Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Mechanism of stilbene glycosides on apoptosis of SH-SY5Y cells via regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the effects of stilbene glycoside(TSG)on okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells(SH-SY5Y)via the PI3K/AKT pathway.Methods:The optimal concentration of OA was screened by CCK-8 assay,and SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control group,model group,TSG group,LY294002 group and LY294002+TSG group.The proliferation and apoptosis in each group were detected by CCK-8 and TUNEL assays;Western blotting method and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of PI3K,P-PI3K(Y607),AKT,P-AKT(Ser473),Bcl-2 and Bax proteins.The relative protein expression was represented by P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax gray ratio.Results:CCK-8 screened the optimal concentration of OA as 40 nmol/L.Compared with the control group,the model group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,the pathway and apoptotic proteins expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were decreased,and the mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 were decreased.Bax mRNA expression level increased(P<0.05);Compared with model group,TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,increased protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT,Bcl-2/Bax,and increased mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and Bcl-2.Bax mRNA expression decreased(P<0.05),LY294002 group decreased relative cell viability,increased apoptosis rate,P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05),P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax protein expression levels were significantly decreased,but there was no statistical significance,PI3K,AKT and Bcl-2 mRNA expression levels were decreased,and Bax mRNA expression levels were increased(all P<0.05);Compared with LY294002 group,LY294002+TSG group increased relative cell viability,decreased apoptosis rate,and the protein expression levels of P-PI3K(Y607)/PI3K,P-AKT(Ser473)/AKT and Bcl-2/Bax were increased.The mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,Bcl-2 were increased,Bax was decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Stilbene glycoside may alleviate okadaic acid-induced apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by interfering with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,which in turn regulates the expression of apoptotic factors such as Bcl-2 and Bax.

Regulatory Effects of Zuogui Pill on Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γRays Based on PI3K/Akt/m TOR Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the protective effects of Zuogui Pill on ^(60)Co-γ-ray-induced premature aging of rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway.[Methods]Sixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with ^(60)Co-γ-ray(6.0 Gy,LD 40)for 24 h at one time.These rats were randomly divided into model group,Progynova group[0.18(g·kg)/d],Progynova[0.09(g·kg)/d]+Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill medium dose[9.45(g·kg)/d)]group and Zuogui Pill low dose[4.725(g·kg)/d]group.The administration(once a day)lasted 21 d.The rat serum[follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E_(2))]were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The morphological changes of ovary were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL).The protein expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the model group showed significant increase in the serum FSH(P<0.01),significant decrease in serum E_(2)(P<0.05),and decrease in the number of early follicles and luteum in the ovary(P<0.01).Besides,the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue decreased significantly,while the expression of Bax increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of early follicles in the ovary increased and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells decreased after intervention in each administration group.In addition,the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 increased,while the expression of Bax decreased,especially in Progynova+Zuogui Pill high dose group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Zuogui Pill may protect the radiation-injured ovary through activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue,increasing the amount of Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

Insensitivity of PI3K/Akt/GSK3 signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of age-related macular degeneration patients

Our recent studies with cultured retinal pigment epithelium cells suggested that overexpression of interleukin 17 receptor C（IL-17RC）,a phenomenon observed in peripheral blood and chorioretinal tissues with age-related macular degeneration（AMD）,was associated with altered activation of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase（PI3K）,Akt,and glycogen synthase kinase 3（GSK3）.We wondered whether or not altered PI3 K,Akt,and GSK3 activities could be detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells（PBMC） obtained from AMD patients.In the patients＇ PBMC,absent or reduced serine-phosphorylation of GSK3α or GSK3β was observed,which was accompanied with increased phosphorylation of GSK3 substrates（e.g.CCAAT enhancer binding protein a,insulin receptor substrate 1,and TAU）,indicative of enhanced GSK3 activation.In addition,decreased protein mass of PI3K85α and tyrosinephosphorylation of PI3K50α was present in PBMC of the AMD patients,suggesting impaired PI3 K activation.Moreover,abnormally lowered molecular weight forms of Akt and GSK3 were detected in PBMC of the AMD patients.These data demonstrate that despite the presence of high levels of IL-17 RC,Wnt-3a and vascular endothelial growth factor,the PI3K/Akt/GSK3 signaling pathway is insensitive to these stimuli in PBMC of the AMD patients.Thus,measurement of PI3K/Akt/GSK3 expression and activity in PBMC may serve as a surrogate biomarker for AMD.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate autophagy in RAW264.7 macrophages via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway under oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration conditions

