin-10 treated macrophages on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway

BACKGROUND Alveolar bone defects caused by inflammation are an urgent issue in oral implant surgery that must be solved.Regulating the various phenotypes of macrophages to enhance the inflammatory environment can significantly affect the progression of diseases and tissue engineering repair process.AIM To assess the influence of interleukin-10(IL-10)on the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)following their interaction with macrophages in an inflammatory environment.METHODS IL-10 modulates the differentiation of peritoneal macrophages in Wistar rats in an inflammatory environment.In this study,we investigated its impact on the proliferation,migration,and osteogenesis of BMSCs.The expression levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and its activated form,phos-phorylated-STAT3,were examined in IL-10-stimulated macrophages.Subsequently,a specific STAT3 signaling inhibitor was used to impede STAT3 signal activation to further investigate the role of STAT3 signaling.RESULTS IL-10-stimulated macrophages underwent polarization to the M2 type through substitution,and these M2 macrophages actively facilitated the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.Mechanistically,STAT3 signaling plays a crucial role in the process by which IL-10 influences macrophages.Specifically,IL-10 stimulated the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway and reduced the macrophage inflammatory response,as evidenced by its diminished impact on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.CONCLUSION Stimulating macrophages with IL-10 proved effective in improving the inflammatory environment and promoting the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs.The IL-10/STAT3 signaling pathway has emerged as a key regulator in the macrophage-mediated control of BMSCs’osteogenic differentiation.

Role of Toll-like receptor 4 and Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription signal transduction pathway in sepsis-induced brain damage

The Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription （JAK/STAT） signal transduction pathway is involved in sepsis-induced functional damage to the heart, liver, kidney, and other organs. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced brain damage remain elusive. In the present study, we found severe loss of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 region in rats with sepsis-induced brain damage following intraperitoneal injection of endotoxin, The expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 was significantly increased in brain tissues following lipopolysaccharide exposure. AG490 （JAK2 antagonist） and rapamycin （STAT3 antagonist） significantly reduced neuronal loss and suppressed the increased expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 in the hippocampal CA1 region in sepsis-induced brain damaged rats. Overall, these data suggest that blockade of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway is neuroprotective in sepsis-induced brain damage via the inhibition of toll-like receptor 4, tumor necrosis factor a, and interleukin-6 exoression.

18β-glycyrrhetinic acid promotes gastric cancer cell autophagy and inhibits proliferation by regulating miR-328-3p/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common cancer types worldwide,and its prevention and treatment methods have garnered much attention.As the active ingredient of licorice,18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(18β-GRA)has a variety of pharmacological effects.The aim of this study was to explore the effective target of 18β-GRA in the treatment of GC,in order to provide effective ideas for the clinical prevention and treatment of GC.AIM To investigate the mechanism of 18β-GRA in inhibiting cell proliferation and promoting autophagy flux in GC cells.METHODS Whole transcriptomic analyses were used to analyze and screen differentially expressed microRNAs(miRNAs)in GC cells after 18β-GRA intervention.Lentivirus-transfected GC cells and the Cell Counting Kit-8 were used to detect cell proliferation ability,cell colony formation ability was detected by the clone formation assay,and flow cytometry was used to detect the cell cycle and apoptosis.A nude mouse transplantation tumor model of GC cells was constructed to verify the effect of miR-328-3p overexpression on the tumorigenicity of GC cells.Tumor tissue morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining,and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.TransmiR,STRING,and miRWalk databases were used to predict the relationship between miR-328-3p and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)-related information.Expression of STAT3 mRNA and miR-328-3p was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(qPCR)and the expression levels of STAT3,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3),and LC3 were detected by western blot analysis.The targeted relationship between miR-328-3p and STAT3 was detected using the dual-luciferase reporter gene system.AGS cells were infected with monomeric red fluorescent protein-green fluorescent protein-LC3 adenovirus double label.LC3 was labeled and autophagy flow was observed under a confocal laser microscope.RESULTS The expression of miR-328-3p was significantly upregulated after 18β-GRA intervention in AGS cells(P=4.51E-06).Overexpression of miR-328-3p inhibited GC cell proliferation and colony formation ability,arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase,promoted cell apoptosis,and inhibited the growth of subcutaneous tumors in BALB/c nude mice(P<0.01).No obvious necrosis was observed in the tumor tissue in the negative control group(no drug intervention or lentivirus transfection)and vector group(the blank vector for lentivirus transfection),and more cells were loose and necrotic in the miR-328-3p group.Bioinformatics tools predicted that miR-328-3p has a targeting relationship with STAT3,and STAT3 was closely related to autophagy markers such as p62.After overexpressing miR-328-3p,the expression level of STAT3 mRNA was significantly decreased(P<0.01)and p-STAT3 was downregulated(P<0.05).The dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that the luciferase activity of miR-328-3p and STAT33’untranslated regions of the wild-type reporter vector group was significantly decreased(P<0.001).Overexpressed miR-328-3p combined with bafilomycin A1(Baf A1)was used to detect the expression of LC3 II.Compared with the vector group,the expression level of LC3 II in the overexpressed miR-328-3p group was downregulated(P<0.05),and compared with the Baf A1 group,the expression level of LC3 II in the overexpressed miR-328-3p+Baf A1 group was upregulated(P<0.01).The expression of LC3 II was detected after intervention of 18β-GRA in GC cells,and the results were consistent with the results of miR-328-3p overexpression(P<0.05).Additional studies showed that 18β-GRA promoted autophagy flow by promoting autophagosome synthesis(P<0.001).qPCR showed that the expression of STAT3 mRNA was downregulated after drug intervention(P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that the expression levels of STAT3 and p-STAT3 were significantly downregulated after drug intervention(P<0.05).CONCLUSION 18β-GRA promotes the synthesis of autophagosomes and inhibits GC cell proliferation by regulating the miR-328-3p/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 promotes the Warburg effect possibly by inducing pyruvate kinase M2 phosphorylation in liver precancerous lesions

