In this study,thyme essential oil(TEO)nanoemulsion(tPTNs)was constructed with transglutaminase(TGase)-modified potato protein,and its antibacterial activity and mechanism of action were evaluated and explored.Results ...In this study,thyme essential oil(TEO)nanoemulsion(tPTNs)was constructed with transglutaminase(TGase)-modified potato protein,and its antibacterial activity and mechanism of action were evaluated and explored.Results indicated that tPTNs exhibited great antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli,with minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL,respectively.Also,the antibacterial effects of tPTNs were concentration-dependent.We observed a significant decrease in the absolute value of the zeta potential,and significant increases in particle size,cell membrane hydrophobicity,conductivity,the release of metal ions,and the leakage of nucleic acid as the concentration of tPTNs increased from 0 mg/mL to MBC.Furthermore,sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)demonstrated that protein synthesis was inhibited or even disrupted.Analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)indicated that treatment with tPTNs caused significant changes in bacterial metabolites,1117 and 692 differential metabolites being found for S.aureus and E.coli,respectively.The differential metabolites were involved in nucleotide metabolism,amino acid metabolism,tricarboxylic acid cycle and other metabolic pathways.These findings provide valuable insights for the application of thyme essential oil as an efficient antibacterial agent and for the understanding of its mechanism of action.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
The study of target proteins is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and developing analytical platforms,therapeutic agents and functional tools.Herein,we present a novel nanoplatform activated by near-inf...The study of target proteins is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and developing analytical platforms,therapeutic agents and functional tools.Herein,we present a novel nanoplatform activated by near-infrared(NIR) light for triple-modal proteins study,which enabling target protein labeling,enrichment and visualization.Azido-naphthalimide-coated upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) serve as NIR light-responsive nanoplatforms,showing promising applications in studying interactions between various bioactive molecules and proteins in living systems.Under NIR light irradiation,azido-naphthalimides are activated by ultraviolet(UV) and blue light emitted from UCNPs and the resulting amino-naphthalimides intermediate not only crosslink nearby target proteins but also enable imaging performance.We demonstrate that this nanoplatform is capable of selective protein labeling and imaging in complex protein environments,achieving specific labeling and imaging of both intracellular and extracellular proteins in mammalian cells as well as bacteria.Furthermore,in vivo protein labeling has been achieved using this novel NIR light-activatable nanoplatform.This technique will open new avenues for discoveries and mechanistic interrogation in chemical biology.展开更多
Objectives:Gastric cancer(GC)is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide,ranking as the fifth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality.This study intends to investigate how Inh...Objectives:Gastric cancer(GC)is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide,ranking as the fifth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality.This study intends to investigate how Inhibin subunit beta A(INHBA)promotes the progression of GC by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway via targeting Integrin alpha-6(ITGA6).Methods:Quantitative reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)and Immunohistochemistry(IHC)were utilised to validate the expression levels of INHBA in GC,which were subsequently correlated with the clinicopathological factors and outcomes.Cellular and animal studies were conducted to ascertain the role of INHBA in GC.RNA-sequencing(RNA-seq)and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen for the downstream target and pathway of INHBA,with Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP),Co-Immunofluorescent(Co-IF),Western blot(WB)and Rescue experiments validating their mechanisms of action in GC.Results:IHC and qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that GC tissues exhibited higher INHBA expression than adjacent noncancerous tissues.This elevated INHBA expression was found to be significantly associated with the incidence of tumor lesions,lymph node metastasis,and progression to higher TNM stages.Functional experiments showed that INHBA promoted GC cell proliferation and enhanced their migration and invasion in vitro while inhibiting apoptosis.Animal studies results indicated that INHBA overexpression promoted tumor growth and increased tumor weight and volume.Through a series of experiments,including RNA-seq,Co-IP,Co-IF,WB,and rescue assays,this study demonstrated that INHBA promotes GC progression by targeting ITGA6 to regulate the MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusions:INHBA/ITGA6/MAPK axis can provide new insights into GC therapy.Targeted INHBA inhibition holds promise as a therapeutic approach for GC treatment.展开更多
