Loss of monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B expression promotes colorectal cancer malignant behaviors by activation of target of rapamycin kinase/autophagy signaling

BACKGROUND Monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B(MOB3B)functions as a signal transducer and altered MOB3B expression is associated with the development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the role of MOB3B in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS This study collected 102 CRC tissue samples for immunohistochemical detection of MOB3B expression for association with CRC prognosis.After overexpression and knockdown of MOB3B expression were induced in CRC cell lines,changes in cell viability,migration,invasion,and gene expression were assayed.Tumor cell autophagy was detected using transmission electron microscopy,while nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to confirm the in-vitro results.RESULTS MOB3B expression was reduced in CRC vs normal tissues and loss of MOB3B expression was associated with poor CRC prognosis.Overexpression of MOB3B protein in vitro attenuated the cell viability as well as the migration and invasion capacities of CRC cells,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression had the opposite effects in CRC cells.At the molecular level,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II/I expression was elevated,whereas the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,sequestosome 1,and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase(mTOR)was downregulated in MOB3B-overexpressing RKO cells.In contrast,the opposite results were observed in tumor cells with MOB3B knockdown.The nude mouse data confirmed these in-vitro findings,i.e.,MOB3B expression suppressed CRC cell xenograft growth,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression promoted the growth of CRC cell xenografts.CONCLUSION Loss of MOB3B expression promotes CRC development and malignant behaviors,suggesting a potential tumor suppressive role of MOB3B in CRC by inhibition of mTOR/autophagy signaling.

Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

Mismatched effects of receptor interacting protein kinase-3 on hepatic steatosis and inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM To validate the effects of receptor interacting protein kinase-3(RIP3) deletion in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and to clarify the mechanism of action.METHODS Wild-type(WT) and RIP3 knockout(KO) mice werefed normal chow and high fat(HF) diets for 12 wk. The body weight was assessed once weekly. After 12 wk, the liver and serum samples were extracted. The liver tissue expression levels of RIP3, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, protein disulfide isomerase, apolipoprotein-B, X-box binding protein-1, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, cluster of differentiation-36, diglyceride acyltransferase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α), and interleukin-6 were assessed. Oleic acid treated primary hepatocytes from WT and RIP3 KO mice were stained with Nile red. The expression of inflammatory cytokines, including chemokine(C-X-C motif) ligand(CXCL) 1, CXCL2, and TNF-α, in monocytes was evaluated.RESULTS RIP3 KO HF diet fed mice showed a significant gain in body weight, and liver weight, liver to body weight ratio, and liver triglycerides were increased in HF diet fed RIP3 KO mice compared to HF diet fed WT mice. RIP3 KO primary hepatocytes also had increased intracellular fat droplets compared to WT primary hepatocytes after oleic acid treatment. RIP3 overexpression decreased hepatic fat content. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the expression of very-low-density lipoproteins secretion markers(microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, protein disulfide isomerase, and apolipoprotein-B) was significantly suppressed in RIP3 KO mice. The overall NAFLD Activity Score was the same between WT and RIP3 KO mice; however, RIP3 KO mice had increased fatty change and decreased lobular inflammation compared to WT mice. Inflammatory signals(CXCL1/2, TNF-α, and interleukin-6) increased after lipopolysaccharide and pancaspase inhibitor(necroptotic condition) treatment in monocytes. Neutrophil chemokines(CXCL1, and CXCL2) were decreased, and TNF-α was increased after RIP3 inhibitor treatment in monocytes.CONCLUSION RIP3 deletion exacerbates steatosis, and partially inhibits inflammation in the HF diet induced NAFLD model.

Fenofibrate Pre-treatment Suppressed Inflammation by Activating Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase/Protein Kinase B(PI3K/Akt) Signaling in Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Fenofibrate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury（IRI） in mice and its potential mechanism. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated group（sham）, IRI＋saline group（IRI group）, IRI＋Fenofibrate（FEN） group. Normal saline or Fenofibrate（3 mg/kg） was intravenously injected 60 min before renal ischemia in IRI group and FEN group, respectively. Blood samples and renal tissues were collected at the end of reperfusion. The renal function, histopathologic changes, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-8（IL-8）, tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α） and IL-6] in serum and renal tissue homogenate were assessed. Moreover, the effects of Fenofibrate on activating phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α（PPAR-α） were also measured in renal IRI. The results showed that plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, histopathologic scores and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly lower in FEN group than in IRI group. Moreover, Fenofibrate pretreatment could further induce PI3K/Akt signal pathway and PPAR-α activation following renal IRI. These findings indicated PPAR-α activation by Fenofibrate exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by suppressing inflammation via PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, Fenofibrate could be a novel therapeutic alternative in renal IRI.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of rutin for spinal cord injury through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation and inhibition of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase pathway

