BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5(CXCR5)^(+)CD8^(+)T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles,functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses.Despi...BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5(CXCR5)^(+)CD8^(+)T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles,functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses.Despite their importance,the specific role of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells in chronic hepatitis B(CHB),particularly during interferon-alpha(IFN-α)treatment,is not fully understood.This study aims to elucidate the relationship between CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells and sustained serologic response(SR)in patients undergoing 48 weeks of pegylated IFN-α(peg-IFN-α)treatment for CHB.AIM To elucidate the relationship between CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells and sustained SR in patients undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment for CHB.METHODS This study enrolled 60 patients with hepatitis Be antigen(HBeAg)-positive CHB undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment.Participants were assessed for eligibility based on criteria such as persistent HBsAg-positive status for at least six months,HBeAb-negative,hepatitis B virus DNA levels exceeding 2×10^(4) copies/mL,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal.Blood samples were collected at baseline and at weeks 12,24,48,and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up(week 72)to measure serum interleukin(IL)-21 concentration via ELISA and to analyze CXCR5 and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression on CD8^(+)T cells by flow cytometry,CXCR5 is a chemokine receptor that directs immune cells to specific tissues,while PD-L1 is a protein that regulates immune responses by inhibiting T cell activity.RESULTS Patients with CHB exhibited significantly lower levels of circulating CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells compared to healthy controls(P<0.01).Notably,CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells were prominently expressed in patients who achieved sustained SR compared to non-SR(NSR).A significant correlation was observed between CXCR5 and PD-L1 expression(r=-0.189,P=0.002).However,there was no significant correlation between serum IL-21 levels and CXCR5+CD8+lymphocytes(r=-0.03,P=0.625)or serum ALT levels(r=0.026,P=0.678).CONCLUSION The enhanced expression of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells in patients achieving HBeAg seroconversion during IFN-αtreatment suggests that these cells play a crucial role in antiviral immune responses against hepatitis B.This study highlights the potential of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells as immune regulators in CHB,which may inform future therapeutic strategies to optimize antiviral treatments.展开更多
BACKGROUND The global prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has continued to increase annually.Recent studies have indicated that inhibition of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(...BACKGROUND The global prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has continued to increase annually.Recent studies have indicated that inhibition of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)may alleviate hepatic steatosis.However,the precise mechanism warrants further exploration.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism by which mGluR5 attenuates hepatocyte steatosis in vitro and in vivo.METHODS Free fatty acids(FFAs)-stimulated HepG2 cells were treated with the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP and the mGluR5 agonist CHPG.Oil Red O staining and a triglyceride assay kit were used to evaluate lipid content.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of the autophagy-associated proteins p62 and LC3-II,as well as the expression of the key signaling molecules AMPK and ULK1,in the treated cells.To further elucidate the contributions of autophagy and AMPK,we used chloroquine(CQ)to inhibit autophagy and compound C(CC)to inhibit AMPK activity.In parallel,wild-type mice and mGluR5 knockout(KO)mice fed a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet(HFD)were used to evaluate the effect of mGluR5 inhibition in vivo.RESULTS mGluR5 inhibition by MPEP attenuated hepatocellular steatosis and increased LC3-II and p62 protein expression.The autophagy inhibitor CQ reversed the effects of MPEP.In addition,MPEP promoted AMPK and ULK1 expression in HepG2 cells exposed to FFAs.MPEP treatment led to the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB,which is known to promote p62 expression.This effect was negated by the AMPK inhibitor CC.mGluR5 KO mice presented reduced body weight,improved glucose tolerance and reduced hyperlipidemia when fed a HFD.Additionally,the livers of HFD-fed mGluR5 KO mice presented increases in LC3-II and p62.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that mGluR5 inhibition promoted autophagy and reduced hepatocyte steatosis through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.These findings reveal a new functional mechanism of mGluR5 as a target in the treatment of MASLD.展开更多
BACKGROUND Intestinal mucositis is a severe and common complication of chemotherapy,characterized by disruption of the gut microbiota,intestinal inflammation,and epithelial barrier damage.Intestinal stem cells(ISCs)ar...BACKGROUND Intestinal mucositis is a severe and common complication of chemotherapy,characterized by disruption of the gut microbiota,intestinal inflammation,and epithelial barrier damage.Intestinal stem cells(ISCs)are essential for epithelial renewal and barrier maintenance,yet chemotherapy impairs ISC proliferation and function,delaying mucosal repair.We hypothesized that Wumei Pills(WMP)could protect against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis by modulating gut microbiota-particularly Lactobacillus reuteri(L.reuteri)-to restore ISC activity,preserve microbial balance,reduce inflammation,and promote epithelial regeneration.AIM To characterize these changes and the safety of WMP via a 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)induced intestinal mucositis mouse model.METHODS In this study,we established a 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis mouse model,to explore the protective effect of WMP regulating L.reuteri on integrity of intestinal mucosa.RESULTS We found that intestinal flora is an important mechanism causing chemotherapyinduced intestinal mucositis,but WMP and live L.reuteri were effective in protecting the morphology of intestinal mucositis and normal proliferation of epithelial.L.reuteri colonized in the intestinal mucosa and WMP ameliorated intestinal mucosa damage caused by 5-FU treatment,including improvement of body weight,pathological change,and proliferation level,reducement proinflammatory cytokine secretion(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6)and the lipopolysaccharides concentration in serum.The repair process stimulated by both L.reuteri and WMP were also accompanied with increased leucine-richrepeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5(+)and proliferating cell nuclear antigen of mice intestine.Furthermore,we demonstrated that WMP and L.reuteri activated the Wingless-type/β-catenin pathway to accelerate proliferation of intestinal epithelial,thus recovering damaged intestinal mucosa.However,the relieving effect of L.reuteri on intestinal mucosa was inferior to that of WMP.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that WMP regulating L.reuteri protects intestinal barrier and activates intestinal epithelial proliferation,which sheds light on treatment approaches for intestinal inflammation based on ISCs with traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics L.reuteri.展开更多
Background Konjac oligosaccharide(KOS),which is produced through the degradation of konjac glucomannan via enzymatic,chemical,or physical treatments,has been found to have laxative effects.The current study aimed to e...Background Konjac oligosaccharide(KOS),which is produced through the degradation of konjac glucomannan via enzymatic,chemical,or physical treatments,has been found to have laxative effects.The current study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the laxative effect of KOS.Methods KOS was administered by gavage to wild-type and 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor(5-HT4R)-knockout C57BL/6 mice subjected to loperamide-induced constipation for four weeks.Following treatment,feces,blood,small intestine,colonic tissue,and intestinal contents were collected.Constipation-related parameters,gastrointestinal hormones,and Ca2+concentrations were evaluated.Histopathological changes were examined via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Immunofluorescence staining,Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the 5-HT4R/cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)/protein kinase A(PKA)pathway.Isolated smooth muscle cells(SMCs)were treated with KOS and GR113808(a 5-HT4R antagonist),morphologically observed under an inverted microscope,and identified byα-SMA immunofluorescence staining.Cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assays.5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB pathway activity in SMCs was detected via Western blotting.Results KOS alleviated loperamide-induced constipation in mice.KOS activated the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB pathway in loperamide-induced constipated mice.The protective effect of KOS was significantly diminished in 5-HT4R−/−mice.KOS promoted the proliferation of SMCs by activating the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB signaling pathway.Conclusion KOS improves loperamide-induced constipation by activating the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB signaling pathway.展开更多
