Adult neurogenesis continuously produces new neurons critical for cognitive plasticity in adult rodents.While it is known transforming growth factor-βsignaling is important in embryonic neurogenesis,its role in postn...Adult neurogenesis continuously produces new neurons critical for cognitive plasticity in adult rodents.While it is known transforming growth factor-βsignaling is important in embryonic neurogenesis,its role in postnatal neurogenesis remains unclear.In this study,to define the precise role of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in postnatal neurogenesis at distinct stages of the neurogenic cascade both in vitro and in vivo,we developed two novel inducible and cell type-specific mouse models to specifically silence transforming growth factor-βsignaling in neural stem cells in(mGFAPcre-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9)or immature neuroblasts in(DCXcreERT2-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9).Our data showed that exogenous transforming growth factor-βtreatment led to inhibition of the proliferation of primary neural stem cells while stimulating their migration.These effects were abolished in activin-like kinase 5(ALK5)knockout primary neural stem cells.Consistent with this,inhibition of transforming growth factor-βsignaling with SB-431542 in wild-type neural stem cells stimulated proliferation while inhibited the migration of neural stem cells.Interestingly,deletion of transforming growth factor-βreceptor in neural stem cells in vivo inhibited the migration of postnatal born neurons in mGFAPcre-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9 mice,while abolishment of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in immature neuroblasts in DCXcreERT2-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9 mice did not affect the migration of these cells in the hippocampus.In summary,our data supports a dual role of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells in vitro.Moreover,our data provides novel insights on cell type-specific-dependent requirements of transforming growth factor-βsignaling on neural stem cell proliferation and migration in vivo.展开更多
Sarcopenia in the elderly is a syndrome characterized by age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, decline in muscle strength, and deterioration of muscle function. Its high incidence significantly increases the ri...Sarcopenia in the elderly is a syndrome characterized by age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, decline in muscle strength, and deterioration of muscle function. Its high incidence significantly increases the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality among the elderly, posing a global public health challenge for geriatric health. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key cytokine regulating muscle growth, repair, and metabolism, exhibits a progressive decline in serum levels with aging and is closely associated with the onset and progression of sarcopenia in the elderly. This study reviews the research progress of IGF-1 in the diagnosis and efficacy prediction of sarcopenia in the elderly, providing theoretical references for precise diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of sarcopenia in the elderly.展开更多
The prognosis for patients who experience intracerebral hemorrhage is poor because of a lack of effective treatments.Tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6(TSG6)is a secreted glycoprotein that exerts anti-inflamma...The prognosis for patients who experience intracerebral hemorrhage is poor because of a lack of effective treatments.Tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6(TSG6)is a secreted glycoprotein that exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases.We previously showed that adipose-derived stem cells can inhibit inflammation by upregulating TSG6 secretion in an in vitro model of intracerebral hemorrhage.However,the direct effects of TSG6 on hematoma clearance in vivo remain largely unknown.The aim of this study was to determine how TSG6 affects hematoma absorption in mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms.We first analyzed the gene profiles of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from the GEO database and examined changes in TSG6 expression in the brain tissues of mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage.We found that TSG6 expression exhibited a transient increase following intracerebral hemorrhage,and that there was a negative correlation between the initial hematoma volume and TSG6 levels.Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TSG6 was primarily expressed in microglia and macrophages.Furthermore,we found that TSG6 promoted functional recovery in mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage by accelerating hematoma clearance,reducing the number of apoptotic cells and degenerated neurons,increasing the proportion of phagocytic microglia/macrophages,and decreasing iron deposition.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that TSG6 promoted M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages.In vitro phagocytosis experiments confirmed that TSG6 enhanced the ability of microglia to phagocytize red blood cells.Finally,we identified the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6/growth arrest-specific protein 6 signaling pathway as playing a critical role in TSG6-mediated hematoma absorption.In summary,our results demonstrate an essential role for TSG6 in promoting hematoma absorption in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that TSG6 accelerates hematoma clearance and improves neurological function by promoting microglia/macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype,activating the STAT6/GAS6 signaling pathway,and increasing phagocytic receptor expression on the surface of phagocytes,thereby enhancing their ability to phagocytize red blood cells.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
Objective MicroRNA-1(miR-1)aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion(I/R)injury,whereas insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)maintains cardiomyocyte homeostasis.In this study,the aim is to investigate whether miR-1 ca...Objective MicroRNA-1(miR-1)aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion(I/R)injury,whereas insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)maintains cardiomyocyte homeostasis.In this study,the aim is to investigate whether miR-1 can exacerbate I/R injury through the regulation of IGF-1.Methods The infarct area,lactate dehydrogenase,miR-1 level,and apoptosis level were examined in the Langendorff isolated rat I/R model.The hypoxia–reoxygenation model of rat cardiacmyocytes and H9c2 cells were developed to determine the levels of miR-1,IGF-1 mRNA,and IGF-1 protein.Furthermore,the dual-luciferase assay was used to verify the relationship between miR-1 and IGF-1.Results Overexpression of miR-1 increased the level of apoptosis and decreased the IGF-1 expression.However,inhibition of miR-1 expression decreased the level of apoptosis,alleviated the degree of injury,and increased the IGF-1 expression.Overexpression of IGF-1 also reduced the degree of cellular damage and level of apoptosis caused by the overexpression of miR-1.When IGF-1 was knocked down,myocardial cells displayed more severe damage and a higher apoptosis level,even with decreased levels of miR-1.Conclusion miR-1 promotes apoptosis and aggravates I/R injury by downregulating IGF-1.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)plays a crucial role in the prognosis of breast cancer,but the current evidence remains inconclusive.AIM To provide comprehensive evidence about the correlation of alter...BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)plays a crucial role in the prognosis of breast cancer,but the current evidence remains inconclusive.AIM To provide comprehensive evidence about the correlation of altered HIF-1αexpression with overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)in breast cancer patients.METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases to collect relevant articles that were published before April 8,2024.A meta-analysis was used to assess the impact of altered HIF-1αexpression on the OS and DFS of breast cancer patients.Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed in this meta-analysis.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 40 studies.The average percentage of breast cancer patients with high HIF-1αexpression was 39.6%.The overall meta-analysis results demonstrated that high HIF-1αexpression is strongly linked to poor outcomes in patients of breast cancer.Compared with low HIF-1αexpression,the overall hazard ratio for OS in patients with high HIF-1αexpression was 1.47[95%confidence interval(CI):1.29-1.69],and the overall hazard ratio for DFS was 1.82(95%CI:1.56-2.12).Furthermore,both OS[1.18(95%CI:1.01-1.38)]and DFS[1.79(95%CI:1.03-3.11)]were markedly shorter in triple-negative breast cancer cases with high HIF-1αexpression.Subgroup analysis revealed that the antibody used to detect HIF-1αexpression affected only the correlation linking HIF-1αexpression to DFS in breast cancer patients(P=0.0004).Furthermore,the sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the overall conclusions of the meta-analysis were unaffected by the removal of individual studies.CONCLUSION Compared to patients with low HIF-1αexpression,those with high expression level had shorter OS and DFS.However,the prognostic significance of high HIF-1αexpression varies across molecularly stratified breast cancer cohorts needs to be further elucidated.展开更多
BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)has been implicated in the development of diabetes following chronic pancreatitis.However,its role in abnormal glucose metabolism(AGM)after acute pancreatitis(AP)and post-pan...BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)has been implicated in the development of diabetes following chronic pancreatitis.However,its role in abnormal glucose metabolism(AGM)after acute pancreatitis(AP)and post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of TNF-αin AP-associated AGM and its effects on isletβ-cell apoptosis,focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS Clinical data were collected to assess AGM’s incidence and identify the characteristics in 369 AP patients.In vitro,AP models were established using lipopolysaccharide in 266-6 acinar cells and MIN-6β-cells.Cell proliferation,apoptosis,and protein expression were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay,and western blotting.The TNF-αand insulin concentration in co-culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.In vivo,an AP mouse model was induced using sodium taurocholate,and pancreatic tissues were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin staining,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling,and western blotting.TNF-αlevels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.A TNF-αinhibitor was applied to the AP cell model to reassess apoptosis and protein expression.RESULTS AGM occurred in 40.38%of AP patients.Body mass index,severity grade,recurrence frequency,and lung injury were significantly associated with AGM.AP models in 266-6 and MIN-6 cells showed reducedβ-cell proliferation,insulin secretion,and increased apoptosis,which correlated with inflammation severity.Similar findings ofβ-cell apoptosis were confirmed in the mouse model.TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated in AP models,with higher levels in severe inflammation.Increased Bax and caspase-3 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression were observed in both in vitro and in vivo models.These changes intensified with increasing inflammation.TNF-αinhibition reduced apoptosis and altered protein expression patterns,decreasing Bax and caspase-3,while increasing Bcl-2 in MIN-6 cells.CONCLUSION TNF-αcontributes toβ-cell apoptosis and AGM in AP through the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 signaling pathway,suggesting TNF-αas a potential therapeutic target for preventing AP-associated AGM.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hypoxia in oral cancer promotes tumoral invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition,leading to aggressive tumor progression.AIM To characterize the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(...BACKGROUND Hypoxia in oral cancer promotes tumoral invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition,leading to aggressive tumor progression.AIM To characterize the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(HIF-1α)at the invasive tumor front(ITF)in comparison to tumor islands(TI)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)and to explore its relationship with E-cadherin and Vimentin expression.METHODS Thirty-eight cases of OSCC and five cases of normal oral mucosa(NOM)were included in this study.The ITF was identified based on the region and immune expression of AE1/AE3.Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of HIF-1α,Vimentin,and E-cadherin.The immunostaining was analyzed using an immunoreactive score,and the results were illustrated using immunofluorescence.RESULTS HIF-1αexpression was significantly higher in the TI region compared to the ITF region(P=0.0134).Additionally,a significant difference was observed between TI and NOM(P=0.0115).In the ITF regions,HIF-1αexpression showed a significant correlation with Vimentin expression,with higher levels of HIF-1αassociated with increased Vimentin expression(P=0.017).CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study,HIF-1αappears to play a distinct role in OSCC tumor progression,underscoring the importance of exploring hypoxia-driven changes in cellular phenotype at the ITF of OSCC.Further research is needed to better understand their impact on OSCC prognosis.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Shenhua tablet(肾华片,SHT)on renal macrophage polarization and renal injury in mice with diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and to explore the potential mechanism involving the hypoxia-...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Shenhua tablet(肾华片,SHT)on renal macrophage polarization and renal injury in mice with diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and to explore the potential mechanism involving the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)signaling pathway,along with the glycolysis metabolism pathway.METHODS:The animals were divided into the following groups:Model,Control,dapagliflozin,SHT low-dose,SHT medium-dose,and SHT high-dose.We assessed 24-hour urine protein(24 h-UTP)levels,urinary albuminto-creatinine ratio,and regularly monitored fasting blood glucose during the treatment period.After treatment,we examined renal tissue structure,renal function(urea nitrogen,uric acid,creatinine,cystatin C,β2-microglobulin),and glycolysis in renal macrophages.Additionally,we observed macrophage polarization in renal tissue and measured inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1)to assess the immunoinflammatory status of the renal tissue.Finally,we investigated the expression of the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway in macrophages to explore its role in the glycolysis process.RESULTS:SHT shows a beneficial effect in treating DKD by reducing 24 h-UTP,regulating blood glucose levels,improving renal tissue structure,protecting renal function,inhibiting macrophage glycolysis,reducing macrophage transformation to the M1 state,and suppressing the expression of the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION:SHT may exert renoprotective effects by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis via the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway.This inhibition decreases macrophage M1 polarization and reduces immunoinflammatory injury in the renal tissue of DKD mice.展开更多
Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a progressive disease marked by degeneration of the lung’s blood vessels.As the disease progresses,the resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary arteries increases,putting a str...Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a progressive disease marked by degeneration of the lung’s blood vessels.As the disease progresses,the resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary arteries increases,putting a strain on the right side of the heart as it pumps blood through the lungs.PAH is characterized by changes in the structure of blood vessels and excessive cell growth.Untreated PAH leads to irreversible right-sided heart failure,often despite medical intervention.Patients experience a gradual decline in function until they are unable to perform daily activities.Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for many PAH patients.Currently approved therapies target the prostacyclin,endothelin,nitric oxide,or phosphodiesterase pathways to slow the progression of the disease.To address the unmet need for effective PAH therapies,research efforts are focused on identifying new targets and developing therapies that specifically address the underlying disease mechanisms and restore vascular wall homeostasis.Among these,sotatercept,a fusion protein that targets the transforming growth factor-βsuperfamily signaling pathway,has emerged as a promising therapeutic option.In this review,we examine the available evidence from clinical trials to assess the potential of sotatercept as a treatment for PAH.展开更多
BACKGROUND Pathological calcification is a common feature of many diseases.Calcifying nanoparticles(CNPs)are considered potential inducers of this abnormal calcification,but their specific effects on bone marrow mesen...BACKGROUND Pathological calcification is a common feature of many diseases.Calcifying nanoparticles(CNPs)are considered potential inducers of this abnormal calcification,but their specific effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)remain unclear.BMSCs are key cells in bone formation and repair,and their aberrant apoptosis and calcification are closely related to disease progression.AIM To explore whether CNPs can induce apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs and analyzed the relationship between these processes.The differential effects of CNPs and nanoscale hydroxyapatites(nHAPs)in inducing apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs were also compared.METHODS CNPs obtained in the early stage were identified by electron microscopy and particle size analysis.BMSCs were cultured with various treatments,including different concentrations of nHAPs,CNPs[2 McFarland(MCF)turbidity,4 MCF,6 MCF],and a transforming growth factor(TGF)-βinhibitor(SB431542)for 72 hours.The isolated CNPs exhibited the expected sizes and shapes.RESULTS Exposure to CNPs and nHAPs suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner,with CNPs exhibiting significantly stronger effects.Alizarin Red staining indicated an increase in calcium deposition with exposure to increasing concentrations of nHAPs and CNPs.Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results indicated that medium concentrations of nHAPs and CNPs significantly enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-calcification markers,whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was reduced compared with untreated controls.Western blotting results showed that medium concentrations of CNPs and nHAPs increased the expression of osteopontin,bone morphogenetic protein-2,TGF-β/Smad,Bax,and caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression compared with controls.CONCLUSION CNPs and nHAPs induced apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs,with CNPs being the most potent.Additionally,the TGF-βinhibitor SB431542 significantly reduced the occurrence of apoptosis and calcification.A correlation was found between apoptosis and calcification,which is likely mediated through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.展开更多