Rutin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and immune regulatory effects. However, the neuroprotective effects of rutin in spinal cord injury are unknown. The p38 mitogen activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK） pathway is the most important member of the MAPK family that controls inflammation. We assumed that the mechanism of rutin in the repair of spinal cord injury is associated with the inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway. Allen’s method was used to establish a rat model of spinal cord injury. The rat model was intraperitoneally injected with rutin （30 mg/kg） for 3 days. After treatment with rutin, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor function scores increased. Water content, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin 6 levels, p38 MAPK protein expression and caspase-3 and -9 activities in T8–9 spinal cord decreased. Oxidative stress related markers superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in peripheral blood. Rutin exerts neuroprotective effect through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of p38 MAPK pathway.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

Micro RNA-21 promotes phosphatase gene and protein kinase B/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase expression in colorectal cancer

AIM: To explore the regulatory mechanism of the target gene of micro RNA-21(mi R-21), phosphatase gene(p TEN), and its downstream proteins, protein kinase B(AKT) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(p I3K), in colorectal cancer(CRC) cells. METHODS: Quantitative real-time p CR(q RT-p CR) and Western blot were used to detect the expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN in HCT116, HT29, Colo32 and SW480 CRC cell lines. Also, the expression levels of p TEN m RNA and its downstream proteins AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulating mi R-21 were investigated. RESULTS: Comparing the mi R-21 expression in CRC cells, the expression levels of mi R-21 were highest in HCT116 cells, and the expression levels of mi R-21 were lowest in SW480 cells. In comparing mi R-21 and p TEN expression in CRC cells, we found that the protein expression levels of mi R-21 and p TEN were inversely correlated(p < 0.05); when mi R-21 expression was reduced, m RNA expression levels of p TEN did not significantly change(p > 0.05), but the expression levels of its protein significantly increased(p < 0.05). In comparing the levels of p TEN protein and downstream AKT and p I3 K in HCT116 cells after downregulation of mi R-21 expression, the levels of AKT and p I3 K protein expression significantly decreased(p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: p TEN is one of the direct target genesof mi R-21. Thus, phosphatase gene and its downstream AKT and p I3 K expression levels can be regulated by regulating the expression levels of mi R-21, which in turn regulates the development of CRC.

The calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN-93 protects rat cerebral cortical neurons from N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced injury

In this study, primary cultured cerebral cortical neurons of Sprague-Dawley neonatal rats were treated with 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 μM calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II inhibitor KN-93 after 50 μM N-methyI-D-aspartic acid-induced injury. Results showed that, compared with N-methyi-D- aspartic acid-induced injury neurons, the activity of cells markedly increased, apoptosis was significantly reduced, leakage of lactate dehydrogenase decreased, and intracellular Ca2＋ concentrations in neurons reduced after KN-93 treatment. The expression of caspase-3, phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II and total calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II protein decreased after KN-93 treatment. And the effect was apparent at a dose of 1.0 pM KN-93. Experimental findings suggest that KN-93 can induce a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect, and that the underlying mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of caspase-3 and calmodulin- dependent protein kinase II expression.

