Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microgl...Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.展开更多
Governance debates gained strong momentum in Africa in early December 2025 as the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping:The Governance of China convened in Nairobi on 1 December 2025,followed by a promotional event ...Governance debates gained strong momentum in Africa in early December 2025 as the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping:The Governance of China convened in Nairobi on 1 December 2025,followed by a promotional event for the English edition of the book’s fifth volume on 3 December 2025 in Johannesburg,South Africa.展开更多
Objective:To investigate effect of oleanolic acid(OA)on atherosclerosis and its related mechanisms.Methods:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were injured by oxidized low-density lipoprotein for 24 h and tr...Objective:To investigate effect of oleanolic acid(OA)on atherosclerosis and its related mechanisms.Methods:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were injured by oxidized low-density lipoprotein for 24 h and treated with OA,and the levels of cell proliferation,migration,adhesion,and apoptosis were evaluated by BrdU staining,scratch healing assay,monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion assay and flow cytometry.The mice were fed with a high-fat diet to induce an atherosclerosis model,and treated with OA by gastric gavage.The mice were divided into the control group,the model group,and the OA administration group.The blood lipid and plaque formation in mice were detected.In addition,oxidative stress and mitochondrial structure and function changes in cells and mice were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy,JC-1 fluorescent probe,and Western blotting assays.The expression levels of proteins in the AMPK/Drp1 pathway were examined through Western blot.Results:OA markedly increased cell viability and migration rate of HUVECs,and decreased the adhesion rate of THP-1 cells and the apoptosis rate.OA significantly reduced serum lipid levels,such as total cholesterol and triglyceride,in mice and inhibited plaque formation in the aorta.OA also significantly increased the content of superoxide dismutase and catalase,alleviated mitochondrial damage,such as mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial cristae reduction,reduced the number of mitochondria,increased adenosine triphosphate content,and significantly reduced p-Drp1(Ser616)/Drp1,MFF and FIS1 levels,increased p-AMPK/AMPK levels,activated AMPK,and then regulated DRP1 activity.Conclusions:OA activates AMPK,which in turn regulates the activity of DRP1 to restore normal mitochondrial dynamics and reduce atherosclerosis.展开更多
Background:The development of gastric cancer(GC)encompasses precancerous conditions like chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and premalignant lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC).In these situations,abnormal Notch signaling res...Background:The development of gastric cancer(GC)encompasses precancerous conditions like chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and premalignant lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC).In these situations,abnormal Notch signaling results in mucosal impairment and the initiation of cancer.Banxia Xiexin Decoction(BXD),a well-known formula in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),shows promise in treating gastric disorders,but its mechanisms in gastric restoration remain unclear.Methods:Using MNNG-induced CAG and PLGC rat models,BXD was administered for 12 weeks.Gastric mucosal pathology was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Proliferation(Ki-67)and angiogenesis(VEGFA)markers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Network pharmacology identified BXD’s targets and pathways.Notch pathway components(Notch1,Jagged1,Dll4,Hes1)were analyzed via qPCR,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.Results:BXD significantly ameliorated mucosal atrophy,glandular structural disorder,and dysplasia in CAG and PLGC rats.Network pharmacology revealed 323 overlapping targets between BXD and PLGC,with Notch signaling as a central pathway.BXD downregulated Notch1,Jagged1,Dll4,and Hes1 expression at transcriptional and protein levels,suppressed Ki-67(proliferation)and VEGFA(angiogenesis)overexpression,and restored gastric mucosal integrity.Conclusion:BXD inhibits Notch signaling,reduces aberrant proliferation and angiogenesis,and interrupts Correa’s gastric carcinogenesis cascade.This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting BXD as a TCM-based intervention for gastric precancerous lesions.展开更多
Background:ZhiZi-BoPi Decoction(ZZBPD),a traditional prescription for liver and gallbladder protection,has garnered significant clinical interest due to its hepatoprotective properties.Despite its proven efficacy in m...Background:ZhiZi-BoPi Decoction(ZZBPD),a traditional prescription for liver and gallbladder protection,has garnered significant clinical interest due to its hepatoprotective properties.Despite its proven efficacy in mitigating intrahepatic cholestasis,the precise mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain inadequately understood.This study aims to comprehensively investigate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ZZBPD in cholestatic liver injury(CLI).Methods:Firstly,we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of ZZBPD on mice with CLI induced byα-naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT),by measuring biochemical markers,inflammatory factors,and bile acid levels.Subsequently,we employed network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)to identify key targets and potential signaling pathways for the prevention and treatment of CLI.Finally,we further validated the mechanism of action of ZZBPD on these key targets through molecular docking,western blotting,and immunofluorescence techniques.Results:ZZBPD notably improved serum liver function,reduced hepatic inflammation,and restored bile acid balance.Through network pharmacology and scRNA-seq analysis,48 core targets were identified,including TNF,IL-6,and NFKB1,all of which are linked to the IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as shown by KEGG enrichment analysis.Molecular docking further confirmed stable interactions between ZZBPD’s key active components and molecules such as IL-6,IL-17,and NF-κB.Additionally,western blotting and immunofluorescence validated the downregulation of IL-17 and NF-κB protein expression in liver tissue.Conclusion:ZZBPD effectively treats CLI by activating pathways related to the bile acid receptor FXR,while also modulating the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway.This dual action enhances bile secretion and alleviates liver inflammation.These findings offer important insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of ZZBPD and underscore its potential as a promising therapeutic for CLI.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