BACKGROUND Krüppel-like factor-5(KLF5)is a zinc-finger transcription factor related to tumor progression.However,the relationship between KLF5 and lung cancer remains to be identified.AIM To investigate the clini...BACKGROUND Krüppel-like factor-5(KLF5)is a zinc-finger transcription factor related to tumor progression.However,the relationship between KLF5 and lung cancer remains to be identified.AIM To investigate the clinical value of KLF5 and interference with KLF5 mRNA transcription on the effects of biological behaviors in lung squamous-cell carcinoma(LUSC).METHODS Lung KLF5 mRNA data were extracted from bioinformatics databases.Blood and tissues from a cohort of patients with benign or malignant lung diseases were collected with ethical committee consent to validate KLF5 expression via multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry,Western blot,Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay or quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Furthermore,KLF5 mRNA was silenced in lung A549 cells to validate biological behaviors in vitro and nude mouse xenograft growth in vivo,respectively.RESULTS A cohort of bioinformatics databases revealed high KLF5 mRNA expression in LUSC(P<0.001)but lower KLF5 mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma.Upregulated KLF5 in the lung or sera of patients with lung cancer(P<0.001)were confirmed that related to poor differentiation,lymph node or distant metastasis.Furthermore,the incidence of KLF5 levels greater than 500 ng/mL in LUSC patients was 86.7%,which was significantly greater(P<0.001)than that in cases with benign lung diseases(13.3%)or healthy controls.Functionally,silencing KLF5 mRNA with a specific shRNA significantly suppressed A549 cell proliferation,decreased cell migration,increased the ratio of G2 phase cells in vitro,and inhibited the growth of nude mouse xenografts in vivo.CONCLUSION KLF5 is a novel diagnostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target for LUSC.展开更多
Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to ex...Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to explore the relationship between oocyte maturation and GDF-9 gene expression. Preantral follicles of lO-day old mice were isolated from the ovaries and were cultured for 12 days. Oocytes from day 2 （D2）, D4, D6, D8, DIO, D12 cultured in vitro were named the in vitro group and oocytes of day 12 （D12）, D14, D16, D18, D20, D22 grown in vivo were named the in vivo group. Follicle survival, antrum formation and maturation rate were 89.5%, 51.8% and 56.6% respectively in follicles cultured in vitro. After RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, relative mRNA abundance of GDF-9 was measured in each group of oocytes. At day 8 - 12, the GDF-9 gene expression level of oocytes in vitro was significantly lower than that in vivo （P 〈 0.05）. We conclude that M Ⅱ oocytes can be obtained from in vitro culture of preantral follicles. The GDF- 9 gene expression of oocytes varies at different growth stages in vivo. The low expression of GDF-9 in oocytes cuhured in vitro may be the cause of their low developmental capacity.展开更多
Objective： To explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in formation of multidrug resistance （MDR） induced by microenvironment and to find a new and effective molecular target on preventing and r...Objective： To explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in formation of multidrug resistance （MDR） induced by microenvironment and to find a new and effective molecular target on preventing and reversing chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： In HepG2 cells exposed to hypoxia, low glucose or transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HBX, the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein was respectively detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Westernblot technique and its expression localization was investigated by immunocytochemical technique. Plasmid pcDNA3/HIF-1α was transfected into HepG2 cells and then the expression of multidrug resistance related genes mdrl, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 （MRP1） and lung resistance protein （LRP） in transfected cells was determined by the same methods. Results： In HepG2 cells respectively exposed to hypoxia, low glucose or transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HBX, HIF-1α was overexpressed at mRNA and protein levels to varying degrees and translocated into nucleus. The gene expression levels of mdrl, MRP1 and LRP in HepG2 cells transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HIF-1α were respectively increased by 2.4±0.2, 2.2±0.3 and 2.3±0.4 folds as compared with those in non-transfected HepG2 cells （all P〈0.01） and similar changes were observed in protein level. Conclusion： Microenvironmental factors around HCC could modulate the transcription of the MDR related genes by nuclear transcript factor HIF-1α, thereby conferred MDR of HCC. Up-regulation of HIF-1α expression could hold a central position in the formation of MDR of HCC induced by microenvironment. HIF-1α probably becomes a new and effective molecular target on preventing and reversing MDR in HCC.展开更多
Ischemic stroke represents a significant global health challenge,frequently associated with intricate pathophysiological alterations.During ischemic stroke,the generation of reactive oxygen species markedly increases,...Ischemic stroke represents a significant global health challenge,frequently associated with intricate pathophysiological alterations.During ischemic stroke,the generation of reactive oxygen species markedly increases,leading to direct neuronal damage as well as initiating a cascade of inflammatory responses.This oxidative stress can also disturb the equilibrium of the gut microbiota,resulting in dysbiosis.In turn,an imbalance in gut microbiota can further exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species and contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment within the body.This creates a vicious cycle that not only promotes the progression of stroke but also leads to adverse functional outcomes.The neuroinflammation and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis that occur following ischemic stroke are critical contributors to stroke progression and adverse functional outcomes.We previously developed manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes,characterized by a multi-enzyme structure and a porous design,that exhibit strong antioxidant properties.However,the therapeutic effects of manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes on ischemic stroke and their mechanisms of action remain have not been fully elucidated.To investigate this,we constructed a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and administered manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes via gastric gavage.Our results demonstrated that these nanozymes substantially reduced infarct volume,improved neurological function,restored gut microbiota balance,and increased levels of short-chain fatty acids in the mouse model.Treatment of lipopolysaccharide-treated BV-2 cells with short-chain fatty acids markedly decreased the expression levels of components of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway,including Toll-like receptor 4,inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit alpha,and pp65.These findings suggest that manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes can correct gut microbiota dysbiosis and increase short-chain fatty acid production by modulating the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway,thereby providing therapeutic benefits in the context of ischemic stroke.展开更多
In the early stages of traumatic spinal cord injury,extensive accumulation of autophagosomes creates a neurotoxic microenvironment,exacerbating neuronal cell death and worsening tissue damage,ultimately hindering neur...In the early stages of traumatic spinal cord injury,extensive accumulation of autophagosomes creates a neurotoxic microenvironment,exacerbating neuronal cell death and worsening tissue damage,ultimately hindering neurofunctional recovery.Activin A is a critical growth factor necessary for the development of the embryonic nervous system and for maintaining neuronal function in the adult cerebral cortex.It can inhibit excessive autophagy in ischemic stroke to reduce neuronal damage.However,the specific mechanism through which Activin A functions in the spinal cord remains poorly understood.In this study,we administered different concentrations of Activin A to neural stem cells from the spinal cord and found that Activin A stimulated the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells.Then,we established an in vitro oxidative stress model by using hydrogen peroxide to stimulate the neural stem cells-induced neurons.We found that Activin A could reduce apoptosis caused by oxidative stress.Subsequently,we treated a mouse model of spinal cord contusion with intrathecal injection of Activin A.Behavioral and electrophysiological results showed that Activin A promoted recovery of motor function and reconstruction of neural circuits in the model mice.Finally,RNA sequencing indicated that Activin A inhibited autophagy by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and upregulating the expression of synaptogenesis-related factor Sema3A in the spinal cord.These results suggest that Activin A may mediate the excessive autophagic response after spinal cord injury,promote the reconstruction of damaged neural circuits,and restore neurological function in the injured spinal cord.展开更多
