Objective To investigate the expression of B cell activation factor of the TNF family （BAFF） gene between human normal and inflamed fallopian tubes. Methods Tissue samples of human normal fallopian tube （n=20） and...Objective To investigate the expression of B cell activation factor of the TNF family （BAFF） gene between human normal and inflamed fallopian tubes. Methods Tissue samples of human normal fallopian tube （n=20） and inflamed fallopian tube （n=20） were collected. The expression of BAFF gene was determined by the real- time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry. Results BAFF immunostaining appeared on the cellular membrane and in the cytoplasm of tubal epithelial cells. Both BAFF protein and mRNA in normal fallopian tubes had lower levels than those in inflamed fallopian tubes （P〈0.01）. Conclusion BAFF protein and mRNA are present in human tubal tissues. BAFF gene in human inflamed fallopian tube would have a high expression.展开更多
Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant...Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METH...AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS:We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry,double immunohistochemical staining,and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107,15,48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn's disease(CD),non-specific colitis,and 5 healthy individuals,respectively. RESULTS:Up-regulation with profound nucleo- translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells(LPMC)of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC,as compared to CD or NC(P<0.001,Kruskal- Wallis test).Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T,but was less prominent in CD4+T cells or CD20+B cells.It was strongly associated with the disease activity,including endoscopic stage (τ=0.2145,P=0.0281)and histologic grade(τ=0.4167, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis.Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity.Since activation of NFAT2is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways,our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation,but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.展开更多
There is currently no effective medical treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJ-OA) due to a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to investigate the key role of transfo...There is currently no effective medical treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJ-OA) due to a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to investigate the key role of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signalling in the cartilage and subchondral bone of the TMJ using a temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD) rat model, an ageing mouse model and a Camurati–Engelmann disease(CED) mouse model. In the three animal models, the subchondral bone phenotypes in the mandibular condyles were evaluated by μCT, and changes in TMJ condyles were examined by TRAP staining and immunohistochemical analysis of Osterix and p-Smad2/3. Condyle degradation was confirmed by Safranin O staining, the Mankin and OARSI scoring systems and type X collagen(Col X), p-Smad2/3 a and Osterix immunohistochemical analyses. We found apparent histological phenotypes of TMJ-OA in the TMD, ageing and CED animal models, with abnormal activation of TGF-βsignalling in the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Moreover, inhibition of TGF-β receptor I attenuated TMJ-OA progression in the TMD models. Therefore, aberrant activation of TGF-β signalling could be a key player in TMJ-OA development.展开更多
BACKGROUND Glomerular endothelial cell(GENC)injury is a characteristic of early-stage diabetic nephropathy(DN),and the investigation of potential therapeutic targets for preventing GENC injury is of clinical importanc...BACKGROUND Glomerular endothelial cell(GENC)injury is a characteristic of early-stage diabetic nephropathy(DN),and the investigation of potential therapeutic targets for preventing GENC injury is of clinical importance.AIM To investigate the role ofβ-arrestin-2 in GENCs under DN conditions.METHODS Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce DN.GENCs were transfected with plasmids containing siRNA-β-arrestin-2,shRNA-activating transcription factor 6(ATF6),pCDNA-β-arrestin-2,or pCDNA-ATF6.Additionally,adeno-associated virus(AAV)containing shRNA-β-arrestin-2 was administered via a tail vein injection in DN mice.RESULTS The upregulation ofβ-arrestin-2 was observed in patients with DN as well as in GENCs from DN mice.Knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 reduced apoptosis in high glucose-treated GENCs,which was reversed by the overexpression of ATF6.Moreover,overexpression ofβ-arrestin-2 Led to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and the apoptosis of GENCs which could be mitigated by silencing of ATF6.Furthermore,knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 by the administration of AAV-shRNA-β-arrestin-2 alleviated renal injury in DN mice.CONCLUSION Knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 prevents GENC apoptosis by inhibiting ATF6-mediated ER stress in vivo and in vitro.Consequently,β-arrestin-2 may represent a promising therapeutic target for the clinical management of patients with DN.展开更多
Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved...Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved in regulating electrical excitability of the heart.The present study was designed to investigate whether EGFR activation would mediate myocardial arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfu- sion in anaesthetized rats.Methods and results Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias were induced by 10 min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by a 30 min reperfusion in anaesthetized rats.Incidence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly reduced by pretreatment with the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG556.Phosphorylation level of myocardial EGFR was increased during ischemia and at early reperfusion.Intramyocardial transfection of EGFR siRNA reduced EGFR mRNA and protein,and decreased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by reperfusion.Interestingly,tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> channel(I<sub>Na</sub>) and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel(I<sub>Ca.l</sub>) were significantly increased at corresponding time points to the alteration of phosphorylated EGFR level during reperfusion.AG556 pretreatment countered the increased tyrosine phosphorylation level of Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels induced by reperfusion.No significant alteration was observed in tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Kv4.2 and Kir2.1 channels during the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that EGFR plays an important role in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias,which is likely mediated at least in part by enhancing tyrosine phosphorylation of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels.展开更多
BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear f...BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and exacerbate the inflammatory response,thus participating in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).Mesalazine is a commonly used drug in the clinical treatment of UC.However,further studies are needed to determine whether mesalazine regulates the ER stress of intestinal epithelial cells,downregulates the STAT3/NF-κB pathway to play a role in the treatment of UC.AIM To study the therapeutic effects of mesalazine on spontaneous colitis in interleukin-10(IL-10)-/-mice.METHODS The 24-week-old IL-10-/-mice with spontaneous colitis were divided into the model group and the 5-amino salicylic acid group.Littermates of wild-type mice of the same age group served as the control.There were eight mice in each group,four males and four females.The severity of symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice was assessed using disease activity index scores.On day 15,the mice were sacrificed.The colon length was measured,and the histopathological changes and ultrastructure of colonic epithelial cells were detected.The protein expressions of STAT3,p-STAT3,NF-κB,IκB,p-IκB,and glucoseregulated protein 78 were identified using Western blotting.The STAT3 and NF-κB mRNA expressions were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.The glucose-regulated protein 78 and C/EBP homologous protein expressions in colon sections were detected using immunofluorescence.RESULTS Mesalazine reduced the symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10 knockout mice and the histopathological damage of colonic tissues,and alleviated the ER stress in epithelial cells of colitis mice.Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the colon tissue of model mice was activated,suggesting that this pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of UC and might become a potential therapeutic target.Mesalazine could down-regulate the protein expressions of p-STAT3,NF-κB and p-IκB,and down-regulate the mRNA expression of STAT3 and NF-κB.CONCLUSION Mesalazine may play a protective role in UC by reducing ER stress by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer,characterized by aggressive proliferation and metastasis,is a lethal malignancy.The nightly hormone melatonin serves as a rhythm-regulating hormone,and is used to treat different cancers i...BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer,characterized by aggressive proliferation and metastasis,is a lethal malignancy.The nightly hormone melatonin serves as a rhythm-regulating hormone,and is used to treat different cancers including pancreatic cancer.AIM To investigate how melatonin acts against human pancreatic cancer cell lines and analyze the biological processes that cause the observed effects.METHODS Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells were treated with melatonin.Cell viability was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze protein expression levels.Ferroptosis was measured by analyzing lipid reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels;apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry.RESULTS Melatonin significantly inhibited the viability,colony formation,migration,and invasion of Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells.Additionally,melatonin activated the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress pathway(protein kinase R-like ER kinase eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-activating transcription factor 4),inhibited glutamine metabolism(alanine-serinecysteine transporter 2-glutaminase 1-glutathione peroxidase 4,alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2-glutathione peroxidase 4),and promoted ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Co-treatment with a high melatonin concentration and protein kinase R-like ER kinase agonist(CCT020312)enhanced melatonin-induced ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Melatonin demonstrated a variety of anticancer effects by inhibiting autophagy.This was achieved through the increased expression of sequestosome-1 and decreased expression of light chain 3.Additionally,melatonin facilitated the promotion of apoptosis.CONCLUSION Melatonin induces ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells by activating transcription factor 4-dependent ER stress and inhibiting glutamine metabolism,promotes apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibits autophagy,leading to synergistic anticancer effects.展开更多
Objectives:An allergy is an exaggerated immune response,and mast cells play central roles in allergic pathologies.Allyl isothiocyanate can suppress inflammatory responses;however,whether allyl isothiocyanate has a sup...Objectives:An allergy is an exaggerated immune response,and mast cells play central roles in allergic pathologies.Allyl isothiocyanate can suppress inflammatory responses;however,whether allyl isothiocyanate has a suppressive effect on allergic pathologies remains unclear.Methods:2,4-dinitrofluorobenzen or ovalbumin was used to establish a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis or food allergy,respectively.The mRNA level of cytokines was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.To examine the effects of allyl isothiocyanate on mast cells,degranulation and intracellular calcium measurement,RNA sequencing,real-time polymerase chain reaction,and Western blotting were performed.Results:Allyl isothiocyanate ameliorated allergic contact dermatitis and food allergy.Allyl isothiocyanate decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines and degranulated mast cells in the allergic contact dermatitis model.Furthermore,allyl isothiocyanate decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines and the mast cell marker mMCP-1 in the food allergy model.Moreover,allyl isothiocyanate inhibited immunoglobulin E/antigeninduced β-hexosaminidase release in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells.Allyl isothiocyanate also decreased the increase in intracellular calcium levels induced by immunoglobulin E/antigen in mast cells.In addition,allyl isothiocyanate suppressed calcium ionophore A23187-induced mast cell degranulation.Furthermore,allyl isothiocyanate reduced A23187 or compound 48/80-induced human mast cells degranulation.RNA-sequencing data revealed that immunoglobulin E/antigen induced the expression of activating transcription factor 3 in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells;however,allyl isothiocyanate downregulated activating transcription factor 3 levels.Additionally,allyl isothiocyanate inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins.Conclusions:The results of the present study showed that allyl isothiocyanate ameliorated allergic contactdermatitis and foodallergy via inhibition of mast cells.展开更多
It is well known that appropriate aerobic exercise can effectively alleviate fatty liver and enhance brain function.The concept of multi-organ crosstalk coordinating disease progression has become the current research...It is well known that appropriate aerobic exercise can effectively alleviate fatty liver and enhance brain function.The concept of multi-organ crosstalk coordinating disease progression has become the current research hot topic.However,there remains an urgent need to elucidate its specific mechanisms.This study aimed to explore the impact of a high-fat diet(HFD)on liver health and cognitive function,and to further uncover the regulatory effect of aerobic exercise by liver-specific activating transcription factor 3(Atf3)knockout(ATF3cKO)mice in a“liver-brain”axis mode.The 5-week-old C57BL/6 and ATF3cKO mice were fed with HFD for 32 weeks,and sequentially subjected to aerobic exercise intervention at the 20th week for another 12 consecutive weeks.Meanwhile,C57BL/6 mice were provided with a normal diet as the control group.The functional parameters of liver and brain of all mice were assessed.Cognitive capacity of all mice was assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM).Inflammatory factors in the serum and brain of mice were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression of inflammasomes was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Additionally,the activation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)signal pathways was analyzed by Western blotting.In this study,HFD impaired hepatic and brain functions,while aerobic exercise and liver-specific Atf3 knockout suppressed inflammatory factors in the peripheral circulation through hepatoprotective mechanisms,thereby attenuating cerebral inflammation and preserving neurological integrity,as well as mitigating HFD-induced cognitive decline.展开更多
Microglial pyroptosis and neuroinflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE).OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation is involved in neurodevelopment and injury.However,its regulat...Microglial pyroptosis and neuroinflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE).OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation is involved in neurodevelopment and injury.However,its regulatory function in microglial pyroptosis and involvement in SAE remains unclear.In this study,we demonstrated that OGT deficiency augmented microglial pyroptosis and exacerbated secondary neuronal injury.Furthermore,OGT inhibition impaired cognitive function in healthy mice and accelerated the progression in SAE mice.Mechanistically,OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation of ATF2 at Ser44 inhibited its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation,thereby amplifying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and promoting inflammatory cytokine production in microglia in response to LPS/Nigericin stimulation.In conclusion,this study uncovers the critical role of OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation in modulating microglial activity through the regulation of ATF2 and thus protects against SAE progression.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the dynamic changes and significance of platelet activating factor receptor (PAF-R) mRNA and protein in pancreatic tissues of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and effects of BN52021 (Ginkgo...AIM:To investigate the dynamic changes and significance of platelet activating factor receptor (PAF-R) mRNA and protein in pancreatic tissues of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and effects of BN52021 (Ginkgolide B). METHODS:Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to the negative control group (NC group),SAP model group (SAP group),and BN52051-remedy group (BN group),and each of the groups was divided into 6 subgroups at different time points after operation (1 h,2 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,and 24 h) (n=10 in each). PT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to detect PAF-RmRNA and protein expression in pancreatic tissues of rats respectively. Pathological examination of pancreatic tissues was performed and the serum amylase change was detected. RESULTS:Serum amylase and pathological results showed the that SAP model was successfully prepared,BN52021 was able to decrease serum amylase,and the pathological ratings in BN group at 3 h,6 h,and 12 h significantly decreased compared with those in the SAP group (8.85 ± 0.39 vs 5.95 ± 0.19,9.15 ± 0.55 vs 5.55 ± 0.36,10.10 ± 0.65 vs 6.72 ± 0.30,P < 0.05). The result of PAF-mRNA showed dynamic changes in SAP and BN groups,which increased gradually in early stage,reached a peak at 3 h (0.71 ± 0.14 vs 0.54 ± 0.14,0.69 ± 0.13 vs 0.59 ± 0.04,P < 0.05),and decreased gradually later. There were significant differences at each time point except 1 h and 2 h,when compared with those in the NC group (0.71 ± 0.14 or 0.69 ± 0.13 vs 0.47 ± 0.10,0.38 ± 0.08 or 0.59 ± 0.04 vs 0.47 ± 0.09,0.25 ± 0.07 or 0.29 ± 0.05 vs 0.46 ± 0.10,0.20 ± 0.06 or 0.20± 0.04 vs 0.43 ± 0.09,P < 0.05),whereas there was no significant difference between BN and SAP groups at each time point. The result of PAF-R protein showed that the change of PAF-R protein in the SAP group and the BN group was consistent with that of PAF-R mRNA. There were significant differences at each time point except 1 h,when compared with those in the NC group (0.90 ± 0.02 or 0.80 ± 0.05 vs 0.48 ± 0.02,1.69 ± 0.06 or 1.58 ± 0.02 vs 0.48 ± 0.03,1.12 ± 0.10 or 0.98 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.09,1.04 ± 0.14 or 0.87 ± 0.02 vs 0.52 ± 0.08,0.97 ± 0.16 or 0.90 ± 0.05 vs 0.49 ± 0.10,P < 0.05),whereas there was no significant difference between the BN group and the SAP group. CONCLUSION:PAF-R plays an important role in occurrence and development of SAP. BN52021 exerts biological effects through competitively inhibiting the binding of increased both PAF and PAF-R expression rather than through decreasing PAF-R expression in pancreatic tissues.展开更多
AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity...AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.展开更多
To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) on platelet activating factor (PAF) content in arterial blood pre- and post-arterial thrombosis in rats, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the...To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) on platelet activating factor (PAF) content in arterial blood pre- and post-arterial thrombosis in rats, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the medicine group treated with BHD, the control group with dexamethasone liquid, and the blank group with distilled water. Oral administration was given for 14 consecutive days, once daily. Model of arterial thrombosis was established in the animals 2 hours after final medication, the blood content of PAF, dry weight (DW) and occlusion time (OT) of thrombus, and dry weight of thrombus/body weight (TW/BW) ratio were observed. Results indicated that BHD could markedly lower the arterial blood content of PAF after thrombosis, increase the OT of thrombus, reduce the dry weight of thrombus and the TW/BW ratio (P展开更多
AIM： To evaluate the changes in hepatic platelet activating factor （PAF） and its receptors and their effect on portal pressure of cirrhotic rats induced by CCh. METHODS： A model of liver cirrhosis was replicated i...AIM： To evaluate the changes in hepatic platelet activating factor （PAF） and its receptors and their effect on portal pressure of cirrhotic rats induced by CCh. METHODS： A model of liver cirrhosis was replicated in rats by intra-peritoneal injection of CCh for 8 wk. We determined the effect of hepatic PAF and its receptor level on portal and arterial pressure by EIA, saturation binding and RT-PCR technique. RESULTS： Compared to control rats, cirrhotic rats had higher hepatic PAF levels and output as well as higher plasma PAF levels （P〈0.01, P〈0.01, P〈0.05, respectively）. Both hepatic PAF receptor mRNA levels and PAF binding were nearly 3-fold greater in cirrhotic rats （P〈0.01）. Portal injection of PAF （1 g/kg WT） increased the portal pressure by 22% and 33% in control and cirrhotic rats, respectively. In contrast, the arterial pressure was decreased in the both groups （54% in control rats and 42% in cirrhotic rats）. Injection of the PAF antagonist BN52021 （5 mg/kg WT） decreased the portal pressure by 16% in cirrhotic rats but had no effect in the control rats. CONCLUSION： The upregulation of the PAF system contributes to hepatic hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities in drrhosis, and the increased release of PAF into the circulation has impacts on the systemic hemodynamics.展开更多
AIM:To determine the platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis and its receptor expression in Kupffer cells in rat carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis. METHODS:Kupffer cells, isolated from the livers of control an...AIM:To determine the platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis and its receptor expression in Kupffer cells in rat carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis. METHODS:Kupffer cells, isolated from the livers of control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats, were placed in serum-free medium overnight. PAF saturation binding, ET-1 saturation and competition binding were assayed. ET-1 induced PAF synthesis, mRNA expression of PAF, preproendothelin-1, endothelin A (ETA) and endothelin B (ETB) receptors were also determined. RESULTS:A two-fold increase of PAF synthesis (1.42 ± 0.14 vs 0.66 ± 0.04 pg/μg DNA) and a 1.48-fold increase of membrane-bound PAF (1.02 ± 0.06 vs 0.69 ± 0.07 pg/μg DNA) were observed in activated Kupffer cells of cirrhotic rats. The application of ET-1 to Kupffer cells induced PAF synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner in both cirrhotic and normal rats via ETB receptor, but PAF synthesis in the activated Kupffer cells was more effective than that in the normal Kupffer cells. In activated Kupffer cells, PAF receptor expression and PAF binding capacity were markedly enhanced. Activated Kupffer cells raised the [125I]-ET-1 binding capacity, but changed neither the affinity of the receptors, nor the expression of ETA receptor. CONCLUSION:Kupffer cells in the course of CCl4-induced cirrhosis are the main source of increased PAF. ET-1 is involved endogenously in stimulating the PAF synthesis in activated Kupffer cells via ETB receptor by paracrine. ETA receptor did not appear in activated Kupffer cells, which may exacerbate the hepatic and extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis.展开更多
Objective The mechanism through which platelet activating factor （PAF） induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion cha...Objective The mechanism through which platelet activating factor （PAF） induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion channels in its action. The present study was aimed to clarify the role of PAF in fatal arrhythmias following acute myocardia infarction （AMI） and the underlying mechanism. Methods （1） Blood PAF levels were measured among 72 AMI patients at the time of diagnosis with AMI and 48 h later, and their electrocardiogram （ECG） was recorded continuously. （2） Ischemia simulation and surface electrocardiogram were conducted in 20 pigs and their PAF levels were measured. （3） PAF perfusion and standard microelectrode recording were performed on guinea pig papillarymuscles. Results In both humans and pigs, elevated PAF levels were detected in AMI and simulated ischemia, respectively, and even higher PAF levels were found when fatal arrhythmias occurred. In guinea pig myocardium, PAF induced a shortening of action potential duration at 90% level of repolarization （APD 90 ）under non-ischemic conditions and a more pronounced shortening under early simulated ischemic conditions. Conclusion AMI and ischemia are associated with increased PAF levels in humans and pigs, which are further raised when fatal arrhythmia follows. The effects of PAF on the myocardium may be mediated by multiple ion channels.展开更多
AIM： To provide the expression profile of serine protease SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 （HAI-1） in normal and malignant tissues of gastrointestinal tract at ...AIM： To provide the expression profile of serine protease SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 （HAI-1） in normal and malignant tissues of gastrointestinal tract at mRNA level for further study on their correlations with tumor progression and metastasis. METHODS： Total RNAs were prepared from 37 samples of colorectal cancer tissues, 40 samples of gastric cancer tissues, and their adjacent normal tissues. The expression of SNC19/matriptase and HAI-1 in these samples was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as internal standard, and the clinical significance for the correlation with clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. RESULTS： In gastric cancer tissues the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was significantly lower than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues （Z = -3.280, P= 0.006; Z= -4.651, P= 0.000）. HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference between normal and malignant tissues （P〉0.05）. Analysis of clinicopathological parameters showed decreased expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/ matriptase ratio associated with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ gastric tumors as compared to stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ones （Z= -2.140, P= 0.031; Z = -2.155, P = 0.031）, and with lymph node-positive gastric cancer tissues as compared to lymph node-negative ones （Z = -2.081, P = 0.036; Z= -2.686, P = 0.006）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase had no relationship with stages and lymph node metastasis （P〉0.05）. The expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio increased in well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression was not significant in gastric cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. In colorectal cancer tissues, the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was also markedly lower than that in their adjacent normal tissues （Z= -3.100, P = 0.002; Z= -2.731, P = 0.006）, whereas HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference. Decreased expression of HAI-1 was associated with increased invasive depth and lymph node metastasis, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression and HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio was not significant in different stages and different lymph node metastasis status （P〉0.05）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase, HAI-1 or HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference in colorectal cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： The expressions of SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor HAI-1 are decreased in gastrointestinal cancer tissues compared to their normal counterparts, and the decreased expression of HAI-1 may correlate with invasion and lymph node metastasis. The possible mechanisms involved need to be further investigated.展开更多