Cancer represents a significant disease that profoundly impacts human health and longevity.Projections indicate a 47%increase in the global cancer burden by 2040 compared to 2020,accompanied by a further rise in the a...Cancer represents a significant disease that profoundly impacts human health and longevity.Projections indicate a 47%increase in the global cancer burden by 2040 compared to 2020,accompanied by a further rise in the associated economic burden.Consequently,there is an urgent need to discover and develop new alternative drugs to mitigate the global impact of cancer.Natural products(NPs)play a crucial role in the identification and development of anticancer therapeutics.This study identified ustusolate E(UE)and its analog 11α-hydroxy-ustusolate E(HUE)from strain Aspergillus calidoustus TJ403-EL05,and examined their antitumor activities and mechanisms of action.The findings demonstrate that both compounds significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of AGS(human gastric cancer cells)and 786-O(human renal clear cell carcinoma cells),induced irreversible DNA damage,blocked the cell cycle at the G_(2)/M phase,and further induced apoptosis in tumor cells.To the best of the authors’knowledge,this is the first report on the anticancer effects of UE and HUE and their underlying mechanisms.The present study suggests that HUE and UE could serve as lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer drugs.展开更多
Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways...Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.展开更多
The subcortical visual pathway is generally thought to be involved in dangerous information processing,such as fear processing and defensive behavior.A recent study,published in Human Brain Mapping,shows a new functio...The subcortical visual pathway is generally thought to be involved in dangerous information processing,such as fear processing and defensive behavior.A recent study,published in Human Brain Mapping,shows a new function of the subcortical pathway involved in the fast processing of non-emotional object perception.Rapid object processing is a critical function of visual system.Topological perception theory proposes that the initial perception of objects begins with the extraction of topological property(TP).However,the mechanism of rapid TP processing remains unclear.The researchers investigated the subcortical mechanism of TP processing with transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).They find that a subcortical magnocellular pathway is responsible for the early processing of TP,and this subcortical processing of TP accelerates object recognition.Based on their findings,we propose a novel training approach called subcortical magnocellular pathway training(SMPT),aimed at improving the efficiency of the subcortical M pathway to restore visual and attentional functions in disorders associated with subcortical pathway dysfunction.展开更多
Background:Although the buried wood of Phoebe zhennan is known as the“mummy”of the plant kingdom,there is little research on its pharmacological activity.This study endeavored to investigate the effect and mechanism...Background:Although the buried wood of Phoebe zhennan is known as the“mummy”of the plant kingdom,there is little research on its pharmacological activity.This study endeavored to investigate the effect and mechanism of buried wood of Phoebe zhennan extract(BPE)on physical fatigue mice induced by weight-loaded forced swimming.Methods:Firstly,BPE was obtained by 70%ethanol extraction and freeze-drying processes.Then,the effect of BPE on physical fatigue mice was evaluated by swimming time,rotating stick time,levels of lipid peroxidation,lactate,lactate dehydrogenase,urea nitrogen,creatine kinase and muscle glycogen.Finally,real time fluorescence quantification and western blot were used to investigate the possible mechanism of BPE.Results:BPE could significantly alleviate muscle tissue damage,prolong the exhaustion time of weight-bearing swimming and rotating stick time.Meanwhile,BPE treatment could notably reduce the accumulation of serum lactate,urea nitrogen,and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase,while increasing the levels of glycogen and activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in muscles.Moreover,BPE treatment obviously increased HO-1,Nrf-2,AMPK,PGC-1αmRNA and protein expressions in the muscles of physical fatigue mice.Conclusion:BPE treatment could ameliorate various impairments and oxidative stress injury induced by physical fatigue via activating Nrf-2/HO-1 and AMPK/PGC-1αsignaling pathway.展开更多
Objective The entorhino-hippocampal pathway is the major excitatory input from neurons of the entorhinal cortex on both ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus/dentate gyrus. This fiber tract consists of the alvear ...Objective The entorhino-hippocampal pathway is the major excitatory input from neurons of the entorhinal cortex on both ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus/dentate gyrus. This fiber tract consists of the alvear path, the perforant path and a crossed commissural projection. In this study, the histogenesis and development of the various subsets of the entorhino-hippocampal projection have been investigated. Methods Dil, DiO and fast blue tracing as well as anti-calretinin immunocytochemistry were carried out with prenatal and postnatal rats at different ages. Results The alvear path and the commissural pathway started to develop as early as embryonic day （E） 16, while the first perforant afferents reached the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus at E 17 and the outer molecular layer of dentate gyrus at postnatal day （P） 2, respectively. Retrograde tracing with DiI identified entorhinal neurons in layer II to IV as the origin of entorhino-hippocampal pathway. Furthermore, anti-calretinin immunocytochemistry revealed transitory Cajal- Retzius （CR） cells in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus from as early as E 16. DiI labeling of entorhinal cortex fibers and combined calretinin-immunocytochemistry showed a close association between CR cells and entorhinal afferents. Conclusion The subsets of entorhino-hippocampal pathway appear in the developmental hippocampus during El6 - P2. The temporal and spatial relationship between CR cell and perforant afferent suggests the role of this cell type as a guiding cue for entorhinal afferents at early cortical development.展开更多
The cGAS–STING pathway plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart,liver,brain,and kidney,but its role and mechanisms in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been systematically revie...The cGAS–STING pathway plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart,liver,brain,and kidney,but its role and mechanisms in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been systematically reviewed.Here,we outline the components of the cGAS–STING pathway and then analyze its role in autophagy,ferroptosis,cellular pyroptosis,disequilibrium of calcium homeostasis,inflammatory responses,disruption of the blood–brain barrier,microglia transformation,and complement system activation following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.We further analyze the value of cGAS–STING pathway inhibitors in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and conclude that the pathway can regulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through multiple mechanisms.Inhibition of the cGAS–STING pathway may be helpful in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND Simulated microgravity environment can lead to gastrointestinal motility disturbance.The pathogenesis of gastrointestinal motility disorders is closely related to the stem cell factor(SCF)/c-kit signaling p...BACKGROUND Simulated microgravity environment can lead to gastrointestinal motility disturbance.The pathogenesis of gastrointestinal motility disorders is closely related to the stem cell factor(SCF)/c-kit signaling pathway associated with intestinal flora and Cajal stromal