Objective To determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） on the expression of preprotachykinin （PPT） mRNA encoding substance P （SP） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） mRNA in cultured...Objective To determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） on the expression of preprotachykinin （PPT） mRNA encoding substance P （SP） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） mRNA in cultured dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neurons with excitotoxicity induced by glutamate （Glu）. Methods DRGs were dissected from embryonic day 15 Wistar rats. DRG neurons were dissociated and cultured for 48 h and then exposed to Glu （0.2 mmol/L） or Glu （0.2 mmol/L） plus IGF- 1 （5 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L and 20 nmol/L） for 12 h. The DRG neurons in control group were exposed to only growth media throughout the experiment. After that, the living DRG neurons were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope and microphotographs were taken. The expression levels of PPT and CGRP mRNAs were detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Results IGF-1 could inhibit Glu-induced shortening of neurite. Besides, IGF-1 could significantly increase the levels ofPPT mRNA and CGRP mRNA in primary cultured DRG neurons with Glu-induced excitotoxicity, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion IGF-1 may exert neuroprotective effects on DRG neurons against Glu-induced excitotoxicity, probably through regulating the expression levels of PPT and CGRP mRNAs.展开更多
Heat shock protein beta-1 may be involved in regulating ferroptosis in cells.The expression of heat shock protein beta-1 is upregulated after stroke;however,the underlying mechanism of action of heat shock protein bet...Heat shock protein beta-1 may be involved in regulating ferroptosis in cells.The expression of heat shock protein beta-1 is upregulated after stroke;however,the underlying mechanism of action of heat shock protein beta-1 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear.Here,using both in vivo and in vitro models of ischemic injury-middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in C57BL/6J mice and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in BV-2 microglial cells-we observed that heat shock protein beta-1 overexpression significantly reduced infarct volume,mitigated neuronal loss,and improved neurological outcomes.Mechanistically,heat shock protein beta-1 attenuated lipid peroxidation,intracellular iron accumulation,and reactive oxygen species generation in microglia;this was accompanied by enhanced glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and suppressed nuclear factor-κB pathway activation.Notably,the pharmacological activation of nuclear factor-κB with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate reversed the protective effects of heat shock protein beta-1,confirming the functional relevance of this pathway.Together,our findings indicate that heat shock protein beta-1 exerts neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing microglial ferroptosis and pro-inflammatory activation via modulation of the nuclear factor-κB/glutathione peroxidase 4 signaling axis.These findings establish heat shock protein beta-1 as a critical regulator of the nuclear factor-κB/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis in microglia,thereby offering a dual-targeted strategy to inhibit ferroptosis and inflammation in ischemic stroke.Importantly,our study highlights heat shock protein beta-1 as a promising therapeutic candidate for preserving neurological function following cerebral ischemic injury.展开更多
Current treatments for neuropathic pain are suboptimal,necessitating the search for more effective therapeutics.Our previous study showed that inhibition of neuroinflammation in the spinal cord induced analgesic effec...Current treatments for neuropathic pain are suboptimal,necessitating the search for more effective therapeutics.Our previous study showed that inhibition of neuroinflammation in the spinal cord induced analgesic effects,and focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation showed an anti-neuroinflammatory effect in spinal cord injury rat models.Here,we speculated that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation might induce an anti-inflammatory effect to alleviate neuropathic pain by upregulating calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta(CaMKKβ)/adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/suppressor of cytokine signaling-3(SOCS3)signaling in microglia.Experiments have found that non-invasive focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation effectively alleviates mechanical allodynia and spinal neuroinflammation in rats with neuropathic pain induced by chronic sciatic nerve ligation.Further research found that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation upregulated the expression of SOCS3 in spinal microglia,which subsequently inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation in rats with neuropathic pain,thereby suppressing neuroinflammation.The upregulation of SOCS3 by repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation may be achieved through the activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway in microglia.The results suggested that focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation inhibits spinal neuroinflammation and alleviates neuropathic pain by activating the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SOCS3 signaling pathway in spinal microglia.This mechanism provides an effective noninvasive treatment for neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury.展开更多
Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration vi...Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling;however,their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection,which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations.The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells,which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks.In vitro,small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation,migration,tube formation,and barrier function of perineurial cells,and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins.Furthermore,in a rat model of sciatic nerve defects bridged with silicon tubes,treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells resulted in higher tight junction protein expression in perineurial cells,thus facilitating neural tissue regeneration.At 10 weeks post-surgery,rats treated with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells exhibited improved nerve function recovery and reduced muscle atrophy.Transcriptomic and micro RNA analyses revealed that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells deliver mi R-21-5p,which inhibits mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 expression,thereby activating the transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog signaling pathway and upregulating hyaluronan synthase 2 expression,and further enhancing tight junction protein expression.Together,our findings indicate that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote the proliferation,migration,and tight junction protein formation of perineurial cells.These results provide new insights into peripheral nerve regeneration from the perspective of perineurial cells,and present a novel approach for the clinical treatment of peripheral nerve defects.展开更多
基金supported by NIH grants,Nos.R01NS125074,R01AG083164,R01NS107365,and R21NS127177(to YL),1F31NS129204-01A1(to KW)and Albert Ryan Fellowship(to KW).
文摘Adult neurogenesis continuously produces new neurons critical for cognitive plasticity in adult rodents.While it is known transforming growth factor-βsignaling is important in embryonic neurogenesis,its role in postnatal neurogenesis remains unclear.In this study,to define the precise role of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in postnatal neurogenesis at distinct stages of the neurogenic cascade both in vitro and in vivo,we developed two novel inducible and cell type-specific mouse models to specifically silence transforming growth factor-βsignaling in neural stem cells in(mGFAPcre-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9)or immature neuroblasts in(DCXcreERT2-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9).Our data showed that exogenous transforming growth factor-βtreatment led to inhibition of the proliferation of primary neural stem cells while stimulating their migration.These effects were abolished in activin-like kinase 5(ALK5)knockout primary neural stem cells.Consistent with this,inhibition of transforming growth factor-βsignaling with SB-431542 in wild-type neural stem cells stimulated proliferation while inhibited the migration of neural stem cells.Interestingly,deletion of transforming growth factor-βreceptor in neural stem cells in vivo inhibited the migration of postnatal born neurons in mGFAPcre-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9 mice,while abolishment of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in immature neuroblasts in DCXcreERT2-ALK5fl/fl-Ai9 mice did not affect the migration of these cells in the hippocampus.In summary,our data supports a dual role of transforming growth factor-βsignaling in the proliferation and migration of neural stem cells in vitro.Moreover,our data provides novel insights on cell type-specific-dependent requirements of transforming growth factor-βsignaling on neural stem cell proliferation and migration in vivo.