AIM: To determine platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor expression in cirrhotic hepatic stellate cells.METHODS: Hepatic stellate cells, isolated from the livers of control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats, were pla...AIM: To determine platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor expression in cirrhotic hepatic stellate cells.METHODS: Hepatic stellate cells, isolated from the livers of control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats, were placed in serum-free medium after overnight culture. We determined the PAF receptor in hepatic stellate cells by saturation binding technique and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the effects of PAF and its antagonist BN52021 on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release by stellate cells.RESULTS: Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of PAF receptor with dissociation constant (Kd) of 4.66 nmol/L and maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 24.65 fmol/μg in cirrhotic stellate cells. Compared with the control, the maximum PAF binding capacity increased significantly (Bmax: 24.65 ± 1.96 fmol/μg. DNA, R = 0.982 vs 5.74 ± 1.55 fmol/μg. DNA, R = 0.93; P < 0.01), whereas receptor affinity had no significant difference (Kd of 4.66 ± 0.33 nmol/L for the cirrhosis and 3.51 ± 0.26 nmol/L for the control; P > 0.05). Consistent with the receptor binding data, the mRNA expression of PAF receptor was increased significantly in cirrhotic stellate cells. PAF in a concentration-dependent manner induced PGE2 synthesis in cirrhotic hepatic stellate cells, but the effects were blocked significantly by BN52021.CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis sensitizes hepatic stellate cells to PAF by elevating its receptor level and hepatic stellate cells maybe potential effectors of PAF induced portal hypertension.展开更多
Transcription factors, which represent an important class of proteins that play key roles in controlling cellular proliferation and cell cycle modulation, are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Previous researches...Transcription factors, which represent an important class of proteins that play key roles in controlling cellular proliferation and cell cycle modulation, are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Previous researches have shown that the expression level of activating transcription factor 5 （ATF5） was frequently increased in glioma and its acetylation level was related to glioma. The purposes of this study were to explore the methylation level of ATF5 in clinical glioma tissues and to explore the effect of ATF5 methylation on the expression of ATF5 in glioma. Methylation of the promoter region of ATF5 was assayed by bisulflte-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） sequencing analysis in 35 cases of glioma and 5 normal tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） was also performed to detect ATF5 mRNA expression in 35 cases of glioma and 5 normal tissues. Clinical data were collected from the patients and analyzed. The percentages of methylation of the ATF5 gene in the promoter region in healthy control, patients with well-differentiated glioma, and those with poorly differentiated glioma were 87.78%, 73.89%, and 47.70%, respectively. Analysis of the methylation status of the promoter region of the ATF5 gene showed a gradually de- creased methylation level in poorly differentiated glioma, well-differentiated glioma, and normal tissues （P〈0.05）. There was also a significant difference between well-differentiated glioma and poorly differentiated glioma （P〈0.05）. ATF5 mRNA expression in glioma was significantly higher than that in the normal tissues （P〈0.05）. This study provides the first evidence that the methylation level of ATF5 decreased, and its mRNA expression was evidently up-regulated in glioma.展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate the expression of B cell activation factor of the TNF family （BAFF） gene between human normal and inflamed fallopian tubes. Methods Tissue samples of human normal fallopian tube （n=20） and inflamed fallopian tube （n=20） were collected. The expression of BAFF gene was determined by the real- time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） and immunohistochemistry. Results BAFF immunostaining appeared on the cellular membrane and in the cytoplasm of tubal epithelial cells. Both BAFF protein and mRNA in normal fallopian tubes had lower levels than those in inflamed fallopian tubes （P〈0.01）. Conclusion BAFF protein and mRNA are present in human tubal tissues. BAFF gene in human inflamed fallopian tube would have a high expression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82171552 and 82170479)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Ctiy(No.21ZR1457500)the Science and Technology Bureau of Shanghai Putuo District(No.ptkwws202102).
文摘Magnolol,a compound extracted from Magnolia officinalis,demonstrates potential efficacy in addressing metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases.Its biological activities encompass anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anticoagulant,and anti-diabetic effects.Growth/differentiation factor-15(GDF-15),a member of the transforming growth factorβsuperfamily,is considered a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.This study investigated the impact of magnolol on GDF-15 production and its underlying mechanism.The research examined the pharmacological effect of magnolol on GDF-15 expression in vitro and in vivo,and determined the involvement of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress signaling in this process.Luciferase reporter assays,chromatin immunoprecipitation,and in vitro DNA binding assays were employed to examine the regulation of GDF-15 by activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),CCAAT enhancer binding proteinγ(CEBPG),and CCCTC-binding factor(CTCF).The study also investigated the effect of magnolol and ATF4 on the activity of a putative enhancer located in the intron of the GDF-15 gene,as well as the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)on magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity.Results demonstrated that magnolol triggers GDF-15 production in endothelial cells(ECs),hepatoma cell line G2(HepG2)and hepatoma cell line 3B(Hep3B)cell lines,and primary mouse hepatocytes.The cooperative binding of ATF4 and CEBPG upstream of the GDF-15 gene or the E1944285 enhancer located in the intron led to full-power transcription of the GDF-15 gene.SNP alleles were found to impact the magnolol and ATF4-induced transcription activity of GDF-15.In high-fat diet ApoE^(-/-)mice,administration of magnolol induced GDF-15 production and partially suppressed appetite through GDF-15.These findings suggest that magnolol regulates GDF-15 expression through priming of promoter and enhancer activity,indicating its potential as a drug for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
基金a grant from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital,No.CMRPG33074a grant from National Science Council,Taiwan
文摘AIM:To investigate the role of nuclear factor of activated T cell 2(NFAT2),the major NFAT protein in peripheral T cells,in sustained T cell activation and intractable inflammation in human ulcerative colitis(UC). METHODS:We used two-dimensional gel-electrophoresis, immunohistochemistry,double immunohistochemical staining,and confocal microscopy to inspect the expression of NFAT2 in 107,15,48 and 5 cases of UC, Crohn's disease(CD),non-specific colitis,and 5 healthy individuals,respectively. RESULTS:Up-regulation with profound nucleo- translocation/activation of NFAT2 of lamina propria mononuclear cells(LPMC)of colonic mucosa was found specifically in the affected colonic mucosa from patients with UC,as compared to CD or NC(P<0.001,Kruskal- Wallis test).Nucleo-translocation/activation of NFAT2 primarily occurred in CD8+T,but was less prominent in CD4+T cells or CD20+B cells.It was strongly associated with the disease activity,including endoscopic stage (τ=0.2145,P=0.0281)and histologic grade(τ=0.4167, P<0.001). CONCLUSION:We disclose for the first time the nucleo-translocation/activatin of NFAT2 in lamina propria mononuclear cells in ulcerative colitis.Activation of NFAT2 was specific for ulcerative colitis and highly associated with disease activity.Since activation of NFAT2is implicated in an auto-regulatory positive feedback loop of sustained T-cell activation and NFAT proteins play key roles in the calcium/calcineurin signaling pathways,our results not only provide new insights into the mechanism for sustained intractable inflammation,but also suggest the calcium-calcineurin/NFAT pathway as a new therapeutic target for ulcerative colitis.