Background: Autophagy of alveolar macrophages is a crucial process in ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells with the potential for repairing injured sites and regulating autophagy. This study was to investigate the influence of BM-MSCs on autophagy of macrophages in the oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration (OGD/R) microenvironment and to explore the potential mechanism.Methods: We established a co-culture system of macrophages (RAW264.7) with BM-MSCs under OGD/R conditionsin vitro. RAW264.7 cells were transfected with recombinant adenovirus (Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B) and autophagic status of RAW264.7 cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Autophagy-related proteins light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, and p62 in RAW264.7 cells were detected by Western blotting. We used microarray expression analysis to identify the differently expressed genes between OGD/R treated macrophages and macrophages co-culture with BM-MSCs. We investigated the gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is downstream of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Results: The ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells was increased (1.27 ± 0.20vs. 0.44 ± 0.08,t = 6.67,P < 0.05), while the expression of p62 was decreased (0.77 ± 0.04vs. 0.95 ± 0.10,t = 2.90,P < 0.05), and PI3K (0.40 ± 0.06vs. 0.63 ± 0.10,t = 3.42,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratio was also decreased (0.39 ± 0.02vs. 0.58 ± 0.03,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). BM-MSCs reduced the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells (0.68 ± 0.14vs. 1.27 ± 0.20,t = 4.12,P < 0.05), up-regulated p62 expression (1.10 ± 0.20vs. 0.77 ± 0.04,t = 2.80,P < 0.05), and up-regulated PI3K (0.54 ± 0.05vs. 0.40 ± 0.06,t = 3.11,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratios (0.52 ± 0.05vs. 0.39 ± 0.02,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). A whole-genome microarray assay screened the differentially expressed geneHO-1, which is downstream of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the alteration ofHO-1 mRNA and protein expression was consistent with the data on PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusions: Our results suggest the existence of the PI3K/Akt/HO-1 signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells under OGD/R circumstancesin vitro, revealing the mechanism underlying BM-MSC-mediated regulation of autophagy and enriching the understanding of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALI.

Tongxinluo Activates PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway to Inhibit Endothelial Mesenchymal Transition and Attenuate Myocardial Fibrosis after Ischemia-Reperfusion in Mice

Objective To investigate the potential role of Tongxinluo(TXL)in attenuating myocardial fibrosis after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI)in mice.Methods A MIRI mouse model was established by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 45 min.According to a random number table,66 mice were randomly divided into 6 groups(n=11 per group):the sham group,the model group,the LY-294002 group,the TXL group,the TXL+LY-294002 group and the benazepril(BNPL)group.The day after modeling,TXL and BNPL were administered by gavage.Intraperitoneal injection of LY-294002 was performed twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks.Echocardiography was used to measure cardiac function in mice.Masson staining was used to evaluate the degree of myocardial fibrosis in mice.Qualitative and quantitative analysis of endothelial mesenchymal transition(EndMT)after MIRI was performed by immunohistochemistry,immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry,respectively.The protein expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1(CD31),α-smoth muscle actin(α-SMA),phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)and phospho protein kinase B(p-AKT)were assessed using Western blot.Results TXL improved cardiac function in MIRI mice,reduced the degree of myocardial fibrosis,increased the expression of CD31 and inhibited the expression ofα-SMA,thus inhibited the occurrence of EndMT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).TXL significantly increased the protein expressions of PI3K and p-AKT(P<0.05 or P<0.01).There was no significant difference between TXL and BNPL group(P>0.05).In addition,the use of the PI3K/AKT pathway-specific inhibitor LY-294002 to block this pathway and combination with TXL intervention,eliminated the protective effect of TXL,further supporting the protective effect of TXL.Conclusion TXL activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to inhibit EndMT and attenuated myocardial fibrosis after MIRI in mice.

Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko Inhibit Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Ameliorating Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αSignaling Pathway

Objective:To investigate whether Buthus martensii karsch(Scorpiones),Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch(Scolopendra)and Gekko gecko Linnaeus(Gekko)could ameliorate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inhibit lung cancer growth and metastasis by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α)signaling pathway.Methods:Male C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with luciferase labeled LL/2-luc-M38 cell suspension to develop lung cancer models,with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide as positive controls.Carboxy methyl cellulose solutions of Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko were administered intragastrically as 0.33,0.33,and 0.83 g/kg,respectively once daily for 21 days.Fluorescent expression were detected every 7 days after inoculation,and tumor growth curves were plotted.Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine CD31 and HIF-1αexpressions in tumor tissue and microvessel density(MVD)was analyzed.Western blot was performed to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway-related proteins.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect serum basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in mice.Results:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko prolonged the survival time and inhibited lung cancer metastasis and expression of HIF-1α(all P<0.01).Moreover,Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70S6K)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In addition,they also decreased the expression of CD31,MVD,bFGF,TGF-β1 and VEGF compared with the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko all showed beneficial effects on lung cancer by ameliorating the hypoxic tumor microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway.

