Spi1 regulates the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage

Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that microglia and macrophages participate in a multiphasic brain damage repair process following intracerebral hemorrhage.The E26 transformation-specific sequence-related transcription factor Spi1 regulates microglial/macrophage commitment and maturation.However,the effect of Spi1 on intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear.In this study,we found that Spi1 may regulate recovery from the neuroinflammation and neurofunctional damage caused by intracerebral hemorrhage by modulating the microglial/macrophage transcriptome.We showed that high Spi1expression in microglia/macrophages after intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with the activation of many pathways that promote phagocytosis,glycolysis,and autophagy,as well as debris clearance and sustained remyelination.Notably,microglia with higher levels of Soil expression were chara cterized by activation of pathways associated with a variety of hemorrhage-related cellular processes,such as complement activation,angiogenesis,and coagulation.In conclusion,our results suggest that Spi1 plays a vital role in the microglial/macrophage inflammatory response following intracerebral hemorrhage.This new insight into the regulation of Spi1 and its target genes may advance our understanding of neuroinflammation in intracerebral hemorrhage and provide therapeutic targets for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

大黄对脂多糖致RAW264.7细胞炎症模型mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路的影响

目的观察大黄对脂多糖致RAW264.7细胞炎症模型mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路的影响,探讨其作用机制。方法实验细胞分为正常组、模型组、雷帕霉素组和大黄低、中、高剂量组,MTT法检测细胞毒性后,ELISA检测白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-1β和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)含量,实时荧光定量PCR检测缺氧诱导因子-lα(HIF-1α)、p70S6K1和eIF4E mRNA表达,Western blot检测雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)、HIF-1α、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)蛋白表达。结果与正常组比较,模型组细胞TNF-α、IL-6、IL-1β含量明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),HIF-1α、eIF4E和p70S6K1 mRNA表达明显升高(P<0.05,P<0.01),HIF-1α和VEGF蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.05);与模型组比较,大黄各剂量组细胞TNF-α、IL-6和IL-1β含量降低,HIF-1α、p70S6K1和eIF4E mRNA表达降低,HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达降低。结论大黄可下调炎症因子水平,其机制可能与其下调HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达及HIF-1α、eIF4E、p70S6K1 mRNA表达水平有关。

人参皂甙Rd通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR/Hif-1α通路促进成年大鼠缺血性脑卒中后的血管发生

目的:探索人参皂甙Rd(Ginsenoside Rd,GSRd)对成年大鼠缺血性脑卒中血管发生的作用及可能机制。方法:80只成年雄性Sprague-Dawley大鼠,体重280~300 g,用线栓法建立局灶性短暂性大脑中动脉阻塞模型(focal transient middle cerebral artery occlusion,MCAO),Sham为手术但不阻塞。随机分为四组,每组20只:Sham+生理盐水(SA)、Sham+GSRd、MCAO+SA、MCAO+GSRd。术后3 d,通过RECA-1免疫荧光组织化学染色标记血管内皮细胞、并计算梗死灶周围微血管的密度和分支点。通过Western Blot检测梗死侧皮层血管内皮细胞生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF),低氧诱导因子(hypoxia-inducibal factor 1 alpha,Hif-1α),磷酸化的哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(p-mammalian target of rapamycin,p-mTOR),磷酸化的蛋白激酶B(p-protein kinase B,pAKT)的蛋白表达水平。结果:(1)免疫荧光组织化学染色结果显示:与MCAO+SA对照组相比,MCAO+GSRd治疗组的血管数(518.75±34.88/mm^2 vs 391.40±17.66/mm^2,P<0.001)和分支点(255.47±36.05/mm^2 vs 203.13±12.05/mm^2,P<0.01)显著增多。Sham+SA和Sham+GSRd的血管数(503.12±45.32/mm^2 vs 492.18±61.93/mm^2)和分支点(270.31±35.94/mm^2 vs 258.59±42.25/mm^2)则无显著差异;(2)Western Blot结果显示:与对照组相比,GSRd显著增加VEGF,Hif-1α,p-mTOR,p-AKT的蛋白表达水平(P<0.05)。(3)mTOR特异性阻断剂雷帕霉素抑制了GSRd对Hif-1α(P<0.01)、VEGF(P<0.05)的作用。结论:人参皂甙Rd可促进成年大鼠脑卒中后的血管发生,其对血管发生的作用可能是通过PI3K/AKT/mTOR/Hif-1α通路所介导。

