Alleviatory effect of isoquercetin on benign prostatic hyperplasia via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

We evaluated the effect of isoquercetin(quercetin-O-3-glucoside-quercetin,IQ)as a functional component of Abeliophyllum disistichum Nakai ethanol extract(ADLE)on prostate cell proliferation and apoptosis and its effects on the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).Metabolites in ADLE were analyzed using UHPLC-qTOF-MS and HPLC.IQ was orally administered(1 or 10 mg/kg)to a testosterone propionate-induced BPH rat model,and its effects on the prostate weight were evaluated.The effect of IQ on androgen receptor(AR)signaling was analyzed in LNCaP cells.Whether IGF-1 and IQ affect the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in BPH-1 cells was also examined.The metabolites in ADLE were identified and quantified,which confirmed that ADLE contained abundant IQ(20.88 mg/g).IQ significantly reduced the prostate size in a concentration-dependent manner in a BPH rat model,and significantly decreased the expression of AR signaling factors in the rat prostate tissue and LNCaP cells in a concentration-dependent manner.IQ also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activated by IGF-1 treatment in BPH-1 cells.In BPH-1 cells,IQ led to G0/G1 arrest and suppressed the expression of proliferation factors while inducing apoptosis.Thus,IQ shows potential for use as a pharmaceutical and nutraceutical for BPH.

基于PTEN/mTOR/STAT3通路探讨夹脊电针对脊髓损伤大鼠自噬的影响

目的观察夹脊电针对脊髓损伤(spinal and injury,SCI)大鼠第10号染色体上缺失的磷酸酶与同源张力蛋白(phosphatase and tensinhomolog,PTEN)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR)/信号转导和转录激活子3(signal transducer and activator of transcription 3,STAT3)通路相关因子(p-PTEN、p-mTOR、p-STAT3)、自噬相关因子(LC3-Ⅱ、p62、Atg5)以及星形胶质细胞中星形胶质原纤维酸性蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic protein,GFAP)、自噬标志物微管相关蛋白1轻链3(light chain 3,LC3)共定位信号的表达情况,探讨夹脊电针调控SCI细胞自噬促进神经功能恢复的可能机制,为临床运用夹脊电针治疗SCI提供新的思路和分子生物学理论依据。方法将72只雄性SD大鼠随机分为假手术(Sham)组、模型(Model)组、夹脊电针(EA)组、抑制剂+夹脊电针(bpV)组,每组按照造模后3、7和14 d治疗时间点分为3个亚组,每个亚组6只大鼠。采用Allen’s法建立SCI大鼠模型。EA组予双侧胸(T)9、T11夹脊穴,电针30 min,强度1 mA,密波(100 Hz),1次/d,分别连续治疗3、7、14 d。bpV组在电针治疗前10 min注射PTEN通路抑制剂bpV(HOpic),200μL/kg,1次/d,分别连续治疗3、7、14 d。采用Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan(BBB)评分观察并比较各组大鼠后肢运动功能;HE染色观察各组大鼠脊髓组织的病理形态学变化;Nissl染色观察各组大鼠脊髓组织前角运动神经元的形态和数量;IHC检测各组大鼠脊髓组织p-PTEN、p-mTOR、p-STAT3、LC3-Ⅱ、p62、Atg5的免疫组化染色累积光密度值(imaging object definition,IOD)值;WB检测各组大鼠p-PTEN、p-mTOR、p-STAT3蛋白相对表达量;IF检测脊髓组织星形胶质细胞GFAP、LC3共定位情况。结果大鼠行为学检测结果示:与Model组比,在3、7、14 d时,EA组、bpV组BBB评分均增高(P<0.05);HE结果示:Model组脊髓组织出现大量内含片状出血以及坏死组织的空腔,神经细胞松散排列,3 d后EA组脊髓组织结构逐渐规整、空泡逐渐减少、神经元数量增加;Nissl染色结果示:与Sham组比,Model组神经元染色较浅,数量明显降低,EA组神经元染色较深,数量增多;IHC结果示:与Model组比,EA组p-PTEN、p-mTOR、p-STAT3的IOD值在3 d时明显降低(P<0.01),在7、14 d时明显增高(P<0.01);与Model组比,EA组在3 d时LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5显著升高,p62显著降低(P<0.01),在7、14 d时,LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5显著降低,p62显著增高(P<0.01);与Model组比,bpV组在3、7、14 d时LC3-Ⅱ、Atg5和p62的IOD值均降低(P<0.05);与EA组比,在3、7 d时,bpV组LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5表达均降低,p62增高(P<0.01),在14 d时,LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5降低,p62增高(P<0.05);WB结果示:与Model组相比,3 d时,EA组LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5表达显著升高,p62显著降低(P<0.01);在7、14 d时,LC3-Ⅱ和Atg5显著降低,p62显著增高(P<0.01);与Model组相比,在3、7、14 d时,bpV组LC3-Ⅱ、Atg5表达均降低,p62表达增高(P<0.05);与EA组比,在3、7 d时,bpV组LC3-Ⅱ表达较低,p62表达较高(P<0.01);在14 d时,LC3-Ⅱ明显增高(P<0.05)、Atg5明显增高,p62明显降低(P<0.01)。IF结果示:在3、7、14 d时,Model组有明显共定位信号,阳性细胞数与时间成正比。EA组的共定位阳性细胞数较Model组减少。bpV组阳性细胞数较EA组减少。结论夹脊电针能明显促进SCI大鼠后肢运动功能恢复,其机制与调控PTEN/mTOR/STAT3通路介导的自噬和星形胶质细胞生长有关。