BACKGROUND Study shows that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) can increase the Warburg effect by stimulating hexokinase 2 in breast cancer and upregulate lactate dehydrogenase A and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 in myeloma. STAT3 and pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2) can also be activated and enhance the Warburg effect in hepatocellular carcinoma. Precancerous lesions are critical to human and rodent hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism for the development of liver precancerous lesions remains unknown. We hypothesized that STAT3 promotes the Warburg effect possibly by upregulating p-PKM2 in liver precancerous lesions in rats.AIM To investigate the mechanism of the Warburg effect in liver precancerous lesions in rats.METHODS A model of liver precancerous lesions was established by a modified Solt-Farber method. The liver pathological changes were observed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. The transformation of WB-F344 cells induced with Nmethyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine and hydrogen peroxide was evaluated by the soft agar assay and aneuploidy. The levels of glucose and lactate in the tissue and culture medium were detected with a spectrophotometer. The protein levels of glutathione S-transferase-π, proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), STAT3,and PKM2 were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence.RESULTS We found that the Warburg effect was increased in liver precancerous lesions in rats. PKM2 and p-STAT3 were upregulated in activated oval cells in liverprecancerous lesions in rats. The Warburg effect, p-PKM2, and p-STAT3 expression were also increased in transformed WB-F344 cells. STAT3 activation promoted the clonal formation rate, aneuploidy, alpha-fetoprotein expression,PCNA expression, G1/S phase transition, the Warburg effect, PKM2 phosphorylation, and nuclear translocation in transformed WB-F344 cells.Moreover, the Warburg effect was inhibited by stattic, a specific inhibitor of STAT3, and further reduced in transformed WB-F344 cells after the intervention for PKM2.CONCLUSION The Warburg effect is initiated in liver precancerous lesions in rats. STAT3 activation promotes the Warburg effect by enhancing the phosphorylation of PKM2 in transformed WB-F344 cells.

Regulation and function of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), a member of the STAT family, is a key regulator of many physiological and pathological processes. Significant progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional control, posttranslational modification, cellular localization and functional regulation of STAT3. STAT3 can translocate into the nucleus and bind to specific promoter sequences, thereby exerting transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have shown that STAT3 can also translocate into mitochondria, participating in aerobic respiration and apoptosis. In addition, STAT3 plays an important role in inflammation and tumorigenesis by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. Conditional knockout mouse models make it possible to study the physiological function of STAT3 in specific tissues and organs. This review summarizes the latest advances in the understanding of the expression, regulation and function of STAT3 in physiological and tumorigenic processes.

Downregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by sorafenib:A novel mechanism for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers worldwide,and a leading cause of cancer-related death.Owing to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes under the current standard of care,there is a need to search for and identify novel and potent therapeutic targets to improve patient outcomes.Sorafenib is the first and only approved targeted therapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.Besides functioning as a multiple tyrosine kinase,sorafenib also acts via a kinase-independent mechanism to target signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.STAT3 is a key regulator of inflammation,cell survival,and tumorigenesis of liver cells,and the high percentage of hepatocellular carcinoma cells with constitutively active STAT3 justifies targeting it for the development of novel therapeutics.Sorafenib inactivates STAT3 and STAT3-related signaling by inducing a conformational change in and releasing the autoinhibition of Src homology region 2 domaincontaining phosphatase-1.This phosphatase negatively regulates STAT3 activity,which leads to the subsequent apoptosis of cancer cells.The novel anti-cancer property of sorafenib will be discussed in this review,not only adding information regarding its mechanism of action but also providing an innovative approach for the development of cancer therapeutics in the future.

Hepatitis C Virus non-structural 5A abrogates signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 nuclear translocation induced by IFN-α through dephosphorylation

AIM： To study the effect of Hepatitis C virus nonstructural 5A （HCV NSSA） on IFNα induced signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 （STAT1） phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.METHODS： Expression of STAT1 Tyr701 phosphorylation at different time points was confirmed by Western blot, and the time point when p-STAT1 expressed most, was taken as the IFN induction time for further studies. Immunocytochemistry was used to confirm the successful transient transfection of NS5A expression plasmid. Immunofluorescene was performed to observe if there was any difference in IFNα-induced STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation between HCV NSSA-expressed and non-HCV NSSA-expressed cells. Western blot was used to compare the phosphorylated STAT1 protein of the cells.RESULTS： Expression of HCV NS5A was found in the cytoplasm of pCNS5A-transfected Huh7 cells, but not in the PRC/ CMV transfected or non-transfected cells, STAT1 Tyr701 phosphorylation was found strongest in 30 min of IFN induction, STAT1 phosphorylation and nuclear import were much less in the presence of HCV NS5A protein in contrast to pRC/CMV-transfected and non-transfected cells under fluorescent microscopy, which was further confirmed by Western blot.CONCLUSION： HCV NSSA expression plasmid is successfully transfected into Huh7 cells and HCV NS5A protein is expressed in the cytoplasm of the cells. IFN-α is able to induce STAT1 phosphrylation and nuclear translocation, and this effect is inhibited by HCV NS5A protein, which might be another possible resistance mechanism to interferon alpha therapy.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 regulation by novel binding partners

Signal transducers and activators of transcription(STATs) mediate essential signals for various biological processes,including immune responses,hematopoiesis,and neurogenesis. STAT3,for example,is involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases,including cancers,autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. STAT3 activation is therefore tightly regulated at multiple levels to prevent these pathological conditions. A number of proteins have been reported to associate with STAT3 and regulate its activity. These STAT3-interacting proteins function to modulate STAT3-mediated signaling at various steps and mediate the crosstalk of STAT3 with other cellular signaling pathways. This article reviews the roles of novel STAT3 binding partners such as DAXX,zipperinteracting protein kinase,Krüppel-associated box-associated protein 1,Y14,PDZ and LIM domain 2 and signal transducing adaptor protein-2,in the regulation of STAT3-mediated signaling.

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging reflects activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 during focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Signal transducer and activator of transcription（STAT）is a unique protein family that binds to DNA,coupled with tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathways,acting as a transcriptional regulator to mediate a variety of biological effects.Cerebral ischemia and reperfusion can activate STATs signaling pathway,but no studies have confirmed whether STAT activation can be verified by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging（DWI）in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.Here,we established a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia injury using the modified Longa method.DWI revealed hyperintensity in parts of the left hemisphere before reperfusion and a low apparent diffusion coefficient.STAT3 protein expression showed no significant change after reperfusion,but phosphorylated STAT3 expression began to increase after 30 minutes of reperfusion and peaked at 24 hours.Pearson correlation analysis showed that STAT3 activation was correlated positively with the relative apparent diffusion coefficient and negatively with the DWI abnormal signal area.These results indicate that DWI is a reliable representation of the infarct area and reflects STAT phosphorylation in rat brain following focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion.