基金supported by 2016JQ0054 and NSFC grants 81470711 to L.Z.National Key Research and Development Program of China 2016YFC1102700 to X.Z.
文摘There is currently no effective medical treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis(TMJ-OA) due to a limited understanding of its pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to investigate the key role of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β)signalling in the cartilage and subchondral bone of the TMJ using a temporomandibular joint disorder(TMD) rat model, an ageing mouse model and a Camurati–Engelmann disease(CED) mouse model. In the three animal models, the subchondral bone phenotypes in the mandibular condyles were evaluated by μCT, and changes in TMJ condyles were examined by TRAP staining and immunohistochemical analysis of Osterix and p-Smad2/3. Condyle degradation was confirmed by Safranin O staining, the Mankin and OARSI scoring systems and type X collagen(Col X), p-Smad2/3 a and Osterix immunohistochemical analyses. We found apparent histological phenotypes of TMJ-OA in the TMD, ageing and CED animal models, with abnormal activation of TGF-βsignalling in the condylar cartilage and subchondral bone. Moreover, inhibition of TGF-β receptor I attenuated TMJ-OA progression in the TMD models. Therefore, aberrant activation of TGF-β signalling could be a key player in TMJ-OA development.
基金Supported by Key Research and Development Program of Shandong Province,No.2021CXGC011101Special Fund for Taishan Scholars Project,No.tsqn202211324+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81900669Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China,No.ZR2018PH007the Multidisciplinary Innovation Center for Nephrology of the Second Hospital of Shandong University.
文摘BACKGROUND Glomerular endothelial cell(GENC)injury is a characteristic of early-stage diabetic nephropathy(DN),and the investigation of potential therapeutic targets for preventing GENC injury is of clinical importance.AIM To investigate the role ofβ-arrestin-2 in GENCs under DN conditions.METHODS Eight-week-old C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce DN.GENCs were transfected with plasmids containing siRNA-β-arrestin-2,shRNA-activating transcription factor 6(ATF6),pCDNA-β-arrestin-2,or pCDNA-ATF6.Additionally,adeno-associated virus(AAV)containing shRNA-β-arrestin-2 was administered via a tail vein injection in DN mice.RESULTS The upregulation ofβ-arrestin-2 was observed in patients with DN as well as in GENCs from DN mice.Knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 reduced apoptosis in high glucose-treated GENCs,which was reversed by the overexpression of ATF6.Moreover,overexpression ofβ-arrestin-2 Led to the activation of endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress and the apoptosis of GENCs which could be mitigated by silencing of ATF6.Furthermore,knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 by the administration of AAV-shRNA-β-arrestin-2 alleviated renal injury in DN mice.CONCLUSION Knockdown ofβ-arrestin-2 prevents GENC apoptosis by inhibiting ATF6-mediated ER stress in vivo and in vitro.Consequently,β-arrestin-2 may represent a promising therapeutic target for the clinical management of patients with DN.
文摘Objectives Epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）is a receptor protein tyrosine kinase and plays a critical role in the development and function of the heart.Previous studies have demonstrated that EGFR is involved in regulating electrical excitability of the heart.The present study was designed to investigate whether EGFR activation would mediate myocardial arrhythmias induced by ischemia/reperfu- sion in anaesthetized rats.Methods and results Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias were induced by 10 min ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery,followed by a 30 min reperfusion in anaesthetized rats.Incidence and severity of cardiac arrhythmias were significantly reduced by pretreatment with the EGFR kinase inhibitor AG556.Phosphorylation level of myocardial EGFR was increased during ischemia and at early reperfusion.Intramyocardial transfection of EGFR siRNA reduced EGFR mRNA and protein,and decreased the incidence of ventricular fibrillation induced by reperfusion.Interestingly,tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> channel(I<sub>Na</sub>) and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel(I<sub>Ca.l</sub>) were significantly increased at corresponding time points to the alteration of phosphorylated EGFR level during reperfusion.AG556 pretreatment countered the increased tyrosine phosphorylation level of Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels induced by reperfusion.No significant alteration was observed in tyrosine phosphorylation levels of cardiac Kv4.2 and Kir2.1 channels during the cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Conclusions These results demonstrate for the first time that EGFR plays an important role in the genesis of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion arrhythmias,which is likely mediated at least in part by enhancing tyrosine phosphorylation of cardiac Na<sup>+</sup> and L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels.