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is commonly used for hematoma evacuation in minimally invasive surgery following intracerebral hemorrhage.However,during minimally invasive surgery,recombinant tissue plasminog...Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is commonly used for hematoma evacuation in minimally invasive surgery following intracerebral hemorrhage.However,during minimally invasive surgery,recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may come into contact with brain tissue.Therefore,a thorough assessment of its safety is required.In this study,we established a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage induced by type VII collagenase.We observed that the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator without hematoma aspiration significantly improved the neurological function of mice with intracerebral hemorrhage,reduced pathological damage,and lowered the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in the tissue surrounding the hematoma.In an in vitro model of intracerebral hemorrhage using primary cortical neurons induced by hemin,the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator suppressed neuronal apoptosis,autophagy,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator upregulated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in neurons.Moreover,the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the neuroprotective effects of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in inhibiting excessive apoptosis,autophagy,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,to specify the domain of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator responsible for its neuroprotective effects,various inhibitors were used to target distinct domains.It has been revealed that the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor AG-1478 reversed the effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonineprotein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.These findings suggest that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator exerts a direct neuroprotective effect on neurons following intracerebral hemorrhage,possibly through activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.展开更多
Fluorogen-activating proteins(FAPs)selectively bind to specific fluorophores,inducing fluorescence activation through the inhibition of torsion of fluorophores.This binding-activation mechanism provides a highly speci...Fluorogen-activating proteins(FAPs)selectively bind to specific fluorophores,inducing fluorescence activation through the inhibition of torsion of fluorophores.This binding-activation mechanism provides a highly specific and efficient fluorescence system that minimizes background signals,significantly enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and making it a powerful tool in live-cell imaging.The principle of binding-activation fluorescence is fundamental to point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography(PAINT)super-resolution imaging.However,the high binding affinity between traditional FAPfluorophore pairs limits their application in PAINT,thus hindering the rapid and dynamic imaging necessary for high-resolution cellular studies.In this work,we designed malachite green(MG)derivatives with bulky N-substituents to modulate the binding affinity of the MG-d L5^(**)fluorophore-FAP pair.This modification introduces steric hindrance in MG-dL5^(**)system,resulting in reduced binding affinity and practicability for fast,high-resolution PAINT imaging.Among the synthesized derivatives,MG-Pen showed optimal properties,enabling rapid and high-resolution PAINT imaging of dL5^(**)in living cells.This study highlights the potential of MG derivatives optimization in overcoming the limitations of fluorophore-FAP pairs for super-resolution imaging and provides a new approach for enhancing the performance of PAINT in living cell applications.展开更多
Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)are linked to numerous chronic conditions,including cardiovascular disease,atherosclerosis,chronic kidney disease,and type II diabetes.Previou...Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)are linked to numerous chronic conditions,including cardiovascular disease,atherosclerosis,chronic kidney disease,and type II diabetes.Previous research identified the natural flavonoid diosmin,derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium,as a regulator of glucose metabolism.However,its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms remained unexplored.The AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway serves a critical function in glucose and lipid metabolism.The relationship between diosmin and the AMPK pathway has not been previously documented.This investigation examined diosmin's capacity to reduce lipid content through AMPK pathway activation in hepatoblastoma cell line G2(HepG2)and 3T3-L1 cells.The study revealed that diosmin inhibits lipogenesis,indicating its potential as an anti-obesity agent in obese mice.Moreover,diosmin demonstrated effective MASLD alleviation in vivo.These findings suggest that diosmin may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and MASLD.展开更多
Objectives The discovery of novel molecular targets to enhance the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(H-BMSCs)represents a promising strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis.Thus...Objectives The discovery of novel molecular targets to enhance the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(H-BMSCs)represents a promising strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis.Thus,the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms by which long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1(lncRNA FOXD2-AS1)regulates early osteogenic differentiation in H-BMSCs,thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets.Methods Lentivirus-mediated vectors were constructed to either overexpress or silence FOXD2-AS1 in H-BMSCs.The effects of FOXD2-AS1 on osteogenesis were subsequently assessed by analyzing osteogenic marker expression and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining.To clarify the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)pathway in this process,AG490 inhibitor(a JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor)and knockdown of STAT3 were used to investigate the mechanisms of FOXD2-AS1.Results FOXD2-AS1 overexpression increased ALP activity and osteogenic marker expression,while its knockdown had the opposite effects.From a mechanistic perspective,FOXD2-AS1 overexpression promoted JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation,whereas its suppression attenuated their activation.Also,the osteogenic increase induced by FOXD2-AS1 overexpression was reversed by AG490 treatment or STAT3 silencing,indicating that the pathway plays a role in this