文摘Sarcopenia in the elderly is a syndrome characterized by age-related progressive loss of muscle mass, decline in muscle strength, and deterioration of muscle function. Its high incidence significantly increases the risk of falls, fractures, disability, and mortality among the elderly, posing a global public health challenge for geriatric health. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a key cytokine regulating muscle growth, repair, and metabolism, exhibits a progressive decline in serum levels with aging and is closely associated with the onset and progression of sarcopenia in the elderly. This study reviews the research progress of IGF-1 in the diagnosis and efficacy prediction of sarcopenia in the elderly, providing theoretical references for precise diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis assessment of sarcopenia in the elderly.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.92148206,82071330(both to ZT),82201474(to GL)a grant from Tongji Hospital,No.2022ZHFY01(to ZT).
文摘The prognosis for patients who experience intracerebral hemorrhage is poor because of a lack of effective treatments.Tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated gene 6(TSG6)is a secreted glycoprotein that exerts anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases.We previously showed that adipose-derived stem cells can inhibit inflammation by upregulating TSG6 secretion in an in vitro model of intracerebral hemorrhage.However,the direct effects of TSG6 on hematoma clearance in vivo remain largely unknown.The aim of this study was to determine how TSG6 affects hematoma absorption in mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage and to explore the potential underlying mechanisms.We first analyzed the gene profiles of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from the GEO database and examined changes in TSG6 expression in the brain tissues of mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage.We found that TSG6 expression exhibited a transient increase following intracerebral hemorrhage,and that there was a negative correlation between the initial hematoma volume and TSG6 levels.Immunofluorescence analysis showed that TSG6 was primarily expressed in microglia and macrophages.Furthermore,we found that TSG6 promoted functional recovery in mice subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage by accelerating hematoma clearance,reducing the number of apoptotic cells and degenerated neurons,increasing the proportion of phagocytic microglia/macrophages,and decreasing iron deposition.Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis indicated that TSG6 promoted M2 polarization of microglia/macrophages.In vitro phagocytosis experiments confirmed that TSG6 enhanced the ability of microglia to phagocytize red blood cells.Finally,we identified the signal transducer and activator of transcription 6/growth arrest-specific protein 6 signaling pathway as playing a critical role in TSG6-mediated hematoma absorption.In summary,our results demonstrate an essential role for TSG6 in promoting hematoma absorption in a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage.These findings suggest that TSG6 accelerates hematoma clearance and improves neurological function by promoting microglia/macrophage polarization to the M2 phenotype,activating the STAT6/GAS6 signaling pathway,and increasing phagocytic receptor expression on the surface of phagocytes,thereby enhancing their ability to phagocytize red blood cells.
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supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81473453,81673800)the Projects of International Science and Technology Cooperation in Henan(182102410084).
文摘Objective MicroRNA-1(miR-1)aggravates myocardial ischemia–reperfusion(I/R)injury,whereas insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)maintains cardiomyocyte homeostasis.In this study,the aim is to investigate whether miR-1 can exacerbate I/R injury through the regulation of IGF-1.Methods The infarct area,lactate dehydrogenase,miR-1 level,and apoptosis level were examined in the Langendorff isolated rat I/R model.The hypoxia–reoxygenation model of rat cardiacmyocytes and H9c2 cells were developed to determine the levels of miR-1,IGF-1 mRNA,and IGF-1 protein.Furthermore,the dual-luciferase assay was used to verify the relationship between miR-1 and IGF-1.Results Overexpression of miR-1 increased the level of apoptosis and decreased the IGF-1 expression.However,inhibition of miR-1 expression decreased the level of apoptosis,alleviated the degree of injury,and increased the IGF-1 expression.Overexpression of IGF-1 also reduced the degree of cellular damage and level of apoptosis caused by the overexpression of miR-1.When IGF-1 was knocked down,myocardial cells displayed more severe damage and a higher apoptosis level,even with decreased levels of miR-1.Conclusion miR-1 promotes apoptosis and aggravates I/R injury by downregulating IGF-1.
基金Supported by the Henan Province Medical Science and Technology Tackling Plan Joint Construction Project,No.LHGJ20220684Zhengzhou University Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory Funding Project,No.BS20240101.
文摘BACKGROUND Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)plays a crucial role in the prognosis of breast cancer,but the current evidence remains inconclusive.AIM To provide comprehensive evidence about the correlation of altered HIF-1αexpression with overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)in breast cancer patients.METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed,Embase,and Web of Science databases to collect relevant articles that were published before April 8,2024.A meta-analysis was used to assess the impact of altered HIF-1αexpression on the OS and DFS of breast cancer patients.Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed in this meta-analysis.RESULTS This meta-analysis included 40 studies.The average percentage of breast cancer patients with high HIF-1αexpression was 39.6%.The overall meta-analysis results demonstrated that high HIF-1αexpression is strongly linked to poor outcomes in patients of breast cancer.Compared with low HIF-1αexpression,the overall hazard ratio for OS in patients with high HIF-1αexpression was 1.47[95%confidence interval(CI):1.29-1.69],and the overall hazard ratio for DFS was 1.82(95%CI:1.56-2.12).Furthermore,both OS[1.18(95%CI:1.01-1.38)]and DFS[1.79(95%CI:1.03-3.11)]were markedly shorter in triple-negative breast cancer cases with high HIF-1αexpression.Subgroup analysis revealed that the antibody used to detect HIF-1αexpression affected only the correlation linking HIF-1αexpression to DFS in breast cancer patients(P=0.0004).Furthermore,the sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the overall conclusions of the meta-analysis were unaffected by the removal of individual studies.CONCLUSION Compared to patients with low HIF-1αexpression,those with high expression level had shorter OS and DFS.However,the prognostic significance of high HIF-1αexpression varies across molecularly stratified breast cancer cohorts needs to be further elucidated.
基金Supported by Taicang Science and Technology Program,No.TC2021JCYL21“National Tutor System”Training Program for Health Youth Key Talents in Suzhou,No.Qngg2023042Suzhou Science and Technology Bureau,No.SYW2024152.