cells.Moreover,intestinal flora can also affect the regulation of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway,thus affecting the expression of Cajal stromal cells.Cajal cells are the pacemakers of gastrointestinal motility.AIM To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis(B.lactis)BLa80 on the intestinal flora of rats in simulated microgravity and on the gastrointestinal motility-related SCF/c-kit pathway.METHODS The internationally recognized tail suspension animal model was used to simulate the microgravity environment,and 30 rats were randomly divided into control group,tail suspension group and drug administration tail suspension group with 10 rats in each group for a total of 28 days.The tail group was given B.lactis BLa80 by intragastric administration,and the other two groups were given water intragastric administration,the concentration of intragastric administration was 0.1 g/mL,and each rat was 1 mL/day.Hematoxylin&eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in each segment of the intestine of each group,and the expression levels of SCF,c-kit,extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)and p-ERK in the gastric antrum of each group were detected by Western blotting and PCR.The fecal flora and mucosal flora of rats in each group were detected by 16S rRNA.RESULTS Simulated microgravity resulted in severe exfoliation of villi of duodenum,jejunum and ileum in rats,marked damage,increased space between villi,loose arrangement,shortened columnar epithelium of colon,less folds,narrower mucosal thickness,reduced goblet cell number and crypts,and significant improvement after probiotic intervention.Simulated microgravity reduced the expressions of SCF and c-kit,and increased the expressions of ERK and P-ERK in the gastric antrum of rats.However,after probiotic intervention,the expressions of SCF and ckit were increased,while the expressions of ERK and P-ERK were decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).In addition,simulated microgravity can reduce the operational taxonomic unit(OTU)of the overall intestinal flora of rats,B.lactis BLa80 can increase the OTU of rats,simulated microgravity can reduce the overall richness and diversity of stool flora of rats,increase the abundance of firmicutes in stool flora of rats,and reduce the abundance of Bacteroides in stool flora of rats,most of which are mainly beneficial bacteria.Simulated microgravity can increase the overall richness and diversity of mucosal flora,increase the abundance of Bacteroides and Desulphurides in the rat mucosal flora,and decrease the abundance of firmicutes,most of which are proteobacteria.After probiotics intervention,the overall Bacteroidetes trend in simulated microgravity rats was increased.CONCLUSION B.lactis BLa80 can ameliorate intestinal mucosal injury,regulate intestinal flora,inhibit ERK expression,and activate the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway,which may have a facilitating effect on gastrointestinal motility in simulated microgravity rats.展开更多
Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a res...Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a result of tumor recurrence.We have reviewed the key signalling pathways associated with oesophageal adenocarcinomas and discussed the recent trials of novel agents that attempt to target these pathways.There are many trials underway with the aim of improving survival in oesophageal cancer.Currently,phase 2 and 3 trials are focused on MAP kinase inhibition,either through inhibition of growth factor receptors or signal transducer proteins.In order to avoid tumor resistance,it appears to be clear that targeted therapy will be needed to combat the multiple signalling pathways that are in operation in oesophageal adenocarcinomas.This may be achievable in the future with the advent of gene signatures and a combinatorial approach.展开更多
Netrin-1 and its receptors play crucial roles in inducing axonal growth and neuronal migration during neuronal development.Their profound impacts then extend into adulthood to encompass the maintenance of neuronal sur...Netrin-1 and its receptors play crucial roles in inducing axonal growth and neuronal migration during neuronal development.Their profound impacts then extend into adulthood to encompass the maintenance of neuronal survival and synaptic function.Increasing amounts of evidence highlight several key points:(1)Diminished Netrin-1 levels exacerbate pathological progression in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,and potentially,similar alterations occur in humans.(2)Genetic mutations of Netrin-1 receptors increase an individuals’susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders.(3)Therapeutic approaches targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors offer the benefits of enhancing memory and motor function.(4)Netrin-1 and its receptors show genetic and epigenetic alterations in a variety of cancers.These findings provide compelling evidence that Netrin-1 and its receptors are crucial targets in neurodegenerative diseases.Through a comprehensive review of Netrin-1 signaling pathways,our objective is to uncover potential therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders.展开更多
Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand...Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.展开更多
Pancreatic cancer(PanCa)presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages,with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options.Besides genetic mutations,epigenetic dysregulatio...Pancreatic cancer(PanCa)presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages,with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options.Besides genetic mutations,epigenetic dysregulation of signaling pathway-associated enriched genes are considered as novel therapeutic target.Mechanisms beneath the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and its utility in developing of epi-drugs in PanCa are under trails.Combinations of epigenetic medicines with conventional cytotoxic treatments or targeted therapy are promising options to improving the dismal response and survival rate of PanCa patients.Recent studies have identified potentially valid pathways that support the prediction that future PanCa clinical trials will include vigorous testing of epigenomic therapies.Epigenetics thus promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of biological and medical importance.Our review could identify various components of epigenetic mechanisms known to be involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related precancerous lesions,and novel pharmacological strategies that target these components could potentially lead to breakthroughs.We aim to highlight the possibilities that exist and the potential therapeutic interventions.展开更多