Neuropathic pain,often featuring allodynia,imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients,with limited treatments due to unclear central mechanisms.Addressing this challenge remains a crucial unsol...Neuropathic pain,often featuring allodynia,imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients,with limited treatments due to unclear central mechanisms.Addressing this challenge remains a crucial unsolved issue in pain medicine.Our previous study,using protein kinase C gamma(PKCγ)-tdTomato mice,highlights the spinal feedforward inhibitory circuit involving PKCγ neurons in gating neuropathic allodynia.However,the regulatory mechanisms governing this circuit necessitate further elucidation.We used diverse transgenic mice and advanced techniques to uncover the regulatory role of the descending serotonin(5-HT)facilitation system on spinal PKCγ neurons.Our findings revealed that 5-HT neurons from the rostral ventromedial medulla hyperpolarize spinal inhibitory interneurons via 5-HT_(2C) receptors,disinhibiting the feedforward inhibitory circuit involving PKCγ neurons and exacerbating allodynia.Inhibiting spinal 5-HT_(2C) receptors restored the feedforward inhibitory circuit,effectively preventing neuropathic allodynia.These insights offer promising therapeutic targets for neuropathic allodynia management,emphasizing the potential of spinal 5-HT_(2C) receptors as a novel avenue for intervention.展开更多
Objective To explore the possible differential trafficking properties of the dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes, D 1 receptor and D5 receptor. Methods To visualize distributions of dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes...Objective To explore the possible differential trafficking properties of the dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes, D 1 receptor and D5 receptor. Methods To visualize distributions of dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes at subcellular level, the yellow and cyan variants of green fluorescent protein （GFP） were used to tag D1 and D5 receptors. After transfection with the tagged dopamine receptors, the neuroblastoma cells NG108-15 were treated with D1 agonist SKF38393 or acetylcholine （ACh）. Then we observed the subcellular distributions of the tagged receptors under the confocal microscopy and tried to determine trafficking properties by comparing their distribution patterns before and after the drug treatment. Results In resting conditions, D 1 receptors located in the plasma membrane of NG108-15 cells, while D5 receptors located in both plasma membrane and cytosol. With the pre-treatment of SKF38393, the subcellular distribution of D1 receptors was changed. The yellow particle-like fluorescence of tagged D 1 receptors appeared in the cytosol, indicating that D 1 receptors were internalized into cytosol from the cell surface. Same situation also occurred in ACh pre-treatment. In contrast, the subcellular distribution of D5 receptors was not changed after SKF38393 or ACh treatment, indicating that D5R was not translocated to cell surface. Interestingly, when D1 and D5 receptors were co-expressed in the same cell, both kept their distinct subcellular distribution patterns and the trafficking properties. Conclusion Our present study reveals that in NG108-15 nerve cells, dopamine D1 and D5 receptors exhibit differential subcellular distribution patterns, and only D1 receptor has a marked trafficking response to the drug stimulation. We further discuss the potential role of the differential trafficking properties of D1-like receptors in complex modulation of DA signaling.展开更多
It has been reported that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice may be related to serotonergic system. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of tetrandrine and ...It has been reported that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice may be related to serotonergic system. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of tetrandrine and different 5-HT receptors on pentobarbital-induced sleep by using the loss-of-righting reflex method. The results showed that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice were potentiated by the p-MPPI （5-HT1A receptor antagonist） （1 mg/kg, i.p.） and ketanserin （5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist） （1.5 mg/kg, i.p.）, respectively. Pretreatment with either 8-OH-DPAT （5-HT1A receptor agonist） （0.1 mg/kg, s.c.） or DOI （5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist） （0.2 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly decreased pentobarbital-induced sleep time, and tetrandrine （60 mg/kg, i.g.） significantly reversed this effect. These results suggest that both the 5-HTLA and 5-HT2A/2C subfamily may be involved in the potentiating mechanism of tetrandrine＇s effects on pantobarbital hypnosis.展开更多
5-HT1A receptor is a crucial therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, etc. Design and preparation of potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands for drug discovery has attracted extensive attention in the...5-HT1A receptor is a crucial therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, etc. Design and preparation of potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands for drug discovery has attracted extensive attention in the past few years. In this paper, a three dimensional model of human 5-HT1A receptor was constructed by means of homology modeling. And the docking of MP349 to the receptor suggested a reliable binding mode for 5-HT1A receptor ligand. Based on this ligand-receptor binding mode, an elaborate receptor structure based pharmacophore model was established, which revealed many important features responsible for ligand and 5-HT1A receptor interactions. A virtual screening experiment verified the ability of this pharmacophore model to discover true 5-HT1A receptor ligand. The results of this research would provide important information for further optimizations of 5-HT1A receptor ligands and guide related new lead discoveries.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of c...AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of casticin on the growth of cells was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolim bromide(MTT) assay.The apoptotic cell death was examined using the cell apoptosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) detection kit,flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The caspase activities were measured using ELISA.Reactive oxygen species(ROS) production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) probe labeling.Intracellular glutathione(GSH) content was measured using a glutathione assay kit.The expression of death receptor(DR)4 and DR5 proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and FCM.RESULTS:Casticin significantly inhibited the growth of human HCC(PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2) cells in a dosedependent manner(P < 0.05).Casticin increased the percentage of the sub-G1 population in HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The potency of casticin to PLC/PRF/5 cells was higher than that of 5-flurouracil(26.8% ± 4.8% vs 17.4% ± 5.1%) at 10 μmol/L for 24 h.Casticin increased the levels of Histone/DNA fragmentation and the levels of active caspase-3,-8 and-9 in a concentration-dependent manner(P < 0.05).Treatment with 30 μmol/L casticin for 24 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Casticin reduced the GSH content(P < 0.05),but did not affect the level of intracellular ROS in PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells.The thiol antioxidants,acetylcysteine(NAC) and GSH restored GSH content and attenuated casticin-induced apoptosis.In contrast,the nonthiol antioxidants,butylated hydroxyanisole and mannitol failed to do so.In the HCC cells treated with casticin for 24 h,DR5 protein level was increased.The expression of DR5 protein induced by casticin was inhibited by NAC.Pretreatment with DR5/Fc chimera protein,a blocking antibody,effectively attenuated the induction of apoptosis by casticin.CONCLUSION:Casticin-induced apoptosis of HCC cells is involved in GSH depletion and DR5 upregulation.