松果菊苷调节mTOR/STAT3信号通路对冠心病大鼠心肌细胞凋亡和炎症损伤的影响

目的:探讨松果菊苷(ECH)对冠心病(CHD)大鼠心肌细胞凋亡、炎症损伤及雷帕霉素(mTOR)/信号传导与转录激活因子3(STAT3)信号通路的影响。方法:选择12只SD大鼠为对照组(NC组),成功构建48只CHD大鼠模型,随机分为模型(Model)组、ECH组(50mg/kg)、mTOR激活剂MHY1485组(10mg/kg)、ECH^(+)MHY1485组(50mg/kgECH^(+)10mg/kg MHY1485)。4周后,通过生物机能实验系统记录心电图;试剂盒检测心肌C反应蛋白(CRP)、IL-6水平;HE和TUNEL染色观察心肌病理学和细胞凋亡;qRT-PCR检测心肌Bcl-2、Bax mRNA表达;Western blot检测心肌mTOR/STAT3通路蛋白表达。结果:与NC组相比,Model组大鼠心肌有明显坏死、水肿和炎症细胞浸润,ST段偏移幅度、IL-6、CRP水平、心肌细胞凋亡率、Bax mRNA表达、mTOR和p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白水平显著升高(P<0.05),Bcl-2 mRNA表达显著下降(P<0.05);与Model组相比,ECH组大鼠心肌损伤减轻,ST段偏移幅度、IL-6、CRP水平、心肌细胞凋亡率、Bax mRNA表达、mTOR和p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白水平显著下降(P<0.05),Bcl-2 mRNA表达显著上升(P<0.05);而MHY1485组大鼠以上指标呈相反趋势;MHY1485消除了ECH对CHD大鼠的有利影响。结论:ECH可能通过下调mTOR/STAT3通路减轻CHD大鼠心肌炎症损伤和细胞凋亡。

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.