Liposomalα-cyperone targeting bone resorption surfaces suppresses osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis progression via the PI3K/Akt axis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic dysregulation of bone that occurs mainly in postmenopausal women,and the hyperfunction of osteoclasts is the primary contributor to postmenopausal osteoporosis.However,the development of effective therapeutic drugs and precise delivery systems remains a challenge in the field of anti-absorption therapy.Here,we reported theα-cyperone(α-CYP)for anti-osteoporosis and developed a liposome-based nano-drug delivery system ofα-CYP,that specifically targets the bone resorption interface.Firstly,we found that theα-CYP,one of the major sesquiterpenes of Cyperus rotundus L.,attenuated the progression of osteoporosis in ovariectomized(OVX)mice and down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated proteins of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)and protein kinase B(Akt),causing down-regulation of osteoclast-related genes/proteins and curbing osteoclast differentiation.Furthermore,α-CYP reversed the activation of osteoclastic differentiation and enhanced osteoporosis-related proteins expression caused by PI3K/Akt agonist(YS-49).More importantly,we adopted the osteoclastic resorption surface targeting peptide Asp8 and constructed the liposome(lipαC@Asp8)to deliverα-CYP to osteoclasts and confirmed its anti-osteoporosis effect and enhanced osteoclast inhibition by blocking PI3K/Akt axis.In conclusion,this study demonstrated thatα-CYP inhibits osteoclast differentiation and osteoporosis development by silencing PI3K/Akt pathway,and the liposome targeting delivery systems loaded withα-CYP might provide a novel and effective strategy to treat osteoporosis.

Heat shock protein 90 protects rat mesenchymal stem cells against hypoxia and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways

Mesenchymal stem cell （MSC） transplantation has shown a therapeutic potential to repair the ischemic and infracted myocardium, but the effects are limited by the apoptosis and loss of donor cells in host cardiac microenvironment. The aim of this study is to explore the cytoprotection of heat shock protein 90 （Hsp90） against hypoxia and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis and the possible mechanisms in rat MSCs. Cell viability was determined by 3-（4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl）-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay. Apoptosis was assessed by Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining and flow cytometric analysis with annexin V/PI staining. The gene expression of Toll-like receptor-4 （TLR-4） and V-erb-b2 erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2 （ErbB2） was detected by real-time poly- merase chain reaction （PCR）. The protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Bax, totaI-ERK, phospho-ERK, totaI-Akt, phospho-Akt, and Hsp90 were detected by Western blot. The production of nitric oxide was measured by spectrophotometric assay. Hsp90 improves MSC viability and protects MSCs against apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and hypoxia. The protective role of Hsp90 not only elevates Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xL/Bax expression and attenuates cleaved caspase-3 expression via down-regulating membrane TLR-4 and ErbB2 receptors and then ac- tivating their downstream PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 pathways, but also enhances the paracrine effect of MSCs. These findings demonstrated a novel and effective treatment strategy against MSC apoptosis in cell transplantation.

Modified Sijunzi Granules Exhibit Hemostatic Effect by Activating Akt and Erk Signal Pathways via Regulating 5-HT and Its Receptors Levels

Objective:To investigate the hemostatic effect of modified Sijunzi Granules(MSG)in primary immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)zebrafish model and explore the potential mechanism.Methods:AB strain wild type zebrafish were treated with simvastatin(6μmol/L)for 24 h to establish the hemorrhage model(model control group).The zebrafish were treated with MSG at different doses(55.6,167,and 500μg/mL),respectively.The hemostatic effect was assessed by examining the intestinal bleeding and hemostatic rate.5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)content was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)assay.The expressions of5-HT2aR,5-HT2bR,and SERT genes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR).The protein expressions of protein kinase B(Akt),p-Akt,extracellular regulated protein kinases(Erk),and p-Erk were examined using Western blot analysis.Results:The intestinal bleeding rate was 37%,40%,and 80%in the55.6,167,and 500μg/mL dose of MSG,respectively,in which 55.6 and 167μg/mL MSG dose groups were associated with significantly decreased intestinal bleeding rate when compared with the model control group(70%,P<0.05).Significantly higher hemostatic rates were also observed in the 55.6μg/mL(54%)and 167μg/mL(52%)MSG dose groups(P<0.05).MSG increased the 5-HT content and mRNA expression levels of 5-HT2aR,5-HT2bR,and SERT(P<0.05).In addition,caspase3/7 activity was inhibited(P<0.05).Significant increase in p-Akt and p-Erk was also detected after treatment with MSG(P<0.05).Conclusions:MSG could reduce the incidence and severity of intestinal bleeding in zebrafish by activating MAPK/Erk and PI3K/Akt signal pathways through regulating the levels of 5-HT and its receptors,which may provide evidence for the treatment of ITP.

