BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide.AIM To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5(SN...BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide.AIM To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5(SNHG5)and its regulation of miR-92a-3p and B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2)in GC progression.METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis determined the expression of SNHG5,miR-92a-3p,and BTG2 in GC and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa.Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated interactions of SNHG5 with miR-92a-3p and BTG2.AGS cells were transfected with SNHG5 overexpression and miR-92a-3p knockdown models.Various assays,including CCK-8,colony formation,scratch wound healing,and Transwell assays,were used to determine cell proliferation and migration.An experimental model of a xenograft mouse was used to determine in vivo tumor growth.At the same time histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining,with western blot analysis used to evaluate signaling pathway protein expression.RESULTS BTG2 and SNHG5 were downregulated in GC tissues,and miR-92a-3p was upregulated.Overexpression of SNHG5 or knockdown of miR-92a-3p reduced GC cell proliferation and migration,and increased BTG2 expression while decreasing PI3K/AKT signaling activity.The dual-luciferase assays demonstrated direct binding of miR-92a-3p to SNHG5 and BTG2.Tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in mice transplanted with AGS cells treated with miR-92a-3p inhibitor or SNHG5 overexpression compared with control AGS cells.Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that treated tumors exhibited degenerative characteristics,including irregular morphology and nucleolysis.CONCLUSION LncRNA SNHG5 inhibited GC cell growth and migration by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the synergistic effects of auranofin and schisandrin A(SA)on cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells.Methods:Cell viability was asse...Objective:To investigate the synergistic effects of auranofin and schisandrin A(SA)on cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells.Methods:Cell viability was assessed using MTT to determine the synergistic effects of auranofin and SA.Three-dimensional(3D)culture models were used to evaluate the effects on spheroid structure and size.Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry for sub-G1 populations,annexin V staining,and Western blotting for apoptotic markers.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was measured using DCF-DA staining.Results:Our results showed that combined treatment with auranofin and SA led to a significant reduction in cell viability compared with either compound alone,with isobologram analysis confirming their synergistic interactions.Under 3D culture conditions,auranofin and SA disrupted the compact structure of spheroids,leading to a loosened and disorganized morphology at the periphery,which appeared as an increase in spheroid size.Moreover,the induction of apoptosis by auranofin and SA was evidenced by elevated sub-G1 phase populations,increased annexin V-positive cells,and upregulation of apoptotic markers such as cleaved poly(ADPribose)polymerase 1 and cleaved caspase-3.Notably,auranofin combined with SA markedly enhanced ROS production,which was mitigated by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine.Additionally,the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was downregulated in response to auranofin and SA treatment,and further apoptotic effects were observed following PI3K inhibition with LY294002.Conclusions:Auranofin combined with SA promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via ROS generation and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.展开更多
Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatmen...Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatment.While the combination of AS-OD herb pairs demonstrates clinical efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms,its underlying mechanism remains unclear.This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic effects and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AS-OD in non-obese diabetic(NOD)/Ltj mice with SS.The study utilized NOD/Ltj mice as SS models,administering AS-OD treatment for 10 weeks at doses of 113.1,226.2,and 339.3 mg·d−1·20 g−1.Results demonstrated that AS-OD improved SS symptoms,evidenced by enhanced salivary flow rate,decreased anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody levels,increased swimming duration,and reduced lactate(LA)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in NOD/Ltj mice.AS-OD reduced lymphocyte infiltration,enhanced Aquaporin-5(AQP5)expression in the submandibular gland,decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the submandibular gland,and reduced the T helper type 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg)cell ratio in the spleen.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated AS-OD’s involvement in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)and Janus kinase 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK1/STAT3)pathways,with inhibitory effects validated in both NOD/Ltj mice submandibular gland and A-253 cells.Furthermore,AS-OD enhanced cell viability and reduced A-253 cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.In A-253 cells,AS-OD reduced inflammatory cytokine levels,CXC chemokine ligand 9/10(CXCL9/10),and T-cell chemotaxis by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 pathway.AS-OD mitigates SS by suppressing inflammation and immune responses through the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways.展开更多
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors. Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PDAC is urgently needed. Transducin(β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1(TB...BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors. Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PDAC is urgently needed. Transducin(β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1(TBL1 XR1) has been linked to the progression of various human cancers. Nevertheless, the function and role of TBL1 XR1 in pancreatic cancers are unclear.AIM To elucidate the function and potential mechanism of TBL1 XR1 in the development of PDAC.METHODS Ninety patients with histologically-confirmed PDAC were included in this study. PDAC tumor samples and cell lines were used to determine the expression of TBL1 XR1. CCK-8 assays and colony formation assays were carried out to assess PDAC cell viability. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the changes in the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Changes in related protein expression were measured by western blot analysis. Animal analysis was conducted to confirm the impact of TBL1 XR1 in vivo.RESULTS Patients with TBL1 XR1-positive tumors had worse overall survival than those with TBL1 XR1-negative tumors. Moreover, we found that TBL1 XR1 strongly promoted PDAC cell proliferation and inhibited PDAC cell apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of TBL1 XR1 induced G0/G1 phase arrest. In vivo animal studies confirmed that TBL1 XR1 accelerated tumor cell growth. The results of western blot analysis showed that TBL1 XR1 might play a key role in regulating PDAC cell proliferation and apoptosis via the PI3 K/AKT pathway.CONCLUSION TBL1 XR1 promoted PDAC cell progression and might be an effective diagnostic and therapeutic marker for pancreatic cancer.展开更多
BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations...BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.展开更多
This study examined the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in radiosensitization of DNA damage of cervical carcinoma cells.The 50% inhibition concentration(IC50) of cisplatin and docetaxel in HeLa cells was detected by Mono-nuc...This study examined the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in radiosensitization of DNA damage of cervical carcinoma cells.The 50% inhibition concentration(IC50) of cisplatin and docetaxel in HeLa cells was detected by Mono-nuclear cell direct cytotoxicity assay(MTT) in vitro.HeLa cells were treated by cisplatin/docetaxel of 10 percent of IC20 alone or combined with LY294002 for 24 h,and then radiated by different doses of X-ray.The cell survival ratio was obtained by means of clone formation.One-hit multi-target model was fitted to the cell survival curve to calculate dose quasithreshold(Dq),mean lethal dose(D0),2Gy survival fraction(SF2) and sensitization enhancement ratio(SER).The pAkt and total Akt expression was detected by Western blotting and DNA damage by neutro-comet electrophoresis.The HeLa cells were randomly divided into 7 groups in terms of different treatments:Control;radiation treatment(RT) group;LY294002+RT group;cisplatin+RT group;docetaxel+RT group;LY294002+cisplatin+RT group;LY294002+docetaxel+RT group.The apoptosis ratio of each group was measured by flow cytometry.The results showed that docetaxel and cisplatin significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt in radiation-treated HeLa cells.The Dq,D0 and SF2 in LY294002-contained groups were lower than those in docetaxel or cisplatin+RT group.The SER in the LY294002+docetaxel+RT group was 1.35 times that of the docetaxel+RT group,and that in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group 1.26 times that of the cisplatin+RT group.The Comet electrophoresis showed that tail distance in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel+RT group was longer than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group.The apoptosis ratio in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel +RT group was higher than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group.It was concluded that inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway can increase the effect of docetaxel and cisplatin on the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells and DNA damage resulted from radiation.展开更多