基于mTOR/STAT3信号轴探讨桑色素诱导非小细胞肺癌A549细胞自噬的机制

目的基于mTOR/STAT3信号轴探讨桑色素诱导非小细胞肺癌A549细胞自噬的机制。方法将A549细胞分为空白组及30、60、90、120、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组,培养24、48、72 h后采用CCK-8法检测细胞增殖活性,计算细胞抑制率。将A549细胞分为空白组及30、90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组,培养细胞14 d后通过克隆形成实验检测细胞增殖情况;培养细胞24 h后,采用Beyo ClickTMEd U-488检测细胞增殖能力;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况;吖啶橙染色检测细胞自噬情况;透射电镜观察细胞自噬体形成情况;Western Blot法检测细胞中凋亡、自噬及m TOR/STAT3信号轴相关蛋白的表达水平。将A549细胞分为空白组、空白+氯喹(10μg·m L^(-1))组、桑色素(30、150μg·m L^(-1))组、桑色素(30、150μg·m L^(-1))+氯喹(10μg·m L^(-1))组,干预48 h后采用CCK-8法检测细胞活性,计算细胞存活率。结果与空白组比较,干预24 h后60、90、120、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组的A549细胞抑制率显著升高(P<0.05,P<0.001);干预48、72 h后桑色素30、60、90、120、150μg·m L^(-1)组的A549细胞抑制率显著升高(P<0.001);30、90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组的A549细胞集落数及绿色荧光的增殖阳性细胞数均显著减少(P<0.01,P<0.001),细胞凋亡率均显著升高(P<0.01,P<0.001),cleaved-PARP蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.001);90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组A549细胞的p-P38/P38MAPK蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.01,P<0.001);30、90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组A549细胞中出现不同程度的橙黄色荧光,以90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组的橙黄色荧光显著;150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组A549细胞胞浆中分别出现了自噬体和自噬溶酶体;150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组A549细胞的LC3-Ⅱ蛋白表达明显上调(P<0.05),90、150μg·m L^(-1)桑色素组A549细胞的Atg16L1-Ⅱ蛋白表达显著上调(P<0.001),p-m TOR/m TOR及p-STAT3/STAT3蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.001)。与桑色素(150μg·m L^(-1))组比较,桑色素(150μg·m L^(-1))+氯喹(10μg·m L^(-1))组的A549细胞存活率明显升高(P<0.05)。结论桑色素能够抑制肺癌A549细胞的增殖,促进其凋亡,并诱导自噬,其作用机制可能与m TOR/STAT3信号轴有关。

Exploring the mechanism of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on acute colitis rats based on JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway in electroacupuncture of different acupoints on acute colitis rats.Methods:36 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,with 6 rats in each group.The rat model of acute colitis was prepared by enema with glacial acetic acid solution.After the model was established,electroacupuncture was given to each acupoint group,with density wave,frequency 2Hz-50 Hz,intensity 2 mA,muscle tremor as the degree 20 min/time,1 time/day,for 3 consecutive days.Observe the general condition of rats;the pathological changes of colonic mucosa in rats were observed by HE method.The contents of serum interleukin-4(IL-4)and interleukin-8(IL-8)were detected by ELISA.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of JAK2,STAT3,SOCS1 protein and mRNA in rat colon tissue.Results:In contrast to the normal group,the overall condition of the model group was worse,the colonic mucosa was severely damaged,even necrotic,and the ulcer surface was obvious.The content of IL-4 in serum was obviously reduced,and the content of IL-8 was obviously go up(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously go up,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously reduced(P<0.01).In contrast to the model group,the general condition of rats in each acupoint group was significantly improved,the damage and necrosis of colonic mucosa and ulcer surface were obviously alleviated,the content of IL-4 in serum was obviously go up,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously reduced,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Comparison of different acupoint groups,the colonic mucosal injury in the Zusanli group was significantly reduced,the content of serum IL-4 was significantly increased,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein content and mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue were significantly down-regulated,while the protein content and mRNA expression of SOCS1 were significantly go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at each acupoint can improve the damage of colonic mucosa and reduce the inflammatory response.The therapeutic effect of Zusanli(ST36)is better than that of Tianshu(ST25),Dachangshu(BL25)and Shangjuxu(ST37).The mechanism may be related to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway related proteins and inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-8.