文摘BACKGROUND Tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)has been implicated in the development of diabetes following chronic pancreatitis.However,its role in abnormal glucose metabolism(AGM)after acute pancreatitis(AP)and post-pancreatitis diabetes mellitus remains unclear.AIM To investigate the role of TNF-αin AP-associated AGM and its effects on isletβ-cell apoptosis,focusing on the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODS Clinical data were collected to assess AGM’s incidence and identify the characteristics in 369 AP patients.In vitro,AP models were established using lipopolysaccharide in 266-6 acinar cells and MIN-6β-cells.Cell proliferation,apoptosis,and protein expression were analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay,and western blotting.The TNF-αand insulin concentration in co-culture medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.In vivo,an AP mouse model was induced using sodium taurocholate,and pancreatic tissues were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin staining,terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling,and western blotting.TNF-αlevels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.A TNF-αinhibitor was applied to the AP cell model to reassess apoptosis and protein expression.RESULTS AGM occurred in 40.38%of AP patients.Body mass index,severity grade,recurrence frequency,and lung injury were significantly associated with AGM.AP models in 266-6 and MIN-6 cells showed reducedβ-cell proliferation,insulin secretion,and increased apoptosis,which correlated with inflammation severity.Similar findings ofβ-cell apoptosis were confirmed in the mouse model.TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated in AP models,with higher levels in severe inflammation.Increased Bax and caspase-3 expression and decreased Bcl-2 expression were observed in both in vitro and in vivo models.These changes intensified with increasing inflammation.TNF-αinhibition reduced apoptosis and altered protein expression patterns,decreasing Bax and caspase-3,while increasing Bcl-2 in MIN-6 cells.CONCLUSION TNF-αcontributes toβ-cell apoptosis and AGM in AP through the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 signaling pathway,suggesting TNF-αas a potential therapeutic target for preventing AP-associated AGM.
基金Supported by Comisión Sectorial de Investigación Científica(CSIC-Research Group 88180)The Agencia Nacional de Investigación e Innovación/Sistema Nacional de Investigadores(ANII/SNI)The Programa de Desarrollo de las Ciencias Básicas(PEDECIBA),Uruguay.
文摘BACKGROUND Hypoxia in oral cancer promotes tumoral invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition,leading to aggressive tumor progression.AIM To characterize the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(HIF-1α)at the invasive tumor front(ITF)in comparison to tumor islands(TI)in oral squamous cell carcinoma(OSCC)and to explore its relationship with E-cadherin and Vimentin expression.METHODS Thirty-eight cases of OSCC and five cases of normal oral mucosa(NOM)were included in this study.The ITF was identified based on the region and immune expression of AE1/AE3.Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of HIF-1α,Vimentin,and E-cadherin.The immunostaining was analyzed using an immunoreactive score,and the results were illustrated using immunofluorescence.RESULTS HIF-1αexpression was significantly higher in the TI region compared to the ITF region(P=0.0134).Additionally,a significant difference was observed between TI and NOM(P=0.0115).In the ITF regions,HIF-1αexpression showed a significant correlation with Vimentin expression,with higher levels of HIF-1αassociated with increased Vimentin expression(P=0.017).CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study,HIF-1αappears to play a distinct role in OSCC tumor progression,underscoring the importance of exploring hypoxia-driven changes in cellular phenotype at the ITF of OSCC.Further research is needed to better understand their impact on OSCC prognosis.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China:Basic Research on the Mechanism of Organ Immune Damage and the Diagnosis and Treatment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine(No.32141005)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the impact of Shenhua tablet(肾华片,SHT)on renal macrophage polarization and renal injury in mice with diabetic kidney disease(DKD)and to explore the potential mechanism involving the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)and pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)signaling pathway,along with the glycolysis metabolism pathway.METHODS:The animals were divided into the following groups:Model,Control,dapagliflozin,SHT low-dose,SHT medium-dose,and SHT high-dose.We assessed 24-hour urine protein(24 h-UTP)levels,urinary albuminto-creatinine ratio,and regularly monitored fasting blood glucose during the treatment period.After treatment,we examined renal tissue structure,renal function(urea nitrogen,uric acid,creatinine,cystatin C,β2-microglobulin),and glycolysis in renal macrophages.Additionally,we observed macrophage polarization in renal tissue and measured inflammatory factors(tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,interleukin-10,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1)to assess the immunoinflammatory status of the renal tissue.Finally,we investigated the expression of the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway in macrophages to explore its role in the glycolysis process.RESULTS:SHT shows a beneficial effect in treating DKD by reducing 24 h-UTP,regulating blood glucose levels,improving renal tissue structure,protecting renal function,inhibiting macrophage glycolysis,reducing macrophage transformation to the M1 state,and suppressing the expression of the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway.CONCLUSION:SHT may exert renoprotective effects by inhibiting macrophage glycolysis via the HIF-1α/PKM2 signaling pathway.This inhibition decreases macrophage M1 polarization and reduces immunoinflammatory injury in the renal tissue of DKD mice.
文摘Pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH)is a progressive disease marked by degeneration of the lung’s blood vessels.As the disease progresses,the resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary arteries increases,putting a strain on the right side of the heart as it pumps blood through the lungs.PAH is characterized by changes in the structure of blood vessels and excessive cell growth.Untreated PAH leads to irreversible right-sided heart failure,often despite medical intervention.Patients experience a gradual decline in function until they are unable to perform daily activities.Advances in treatment have improved the prognosis for many PAH patients.Currently approved therapies target the prostacyclin,endothelin,nitric oxide,or phosphodiesterase pathways to slow the progression of the disease.To address the unmet need for effective PAH therapies,research efforts are focused on identifying new targets and developing therapies that specifically address the underlying disease mechanisms and restore vascular wall homeostasis.Among these,sotatercept,a fusion protein that targets the transforming growth factor-βsuperfamily signaling pathway,has emerged as a promising therapeutic option.In this review,we examine the available evidence from clinical trials to assess the potential of sotatercept as a treatment for PAH.
基金Supported by the Project of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps,No.2022ZD090the Project of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps-Young Science and Technology Innovation Talents,No.2023CB008-31+2 种基金The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University Medical College,Doctoral Fund Project,No.BS202207Talent Development Fund-Tianshan Talents,No.CZ0012192024 National Health Commission Central Asian High-Incidence Prevention and Control Key Laboratory,No.KF202405.
文摘BACKGROUND Pathological calcification is a common feature of many diseases.Calcifying nanoparticles(CNPs)are considered potential inducers of this abnormal calcification,but their specific effects on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)remain unclear.BMSCs are key cells in bone formation and repair,and their aberrant apoptosis and calcification are closely related to disease progression.AIM To explore whether CNPs can induce apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs and analyzed the relationship between these processes.The differential effects of CNPs and nanoscale hydroxyapatites(nHAPs)in inducing apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs were also compared.METHODS CNPs obtained in the early stage were identified by electron microscopy and particle size analysis.BMSCs were cultured with various treatments,including different concentrations of nHAPs,CNPs[2 McFarland(MCF)turbidity,4 MCF,6 MCF],and a transforming growth factor(TGF)-βinhibitor(SB431542)for 72 hours.The isolated CNPs exhibited the expected sizes and shapes.RESULTS Exposure to CNPs and nHAPs suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in a concentration-dependent manner,with CNPs exhibiting significantly stronger effects.Alizarin Red staining indicated an increase in calcium deposition with exposure to increasing concentrations of nHAPs and CNPs.Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction results indicated that medium concentrations of nHAPs and CNPs significantly enhanced the expression of pro-apoptotic and pro-calcification markers,whereas the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 was reduced compared with untreated controls.Western blotting results showed that medium concentrations of CNPs and nHAPs increased the expression of osteopontin,bone morphogenetic protein-2,TGF-β/Smad,Bax,and caspase-3 and decreased Bcl-2 expression compared with controls.CONCLUSION CNPs and nHAPs induced apoptosis and calcification in BMSCs,with CNPs being the most potent.Additionally,the TGF-βinhibitor SB431542 significantly reduced the occurrence of apoptosis and calcification.A correlation was found between apoptosis and calcification,which is likely mediated through the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
基金Supported by Jiangsu Commission of Health of China,No.M2020096.