process.Conclusion FOXD2-AS1 was identified as a novel genetic switch driving osteogenic commitment via JAK2/STAT3 activation,revealing a new regulatory mechanism and a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diabetic wound injury is a significant and common complication in individuals with diabetes.N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-related epigenetic regulation is widely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes complicat...BACKGROUND Diabetic wound injury is a significant and common complication in individuals with diabetes.N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-related epigenetic regulation is widely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications.However,the function of m6A methyltransferase Wilms tumor 1-associated protein(WTAP)in diabetic wound healing remains elusive.AIM To investigate the potential epigenetic regulatory mechanism of WTAP during diabetic wound healing.METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were induced with high glucose(HG)to establish in vitro cell model.Male BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to mimic diabetes,and full-thickness excision was made to mimic diabetic wound healing.HG-induced HUVECs and mouse models were treated with WTAP siRNAs and DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1)overexpression vectors.Cell viability and migration ability were detected by cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays.In vitro angiogenesis was measured using a tube formation experiment.The images of wounds were captured,and re-epithelialization and collagen deposition of skin tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining.RESULTS The expression of several m6A methyltransferases,including METTL3,METTL14,METTL16,KIAA1429,WTAP,and RBM15,were measured.WTAP exhibited the most significant elevation in HG-induced HUVECs compared with the normal control.WTAP depletion notably restored cell viability and enhanced tube formation ability and migration of HUVECs suppressed by HG.The unclosed wound area of mice was smaller in WTAP knockdowntreated mice than in control mice at nine days post-wounding,along with enhanced re-epithelialization rate and collagen deposition.The m6A levels on DNMT1 mRNA in HUVECs were repressed by WTAP knockdown in HUVECs.The mRNA levels and expression of DNMT1 were inhibited by WTAP depletion in HUVECs.Overexpression of DNMT1 in HUVECs notably reversed the effects of WTAP depletion on HG-induced HUVECs.CONCLUSION WTAP expression is elevated in HG-induced HUVECs and epigenetically regulates the m6A modification of DNMT1 to impair diabetic wound healing.展开更多
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality worldwide.The transcription factor Myc-associated zinc finger protein(MAZ)has been implicated in cancer progression.However,its pre...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality worldwide.The transcription factor Myc-associated zinc finger protein(MAZ)has been implicated in cancer progression.However,its precise function and mecha-nisms in CRC remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of the MAZ/ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1(UHRF1)/esophageal cancer-related gene 4(ECRG4)axis in CRC metastasis.METHODS Western blot,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and transwell were performed to evaluate the impact of MAZ knockdown on CRC cell migration and invasion.A xenograft tumor metastasis model was es-tablished by injecting MAZ-deficient CRC cells into nude mice to assess in vivo metastatic potential.Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the role of MAZ and its downstream target,UHRF1.Chromatin immunoprecip-itation-quantitative PCR and methylation-specific PCR were used to analyze whether UHRF1 regulated ECRG4 through DNA methylation.RESULTS MAZ was highly upregulated in CRC cells and promoted CRC migration,inva-sion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and metastasis.Mechanistically,MAZ transcriptionally activated UHRF1,which in turn led to DNA methylation of ECRG4.Knockdown of MAZ suppressed CRC migration and invasion was reversed by overexpression of UHRF1.Loss of UHRF1 upregulated ECRG4,inhibited EMT,and reduced cell migration and invasion.However,simultaneous knockdown of ECRG4 partially reversed these effects.CONCLUSION MAZ promotes CRC cell migration,invasion,and EMT by transcriptionally activating UHRF1,which downreg-ulates ECRG4 through DNA methylation.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of Dan Ze mixture(丹泽合剂,DZM)in the treatment of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy.METHODS:Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was employed to characterize ...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of Dan Ze mixture(丹泽合剂,DZM)in the treatment of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy.METHODS:Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the serum migration constituents of DZM.A lipotoxic cardiomyopathy rat model was established through high-fat diet and intervened by different doses of DZM.The cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography,and hematoxylin and eosin,oil red O,and Masson staining were conducted to evaluate morphological changes,lipid accumulation,and fibrosis in myocardial tissue.Serum myocardial enzyme activity,lipid levels,and lipid content of myocardial tissue were measured,while fluorescent staining and colorimetry were used to assess oxidation levels in myocardial tissue.Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by 5,5',6,6'-Tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanineiodide(JC-1).Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe ultrastructure and mitochondrial structure changes in myocardial tissue.Fluorescence double staining and colocalization were utilized to observe the binding of autophagosomes and mitochondria,while immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of mitophagy-related proteins.Terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining was employed for the identification of apoptosis in myocardial tissue,while quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)and Western blot were utilized for the detection of apoptosis,B-cell lymphoma-2 adenovirus E1B 19 k Da-interacting protein 3(BNIP3)/mitophagy signaling pathway-related genes and proteins.In palmitic acid-induced Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes(H9c2)cells,various cellular parameters including cell viability,lactate dehydrogenase release,apoptosis rate,oxidative stress level,mitochondrial structure and function,and mitophagy level were assessed after the treatment of DZM drug-containing serum for a duration of 24 h.The cellular expressions of BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway relevant genes and proteins were further evaluated using q RT-PCR and Western blot techniques.RESULTS:A total of 295 prototypes(e.g.,phenolic acids,quinones,terpenoids)were identified in serum of rats after oral administration of DZM.In vivo,DZM therapy has been shown to effectively enhance cardiac function,mitigate high-fat diet-induced myocardial structural damage and lipid accumulation.Furthermore,DZM has demonstrated the ability to reduce lipid levels,attenuate cell apoptosis,combat oxidative stress,enhance mitochondrial structure and function,and activate the BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway.Furthermore,the silencing of BNIP3 has been shown to exacerbate palmitic acid-induced damages in H9c2 cells,while inhibiting the BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway can mitigate the inhibitory effects of DZM on palmitic acidinduced apoptosis,lipid deposition and oxidative stress.CONCLUSION:This study presents preliminary evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of DZM on lipotoxic cardiomyopathy through the activating BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway.展开更多
Objective Sevoflurane preconditioning has been demonstrated to reduce cerebral ischemia–reperfusion（IR） injury,but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Besides,different protocols would usually ...Objective Sevoflurane preconditioning has been demonstrated to reduce cerebral ischemia–reperfusion（IR） injury,but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Besides,different protocols would usually lead to different results.The objective of this study was to determine whether dual exposure to sevoflurane improves the effect of anesthetic preconditioning against oxygen and glucose deprivation（OGD）injury in vitro.Methods Rat hippocampal slices under normoxic conditions（95%O2/5%CO2）were pre-exposed to sevoflurane 1,2 and 3 minimum alveolar concentration （MAC）for 30 min,once or twice,with 15-min washout after each exposure.The slices were then subjected to 13-min OGD treatment（95%N2/5%CO2,glucose-free）,followed by 30-min reoxygenation.The population spikes（PSs）were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus.The percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment was calculated,since it could indicate the recovery degree of neuronal function.In addition,to assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）in preconditioning,U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）,and SB203580,an inhibitor of p38 MAPK,were separately added 10 min before sevoflurane exposure.Results Preconditioning once with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment,from（15.13±3.79）%（control）to（31.88±5.36）%, （44.00±5.01）%,and（49.50±6.25）%,respectively,and twice preconditioning with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage to（38.53±4.36）%,（50.74±7.05）%and（55.86±6.23）%,respectively.The effect of duplicate preconditioning with sevoflurane 3 MAC was blocked by U0126[（16.23±4.62）%].Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning can induce neuroprotection against OGD injury in vitro,and preconditioning twice enhances this effect.Besides,the activation of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）may be involved in this process.展开更多
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway that facilitates cancer cell survival in response to stress. ...BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway that facilitates cancer cell survival in response to stress. The relationship between autophagy and the lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor beta (lncRNA-ATB) in HCC remains unknown. AIM To explore the influence of lncRNA-ATB in regulating autophagy in HCC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS In the present study, we evaluated lncRNA-ATB expression in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 72 HCC cases by real-time PCR. We evaluated the role of lncRNA-ATB in the proliferation and clonogenicity of HCC cells in vitro. The effect of lncRNA-ATB on autophagy was determined using a LC3-GFP reporter and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanism by which lncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy was explored by immunofluorescence staining, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blot. RESULTS The expression of lncRNA-ATB was higher in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues, and lncRNA-ATB expression was positively correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and poorer survival of patients with HCC. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of lncRNA-ATB promoted cell proliferation and clonogenicnity of HCC cells in vitro. LncRNA-ATB promoted autophagy by activating Yesassociated protein (YAP). Moreover, lncRNA-ATB interacted with autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) mRNA and increased ATG5 expression. CONCLUSION LncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy by activating YAP and increasing ATG5 expression. Our data demonstrate a novel function for lncRNA-ATB in autophagy and suggest that lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in HCC.展开更多