Glycine Attenuates Myocardial Fibrosis in Myocardial Infarction in Rats Partly through Modulating Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/Nuclear Factor-κB/Transforming Growth Factor-β axis

Objective: Inflammation and fibrosis are strongly associated with each other. Glycine is present in various traditional Chinese medicines and exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. However, the effects of glycine on myocardial fibrosis(MF) in rats with myocardial infarction(MI) have not been reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of glycine therapy on MF and comprehend its underlying mechanisms. Materials and Methods: Left anterior descending artery ligation-induced MI in Sprague Dawley rats was leveraged to assess the therapeutic effects of Glycine. Rats received either normal saline or glycine(0.5 mg/g bodyweight) for 7 days. Results: Glycine upregulated cardiac ejection fraction and fractional shortening to improve cardiac function, as evaluated by echocardiography. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that glycine could decrease inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate collagen deposition. Western blotting revealed that nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)-mediated inflammatory signaling was also downregulated by glycine treatment. The expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) was decreased significantly in the glycine-treated group compared to the model group. Thus, glycine plays a protective role against myocardial ischemia and subsequent MF. Conclusion: The protective effects of glycine were achieved partly through STAT3/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling pathway.

Janus激酶抑制剂在皮肤病中应用的研究进展

Janus激酶(JAK)抑制剂是一种抑制JAK/信号转导和转录激活因子(STAT)信号通路的药物,可选择性抑制JAK家族,近几年已成为治疗许多炎症性皮肤病的新方案。JAK/STAT通路是一种细胞内信号通路,细胞因子通过该通路引起疾病。使用JAK抑制剂可能是治疗此类疾病的有用策略。本文对JAK抑制剂治疗皮肤病的机制、疗效及不良反应进行综述。

大承气汤通过Janus激酶2/信号转导和转录激活子3信号通路对急性胰腺炎大鼠细胞因子水平的影响

目的观察大承气汤通过Janus激酶2/信号转导和转录激活子3(JAK2/STAT3)信号通路对急性胰腺炎(AP)大鼠细胞因子水平的影响。方法选取30只SD雄性大鼠,随机分为假手术组、模型组和治疗组,每组10只。假手术组大鼠开腹后仅翻动十二指肠,模型组和治疗组大鼠经胰胆管逆行注射5%牛磺胆酸钠,治疗组大鼠在造模后24 h灌胃10 g/kg大承气汤。比较各组大鼠腹水量、血清淀粉酶(AMY)、脂肪酶、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)水平;酶联免疫吸附法检测大鼠血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL-10水平;免疫发光法和免疫扩散法检测大鼠血清降钙素原(PCT)、C反应蛋白(CRP)水平;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(qRT-PCR)和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测大鼠血清磷酸化Janus激酶2(p-JAK2)和磷酸化信号转导和转录激活子3(p-STAT3)mRNA和蛋白表达。结果与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠腹水量显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠腹水量显著降低(P<0.05)。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠AMY、脂肪酶、ALT水平均显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠AMY、脂肪酶、ALT水平均显著降低(P<0.05)。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠血清炎症因子水平显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠血清炎症因子水平显著降低(P<0.05)。与假手术组比较,模型组大鼠血清p-JAK2和p-STAT3 mRNA和蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠血清p-JAK2和p-STAT3 mRNA和蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.05)。结论大承气汤通过抑制JAK2/STAT3信号通路降低AP大鼠细胞因子水平。

Galectin 2 regulates JAK/STAT3 signaling activity to modulate oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and migration in vitro

Background:Galectin 2(LGALS2)is a protein previously reported to serve as a mediator of disease progression in a range of cancers.The function of LGALS2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC),however,has yet to be explored,prompting the present study to address this literature gap.Methods:Overall,144 paired malignant tumor tissues and paracancerous OSCC patient samples were harvested and the LGALS2 expression levels were examined through qPCR and western immunoblotting.The LGALS2 coding sequence was introduced into the pcDNA3.0 vector,to enable the overexpression of this gene,while an LGALS2-specific shRNA and corresponding controls were also obtained.The functionality of LGALS2 as a regulator of the ability of OSCC cells to grow and undergo apoptotic death in vitro was assessed through EdU uptake and CCK-8 assays,and flow cytometer,whereas a Transwell system was used to assess migratory activity and invasivity.An agonist of the Janus Kinase 2(JAK2)/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3(STAT3)pathway was also used to assess the role of this pathway in the context of LGALS2 signaling.Results:Here,we found that lower LGALS2 protein and mRNA expression were evident in OSCC tumor tissue samples,and these expression levels were associated with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival outcomes.Silencing LGALS2 enhanced proliferation in OSCC cells while rendering these cells better able to resist apoptosis.The opposite was instead observed after LGALS2 was overexpressed.Mechanistically,the ability of LGALS2 to suppress the progression of OSCC was related to its ability to activate the JAK/STAT3 signaling axis.Conclusion:Those results suggest a role for LGALS2 as a suppressor of OSCC progression through its ability to modulate JAK/STAT3 signaling,supporting the potential utility of LGALS2 as a target for efforts aimed at treating OSCC patients.