Yangyin Huowei mixture alleviates chronic atrophic gastritis by inhibiting the IL-10/JAK1/STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND The Chinese medicine Yangyin Huowei mixture(YYHWM)exhibits good clinical efficacy in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG),but the mechanisms underlying its activity remain unclear.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effects of YYHWM and its underlying mechanisms in a CAG rat model.METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control,model,vitacoenzyme,and low,medium,and high-dose YYHWM groups.CAG was induced in rats using Nmethyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine,ranitidine hydrochloride,hunger and satiety perturbation,and ethanol gavage.Following an 8-wk intervention period,stomach samples were taken,stained,and examined for histopathological changes.ELISA was utilized to quantify serum levels of PG-I,PG-II,G-17,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α.Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate protein expression of IL-10,JAK1,and STAT3.RESULTS The model group showed gastric mucosal layer disruption and inflammatory cell infiltration.Compared with the blank control group,serum levels of PGI,PGII,and G-17 in the model group were significantly reduced(82.41±3.53 vs 38.52±1.71,23.06±0.96 vs 11.06±0.70,and 493.09±12.17 vs 225.52±17.44,P<0.01 for all),whereas those of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αwere significantly increased(30.15±3.07 vs 80.98±4.47,69.05±12.72 vs 110.85±6.68,and 209.24±11.62 vs 313.37±36.77,P<0.01 for all),and the protein levels of IL-10,JAK1,and STAT3 were higher in gastric mucosal tissues(0.47±0.10 vs 1.11±0.09,0.49±0.05 vs 0.99±0.07,and 0.24±0.05 vs 1.04±0.14,P<0.01 for all).Compared with the model group,high-dose YYHWM treatment significantly improved the gastric mucosal tissue damage,increased the levels of PGI,PGII,and G-17(38.52±1.71 vs 50.41±3.53,11.06±0.70 vs 15.33±1.24,and 225.52±17.44 vs 329.22±29.11,P<0.01 for all),decreased the levels of IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-α(80.98±4.47 vs 61.56±4.02,110.85±6.68 vs 89.20±8.48,and 313.37±36.77 vs 267.30±9.31,P<0.01 for all),and evidently decreased the protein levels of IL-10 and STAT3 in gastric mucosal tissues(1.11±0.09 vs 0.19±0.07 and 1.04±0.14 vs 0.55±0.09,P<0.01 for both).CONCLUSION YYHWM reduces the release of inflammatory factors by inhibiting the IL-10/JAK1/STAT3 pathway,alleviating gastric mucosal damage,and enhancing gastric secretory function,thereby ameliorating CAG development and cancer transformation.

Oleanolic acid inhibits colon cancer cell stemness and reverses chemoresistance by suppressing JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background:Oleanolic acid(OA),a pentacyclic triterpenoid exhibiting specific anti-cancer properties and highly effective antioxidant activity,was isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.Conversely,the OA that impacts colon cancer(CC)cells and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.Methods:The cytotoxic effect of OA alone or OA-5-Fluorouracil(5-FU)combination on normal and CC cells was analyzed by methyl thiazolyl diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide(MTT).Then,the impact of OA on CC cell lines(LoVo and HT-29)proliferation and stemness were measured using colon formation and tumorsphere formation assays.Octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4),Prominin-1(CD133),Nanog,and transcription factor SOX-2(SOX2)are cell stemness-related indicators whose expression was assessed usingfluorescence qPCR assay,Western blotting,and immunohistochemistry.The effect of OA on the proliferative potency of CC cells was evaluated using an in vivo model.Results:The stem-like characteristics and clone production of colon cancer cells were markedly reduced by OA alone or in combination with OA-5-FU.Moreover,OA increases the susceptibility of CC cells to 5-FU by blocking the cell stemness-related markers(CD133,Nanog,SOX2,and Oct4)expression levels both in vitro and in vivo,as well as by inactivating the activator of transcription 3(STAT3 signaling)and Janus kinase 2/signal transducer(JAK2).Conclusion:Thesefindings imply that oleanolic acid,both in vitro and in vivo,suppresses the JAK2/STAT3 pathway,which in turn reverses chemoresistance and decreases colon cancer cell stemness.Therefore,by reducing the recommended amount of 5-FU,this strategy may improve chemotherapeutic effectiveness and minimize undesired side effects.