AIM:To highlight the importance of microRNA(miRNA)-21-5p in directing the phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)gene to control the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)...AIM:To highlight the importance of microRNA(miRNA)-21-5p in directing the phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)gene to control the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells in humans subjected to photodamage.METHODS:Human adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)was cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control,damage,overexpression,negative,and PI3K/Akt blocker groups to establish a photodamage model of ARPE-19 cells.The models were subjected to 24h of light exposure,after which the corresponding indices were detected.The cell counting kit-8 assay quantified cell viability,while flow cytometry determined apoptosis rates.The miRNA-21 mimics and miRNA mimic NC were transfected into ARPE-19 cells using a transient transfection technique.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(SYBR Green)and Western blotting analyzed expression levels of miRNA-21-5p,PTEN,p-PI3K/PI3K,p-mTOR/mTOR,and p-Akt/Akt.Statistical analyses comprised one-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple group comparisons.RESULTS:The photodamage group demonstrated reduced cell survival rates than the control group(P<0.01).The overexpression group exhibited higher cell survival rates than the injury group(P<0.01).The negative group showed no difference in viability(P>0.05).The PI3K/Akt blocker group demonstrated lower cell viability,compared with the overexpression group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:miRNA-21-5p significantly increases ARPE-19 cell survival after photodamage and inhibits lightinduced ARPE-19 cell apoptosis,suggesting that it may play a protective role in RPE by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway while downregulating PTEN expression.展开更多
Extreme ozone pollution events(EOPEs)are associated with synoptic weather patterns(SWPs)and pose severe health and ecological risks.However,a systematic investigation of themeteorological causes,transport pathways,and...Extreme ozone pollution events(EOPEs)are associated with synoptic weather patterns(SWPs)and pose severe health and ecological risks.However,a systematic investigation of themeteorological causes,transport pathways,and source contributions to historical EOPEs is still lacking.In this paper,the K-means clustering method is applied to identify six dominant SWPs during the warm season in the Yangtze River Delta(YRD)region from 2016 to 2022.It provides an integrated analysis of the meteorological factors affecting ozone pollution in Hefei under different SWPs.Using the WRF-FLEXPART model,the transport pathways(TPPs)and geographical sources of the near-surface air masses in Hefei during EOPEs are investigated.The results reveal that Hefei experienced the highest ozone concentration(134.77±42.82μg/m^(3)),exceedance frequency(46 days(23.23%)),and proportion of EOPEs(21 instances,47.7%)under the control of peripheral subsidence of typhoon(Type 5).Regional southeast winds correlated with the ozone pollution in Hefei.During EOPEs,a high boundary layer height,solar radiation,and temperature;lowhumidity and cloud cover;and pronounced subsidence airflow occurred over Hefei and the broader YRD region.The East-South(E_S)patterns exhibited the highest frequency(28 instances,65.11%).Regarding the TPPs and geographical sources of the near-surface air masses during historical EOPEs.The YRD was the main source for land-originating air masses under E_S patterns(50.28%),with Hefei,southern Anhui,southern Jiangsu,and northern Zhejiang being key contributors.These findings can help improve ozone pollution early warning and control mechanisms at urban and regional scales.展开更多
Background Intramuscular fat is an important factor in evaluating pork quality and varies widely among different pig breeds.However,the regulatory mechanism of circular RNAs(circRNAs)in lipid metabolism remains largel...Background Intramuscular fat is an important factor in evaluating pork quality and varies widely among different pig breeds.However,the regulatory mechanism of circular RNAs(circRNAs)in lipid metabolism remains largely unexplored.Results We combined circRNA-seq and Ribo-seq data to screen a total of 18 circRNA candidates with coding potential,and circANKRD17 was found to be significantly elevated in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Lantang piglets,with a length of 1,844 nucleotides.Using single-cell sequencing,we identified 477 differentially expressed genes in IMF cells between Lantang and Landrace piglets,with enrichment in the PPAR signaling pathway.These genes included FABP4,FABP5,CPT1A,and UBC,consistent with the high levels of acylcarnitines observed in the longissimus dorsi muscles of the Lantang breed,as determined by lipidomic analysis.Further in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that circANKRD17 can regulate lipid metabolism through various mechanisms involving the PPAR pathway,including promoting adipocyte differentiation,fatty acid transport and metabolism,triglyceride synthesis,and lipid droplet formation and maturation.In addition,we discovered that circANKRD17 has an open reading frame and can be translated into a novel 571-amino-acid protein that promotes lipid metabolism.Conclusions Our research provides new insights into the role of protein-coding circANKRD17,especially concerning the metabolic characteristics of pig breeds with higher intramuscular fat content.展开更多
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province,No.202401AS070086(to ZW)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2018YFA0801403(to ZW)+1 种基金Yunnan Science and Technology Talent and Platform Plan,No.202105AC160041(to ZW)the Natural Science Foundation of China,No.31960120(to ZW)。
文摘Traumatic brain injury can be categorized into primary and secondary injuries.Secondary injuries are the main cause of disability following traumatic brain injury,which involves a complex multicellular cascade.Microglia play an important role in secondary injury and can be activated in response to traumatic brain injury.In this article,we review the origin and classification of microglia as well as the dynamic changes of microglia in traumatic brain injury.We also clarify the microglial polarization pathways and the therapeutic drugs targeting activated microglia.We found that regulating the signaling pathways involved in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory microglia,such as the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B,Notch,and high mobility group box 1 pathways,can alleviate the inflammatory response triggered by microglia in traumatic brain injury,thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.We also reviewed the strategies developed on the basis of these pathways,such as drug and cell replacement therapies.Drugs that modulate inflammatory factors,such as rosuvastatin,have been shown to promote the polarization of antiinflammatory microglia and reduce the inflammatory response caused by traumatic brain injury.Mesenchymal stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties,and clinical studies have confirmed their significant efficacy and safety in patients with traumatic brain injury.Additionally,advancements in mesenchymal stem cell-delivery methods—such as combinations of novel biomaterials,genetic engineering,and mesenchymal stem cell exosome therapy—have greatly enhanced the efficiency and therapeutic effects of mesenchymal stem cells in animal models.However,numerous challenges in the application of drug and mesenchymal stem cell treatment strategies remain to be addressed.In the future,new technologies,such as single-cell RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis,can facilitate further experimental studies.Moreover,research involving non-human primates can help translate these treatment strategies to clinical practice.
文摘Governance debates gained strong momentum in Africa in early December 2025 as the China-Kenya Readers Forum on Xi Jinping:The Governance of China convened in Nairobi on 1 December 2025,followed by a promotional event for the English edition of the book’s fifth volume on 3 December 2025 in Johannesburg,South Africa.