Objective: Exercise, as a common non-drug intervention, is one of several lifestyle choices known to reduce the risk of cancer. Mitochondrial division has been reported to play a key role in the occurrence and transfo...Objective: Exercise, as a common non-drug intervention, is one of several lifestyle choices known to reduce the risk of cancer. Mitochondrial division has been reported to play a key role in the occurrence and transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). This study investigated whether exercise could regulate the occurrence and development of HCC through mitosis.Methods: Bioinformatics technology was used to analyze the expression level of dynamin-related protein1(DRP1), a key protein of mitochondrial division. The effects of DRP1 and DRP1 inhibitor(mdivi-1) on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells BEL-7402 were observed using cell counting kit-8, plate colony formation, transwell cell migration, and scratch experiments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of DRP1 and its downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3 K)/protein kinase B(AKT) pathway. A treadmill exercise intervention was tested in a nude mouse human liver cancer subcutaneous tumor model expressing different levels of DRP1. The size and weight of subcutaneous tumors in mice were detected before and after exercise.Results: The expression of DRP1 in liver cancer tissues was significantly upregulated compared with normal liver tissues(P<0.001). The proliferation rate and the migration of BEL-7402 cells in the DRP1 overexpression group were higher than that in the control group. The mdivi-1 group showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of BEL-7402 cells at 50 lmol/L. Aerobic exercise was able to inhibit the expression of DRP1 and decrease the size and weight of subcutaneous tumors. Moreover,the expression of phosphorylated PI3 K(p-PI3 K) and phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) decreased in the exercise group. However, exercise could not change p-PI3 K and p-AKT levels after knocking down DRP1 or using mdivi-1 on subcutaneous tumor.Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can suppress the development of tumors partially by regulating DRP1 through PI3 K/AKT pathway.展开更多
Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to H...Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is one of the most prevalent malignancies that seriously threaten people’s health worldwide.DEAD-box helicase 51(DDX51)is a member of the DEAD-box(DDX)RNA helicase f...BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is one of the most prevalent malignancies that seriously threaten people’s health worldwide.DEAD-box helicase 51(DDX51)is a member of the DEAD-box(DDX)RNA helicase family,and drives or inhibits tumor progression in multiple cancer types.AIM To determine whether DDX51 affects the biological behavior of ESCC.METHODS The expression of DDX51 in ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Immunohistochemistry(IHC)analyses and quantitative PCR(qPCR).We knocked down DDX51 in ESCC cell lines by using a small interfering RNA(siRNA)transfection.The proliferation,apoptosis,and mobility of DDX51 siRNAtransfected cells were detected.The effect of DDX51 on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway was investigated by western blot analysis.A mouse xenograft model was established to investigate the effects of DDX51 knockdown on ESCC tumor growth.RESULTS DDX51 exhibited high expression in ESCC tissues compared with normal tissues and represented a poor prognosis in patients with ESCC.Knockdown of DDX51 induced inhibition of ESCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.Moreover,DDX51 siRNA-expressing cells also exhibited lower migration and invasion rates.Investigations into the underlying mechanisms suggested that DDX51 knock down induced inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway,including decreased phosphorylation levels of phosphate and tensin homolog,PI3K,AKT,and mammalian target of rapamycin.Rescue experiments demonstrated that the AKT activator insulin-like growth factor 1 could reverse the inhibitory effects of DDX51 on ESCC malignant development.Finally,we injected DDX51 siRNA-transfected TE-1 cells into an animal model,which resulted in slower tumor growth.CONCLUSION Our study suggests for the first time that DDX51 promotes cancer cell proliferation by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway;thus,DDX51 might be a therapeutic target for ESCC.展开更多
This study examined the role of EMP-1 in tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the possible mechanism. Specimens were collected from 28 patients with benign lung diseases and 28 with NSCLC, and im...This study examined the role of EMP-1 in tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the possible mechanism. Specimens were collected from 28 patients with benign lung diseases and 28 with NSCLC, and immunohis to chemically detected to evaluate the correlation of EMP-1 expression to the clinical features of NSCLC. Recombinant adenovirus was constructed to over-express EMP-1 and then infect PC9 cells. Cell proliferation was measured by Ki67 staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the effect of EMP-1 on the PI3K/AKT signaling. Moreover, tumor xeno-grafts were established by subcutaneous injection of PC9 cell suspension (about 5×107/mL in 100 μL of PBS) into the right hind limbs of athymic nude mice. The results showed EMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC patients as compared with those with benign lung diseases. Over-expression of EMP-1 promoted proliferation of PC9 cells, which coincided with the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. EMP-1 promoted the growth of xenografts of PC9 cells in athymic nude mice. It was concluded that EMP-1 expression may contribute to the development and progress of NSCLC by activating PI3K/AKT pathway.展开更多
Chemotherapy can significantly reduce follicle counts in ovarian tissues and damage ovarian stroma,causing endocrine disorder,reproductive dysfunction,and primary ovarian insufficiency(POI).Recent studies have suggest...Chemotherapy can significantly reduce follicle counts in ovarian tissues and damage ovarian stroma,causing endocrine disorder,reproductive dysfunction,and primary ovarian insufficiency(POI).Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles(EVs)secreted from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)exert therapeutic effects in various degenerative diseases.In this study,transplantation of EVs from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs(iPSC-MSC-EVs)resulted in significant restoration of ovarian follicle numbers,improved granulosa cell proliferation,and inhibition of apoptosis in chemotherapy-damaged granulosa cells,cultured ovaries,and in vivo ovaries in mice.Mechanistically,treatment with i PSC-MSC-EVs resulted in up-regulation of the integrinlinked kinase(ILK)-PI3K/AKT pathway,which is suppressed during chemotherapy,most likely through the transfer of regulatory microRNAs(miRNAs)targeting ILK pathway genes.This work provides a framework for the development of advanced therapeutics to ameliorate ovarian damage and POI in female chemotherapy patients.展开更多
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is implicated in the development of gastric cancer(GC).The tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia,where hypoxia-inducible fact...BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is implicated in the development of gastric cancer(GC).The tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia,where hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)plays a key role as a transcription factor,but the mechanisms underlying H.pylori-induced HIF-1αexpression and carcinogenesis remain unclear.AIM To explore the underlying mechanism of H.pylori-induced HIF-1αexpression in promoting the malignant biological behavior of gastric epithelial cells(GES-1).METHODS The study was conducted with human GES-1 cells in vitro.Relative protein levels of methyltransferase-like protein 14(METTL14),HIF-1α,main proteins of the PI3K/AKT pathway,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)biomarkers,and invasion indicators were detected by Western blot.Relative mRNA levels of METTL14 and HIF-1αwere detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.mRNA stability was evaluated using actinomycin D,and the interaction between METTL14 and HIF-1αwas confirmed by immunofluorescence staining.Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay and wound healing assay,respectively.RESULTS H.pylori promoted HIF-1αexpression and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway.Notably,METTL14 was downregulated in H.pylori-infected gastric mucosal epithelial cells and positively regulated HIF-1αexpression.Functional experiments showed that the overexpression of HIF-1αor knockdown of METTL14 enhanced the activity of the PI3K/AKT pathway,thereby driving a series of malignant transformation,such as EMT and cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.By contrast,the knockdown of HIF-1αor overexpression of METTL14 had an opposite effect.CONCLUSION H.pylori-induced underexpression of METTL14 promotes the translation of HIF-1αand accelerates tumor progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.These results provide novel insights into the carcinogenesis of GC.展开更多
OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the basic helix-loop-helix(b HLH)transcription factor,differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 1(DEC1),in the apoptosis induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridiniumion(MPP+)in SH-SY5Y cel...OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the basic helix-loop-helix(b HLH)transcription factor,differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 1(DEC1),in the apoptosis induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridiniumion(MPP+)in SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of MPP+for 24or 48 h.The cell inhibition and apoptosis were measured by MTT and DAPI staining.DEC1,the apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling were determined by Western blotting.The expression of DEC1was regulated by overexpression and sh RNA.RESULTS MPP+induces apoptosis along with decreasing of DEC1expression in SH-SY5Y cells.Overexpression or knockdown of DEC1 can alleviate or enhance the cell inhibition induced by MPP+.And overexpression of DEC1 can alleviate the increased cleaved caspase 3/caspase 3 but not alleviate Bax/Bcl-2 induced by MPP+.Meanwhile,MPP+represses PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3βandβ-catenin expression,which is accompanied by decreasing DEC1 expressions.It is confirmed that the activator or inhibitor of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3βpathway can alleviate or enhance the repression of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade induced by MPP+.Further study,we find that overexpression of DEC1 alone can increase PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β,andβ-catenin expression.More importantly,overexpression of DEC1 significantly alleviates the decreased levels of PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β,andβ-catenin induced by MPP+.CONCLUSION DEC1 provides neuroprotection from apoptosis induced by MPP+through PI3K/Akt pathway in SH-SY5Y cells.Promisingly,DEC1 is a candidate gene that may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of Parkinson disease.展开更多
There is evidence to suggest that follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） can facilitate the neovascularization of ovarian cancers by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） expression in cancer cells, alt...There is evidence to suggest that follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） can facilitate the neovascularization of ovarian cancers by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） expression in cancer cells, although the underlying molecular mechanism of this process is not well known. Therefore, we investigated the effect of FSH on VEGF expression in the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-3 and ES-2. Treatment with FSH significantly increased VEGF expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, FSH treatment enhanced the expression of survivin and hypoxlainducible factor-1 （HIF-1α）. Knockdown of survivin or HIF-1α suppressed VEGF expression, but only knockdown of survivin inhibited FSH-stimulated VEGF expression. Pretreatment with LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/AKT inhibitor, neutralized the enhanced expression of survivin induced by FSH, but treatment with U0126, a mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, had no such effect. We further showed that ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma samples had much higher incidence of positive AKT and phosphorylated AKT （pAKT） protein staining than did benign ovarian cystadenoma samples （p 〈 0.01）. The 5-year survival rate was only about 15% in patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma who had AKT and pAKT expression, whereas it was about 80% in those who did not have AKT or pAKT expression. Taken together, these results indicate that FSH increases the expression of VEGF by upregulating the expression of survivin, which is activated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Understanding the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in FSH-stimulated expression of survivin and VEGF will be beneficial for evaluating the prognosis for patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and for pursulug effective treatment against this disease.展开更多
Epilepsy is a chronic and severe neurological disorder that has negative effects on the autonomous activities of patients. Functionally, Trem2(triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2) is an immunoglobulin rec...Epilepsy is a chronic and severe neurological disorder that has negative effects on the autonomous activities of patients. Functionally, Trem2(triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2) is an immunoglobulin receptor that affects neurological and psychiatric genetic diseases. Based on this rationale, we aimed to assess the potential role of Trem2 integration with the PI3 K/Akt pathway in epilepsy. We used microarray-based gene expression profiling to identify epilepsy-related differentially-expressed genes. In a mouse hippocampal neuron model of epilepsy, neurons were treated with lowMg^2+ extracellular fluid, and the protein and mRNA expression of Trem2 were determined. Using a gain-offunction approach with Trem2, neuronal apoptosis and its related factors were assessed by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR,and Western blot analysis. In a pilocarpine-induced epileptic mouse model, the malondialdehyde(MDA) and8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) content and superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity in the hippocampus were determined,and the protein expression of Trem2 was measured. In addition, the regulatory effect of Trem2 on the PI3 K/Akt pathway was analyzed by inhibiting this pathway in both the cell and mouse models of epilepsy. Trem2 was found to occupy a core position and was correlated with epilepsy.Trem2 was decreased in the hippocampus of epileptic miceand epileptic hippocampal neurons. Of crucial importance,overexpression of Trem2 activated the PI3 K/Akt pathway to inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, activation of the PI3 K/Akt pathway through over-expression of Trem2 alleviated oxidative stress, as shown by the increased expression of SOD and GSH-Px and the decreased expression of MDA and 8-OHdG. The current study defines the potential role of Trem2 in inhibiting the development of epilepsy, indicating that Trem2 up-regulation alleviates hippocampal neuronal injury and oxidative stress, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis in epilepsy by activating the PI3 K/Akt pathway.展开更多
The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI3K）/AKT pathway is genetically targeted in more pathway components and in more tumor types than any other growth factor signaling pathway, and thus is frequently activated as a c...The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI3K）/AKT pathway is genetically targeted in more pathway components and in more tumor types than any other growth factor signaling pathway, and thus is frequently activated as a cancer driver. More importantly, the PI3K/AKT pathway is composed of multiple bifurcating and converging kinase cascades, providing many potential targets for cancer therapy. Renal cell carcinoma （RCC） is a high-risk and high-mortality cancer that is notoriously resistant to traditional chemotherapies or radiotherapies. The PI3K/AKT pathway is modestly mutated but highly activated in RCC, representing a promising drug target. Indeed, PI3K pathway inhibitors of the rapalog family are approved for use in RCC. Recent large-scale integrated analyses of a large number of patients have provided a molecular basis for RCC, reiterating the critical role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in this cancer. In this review, we summarize the genetic alterations of the PI3K/AKT pathway in RCC as indicated in the latest large-scale genome sequencing data, as well as treatments for RCC that target the aberrant activated PI3K/AKT pathway.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on proliferation of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 in them,and further determine whether the e...AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on proliferation of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 in them,and further determine whether the effects are related to the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. METHODS:Gastric cancer MGC-803 cells were cultured and then treated with 50 μg/L recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) with and without a PI3K inhibitor,LY294002 (25 μmol/L). MTT assay was used to detect the prolifer-ation of MGC-803 cells. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 mRNA was by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt),Akt,cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 was examined by immunocyto-chemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS:rhMIF signifi cantly stimulated the prolifera-tion of MGC-803 cells and cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner. After the MGC-803 cells were treated with rhMIF for 24 h,the expression of cyclin D1 was signifi cantly up-regulated compared with the cells not treated with rhMIF at both mRNA and protein levels(0.97 ± 0.02 vs 0.74 ± 0.01,P = 0.002; 0.98 ± 0.05 vs 0.69 ± 0.04,P = 0.003). The p27Kip1 was down-regulated but only statistically significant at the protein level. rhMIF significantly increased the expression of p-Akt,which reached the peak at 30 min,but did not affect the expression of Akt. However,LY294002 inhibited all the effects of rhMIF.CONCLUSION:Macrophage MIF increases the proliferation of gastric cancer cells,induces the expression of cyclin D1 at the transcriptional level and inhibits the expression of p27Kip1 at the post-transcriptional level via the PI3K/Akt pathway.展开更多