RNAi沉默STAT3基因联合mTOR抑制剂rapamycin诱导BEL-7402肝癌细胞凋亡

目的:探讨PI3K/AKT/mTOR和JAK/STAT3 2条信号转导途径共同作用对肝癌细胞凋亡的影响,为肝癌基因治疗提供依据。方法:选取对数生长期BEL-7402细胞,随机分为对照组、mTOR抑制剂rapamycin(Rapa)组、阴性质粒组、阴性质粒+Rapa组、STAT3-siRNA质粒组和STAT3-siRNA质粒+Rapa组,应用LipofectamineTM2000转染试剂将含有目的基因的质粒转染BEL-7402细胞,同时应用rapamycin,分别采用流式细胞术和Hoechst33258荧光染色检测细胞凋亡率和形态学的变化,JC-1荧光染色观察线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)变化,Western blotting法检测活性caspase-3蛋白表达水平。结果:STAT3-siRNA+Rapa组细胞凋亡率为60.22%±0.87%,明显高于其他各组(P<0.05),且细胞ΔΨm明显降低(27.28%±1.82%,P<0.05);Hoechst33258荧光染色检测,见STAT3-siRNA有大量细胞出现细胞核聚集、边缘化和核碎裂等典型细胞凋亡形态;Western blotting检测,STAT3-siRNA+Rapa组活性caspase-3蛋白表达水平明显高于其他各组(P<0.05)。结论:RNAi沉默BEL-7402肝癌细胞STAT3基因联合rapamycin可促进BEL-7402肝癌细胞的凋亡,二者具有明显的协同作用。

参苓白术散对NAFLD大鼠肝脏超微结构及mTOR、STAT3蛋白磷酸化的影响

目的:观察参苓白术散对非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)大鼠肝组织mTOR、STAT3蛋白磷酸化的影响。方法:SPF级SD大鼠40只随机分为正常对照组、模型组及参苓白术散低、高剂量组,每组10只。采用高脂饲料喂养复制大鼠NAFLD模型组,8 w后处死大鼠,取血、肝组织。全自动生化分析检测血清TC、TG、ALT、AST,ELISA法检测血清IL-6、TNF-α水平,HE染色和油红O染色观察肝组织病理学改变,透射电子显微镜观察肝组织超微结构变化,Western blot法检测大鼠肝组织mTOR、STAT3蛋白磷酸化水平。结果:8 w高脂饮食成功复制了NAFLD大鼠模型,模型组大鼠肝组织存在严重的脂质蓄积和肝脏脂肪变性,血清TNF-α、IL-6含量及肝组织p-mTOR/mTOR、p-STAT3/STAT3水平较正常对照组显著升高(P<0.01)。与模型组比较,各给药组血脂及病理组织学有不同程度改善,血清TC、TG、ALT、AST、TNF-α、IL-6水平及肝组织mTOR、STAT3蛋白磷酸化水平显著降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。参苓白术散高剂量作用优于低剂量。结论:mTOR、STAT3蛋白可能是参苓白术散防治NAFLD的有效作用靶点。参苓白术散可能通过抑制肝组织mTOR、STAT3蛋白磷酸化,减轻肝脏脂质蓄积及炎症反应,发挥防治NAFLD的作用。

mTOR/PKM2和STAT3/c-Myc信号通路串话调节胃癌能量代谢和酸性微环境的机制研究

背景:c-Myc和PKM2在多种肿瘤中高表达,但mTOR/PKM2和STAT3/c-Myc信号通路对胃癌调节作用的研究不多见。目的:探讨mTOR/PKM2和STAT3/c-Myc信号通路串话调节胃癌能量代谢和酸性微环境的机制。方法:PKM2和c-Myc慢病毒转染人胃癌AGS和HGC-27细胞,构建敲减PKM2、c-Myc的细胞模型。采用CCK-8法检测细胞增殖能力,Transwell小室法检测细胞迁移能力,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,实时定量PCR和蛋白质印迹法分别检测PKM2、c-Myc、LDHA、STAT3、p-STAT3、GLUT-1 mRNA和蛋白表达,比色法检测乳酸和葡萄糖水平。结果:PKM2和c-Myc表达在胃癌细胞中上调。敲减c-Myc可抑制胃癌细胞增殖能力,细胞迁移能力明显降低,LDHA、GLUT-1蛋白表达明显降低,葡萄糖和乳酸含量明显降低。共同敲减PKM2和c-Myc对胃癌细胞增殖能力和糖酵解代谢的抑制作用更明显。mTOR/PKM2与STAT3/c-Myc信号通路之间存在相关性。结论:PKM2联合c-Myc可能成为胃癌新的治疗靶点。