文摘Objective:To investigate effect of oleanolic acid(OA)on atherosclerosis and its related mechanisms.Methods:Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were injured by oxidized low-density lipoprotein for 24 h and treated with OA,and the levels of cell proliferation,migration,adhesion,and apoptosis were evaluated by BrdU staining,scratch healing assay,monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion assay and flow cytometry.The mice were fed with a high-fat diet to induce an atherosclerosis model,and treated with OA by gastric gavage.The mice were divided into the control group,the model group,and the OA administration group.The blood lipid and plaque formation in mice were detected.In addition,oxidative stress and mitochondrial structure and function changes in cells and mice were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy,JC-1 fluorescent probe,and Western blotting assays.The expression levels of proteins in the AMPK/Drp1 pathway were examined through Western blot.Results:OA markedly increased cell viability and migration rate of HUVECs,and decreased the adhesion rate of THP-1 cells and the apoptosis rate.OA significantly reduced serum lipid levels,such as total cholesterol and triglyceride,in mice and inhibited plaque formation in the aorta.OA also significantly increased the content of superoxide dismutase and catalase,alleviated mitochondrial damage,such as mitochondrial swelling and mitochondrial cristae reduction,reduced the number of mitochondria,increased adenosine triphosphate content,and significantly reduced p-Drp1(Ser616)/Drp1,MFF and FIS1 levels,increased p-AMPK/AMPK levels,activated AMPK,and then regulated DRP1 activity.Conclusions:OA activates AMPK,which in turn regulates the activity of DRP1 to restore normal mitochondrial dynamics and reduce atherosclerosis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82274442)the Key Research Project in Traditional Chinese Medicine of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission(Grant No.202007)the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Research Project of Tianjin Municipal Health Commission(Grant No.2023134).
文摘Background:The development of gastric cancer(GC)encompasses precancerous conditions like chronic atrophic gastritis(CAG)and premalignant lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC).In these situations,abnormal Notch signaling results in mucosal impairment and the initiation of cancer.Banxia Xiexin Decoction(BXD),a well-known formula in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),shows promise in treating gastric disorders,but its mechanisms in gastric restoration remain unclear.Methods:Using MNNG-induced CAG and PLGC rat models,BXD was administered for 12 weeks.Gastric mucosal pathology was assessed via hematoxylin-eosin staining.Proliferation(Ki-67)and angiogenesis(VEGFA)markers were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.Network pharmacology identified BXD’s targets and pathways.Notch pathway components(Notch1,Jagged1,Dll4,Hes1)were analyzed via qPCR,Western blot,and immunohistochemistry.Results:BXD significantly ameliorated mucosal atrophy,glandular structural disorder,and dysplasia in CAG and PLGC rats.Network pharmacology revealed 323 overlapping targets between BXD and PLGC,with Notch signaling as a central pathway.BXD downregulated Notch1,Jagged1,Dll4,and Hes1 expression at transcriptional and protein levels,suppressed Ki-67(proliferation)and VEGFA(angiogenesis)overexpression,and restored gastric mucosal integrity.Conclusion:BXD inhibits Notch signaling,reduces aberrant proliferation and angiogenesis,and interrupts Correa’s gastric carcinogenesis cascade.This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting BXD as a TCM-based intervention for gastric precancerous lesions.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.82405004,82474253)the Natural Science Foundation postdoctoral project of Chongqing(CSTB2022NSCQ-BHX0709)+2 种基金Chongqing Wanzhou District doctoral“through train”scientific research project(wzstc-20220124)Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,China(No.Cstc2021jcyj-msxmX0996)Chongqing Wanzhou District Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project(wzstc-kw2023032)。
文摘Background:ZhiZi-BoPi Decoction(ZZBPD),a traditional prescription for liver and gallbladder protection,has garnered significant clinical interest due to its hepatoprotective properties.Despite its proven efficacy in mitigating intrahepatic cholestasis,the precise mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects remain inadequately understood.This study aims to comprehensively investigate the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of ZZBPD in cholestatic liver injury(CLI).Methods:Firstly,we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of ZZBPD on mice with CLI induced byα-naphthylisothiocyanate(ANIT),by measuring biochemical markers,inflammatory factors,and bile acid levels.Subsequently,we employed network pharmacology and single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)to identify key targets and potential signaling pathways for the prevention and treatment of CLI.Finally,we further validated the mechanism of action of ZZBPD on these key targets through molecular docking,western blotting,and immunofluorescence techniques.Results:ZZBPD notably improved serum liver function,reduced hepatic inflammation,and restored bile acid balance.Through network pharmacology and scRNA-seq analysis,48 core targets were identified,including TNF,IL-6,and NFKB1,all of which are linked to the IL-17 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as shown by KEGG enrichment analysis.Molecular docking further confirmed stable interactions between ZZBPD’s key active components and molecules such as IL-6,IL-17,and NF-κB.Additionally,western blotting and immunofluorescence validated the downregulation of IL-17 and NF-κB protein expression in liver tissue.Conclusion:ZZBPD effectively treats CLI by activating pathways related to the bile acid receptor FXR,while also modulating the IL-17/NF-κB signaling pathway.This dual action enhances bile secretion and alleviates liver inflammation.These findings offer important insights into the pharmacological mechanisms of ZZBPD and underscore its potential as a promising therapeutic for CLI.
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.
基金supported by the Program for Changjiang Scholars of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China (No. T2016088)the National Natural Science Foundation for Distinguished Young Scholars (No. 81725021)+4 种基金the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2021YFA0910500)the Science and Technology Major Project of Hubei Province (No.2021ACA012)the Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81721005)the Academic Frontier Youth Team of HUST (No. 2017QYTD19)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2172019kfy XJJS166)
文摘Cancer represents a significant disease that profoundly impacts human health and longevity.Projections indicate a 47%increase in the global cancer burden by 2040 compared to 2020,accompanied by a further rise in the associated economic burden.Consequently,there is an urgent need to discover and develop new alternative drugs to mitigate the global impact of cancer.Natural products(NPs)play a crucial role in the identification and development of anticancer therapeutics.This study identified ustusolate E(UE)and its analog 11α-hydroxy-ustusolate E(HUE)from strain Aspergillus calidoustus TJ403-EL05,and examined their antitumor activities and mechanisms of action.The findings demonstrate that both compounds significantly inhibited the proliferation and colony formation of AGS(human gastric cancer cells)and 786-O(human renal clear cell carcinoma cells),induced irreversible DNA damage,blocked the cell cycle at the G_(2)/M phase,and further induced apoptosis in tumor cells.To the best of the authors’knowledge,this is the first report on the anticancer effects of UE and HUE and their underlying mechanisms.The present study suggests that HUE and UE could serve as lead compounds for the development of novel anticancer drugs.
