MiR-146a-5p targeting SMAD4 and TRAF6 inhibits adipogenensis through TGF-β and AKT/mTORC1 signal pathways in porcine intramuscular preadipocytes

Background: Intramuscular fat(IMF) content is a vital parameter for assessing pork quality. Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs(miRNAs) play an important role in regulating porcine IMF deposition. Here, a novel miRNA implicated in porcine IMF adipogenesis was found, and its effect and regulatory mechanism were further explored with respect to intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation.Results: By porcine adipose tissue miRNA sequencing analysis, we found that miR-146a-5p is a potential regulator of porcine IMF adipogenesis. Further studies showed that miR-146a-5p mimics inhibited porcine intramuscular preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation, while the miR-146a-5p inhibitor promoted cell proliferation and adipogenic differentiation. Mechanistically, miR-146a-5p suppressed cell proliferation by directly targeting SMAD family member 4(SMAD4) to attenuate TGF-β signaling. Moreover, miR-146a-5p inhibited the differentiation of intramuscular preadipocytes by targeting TNF receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6) to weaken the AKT/mTORC1 signaling downstream of the TRAF6 pathway.Conclusions: MiR-146a-5p targets SMAD4 and TRAF6 to inhibit porcine intramuscular adipogenesis by attenuating TGF-β and AKT/mTORC1 signaling, respectively. These findings provide a novel miRNA biomarker for regulating intramuscular adipogenesis to promote pork quality.

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.

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.

Mechanism of Wendan decoction in preventing obesity by regulating multiple signal pathway networks based on gene promoter methylation

Objective:To investigate the potential mechanism of Wendan decoction in obesity by screening target genes with promoter region methylation changes and constructing a multiple signaling pathways network based on promoter methylation.Methods:The methylation degree of Itgad,Col8a1,Adra2b,Jund,Rab2a,Wnt8b,Fzd9,B4galt7,Pik3cd,Creb1,Stard8,and Mmp1 in the abdominal adipose tissue of obese rats was determined using the Agena MassARRAY system.Western blot was performed to assess protein expression levels.Target genes were identified based on the methylation degree in the promoter region and protein expression.Enrichment analysis of signaling pathways was conducted to identify relevant target genes and obtain a multiple signaling pathway network associated with obesity.Core and terminal effector molecules in the pathway networks were selected as research targets for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)analysis.Results:Four genes(Adra2b,Creb1,Itgad,and Pik3cd)showed a degree of promoter methylation consistent with their respective protein expression levels.Among them,Adra2b,Creb1,and Pik3cd expression increased,while that of Itgad decreased.Enrichment analysis revealed that Creb1 and Pik3cd were involved in 6 signaling pathways related to obesity:tumor necrosis factor(TNF)signaling pathway,growth hormone synthesis/secretion and action,adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)signaling pathway,relaxin signaling pathway,cyclic nucleotide(cAMP)signaling pathway,and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathway.Subsequently,a multiple signaling pathways network was constructed based on promoter methylation.Key molecules including protein kinase B(AKT),mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1),and unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1(ULK1),as well as terminal effector molecules interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and chemokine(C-X-C motif)ligand 2(CXCL2)were selected as research targets.Wendan decoction decreased the expressions of AKT,mTORC1,IL-1β,IL-6,and CXCL2 while up-regulating ULK1 expression.Conclusion:The mechanism of Wendan decoction in preventing obesity involves the regulation of multiple signaling pathways through the control of Creb1 and Pik3cd gene promoter methylation.However,the associated multi-path gene regulation mechanism in preventing obesity is complex.Thus,further exploration is needed to elucidate the role of methylation changes in this mechanism.