促卵合剂调控AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF通路改善卵泡发育不良大鼠氧化应激及凋亡的作用机制

目的:探讨促卵合剂通过调控腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白/缺氧诱导因子-1/血管内皮生长因子(AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF)通路改善卵泡发育不良(FM)大鼠氧化应激及凋亡的作用机制。方法:将48只雌性SD大鼠随机分为正常组8只,造模组40只,造模组大鼠连续灌胃雷公藤多苷混悬液(75 mg·kg^(-1))30 d进行造模,造模后随机分为模型组、克罗米芬组(4.5 mg·kg^(-1))、促卵合剂低、中、高剂量组(8.1、16.2、32.4 g·kg^(-1)),每组8只。相应剂量药物给药,正常组及模型组灌胃等体积灭菌水,连续干预14 d。巴氏染色检测各组大鼠动情周期变化;苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察卵巢组织病理学及卵泡计数;酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)检测血清促卵泡激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)及雌二醇(E2)含量;化学荧光法检测卵巢组织中活性氧(ROS)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)水平;原位末端标记法(TUNEL)检测卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡率;免疫组化法检测卵巢组织B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)相关X蛋白(Bax)、Bcl-2蛋白表达;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time PCR)和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测卵巢组织AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠动情周期紊乱,次级、成熟卵泡减少,闭锁卵泡增多,血清FSH及LH含量,卵巢组织ROS含量、Bax表达、卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡率、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达均显著升高(P<0.01),E2含量、SOD活性、Bcl-2表达、mTOR、HIF-1、VEGF mRNA及蛋白表达均显著降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,克罗米芬组及促卵合剂高、中剂量组次级卵泡和成熟卵泡增加,闭锁卵泡显著减少,血清FSH及LH含量、卵巢组织ROS含量、Bax表达、细胞凋亡、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达降低(P<0.05,P<0.01),E2含量、SOD活性、Bcl-2、mTOR、HIF-1、VEGF mRNA及蛋白表达均升高(P<0.05,P<0.01)。结论:促卵合剂可能通过调控AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF通路来抑制氧化应激减少颗粒细胞凋亡,促进卵泡正常发育成熟,减少卵泡闭锁,保护卵巢功能,进而对FM发挥治疗作用。

基于mTOR/HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路探讨麦粒灸“足三里”对高脂饮食大鼠血管损伤和氧化应激的影响

目的:基于哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)/缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)/血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)信号通路探讨麦粒灸“足三里”改善高脂血症血管损伤及氧化应激的效应机制。方法:将40只健康SPF级雄性SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、艾灸组和抑制剂组,每组10只。模型组、艾灸组、抑制剂组大鼠采用高脂饲料喂养8周建立高脂血症模型。艾灸组与抑制剂组于双侧“足三里”行麦粒灸干预,每次每穴灸3壮,每日1次,共4周。抑制剂组在每次麦粒灸干预前腹腔注射雷帕霉素溶液(2.0 mg/kg)。分别于造模后及干预后采用ELISA法检测大鼠血清总胆固醇(TC)、三酰甘油(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量。于干预后采用HE染色、油红O染色观察大鼠腹主动脉形态及周围脂质沉积;分别采用WST-1、TBA和微板法检测血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性及丙二醛(MDA)、一氧化氮(NO)含量;Western blot法检测大鼠腹主动脉mTOR、HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达。结果:造模后,与正常组比较,模型组、艾灸组、抑制剂组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C含量升高(P<0.01),HDL-C含量降低(P<0.01)。干预后,与正常组比较,模型组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C、MDA含量升高(P<0.01),HDL-C含量、SOD活性及NO含量降低(P<0.01);腹主动脉组织细胞结构异常、周围脂质沉积较多;腹主动脉mTOR、HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达升高(P<0.01,P<0.05)。与模型组比较,艾灸组和抑制剂组大鼠血清TC、TG、LDL-C、MDA含量降低(P<0.01),HDL-C含量、SOD活性及NO含量升高(P<0.01,P<0.05);腹主动脉mTOR、HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达升高(P<0.01,P<0.05);艾灸组血管组织结构改善、脂质沉积减少,抑制剂组血管组织结构异常、脂质沉积减少。与抑制剂组比较,艾灸组大鼠血清SOD活性、NO含量升高(P<0.05),MDA含量降低(P<0.05);腹主动脉mTOR、HIF-1α、VEGF蛋白表达升高(P<0.01,P<0.05)。结论:麦粒灸“足三里”可通过改善氧化应激进而修复高脂饮食导致的血管损伤,其机制与调控m TOR/HIF-1α/VEGF信号通路有关。