青藤碱水凝胶经白细胞介素-6/Janus激酶2/信号转导因子和转录激活因子3信号通路调控自噬和炎症对胶原-诱导类风湿关节炎小鼠模型的影响作用

目的 探讨青藤碱(SIN)水凝胶(gel)对胶原-诱导类风湿关节炎(RA)小鼠模型的影响和作用机制。方法 10只DBA/1小鼠随机分为SIN oral组(口服管饲法给予SIN)和SIN gel组(关节处皮肤涂抹SIN gel),每组各5只。测定不同时间点两组小鼠关节滑膜液中的SIN水平。20只DBA/1小鼠随机分为Control组、Model组、Model+SIN oral组和Model+SIN gel组,每组各5只。采用ELISA法测定滑膜液中白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)-α和单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)的水平。采用Western blot法测定关节中自噬相关蛋白LC-3Ⅰ、LC-3Ⅱ、p62及IL-6/Janus激酶(JAK)2/信号转导因子和转录激活因子(STAT)3信号通路蛋白的相对表达水平。结果 与SIN oral组相比,SIN gel组小鼠给药后时间点1、2、6、12、16、20和24 h关节滑膜液中SIN水平均明显升高(P<0.05),且在给药后6 h时滑膜液中SIN水平达到同组峰值。与Control组比较,Model组小鼠关节滑膜液中IL-6、IL-1β、MCP-1和TNF-α水平及关节组织中LC-3Ⅱ/Ⅰ比值均明显升高,关节组织中p62表达水平明显降低;Model组、Model+SIN oral组及Model+SIN gel组小鼠关节滑膜液中IL-6、IL-1β、MCP-1和TNF-α水平及关节组织中LC-3Ⅱ/Ⅰ比值均依次降低,关节组织中p62表达水平依次升高(P<0.05)。与Control组比较,Model组小鼠关节组织中IL-6、磷酸化(p-)JAK2和p-STAT3相对表达水平均明显升高;Model组、Model+SIN oral组及Model+SIN gel组小鼠关节组织中IL-6、p-JAK2和p-STAT3相对表达水平均依次降低(P<0.05)。结论 SIN gel提高了RA小鼠向关节部位递送SIN的效率,并明显抑制IL-6/JAK2/STAT3信号通路的活化水平、炎症细胞因子分泌和关节处的自噬水平。

加味茵陈蒿汤辅助肝动脉化疗栓塞术对中晚期原发性肝癌患者中医证候和Janus激酶2/信号转导与转录激活因子3信号通路的影响

目的观察加味茵陈蒿汤辅助肝动脉化疗栓塞术(TACE)对中晚期原发性肝癌患者中医证候、Janus激酶2/信号转导与转录激活因子3(JAK2/STAT3)信号通路的影响。方法选取2020年6月至2022年6月福建省泉州滨海医院肿瘤科107例中晚期原发性肝癌患者为研究对象,按照简单随机化法分为对照组(n=53)和治疗组(n=54)。对照组予TACE,治疗组在对照组基础上加加味茵陈蒿汤治疗。统计2组实体瘤疗效、毒副反应及治疗前后中医证候(胁痛、痞块、腹胀)积分、JAK2/STAT3信号通路mRNA表达及其下游靶基因[B细胞淋巴瘤-XL基因(Bcl-XL)、细胞周期蛋白D1(Cyclin D1)、人髓细胞增生原癌基因(c-Myc)]蛋白表达、肝功能指标[天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)、总胆红素(TBiL)、丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)]。结果治疗组疾病控制率为79.63%(43/54),对照组疾病控制率为58.49%(31/53),治疗组疾病控制率高于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗后2组胁痛、痞块、腹胀评分,外周血JAK2、STAT3 mRNA表达,Bcl-XL、Cyclin D1、c-Myc蛋白表达,AST、TBiL、ALT水平均较本组治疗前降低(P<0.05),且治疗组均低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗组Ⅰ~Ⅱ级肝肾功能异常发生率低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论加味茵陈蒿汤辅助TACE对中晚期原发性肝癌患者症状、肝功能及疗效的改善具有积极作用,可能机制与下调JAK2/STAT3信号通路有关。