ROR2 promotes invasion and chemoresistance of triple-negative breast cancer cells by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the role of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2(ROR2)in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods:ROR2 expression in primary TNBC and metastatic TNBC tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and PCR.ROR2 expression in TNBC cell lines was detected by PCR and Western blot analysis.The migration,invasion and chemosensitivity of TNBC cells with overexpression or knockdown of ROR2 were examined.Results:ROR2 expression was high in metastatic TNBC tissues.ROR2 knockdown suppressed the migration,invasion and chemoresistance of TNBC cells.ROR2 overexpression in MDA-MB-435 cells promoted the migration,invasion,and chemoresistance.Moreover,ROR2 knockdown in HC1599 and MDA-MB-435 adriamycin-resistant cells enhanced chemosensitivity to adriamycin.ROR2 could activate PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in TNBC cells.Conclusion:ROR2 is upregulated and promotes metastatic phenotypes of TNBC by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

Research progress of TCM regulating mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system.The pathogenesis of AD is complex and diverse,and its occurrence and development is the result of the interaction of multiple factors.A number of studies have shown that mTOR signaling pathway is closely related to AD.In recent years,people in exploring relevant methods for the treatment of AD and the process of drugs,more and more studies have found that traditional Chinese medicine compound traditional Chinese medicine monomer,and can be applied to mTOR signaling pathway to improve symptoms in patients with AD.This paper will review the mechanism of action and treatment of TCM in Alzheimer's disease based on mTOR signaling pathway in recent years,so as to provide reference and expand thinking for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Novel insights into mTOR signalling pathways: A paradigm for targeted tumor therapy

As a crucial protein kinase,the mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)intimately controls essential cellular processes like cell development,proliferation,metabolism,and other crucial activities.Different cancers and disorders have been linked to imbalances in mTOR's regulatory systems.Multiple mTOR inhibitor therapy has recently acquired popularity as a method of treating cancers brought on by abnormal signal transduction pathways.We also explore potential processes behind tumor cell resistance to mTOR inhibitors and suggest workarounds to overcome this challenge.We hold the potential to pioneer cutting-edge methods for tumor therapy by methodically examining the complex mTOR signaling system and its regulatory complexity.Increasing our knowledge of mTOR-related mechanisms not only creates opportunities for cutting-edge methods to target and treat cancers but also has the potential to improve patient outcomes and general quality of life significantly.This review paper explores the most recent developments in understanding mTOR signaling pathways and the use of mTOR inhibitors in treating tumors.

A study of acupoint specificity and mechanism of electroacupuncture intervention on chronic colitis in rats based on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Objective:This study aimed to elucidate the differences in effects and mechanisms of action of electric-needle therapy at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)acupoints on chronic experimental colitis in rats through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods:Sixty pathogen-free SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups:the normal,model,Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)groups,each with 10 rats.Chronic colitis was induced in rats by combining immunization and local stimulation.After model establishment,electrical needle intervention combined with dispersing wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz with a current intensity of 2 mA once daily for 20 min was applied on acupoints of each group.Subsequently,the inflammation of colonic mucosa and serum levels of inflammatory factors(IL-23,IL-17,IL-10)were observed;ELISA was used to detect mRNA expressions of PI3K,Akt and mTOR in colitic tissues by RT-PCR as well as protein content of p-PI3k/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR in colitic tissues by Western blotting.Result:Compared with the normal group,the model rats showed a poor general condition,serious damage to the colonic mucosa with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration.The serum IL-23 and IL-17 expressions were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the serum IL-10 expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR and p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathological slices of rats in each acupoints intervention group showed obvious improvement of colitis inflammatory reaction and tissue damage;the serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the serology level of IL-10 was significantly increased(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)groups,the recovery degree of mucosa layers in Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was closer to that of normal group,and the curative effect was relatively the best;in terms of serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17,the Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was significantly lower(P<0.05),while the level of IL-10 was significantly higher(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Results indicate that electrical acupuncture at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)show similar effects in relieving the colitis-induced damage in the mucosa of chronic colitis rats,as well as inflammatory response.Among them,Shang Ju Xu(ST25)has a superior overall effect in treating chronic colitis compared to Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25)and Zu San Li(ST36).The mechanism may be related to inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Diet restriction and exercise alleviate cognitive reduction of high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice by rescuing inflammation-mediated compromised insulin signaling pathway through activating AMPK/SIRT1 signal pathway and suppressing TLR4 signal pathway