基于“以方测证”理论从AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF通路探讨雷公藤多苷诱导卵泡发育不良大鼠模型的中医证候属性

目的:采用雷公藤多苷诱导卵泡发育不良大鼠模型,基于“以方测证”理论从腺苷酸活化蛋白激酶/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白/缺氧诱导因子-1/血管内皮生长因子(AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF)信号通路探索该模型的证候属性。方法:将48只具有规律动情周期大鼠随机分为正常组(n=8)和造模组(n=40),造模组大鼠连续灌胃雷公藤多苷混悬液(75 mL·kg^(-1))30 d,造模后将其分为模型组、四物汤组(3.69 g·kg^(-1))、右归饮组(3.11 g·kg^(-1))、左归饮组(7.29 g·kg^(-1))和归肾丸组(10.35 g·kg^(-1)),每组8只。相应药物干预14 d。巴氏染色检测各组大鼠动情周期变化;体视镜观察卵巢组织形态;苏木素-伊红(HE)染色观察卵巢组织病理学及卵泡计数;酶联免疫吸附测定法(ELISA)测定血清促卵泡激素(FSH)、黄体生成素(LH)及雌二醇(E2)含量;实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(Real-time PCR)和蛋白免疫印迹法(Western blot)检测卵巢组织AMPK、mTOR、HIF-1、VEGF mRNA及蛋白表达。结果:与正常组比较,模型组大鼠动情周期紊乱,次级、成熟卵泡减少,闭锁卵泡增多,FSH、LH、AMPK mRNA及蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.01),E2含量,mTOR、HIF-1、VEGF mRNA及蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.01);与模型组比较,归肾丸组次级、成熟卵泡增多,闭锁卵泡减少,FSH、LH含量、AMPK mRNA表达及蛋白表达显著降低(P<0.01),E2含量、mTOR、HIF-1、VEGF mRNA表达及蛋白表达显著升高(P<0.01)。与归肾丸组比较,四物汤组、右归饮组、左归饮组成熟卵泡数量显著减少,闭锁卵泡数量显著增多(P<0.01);四物汤组、右归饮组、左归饮组LH显著升高(P<0.01),FSH明显升高(P<0.05),E2明显降低(P<0.05);右归饮组AMPK蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.05),mTOR和HIF-1 mRNA表达显著降低(P<0.01),VEGF蛋白及mRNA表达显著降低(P<0.01);四物汤组mTOR和HIF-1 mRNA,VEGF蛋白及mRNA表达明显降低(P<0.05);左归饮组mTOR mRNA和VEGF蛋白及mRNA表达明显降低(P<0.05)。结论:归肾丸可以抑制AMPK/mTOR/HIF-1/VEGF通路来改善卵泡发育不良大鼠模型的卵巢功能、促进卵泡成熟,且总体疗效优于左归饮、右归饮和四物汤,表明该模型的证候更符合肾精亏虚证。