基金Supported by Xi’an Science and Technology Plan Project,No.23YXYJ0162Shaanxi Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Research and Innovation Talent Plan Project,No.TZKN-CXRC-16+2 种基金Project of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,No.SZYKJCYC-2025-JC-010Shaanxi Province Key Research and Development Plan Project-Social Development Field,No.S2025-YF-YBSF-0391the Science and Technology Innovation Cultivation Program of Longhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine,No.YD202220。
文摘BACKGROUND Excessive endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress in intestinal epithelial cells can lead to damage to the intestinal mucosal barrier,activate the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway,and exacerbate the inflammatory response,thus participating in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis(UC).Mesalazine is a commonly used drug in the clinical treatment of UC.However,further studies are needed to determine whether mesalazine regulates the ER stress of intestinal epithelial cells,downregulates the STAT3/NF-κB pathway to play a role in the treatment of UC.AIM To study the therapeutic effects of mesalazine on spontaneous colitis in interleukin-10(IL-10)-/-mice.METHODS The 24-week-old IL-10-/-mice with spontaneous colitis were divided into the model group and the 5-amino salicylic acid group.Littermates of wild-type mice of the same age group served as the control.There were eight mice in each group,four males and four females.The severity of symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10-/-mice was assessed using disease activity index scores.On day 15,the mice were sacrificed.The colon length was measured,and the histopathological changes and ultrastructure of colonic epithelial cells were detected.The protein expressions of STAT3,p-STAT3,NF-κB,IκB,p-IκB,and glucoseregulated protein 78 were identified using Western blotting.The STAT3 and NF-κB mRNA expressions were identified using real-time polymerase chain reaction.The glucose-regulated protein 78 and C/EBP homologous protein expressions in colon sections were detected using immunofluorescence.RESULTS Mesalazine reduced the symptoms of spontaneous colitis in IL-10 knockout mice and the histopathological damage of colonic tissues,and alleviated the ER stress in epithelial cells of colitis mice.Western blotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results showed that the STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the colon tissue of model mice was activated,suggesting that this pathway was involved in the pathogenesis of UC and might become a potential therapeutic target.Mesalazine could down-regulate the protein expressions of p-STAT3,NF-κB and p-IκB,and down-regulate the mRNA expression of STAT3 and NF-κB.CONCLUSION Mesalazine may play a protective role in UC by reducing ER stress by regulating the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway.
基金Supported by Jinhua Municipal Science and Technology Bureau,No.2022-4-254.
文摘BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer,characterized by aggressive proliferation and metastasis,is a lethal malignancy.The nightly hormone melatonin serves as a rhythm-regulating hormone,and is used to treat different cancers including pancreatic cancer.AIM To investigate how melatonin acts against human pancreatic cancer cell lines and analyze the biological processes that cause the observed effects.METHODS Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells were treated with melatonin.Cell viability was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay.Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to analyze protein expression levels.Ferroptosis was measured by analyzing lipid reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels;apoptosis was assessed using flow cytometry.RESULTS Melatonin significantly inhibited the viability,colony formation,migration,and invasion of Panc-1 and AsPC-1 cells.Additionally,melatonin activated the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)stress pathway(protein kinase R-like ER kinase eukaryotic initiation factor 2α-activating transcription factor 4),inhibited glutamine metabolism(alanine-serinecysteine transporter 2-glutaminase 1-glutathione peroxidase 4,alanine-serine-cysteine transporter 2-glutathione peroxidase 4),and promoted ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Co-treatment with a high melatonin concentration and protein kinase R-like ER kinase agonist(CCT020312)enhanced melatonin-induced ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.Melatonin demonstrated a variety of anticancer effects by inhibiting autophagy.This was achieved through the increased expression of sequestosome-1 and decreased expression of light chain 3.Additionally,melatonin facilitated the promotion of apoptosis.CONCLUSION Melatonin induces ferroptosis in pancreatic cancer cells by activating transcription factor 4-dependent ER stress and inhibiting glutamine metabolism,promotes apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells,and inhibits autophagy,leading to synergistic anticancer effects.
基金funded by the“Xinlin Young Talent Program”from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and the Skate Key Laboratory of Drug Research(No.SIMMI1803KF-11).
文摘Objectives:An allergy is an exaggerated immune response,and mast cells play central roles in allergic pathologies.Allyl isothiocyanate can suppress inflammatory responses;however,whether allyl isothiocyanate has a suppressive effect on allergic pathologies remains unclear.Methods:2,4-dinitrofluorobenzen or ovalbumin was used to establish a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis or food allergy,respectively.The mRNA level of cytokines was determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction.To examine the effects of allyl isothiocyanate on mast cells,degranulation and intracellular calcium measurement,RNA sequencing,real-time polymerase chain reaction,and Western blotting were performed.Results:Allyl isothiocyanate ameliorated allergic contact dermatitis and food allergy.Allyl isothiocyanate decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines and degranulated mast cells in the allergic contact dermatitis model.Furthermore,allyl isothiocyanate decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines and the mast cell marker mMCP-1 in the food allergy model.Moreover,allyl isothiocyanate inhibited immunoglobulin E/antigeninduced β-hexosaminidase release in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells and RBL-2H3 cells.Allyl isothiocyanate also decreased the increase in intracellular calcium levels induced by immunoglobulin E/antigen in mast cells.In addition,allyl isothiocyanate suppressed calcium ionophore A23187-induced mast cell degranulation.Furthermore,allyl isothiocyanate reduced A23187 or compound 48/80-induced human mast cells degranulation.RNA-sequencing data revealed that immunoglobulin E/antigen induced the expression of activating transcription factor 3 in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells;however,allyl isothiocyanate downregulated activating transcription factor 3 levels.Additionally,allyl isothiocyanate inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins.Conclusions:The results of the present study showed that allyl isothiocyanate ameliorated allergic contactdermatitis and foodallergy via inhibition of mast cells.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32471186 and 31771318)the 14th Five-Year-Plan Advantageous and Characteristic Disciplines(Groups)of Colleges and Universities in Hubei Province for Exercise and Brain Science+1 种基金as well as the Leading Talent Program and Innovative Start-up Foundation from Wuhan Sports University to Ning Chensupported by the Hubei Natural Science Foundation(2022CFB929)and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023M732727)to Tong Wu.
文摘It is well known that appropriate aerobic exercise can effectively alleviate fatty liver and enhance brain function.The concept of multi-organ crosstalk coordinating disease progression has become the current research hot topic.However,there remains an urgent need to elucidate its specific mechanisms.This study aimed to explore the impact of a high-fat diet(HFD)on liver health and cognitive function,and to further uncover the regulatory effect of aerobic exercise by liver-specific activating transcription factor 3(Atf3)knockout(ATF3cKO)mice in a“liver-brain”axis mode.The 5-week-old C57BL/6 and ATF3cKO mice were fed with HFD for 32 weeks,and sequentially subjected to aerobic exercise intervention at the 20th week for another 12 consecutive weeks.Meanwhile,C57BL/6 mice were provided with a normal diet as the control group.The functional parameters of liver and brain of all mice were assessed.Cognitive capacity of all mice was assessed by the Morris water maze(MWM).Inflammatory factors in the serum and brain of mice were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA),and the expression of inflammasomes was detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).Additionally,the activation of nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)and phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)signal pathways was analyzed by Western blotting.In this study,HFD impaired hepatic and brain functions,while aerobic exercise and liver-specific Atf3 knockout suppressed inflammatory factors in the peripheral circulation through hepatoprotective mechanisms,thereby attenuating cerebral inflammation and preserving neurological integrity,as well as mitigating HFD-induced cognitive decline.
基金supported by the Jiangsu Provincial Medical Key Discipline(Laboratory)Cultivation Unit(JSDW202249)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20211108)+4 种基金a Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Nantong(MS2023035)Nantong Natural Science Foundation(JC2023114)the Scientific Research Innovation Team of Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University(KD2022KYCXTD005)Nantong University Clinical Medicine Special Project(2022JY005)the Postgraduate Research&Practice Innovation Program of Jiangsu province(KYCX23_3416).