Obesity,caused by excessive energy,leads to body weight gain and various diseases,including cognitive impairment.Current studies suggest that diet restriction such as optimal fasting and regular exercise are crucial for improving cognitive capacity.However,further exploration is needed to understand the specific mechanisms of high fat diet(HFD)-induced cognitive decline in obesity.In the present study,4-month-old mice were subjected to HFD feeding for 18 weeks,followed by aerobic exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise,regular diet feeding,and intermittent fasting for 8 weeks,and then used to evaluate cognitive capacity,inflammation,compromised insulin signaling pathway,and apoptosis in hippocampal tissue,as well as AMPK/SIRT1 and TLR4 signal pathways.Obese mice revealed impaired cognitive capacity as compared with mice fed with regular diets.In contrast,aerobic exercise,high-intensity intermittent exercise,regular diet,and intermittent fasting could inhibit apoptosis caused by inflammation-mediated compromised insulin signaling pathway in hippocampal tissues through activating the AMPK/SIRT1 signal pathway and suppressing the TLR4 signal pathway,thereby rescuing the cognitive impairment of obese mice.Therefore,diet restriction and exercise interventions may play a positive role in reverting obesity-induced cognitive impairment.

YWHAH activates the HMGA1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by positively regulating Fra-1 to affect the proliferation of gastric cancer cells

Fos-related antigen 1(Fra-1)is a nuclear transcription factor that regulates cell growth,differentiation,and apoptosis.It is involved in the proliferation,invasion,apoptosis and epithelial mesenchymal transformation of malignant tumor cells.Fra-1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer(GC),affects the cycle distribution and apoptosis of GC cells,and participates in GC occurrence and development.However,the detailed mechanism of Fra-1 in GC is unclear,such as the identification of Fra-1-interacting proteins and their role in GC pathogenesis.In this study,we identified tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein eta(YWHAH)as a Fra-1-interacting protein in GC cells using co-immunoprecipitation combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.Experiments showed that YWHAH positively regulated Fra-1 mRNA and protein expression,and affected GC cell proliferation.Whole proteome analysis showed that Fra-1 affected the activity of the high mobility group AT-hook 1(HMGA1)/phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/mechanistic target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway in GC cells.Western blotting and flow cytometry confirmed that YWHAH activated HMGA1/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by positively regulating Fra-1 to affect GC cell proliferation.These results will help to discover new molecular targets for the early diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis prediction of GC.

How is the AKT/mTOR pathway involved in cell migration and invasion?

As a pathway that plays a role in nutrient absorption,anabolic response,cell growth and survival,the important role of AKT/mTOR in tumorigenesis has also come to light.For cancer patients,most deaths are caused by the growth of metastatic tumors outside the primary focus.Therefore,migration and invasion in the late stage of tumor progression are the main unresolved issues in the study of tumor pathogenesis,and AKT/mTOR has been found to participate in the migration and invasion of cancer cells,which means that the study of this pathway may contribute to a solution for the problem.Because of its extensive and complex functions in the organism,this pathway can be regulated by a variety of different signals in the body,and then realize its function through different downstream signal molecules.This article reviews the proteins that can indirectly affect this pathway by regulating the common upstream signaling molecules of this pathway,and the proteins that can directly affect the level of phosphorylation of AKT/mTOR in cancer cells.We also review the proteins that can co-regulate this pathway and its downstream pathways.Through this study,we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory mechanism of the AKT/mTOR pathway in cancer cells,in hopes of finding effective and harmless cancer treatment targets in the future.