哮喘患儿血清mTOR、HIF-1α及VEGF的表达及意义

目的探讨哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(m TOR)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)及血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)在哮喘患儿外周血清中的表达及意义。方法随机选取2015年1月-2016年4月在该院儿科门诊就诊或住院治疗的哮喘患儿64例,其中急性发作期哮喘患儿34例(发作组),缓解期哮喘患儿30例(缓解组);另选取同期在该院治疗的支气管肺炎患儿31例(肺炎组),在儿童保健科健康体检儿童31例(对照组)。采用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法测定各组儿童血清中m TOR、HIF-1α及VEGF的表达水平。结果发作组m TOR、HIF-1α及VEGF水平均显著高于缓解组、肺炎组及对照组,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.01);缓解组m TOR、HIF-1α、VEGF水平均显著高于肺炎组及对照组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01);肺炎组与对照组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);发作组外周血中m TOR与HIF-1α水平呈正相关(r=0.919,P<0.01),m TOR与VEGF水平呈正相关(r=0.906,P<0.01),HIF-1α与VEGF水平呈正相关(r=0.925,P<0.01)。结论外周血m TOR、HIF-1α及VEGF表达水平升高与哮喘的发病相关,m TOR可能通过调节HIF-1α、VEGF的表达参与哮喘的发病过程。

Novel nervous and multi-system regenerative therapeutic strategies for diabetes mellitus with mTOR

Throughout the globe,diabetes mellitus（DM） is increasing in incidence with limited therapies presently available to prevent or resolve the significant complications of this disorder.DM impacts multiple organs and affects all components of the central and peripheral nervous systems that can range from dementia to diabetic neuropathy.The mechanistic target of rapamycin（m TOR） is a promising agent for the development of novel regenerative strategies for the treatment of DM.m TOR and its related signaling pathways impact multiple metabolic parameters that include cellular metabolic homeostasis,insulin resistance,insulin secretion,stem cell proliferation and differentiation,pancreatic β-cell function,and programmed cell death with apoptosis and autophagy.m TOR is central element for the protein complexes m TOR Complex 1（m TORC1） and m TOR Complex 2（m TORC2） and is a critical component for a number of signaling pathways that involve phosphoinositide 3-kinase（PI 3-K）,protein kinase B（Akt）,AMP activated protein kinase（AMPK）,silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）（SIRT1）,Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1（WISP1）,and growth factors.As a result,m TOR represents an exciting target to offer new clinical avenues for the treatment of DM and the complications of this disease.Future studies directed to elucidate the delicate balance m TOR holds over cellular metabolism and the impact of its broad signaling pathways should foster the translation of these targets into effective clinical regimens for DM.

CircMAN1A2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through upregulating ERBB2 via sponging miR-940

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC)is the most prevalent human primary malignancy of the head and neck,and the presence of vasculogenic mimicry(VM)renders anti-angiogenic therapy ineffective and poorly prognostic.However,the underlying mechanisms are unclear.In the present study,we used miR-940 silencing and overexpression for in vitro NPC cell EdU staining,wound healing assay and 3D cell culture assay,and in vivo xenograft mouse model and VM formation to assess miR-940 function.We found that ectopic miR-940 expression reduced NPC cell proliferation,migration and VM,as well as tumorigenesis in vivo.By bioinformatic analysis,circMAN1A2 was identified as a circRNA that binds to miR-940.Mechanistically,we confirmed that circMAN1A2 acts as a sponge for miR-940,impairs the inhibitory effect of miR-940 on target ERBB2,and then activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway using RNA-FISH,dual luciferase reporter gene and rescue analysis assays.In addition,upregulation of ERBB2 expression is associated with clinical staging and poor prognosis of NPC.Taken together,the present findings suggest that circMAN1A2 promotes VM formation and progression of NPC through miR-940/ERBB2 axis and further activates the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Therefore,circMAN1A2 may become a biomarker and therapeutic target for anti-angiogenic therapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Solanine Interferes with AKT/p-AKT and PI3K/p-PI3K Pathway to Inhibit HIF and Destroy Cell Energy Metabolism