The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical ne...The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical neurons against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to further examine the underlying mechanism. The cortical neurons were obtained from one-day old Sprague-Dawley neonate rats. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μmol/L) was used to treat neurons for 24h to induce oxidative stress. Exogenous SHH (3μg/mL) was employed to activate the SHH pathway, and cyclopamine (20 μmol/L), a specific SHH signal inhibitor, to block SHH pathway. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) were used to pretreat the neurons 30 min before H2O2 treatment and selectively inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. The cell viability was measured by MTT and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was detected by immunoblotting. The results showed that as compared with H2O2 treatment, exogenous SHH could increase the expression of p-Akt by 20% and decrease the expression of p-ERK by 33%. SHH exerted no significant effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Blockade of PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 decreased the cell viability by 17% and increased the cell apoptosis rate by 2-fold. LY294002 treatment could up-regulate the expression of the proapoptotic gene Bax by 12% and down-regulate the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 by 54%. In conclusion, SHH pathway may activate PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway in neurons under oxidative stress. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the neuroprotection of SHH. SHH/PI3K/Bcl-2 pathway may be implicated in the protection of neurons against H2O2-induced apoptosis.展开更多
AIM: Ursolic acid(UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. There were few studies on the effects of UA on differentiation, and this is the first time to elucidate the pot...AIM: Ursolic acid(UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. There were few studies on the effects of UA on differentiation, and this is the first time to elucidate the potential effect and molecular mechanism of UA on inducing differentiation in the human leukemia cell line U937. METHODS: Wright-Giemsa staining, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay and flow cytometric analysis were utilized to demonstrate the differentiation of U937 cells induced by UA. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to investigate the possible mechanism. RESULTS: It was found that UA could induce the differentiation of U937cells and Akt-activity was significantly increased during differentiation. Additionally, LY294002, a PI3K-Akt inhibitor, could block the differentiation of U937 cells induced by UA. CONCLUSION: UA could induce the differentiation of U937 cells by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and it could be a potential candidate as a differentiation-inducing agent for the therapy of leukemia.展开更多
Objective:This study investigated the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Fructus Zanthoxyli(FZ)against type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Methods...Objective:This study investigated the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Fructus Zanthoxyli(FZ)against type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Methods:Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry,and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify the constituents of FZ.Next,the differentially expressed genes linked to the treatment of diabetes with FZ were screened using online databases(including Gene Expression Omnibus database and Swiss Target Prediction online database),and the overlapping genes and their enrichment were analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Finally,the pathway was verified by in vitro experiments,and cell staining with oil red and Nile red showed that the extract of FZ had a therapeutic effect on T2DM.Results:A total of 43 components were identified from FZ,and 39 differentially expressed overlapping genes were screened as the possible targets of FZ in T2DM.The dug component-target network indicated that PPARA,PPARG,PIK3R3,JAK2 and GPR88 might be the core genes targeted by FZ in the treatment of T2DM.Interestingly,the enrichment analysis of KEGG showed that effects of FZ against T2DM were closely correlated with the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.In vitro experiments further confirmed that FZ significantly inhibited palmitic acid-induced lipid formation in Hep G2 cells.Moreover,FZ treatment was able to promote the AMPK and PI3K/Akt expressions in Hep G2 cells.Conclusion:Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation revealed that FZ extract can improve the glycolipid metabolism disorder of T2DM via activation of the AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is a widespread malignancy and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide.AIM To examine the functional role of long non-coding RNAs small nucleolar RNA host gene 5(SNHG5)and its regulation of miR-92a-3p and B-cell translocation gene 2(BTG2)in GC progression.METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and western blot analysis determined the expression of SNHG5,miR-92a-3p,and BTG2 in GC and adjacent non-neoplastic mucosa.Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated interactions of SNHG5 with miR-92a-3p and BTG2.AGS cells were transfected with SNHG5 overexpression and miR-92a-3p knockdown models.Various assays,including CCK-8,colony formation,scratch wound healing,and Transwell assays,were used to determine cell proliferation and migration.An experimental model of a xenograft mouse was used to determine in vivo tumor growth.At the same time histological changes were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining,with western blot analysis used to evaluate signaling pathway protein expression.RESULTS BTG2 and SNHG5 were downregulated in GC tissues,and miR-92a-3p was upregulated.Overexpression of SNHG5 or knockdown of miR-92a-3p reduced GC cell proliferation and migration,and increased BTG2 expression while decreasing PI3K/AKT signaling activity.The dual-luciferase assays demonstrated direct binding of miR-92a-3p to SNHG5 and BTG2.Tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in mice transplanted with AGS cells treated with miR-92a-3p inhibitor or SNHG5 overexpression compared with control AGS cells.Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that treated tumors exhibited degenerative characteristics,including irregular morphology and nucleolysis.CONCLUSION LncRNA SNHG5 inhibited GC cell growth and migration by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the miR-92a-3p/BTG2 axis.
基金supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea grant funded by the Korea government(RS-2023-00213236).
文摘Objective:To investigate the synergistic effects of auranofin and schisandrin A(SA)on cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells.Methods:Cell viability was assessed using MTT to determine the synergistic effects of auranofin and SA.Three-dimensional(3D)culture models were used to evaluate the effects on spheroid structure and size.Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry for sub-G1 populations,annexin V staining,and Western blotting for apoptotic markers.Reactive oxygen species(ROS)production was measured using DCF-DA staining.Results:Our results showed that combined treatment with auranofin and SA led to a significant reduction in cell viability compared with either compound alone,with isobologram analysis confirming their synergistic interactions.Under 3D culture conditions,auranofin and SA disrupted the compact structure of spheroids,leading to a loosened and disorganized morphology at the periphery,which appeared as an increase in spheroid size.Moreover,the induction of apoptosis by auranofin and SA was evidenced by elevated sub-G1 phase populations,increased annexin V-positive cells,and upregulation of apoptotic markers such as cleaved poly(ADPribose)polymerase 1 and cleaved caspase-3.Notably,auranofin combined with SA markedly enhanced ROS production,which was mitigated by the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine.Additionally,the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway was downregulated in response to auranofin and SA treatment,and further apoptotic effects were observed following PI3K inhibition with LY294002.Conclusions:Auranofin combined with SA promotes apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma via ROS generation and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82074341).