Apigenin ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasis in C57BL/6J mice by inactivating STAT3 and NF-κB

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease featured by patches on the skin.It is caused by malfunction of immune cells and keratinocytes with inflammation as one of its key features.Apigenin(API)is a natural flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.Therefore,we speculated that API can ameliorate psoriasis,and determined its effect on the development of psoriasis by using imiquimod(IMQ)-induced psoriasis mouse model.Our results showed that API attenuated IMQ-induced phenotypic changes,such as erythema,scaling and epidermal thickening,and improved splenic hyperplasia.Abnormal differentiation of immune cells was restored in API-treated mice.Mechanistically,we revealed that API is a key regulator of signal transducer activator of transcription 3(STAT3).API regulated immune responses by reducing interleukin-23(IL-23)/STAT3/IL-17A axis.Moreover,it suppressed IMQ-caused cell hyperproliferation by inactivating STAT3 through regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)pathway.Furthermore,API reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines through inactivation of NF-κB.Taken together,our study demonstrates that API can ameliorate psoriasis and may be considered as a strategy for psoriasis treatment.

Gossypol acetic acid regulates leukemia stem cells by degrading LRPPRC via inhibiting IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling or resulting mitochondrial dysfunction

BACKGROUND Leukemia stem cells(LSCs)are found to be one of the main factors contributing to poor therapeutic effects in acute myeloid leukemia(AML),as they are protected by the bone marrow microenvironment(BMM)against conventional therapies.Gossypol acetic acid(GAA),which is extracted from the seeds of cotton plants,exerts anti-tumor roles in several types of cancer and has been reported to induce apoptosis of LSCs by inhibiting Bcl2.AIM To investigate the exact roles of GAA in regulating LSCs under different microenvironments and the exact mechanism.METHODS In this study,LSCs were magnetically sorted from AML cell lines and the CD34+CD38-population was obtained.The expression of leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein(LRPPRC)and forkhead box M1(FOXM1)was evaluated in LSCs,and the effects of GAA on malignancies and mitochondrial RESULTS LRPPRC was found to be upregulated,and GAA inhibited cell proliferation by degrading LRPPRC.GAA induced LRPPRC degradation and inhibited the activation of interleukin 6(IL-6)/janus kinase(JAK)1/signal transducer and activator of transcription(STAT)3 signaling,enhancing chemosensitivity in LSCs against conventional chemotherapies,including L-Asparaginase,Dexamethasone,and cytarabine.GAA was also found to downregulate FOXM1 indirectly by regulating LRPPRC.Furthermore,GAA induced reactive oxygen species accumulation,disturbed mitochondrial homeostasis,and caused mitochondrial dysfunction.By inhibiting IL-6/JAK1/STAT3 signaling via degrading LRPPRC,GAA resulted in the elimination of LSCs.Meanwhile,GAA induced oxidative stress and subsequent cell damage by causing mitochondrial damage.CONCLUSION Taken together,the results indicate that GAA might overcome the BMM protective effect and be considered as a novel and effective combination therapy for AML.

STAT3-Dependent Effects of Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor in Regulating Interleukin-17 Signaling and Preventing Autoimmune Hepatitis

One-third of patients with autoimmune hepatitis(AIH)have cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The relevance of these variables,although unknown,is believed to be critical in AIH because of suspected interactions between the gut microbiome and genetic factors.Dysbiosis of the gut flora and elevated polymeric immunoglobulin receptor(pIgR)levels have been observed in both patients and mouse models.Moreover,there is a direct relationship between pIgR expression and transaminase levels in patients with AIH.In this study,we aimed to explore how pIgR influences the secretion of regenerating islet-derived 3 beta(Reg3b)and the flora composition in AIH using in vivo experiments involving patients with AIH and a concanavalin A-induced mouse model of AIH.Reg3b expression was reduced in pIgR gene(Pigr)-knockout mice compared to that in wild-type mice,leading to increased microbiota disruption.Conversely,exogenous pIgR supplementation increased Reg3b expression and maintained microbiota homeostasis.RNA sequencing revealed the participation of the interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway in the regulation of Reg3b through pIgR.Furthermore,the introduction of external pIgR could not restore the imbalance in gut microbiota in AIH,and the decrease in Reg3b expression was not apparent following the inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3).In this study,pIgR facilitated the upregulation of Reg3b via the STAT3 pathway,which plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of the intestinal microbiota in AIH.Through this research,we discovered new molecular targets that can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of AIH.