Circular RNA ciRS-7 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of pancreatic cancer by regulating miR-7-mediated EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is the most deadly type of tumor, and its pathogenesis remains unknown. Circular RNAs(circRNAs) may be functional and bind to micro RNAs and consequently, influence the activity of targeted mRNAs. Recent researches indicate that one circRNA, ciRS-7, acts as a sponge of miR-7 and thus, inhibits its activity. It is well known that miR-7 is a cancer suppressor in many cancers. However, the relationship between ciRS-7 and miR-7, and the role of ciRS-7 in PDAC, remains to be elucidated. Methods: miR-7 and ciRS-7 expression in 41 pairs of PDAC tumors and their paracancerous tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR). The relationships between their expression levels and clinicopathological features in PDAC tissues were assessed. The relationship between miR-7 and ciRS-7 was also assessed by Spearman’s correlation. We also used cell lines to evaluate the role of ciRS-7 in cell line behavior. The ciRS-7 interfere RNA(si RNA) and its empty vector were transfected into PDAC cells. PDAC cells proliferation and invasion abilities were detected by MTT assay and invasion analysis. The expression of proteins was assessed by Western blotting. Results: ciRS-7 expression was significantly higher in PDAC tissues than paracancerous tissues( P = 0.002). However, miR-7 expression showed the opposite trend( P = 0.048). Moreover, ciRS-7 expression was inversely correlated with miR-7 in PDAC( r s =-0.353, P = 0.023). ciRS-7 expression was also significantly elevated in venous invasion(3.72 ± 2.93 vs. 2.14 ± 1.26;P = 0.028) and lymph node metastasis(4.19 ± 2.75 vs. 2.32 ± 1.90;P = 0.016) in PDAC patients. Furthermore, ciRS-7 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and invasion of PDAC cells( P < 0.05), and the downregulation of ciRS-7 resulted in miR-7 overexpression and subsequent inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3). Conclusions: Circular RNA ciRS-7 plays an oncogene role in PDAC, partly by targeting miR-7 and regulating the EGFR/STAT3 signaling pathway.

PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors in proliferation of retinal pigment epithelial cells

AIM: To determine whether the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is activated in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in homo-sapiens. METHODS: The retina of controls and patients with PVR were collected and their levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP-1 were determined by Western blot. The cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cell line D407 was treated with a specific mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin (RAPA) or a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, of various concentrations and durations. Cell morphology was observed by phase contrast microscopy and the proliferation and apoptosis of treated cells were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Levels of PI3K, phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-P70S6K and phospho-4EBP1 was increased in the retina in PVR (P <0.05). In D407 cells, both RAPA and LY294002 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression, and promoted apoptosis (P <0.05); morphologically, the cells became smaller. Both RAPA and LY294002 reduced levels of phospho-AKT, phospho-mTOR, phospho-p70S6k and phospho-4EBP1 expression (P <0.05). RAPA, but not LY294002, had no significant effect on PI3K expression. CONCLUSION: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is highly activated in the retinal pigment epithelial cells of PVR. The inhibitors of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, RAPA and LY294002, could inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by reducing the levels of phosphorylation of mTOR pathway components.