The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Fenofibrate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury（IRI） in mice and its potential mechanism. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for ...The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Fenofibrate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury（IRI） in mice and its potential mechanism. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated group（sham）, IRI＋saline group（IRI group）, IRI＋Fenofibrate（FEN） group. Normal saline or Fenofibrate（3 mg/kg） was intravenously injected 60 min before renal ischemia in IRI group and FEN group, respectively. Blood samples and renal tissues were collected at the end of reperfusion. The renal function, histopathologic changes, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-8（IL-8）, tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α） and IL-6] in serum and renal tissue homogenate were assessed. Moreover, the effects of Fenofibrate on activating phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α（PPAR-α） were also measured in renal IRI. The results showed that plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, histopathologic scores and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly lower in FEN group than in IRI group. Moreover, Fenofibrate pretreatment could further induce PI3K/Akt signal pathway and PPAR-α activation following renal IRI. These findings indicated PPAR-α activation by Fenofibrate exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by suppressing inflammation via PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, Fenofibrate could be a novel therapeutic alternative in renal IRI.展开更多
AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon te...AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) and subsequent treatment with or without metformin. The level of fibrosis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry. The HSC cell line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of metformin on cell proliferation(CCK8 assay),motility(scratch test and Transwell assay), contraction(collagen gel contraction assay), extracellular matrix(ECM) secretion(Western blot), and angiogenesis(ELISA and tube formation assay) was investigated. We also analyzed the possible signaling pathways involved by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Mice developed marked liver fibrosis after intraperitoneal injection with CCl_4 for 6 wk. Metformin decreased the activation of HSCs, reduced the deposition of ECM, and inhibited angiogenesis in CCl_4-treated mice. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) promoted the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vitro, while metformin inhibited the activation, proliferation, migration, and contraction of HSCs, and reduced the secretion of ECM. Metformin decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in HSCs through inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α in both PDGF-BB treatment and hypoxic conditions, and it down-regulated VEGF secretion by HSCs and inhibited HSC-based angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions in vitro. The inhibitory effects of metformin on activated HSCs were mediated by inhibiting the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathways via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).CONCLUSION Metformin attenuates the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, and may therefore be useful for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.展开更多
Variants of the arachidonate 5-1ipoxygenase-activating protein （ALOX5AP） gene have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. This study was aimed to explore...Variants of the arachidonate 5-1ipoxygenase-activating protein （ALOX5AP） gene have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. This study was aimed to explore the association of ALOX5AP variants with ischemic stroke risk in Han Chinese of eastern China. A total of 690 ischemic stroke cases and 767 controls were recruited. The subjects were further subtyped according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment （TOAST） criteria. On the basis of that, two polymorphisms of the ALOX5AP gene （rs10507391 and rs12429692） were determined by TaqMan genotyping assay. In addition, plasma leukotriene B4 （LTB4） levels were analyzed in these subjects. There was no evidence of association between the two variants of ALOX5AP and the risk of ischemic stroke or its TOAST-subtypes. Haplotype analysis and stratification analysis according to sex, age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes also showed negative association. Analysis of LTB4 levels in a subset of cases and controls revealed that LTB4 levels were significantly higher in ischemic stroke cases than in the controls （70.06± 14.75 ng/L vs 57.34±10.93 ng/L; P = 0.000） and carriers of the T allele of the rs10507391 variant were associated with higher plasma LTB4 levels （P = 0.000）. The present study suggests there is no association of the two polymorphisms in the ALOX5AP gene with ischemic stroke risk in Han Chinese of eastern China.展开更多
AIM： To construct a live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium （S. typhimurium） strain harboring the H pylori neutrophil activating protein （HP-NAP） gene as an oral recombinant DNA vaccine, and to evaluate its immuno...AIM： To construct a live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium （S. typhimurium） strain harboring the H pylori neutrophil activating protein （HP-NAP） gene as an oral recombinant DNA vaccine, and to evaluate its immunogenicity. METHODS： By genetic engineering methods, the genomic DNA of Hpylori was extracted as a template. The total length of the HP-NAP gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and cloned into pBT vector for sequencing and BLAST analysis, then subcloned into a eukaryotic expression vector pIRES followed by PCR identification and restriction enzyme digestion. The identified recombinant plasmid pIRES-NAP was transfected into COS-7 cells for target fusion protein expression, and its antigenicity was detected by Western blotting. Then the recombinant plasmid was transformed into a live attenuated S. typhimurium strain SL7207 as an oral vaccine strain, and its immunogenicity was evaluated with animal experiments. RESULTS： A 435 bp product was cloned using high homology with HP-NAP gene in GenBank （more than 98%）. With identification by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, a recomoinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES-NAP containing the HP-NAP gene of H pylori was successfully constructed. The expressed target protein had a specific reaction with Hpyloril whole cell antibody and showed a single strip result detected by Western blotting. Oral immunization of mice with recombinant DNA vaccine strain SL7207 （pIRES-NAP） also induced a specific immune response. CONCLUSION： The successful construction of HP-NAP oral DNA vaccine with good immunogenicity may help to further investigate its immunoprotection effects and develop vaccine against Hpylori infection.展开更多