Cytotoxicity of nonylphenol on spermatogonial stem cells via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway

BACKGROUND With continuous advancement of industrial society,environmental pollution has become more and more serious.There has been an increase in infertility caused by environmental factors.Nonylphenol(NP)is a stable degradation product widely used in daily life and production and has been proven to affect male fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms therein are unclear.Thus,it is necessary to study the effect and mechanism of NP on spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs).AIM To investigate the cytotoxic effect of NP on SSCs via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway.METHODS SSCs were treated with NP at 0,10,20 or 30μmol.MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of NP on the proliferation of SSCs.Flow cytometry was conducted to measure SSC apoptosis.The expression of Bad,Bcl-2,cytochrome-c,pro-Caspase 9,SOX-2,OCT-4,Nanog,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,PLZF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related proteins was observed by western blot,and the mRNA expression of SOX-2,OCT-4 and Nanog was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Compared with untreated cells(0μmol NP),SSCs treated with NP at all concentrations showed a decrease in cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2,Nanog,OCT-4,SOX-2,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,and PLZF(P<0.05),whereas the expression of Bad,cytochrome-c,and pro-Caspase 9 increased significantly(P<0.05).We further examined the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and found that the phosphorylation of PI3K,AKT,mTORC1,and S6K was significantly decreased by NP at all concentrations compared to that in untreated SSCs(P<0.05).NP exerted the greatest effect at 30μmol among all NP concentrations.CONCLUSION NP attenuated the proliferation,differentiation and stemness maintenance of SSCs while promoting apoptosis and oxidative stress.The associated mechanism may be related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Multiple implications of 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 in human cancer

3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1(PDK1) is a central mediator of cellular signaling between phosphoinositide-3 kinase and various intracellular serine/threonine kinases,including protein kinase B,p70 ribosomal S6 kinase,serum and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase,and protein kinase C.PDK1 activates members of the AGC family of protein kinases by phosphorylating serine/threonine residues in the activation loop.Here,we review the regulatory mechanisms of PDK1 and its roles in cancer.PDK1 is activated by autophosphorylation in the activation loop and other serine residues,as well as by phosphorylation of Tyr-9 and Tyr-373/376.Src appears to recognize PDK1 following tyrosine phosphorylation.The role of heat shock protein 90 in regulating PDK1 stability and PDK1-Src complex formation are also discussed.Furthermore,we summarize the subcellular distribution of PDK1.Finally,an important role for PDK1 in cancer chemotherapy is proposed.In conclusion,a better understanding of its molecular regulatory mechanisms in various signaling pathways will help to explain how PDK1 acts as an oncogenic kinase in various cancers,and will contribute to the development of novel cancer chemotherapies.

Telencephalin protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis by activating the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Telencephalin is a neural glycoprotein that reduces apoptosis induced by amyloid beta protein in the human neural tumor cell line PAJU. In this study, we examined the role of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in this process. Western blot analysis demonstrated that telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B were not expressed in PAJU cells transfected with empty plasmid, while they were expressed in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid. After treatment with 1.0 nM amyloid beta protein 42, expression of telencephalin and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B in the transfected cells gradually diminished, while levels of phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin increased. In addition, the high levels of telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B expression in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid could be suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These findings indicate that telencephalin activates the ezrin/radixin/moesin family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

INHIBITION OF IL-6-INDUCED STAT3 ACTIVATION IN MYELOMA CELLS BY PROTEIN KINASE A

Objective: To investigate the regulation effect of protein kinase A on IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in myeloma cells. Methods: Two human myeloma cell lines-Sko-007 and U266 were pretreated with Forskolin, a protein kinase A antagonist, and then stimulated by IL-6. The activation state of STAT3 in these two cells were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Results: Although PKA pathway itself doesn’t participate in IL-6 signal transduction in Sko-007 and U266 cells, activation of protein kinase A can inhibit IL-6-induced STAT3 activation in these two cell lines. Conclusion: There exists an inhibitory effect of protein kinase A on STAT3 activation in human myeloma cells treated by IL-6.

Response of Subcutaneous Xenografts of Endometrial Cancer in Nude Mice to Inhibitors of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathways: An Effective Therapeutic Strategy for Endometrial Cancer