Elucidation of the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of Melastoma dodecandrum Lour. based on network pharmacology and experimental validation

Objective:To systematically explore the effect and mechanism of melastomatis dodecandri herba(Melastoma dodecandrum Lour.)in the treatment of hepatitis based on network pharmacology.Method:We evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of M.dodecandrum in concanavalin A(Con A)-induced hepatitis in mice by assessing survival rate,histological analysis,serum transaminases,and related cytokines.Then the mechanism of action was predicted by a network pharmacology-based strategy.Based on the results,we measured the hepatic expression of related genes at mRNA level and proteins related to the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)and nuclear factorkappa B(NF-кB)pathways.Results:Our study results clearly demonstrated that M.dodecandrum pretreatment significantly alleviated liver injury.This was demonstrated by an increase in survival rate,decreased severity of liver damage,and reduced serum transaminase levels compared with those in the Con A group.Moreover,M.dodecandrum significantly reduced the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-a,interleukin-6,and interferon-g and increased the liver levels of superoxide dismutase,which indicated that M.dodecandrum exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.On the basis of network pharmacology,50 nodes were selected as major hubs based on their topological importance.Pathway enrichment analyses indicated that the putative targets of M.dodecandrum mostly participate in various pathways associated with the anti-inflammation response,which implies the underlying mechanism by which M.dodecandrum acts on hepatitis.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR analysis showed that M.dodecandrum downregulates the mRNA expression of interleukin-6,Toll-like receptor 7,interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase-4,NF-кB and tumor necrosis factor-a in liver tissues.Western blotting showed that M.dodecandrum pretreatment protected against inflammation through activating the PI3K-Akt pathway by upregulating phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt)expression and suppressing NF-кB activation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of IKK,IkBa,and p65.Conclusion:The present work demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of M.dodecandrum by regulating the PI3K/Akt and NF-кB pathways in Con A-induced mice,which provide insights into the treatment of hepatitis using M.dodecandrum.

Banxia xiexin decoction prevents the development of gastric cancer

BACKGROUND In China banxia xiexin decoction(BXD)has been used in treating gastric cancer(GC)for thousands of years and BXD has a good role in reversing GC histopathology,but its chemical composition and action mechanism are still unknown.AIM To investigate the mechanism of action of BXD against GC based on transcriptomics,network pharmacology,in vivo and in vitro experiments.METHODS The transplanted tumor model was prepared,and the nude mouse were pathologically examined after administration,and hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed.The active ingredients of BXD were quality controlled and identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem quadrupole electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS),and traditional Chinese medicines systems pharmacology platform,drug bank and the Swiss target prediction platform to predict the relevant targets,the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)of GC were screened by RNA-seq sequencing,and the overlapping targets were analyzed to obtain the key targets and pathways.Cell Counting Kit-8,apoptosis assay,cell migration and Realtime fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used for in vitro experiments.RESULTS All dosing groups inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors in laboratory-bred strain nude,with the capecitabine group and the BXD medium-dose group being the best.A total of 29 compounds and 859 potential targets in BXD were identified by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS and network pharmacology,RNA-seq sequencing found 4767 GC DEGs,which were combined with network pharmacology and analyzed 246 potential therapeutic targets were obtained and pathway results showed that BXD may against GC through the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKt)signaling pathway.In vitro cellular experiments confirmed that BXDcontaining serum and LY294002 could inhibit the proliferation of GC cells,promote apoptosis,and inhibit the migration of GC cells by decreasing the expression of EGFR,PIK3CA,IL6,BCL2 and AKT1 in the PI3K-Akt pathway in MGC-803 expression.CONCLUSION BXD has the effect of inhibiting tumor growth rate and delaying the development of GC.Its mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

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.