Previous studies show that actin-binding Rho activating protein （Abra） is expressed in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of Abra in the central ne...Previous studies show that actin-binding Rho activating protein （Abra） is expressed in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of Abra in the central nervous system of normal adult rats by confocal immunofluorescence. Results showed that Abra immunostaining was located in neuronal nuclei, cytoplasm and processes in the central nervous system, with the strongest staining in the nuclei; in the cerebral cortex, Abra positive neuronal bodies and processes were distributed in six cortical layers including molecular layer, external granular layer, external pyramidal layer, internal granular layer, internal pyramidal layer and polymorphic layer; in the hippocampus, the cell bodies of Abra positive neurons were distributed evenly in pyramidal layer and granular layer, with positive processes in molecular layer and orien layer; in the cerebellar cortex, Abra staining showed the positive neuronal cell bodies in Purkinje cell layer and granular layer and positive processes in molecular layer; in the spinal cord, Abra-immunopositive products covered the whole gray matter and white matter; co-localization studies showed that Abra was co-stained with F-actin in neuronal cytoplasm and processes, but weakly in the nuclei. In addition, in the hippocampus, Abra was co-stained with F-actin only in neuronal processes, but not in the cell body. This study for the first time presents a comprehensive overview of Abra expression in the central nervous system, providing insights for further investigating the role of Abra in the mature central nervous system.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region...Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region of H.pylori neutrophil activating protein in the stimulation of neutrophil activation as well as the evi-dence that the C-terminal region of H.pylori activating protein is indispensable for neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells,a step necessary to H.pylori inflammation.In addition we show that arabino galactan proteins derived from chios mastic gum,the natural resin of the plant Pistacia lentiscus var.Chia inhibit neutrophil activation in vitro.展开更多
The major pathological changes in Alzheimer＇s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phy- toestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produc...The major pathological changes in Alzheimer＇s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phy- toestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produce estrogen-like effects. Radix astragali Calycosin has been shown to relieve cognitive impairment induced by diabetes mellitus, suggesting calycosin may improve the cognitive function of Alzhei- mer＇s disease patients. The protein kinase C pathway is upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and exerts a neuropro- tective effect by regulating Alzheimer＇s disease-related beta amyloid degradation. We hypothesized that calycosin improves the cognitive function of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway. Various doses of calycosin （10, 20 and 40 mg/kg） were intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 transgenic mice that model Alzheimer＇s disease. Calycosin diminished hippocampal beta amyloid, Tau protein, interleukin-lbeta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner, and increased acetylcholine and glutathione activities. The administration of a protein kinase C inhibitor, cal- phostin C, abolished the neuroprotective effects of calycosin including improving cognitive ability, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammato- ry effects. Our data demonstrated that calycosin mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of Alzheimer＇s disease model mice by activating the protein kinase C pathway, and thereby improving cognitive function.展开更多
文摘In this study,thyme essential oil(TEO)nanoemulsion(tPTNs)was constructed with transglutaminase(TGase)-modified potato protein,and its antibacterial activity and mechanism of action were evaluated and explored.Results indicated that tPTNs exhibited great antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli,with minimal inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC)of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL,respectively.Also,the antibacterial effects of tPTNs were concentration-dependent.We observed a significant decrease in the absolute value of the zeta potential,and significant increases in particle size,cell membrane hydrophobicity,conductivity,the release of metal ions,and the leakage of nucleic acid as the concentration of tPTNs increased from 0 mg/mL to MBC.Furthermore,sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE)demonstrated that protein synthesis was inhibited or even disrupted.Analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS)indicated that treatment with tPTNs caused significant changes in bacterial metabolites,1117 and 692 differential metabolites being found for S.aureus and E.coli,respectively.The differential metabolites were involved in nucleotide metabolism,amino acid metabolism,tricarboxylic acid cycle and other metabolic pathways.These findings provide valuable insights for the application of thyme essential oil as an efficient antibacterial agent and for the understanding of its mechanism of action.