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota and its metabolites may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.Several clinical studies have recently shown that patients with ulcerative colitis(UC)have altered profil...BACKGROUND Gut microbiota and its metabolites may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.Several clinical studies have recently shown that patients with ulcerative colitis(UC)have altered profiles of fecal bile acids(BAs).It was observed that BA receptors Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)and vitamin D receptor(VDR)participate in intestinal inflammatory responses by regulating NF-ĸB signaling.We hypothesized that altered profiles of fecal BAs might be correlated with gut microbiota and inflammatory responses in patients with UC.AIM To investigate the changes in fecal BAs and analyze the relationship of BAs with gut microbiota and inflammation in patients with UC.METHODS The present study used 16S rDNA sequencing technology to detect the differences in the intestinal flora between UC patients and healthy controls(HCs).Fecal BAs were measured by targeted metabolomics approaches.Mucosal TGR5 and VDR expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry,and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA.RESULTS Thirty-two UC patients and twenty-three HCs were enrolled in this study.It was found that the diversity of gut microbiota in UC patients was reduced compared with that in HCs.Firmicutes,Clostridium IV,Butyricicoccus,Clostridium XlVa,Faecalibacterium,and Roseburia were significantly decreased in patients with UC(P=3.75E-05,P=8.28E-07,P=0.0002,P=0.003,P=0.0003,and P=0.0004,respectively).Proteobacteria,Escherichia,Enterococcus,Klebsiella,and Streptococcus were significantly enriched in the UC group(P=2.99E-09,P=3.63E-05,P=8.59E-05,P=0.003,and P=0.016,respectively).The concentrations of fecal secondary BAs,such as lithocholic acid,deoxycholic acid,glycodeoxycholic acid,glycolithocholic acid,and taurolithocholate,in UC patients were significantly lower than those in HCs(P=8.1E-08,P=1.2E-07,P=3.5E-04,P=1.9E-03,and P=1.8E-02,respectively)and were positively correlated with Butyricicoccus,Roseburia,Clostridium IV,Faecalibacterium,and Clostridium XlVb(P<0.01).The concentrations of primary BAs,such as taurocholic acid,cholic acid,taurochenodeoxycholate,and glycochenodeoxycholate,in UC patients were significantly higher than those in HCs(P=5.3E-03,P=4E-02,P=0.042,and P=0.045,respectively)and were positively related to Enterococcus,Klebsiella,Streptococcus,Lactobacillus,and pro-inflammatory cytokines(P<0.01).The expression of TGR5 was significantly elevated in UC patients(0.019±0.013 vs 0.006±0.003,P=0.0003).VDR expression in colonic mucosal specimens was significantly decreased in UC patients(0.011±0.007 vs 0.016±0.004,P=0.033).CONCLUSION Fecal BA profiles are closely related to the gut microbiota and serum inflammatory cytokines.Dysregulation of the gut microbiota and altered constitution of fecal BAs may participate in regulating inflammatory responses via the BA receptors TGR5 and VDR.展开更多
Objective： To investigate Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 （LGR5） expressions in gastric cancer and to evaluate its clinical significance. Methods： LGR5 expression was assessed by immuno...Objective： To investigate Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 （LGR5） expressions in gastric cancer and to evaluate its clinical significance. Methods： LGR5 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 257 gastric cancer patients after surgery. The relationships between LGR5 expression and clinicopathological features and patients prognosis were statistically analyzed. Results： The expression of LGR5 was significantly higher in gastric cancers as a cancer stem cell marker than in adjacent normal tissues （P〈0.001）, and more frequently in patients with intestinal type, well-moderate differentiation and stage I and II （P〈0.05）. Although we found gastric cancer patients with LGR5 positive expression had a poorer prognosis, it didn＇t meet statistical significance （P〉0.05）. LGR5 negative expression was significantly related to the favorable overall survival in stage I and II gastric cancer patients （P〈0.05）. Furthermore, patients with high LGR5 expression tended to be more likely to get progression and have poorer progress-free survival （P〈0.05）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LGR5 expression was an independent factor of overall survival for the patients with stage I and II gastric cancer （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Our results show that LGR5 may play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression and would be a powerful marker to predict the prognosis of patients with stage I and II gastric cancer.展开更多
Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people.In particular,increasing evidence has showed that astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of...Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people.In particular,increasing evidence has showed that astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of PD.As a precious traditional Chinese medicine,bear bile powder(BBP)has a long history of use in clinical practice.It has numerous activities,such as clearing heat,calming the liver wind and anti-inflammation,and also exhibits good therapeutic effect on convulsive epilepsy.However,whether BBP can prevent the development of PD has not been elucidated.Hence,this study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of BBP on suppressing astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation in a mouse model of PD.PD-like behavior was induced in the mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)(30 mg·kg−1)for five days,followed by BBP(50,100,and 200 mg·kg−1)treatment daily for ten days.LPS stimulated rat C6 astrocytic cells were used as a cell model of neuroinflammation.THe results indicated that BBP treatment significantly ameliorated dyskinesia,increased the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and inhibited astrocyte hyperactivation in the substantia nigra(SN)of PD mice.Furthermore,BBP decreased the protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and up-regulated the protein levels of takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)in the SN.Moreover,BBP significantly activated TGR5 in a dose-dependent manner,and decreased the protein levels of GFAP,iNOS and COX2,as well as the mRNA levels of GFAP,iNOS,COX2,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in LPS-stimulated C6 cells.Notably,BBP suppressed the phosphorylation of protein kinase B(AKT),inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)proteins in vivo and in vitro.We also observed that TGR5 inhibitor triamterene attenuated the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of BBP on LPS-stimulated C6 cells.Taken together,BBP alleviates the progression of PD mice by suppressing astrocyte-mediated inflammation via TGR5.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)is recognized as a promising target for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome;its expression has been demonstrat⁃ed in the brain and is thought to be neuroprotec⁃tiv...OBJECTIVE Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)is recognized as a promising target for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome;its expression has been demonstrat⁃ed in the brain and is thought to be neuroprotec⁃tive.Here,we hypothesize that dysfunction of central TGR5 may contribute to the pathogene⁃sis of depression.METHODS In well-established chronic social defeat stress(CSDS)and chronic restraint stress(CRS)models of depression,we investigated the functional roles of TGR5 in CA3 pyramidal neurons(PyNs)and underlying mech⁃anisms of the neuronal circuit in depression(for in vivo studies,n=10;for in vitro studies,n=5-10)using fiber photometry;optogenetic,chemoge⁃netic,pharmacological,and molecular profiling techniques;and behavioral tests.RESULTS Both CSDS and CRS most significantly reduced TGR5 expression of hippocampal CA3 PyNs.Genetic overexpression of TGR5 in CA3 PyNs or intra-CA3 infusion of INT-777,a specific agonist,protected against CSDS and CRS,exerting sig⁃nificant antidepressant-like effects that were mediated via CA3 PyN activation.Conversely,genetic knockout or TGR5 knockdown in CA3 facilitated stress-induced depression-like behav⁃iors.Re-expression of TGR5 in CA3 PyNs rather than infusion of INT-777 significantly improved depression-like behaviors in Tgr5 knockout mice exposed to CSDS or CRS.Silencing and stimula⁃tion of CA3 PyNs→somatostatin-GABAergic(gamma-aminobutyric acidergic)neurons of the dorsolateral septum circuit bidirectionally regulat⁃ed depression-like behaviors,and blockade of this circuit abrogated the antidepressant-like effects from TGR5 activation of CA3 PyNs.CON⁃CLUSION TGR5 can regulate depression via CA3 PyNs→somatostatin-GABAergic neurons of dorsolateral septum transmission,suggesting that TGR5 could be a novel target for developing antidepressants.展开更多