文摘Sjögren’s syndrome(SS)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by oral and periocular dryness.Astragalus-Salvia(AS)and Ophiopogon-Dendrobium(OD)represent two frequently utilized herb pairs in SS treatment.While the combination of AS-OD herb pairs demonstrates clinical efficacy in alleviating SS symptoms,its underlying mechanism remains unclear.This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic effects and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AS-OD in non-obese diabetic(NOD)/Ltj mice with SS.The study utilized NOD/Ltj mice as SS models,administering AS-OD treatment for 10 weeks at doses of 113.1,226.2,and 339.3 mg·d−1·20 g−1.Results demonstrated that AS-OD improved SS symptoms,evidenced by enhanced salivary flow rate,decreased anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibody levels,increased swimming duration,and reduced lactate(LA)and blood urea nitrogen(BUN)levels in NOD/Ltj mice.AS-OD reduced lymphocyte infiltration,enhanced Aquaporin-5(AQP5)expression in the submandibular gland,decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in the submandibular gland,and reduced the T helper type 17/regulatory T lymphocyte(Th17/Treg)cell ratio in the spleen.Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses indicated AS-OD’s involvement in regulating phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT)and Janus kinase 3/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK1/STAT3)pathways,with inhibitory effects validated in both NOD/Ltj mice submandibular gland and A-253 cells.Furthermore,AS-OD enhanced cell viability and reduced A-253 cell apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway.In A-253 cells,AS-OD reduced inflammatory cytokine levels,CXC chemokine ligand 9/10(CXCL9/10),and T-cell chemotaxis by inhibiting the JAK1/STAT3 pathway.AS-OD mitigates SS by suppressing inflammation and immune responses through the PI3K/AKT and JAK1/STAT3 pathways.
文摘BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors. Identification of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for PDAC is urgently needed. Transducin(β)-like 1 X-linked receptor 1(TBL1 XR1) has been linked to the progression of various human cancers. Nevertheless, the function and role of TBL1 XR1 in pancreatic cancers are unclear.AIM To elucidate the function and potential mechanism of TBL1 XR1 in the development of PDAC.METHODS Ninety patients with histologically-confirmed PDAC were included in this study. PDAC tumor samples and cell lines were used to determine the expression of TBL1 XR1. CCK-8 assays and colony formation assays were carried out to assess PDAC cell viability. Flow cytometry was performed to measure the changes in the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Changes in related protein expression were measured by western blot analysis. Animal analysis was conducted to confirm the impact of TBL1 XR1 in vivo.RESULTS Patients with TBL1 XR1-positive tumors had worse overall survival than those with TBL1 XR1-negative tumors. Moreover, we found that TBL1 XR1 strongly promoted PDAC cell proliferation and inhibited PDAC cell apoptosis. Moreover, knockdown of TBL1 XR1 induced G0/G1 phase arrest. In vivo animal studies confirmed that TBL1 XR1 accelerated tumor cell growth. The results of western blot analysis showed that TBL1 XR1 might play a key role in regulating PDAC cell proliferation and apoptosis via the PI3 K/AKT pathway.CONCLUSION TBL1 XR1 promoted PDAC cell progression and might be an effective diagnostic and therapeutic marker for pancreatic cancer.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82205025,No.82374355 and No.82174293Subject of Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine,No.Y21023Forth Batch of Construction Program for Inheritance Office of Jiangsu Province Famous TCM Experts,No.[2021]7.
文摘BACKGROUND Development of end-stage renal disease is predominantly attributed to diabetic nephropathy(DN).Previous studies have indicated that myricetin possesses the potential to mitigate the pathological alterations observed in renal tissue.Never-theless,the precise molecular mechanism through which myricetin influences the progression of DN remains uncertain.AIM To investigate the effects of myricetin on DN and explore its potential therapeutic mechanism.METHODS Db/db mice were administered myricetin intragastrically on a daily basis at doses of 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg for a duration of 12 wk.Subsequently,blood and urine indexes were assessed,along with examination of renal tissue pathology.Kidney morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using various staining techniques including hematoxylin and eosin,periodic acid–Schiff,Masson’s trichrome,and Sirius-red.Additionally,high-glucose culturing was conducted on the RAW 264.7 cell line,treated with 25 mM myricetin or co-administered with the PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002 for a period of 24 h.In both in vivo and in vitro settings,quantification of inflammation factor levels was conducted using western blotting,real-time qPCR and ELISA.RESULTS In db/db mice,administration of myricetin led to a mitigating effect on DN-induced renal dysfunction and fibrosis.Notably,we observed a significant reduction in expressions of the kidney injury markers kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin,along with a decrease in expressions of inflammatory cytokine-related factors.Furthermore,myricetin treatment effectively inhibited the up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha,interleukin-6,and interluekin-1βinduced by high glucose in RAW 264.7 cells.Additionally,myricetin modulated the M1-type polarization of the RAW 264.7 cells.Molecular docking and bioinformatic analyses revealed Akt as the target of myricetin.The protective effect of myricetin was nullified upon blocking the polarization of RAW 264.7 via inhibition of PI3K/Akt activation using LY294002.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that myricetin effectively mitigates kidney injury in DN mice through the regulation of macrophage polarization via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
基金supported by grants from the Hubei Province Natural Sciences Foundation (No.2008cdb133)Science Foundation for The Youth Scholars of Ministry of Education of China (No.200804871034)
文摘This study examined the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in radiosensitization of DNA damage of cervical carcinoma cells.The 50% inhibition concentration(IC50) of cisplatin and docetaxel in HeLa cells was detected by Mono-nuclear cell direct cytotoxicity assay(MTT) in vitro.HeLa cells were treated by cisplatin/docetaxel of 10 percent of IC20 alone or combined with LY294002 for 24 h,and then radiated by different doses of X-ray.The cell survival ratio was obtained by means of clone formation.One-hit multi-target model was fitted to the cell survival curve to calculate dose quasithreshold(Dq),mean lethal dose(D0),2Gy survival fraction(SF2) and sensitization enhancement ratio(SER).The pAkt and total Akt expression was detected by Western blotting and DNA damage by neutro-comet electrophoresis.The HeLa cells were randomly divided into 7 groups in terms of different treatments:Control;radiation treatment(RT) group;LY294002+RT group;cisplatin+RT group;docetaxel+RT group;LY294002+cisplatin+RT group;LY294002+docetaxel+RT group.The apoptosis ratio of each group was measured by flow cytometry.The results showed that docetaxel and cisplatin significantly enhanced the phosphorylation of Akt in radiation-treated HeLa cells.The Dq,D0 and SF2 in LY294002-contained groups were lower than those in docetaxel or cisplatin+RT group.The SER in the LY294002+docetaxel+RT group was 1.35 times that of the docetaxel+RT group,and that in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group 1.26 times that of the cisplatin+RT group.The Comet electrophoresis showed that tail distance in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel+RT group was longer than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group.The apoptosis ratio in the LY294002+cisplatin+RT group or LY294002+docetaxel +RT group was higher than in the cisplatin+RT group or docetaxel+RT group.It was concluded that inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway can increase the effect of docetaxel and cisplatin on the radiosensitivity of HeLa cells and DNA damage resulted from radiation.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81503632)Youth Startup Fund of the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (No. 2019QNB05)。