异莲心碱通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路影响结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬

目的:探讨异莲心碱(Iso)通过PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路对结肠癌SW480细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬的影响。方法:用10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理结肠癌SW480细胞,CCK-8法、流式细胞术和WB法分别检测Iso对细胞增殖活力、凋亡和自噬相关蛋白LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62表达的影响。然后,用20μmol/L的Iso和25μmol/L的PI3K激活剂740 Y-P分别处理SW480细胞,将细胞分为对照组、740 Y-P组、Iso组和Iso+740 Y-P组,流式细胞术、WB法检测Iso和740 Y-P对各组细胞凋亡及细胞中LC3Ⅰ、LC3Ⅱ、p62、PI3K、p-PI3K、mTOR和p-mTOR蛋白表达的影响。结果:10、20和40μmol/L的Iso处理后,SW480细胞增殖活力均显著下降(均P<0.05),细胞凋亡率均显著升高(均P<0.05),LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著上调(均P<0.05),p26蛋白表达显著下调(P<0.05)。Iso和740 Y-P处理后,与对照组相比,740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达均显著下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05);Iso组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与740 Y-P组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达升高(P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著下降(均P<0.05);与Iso组相比,Iso+740 Y-P组细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ表达下降(均P<0.05),p26、p-PI3K/PI3K和p-mTOR/mTOR表达均显著升高(均P<0.05)。结论:Iso通过抑制PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路抑制结肠癌SW480细胞增殖并诱导细胞凋亡和自噬。

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.

调补心肾方通过活化PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路促进阿尔茨海默病5xFAD转基因小鼠突触可塑性相关蛋白的合成

目的探讨调补心肾方(党参、制首乌、枸杞子、黄芪等)对阿尔茨海默病5xFAD转基因小鼠突触可塑性的影响及机制。方法取5月龄雄性野生型(WT)小鼠和5xFAD转基因小鼠各18只,分别随机分为对照组(0.9%NaCl)、调补心肾方组(颗粒剂,4.18 g·kg^(-1))、安理申组(盐酸多奈哌齐,0.625 mg·kg^(-1)),每组6只。按照上述分组灌胃给药,每日1次,共60 d。采用透射电镜观察小鼠海马组织超微结构;Western Blot法检测小鼠皮层组织中Synaptophsin、PSD-95、p-NMDAR1、NMDAR1、p-CaMKⅡa、CaMKⅡa、PI3K、p-Akt、Akt、p-mTOR、mTOR蛋白表达水平。结果与WT对照组比较,5xFAD对照组小鼠海马CA1区突触的超微结构不规则,线粒体萎缩、减少,线粒体嵴断裂、消失,突触膜弯曲不规则,突触囊泡减少,突触后致密物(PDS)变薄甚至断裂;皮层组织中Synaptophsin、PSD-95、p-NMDAR1/NMDAR1、p-CaMKⅡa/CaMKⅡa、PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达均明显下调(P<0.05)。与5xFAD对照组相比较,5xFAD调补心肾方组小鼠海马CA1区突触的超微结构有明显变化,线粒体数量增加,突触囊泡增多,突触膜完整,突触后致密物有增厚现象;皮层组织中Synaptophsin、PSD-95、p-NMDAR1/NMDAR1、p-CaMKⅡa/CaMKⅡa、PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达明显上调(P<0.05)。结论调补心肾方可能通过活化PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路,促进突触可塑性相关蛋白合成,进而改善AD的认知功能障碍。

mTOR信号通路调控糖尿病肾病足细胞自噬机制及中医药的干预作用研究进展

糖尿病肾病(DKD)是糖尿病的一种严重微血管并发症,是终末期肾衰竭的主要原因,其进展无法通过药物阻断且增加了糖尿病患者的病死率,DKD早期防治是临床的重中之重。足细胞作为肾小球滤过屏障的重要组成部分,其自噬水平的失衡通常发生在DKD早期,其对DKD进展具有潜在价值,哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路是调控足细胞自噬的经典通路,作为营养感应途径在糖尿病肾病的发生发展过程中发挥重要作用。中医药在防治糖尿病肾病中具有独特优势和良好前景,益气养阴活血类中药是临床治疗DKD的常用药,其潜在机制的明确有助于向临床提供科学依据,并且指导新药研发,进一步发展中医药新质生产力,推动中国中药现代化进程。文章就中药单体或复方靶向mTOR信号通路调控足细胞自噬水平进而防治糖尿病肾病的相关研究进行概括总结,旨在为中医药在DKD的药理研究及临床应用方面提供一定的参考。