文摘Microglial pyroptosis and neuroinflammation have been implicated in the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy(SAE).OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation is involved in neurodevelopment and injury.However,its regulatory function in microglial pyroptosis and involvement in SAE remains unclear.In this study,we demonstrated that OGT deficiency augmented microglial pyroptosis and exacerbated secondary neuronal injury.Furthermore,OGT inhibition impaired cognitive function in healthy mice and accelerated the progression in SAE mice.Mechanistically,OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation of ATF2 at Ser44 inhibited its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation,thereby amplifying NLRP3 inflammasome activation and promoting inflammatory cytokine production in microglia in response to LPS/Nigericin stimulation.In conclusion,this study uncovers the critical role of OGT-mediated O-GlcNAcylation in modulating microglial activity through the regulation of ATF2 and thus protects against SAE progression.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30300465
文摘AIM:To investigate the dynamic changes and significance of platelet activating factor receptor (PAF-R) mRNA and protein in pancreatic tissues of rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and effects of BN52021 (Ginkgolide B). METHODS:Wistar male rats were randomly assigned to the negative control group (NC group),SAP model group (SAP group),and BN52051-remedy group (BN group),and each of the groups was divided into 6 subgroups at different time points after operation (1 h,2 h,3 h,6 h,12 h,and 24 h) (n=10 in each). PT-PCR and Western blot methods were used to detect PAF-RmRNA and protein expression in pancreatic tissues of rats respectively. Pathological examination of pancreatic tissues was performed and the serum amylase change was detected. RESULTS:Serum amylase and pathological results showed the that SAP model was successfully prepared,BN52021 was able to decrease serum amylase,and the pathological ratings in BN group at 3 h,6 h,and 12 h significantly decreased compared with those in the SAP group (8.85 ± 0.39 vs 5.95 ± 0.19,9.15 ± 0.55 vs 5.55 ± 0.36,10.10 ± 0.65 vs 6.72 ± 0.30,P < 0.05). The result of PAF-mRNA showed dynamic changes in SAP and BN groups,which increased gradually in early stage,reached a peak at 3 h (0.71 ± 0.14 vs 0.54 ± 0.14,0.69 ± 0.13 vs 0.59 ± 0.04,P < 0.05),and decreased gradually later. There were significant differences at each time point except 1 h and 2 h,when compared with those in the NC group (0.71 ± 0.14 or 0.69 ± 0.13 vs 0.47 ± 0.10,0.38 ± 0.08 or 0.59 ± 0.04 vs 0.47 ± 0.09,0.25 ± 0.07 or 0.29 ± 0.05 vs 0.46 ± 0.10,0.20 ± 0.06 or 0.20± 0.04 vs 0.43 ± 0.09,P < 0.05),whereas there was no significant difference between BN and SAP groups at each time point. The result of PAF-R protein showed that the change of PAF-R protein in the SAP group and the BN group was consistent with that of PAF-R mRNA. There were significant differences at each time point except 1 h,when compared with those in the NC group (0.90 ± 0.02 or 0.80 ± 0.05 vs 0.48 ± 0.02,1.69 ± 0.06 or 1.58 ± 0.02 vs 0.48 ± 0.03,1.12 ± 0.10 or 0.98 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.09,1.04 ± 0.14 or 0.87 ± 0.02 vs 0.52 ± 0.08,0.97 ± 0.16 or 0.90 ± 0.05 vs 0.49 ± 0.10,P < 0.05),whereas there was no significant difference between the BN group and the SAP group. CONCLUSION:PAF-R plays an important role in occurrence and development of SAP. BN52021 exerts biological effects through competitively inhibiting the binding of increased both PAF and PAF-R expression rather than through decreasing PAF-R expression in pancreatic tissues.
文摘AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.
文摘To explore the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) on platelet activating factor (PAF) content in arterial blood pre- and post-arterial thrombosis in rats, male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, the medicine group treated with BHD, the control group with dexamethasone liquid, and the blank group with distilled water. Oral administration was given for 14 consecutive days, once daily. Model of arterial thrombosis was established in the animals 2 hours after final medication, the blood content of PAF, dry weight (DW) and occlusion time (OT) of thrombus, and dry weight of thrombus/body weight (TW/BW) ratio were observed. Results indicated that BHD could markedly lower the arterial blood content of PAF after thrombosis, increase the OT of thrombus, reduce the dry weight of thrombus and the TW/BW ratio (P
基金Supported by the Key Scientific and Technological Research Foundation of the National 863 Program,No.2003AA208106Medical Outstandard Foundation of Army,No.04J020
文摘AIM： To evaluate the changes in hepatic platelet activating factor （PAF） and its receptors and their effect on portal pressure of cirrhotic rats induced by CCh. METHODS： A model of liver cirrhosis was replicated in rats by intra-peritoneal injection of CCh for 8 wk. We determined the effect of hepatic PAF and its receptor level on portal and arterial pressure by EIA, saturation binding and RT-PCR technique. RESULTS： Compared to control rats, cirrhotic rats had higher hepatic PAF levels and output as well as higher plasma PAF levels （P〈0.01, P〈0.01, P〈0.05, respectively）. Both hepatic PAF receptor mRNA levels and PAF binding were nearly 3-fold greater in cirrhotic rats （P〈0.01）. Portal injection of PAF （1 g/kg WT） increased the portal pressure by 22% and 33% in control and cirrhotic rats, respectively. In contrast, the arterial pressure was decreased in the both groups （54% in control rats and 42% in cirrhotic rats）. Injection of the PAF antagonist BN52021 （5 mg/kg WT） decreased the portal pressure by 16% in cirrhotic rats but had no effect in the control rats. CONCLUSION： The upregulation of the PAF system contributes to hepatic hemodynamic and metabolic abnormalities in drrhosis, and the increased release of PAF into the circulation has impacts on the systemic hemodynamics.
基金the Major Science and Technology Research Fund of the National 863 Program, No. 2003AA208106the Fund for Outstanding Medical Scientists of PLA, No. 04J020
文摘AIM:To determine the platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis and its receptor expression in Kupffer cells in rat carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis. METHODS:Kupffer cells, isolated from the livers of control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats, were placed in serum-free medium overnight. PAF saturation binding, ET-1 saturation and competition binding were assayed. ET-1 induced PAF synthesis, mRNA expression of PAF, preproendothelin-1, endothelin A (ETA) and endothelin B (ETB) receptors were also determined. RESULTS:A two-fold increase of PAF synthesis (1.42 ± 0.14 vs 0.66 ± 0.04 pg/μg DNA) and a 1.48-fold increase of membrane-bound PAF (1.02 ± 0.06 vs 0.69 ± 0.07 pg/μg DNA) were observed in activated Kupffer cells of cirrhotic rats. The application of ET-1 to Kupffer cells induced PAF synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner in both cirrhotic and normal rats via ETB receptor, but PAF synthesis in the activated Kupffer cells was more effective than that in the normal Kupffer cells. In activated Kupffer cells, PAF receptor expression and PAF binding capacity were markedly enhanced. Activated Kupffer cells raised the [125I]-ET-1 binding capacity, but changed neither the affinity of the receptors, nor the expression of ETA receptor. CONCLUSION:Kupffer cells in the course of CCl4-induced cirrhosis are the main source of increased PAF. ET-1 is involved endogenously in stimulating the PAF synthesis in activated Kupffer cells via ETB receptor by paracrine. ETA receptor did not appear in activated Kupffer cells, which may exacerbate the hepatic and extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis.