Objective: This study was designed to explore whether inhibition of the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways can inhibit the growth of xenografts of endometrial cancer cell lines with different estrogen receptors (ER) profiles in vivo and to provide preliminary laboratory basis for the probability of endometrial adenocarcinoma treatment with blockage of the two pathways, especially to endometrial cancer with low ER status. Methods: Human endometrial cancer Ishikawa bearing ER and HEC-1Awith low ER status cells were subcutaneously injected into BALB/c nude mice to establish endometrial cancer xenograft tumor models. The effects of PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002, MAPK/ERK1/2 inhibitor PD-98059 and their combinations on the growth of the xenograft tumors and apoptotic state of Ishikawa and HEC-1Acells were tested in vivo using the inhibitory rate, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling assay, H/E-stain. Western blot analysis was used to detect the alterations of activated ERK (P-ERK) and AKT (P-AKT) during this process. Results: LY294002, a PI3K/Akt pathway inhibitor, induced significant suppression in the growth of both Ishikawa and HEC-1Acell xenograft tumors, concomitant with increased apoptosis in xenografts as evidenced by TUNEL. A similar effect was also observed when the MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathway was inhibited by PD98059. Concurrent inhibition of the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 pathways showed enhanced anti-tumor effects in vivo as indicated by increased apoptosis. At the same time, the levels of P-ERK and P-AKT in both xenograft tumors decreased, and their levels in combination group was the lowest. Conclusions: PD98059, LY294002 and their combinations showed remarkable inhibitory effects on xenograft tumors of endometrial carcinoma cell lines with different expression status of ER in vivo through blockage of PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways. This suggests that targeting these pathways may be an effective therapeutic strategy against endometrial carcinomas, especially for ER-negative cancers which show poor response to endocrinal therapy.

基于PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β信号通路探讨EA改善APP/PS1双转基因小鼠认知功能障碍的内在机制

目的探讨鞣花酸(ellagicacid,EA)对APP/PS1双转基因小鼠认知功能的影响,并基于磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/糖原合成酶激酶-3(PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β)信号通路探讨鞣花酸对双转基因小鼠海马氧化应激水平的调节机制。方法将32只SPF级6月龄APP/PS1双转基因小鼠随机分为4组,即APP/PS1组、APP/PS1+EA组、APP/PS1+LY294002组、APP/PS1+EA+LY294002组,每组8只,另外选取8只SPF级C57BL/6J野生型小鼠(Wildtype)作为空白对照组,即WT组。APP/PS1+EA组给予50mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)灌胃EA;APP/PS1+LY294002组予以1.5mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)腹腔注射PI3K抑制剂LY294002;APP/PS1+EA+LY294002组予以50mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)灌胃EA,同时按1.5mg·kg^(-1)·d^(-1)腹腔注射LY294002;WT组和APP/PS1组于相同时间点灌胃等体积10%二甲基亚砜(DMSO)。每日给药1次,连续给药60天。Morris水迷宫检测小鼠学习和记忆能力,免疫组化、蛋白免疫印迹法检测PI3K、AKT、GSK-3β相关蛋白的表达,透射电镜观察小鼠海马组织超微结构变化。结果与WT组相比,其他四组的逃避潜伏期均增长(P<0.05),穿越平台次数明显减少(P<0.01);APP/PS1组、APP/PS1+LY294002组和APP/PS1+EA+LY294002组中的PI3K、AKT蛋白表达量显著降低(P<0.01),GSK-3β表达量显著升高(P<0.01);APP/PS1+EA组的PI3K表达量降低(P<0.05),AKT表达量显著降低(P<0.01),GSK-3β表达量升高(P<0.05);与WT组相比,APP/PS1组海马神经元细胞数目较少,线粒体结构破坏,大部分线粒体出现肿胀,线粒体的内膜和外模不完整,部分线粒体嵴消失,微管、微丝缠结,排列紊乱,而APP/PS1+EA组神经元细胞数较APP/PS1组增多,线粒体结构较清晰,可见清楚的线粒体嵴,线粒体轻度水肿。微管、微丝排列较整齐有序。结论鞣花酸改善AD模型小鼠的学习和记忆能力、减少海马神经元细胞损伤和凋亡,其作用机制可能是通过调节PI3K、AKT、GSK-3β等相关蛋白降低AD模型小鼠海马氧化应激水平。