The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of Solanine disrupting energy metabolism in human renal cancer ACHN cells and to clarify its target. The specific method was to culture human renal cancer ACHN cell lines, and to intervene with Solanine of high, medium and low concentrations. The content of ATP in cells was measured by ELISA method. The expression of HIF-1α protein and the expression of PI3K, AKT, p-PI3K, p-AKT in PI3K/AKT pathway were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that compared with the control group, the relative expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT showed a downward trend with the increase of Solanine concentration (P < 0.05), while the relative expression of PI3K and AKT showed no significant change (P > 0.05). In addition, the relative expression of HIF-1α also showed a downward trend (P < 0.05). According to the above results, it is suggested that Solanine can significantly inhibit the energy metabolism of renal cancer cells, the main mechanism of which is the down-regulation of HI-1αf downstream of the PI3K/Akt pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation process of PI3K/p-PI3K and Akt/p-Akt.

CD26 upregulates proliferation and invasion in keloid fibroblasts through an IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Background:Keloid is a fibrotic dermal disease characterized by an abnormal increase in fibroblast proliferation and invasion.These pathological behaviours may be related to the heterogeneity of keloid fibroblasts(KFs);however,because of a lack of effective biomarkers for KFs it is difficult to study the underlying mechanism.Our previous studies revealed that the expansion of CD26+KFs was responsible for increased keloid proliferation and invasion capabilities;the intrinsic relationship and mechanism between CD26 and keloid is therefore worthy of further investigation.The aim of this studywas to explore molecular mechanisms in the process of CD26 upregulated KFs proliferation and invasion abilities,and provide more evidence for CD26 as an effective biomarker of keloid and a new clinical therapeutic target.Methods:Flow cytometry was performed to isolate CD26+/CD26−fibroblasts from KFs and normal fibroblasts.To generate stably silenced KFs for CD26 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor(IGF-1R),lentiviral particles encoding shRNA targeting CD26 and IGF-1R were used for transfection.Cell proliferations were analysed by cell counting kit-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine(EdU)incorporation assay.Scratching assay and transwell assay were used to assess cell migration and invasion abilities.To further quantify the regulatory role of CD26 expression in the relevant signalling pathway,RT-qPCR,western blot,ELISA,PI3K activity assay and immunofluorescence were used.Results:Aberrant expression of CD26 in KFs was proven to be associated with increased proliferation and invasion of KFs.Furthermore,the role of the IGF-1/IGF-1 receptor axis was also studied in CD26 and was found to upregulate KF proliferation and invasion.The PI3K/protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)pathway was shown to affect CD26-regulated KF proliferation and invasion by increasing phosphorylation levels of S6 kinase and 4E-binding protein.Conclusions:CD26 can be the effective biomarker for KFs,and its expression is closely related to proliferation and invasion in keloids through the IGF-1-induced PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.This work provides a novel perspective on the pathological mechanisms affecting KFs and therapeutic strategies against keloids.

PI3K signaling pathway targeting by using different molecular approaches to treat cancer

Recent evidence of research has been proposed that the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) pathway is noticeable target for searching novel anticancer agents. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) is accountable for harmonizing a diverse range of cell functions, such as transcription, proliferation, cell survival, cell growth, degranulation, vesicular trafficking and cell migration, which are mostly involved in carcinogenesis. Particularly, PI3K-mediated signaling molecules and its effects on gene expression contribute to tumorigenesis. PI3Ks generally are grouped into three distinct classes: Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ according to their structure and function. The class IA of PI3K includes an alpha, beta or delta p110 catalytic subunit(p110α, p110β, or p110γ), which are associated with the activation of RTKs. Mutations in PIK3CA, the gene encoding the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K, have just been recognized as novel mechanisms of inducing oncogenic PI3K signaling. Therefore, the class IA PI3K is the only one of most evidently implicated in cancer. The PI3K pathway is mostly mutated in more cancer patients compared with normal person, making it an eyecatching molecular target for analyses based on inhibitor molecule. In this article, we highlighted the signaling effects and regulation pathway of PI3K involved in the development and survival of tumor cells. The consequence and intricacy of PI3K pathway made it an essential beneficial target for cancer treatment.