Background:Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5)-mediated pathways play critical roles in regulating the hepatic immune response and show hepatoprotective effects in mouse models of hepatic diseases.However,the role of TLR5 in e...Background:Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5)-mediated pathways play critical roles in regulating the hepatic immune response and show hepatoprotective effects in mouse models of hepatic diseases.However,the role of TLR5 in experimental models of liver regeneration has not been reported.This study aimed to investigate the role of TLR5 in partial hepatectomy(PHx)-induced liver regeneration.Methods:We performed 2/3 PHx in wild-type(WT)mice,TLR5 knockout mice,or TLR5 agonist CBLB502 treated mice,as a model of liver regeneration.Bacterial flagellin content was measured with ELISA,and hepatic TLR5 expression was determined with quantitative PCR analyses and flow cytometry.To study the effects of TLR5 on hepatocyte proliferation,we analyzed bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)expression with immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining.The effects of TLR5 during the priming phase of liver regeneration were examined with quantitative PCR analyses of immediate early gene mRNA levels,and with Western blotting analysis of hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation.Cytokine and growth factor production after PHx were detected with real-time PCR and cytometric bead array(CBA)assays.Oil Red O staining and hepatic lipid concentrations were analyzed to examine the effect of TLR5 on hepatic lipid accumulation after PHx.Results:The bacterial flagellin content in the serum and liver increased,and the hepatic TLR5 expression was significantly up-regulated in WT mice after PHx.TLR5-deficient mice exhibited diminished numbers of BrdU-and PCNA-positive cells,suppressed immediate early gene expression,and decreased cytokine and growth factor production.Moreover,PHx-induced hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation was inhibited in Tlr5–/–mice,as compared with WT mice.Consistently,the administration of CBLB502 significantly promoted PHx-mediated hepatocyte proliferation,which was correlated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils in the liver.Furthermore,Tlr5–/–mice displayed significantly lower hepatic lipid concentrations and smaller Oil Red O positive areas than those in control mice after PHx.Conclusions:We reveal that TLR5 activation contributes to the initial events of liver regeneration after PHx.Our findings demonstrate that TLR5 signaling positively regulates liver regeneration and suggest the potential of TLR5 agonist to promote liver regeneration.展开更多
BACKGROUND Centipedes have been used to treat tumors for hundreds of years in China.However,current studies focus on antimicrobial and anticoagulation agents rather than tumors.The molecular identities of antihepatoma...BACKGROUND Centipedes have been used to treat tumors for hundreds of years in China.However,current studies focus on antimicrobial and anticoagulation agents rather than tumors.The molecular identities of antihepatoma bioactive components in centipedes have not yet been extensively investigated.It is a challenge to isolate and characterize the effective components of centipedes due to limited peptide purification technologies for animal-derived medicines.AIM To purify,characterize,and synthesize the bioactive components with the strongest antihepatoma activity from centipedes and determine the antihepatoma mechanism.METHODS An antihepatoma peptide(scolopentide)was isolated and identified from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis,a Sephadex G-25 column,and two steps of high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Additionally,the CCK8 assay was used to select the extracted fraction with the strongest antihepatoma activity.The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was characterized by quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(QTOF MS),and the sequence was matched by using the Mascot search engine.Based on the sequence and molecular weight,scolopentide was synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis methods.The synthetic scolopentide was confirmed by MS and HPLC.The antineoplastic effect of extracted scolopentide was confirmed by CCK8 assay and morphological changes again in vitro.The antihepatoma effect of synthetic scolopentide was assessed by the CCK8 assay and Hoechst staining in vitro and tumor volume and tumor weight in vivo.In the tumor xenograft experiments,qualified model mice(male 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice)were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=6):The scolopentide group(0.15 mL/d,via intraperitoneal injection of synthetic scolopentide,500 mg/kg/d)and the vehicle group(0.15 mL/d,via intraperitoneal injection of normal saline).The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment.Mechanistically,flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide in vitro.A Hoechst staining assay was also used to observe apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro.CCK8 assays and morphological changes were used to compare the cytotoxicity of synthetic scolopentide to liver cancer cells and normal liver cells in vitro.Molecular docking was performed to clarify whether scolopentide tightly bound to death receptor 4(DR4)and DR5.qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of DR4,DR5,fas-associated death domain protein(FADD),Caspase-8,Caspase-3,cytochrome c(Cyto-C),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),x-chromosome linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein and Cellular fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1βconverting enzyme inhibitory protein in hepatocarcinoma subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice.Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of DR4,DR5,FADD,Caspase-8,Caspase-3,and Cyto-C in the tumor tissues.The reactive oxygen species(ROS)of tumor tissues were tested.RESULTS In the process of purification,characterization and synthesis of scolopentide,the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions(extract ratio:5.86%,IC_(50):0.310 mg/mL)were as follows:Trypsin at 0.1 g(300 U/g,centipede-trypsin ratio of 20:1),enzymolysis temperature of 46°C,and enzymolysis time of 4 h,which was superior to freeze-thawing with liquid nitrogen(IC_(50):3.07 mg/mL).A peptide with the strongest antihepatoma activity(scolopentide)was further purified through a Sephadex G-25 column(obtained A2)and two steps of HPLC(obtained B5 and C3).The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was 1018.997 Da,and the peptide sequence was RAQNHYCK,as characterized by QTOF MS and Mascot.Scolopentide was synthesized in vitro with a qualified molecular weight(1018.8 Da)and purity(98.014%),which was characterized by MS and HPLC.Extracted scolopentide still had an antineoplastic effect in vitro,which inhibited the proliferation of Eca-109(IC_(50):76.27μg/mL),HepG2(IC_(50):22.06μg/mL),and A549(IC_(50):35.13μg/mL)cells,especially HepG2 cells.Synthetic scolopentide inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells(treated 6,12,and 24 h)in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro,and the inhibitory effects were the strongest at 12 h(IC_(50):208.11μg/mL).Synthetic scolopentide also inhibited the tumor volume(Vehicle vs Scolopentide,P=0.0003)and weight(Vehicle vs Scolopentide,P=0.0022)in the tumor xenograft experiment.Mechanistically,flow cytometry suggested that the apoptosis ratios of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide were 5.01%(0μg/mL),12.13%(10μg/mL),16.52%(20μg/mL),and 23.20%(40μg/mL).Hoechst staining revealed apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro.The CCK8 assay and morphological changes indicated that synthetic scolopentide was cytotoxic and was significantly stronger in HepG2 cells than in L02 cells.Molecular docking suggested that scolopentide tightly bound to DR4 and DR5,and the binding free energies were-10.4 kcal/mol and-7.1 kcal/mol,respectively.In subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting suggested that scolopentide activated DR4 and DR5 and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 Liver cancer cells by promoting the expression of FADD,caspase-8 and caspase-3 through a mitochondria-independent pathway.CONCLUSION Scolopentide,an antihepatoma peptide purified from centipedes,may inspire new antihepatoma agents.Scolopentide activates DR4 and DR5 and induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through a mitochondria-independent pathway.展开更多
基金Supported by Changsha Science and Technology Program,No.kq2022397Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province(Departmental Joint Fund),No.2023JJ60440+2 种基金Research Program of Health Commission of Hunan Province,No.202303088786Clinical Medical Research Center for Viral Hepatitis of Hunan Province,No.2023SK4009the Scientific Research Program of FuRong Laboratory,No.2023SK2108.