Transcriptomic landscape regulated by the 14 types of bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs)in lineage commitment and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are ubiquitously-existing multipotent progenitors that can self-renew and differentiate into multiple lineages including osteocytes,chondrocytes,adipocytes,tenocytes and myocytes.MSCs represent one of the most commonly-used adult progenitors and serve as excellent progenitor cell models for investigating lineagespecific differentiation regulated by various cellular signaling pathways,such as bone morphogenetic proteins(BMPs).As members of TGFb superfamily,BMPs play diverse and important roles in development and adult tissues.At least 14 BMPs have been identified in mammals.Different BMPs exert distinct but overlapping biological functions.Through a comprehensive analysis of 14 BMPs in MSCs,we demonstrated that BMP9 is one of the most potent BMPs in inducing osteogenic differentiation of MSCs.Nonetheless,a global mechanistic view of BMP signaling in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs remains to be fully elucidated.Here,we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic profiling in the MSCs stimulated by 14 types of BMPs.Hierarchical clustering analysis classifies 14 BMPs into three subclusters:an osteo/chondrogenic/adipogenic cluster,a tenogenic cluster,and BMP3 cluster.We also demonstrate that six BMPs(e.g.,BMP2,BMP3,BMP4,BMP7,BMP8,and BMP9)can induce ISmads effectively,while BMP2,BMP3,BMP4,BMP7,and BMP11 up-regulate Smad-independent MAP kinase pathway.Furthermore,we show that many BMPs can upregulate the expression of the signal mediators of Wnt,Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways.While the reported transcriptomic changes need to be further validated,our expression profiling represents the first-of-its-kind to interrogate a comprehensive transcriptomic landscape regulated by the 14 types of BMPs in MSCs.

淫羊藿素对多囊卵巢综合征颗粒细胞凋亡和自噬的影响

目的基于磷脂酰肌醇-3激酶(Phospoinositide 3-kinase,PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,Akt)通路探讨淫羊藿素对多囊卵巢综合征颗粒细胞凋亡和自噬的影响。方法分离多囊卵巢综合征大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞,分成对照组、低、中、高剂量实验组(15,30,60μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿素)和抑制剂组(60μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿素和PI3K/Akt通路抑制剂LY294002处理)。以蛋白质印迹法检测PI3K/Akt通路关键蛋白、凋亡相关蛋白B细胞淋巴瘤/白血病-2(B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2,Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bcl-2 associated X protein,Bax)和自噬相关蛋白Beclin1、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达变化,以细胞计数法-8(CCK-8)实验测定细胞增殖活性,以流式细胞术测定细胞凋亡。结果对照组、低、中、高剂量实验组和抑制剂组细胞增殖活性(OD值)分别为0.41±0.05、0.63±0.06、0.75±0.08、0.88±0.06、0.69±0.06,LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达量分别为1.76±0.15、1.45±0.11、1.12±0.07、1.05±0.09、1.32±0.13,细胞凋亡率分别为(42.65±6.32)%,(37.01±3.24)%,(26.47±2.11)%,(19.84±1.40)%,(35.12±0.30)%,p-PI3K表达量分别为0.35±0.05,0.48±0.05,0.68±0.07,0.89±0.09,0.41±0.06,PI3K表达量分别为0.94±0.11,0.94±0.09,0.92±0.11,0.87±0.12,0.90±0.09,以上指标,对照组与低、中、高剂量实验组比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);低、中、高剂量实验组间比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P<0.05);高剂量实验组与抑制剂组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论淫羊藿素通过激活PI3K/Akt通路抑制多囊卵巢综合征颗粒细胞凋亡和自噬。

Targeting the complement system in pancreatic cancer drug resistance:a novel therapeutic approach

Pancreatic cancer is ranked as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality and is predicted to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030.The cause of this high mortality rate is due to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma’s rapid progression and metastasis,and development of drug resistance.Today,cancer immunotherapy is becoming a strong candidate to not only treat various cancers but also to combat against chemoresistance.Studies have suggested that complement system pathways play an important role in cancer progression and chemoresistance,especially in pancreatic cancer.A recent report also suggested that several signaling pathways play an important role in causing chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer,major ones including nuclear factor kappa B,signal transducer and activator of transcription 3,c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor,and phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B.In addition,it has also been proven that the complement system has a very active role in establishing the tumor microenvironment,which would aid in promoting tumorigenesis,progression,metastasis,and recurrence.Interestingly,it has been shown that the downstream products of the complement system directly upregulate inflammatory mediators,which in turn activate these chemo-resistant pathways.Therefore,targeting complement pathways could be an innovative approach to combat against pancreatic cancer drugs resistance.In this review,we have discussed the role of complement system pathways in pancreatic cancer drug resistance and a special focus on the complement as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.