文摘Objective The mechanism through which platelet activating factor （PAF） induces cardiac electrical activity and arrhythmia is not well understood and previous studies have suggested a potential involvement of ion channels in its action. The present study was aimed to clarify the role of PAF in fatal arrhythmias following acute myocardia infarction （AMI） and the underlying mechanism. Methods （1） Blood PAF levels were measured among 72 AMI patients at the time of diagnosis with AMI and 48 h later, and their electrocardiogram （ECG） was recorded continuously. （2） Ischemia simulation and surface electrocardiogram were conducted in 20 pigs and their PAF levels were measured. （3） PAF perfusion and standard microelectrode recording were performed on guinea pig papillarymuscles. Results In both humans and pigs, elevated PAF levels were detected in AMI and simulated ischemia, respectively, and even higher PAF levels were found when fatal arrhythmias occurred. In guinea pig myocardium, PAF induced a shortening of action potential duration at 90% level of repolarization （APD 90 ）under non-ischemic conditions and a more pronounced shortening under early simulated ischemic conditions. Conclusion AMI and ischemia are associated with increased PAF levels in humans and pigs, which are further raised when fatal arrhythmia follows. The effects of PAF on the myocardium may be mediated by multiple ion channels.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No. 30271450the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,No. 300466
文摘AIM： To provide the expression profile of serine protease SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 （HAI-1） in normal and malignant tissues of gastrointestinal tract at mRNA level for further study on their correlations with tumor progression and metastasis. METHODS： Total RNAs were prepared from 37 samples of colorectal cancer tissues, 40 samples of gastric cancer tissues, and their adjacent normal tissues. The expression of SNC19/matriptase and HAI-1 in these samples was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR using glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as internal standard, and the clinical significance for the correlation with clinicopathological parameters was evaluated. RESULTS： In gastric cancer tissues the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was significantly lower than that in the corresponding adjacent normal tissues （Z = -3.280, P= 0.006; Z= -4.651, P= 0.000）. HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference between normal and malignant tissues （P〉0.05）. Analysis of clinicopathological parameters showed decreased expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/ matriptase ratio associated with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ gastric tumors as compared to stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ ones （Z= -2.140, P= 0.031; Z = -2.155, P = 0.031）, and with lymph node-positive gastric cancer tissues as compared to lymph node-negative ones （Z = -2.081, P = 0.036; Z= -2.686, P = 0.006）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase had no relationship with stages and lymph node metastasis （P〉0.05）. The expression of HAI-1 and HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio increased in well-differentiated gastric cancer tissues, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression was not significant in gastric cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. In colorectal cancer tissues, the expression of HAI-1 and SNC19/matriptase was also markedly lower than that in their adjacent normal tissues （Z= -3.100, P = 0.002; Z= -2.731, P = 0.006）, whereas HAI-1：SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference. Decreased expression of HAI-1 was associated with increased invasive depth and lymph node metastasis, but there was no statistical significance （P〉0.05）. The difference of SNC19/matriptase expression and HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio was not significant in different stages and different lymph node metastasis status （P〉0.05）. The expression of SNC19/matriptase, HAI-1 or HAI-1： SNC19/matriptase ratio showed no difference in colorectal cancer tissues of different histological differentiation status （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： The expressions of SNC19/matriptase and its inhibitor HAI-1 are decreased in gastrointestinal cancer tissues compared to their normal counterparts, and the decreased expression of HAI-1 may correlate with invasion and lymph node metastasis. The possible mechanisms involved need to be further investigated.
基金The Key Scientific and Technological ResearchFoundation of the National 863 Program, No. 2003AA208106Medical Outstandard Foundation of Army, No. 04J020
文摘AIM: To determine platelet activating factor (PAF) receptor expression in cirrhotic hepatic stellate cells.METHODS: Hepatic stellate cells, isolated from the livers of control and CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats, were placed in serum-free medium after overnight culture. We determined the PAF receptor in hepatic stellate cells by saturation binding technique and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the effects of PAF and its antagonist BN52021 on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release by stellate cells.RESULTS: Scatchard analysis indicated the presence of PAF receptor with dissociation constant (Kd) of 4.66 nmol/L and maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of 24.65 fmol/μg in cirrhotic stellate cells. Compared with the control, the maximum PAF binding capacity increased significantly (Bmax: 24.65 ± 1.96 fmol/μg. DNA, R = 0.982 vs 5.74 ± 1.55 fmol/μg. DNA, R = 0.93; P < 0.01), whereas receptor affinity had no significant difference (Kd of 4.66 ± 0.33 nmol/L for the cirrhosis and 3.51 ± 0.26 nmol/L for the control; P > 0.05). Consistent with the receptor binding data, the mRNA expression of PAF receptor was increased significantly in cirrhotic stellate cells. PAF in a concentration-dependent manner induced PGE2 synthesis in cirrhotic hepatic stellate cells, but the effects were blocked significantly by BN52021.CONCLUSION: Cirrhosis sensitizes hepatic stellate cells to PAF by elevating its receptor level and hepatic stellate cells maybe potential effectors of PAF induced portal hypertension.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation(Nos.81471958 and 31401258)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2012BM006),China
文摘Transcription factors, which represent an important class of proteins that play key roles in controlling cellular proliferation and cell cycle modulation, are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Previous researches have shown that the expression level of activating transcription factor 5 （ATF5） was frequently increased in glioma and its acetylation level was related to glioma. The purposes of this study were to explore the methylation level of ATF5 in clinical glioma tissues and to explore the effect of ATF5 methylation on the expression of ATF5 in glioma. Methylation of the promoter region of ATF5 was assayed by bisulflte-specific polymerase chain reaction （PCR） sequencing analysis in 35 cases of glioma and 5 normal tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） was also performed to detect ATF5 mRNA expression in 35 cases of glioma and 5 normal tissues. Clinical data were collected from the patients and analyzed. The percentages of methylation of the ATF5 gene in the promoter region in healthy control, patients with well-differentiated glioma, and those with poorly differentiated glioma were 87.78%, 73.89%, and 47.70%, respectively. Analysis of the methylation status of the promoter region of the ATF5 gene showed a gradually de- creased methylation level in poorly differentiated glioma, well-differentiated glioma, and normal tissues （P〈0.05）. There was also a significant difference between well-differentiated glioma and poorly differentiated glioma （P〈0.05）. ATF5 mRNA expression in glioma was significantly higher than that in the normal tissues （P〈0.05）. This study provides the first evidence that the methylation level of ATF5 decreased, and its mRNA expression was evidently up-regulated in glioma.