文摘BACKGROUND C-X-C chemokine receptor type 5(CXCR5)^(+)CD8^(+)T cells represent a unique immune subset with dual roles,functioning as cytotoxic cells in persistent viral infections while promoting B cell responses.Despite their importance,the specific role of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells in chronic hepatitis B(CHB),particularly during interferon-alpha(IFN-α)treatment,is not fully understood.This study aims to elucidate the relationship between CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells and sustained serologic response(SR)in patients undergoing 48 weeks of pegylated IFN-α(peg-IFN-α)treatment for CHB.AIM To elucidate the relationship between CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells and sustained SR in patients undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment for CHB.METHODS This study enrolled 60 patients with hepatitis Be antigen(HBeAg)-positive CHB undergoing 48 weeks of peg-IFN-αtreatment.Participants were assessed for eligibility based on criteria such as persistent HBsAg-positive status for at least six months,HBeAb-negative,hepatitis B virus DNA levels exceeding 2×10^(4) copies/mL,and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal.Blood samples were collected at baseline and at weeks 12,24,48,and a 24-week treatment-free follow-up(week 72)to measure serum interleukin(IL)-21 concentration via ELISA and to analyze CXCR5 and programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)expression on CD8^(+)T cells by flow cytometry,CXCR5 is a chemokine receptor that directs immune cells to specific tissues,while PD-L1 is a protein that regulates immune responses by inhibiting T cell activity.RESULTS Patients with CHB exhibited significantly lower levels of circulating CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells compared to healthy controls(P<0.01).Notably,CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells were prominently expressed in patients who achieved sustained SR compared to non-SR(NSR).A significant correlation was observed between CXCR5 and PD-L1 expression(r=-0.189,P=0.002).However,there was no significant correlation between serum IL-21 levels and CXCR5+CD8+lymphocytes(r=-0.03,P=0.625)or serum ALT levels(r=0.026,P=0.678).CONCLUSION The enhanced expression of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells in patients achieving HBeAg seroconversion during IFN-αtreatment suggests that these cells play a crucial role in antiviral immune responses against hepatitis B.This study highlights the potential of CXCR5^(+)CD8^(+)T cells as immune regulators in CHB,which may inform future therapeutic strategies to optimize antiviral treatments.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81800771 and No.81300702.
文摘BACKGROUND The global prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)has continued to increase annually.Recent studies have indicated that inhibition of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)may alleviate hepatic steatosis.However,the precise mechanism warrants further exploration.AIM To investigate the potential mechanism by which mGluR5 attenuates hepatocyte steatosis in vitro and in vivo.METHODS Free fatty acids(FFAs)-stimulated HepG2 cells were treated with the mGluR5 antagonist MPEP and the mGluR5 agonist CHPG.Oil Red O staining and a triglyceride assay kit were used to evaluate lipid content.Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of the autophagy-associated proteins p62 and LC3-II,as well as the expression of the key signaling molecules AMPK and ULK1,in the treated cells.To further elucidate the contributions of autophagy and AMPK,we used chloroquine(CQ)to inhibit autophagy and compound C(CC)to inhibit AMPK activity.In parallel,wild-type mice and mGluR5 knockout(KO)mice fed a normal chow diet or a high-fat diet(HFD)were used to evaluate the effect of mGluR5 inhibition in vivo.RESULTS mGluR5 inhibition by MPEP attenuated hepatocellular steatosis and increased LC3-II and p62 protein expression.The autophagy inhibitor CQ reversed the effects of MPEP.In addition,MPEP promoted AMPK and ULK1 expression in HepG2 cells exposed to FFAs.MPEP treatment led to the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB,which is known to promote p62 expression.This effect was negated by the AMPK inhibitor CC.mGluR5 KO mice presented reduced body weight,improved glucose tolerance and reduced hyperlipidemia when fed a HFD.Additionally,the livers of HFD-fed mGluR5 KO mice presented increases in LC3-II and p62.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that mGluR5 inhibition promoted autophagy and reduced hepatocyte steatosis through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway.These findings reveal a new functional mechanism of mGluR5 as a target in the treatment of MASLD.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Research Project of Higher Education Institutions in Jiangsu Province,No.23KJB360013China and Jiangsu Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Development Program,No.MS2023001Guiding Project of Changshu Science and Technology Development Plan,No.CSWS202411.
文摘BACKGROUND Intestinal mucositis is a severe and common complication of chemotherapy,characterized by disruption of the gut microbiota,intestinal inflammation,and epithelial barrier damage.Intestinal stem cells(ISCs)are essential for epithelial renewal and barrier maintenance,yet chemotherapy impairs ISC proliferation and function,delaying mucosal repair.We hypothesized that Wumei Pills(WMP)could protect against chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis by modulating gut microbiota-particularly Lactobacillus reuteri(L.reuteri)-to restore ISC activity,preserve microbial balance,reduce inflammation,and promote epithelial regeneration.AIM To characterize these changes and the safety of WMP via a 5-fluorouracil(5-FU)induced intestinal mucositis mouse model.METHODS In this study,we established a 5-FU induced intestinal mucositis mouse model,to explore the protective effect of WMP regulating L.reuteri on integrity of intestinal mucosa.RESULTS We found that intestinal flora is an important mechanism causing chemotherapyinduced intestinal mucositis,but WMP and live L.reuteri were effective in protecting the morphology of intestinal mucositis and normal proliferation of epithelial.L.reuteri colonized in the intestinal mucosa and WMP ameliorated intestinal mucosa damage caused by 5-FU treatment,including improvement of body weight,pathological change,and proliferation level,reducement proinflammatory cytokine secretion(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-6)and the lipopolysaccharides concentration in serum.The repair process stimulated by both L.reuteri and WMP were also accompanied with increased leucine-richrepeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5(+)and proliferating cell nuclear antigen of mice intestine.Furthermore,we demonstrated that WMP and L.reuteri activated the Wingless-type/β-catenin pathway to accelerate proliferation of intestinal epithelial,thus recovering damaged intestinal mucosa.However,the relieving effect of L.reuteri on intestinal mucosa was inferior to that of WMP.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that WMP regulating L.reuteri protects intestinal barrier and activates intestinal epithelial proliferation,which sheds light on treatment approaches for intestinal inflammation based on ISCs with traditional Chinese medicine and probiotics L.reuteri.
文摘Background Konjac oligosaccharide(KOS),which is produced through the degradation of konjac glucomannan via enzymatic,chemical,or physical treatments,has been found to have laxative effects.The current study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the laxative effect of KOS.Methods KOS was administered by gavage to wild-type and 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 receptor(5-HT4R)-knockout C57BL/6 mice subjected to loperamide-induced constipation for four weeks.Following treatment,feces,blood,small intestine,colonic tissue,and intestinal contents were collected.Constipation-related parameters,gastrointestinal hormones,and Ca2+concentrations were evaluated.Histopathological changes were examined via hematoxylin and eosin staining.Immunofluorescence staining,Western blotting,and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the 5-HT4R/cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP)/protein kinase A(PKA)pathway.Isolated smooth muscle cells(SMCs)were treated with KOS and GR113808(a 5-HT4R antagonist),morphologically observed under an inverted microscope,and identified byα-SMA immunofluorescence staining.Cell viability was assessed via CCK-8 assays.5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB pathway activity in SMCs was detected via Western blotting.Results KOS alleviated loperamide-induced constipation in mice.KOS activated the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB pathway in loperamide-induced constipated mice.The protective effect of KOS was significantly diminished in 5-HT4R−/−mice.KOS promoted the proliferation of SMCs by activating the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB signaling pathway.Conclusion KOS improves loperamide-induced constipation by activating the 5-HT4R/cAMP/PKA/p-CREB signaling pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81971058,82371226,82101295,82301398)the National Funded Postdoctoral Researcher Program(GZC20233585)The Boost Plan of Xijing Hospital(XJZT24QN25,XJZT25CX22).