栀子苷调节PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路在动脉粥样硬化形成过程中对Th17/Treg功能的影响

目的:观察栀子苷对载脂蛋白E缺乏(ApoE^(-/-))小鼠Th17/调节性T(Treg)细胞失衡的影响及其作用机制。方法:将50只纯合子ApoE^(-/-)雌性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和栀子苷低剂量组、栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组。对照组小鼠喂养普通饲料,模型组和栀子苷组小鼠喂养高脂饲料。从第8周开始,栀子苷各剂量组每日灌胃栀子苷(25、50、100 mg/kg),连续8周。试验结束时,采用油红O染色评估主动脉及其根部动脉粥样硬化(AS)病变面积比。采用定量逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)分析主动脉组织肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-17A和IL-10 mRNA表达;采用流式细胞仪分析脾脏中Th17和Treg细胞百分比;蛋白免疫印迹法(Western Blot)检测主动脉组织磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)信号通路相关蛋白表达。结果:油红O染色病变显示,栀子苷中剂量组、栀子苷高剂量组病变百分比低于模型组(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉TNF-α、IL-6和IL-17A mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平降低(P<0.05);栀子苷各剂量组主动脉抗炎细胞因子IL-10 mRNA表达水平升高(P<0.05)。与对照组比较,模型组小鼠脾脏中Th17细胞百分比升高,Treg细胞百分比降低(P<0.05)。栀子苷处理恢复了AS小鼠Th17和Treg细胞的平衡。栀子苷抑制PI3K的表达及AKT和mTOR的磷酸化,MHY1485(mTOR活化剂)减弱了栀子苷对T细胞分化的影响。结论:栀子苷抗AS作用机制可能与抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号引起的Treg细胞增多和Th17细胞减少有关。

基于mTOR信号通路探究附子提取物联合葛根素对心肌细胞的影响

氧化应激与心肌损伤密切相关[1]。附子提取物具有心肌保护作用[2]。葛根素是中药葛根的主要活性成分,可减轻心肌细胞损伤[3]。目前,附子提取物和葛根素对心肌细胞保护作用的机制尚未明确,因此本文探讨附子提取物联合葛根素对过氧化氢诱导的H9C2心肌细胞的影响及相关机制。

茯苓酸调控PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路介导葡萄糖代谢促进结直肠癌细胞凋亡的机制研究

目的 研究茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞葡萄糖代谢及细胞凋亡的调控作用。方法 通过细胞活性测定(Cell Counting Kit-8,CCK8)、克隆形成等实验检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞增殖与细胞活性的影响;采用Annexin V-FITC/PI双染流式细胞凋亡实验检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞凋亡的影响;使用细胞氧气消耗率和细胞外酸化率测定仪器及细胞葡萄糖代谢水平测定试剂盒检测茯苓酸对结直肠癌细胞葡萄糖代谢的影响;通过蛋白免疫印迹(Western blotting, WB)实验验证凋亡、糖酵解、磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(Phosphatidylinositol3-kinase, PI3K)/丝氨酸、苏氨酸蛋白激酶(AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1,AKT)/雷帕霉素靶蛋白(Mammalian Target of Rapamycin, mTOR)通路相关蛋白表达情况。结果 茯苓酸能够有效抑制结直肠癌细胞增殖与细胞活性,并能够通过抑制其糖酵解水平促进其细胞凋亡,同时显著抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路相关蛋白表达水平。结论 茯苓酸可通过调控PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路介导葡萄糖代谢促进CRC细胞凋亡,可作为未来结直肠癌代谢靶向治疗的潜在药物。

青蒿琥酯调节AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路对肾母细胞瘤细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬的影响