紫草素对人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响

目的探讨紫草素对人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭和凋亡的影响及机制。方法将对数生长期MGC803细胞随机分为空白对照组、紫草素组、紫草素+胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)组和紫草素+LY294002组。空白对照组细胞在无药培养基中培养,紫草素组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素的培养基中培养,紫草素+IGF-1组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素和终浓度10μmol·L^(-1) IGF-1的培养基中培养,紫草素+LY294002组细胞在含终浓度10μmol·L^(-1)紫草素和终浓度30μmol·L^(-1) LY294002的培养基中培养。培养24 h后,采用细胞计数试剂盒-8法检测细胞增殖情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况,划痕实验检测细胞迁移能力,Transwell法检测细胞侵袭能力,Western blot法检测细胞中B细胞淋巴瘤-2(Bcl-2)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、细胞色素C(Cyt C)、激活型caspase-3(cleaved caspase-3)、cleaved caspase-9、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(PKB)、磷酸化PKB(p-PKB)蛋白表达。结果紫草素组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞增殖抑制率和凋亡率均显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞划痕愈合率和侵袭细胞数显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著高于空白对照组(P<0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞中Bcl-2蛋白相对表达量显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05),Bax、Cyt C、cleaved caspase-3、cleaved caspase-9蛋白相对表达量及Bax/Bcl-2比值显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05)。紫草素组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著低于空白对照组(P<0.05),紫草素组和空白对照组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);紫草素+IGF-1组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著高于紫草素组(P<0.05),紫草素+IGF-1组与紫草素组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);紫草素+LY294002组MGC803细胞中p-PI3K、p-PKB蛋白相对表达量及p-PI3K/PI3K、p-PKB/PKB比值显著低于紫草素组(P<0.05),紫草素+LY294002组与紫草素组MGC803细胞中PI3K、PKB蛋白相对表达量比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论紫草素可抑制人胃癌MGC803细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进其凋亡,其作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/PKB信号通路有关。

外周血受体相互作用蛋白激酶3、混合系列蛋白激酶样结构域水平与新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎病情严重程度的关系

目的分析新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎(NEC)患儿外周血受体相互作用蛋白激酶3(RIPK3)、混合系列蛋白激酶样结构域(MLKL)的表达情况及其与病情严重程度的关系。方法选取92例NEC患儿纳入NEC组,并根据病情严重程度进一步分为轻度NEC组(Ⅰ级)60例和重度NEC组(Ⅱ~Ⅲ级)32例,另选取同期诊治的60例腹股沟斜疝患儿纳入对照组。采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测外周血RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA表达;采用Pearson相关分析法明确NEC组外周血RIPK3 mRNA与MLKL mRNA表达的相关性;采用免疫印迹法检测NEC回肠组织和正常回肠组织中RIPK3、MLKL蛋白表达;采用多因素Logistic回归分析明确重度NEC发生的独立危险因素。绘制受试者工作特征曲线,分析外周血RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA单独及联合预测重度NEC的价值。结果NEC组外周血RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA相对表达量分别为(2.41±0.52)、(3.03±0.64),高于对照组的(1.02±0.21)、(0.93±0.20),差异有统计学意义(P<0.001)。NEC回肠组织中RIPK3、MLKL蛋白相对灰度值分别为(1.20±0.21)、(1.13±0.24),高于正常回肠组织的(0.34±0.12)、(0.32±0.11),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。NEC组患儿外周血RIPK3 mRNA与MLKL mRNA相对表达量呈正相关(r=0.623,P<0.001)。重度NEC组合并气腹征、多器官功能障碍综合征、败血症者占比和RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA相对表达量均高于轻度NEC组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA相对表达量升高是重度NEC发生的独立危险因素(P<0.05)。外周血RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA联合预测重度NEC的曲线下面积大于RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA单独预测(Z=4.127、4.261,P<0.05)。结论RIPK3 mRNA、MLKL mRNA在NEC患儿外周血中表达升高,两者均与NEC病情严重程度有关,且两者联合检测对重度NEC具有较高的预测价值。