文摘Neuropathic pain,often featuring allodynia,imposes significant physical and psychological burdens on patients,with limited treatments due to unclear central mechanisms.Addressing this challenge remains a crucial unsolved issue in pain medicine.Our previous study,using protein kinase C gamma(PKCγ)-tdTomato mice,highlights the spinal feedforward inhibitory circuit involving PKCγ neurons in gating neuropathic allodynia.However,the regulatory mechanisms governing this circuit necessitate further elucidation.We used diverse transgenic mice and advanced techniques to uncover the regulatory role of the descending serotonin(5-HT)facilitation system on spinal PKCγ neurons.Our findings revealed that 5-HT neurons from the rostral ventromedial medulla hyperpolarize spinal inhibitory interneurons via 5-HT_(2C) receptors,disinhibiting the feedforward inhibitory circuit involving PKCγ neurons and exacerbating allodynia.Inhibiting spinal 5-HT_(2C) receptors restored the feedforward inhibitory circuit,effectively preventing neuropathic allodynia.These insights offer promising therapeutic targets for neuropathic allodynia management,emphasizing the potential of spinal 5-HT_(2C) receptors as a novel avenue for intervention.
文摘Objective To explore the possible differential trafficking properties of the dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes, D 1 receptor and D5 receptor. Methods To visualize distributions of dopamine D 1-like receptor subtypes at subcellular level, the yellow and cyan variants of green fluorescent protein （GFP） were used to tag D1 and D5 receptors. After transfection with the tagged dopamine receptors, the neuroblastoma cells NG108-15 were treated with D1 agonist SKF38393 or acetylcholine （ACh）. Then we observed the subcellular distributions of the tagged receptors under the confocal microscopy and tried to determine trafficking properties by comparing their distribution patterns before and after the drug treatment. Results In resting conditions, D 1 receptors located in the plasma membrane of NG108-15 cells, while D5 receptors located in both plasma membrane and cytosol. With the pre-treatment of SKF38393, the subcellular distribution of D1 receptors was changed. The yellow particle-like fluorescence of tagged D 1 receptors appeared in the cytosol, indicating that D 1 receptors were internalized into cytosol from the cell surface. Same situation also occurred in ACh pre-treatment. In contrast, the subcellular distribution of D5 receptors was not changed after SKF38393 or ACh treatment, indicating that D5R was not translocated to cell surface. Interestingly, when D1 and D5 receptors were co-expressed in the same cell, both kept their distinct subcellular distribution patterns and the trafficking properties. Conclusion Our present study reveals that in NG108-15 nerve cells, dopamine D1 and D5 receptors exhibit differential subcellular distribution patterns, and only D1 receptor has a marked trafficking response to the drug stimulation. We further discuss the potential role of the differential trafficking properties of D1-like receptors in complex modulation of DA signaling.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.30772556 and 30640070)Research Fund of Janssen Research Council and the‘985'Project in Peking University.
文摘It has been reported that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice may be related to serotonergic system. The present study was undertaken to investigate the interaction of tetrandrine and different 5-HT receptors on pentobarbital-induced sleep by using the loss-of-righting reflex method. The results showed that augmentative effect of tetrandrine on pentobarbital hypnosis in mice were potentiated by the p-MPPI （5-HT1A receptor antagonist） （1 mg/kg, i.p.） and ketanserin （5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist） （1.5 mg/kg, i.p.）, respectively. Pretreatment with either 8-OH-DPAT （5-HT1A receptor agonist） （0.1 mg/kg, s.c.） or DOI （5-HT2A/2C receptor agonist） （0.2 mg/kg, i.p.） significantly decreased pentobarbital-induced sleep time, and tetrandrine （60 mg/kg, i.g.） significantly reversed this effect. These results suggest that both the 5-HTLA and 5-HT2A/2C subfamily may be involved in the potentiating mechanism of tetrandrine＇s effects on pantobarbital hypnosis.
文摘5-HT1A receptor is a crucial therapeutic target for the treatment of anxiety, depression, pain, etc. Design and preparation of potent 5-HT1A receptor ligands for drug discovery has attracted extensive attention in the past few years. In this paper, a three dimensional model of human 5-HT1A receptor was constructed by means of homology modeling. And the docking of MP349 to the receptor suggested a reliable binding mode for 5-HT1A receptor ligand. Based on this ligand-receptor binding mode, an elaborate receptor structure based pharmacophore model was established, which revealed many important features responsible for ligand and 5-HT1A receptor interactions. A virtual screening experiment verified the ability of this pharmacophore model to discover true 5-HT1A receptor ligand. The results of this research would provide important information for further optimizations of 5-HT1A receptor ligands and guide related new lead discoveries.
基金Supported by The Scientifi c Research Project of Hunan Provincial Administration Bureau of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No. 2010081Scientific Research Project of Hunan Provincial Health Department,No. B2010-030Major Projects of Scien-tific Research of Hunan Provincial Department of Education,No. 09A054
文摘AIM:To investigate the apoptotic activities of casticin in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells and its molecular mechanisms.METHODS:PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cell lines were cultured in vitro and the inhibitory effect of casticin on the growth of cells was detected by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolim bromide(MTT) assay.The apoptotic cell death was examined using the cell apoptosis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) detection kit,flow cytometry(FCM) after propidium iodide(PI) staining and DNA agarose gel electrophoresis.The caspase activities were measured using ELISA.Reactive oxygen species(ROS) production was evaluated by FCM after dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate(DCFH-DA) probe labeling.Intracellular glutathione(GSH) content was measured using a glutathione assay kit.The expression of death receptor(DR)4 and DR5 proteins was analyzed by Western blotting and FCM.RESULTS:Casticin significantly inhibited the growth of human HCC(PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2) cells in a dosedependent manner(P < 0.05).Casticin increased the percentage of the sub-G1 population in HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner.The potency of casticin to PLC/PRF/5 cells was higher than that of 5-flurouracil(26.8% ± 4.8% vs 17.4% ± 5.1%) at 10 μmol/L for 24 h.Casticin increased the levels of Histone/DNA fragmentation and the levels of active caspase-3,-8 and-9 in a concentration-dependent manner(P < 0.05).Treatment with 30 μmol/L casticin for 24 h resulted in the formation of a DNA ladder.Casticin reduced the GSH content(P < 0.05),but did not affect the level of intracellular ROS in PLC/PRF/5 and Hep G2 cells.The thiol antioxidants,acetylcysteine(NAC) and GSH restored GSH content and attenuated casticin-induced apoptosis.In contrast,the nonthiol antioxidants,butylated hydroxyanisole and mannitol failed to do so.In the HCC cells treated with casticin for 24 h,DR5 protein level was increased.The expression of DR5 protein induced by casticin was inhibited by NAC.Pretreatment with DR5/Fc chimera protein,a blocking antibody,effectively attenuated the induction of apoptosis by casticin.CONCLUSION:Casticin-induced apoptosis of HCC cells is involved in GSH depletion and DR5 upregulation.
基金Supported by National Key Technology Support Program during“12th Five-Year Plan”Period of China,No.2014BAI08B00National Key Research and Development Plan for Precision Medicine Research,No.2017YFC0910002and Leapforward Development Program for Beijing Biopharmaceutical Industry(G20),No.Z171100001717008.