文摘Objective: Exercise, as a common non-drug intervention, is one of several lifestyle choices known to reduce the risk of cancer. Mitochondrial division has been reported to play a key role in the occurrence and transformation of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). This study investigated whether exercise could regulate the occurrence and development of HCC through mitosis.Methods: Bioinformatics technology was used to analyze the expression level of dynamin-related protein1(DRP1), a key protein of mitochondrial division. The effects of DRP1 and DRP1 inhibitor(mdivi-1) on the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells BEL-7402 were observed using cell counting kit-8, plate colony formation, transwell cell migration, and scratch experiments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to detect the expression of DRP1 and its downstream phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3 K)/protein kinase B(AKT) pathway. A treadmill exercise intervention was tested in a nude mouse human liver cancer subcutaneous tumor model expressing different levels of DRP1. The size and weight of subcutaneous tumors in mice were detected before and after exercise.Results: The expression of DRP1 in liver cancer tissues was significantly upregulated compared with normal liver tissues(P<0.001). The proliferation rate and the migration of BEL-7402 cells in the DRP1 overexpression group were higher than that in the control group. The mdivi-1 group showed an inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of BEL-7402 cells at 50 lmol/L. Aerobic exercise was able to inhibit the expression of DRP1 and decrease the size and weight of subcutaneous tumors. Moreover,the expression of phosphorylated PI3 K(p-PI3 K) and phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT) decreased in the exercise group. However, exercise could not change p-PI3 K and p-AKT levels after knocking down DRP1 or using mdivi-1 on subcutaneous tumor.Conclusion: Aerobic exercise can suppress the development of tumors partially by regulating DRP1 through PI3 K/AKT pathway.
基金supported by the Jiangsu Province’s Outstanding Medical Academic Leader Program [CXTDA2017029]the Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline [ZDXK202249].
文摘Objective This study investigated the impact of occupational mercury(Hg) exposure on human gene transcription and expression, and its potential biological mechanisms.Methods Differentially expressed genes related to Hg exposure were identified and validated using gene expression microarray analysis and extended validation. Hg-exposed cell models and PTEN lowexpression models were established in vitro using 293T cells. PTEN gene expression was assessed using qRT-PCR, and Western blotting was used to measure PTEN, AKT, and PI3K protein levels. IL-6 expression was determined by ELISA.Results Combined findings from gene expression microarray analysis, bioinformatics, and population expansion validation indicated significant downregulation of the PTEN gene in the high-concentration Hg exposure group. In the Hg-exposed cell model(25 and 10 μmol/L), a significant decrease in PTEN expression was observed, accompanied by a significant increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 expression.Similarly, a low-expression cell model demonstrated that PTEN gene knockdown led to a significant decrease in PTEN protein expression and a substantial increase in PI3K, AKT, and IL-6 levels.Conclusion This is the first study to report that Hg exposure downregulates the PTEN gene, activates the PI3K/AKT regulatory pathway, and increases the expression of inflammatory factors, ultimately resulting in kidney inflammation.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,No.ZR2020QH194.
文摘BACKGROUND Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)is one of the most prevalent malignancies that seriously threaten people’s health worldwide.DEAD-box helicase 51(DDX51)is a member of the DEAD-box(DDX)RNA helicase family,and drives or inhibits tumor progression in multiple cancer types.AIM To determine whether DDX51 affects the biological behavior of ESCC.METHODS The expression of DDX51 in ESCC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues was detected by Immunohistochemistry(IHC)analyses and quantitative PCR(qPCR).We knocked down DDX51 in ESCC cell lines by using a small interfering RNA(siRNA)transfection.The proliferation,apoptosis,and mobility of DDX51 siRNAtransfected cells were detected.The effect of DDX51 on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway was investigated by western blot analysis.A mouse xenograft model was established to investigate the effects of DDX51 knockdown on ESCC tumor growth.RESULTS DDX51 exhibited high expression in ESCC tissues compared with normal tissues and represented a poor prognosis in patients with ESCC.Knockdown of DDX51 induced inhibition of ESCC cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis.Moreover,DDX51 siRNA-expressing cells also exhibited lower migration and invasion rates.Investigations into the underlying mechanisms suggested that DDX51 knock down induced inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway,including decreased phosphorylation levels of phosphate and tensin homolog,PI3K,AKT,and mammalian target of rapamycin.Rescue experiments demonstrated that the AKT activator insulin-like growth factor 1 could reverse the inhibitory effects of DDX51 on ESCC malignant development.Finally,we injected DDX51 siRNA-transfected TE-1 cells into an animal model,which resulted in slower tumor growth.CONCLUSION Our study suggests for the first time that DDX51 promotes cancer cell proliferation by regulating the PI3K/AKT pathway;thus,DDX51 might be a therapeutic target for ESCC.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.81072431,30872472,30973496 and 30800569)the Innovative Foundation of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (No.2010MS027)+1 种基金the Foundation of "973" Program (No.2009CB521802)by Special Fund for Central University Basic Scientific Research (Nos.2011JC062,2011JC063)
文摘This study examined the role of EMP-1 in tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and the possible mechanism. Specimens were collected from 28 patients with benign lung diseases and 28 with NSCLC, and immunohis to chemically detected to evaluate the correlation of EMP-1 expression to the clinical features of NSCLC. Recombinant adenovirus was constructed to over-express EMP-1 and then infect PC9 cells. Cell proliferation was measured by Ki67 staining. Western blotting was performed to examine the effect of EMP-1 on the PI3K/AKT signaling. Moreover, tumor xeno-grafts were established by subcutaneous injection of PC9 cell suspension (about 5×107/mL in 100 μL of PBS) into the right hind limbs of athymic nude mice. The results showed EMP-1 was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC patients as compared with those with benign lung diseases. Over-expression of EMP-1 promoted proliferation of PC9 cells, which coincided with the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. EMP-1 promoted the growth of xenografts of PC9 cells in athymic nude mice. It was concluded that EMP-1 expression may contribute to the development and progress of NSCLC by activating PI3K/AKT pathway.