Yes相关蛋白(YAP)通过激活PI3K/AKT通路促进皮肤鳞状细胞癌细胞侵袭和迁移

目的探讨Yes相关蛋白(YAP)在皮肤鳞状细胞癌(cSCC)中表达及与cSCC侵袭和迁移中的作用。方法通过免疫组织化学染色法检测cSCC、鲍温病(BD)、癌旁正常皮肤组织中YAP的表达水平,并分析与临床病理参数之间的关系;利用慢病毒转染构建YAP基因敲低的A431稳定细胞株,利用四甲基罗丹明标记的鬼笔环肽检测A431细胞微丝分布和数量,Transwell TM实验检测细胞侵袭能力,划痕实验检测A431细胞的迁移能力;免疫荧光细胞化学染色法观察敲低YAP后上皮间质转化(EMT)相关标志物上皮钙黏素(E-cadherin)、锌指转录因子Snail的表达;Western blot法检测E-cadherin、Snail、β-catenin、磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(AKT)、磷酸化的蛋白激酶B(p-AKT)、核糖体蛋白S6(S6)、磷酸化S6(p-S6)、4E结合蛋白1(4EBP1)、磷酸化的4EBP1(p-4EBP1)的表达。结果YAP在cSCC和BD中表达显著高于癌旁正常皮肤组织;cSCC中YAP高表达与肿瘤大小、分化程度、侵袭程度密切相关,与患者的性别、年龄、发病部位、形态类型、是否神经脉管侵犯不相关;敲低A431细胞中YAP后,肿瘤细胞的侵袭、迁移能力降低,细胞微丝变细、伪足变少;E-cadherin表达增加,Snail和β-catenin蛋白表达降低,p-AKT、p-S6及p-4EBP1蛋白表达降低。结论YAP在cSCC中高表达,YAP激活PI3K/AKT信号通路促进cSCC的侵袭、迁移及EMT过程。

下调PDCD4抑制MAP2K3和p38 MAPK的表达减轻LPS诱导的肾小管上皮细胞炎症和凋亡

目的研究程序性细胞死亡蛋白4(programmed cell death protein 4,PDCD4)在脓毒症诱导的急性肾损伤(acute kidney injury,AKI)中的作用机制,以及调控PDCD4表达通过丝裂原活化蛋白激酶3(mitogen-activated protein kinase 3,MAP2K3)和p38蛋白激酶(p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase,p38 MAPK)对脓毒症AKI起到潜在治疗作用。方法用脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)刺激人肾小管上皮细胞(HK-2)构建脓毒症AKI细胞模型。进一步用腺病毒介导siRNA和过表达载体抑制和上调AKI细胞模型中PDCD4的表达;CCK-8法检测细胞增殖;用DCFH-DA及激光共聚焦显微镜检测细胞中ROS水平,用总SOD活性检测试剂和MDA检测试剂盒检测细胞中SOD和MDA水平;免疫共沉淀验证PDCD4和MAP2K3之间的蛋白相互作用;TUNEL染色法检测细胞凋亡;RT-qPCR和Western blot检测PDCD4及相关基因的mRNA和蛋白表达水平;ELISA法检测患者血清中炎症相关因子水平。结果LPS诱导可以促进HK-2细胞中PDCD4表达,下调PDCD4可抑制LPS诱导的HK-2细胞的炎症、氧化应激及细胞凋亡。数据库预测及免疫共沉淀证实PDCD4可以与MAP2K3相互作用,且在LPS诱导的HK-2细胞中,MAP2K3表达水平显著增强。MAP2K3过表达和p38 MAPK激动剂可以减轻PDCD4下调对LPS诱导的细胞炎症和氧化应激的影响并抑制细胞凋亡。结论下调PDCD4可以通过抑制MAP2K3和p38 MAPK从而抑制LPS诱导的肾小管上皮细胞的炎症和凋亡。