基金supported by the German Research Council(Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft,HA3309/3-1/2,HA3309/6-1,HA3309/7-1)。
文摘Skeletal muscles are essential for locomotion,posture,and metabolic regulation.To understand physiological processes,exercise adaptation,and muscle-related disorders,it is critical to understand the molecular pathways that underlie skeletal muscle function.The process of muscle contra ction,orchestrated by a complex interplay of molecular events,is at the core of skeletal muscle function.Muscle contraction is initiated by an action potential and neuromuscular transmission requiring a neuromuscular junction.Within muscle fibers,calcium ions play a critical role in mediating the interaction between actin and myosin filaments that generate force.Regulation of calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum plays a key role in excitation-contraction coupling.The development and growth of skeletal muscle are regulated by a network of molecular pathways collectively known as myogenesis.Myogenic regulators coordinate the diffe rentiation of myoblasts into mature muscle fibers.Signaling pathways regulate muscle protein synthesis and hypertrophy in response to mechanical stimuli and nutrient availability.Seve ral muscle-related diseases,including congenital myasthenic disorders,sarcopenia,muscular dystrophies,and metabolic myopathies,are underpinned by dys regulated molecular pathways in skeletal muscle.Therapeutic interventions aimed at preserving muscle mass and function,enhancing regeneration,and improving metabolic health hold promise by targeting specific molecular pathways.Other molecular signaling pathways in skeletal muscle include the canonical Wnt signaling pathway,a critical regulator of myogenesis,muscle regeneration,and metabolic function,and the Hippo signaling pathway.In recent years,more details have been uncovered about the role of these two pathways during myogenesis and in developing and adult skeletal muscle fibers,and at the neuromuscular junction.In fact,research in the last few years now suggests that these two signaling pathways are interconnected and that they jointly control physiological and pathophysiological processes in muscle fibers.In this review,we will summarize and discuss the data on these two pathways,focusing on their concerted action next to their contribution to skeletal muscle biology.However,an in-depth discussion of the noncanonical Wnt pathway,the fibro/a dipogenic precursors,or the mechanosensory aspects of these pathways is not the focus of this review.
文摘The subcortical visual pathway is generally thought to be involved in dangerous information processing,such as fear processing and defensive behavior.A recent study,published in Human Brain Mapping,shows a new function of the subcortical pathway involved in the fast processing of non-emotional object perception.Rapid object processing is a critical function of visual system.Topological perception theory proposes that the initial perception of objects begins with the extraction of topological property(TP).However,the mechanism of rapid TP processing remains unclear.The researchers investigated the subcortical mechanism of TP processing with transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS).They find that a subcortical magnocellular pathway is responsible for the early processing of TP,and this subcortical processing of TP accelerates object recognition.Based on their findings,we propose a novel training approach called subcortical magnocellular pathway training(SMPT),aimed at improving the efficiency of the subcortical M pathway to restore visual and attentional functions in disorders associated with subcortical pathway dysfunction.
基金supported by the Scientific Research Foundation for the introduction of talent of Pingdingshan University(No.PXY-BSQD-2022040,PXY-BSQD-2023024)Henan Province Science and Technology Research Project(No.242102310313,232102310460).
文摘Background:Although the buried wood of Phoebe zhennan is known as the“mummy”of the plant kingdom,there is little research on its pharmacological activity.This study endeavored to investigate the effect and mechanism of buried wood of Phoebe zhennan extract(BPE)on physical fatigue mice induced by weight-loaded forced swimming.Methods:Firstly,BPE was obtained by 70%ethanol extraction and freeze-drying processes.Then,the effect of BPE on physical fatigue mice was evaluated by swimming time,rotating stick time,levels of lipid peroxidation,lactate,lactate dehydrogenase,urea nitrogen,creatine kinase and muscle glycogen.Finally,real time fluorescence quantification and western blot were used to investigate the possible mechanism of BPE.Results:BPE could significantly alleviate muscle tissue damage,prolong the exhaustion time of weight-bearing swimming and rotating stick time.Meanwhile,BPE treatment could notably reduce the accumulation of serum lactate,urea nitrogen,and activities of lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase,while increasing the levels of glycogen and activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase in muscles.Moreover,BPE treatment obviously increased HO-1,Nrf-2,AMPK,PGC-1αmRNA and protein expressions in the muscles of physical fatigue mice.Conclusion:BPE treatment could ameliorate various impairments and oxidative stress injury induced by physical fatigue via activating Nrf-2/HO-1 and AMPK/PGC-1αsignaling pathway.
文摘Objective The entorhino-hippocampal pathway is the major excitatory input from neurons of the entorhinal cortex on both ipsilateral and contralateral hippocampus/dentate gyrus. This fiber tract consists of the alvear path, the perforant path and a crossed commissural projection. In this study, the histogenesis and development of the various subsets of the entorhino-hippocampal projection have been investigated. Methods Dil, DiO and fast blue tracing as well as anti-calretinin immunocytochemistry were carried out with prenatal and postnatal rats at different ages. Results The alvear path and the commissural pathway started to develop as early as embryonic day （E） 16, while the first perforant afferents reached the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus at E 17 and the outer molecular layer of dentate gyrus at postnatal day （P） 2, respectively. Retrograde tracing with DiI identified entorhinal neurons in layer II to IV as the origin of entorhino-hippocampal pathway. Furthermore, anti-calretinin immunocytochemistry revealed transitory Cajal- Retzius （CR） cells in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the hippocampus from as early as E 16. DiI labeling of entorhinal cortex fibers and combined calretinin-immunocytochemistry showed a close association between CR cells and entorhinal afferents. Conclusion The subsets of entorhino-hippocampal pathway appear in the developmental hippocampus during El6 - P2. The temporal and spatial relationship between CR cell and perforant afferent suggests the role of this cell type as a guiding cue for entorhinal afferents at early cortical development.
基金supported by Yuan Du Scholars,Clinical Research Center of Affiliated Hospital of Shandong Second Medical University,No.2022WYFYLCYJ02Weifang Key Laboratory,Weifang Science and Technology Development Plan Project Medical Category,No.2022YX093.