文摘BACKGROUND Krüppel-like factor-5(KLF5)is a zinc-finger transcription factor related to tumor progression.However,the relationship between KLF5 and lung cancer remains to be identified.AIM To investigate the clinical value of KLF5 and interference with KLF5 mRNA transcription on the effects of biological behaviors in lung squamous-cell carcinoma(LUSC).METHODS Lung KLF5 mRNA data were extracted from bioinformatics databases.Blood and tissues from a cohort of patients with benign or malignant lung diseases were collected with ethical committee consent to validate KLF5 expression via multiplex immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry,Western blot,Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay or quantitative polymerase chain reaction.Furthermore,KLF5 mRNA was silenced in lung A549 cells to validate biological behaviors in vitro and nude mouse xenograft growth in vivo,respectively.RESULTS A cohort of bioinformatics databases revealed high KLF5 mRNA expression in LUSC(P<0.001)but lower KLF5 mRNA expression in lung adenocarcinoma.Upregulated KLF5 in the lung or sera of patients with lung cancer(P<0.001)were confirmed that related to poor differentiation,lymph node or distant metastasis.Furthermore,the incidence of KLF5 levels greater than 500 ng/mL in LUSC patients was 86.7%,which was significantly greater(P<0.001)than that in cases with benign lung diseases(13.3%)or healthy controls.Functionally,silencing KLF5 mRNA with a specific shRNA significantly suppressed A549 cell proliferation,decreased cell migration,increased the ratio of G2 phase cells in vitro,and inhibited the growth of nude mouse xenografts in vivo.CONCLUSION KLF5 is a novel diagnostic biomarker or potential therapeutic target for LUSC.
文摘Mice preantral follicles were cultured in vitro for 12 days to achieve metaphase Ⅱ （M Ⅱ ） oocytes. Oocyte growth differentiation factor-9 （GDF-9） gene expression was measured during different growth stages to explore the relationship between oocyte maturation and GDF-9 gene expression. Preantral follicles of lO-day old mice were isolated from the ovaries and were cultured for 12 days. Oocytes from day 2 （D2）, D4, D6, D8, DIO, D12 cultured in vitro were named the in vitro group and oocytes of day 12 （D12）, D14, D16, D18, D20, D22 grown in vivo were named the in vivo group. Follicle survival, antrum formation and maturation rate were 89.5%, 51.8% and 56.6% respectively in follicles cultured in vitro. After RT-PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, relative mRNA abundance of GDF-9 was measured in each group of oocytes. At day 8 - 12, the GDF-9 gene expression level of oocytes in vitro was significantly lower than that in vivo （P 〈 0.05）. We conclude that M Ⅱ oocytes can be obtained from in vitro culture of preantral follicles. The GDF- 9 gene expression of oocytes varies at different growth stages in vivo. The low expression of GDF-9 in oocytes cuhured in vitro may be the cause of their low developmental capacity.
文摘Objective： To explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in formation of multidrug resistance （MDR） induced by microenvironment and to find a new and effective molecular target on preventing and reversing chemoresistance in hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. Methods： In HepG2 cells exposed to hypoxia, low glucose or transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HBX, the expression of HIF-1α mRNA and protein was respectively detected using real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and Westernblot technique and its expression localization was investigated by immunocytochemical technique. Plasmid pcDNA3/HIF-1α was transfected into HepG2 cells and then the expression of multidrug resistance related genes mdrl, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 （MRP1） and lung resistance protein （LRP） in transfected cells was determined by the same methods. Results： In HepG2 cells respectively exposed to hypoxia, low glucose or transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HBX, HIF-1α was overexpressed at mRNA and protein levels to varying degrees and translocated into nucleus. The gene expression levels of mdrl, MRP1 and LRP in HepG2 cells transfected by plasmid pcDNA3/HIF-1α were respectively increased by 2.4±0.2, 2.2±0.3 and 2.3±0.4 folds as compared with those in non-transfected HepG2 cells （all P〈0.01） and similar changes were observed in protein level. Conclusion： Microenvironmental factors around HCC could modulate the transcription of the MDR related genes by nuclear transcript factor HIF-1α, thereby conferred MDR of HCC. Up-regulation of HIF-1α expression could hold a central position in the formation of MDR of HCC induced by microenvironment. HIF-1α probably becomes a new and effective molecular target on preventing and reversing MDR in HCC.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province of China,No.2208085Y32Scientific Research Plan Project of Anhui Province of China,No.2022AH020076the Chen Xiao-Ping Foundation for the Development of Science and Technology of Hubei Province,No.CXPJJH12000005-07-115(all to CT).
文摘Ischemic stroke represents a significant global health challenge,frequently associated with intricate pathophysiological alterations.During ischemic stroke,the generation of reactive oxygen species markedly increases,leading to direct neuronal damage as well as initiating a cascade of inflammatory responses.This oxidative stress can also disturb the equilibrium of the gut microbiota,resulting in dysbiosis.In turn,an imbalance in gut microbiota can further exacerbate the production of reactive oxygen species and contribute to a pro-inflammatory environment within the body.This creates a vicious cycle that not only promotes the progression of stroke but also leads to adverse functional outcomes.The neuroinflammation and intestinal microbiota dysbiosis that occur following ischemic stroke are critical contributors to stroke progression and adverse functional outcomes.We previously developed manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes,characterized by a multi-enzyme structure and a porous design,that exhibit strong antioxidant properties.However,the therapeutic effects of manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes on ischemic stroke and their mechanisms of action remain have not been fully elucidated.To investigate this,we constructed a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion and administered manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes via gastric gavage.Our results demonstrated that these nanozymes substantially reduced infarct volume,improved neurological function,restored gut microbiota balance,and increased levels of short-chain fatty acids in the mouse model.Treatment of lipopolysaccharide-treated BV-2 cells with short-chain fatty acids markedly decreased the expression levels of components of the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway,including Toll-like receptor 4,inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit alpha,and pp65.These findings suggest that manganese-iron Prussian blue nanozymes can correct gut microbiota dysbiosis and increase short-chain fatty acid production by modulating the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway,thereby providing therapeutic benefits in the context of ischemic stroke.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82271419,81901902(to YZ),82202702(to ZW),82202351(to XH),82301550(to LYang),82271418(to XX)the Shanghai Rising-Star Program,No.22QA1408200(to YZ)the Fundamental Research Fundsfor the Central Universities,No.22120220555(to YZ).