秋水仙碱通过激动PI3K/AKT/eNOS信号通路对急性心肌梗死大鼠心功能的影响

目的:探究秋水仙碱通过调节磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/内皮型一氧化氮合酶(eNOS)信号通路对急性心肌梗死(AMI)大鼠心功能的影响。方法:78只大鼠中随机选取12只作为假手术组,剩余大鼠构建AMI模型,造模成功大鼠分为模型组、秋水仙碱组[4 mg/(kg·d)]、秋水仙碱[4 mg/(kg·d)]+LY294002(20 mg/mL)组、秋水仙碱[4 mg/(kg·d)]+MK-2206(60μg/mL)组、秋水仙碱[4 mg/(kg·d)]+L-NAME(1.6 mg/mL)组,每组12只。超声心动图检测大鼠左心室舒张末期内径(LVEDD)、左心室收缩末期内径(LVESD)、射血分数(EF)及短轴缩短率(FS)。处死大鼠,苏木素-伊红(HE)染色检测大鼠心肌组织石蜡切片病理学变化;末端脱氧核苷酸转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记(TUNEL)法检测心肌细胞凋亡率;酶联免疫吸附实验(ELISA)测定大鼠血清肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肌酸激酶同工酶(CK-MB)以及心肌组织匀浆中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、丙二醛(MDA)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)水平;免疫印迹法(Western Blot)测定大鼠心肌组织PI3K/AKT/eNOS通路蛋白表达。结果:与假手术组相比,模型组大鼠LVESD、LVEDD,血清CK-MB、TNF-α、IL-6水平,心肌匀浆MDA、心肌细胞凋亡率升高,EF、FS水平,心肌匀浆SOD、CAT,心肌组织磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)/PI3K、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)/AKT、磷酸化eNOS(p-eNOS)/eNOS降低(P<0.05);与模型组相比,秋水仙碱组大鼠LVESD、LVEDD,血清CK-MB、TNF-α、IL-6水平,心肌匀浆MDA、心肌细胞凋亡率降低,EF、FS水平,心肌匀浆SOD、CAT,心肌组织p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-eNOS/eNOS升高(P<0.05);与秋水仙碱组相比,秋水仙碱+LY294002组、秋水仙碱+MK-2206组、秋水仙碱+L-NAME组大鼠LVESD、LVEDD,血清CK-MB、TNF-α、IL-6水平,心肌匀浆MDA、心肌细胞凋亡率升高,EF、FS水平,心肌匀浆SOD、CAT,心肌组织p-PI3K/PI3K、p-AKT/AKT、p-eNOS/eNOS降低(P<0.05)。结论:秋水仙碱可能通过激活PI3K/AKT/eNOS信号通路对AMI大鼠发挥心功能保护作用。

黄芪阳和汤调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路促进糖尿病足溃疡大鼠创面愈合

目的基于磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)信号通路探究黄芪阳和汤对糖尿病足溃疡(DFU)大鼠创面愈合的影响。方法构建DFU大鼠模型,将建模成功的48只大鼠随机分为模型组,黄芪阳和汤低(8.5 g/kg)、高(17 g/kg)剂量组,黄芪阳和汤高剂量(17 g/kg)+LY294002(PI3K/AKT通路抑制剂,0.3 mg/kg)组;每组12只;另取12只大鼠为对照组。各组大鼠给予对应药物干预,连续4周。第14、28天给药后,观察大鼠一般状态及创面变化,计算创面愈合率,检测大鼠空腹血糖(FBG)水平和大鼠创面周围组织经皮氧分压(TcpO2);酶联免疫吸附试验检测大鼠血清血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)、缺氧诱导因子-1α(HIF-1α)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素(IL)-6水平;苏木素-伊红染色观察大鼠创面组织病理学变化;免疫组织化学染色测定大鼠创面组织微血管密度;蛋白免疫印迹法检测大鼠创面组织中PI3K、磷酸化PI3K(p-PI3K)、AKT、磷酸化AKT(p-AKT)、NF-κB p65、磷酸化NF-κB p65(p-NF-κB p65)、NF-κB抑制蛋白α(IκB-α)蛋白表达。结果对照组大鼠毛色光滑,饮食、饮水、排泄均正常,较活跃,创面愈合快,创面组织炎症反应较轻,新生血管较多,肉芽组织中成纤维细胞及胶原基质丰富;模型组大鼠毛色暗淡无光泽,活动减少,且出现多饮、多食、多尿症状,创面颜色较深,且周围组织出现水肿、溃疡,创面组织可见大量炎性细胞浸润,伴组织坏死、渗出,新生血管及成纤维细胞较少,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平降低,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与模型组相比,黄芪阳和汤低、高剂量组大鼠状态逐渐改善,创面组织病变程度依次减轻,创面愈合率、创面周围组织TcpO2、血清VEGF、HIF-1α、创面组织微血管密度、p-PI3K、p-AKT、IκB-α蛋白表达水平依次升高,FBG、血清CRP、IL-6、创面组织p-NF-κB p65蛋白表达依次降低(P<0.05);LY294002能部分逆转高剂量黄芪阳和汤对DFU大鼠的治疗作用(P<0.05)。结论黄芪阳和汤能调控PI3K/AKT/NF-κB信号通路,抑制DFU大鼠炎症反应,促进血管新生,从而促进创面愈合。