基金supported by the CUHK VC Discretionary Fund provided to the Hong Kong Branch of Chinese Academy of Science Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics(Acc 8601011)the National Key R&D Program(2021YFC2700500)A-Smart Group to Shandong University and SDIVF R&D Centre Hong Kong,and Research Grants Council General Research Fund(Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government)(14103418)。
文摘Chemotherapy can significantly reduce follicle counts in ovarian tissues and damage ovarian stroma,causing endocrine disorder,reproductive dysfunction,and primary ovarian insufficiency(POI).Recent studies have suggested that extracellular vesicles(EVs)secreted from mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)exert therapeutic effects in various degenerative diseases.In this study,transplantation of EVs from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs(iPSC-MSC-EVs)resulted in significant restoration of ovarian follicle numbers,improved granulosa cell proliferation,and inhibition of apoptosis in chemotherapy-damaged granulosa cells,cultured ovaries,and in vivo ovaries in mice.Mechanistically,treatment with i PSC-MSC-EVs resulted in up-regulation of the integrinlinked kinase(ILK)-PI3K/AKT pathway,which is suppressed during chemotherapy,most likely through the transfer of regulatory microRNAs(miRNAs)targeting ILK pathway genes.This work provides a framework for the development of advanced therapeutics to ameliorate ovarian damage and POI in female chemotherapy patients.
基金Supported by The Key Research and Development and Promotion Special Project of Henan Province,No.222102310069National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82073618.
文摘BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the human gastric mucosa and is implicated in the development of gastric cancer(GC).The tumor microenvironment is characterized by hypoxia,where hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)plays a key role as a transcription factor,but the mechanisms underlying H.pylori-induced HIF-1αexpression and carcinogenesis remain unclear.AIM To explore the underlying mechanism of H.pylori-induced HIF-1αexpression in promoting the malignant biological behavior of gastric epithelial cells(GES-1).METHODS The study was conducted with human GES-1 cells in vitro.Relative protein levels of methyltransferase-like protein 14(METTL14),HIF-1α,main proteins of the PI3K/AKT pathway,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)biomarkers,and invasion indicators were detected by Western blot.Relative mRNA levels of METTL14 and HIF-1αwere detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.mRNA stability was evaluated using actinomycin D,and the interaction between METTL14 and HIF-1αwas confirmed by immunofluorescence staining.Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 assay and wound healing assay,respectively.RESULTS H.pylori promoted HIF-1αexpression and activated the PI3K/AKT pathway.Notably,METTL14 was downregulated in H.pylori-infected gastric mucosal epithelial cells and positively regulated HIF-1αexpression.Functional experiments showed that the overexpression of HIF-1αor knockdown of METTL14 enhanced the activity of the PI3K/AKT pathway,thereby driving a series of malignant transformation,such as EMT and cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.By contrast,the knockdown of HIF-1αor overexpression of METTL14 had an opposite effect.CONCLUSION H.pylori-induced underexpression of METTL14 promotes the translation of HIF-1αand accelerates tumor progression by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway.These results provide novel insights into the carcinogenesis of GC.
基金The project supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81573503,81373443)by the Major Project of Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education(13KJA310003)
文摘OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the basic helix-loop-helix(b HLH)transcription factor,differentiated embryonic chondrocyte gene 1(DEC1),in the apoptosis induced by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridiniumion(MPP+)in SH-SY5Y cells.METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were treated with different concentrations of MPP+for 24or 48 h.The cell inhibition and apoptosis were measured by MTT and DAPI staining.DEC1,the apoptosis-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling were determined by Western blotting.The expression of DEC1was regulated by overexpression and sh RNA.RESULTS MPP+induces apoptosis along with decreasing of DEC1expression in SH-SY5Y cells.Overexpression or knockdown of DEC1 can alleviate or enhance the cell inhibition induced by MPP+.And overexpression of DEC1 can alleviate the increased cleaved caspase 3/caspase 3 but not alleviate Bax/Bcl-2 induced by MPP+.Meanwhile,MPP+represses PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3βandβ-catenin expression,which is accompanied by decreasing DEC1 expressions.It is confirmed that the activator or inhibitor of PI3K/Akt/GSK-3βpathway can alleviate or enhance the repression of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascade induced by MPP+.Further study,we find that overexpression of DEC1 alone can increase PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β,andβ-catenin expression.More importantly,overexpression of DEC1 significantly alleviates the decreased levels of PI3Kp110α,p-Akt/Akt,p-GSK-3β/GSK-3β,andβ-catenin induced by MPP+.CONCLUSION DEC1 provides neuroprotection from apoptosis induced by MPP+through PI3K/Akt pathway in SH-SY5Y cells.Promisingly,DEC1 is a candidate gene that may provide a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of Parkinson disease.
文摘There is evidence to suggest that follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH） can facilitate the neovascularization of ovarian cancers by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） expression in cancer cells, although the underlying molecular mechanism of this process is not well known. Therefore, we investigated the effect of FSH on VEGF expression in the ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV-3 and ES-2. Treatment with FSH significantly increased VEGF expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, FSH treatment enhanced the expression of survivin and hypoxlainducible factor-1 （HIF-1α）. Knockdown of survivin or HIF-1α suppressed VEGF expression, but only knockdown of survivin inhibited FSH-stimulated VEGF expression. Pretreatment with LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）/AKT inhibitor, neutralized the enhanced expression of survivin induced by FSH, but treatment with U0126, a mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor, had no such effect. We further showed that ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma samples had much higher incidence of positive AKT and phosphorylated AKT （pAKT） protein staining than did benign ovarian cystadenoma samples （p 〈 0.01）. The 5-year survival rate was only about 15% in patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma who had AKT and pAKT expression, whereas it was about 80% in those who did not have AKT or pAKT expression. Taken together, these results indicate that FSH increases the expression of VEGF by upregulating the expression of survivin, which is activated by the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Understanding the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in FSH-stimulated expression of survivin and VEGF will be beneficial for evaluating the prognosis for patients with ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma and for pursulug effective treatment against this disease.
基金supported by Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuromodulation(BZ0098)the Precision Medicine Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2016YFC0904400)
文摘Epilepsy is a chronic and severe neurological disorder that has negative effects on the autonomous activities of patients. Functionally, Trem2(triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-2) is an immunoglobulin receptor that affects neurological and psychiatric genetic diseases. Based on this rationale, we aimed to assess the potential role of Trem2 integration with the PI3 K/Akt pathway in epilepsy. We used microarray-based gene expression profiling to identify epilepsy-related differentially-expressed genes. In a mouse hippocampal neuron model of epilepsy, neurons were treated with lowMg^2+ extracellular fluid, and the protein and mRNA expression of Trem2 were determined. Using a gain-offunction approach with Trem2, neuronal apoptosis and its related factors were assessed by flow cytometry, RT-qPCR,and Western blot analysis. In a pilocarpine-induced epileptic mouse model, the malondialdehyde(MDA) and8-hydroxy-20-deoxyguanosine(8-OHdG) content and superoxide dismutase(SOD) and glutathione-peroxidase(GSH-Px) activity in the hippocampus were determined,and the protein expression of Trem2 was measured. In addition, the regulatory effect of Trem2 on the PI3 K/Akt pathway was analyzed by inhibiting this pathway in both the cell and mouse models of epilepsy. Trem2 was found to occupy a core position and was correlated with epilepsy.Trem2 was decreased in the hippocampus of epileptic miceand epileptic hippocampal neurons. Of crucial importance,overexpression of Trem2 activated the PI3 K/Akt pathway to inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Moreover, activation of the PI3 K/Akt pathway through over-expression of Trem2 alleviated oxidative stress, as shown by the increased expression of SOD and GSH-Px and the decreased expression of MDA and 8-OHdG. The current study defines the potential role of Trem2 in inhibiting the development of epilepsy, indicating that Trem2 up-regulation alleviates hippocampal neuronal injury and oxidative stress, and inhibits neuronal apoptosis in epilepsy by activating the PI3 K/Akt pathway.