目的探讨青蒿琥酯对肾母细胞瘤细胞增殖、凋亡和自噬的作用及其分子机制。方法体外培养人肾母细胞瘤细胞株SK-NEP-1并以0、12.5、25.0、50.0、100.0、150.0μmol/L浓度的青蒿琥酯处理,采用CCK-8法测定各组细胞活力并筛选出青蒿琥酯最佳作用浓度。将SK-NEP-1细胞随机分为对照组、青蒿琥酯(100.0μmol/L)组、AMPK抑制剂Dorsomorphin(10.0μmol/L)组、青蒿琥酯(100.0μmol/L)+Dorsomorphin(10.0μmol/L)组,以青蒿琥酯和Dorsomorphin单独或联合处理各组细胞后,采用CCK-8法检测各组细胞活力,采用平板克隆形成实验检测各组细胞的集落形成情况;采用流式细胞术检测各组细胞的凋亡情况;采用MDC荧光染色法检测各组细胞的自噬情况;采用蛋白免疫印迹法检测各组细胞中凋亡相关蛋白[B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)、cleaved多聚ADP核糖聚合酶(PARP)、Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)]、自噬相关蛋白[轻链3(LC3)Ⅱ、LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1]及AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路相关蛋白的表达情况。结果不同浓度青蒿琥酯均可抑制SK-NEP-1细胞的活力(均P<0.05),且随浓度升高其抑制作用增强。用100.0μmol/L青蒿琥酯和10.0μmol/L Dorsomorphin分别处理SK-NEP-1细胞后,与对照组相比,青蒿琥酯组细胞的凋亡率、自噬空泡相对量及Bax、cleaved PARP、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、p-AMPK/AMPK、p-ULK1/ULK1蛋白表达水平均升高(均P<0.05),细胞活力、集落形成率及Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达水平均降低(均P<0.05);Dorsomorphin组细胞凋亡率、自噬空泡相对量及Bax、cleaved PARP、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、p-AMPK/AMPK、p-ULK1/ULK1蛋白表达水平均降低(均P<0.05),细胞活力、集落形成率及Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR蛋白表达水平均升高(均P<0.05)。青蒿琥酯和Dorsomorphin联合干预SK-NEP-1细胞逆转了青蒿琥酯的抗肿瘤作用。结论青蒿琥酯可能通过激活AMPK/mTOR/ULK1信号通路增强肾母细胞瘤细胞自噬,进而抑制其增殖并促进其凋亡。

KLF4通过mTOR/P70S6K途径激活细胞自噬减轻高糖诱导的足细胞损伤

目的:分析Krüppel样转录因子4(KLF4)对高糖诱导的足细胞损伤的影响及相关分子机制。方法:体外培养MPC5细胞,将MPC5细胞分为对照组(Control组)、高糖组(HG组)、高糖+空载质粒对照组(HG+NC组)、高糖+KLF4过表达组(HG+KLF4组)。采用qRT-PCR法检测细胞中KLF4 mRNA表达水平,CCK-8法测定细胞增殖活性,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡,Western blot法检测细胞中相关蛋白表达水平。结果:与Control组比较,HG组MPC5细胞中KLF4 mRNA和蛋白表达量降低,细胞增殖活性降低,细胞凋亡率升高,细胞中突触足蛋白(synaptopodin)、足蛋白(podocin)、肾蛋白(nephrin)、微管相关蛋白轻链3-Ⅱ(LC3-Ⅱ)、Beclin1蛋白表达量降低,P62蛋白表达量、磷酸化哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(p-mTOR)/mTOR和磷酸化核糖体40S小亚基S6蛋白激酶(p-P70S6K)/P70S6K比值升高;差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与HG组比较,HG+KLF4组MPC5细胞中KLF4 mRNA和蛋白表达量升高,细胞增殖活性升高,细胞凋亡率降低,细胞中synaptopodin、podocin、nephrin、LC3-Ⅱ、Beclin1蛋白表达量升高,P62蛋白表达量、p-mTOR/mTOR和p-P70S6K/P70S6K比值降低,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:KLF4通过激活足细胞自噬减轻高糖诱导的足细胞损伤,其作用机制可能与调控mTOR/P70S6K信号通路有关。