WJH 6^(th) Anniversary Special Issues(2): Hepatocellular carcinoma Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. It is associated with a poor prognosis and has limited treatment options. Sorafenib, a multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, is the only available systemic agent for treatment of HCC that improves overall survival for patients with advanced stage disease; unfortunately, an effective second-line agent for the treatment of progressive or sorafenib-resistant HCC has yet to be identified. This review focuses on components of the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway, its role in HCC pathogenesis, and dual mTOR inhibition as a therapeutic option with potential efficacy in advanced HCC. There are several important upstream and downstream signals in the mTOR pathway, and alternative tumor-promoting pathways are known to exist beyond mTORC1 inhibition in HCC. This review analyzes the relationships of the upstream and downstream regulators of mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling; it also provides a comprehensive global picture of the interaction between mTORC1 and mTORC2 which demonstrates the pre-clinical relevance of the mTOR pathway in HCC pathogenesis and progression. Finally, it provides scientific rationale for dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibition in the treatment of HCC. Clinical trials utilizing mTORC1 inhibitors and dual mTOR inhibitors in HCC are discussed as well. The mTOR pathway is comprised of two main components, mTORC1 and mTORC2; each has a unique role in the pathogenesis and progression of HCC. In phase Ⅲ studies, mTORC1 inhibitors demonstrate anti-tumor ac-tivity in advanced HCC, but dual mTOR(mTORC1 and mTORC2) inhibition has greater therapeutic potential in HCC treatment which warrants further clinical investigation.

Promotion and Mechanism of Acupotomy on Chondrocyte Autophagy in Knee Osteoarthritis Rabbits

Objective:To explore the effect of acupotomy intervention on autophagy of chondrocytes in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis(KOA),and to determine the possible mechanisms of acupotomy to alleviate cartilage degeneration.Methods:The modified Videman method was used to construct a KOA rabbit model.After modeling,40 rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups by a random number table:control;KOA(model);KOA+acupotomy(acupotomy),and KOA+sham acupotomy(sham),10 in each group.After a 3-week treatment course,the knee joint activity was determined by the modified Lequesne MG index.Hematoxylin-eosin staining staining was used to examine the morphological changes of chondrocytes.Autophagy of chondrocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy.The surface morphology of cartilage tissue was observed by scanning electron microscope.The mRNA and protein levels of AMP kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin/Unc-51(AMPK/mTOR/ULK1)signal pathway key proteins,autophagy-related factor Beclin-1 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B light chain 3(LC3)in rabbit knee cartilage were assessed by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot,respectively.Results:The modified Lequesne MG score of acupotomy group was significantly lower than that of model group(P<0.05).Pathological results showed that chondrocyte autophagy decreased and cartilage surface was rough in the model group,which recovered after acupotomy treatment.The mRNA expressions of AMPK,ULK1,Beclin-1 and the protein levels of p-AMPK,p-ULK1,Beclin-1,and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰwere decreased in the model group,while the mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR were increased(P<0.01).However,acupotomy treatment reversed these abnormal changes(P<0.05).Conclusions:Acupotomy could effectively up-regulate the expressions of AMPK,ULK1 and Beclin1,reduce the expression of mTOR,promote autophagy,and alleviate joint degeneration.Acupotomy is a promising complementary and alternative therapy for KOA.

Network pharmacology and experimental validation of Maxing Shigan decoction in the treatment of influenza virus-inducedferroptosis

Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection that has caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide.Influenza A virus(IAV)has been found to activate multiple programmed cell death pathways,including ferroptosis.Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death in which the accumulation of intracellular iron promotes lipid peroxidation,leading to cell death.However,little is known about how influenza viruses induce ferroptosis in the host cells.In this study,based on network pharmacology,we predicted the mechanism of action of Maxing Shigan decoction(MXSGD)in IAV-induced ferroptosis,and found that this process was related to biological processes,cellular components,molecular function and multiple signaling pathways,where the hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1)signaling pathway plays a significant role.Subsequently,we constructed the mouse lung epithelial(MLE-12)cell model by IAV-infected in vitro cell experiments,and revealed that IAV infection induced cellular ferroptosis that was characterized by mitochondrial damage,increased reactive oxygen species(ROS)release,increased total iron and iron ion contents,decreased expression of ferroptosis marker gene recombinant glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4),increased expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4(ACSL4),and enhanced activation of hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α),induced nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the HIF-1 signaling pathway.Treatment with MXSGD effectively reduced intracellular viral load,while reducing ROS,total iron and ferrous ion contents,repairing mitochondrial results and inhibiting the expression of cellular ferroptosis and the HIF-1 signaling pathway.Finally,based on animal experiments,it was found that MXSGD effectively alleviated pulmonary congestion,edema and inflammation in IAV-infected mice,and inhibited the expression of ferroptosis-related protein and the HIF-1 signaling pathway in lung tissues.