文摘BACKGROUND Gut microbiota and its metabolites may be involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.Several clinical studies have recently shown that patients with ulcerative colitis(UC)have altered profiles of fecal bile acids(BAs).It was observed that BA receptors Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)and vitamin D receptor(VDR)participate in intestinal inflammatory responses by regulating NF-ĸB signaling.We hypothesized that altered profiles of fecal BAs might be correlated with gut microbiota and inflammatory responses in patients with UC.AIM To investigate the changes in fecal BAs and analyze the relationship of BAs with gut microbiota and inflammation in patients with UC.METHODS The present study used 16S rDNA sequencing technology to detect the differences in the intestinal flora between UC patients and healthy controls(HCs).Fecal BAs were measured by targeted metabolomics approaches.Mucosal TGR5 and VDR expression was analyzed using immunohistochemistry,and serum inflammatory cytokine levels were detected by ELISA.RESULTS Thirty-two UC patients and twenty-three HCs were enrolled in this study.It was found that the diversity of gut microbiota in UC patients was reduced compared with that in HCs.Firmicutes,Clostridium IV,Butyricicoccus,Clostridium XlVa,Faecalibacterium,and Roseburia were significantly decreased in patients with UC(P=3.75E-05,P=8.28E-07,P=0.0002,P=0.003,P=0.0003,and P=0.0004,respectively).Proteobacteria,Escherichia,Enterococcus,Klebsiella,and Streptococcus were significantly enriched in the UC group(P=2.99E-09,P=3.63E-05,P=8.59E-05,P=0.003,and P=0.016,respectively).The concentrations of fecal secondary BAs,such as lithocholic acid,deoxycholic acid,glycodeoxycholic acid,glycolithocholic acid,and taurolithocholate,in UC patients were significantly lower than those in HCs(P=8.1E-08,P=1.2E-07,P=3.5E-04,P=1.9E-03,and P=1.8E-02,respectively)and were positively correlated with Butyricicoccus,Roseburia,Clostridium IV,Faecalibacterium,and Clostridium XlVb(P<0.01).The concentrations of primary BAs,such as taurocholic acid,cholic acid,taurochenodeoxycholate,and glycochenodeoxycholate,in UC patients were significantly higher than those in HCs(P=5.3E-03,P=4E-02,P=0.042,and P=0.045,respectively)and were positively related to Enterococcus,Klebsiella,Streptococcus,Lactobacillus,and pro-inflammatory cytokines(P<0.01).The expression of TGR5 was significantly elevated in UC patients(0.019±0.013 vs 0.006±0.003,P=0.0003).VDR expression in colonic mucosal specimens was significantly decreased in UC patients(0.011±0.007 vs 0.016±0.004,P=0.033).CONCLUSION Fecal BA profiles are closely related to the gut microbiota and serum inflammatory cytokines.Dysregulation of the gut microbiota and altered constitution of fecal BAs may participate in regulating inflammatory responses via the BA receptors TGR5 and VDR.
文摘Objective： To investigate Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 （LGR5） expressions in gastric cancer and to evaluate its clinical significance. Methods： LGR5 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in 257 gastric cancer patients after surgery. The relationships between LGR5 expression and clinicopathological features and patients prognosis were statistically analyzed. Results： The expression of LGR5 was significantly higher in gastric cancers as a cancer stem cell marker than in adjacent normal tissues （P〈0.001）, and more frequently in patients with intestinal type, well-moderate differentiation and stage I and II （P〈0.05）. Although we found gastric cancer patients with LGR5 positive expression had a poorer prognosis, it didn＇t meet statistical significance （P〉0.05）. LGR5 negative expression was significantly related to the favorable overall survival in stage I and II gastric cancer patients （P〈0.05）. Furthermore, patients with high LGR5 expression tended to be more likely to get progression and have poorer progress-free survival （P〈0.05）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that LGR5 expression was an independent factor of overall survival for the patients with stage I and II gastric cancer （P〈0.05）. Conclusions： Our results show that LGR5 may play an important role in tumorigenesis and progression and would be a powerful marker to predict the prognosis of patients with stage I and II gastric cancer.
基金the Organizational Key Research and Development Program of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2023YZZ02).
文摘Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly people.In particular,increasing evidence has showed that astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of PD.As a precious traditional Chinese medicine,bear bile powder(BBP)has a long history of use in clinical practice.It has numerous activities,such as clearing heat,calming the liver wind and anti-inflammation,and also exhibits good therapeutic effect on convulsive epilepsy.However,whether BBP can prevent the development of PD has not been elucidated.Hence,this study was designed to explore the effect and mechanism of BBP on suppressing astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation in a mouse model of PD.PD-like behavior was induced in the mice by intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine(MPTP)(30 mg·kg−1)for five days,followed by BBP(50,100,and 200 mg·kg−1)treatment daily for ten days.LPS stimulated rat C6 astrocytic cells were used as a cell model of neuroinflammation.THe results indicated that BBP treatment significantly ameliorated dyskinesia,increased the levels of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and inhibited astrocyte hyperactivation in the substantia nigra(SN)of PD mice.Furthermore,BBP decreased the protein levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP),cyclooxygenase 2(COX2)and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and up-regulated the protein levels of takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)in the SN.Moreover,BBP significantly activated TGR5 in a dose-dependent manner,and decreased the protein levels of GFAP,iNOS and COX2,as well as the mRNA levels of GFAP,iNOS,COX2,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in LPS-stimulated C6 cells.Notably,BBP suppressed the phosphorylation of protein kinase B(AKT),inhibitor of NF-κB(IκBα)and nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)proteins in vivo and in vitro.We also observed that TGR5 inhibitor triamterene attenuated the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of BBP on LPS-stimulated C6 cells.Taken together,BBP alleviates the progression of PD mice by suppressing astrocyte-mediated inflammation via TGR5.
文摘OBJECTIVE Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5)is recognized as a promising target for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome;its expression has been demonstrat⁃ed in the brain and is thought to be neuroprotec⁃tive.Here,we hypothesize that dysfunction of central TGR5 may contribute to the pathogene⁃sis of depression.METHODS In well-established chronic social defeat stress(CSDS)and chronic restraint stress(CRS)models of depression,we investigated the functional roles of TGR5 in CA3 pyramidal neurons(PyNs)and underlying mech⁃anisms of the neuronal circuit in depression(for in vivo studies,n=10;for in vitro studies,n=5-10)using fiber photometry;optogenetic,chemoge⁃netic,pharmacological,and molecular profiling techniques;and behavioral tests.RESULTS Both CSDS and CRS most significantly reduced TGR5 expression of hippocampal CA3 PyNs.Genetic overexpression of TGR5 in CA3 PyNs or intra-CA3 infusion of INT-777,a specific agonist,protected against CSDS and CRS,exerting sig⁃nificant antidepressant-like effects that were mediated via CA3 PyN activation.Conversely,genetic knockout or TGR5 knockdown in CA3 facilitated stress-induced depression-like behav⁃iors.Re-expression of TGR5 in CA3 PyNs rather than infusion of INT-777 significantly improved depression-like behaviors in Tgr5 knockout mice exposed to CSDS or CRS.Silencing and stimula⁃tion of CA3 PyNs→somatostatin-GABAergic(gamma-aminobutyric acidergic)neurons of the dorsolateral septum circuit bidirectionally regulat⁃ed depression-like behaviors,and blockade of this circuit abrogated the antidepressant-like effects from TGR5 activation of CA3 PyNs.CON⁃CLUSION TGR5 can regulate depression via CA3 PyNs→somatostatin-GABAergic neurons of dorsolateral septum transmission,suggesting that TGR5 could be a novel target for developing antidepressants.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81800561)the State Key Laboratory of Proteomics(SKLP-K201404).