Elevated retinol binding protein 4 levels are associated with atherosclerosis in diabetic rats via JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality worldwide and is driven by multiple risk factors,including diabetes,which results in an increased atherosclerotic burden,but the precise mechanisms for the occurrence and development of diabetic atheroscerosis have not been fully elucidated.AIM To summarize the potential role of retinol binding protein 4(RBP4) in the pathogenesis of diabetic atheroscerosis,particularly in relation to the RBP4-Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)signaling pathway.METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups,including a control group(NC group),diabetic rat group(DM group),and diabetic atherosclerotic rat group(DA group).The contents of total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDLc), fasting insulin(FINS),fasting plasma glucose,and hemoglobin A1 c(HbA1 c)were measured.Moreover,the adipose and serum levels of RBP4,along with the expression levels of JAK2, phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2), STAT3,phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3), B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), and Cyclin D1 in aortic tissues were also measured.Besides,homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance(HOMA-IR) and atherogenic indexes(AI) were calculated.RESULTS Compared with the NC and DM groups,the levels LDL-c,TG,TC,FINS,HOMAIR,RBP4,and AI were upregulated,whereas that of HDL-c was downregulated in the DA group(P <0.05);the mRNA levels of JAK2,STAT3,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 in the DA group were significantly increased compared with the NC group and the DM group;P-JAK2,p-JAK2/JAK2 ratio,p-STAT3,p-STAT3/STAT3 ratio,Cyclin D1,and Bcl-2 at protein levels were significantly upregulated in the DA group compared with the NC group and DM group.In addition,as shown by Pearson analysis,serum RBP4 had a positive correlation with TG,TC,LDL-c,FINS,HbA1 C,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Bcl-2,Cyclin D1,AI,and HOMA-IR but a negative correlation with HDL-c.In addition,multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that serum RBP4,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,and LDL-c were predictors of the presence of diabetic atherosclerosis.CONCLUSION RBP4 could be involved in the initiation or progression of diabetic atherosclerosis by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Effects of mTOR-STAT3 on the migra=tion and invasion abilities of hepatoma cell and mTOR-STAT3 expression in liver cancer

Objective:To investigate the effects of mT0R-STAT3 pathway on the invasion and migration of hepatoma cell.Methods:mTOR and STAT3 expresssion in the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and normal liver cell line L02 were detected by reverse transcription PCR(RTPCR) and western blotting.The migration and invasion abilities of cells and expression of STAT3were detected by scratch adhesion test and transwell migration assays,after siRNA transfection blocking mTOR expression of HepG2 cells.Results:The HepG2 cells expression is higher compared with normal cells L02 expression.Western blotting assay showed the mTOR expression was blocked,while STAT3 expression was also decreased,after the siRNA transfection of HepC2cells.The migration(scratch adhesion test) and invasion(transwell assays) abilities of HepG2 cells which the mTOR expression was blocked by siRNA interference were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:mT0RSTAT3 expression in hepatoma cells HepG2 was significantly higher than that in normal liver cells.mTOR blocking can reduce the expression of STAT3,which is also closely related to the invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells.

LAMC2 regulates proliferation, migration, and invasion mediated by the Pl3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in oral

Background:Oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)is a common malignant tumor.Recently,Laminin Gamma 2(LAMC2)has been shown to be abnormally expressed in OSCC;however,how LAMC2 signaling contributes to the occurrence and development of OSCC and the role of autophagy in OSCC has not been fully explored.This study aimed to analyze the role and mechanism of LAMC2 signaling in OSCC and the involvement of autophagy in OSCC.Methods:To explore the mechanism by which LAMC2 is highly expressed in OSCC,we used small interfering RNA(siRNA)to knock down LAMC2 to further observe the changes in the signaling pathway.Furthermore,we used cell proliferation assays,Transwell invasion assays,and wound-healing assays to observe the changes in OSCC proliferation,invasion,and metastasis.RFP-LC3 was used to detect the level of autophagy intensity.A cell line-derived xenograft(CDX)model was used to detect the effect of LAMC2 on tumor growth in vivo.Results:This study found that the level of autophagy was correlated with the biological behavior of OSCC.The downregulation of LAMC2 activated autophagy and inhibited OSCC proliferation,invasion,and metastasis via inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Moreover,autophagy has a dual effect on OSCC,and the synergistic downregulation of LAMC2 and autophagy can inhibit OSCC metastasis,invasion,and proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.Conclusions:LAMC2 interacts with autophagy to regulate OSCC metastasis,invasion,and proliferation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.LAMC2 down-regulation can synergistically modulate autophagy to inhibit OSCC migration,invasion,and proliferation.