文摘The cGAS–STING pathway plays an important role in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the heart,liver,brain,and kidney,but its role and mechanisms in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been systematically reviewed.Here,we outline the components of the cGAS–STING pathway and then analyze its role in autophagy,ferroptosis,cellular pyroptosis,disequilibrium of calcium homeostasis,inflammatory responses,disruption of the blood–brain barrier,microglia transformation,and complement system activation following cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.We further analyze the value of cGAS–STING pathway inhibitors in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury and conclude that the pathway can regulate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury through multiple mechanisms.Inhibition of the cGAS–STING pathway may be helpful in the treatment of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.
文摘BACKGROUND Simulated microgravity environment can lead to gastrointestinal motility disturbance.The pathogenesis of gastrointestinal motility disorders is closely related to the stem cell factor(SCF)/c-kit signaling pathway associated with intestinal flora and Cajal stromal cells.Moreover,intestinal flora can also affect the regulation of SCF/c-kit signaling pathway,thus affecting the expression of Cajal stromal cells.Cajal cells are the pacemakers of gastrointestinal motility.AIM To investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium lactis(B.lactis)BLa80 on the intestinal flora of rats in simulated microgravity and on the gastrointestinal motility-related SCF/c-kit pathway.METHODS The internationally recognized tail suspension animal model was used to simulate the microgravity environment,and 30 rats were randomly divided into control group,tail suspension group and drug administration tail suspension group with 10 rats in each group for a total of 28 days.The tail group was given B.lactis BLa80 by intragastric administration,and the other two groups were given water intragastric administration,the concentration of intragastric administration was 0.1 g/mL,and each rat was 1 mL/day.Hematoxylin&eosin staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in each segment of the intestine of each group,and the expression levels of SCF,c-kit,extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)and p-ERK in the gastric antrum of each group were detected by Western blotting and PCR.The fecal flora and mucosal flora of rats in each group were detected by 16S rRNA.RESULTS Simulated microgravity resulted in severe exfoliation of villi of duodenum,jejunum and ileum in rats,marked damage,increased space between villi,loose arrangement,shortened columnar epithelium of colon,less folds,narrower mucosal thickness,reduced goblet cell number and crypts,and significant improvement after probiotic intervention.Simulated microgravity reduced the expressions of SCF and c-kit,and increased the expressions of ERK and P-ERK in the gastric antrum of rats.However,after probiotic intervention,the expressions of SCF and ckit were increased,while the expressions of ERK and P-ERK were decreased,with statistical significance(P<0.05).In addition,simulated microgravity can reduce the operational taxonomic unit(OTU)of the overall intestinal flora of rats,B.lactis BLa80 can increase the OTU of rats,simulated microgravity can reduce the overall richness and diversity of stool flora of rats,increase the abundance of firmicutes in stool flora of rats,and reduce the abundance of Bacteroides in stool flora of rats,most of which are mainly beneficial bacteria.Simulated microgravity can increase the overall richness and diversity of mucosal flora,increase the abundance of Bacteroides and Desulphurides in the rat mucosal flora,and decrease the abundance of firmicutes,most of which are proteobacteria.After probiotics intervention,the overall Bacteroidetes trend in simulated microgravity rats was increased.CONCLUSION B.lactis BLa80 can ameliorate intestinal mucosal injury,regulate intestinal flora,inhibit ERK expression,and activate the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway,which may have a facilitating effect on gastrointestinal motility in simulated microgravity rats.
基金Supported by UK National Institute of Health Research/Cancer Research Network (UK NIHR/UKCRN) and Research and Development Department of Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (to Ang YS)R Keld WrightingtonWigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust Cancer Therapy Fund(to Keld RR,in part)
文摘Cancer treatments are rapidly changing.Curative treatment for oesophageal adenocarcinoma currently involves surgery and cytotoxic chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.Outcomes for both regimes are generally poor as a result of tumor recurrence.We have reviewed the key signalling pathways associated with oesophageal adenocarcinomas and discussed the recent trials of novel agents that attempt to target these pathways.There are many trials underway with the aim of improving survival in oesophageal cancer.Currently,phase 2 and 3 trials are focused on MAP kinase inhibition,either through inhibition of growth factor receptors or signal transducer proteins.In order to avoid tumor resistance,it appears to be clear that targeted therapy will be needed to combat the multiple signalling pathways that are in operation in oesophageal adenocarcinomas.This may be achievable in the future with the advent of gene signatures and a combinatorial approach.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Youth Science Fund Project),No.81901292(to GC)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,No.2021YFC2502100(to GC)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82071183(to ZZ).
文摘Netrin-1 and its receptors play crucial roles in inducing axonal growth and neuronal migration during neuronal development.Their profound impacts then extend into adulthood to encompass the maintenance of neuronal survival and synaptic function.Increasing amounts of evidence highlight several key points:(1)Diminished Netrin-1 levels exacerbate pathological progression in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease,and potentially,similar alterations occur in humans.(2)Genetic mutations of Netrin-1 receptors increase an individuals’susceptibility to neurodegenerative disorders.(3)Therapeutic approaches targeting Netrin-1 and its receptors offer the benefits of enhancing memory and motor function.(4)Netrin-1 and its receptors show genetic and epigenetic alterations in a variety of cancers.These findings provide compelling evidence that Netrin-1 and its receptors are crucial targets in neurodegenerative diseases.Through a comprehensive review of Netrin-1 signaling pathways,our objective is to uncover potential therapeutic avenues for neurodegenerative disorders.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Key Program),No.11932013the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program),No.82272255+2 种基金Armed Police Force High-Level Science and Technology Personnel ProjectThe Armed Police Force Focuses on Supporting Scientific and Technological Innovation TeamsKey Project of Tianjin Science and Technology Plan,No.20JCZDJC00570(all to XC)。
文摘Spinal cord injury involves non-reversible damage to the central nervous system that is characterized by limited regenerative capacity and secondary inflammatory damage.The expression of the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis exhibits significant differences before and after injury.Recent studies have revealed that the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis is closely associated with secondary inflammatory responses and the recruitment of immune cells following spinal cord injury,suggesting that this axis is a novel target and regulatory control point for treatment.This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic strategies targeting the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis,along with the regenerative and repair mechanisms linking the axis to spinal cord injury.Additionally,we summarize the upstream and downstream inflammatory signaling pathways associated with spinal cord injury and the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review primarily elaborates on therapeutic strategies that target the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the latest progress of research on antagonistic drugs,along with the approaches used to exploit new therapeutic targets within the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis and the development of targeted drugs.Nevertheless,there are presently no clinical studies relating to spinal cord injury that are focusing on the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2/C-C motif chemokine receptor 2 axis.This review aims to provide new ideas and therapeutic strategies for the future treatment of spinal cord injury.