文摘Background:Toll-like receptor 5(TLR5)-mediated pathways play critical roles in regulating the hepatic immune response and show hepatoprotective effects in mouse models of hepatic diseases.However,the role of TLR5 in experimental models of liver regeneration has not been reported.This study aimed to investigate the role of TLR5 in partial hepatectomy(PHx)-induced liver regeneration.Methods:We performed 2/3 PHx in wild-type(WT)mice,TLR5 knockout mice,or TLR5 agonist CBLB502 treated mice,as a model of liver regeneration.Bacterial flagellin content was measured with ELISA,and hepatic TLR5 expression was determined with quantitative PCR analyses and flow cytometry.To study the effects of TLR5 on hepatocyte proliferation,we analyzed bromodeoxyuridine(BrdU)incorporation and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)expression with immunohistochemistry(IHC)staining.The effects of TLR5 during the priming phase of liver regeneration were examined with quantitative PCR analyses of immediate early gene mRNA levels,and with Western blotting analysis of hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation.Cytokine and growth factor production after PHx were detected with real-time PCR and cytometric bead array(CBA)assays.Oil Red O staining and hepatic lipid concentrations were analyzed to examine the effect of TLR5 on hepatic lipid accumulation after PHx.Results:The bacterial flagellin content in the serum and liver increased,and the hepatic TLR5 expression was significantly up-regulated in WT mice after PHx.TLR5-deficient mice exhibited diminished numbers of BrdU-and PCNA-positive cells,suppressed immediate early gene expression,and decreased cytokine and growth factor production.Moreover,PHx-induced hepatic NF-κB and STAT3 activation was inhibited in Tlr5–/–mice,as compared with WT mice.Consistently,the administration of CBLB502 significantly promoted PHx-mediated hepatocyte proliferation,which was correlated with enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines and the recruitment of macrophages and neutrophils in the liver.Furthermore,Tlr5–/–mice displayed significantly lower hepatic lipid concentrations and smaller Oil Red O positive areas than those in control mice after PHx.Conclusions:We reveal that TLR5 activation contributes to the initial events of liver regeneration after PHx.Our findings demonstrate that TLR5 signaling positively regulates liver regeneration and suggest the potential of TLR5 agonist to promote liver regeneration.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.U20A20408 and No.82074450Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2020JJ4066 and No.2021JJ40405+1 种基金Key scientific research project of Hunan Education Department,No.21A0243Key project of academician workstation guidance project,No.21YSZQ007.
文摘BACKGROUND Centipedes have been used to treat tumors for hundreds of years in China.However,current studies focus on antimicrobial and anticoagulation agents rather than tumors.The molecular identities of antihepatoma bioactive components in centipedes have not yet been extensively investigated.It is a challenge to isolate and characterize the effective components of centipedes due to limited peptide purification technologies for animal-derived medicines.AIM To purify,characterize,and synthesize the bioactive components with the strongest antihepatoma activity from centipedes and determine the antihepatoma mechanism.METHODS An antihepatoma peptide(scolopentide)was isolated and identified from the centipede scolopendra subspinipes mutilans using a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis,a Sephadex G-25 column,and two steps of high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).Additionally,the CCK8 assay was used to select the extracted fraction with the strongest antihepatoma activity.The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was characterized by quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry(QTOF MS),and the sequence was matched by using the Mascot search engine.Based on the sequence and molecular weight,scolopentide was synthesized using solid-phase peptide synthesis methods.The synthetic scolopentide was confirmed by MS and HPLC.The antineoplastic effect of extracted scolopentide was confirmed by CCK8 assay and morphological changes again in vitro.The antihepatoma effect of synthetic scolopentide was assessed by the CCK8 assay and Hoechst staining in vitro and tumor volume and tumor weight in vivo.In the tumor xenograft experiments,qualified model mice(male 5-week-old BALB/c nude mice)were randomly divided into 2 groups(n=6):The scolopentide group(0.15 mL/d,via intraperitoneal injection of synthetic scolopentide,500 mg/kg/d)and the vehicle group(0.15 mL/d,via intraperitoneal injection of normal saline).The mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation after 14 d of continuous treatment.Mechanistically,flow cytometry was conducted to evaluate the apoptosis rate of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide in vitro.A Hoechst staining assay was also used to observe apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro.CCK8 assays and morphological changes were used to compare the cytotoxicity of synthetic scolopentide to liver cancer cells and normal liver cells in vitro.Molecular docking was performed to clarify whether scolopentide tightly bound to death receptor 4(DR4)and DR5.qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of DR4,DR5,fas-associated death domain protein(FADD),Caspase-8,Caspase-3,cytochrome c(Cyto-C),B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax),x-chromosome linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein and Cellular fas-associated death domain-like interleukin-1βconverting enzyme inhibitory protein in hepatocarcinoma subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice.Western blot assays were used to measure the protein expression of DR4,DR5,FADD,Caspase-8,Caspase-3,and Cyto-C in the tumor tissues.The reactive oxygen species(ROS)of tumor tissues were tested.RESULTS In the process of purification,characterization and synthesis of scolopentide,the optimal enzymatic hydrolysis conditions(extract ratio:5.86%,IC_(50):0.310 mg/mL)were as follows:Trypsin at 0.1 g(300 U/g,centipede-trypsin ratio of 20:1),enzymolysis temperature of 46°C,and enzymolysis time of 4 h,which was superior to freeze-thawing with liquid nitrogen(IC_(50):3.07 mg/mL).A peptide with the strongest antihepatoma activity(scolopentide)was further purified through a Sephadex G-25 column(obtained A2)and two steps of HPLC(obtained B5 and C3).The molecular weight of the extracted scolopentide was 1018.997 Da,and the peptide sequence was RAQNHYCK,as characterized by QTOF MS and Mascot.Scolopentide was synthesized in vitro with a qualified molecular weight(1018.8 Da)and purity(98.014%),which was characterized by MS and HPLC.Extracted scolopentide still had an antineoplastic effect in vitro,which inhibited the proliferation of Eca-109(IC_(50):76.27μg/mL),HepG2(IC_(50):22.06μg/mL),and A549(IC_(50):35.13μg/mL)cells,especially HepG2 cells.Synthetic scolopentide inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells(treated 6,12,and 24 h)in a concentration-dependent manner in vitro,and the inhibitory effects were the strongest at 12 h(IC_(50):208.11μg/mL).Synthetic scolopentide also inhibited the tumor volume(Vehicle vs Scolopentide,P=0.0003)and weight(Vehicle vs Scolopentide,P=0.0022)in the tumor xenograft experiment.Mechanistically,flow cytometry suggested that the apoptosis ratios of HepG2 cells after treatment with extracted scolopentide were 5.01%(0μg/mL),12.13%(10μg/mL),16.52%(20μg/mL),and 23.20%(40μg/mL).Hoechst staining revealed apoptosis in HepG2 cells after treatment with synthetic scolopentide in vitro.The CCK8 assay and morphological changes indicated that synthetic scolopentide was cytotoxic and was significantly stronger in HepG2 cells than in L02 cells.Molecular docking suggested that scolopentide tightly bound to DR4 and DR5,and the binding free energies were-10.4 kcal/mol and-7.1 kcal/mol,respectively.In subcutaneous xenograft tumors from mice,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting suggested that scolopentide activated DR4 and DR5 and induced apoptosis in SMMC-7721 Liver cancer cells by promoting the expression of FADD,caspase-8 and caspase-3 through a mitochondria-independent pathway.CONCLUSION Scolopentide,an antihepatoma peptide purified from centipedes,may inspire new antihepatoma agents.Scolopentide activates DR4 and DR5 and induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through a mitochondria-independent pathway.