文摘In the early stages of traumatic spinal cord injury,extensive accumulation of autophagosomes creates a neurotoxic microenvironment,exacerbating neuronal cell death and worsening tissue damage,ultimately hindering neurofunctional recovery.Activin A is a critical growth factor necessary for the development of the embryonic nervous system and for maintaining neuronal function in the adult cerebral cortex.It can inhibit excessive autophagy in ischemic stroke to reduce neuronal damage.However,the specific mechanism through which Activin A functions in the spinal cord remains poorly understood.In this study,we administered different concentrations of Activin A to neural stem cells from the spinal cord and found that Activin A stimulated the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells.Then,we established an in vitro oxidative stress model by using hydrogen peroxide to stimulate the neural stem cells-induced neurons.We found that Activin A could reduce apoptosis caused by oxidative stress.Subsequently,we treated a mouse model of spinal cord contusion with intrathecal injection of Activin A.Behavioral and electrophysiological results showed that Activin A promoted recovery of motor function and reconstruction of neural circuits in the model mice.Finally,RNA sequencing indicated that Activin A inhibited autophagy by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and upregulating the expression of synaptogenesis-related factor Sema3A in the spinal cord.These results suggest that Activin A may mediate the excessive autophagic response after spinal cord injury,promote the reconstruction of damaged neural circuits,and restore neurological function in the injured spinal cord.
基金supported by the Natural Sciences Foundation of Shandong Province, China(No. Z2006C06)the Science and Technology Development Project of Jinan Municipality of Shandong Province,China (No. 200705083, 200807046)
文摘Objective To determine the effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 （IGF-1） on the expression of preprotachykinin （PPT） mRNA encoding substance P （SP） and calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP） mRNA in cultured dorsal root ganglion （DRG） neurons with excitotoxicity induced by glutamate （Glu）. Methods DRGs were dissected from embryonic day 15 Wistar rats. DRG neurons were dissociated and cultured for 48 h and then exposed to Glu （0.2 mmol/L） or Glu （0.2 mmol/L） plus IGF- 1 （5 nmol/L, 10 nmol/L and 20 nmol/L） for 12 h. The DRG neurons in control group were exposed to only growth media throughout the experiment. After that, the living DRG neurons were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope and microphotographs were taken. The expression levels of PPT and CGRP mRNAs were detected by reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）. Results IGF-1 could inhibit Glu-induced shortening of neurite. Besides, IGF-1 could significantly increase the levels ofPPT mRNA and CGRP mRNA in primary cultured DRG neurons with Glu-induced excitotoxicity, in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion IGF-1 may exert neuroprotective effects on DRG neurons against Glu-induced excitotoxicity, probably through regulating the expression levels of PPT and CGRP mRNAs.
基金“Dawn”Program of Shanghai Education Commission,No.22SG37(to PY)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82371313(to PY),82401536(to YongxinZ).
文摘Heat shock protein beta-1 may be involved in regulating ferroptosis in cells.The expression of heat shock protein beta-1 is upregulated after stroke;however,the underlying mechanism of action of heat shock protein beta-1 in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury remains unclear.Here,using both in vivo and in vitro models of ischemic injury-middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in C57BL/6J mice and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in BV-2 microglial cells-we observed that heat shock protein beta-1 overexpression significantly reduced infarct volume,mitigated neuronal loss,and improved neurological outcomes.Mechanistically,heat shock protein beta-1 attenuated lipid peroxidation,intracellular iron accumulation,and reactive oxygen species generation in microglia;this was accompanied by enhanced glutathione peroxidase 4 expression and suppressed nuclear factor-κB pathway activation.Notably,the pharmacological activation of nuclear factor-κB with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate reversed the protective effects of heat shock protein beta-1,confirming the functional relevance of this pathway.Together,our findings indicate that heat shock protein beta-1 exerts neuroprotective effects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing microglial ferroptosis and pro-inflammatory activation via modulation of the nuclear factor-κB/glutathione peroxidase 4 signaling axis.These findings establish heat shock protein beta-1 as a critical regulator of the nuclear factor-κB/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis in microglia,thereby offering a dual-targeted strategy to inhibit ferroptosis and inflammation in ischemic stroke.Importantly,our study highlights heat shock protein beta-1 as a promising therapeutic candidate for preserving neurological function following cerebral ischemic injury.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82302877(to QW),82172541(to TW)the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2023JJ30549(to QW)Clinical Medical Technology Innovation Guidance Project of Hunan Provincial Science and Technology Department,No.2021SK51815(to QW).
文摘Current treatments for neuropathic pain are suboptimal,necessitating the search for more effective therapeutics.Our previous study showed that inhibition of neuroinflammation in the spinal cord induced analgesic effects,and focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation showed an anti-neuroinflammatory effect in spinal cord injury rat models.Here,we speculated that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation might induce an anti-inflammatory effect to alleviate neuropathic pain by upregulating calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase beta(CaMKKβ)/adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/suppressor of cytokine signaling-3(SOCS3)signaling in microglia.Experiments have found that non-invasive focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation effectively alleviates mechanical allodynia and spinal neuroinflammation in rats with neuropathic pain induced by chronic sciatic nerve ligation.Further research found that repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation upregulated the expression of SOCS3 in spinal microglia,which subsequently inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 nuclear translocation in rats with neuropathic pain,thereby suppressing neuroinflammation.The upregulation of SOCS3 by repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation may be achieved through the activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK signaling pathway in microglia.The results suggested that focal repetitive trans-spinal magnetic stimulation inhibits spinal neuroinflammation and alleviates neuropathic pain by activating the CaMKKβ/AMPK/SOCS3 signaling pathway in spinal microglia.This mechanism provides an effective noninvasive treatment for neuropathic pain caused by peripheral nerve injury.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81571211(to FL)the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai,No.22ZR1476800(to CH)。
文摘Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types;perineurial cells play a pivotal role.Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling;however,their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection,which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations.The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells,which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks.In vitro,small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation,migration,tube formation,and barrier function of perineurial cells,and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins.Furthermore,in a rat model of sciatic nerve defects bridged with silicon tubes,treatment with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells resulted in higher tight junction protein expression in perineurial cells,thus facilitating neural tissue regeneration.At 10 weeks post-surgery,rats treated with small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells exhibited improved nerve function recovery and reduced muscle atrophy.Transcriptomic and micro RNA analyses revealed that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells deliver mi R-21-5p,which inhibits mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 expression,thereby activating the transforming growth factor-β/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog signaling pathway and upregulating hyaluronan synthase 2 expression,and further enhancing tight junction protein expression.Together,our findings indicate that small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote the proliferation,migration,and tight junction protein formation of perineurial cells.These results provide new insights into peripheral nerve regeneration from the perspective of perineurial cells,and present a novel approach for the clinical treatment of peripheral nerve defects.