文摘Pancreatic cancer(PanCa)presents a catastrophic disease with poor overall survival at advanced stages,with immediate requirement of new and effective treatment options.Besides genetic mutations,epigenetic dysregulation of signaling pathway-associated enriched genes are considered as novel therapeutic target.Mechanisms beneath the deoxyribonucleic acid methylation and its utility in developing of epi-drugs in PanCa are under trails.Combinations of epigenetic medicines with conventional cytotoxic treatments or targeted therapy are promising options to improving the dismal response and survival rate of PanCa patients.Recent studies have identified potentially valid pathways that support the prediction that future PanCa clinical trials will include vigorous testing of epigenomic therapies.Epigenetics thus promises to generate a significant amount of new knowledge of biological and medical importance.Our review could identify various components of epigenetic mechanisms known to be involved in the initiation and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and related precancerous lesions,and novel pharmacological strategies that target these components could potentially lead to breakthroughs.We aim to highlight the possibilities that exist and the potential therapeutic interventions.
文摘AIM:To highlight the importance of microRNA(miRNA)-21-5p in directing the phosphatase and tensin homolog(PTEN)gene to control the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway in retinal pigment epithelial(RPE)cells in humans subjected to photodamage.METHODS:Human adult RPE cell line-19(ARPE-19)was cultured in vitro and randomly divided into control,damage,overexpression,negative,and PI3K/Akt blocker groups to establish a photodamage model of ARPE-19 cells.The models were subjected to 24h of light exposure,after which the corresponding indices were detected.The cell counting kit-8 assay quantified cell viability,while flow cytometry determined apoptosis rates.The miRNA-21 mimics and miRNA mimic NC were transfected into ARPE-19 cells using a transient transfection technique.Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(SYBR Green)and Western blotting analyzed expression levels of miRNA-21-5p,PTEN,p-PI3K/PI3K,p-mTOR/mTOR,and p-Akt/Akt.Statistical analyses comprised one-way analysis of variance and the Student-Newman-Keuls test for multiple group comparisons.RESULTS:The photodamage group demonstrated reduced cell survival rates than the control group(P<0.01).The overexpression group exhibited higher cell survival rates than the injury group(P<0.01).The negative group showed no difference in viability(P>0.05).The PI3K/Akt blocker group demonstrated lower cell viability,compared with the overexpression group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:miRNA-21-5p significantly increases ARPE-19 cell survival after photodamage and inhibits lightinduced ARPE-19 cell apoptosis,suggesting that it may play a protective role in RPE by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway while downregulating PTEN expression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U19A2044,42105132,42030609,and 41975037)the National Key Research and Development Programof China(No.2022YFC3700303).
文摘Extreme ozone pollution events(EOPEs)are associated with synoptic weather patterns(SWPs)and pose severe health and ecological risks.However,a systematic investigation of themeteorological causes,transport pathways,and source contributions to historical EOPEs is still lacking.In this paper,the K-means clustering method is applied to identify six dominant SWPs during the warm season in the Yangtze River Delta(YRD)region from 2016 to 2022.It provides an integrated analysis of the meteorological factors affecting ozone pollution in Hefei under different SWPs.Using the WRF-FLEXPART model,the transport pathways(TPPs)and geographical sources of the near-surface air masses in Hefei during EOPEs are investigated.The results reveal that Hefei experienced the highest ozone concentration(134.77±42.82μg/m^(3)),exceedance frequency(46 days(23.23%)),and proportion of EOPEs(21 instances,47.7%)under the control of peripheral subsidence of typhoon(Type 5).Regional southeast winds correlated with the ozone pollution in Hefei.During EOPEs,a high boundary layer height,solar radiation,and temperature;lowhumidity and cloud cover;and pronounced subsidence airflow occurred over Hefei and the broader YRD region.The East-South(E_S)patterns exhibited the highest frequency(28 instances,65.11%).Regarding the TPPs and geographical sources of the near-surface air masses during historical EOPEs.The YRD was the main source for land-originating air masses under E_S patterns(50.28%),with Hefei,southern Anhui,southern Jiangsu,and northern Zhejiang being key contributors.These findings can help improve ozone pollution early warning and control mechanisms at urban and regional scales.
基金supported by the Biological Breeding-Major Projects in National Science and Technology[grant numbers 2023ZD04044]the Natural Science Foundation of China Program[grant numbers 32072714].
文摘Background Intramuscular fat is an important factor in evaluating pork quality and varies widely among different pig breeds.However,the regulatory mechanism of circular RNAs(circRNAs)in lipid metabolism remains largely unexplored.Results We combined circRNA-seq and Ribo-seq data to screen a total of 18 circRNA candidates with coding potential,and circANKRD17 was found to be significantly elevated in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Lantang piglets,with a length of 1,844 nucleotides.Using single-cell sequencing,we identified 477 differentially expressed genes in IMF cells between Lantang and Landrace piglets,with enrichment in the PPAR signaling pathway.These genes included FABP4,FABP5,CPT1A,and UBC,consistent with the high levels of acylcarnitines observed in the longissimus dorsi muscles of the Lantang breed,as determined by lipidomic analysis.Further in vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that circANKRD17 can regulate lipid metabolism through various mechanisms involving the PPAR pathway,including promoting adipocyte differentiation,fatty acid transport and metabolism,triglyceride synthesis,and lipid droplet formation and maturation.In addition,we discovered that circANKRD17 has an open reading frame and can be translated into a novel 571-amino-acid protein that promotes lipid metabolism.Conclusions Our research provides new insights into the role of protein-coding circANKRD17,especially concerning the metabolic characteristics of pig breeds with higher intramuscular fat content.