3-epi-bufotalin suppresses the proliferation in colorectal cancer cells through the inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been increasingly employed in the last decades in China for both preventing and treating a variety of cancers.3-epi-bufotalin is an active ingredient of TCM“Chanpi”with anti-tumor potential.However,the effect and mechanism of 3-epi-bufotalin on colorectal cancers were not well disclosed.The present study demonstrated that 3-epi-bufotalin could reduce viability,trigger apoptosis,and block the cell cycle at the G2/M stage in colorectal cancer cell lines HT29,RKO,and COLO205 in vitro.Moreover,3-epi-bufotalin inhibited the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.These results indicated the anti-proliferation ability of 3-epi-bufotalin in colorectal cancer cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived exosomal miRNA-761 regulates the tumor microenvironment by targeting the SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

BACKGROUND:Exosomes and exosomal microRNAs have been implicated in tumor occurrence and metastasis.Our previous study showed that microRNA-761(miR-761)is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tissues and that its inhibition affects mitochondrial function and inhibits HCC metastasis.The mechanism by which exosomal miR-761 modulates the tumor microenvironment has not been elucidated.METHODS:Exosomal miR-761 was detected in six cell lines.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)and transwell migration assays were performed to determine the function of exosomal miR-761 in HCC cells.The luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze miR-761 target genes in normal fi broblasts(NFs).The inhibitors AZD1480 and C188-9 were employed to determine the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)signaling pathway in the transformation of cancer-associated fi broblasts(CAFs).RESULTS:In this study,we characterized the mechanism by which miR-761 reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment.We found that HCC-derived exosomal miR-761 was taken up by NFs.Moreover,HCC exosomes aff ected the tumor microenvironment by activating NFs via suppressor of cytokine signaling 2(SOCS2)and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.CONCLUSIONS:These results demonstrated that exosomal miR-761 modulated the tumor microenvironment via SOCS2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway-dependent activation of CAFs.Our fi ndings may inspire new strategies for HCC prevention and therapy.

Inhibition of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injuryinduced apoptosis:nicotiflorin and JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Nicotiflorin is a flavonoid extracted from Carthamus tinctorius.Previous studies have shown its cerebral protective effect,but the mechanism is undefined.In this study,we aimed to determine whether nicotiflorin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.The cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion.Nicotiflorin（10 mg/kg） was administered by tail vein injection.Cell apoptosis in the ischemic cerebral cortex was examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase d UTP nick end labeling assay.Bcl-2 and Bax expression levels in ischemic cerebral cortex were examined by immunohistochemial staining.Additionally,p-JAK2,p-STAT3,Bcl-2,Bax,and caspase-3 levels in ischemic cerebral cortex were examined by western blot assay.Nicotiflorin altered the shape and structure of injured neurons,decreased the number of apoptotic cells,down-regulates expression of p-JAK2,p-STAT3,caspase-3,and Bax,decreased Bax immunoredactivity,and increased Bcl-2 protein expression and immunoreactivity.These results suggest that nicotiflorin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced apoptosis via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Echinoside A from Pearsonothuria graeffei Exert the Cytotoxicity to MDA-MB-231 Cells via Mitochondrial Membrane and Modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway

A kind of triterpene glycosides echinoside A(EA)was extracted from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei,and its yield was about 0.78%.The purity of EA was 99.0%,and its molecular weight was 1206 Da.EA was a linear tetrasaccharide attached to a pentacyclic triterpene aglycon.It inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro.The antitumor effect was related to elevate ROS level,decrease mitochondrial membrane potential,enhance caspase-3 expression,induce cells apoptosis and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase.EA also dose-dependently suppressed the expressions of phophorylation proteins p-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR as analyzed by western blotting.These results suggested that EA caused MDA-MB-231 cells apoptosis via intrinsic mitochondrial and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.EA can be a potential anti-breast cancer agent to enhance the clinical efficacy.