基金supported by the grant from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Kidney Cancer Multidisciplinary Research Program to ZDthe NCI CCSG grant(No. P30 CA016672)the GDAC grant(No.5U24CA143883)
文摘The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase （PI3K）/AKT pathway is genetically targeted in more pathway components and in more tumor types than any other growth factor signaling pathway, and thus is frequently activated as a cancer driver. More importantly, the PI3K/AKT pathway is composed of multiple bifurcating and converging kinase cascades, providing many potential targets for cancer therapy. Renal cell carcinoma （RCC） is a high-risk and high-mortality cancer that is notoriously resistant to traditional chemotherapies or radiotherapies. The PI3K/AKT pathway is modestly mutated but highly activated in RCC, representing a promising drug target. Indeed, PI3K pathway inhibitors of the rapalog family are approved for use in RCC. Recent large-scale integrated analyses of a large number of patients have provided a molecular basis for RCC, reiterating the critical role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in this cancer. In this review, we summarize the genetic alterations of the PI3K/AKT pathway in RCC as indicated in the latest large-scale genome sequencing data, as well as treatments for RCC that target the aberrant activated PI3K/AKT pathway.
基金Supported by Grant from Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department (2008 FJ 3088), China
文摘AIM:To investigate the effects of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) on proliferation of human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells and expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 in them,and further determine whether the effects are related to the PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. METHODS:Gastric cancer MGC-803 cells were cultured and then treated with 50 μg/L recombinant human MIF (rhMIF) with and without a PI3K inhibitor,LY294002 (25 μmol/L). MTT assay was used to detect the prolifer-ation of MGC-803 cells. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. Expression of cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 mRNA was by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression of phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt),Akt,cyclin D1 and p27Kip1 was examined by immunocyto-chemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS:rhMIF signifi cantly stimulated the prolifera-tion of MGC-803 cells and cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase in a concentration-and time-de-pendent manner. After the MGC-803 cells were treated with rhMIF for 24 h,the expression of cyclin D1 was signifi cantly up-regulated compared with the cells not treated with rhMIF at both mRNA and protein levels(0.97 ± 0.02 vs 0.74 ± 0.01,P = 0.002; 0.98 ± 0.05 vs 0.69 ± 0.04,P = 0.003). The p27Kip1 was down-regulated but only statistically significant at the protein level. rhMIF significantly increased the expression of p-Akt,which reached the peak at 30 min,but did not affect the expression of Akt. However,LY294002 inhibited all the effects of rhMIF.CONCLUSION:Macrophage MIF increases the proliferation of gastric cancer cells,induces the expression of cyclin D1 at the transcriptional level and inhibits the expression of p27Kip1 at the post-transcriptional level via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
基金supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81070938)
文摘The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and brain damage repair. Our previous work demonstrated that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in the neuroprotection of cortical neurons against oxidative stress. The present study was aimed to further examine the underlying mechanism. The cortical neurons were obtained from one-day old Sprague-Dawley neonate rats. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 100 μmol/L) was used to treat neurons for 24h to induce oxidative stress. Exogenous SHH (3μg/mL) was employed to activate the SHH pathway, and cyclopamine (20 μmol/L), a specific SHH signal inhibitor, to block SHH pathway. LY294002 (20 μmol/L) were used to pretreat the neurons 30 min before H2O2 treatment and selectively inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. The cell viability was measured by MTT and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry analysis. The expression of p38, p-p38, ERK, p-ERK, Akt, p-Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax in neurons was detected by immunoblotting. The results showed that as compared with H2O2 treatment, exogenous SHH could increase the expression of p-Akt by 20% and decrease the expression of p-ERK by 33%. SHH exerted no significant effect on p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway. Blockade of PI3K/Akt pathway by LY294002 decreased the cell viability by 17% and increased the cell apoptosis rate by 2-fold. LY294002 treatment could up-regulate the expression of the proapoptotic gene Bax by 12% and down-regulate the expression of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-2 by 54%. In conclusion, SHH pathway may activate PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway in neurons under oxidative stress. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the neuroprotection of SHH. SHH/PI3K/Bcl-2 pathway may be implicated in the protection of neurons against H2O2-induced apoptosis.
文摘AIM: Ursolic acid(UA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. There were few studies on the effects of UA on differentiation, and this is the first time to elucidate the potential effect and molecular mechanism of UA on inducing differentiation in the human leukemia cell line U937. METHODS: Wright-Giemsa staining, nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay and flow cytometric analysis were utilized to demonstrate the differentiation of U937 cells induced by UA. Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to investigate the possible mechanism. RESULTS: It was found that UA could induce the differentiation of U937cells and Akt-activity was significantly increased during differentiation. Additionally, LY294002, a PI3K-Akt inhibitor, could block the differentiation of U937 cells induced by UA. CONCLUSION: UA could induce the differentiation of U937 cells by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, and it could be a potential candidate as a differentiation-inducing agent for the therapy of leukemia.
基金supported by the Project of Sichuan Science and Technology Program(No.22NSFSC1510)the Project of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Sichuan Province of China(No.2020HJZX001)。
文摘Objective:This study investigated the potential mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of Fructus Zanthoxyli(FZ)against type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on network pharmacology and experimental validation.Methods:Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry,and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to identify the constituents of FZ.Next,the differentially expressed genes linked to the treatment of diabetes with FZ were screened using online databases(including Gene Expression Omnibus database and Swiss Target Prediction online database),and the overlapping genes and their enrichment were analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG).Finally,the pathway was verified by in vitro experiments,and cell staining with oil red and Nile red showed that the extract of FZ had a therapeutic effect on T2DM.Results:A total of 43 components were identified from FZ,and 39 differentially expressed overlapping genes were screened as the possible targets of FZ in T2DM.The dug component-target network indicated that PPARA,PPARG,PIK3R3,JAK2 and GPR88 might be the core genes targeted by FZ in the treatment of T2DM.Interestingly,the enrichment analysis of KEGG showed that effects of FZ against T2DM were closely correlated with the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)signaling pathways.In vitro experiments further confirmed that FZ significantly inhibited palmitic acid-induced lipid formation in Hep G2 cells.Moreover,FZ treatment was able to promote the AMPK and PI3K/Akt expressions in Hep G2 cells.Conclusion:Network pharmacology combined with experimental validation revealed that FZ extract can improve the glycolipid metabolism disorder of T2DM via activation of the AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway.