雷帕霉素对低氧下HL-60细胞的低氧调控信号分子表达的影响

目的:通过小分子化合物氯化钴(CoCl2)模拟的低氧环境,分析低氧下及其雷帕霉素(RPM)作用下人急性髓细胞白血病细胞HL-60的低氧调控信号分子表达的变化;方法:常规方法复苏、传代、培养HL-60细胞,培养细胞进入对数生长期后用于实验。低氧模拟组、低氧雷帕霉素处理组、常氧雷帕霉素处理组分别用含200μmol/L CoCl2、200μmol/L CoCl2/20nmol/L RPM、20nmol/LRPM的1640培养基处理生长状态良好的细胞,对照组细胞用1640培养基培养,各组置培养箱以37℃、5%CO2培养,并于处理后24h、48h、72h收集细胞用于检测;采用实时荧光定量PCR方法检测低氧诱导因子(HIF-1α)、内皮细胞生长因子(VEGF)、雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)及GAPDH在转录水平的表达;结果:①.与各时段对照组相比,低氧模拟组HIF-1α表达随时间逐渐增加,72h明显上调;与常氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组HIF-1α表达早期(24h)相对下调,后期相对上调;②.与对照组比较,各处理组mTOR表达均下调,低氧雷帕霉素处理组在早期(24h)下调显著;与常氧雷帕霉素处理组比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组mTOR各时段的表达均相对下调;③与对照组各时段相比,低氧模拟组VEGF的表达在早期显著上调,但后期呈下调;常氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段VEGF的表达下调,与其比较,低氧雷帕霉素处理组各时段均呈相对下调。结论:常氧和低氧下RPM作用HL-60细胞后VEGF、mTOR的mRNA均表达下调,RPM可在低氧环境下增强了这种下调表达作用。

Extracts of Celastrus Orbiculatus Inhibit Cancer Metastasis by Down-regulating Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Hypoxia-Induced Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Objective: To evaluate the effects of Celastrus Orbiculatus extracts(COE) on metastasis in hypoxiainduced hepatocellular carcinoma cells(Hep G2) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods:The effect of COE(160, 200 and 240 μg/mL) on cell viability, scratch-wound, invasion and migration were studied by 3-4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT), scratch-wound and transwell assays, respectively. Co Cl2 was used to establish a hypoxia model in vitro. Effects of COE on the expressions of E-cadherin, vimentin and N-cadherin were investigated with Western blot and immuno?uorescence analysis,respectively. Results: COE inhibited proliferation and metastasis of hypoxia-induced hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01). Furthermore, the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) related markers were also remarkably suppressed in a dose-dependent manner(P<0.01). In addition, the upstream signaling pathways, including the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(Hif-1α) and Twist1 were suppressed by COE. Additionally, the Hif-1α inhibitor 3-5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzylindazole(YC-1), potently suppressed cell invasion and migration as well as expression of EMT in hypoxia-induced Hep G2 cells. Similarly, the combined treatment with COE and YC-1 showed a synergistic effect(P<0.01) compared with the treatment with COE or YC-1 alone in hypoxia-induced Hep G2 cells. Conclusions: COE signi?cantly inhibited the tumor metastasis and EMT by suppressing Hif-1α/Twist1 signaling pathway in hypoxia-induced Hep G2 cell. Thus, COE might have potential effect to inhibit the progression of Hep G2 in the context of tumor hypoxia.