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 (No.22007008)the LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Program (No.XLYC1907021)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (Nos.DUT23YG120,DUT19RC(3)009)。
文摘The study of target proteins is crucial for understanding molecular interactions and developing analytical platforms,therapeutic agents and functional tools.Herein,we present a novel nanoplatform activated by near-infrared(NIR) light for triple-modal proteins study,which enabling target protein labeling,enrichment and visualization.Azido-naphthalimide-coated upconversion nanoparticles(UCNPs) serve as NIR light-responsive nanoplatforms,showing promising applications in studying interactions between various bioactive molecules and proteins in living systems.Under NIR light irradiation,azido-naphthalimides are activated by ultraviolet(UV) and blue light emitted from UCNPs and the resulting amino-naphthalimides intermediate not only crosslink nearby target proteins but also enable imaging performance.We demonstrate that this nanoplatform is capable of selective protein labeling and imaging in complex protein environments,achieving specific labeling and imaging of both intracellular and extracellular proteins in mammalian cells as well as bacteria.Furthermore,in vivo protein labeling has been achieved using this novel NIR light-activatable nanoplatform.This technique will open new avenues for discoveries and mechanistic interrogation in chemical biology.
基金funded by Medical Science Foundation of Hebei University 2024B03Hebei Provincial Government-funded Provincial Medical Excellent Talent Project ZF2023025,ZF2024134,ZF2025045,ZF2025048,and ZF2025051+3 种基金Hebei Natural Science Foundation H2022206292,H2024206140Key R&D Program of Hebei Province 223777103D and 223777113DHebei Province County General Hospital Appropriate Health Technology Promotion Project 20220018other projects of Hebei Province SGH201501.
文摘Objectives:Gastric cancer(GC)is among the most prevalent malignancies worldwide,ranking as the fifth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality.This study intends to investigate how Inhibin subunit beta A(INHBA)promotes the progression of GC by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway via targeting Integrin alpha-6(ITGA6).Methods:Quantitative reverse transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction(qRT-PCR)and Immunohistochemistry(IHC)were utilised to validate the expression levels of INHBA in GC,which were subsequently correlated with the clinicopathological factors and outcomes.Cellular and animal studies were conducted to ascertain the role of INHBA in GC.RNA-sequencing(RNA-seq)and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen for the downstream target and pathway of INHBA,with Co-immunoprecipitation(Co-IP),Co-Immunofluorescent(Co-IF),Western blot(WB)and Rescue experiments validating their mechanisms of action in GC.Results:IHC and qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that GC tissues exhibited higher INHBA expression than adjacent noncancerous tissues.This elevated INHBA expression was found to be significantly associated with the incidence of tumor lesions,lymph node metastasis,and progression to higher TNM stages.Functional experiments showed that INHBA promoted GC cell proliferation and enhanced their migration and invasion in vitro while inhibiting apoptosis.Animal studies results indicated that INHBA overexpression promoted tumor growth and increased tumor weight and volume.Through a series of experiments,including RNA-seq,Co-IP,Co-IF,WB,and rescue assays,this study demonstrated that INHBA promotes GC progression by targeting ITGA6 to regulate the MAPK signaling pathway.Conclusions:INHBA/ITGA6/MAPK axis can provide new insights into GC therapy.Targeted INHBA inhibition holds promise as a therapeutic approach for GC treatment.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.92148206,82071330(both to ZT)a grant from the Major Program of Hubei Province,No.2023BAA005(to ZT)+1 种基金a grant from the Key Research and Discovery Program of Hubei Province,No.2021BCA109(to ZT)the Research Foundation of Tongji Hospital,No.2022B37(to PZ)。
文摘Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator is commonly used for hematoma evacuation in minimally invasive surgery following intracerebral hemorrhage.However,during minimally invasive surgery,recombinant tissue plasminogen activator may come into contact with brain tissue.Therefore,a thorough assessment of its safety is required.In this study,we established a mouse model of intracerebral hemorrhage induced by type VII collagenase.We observed that the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator without hematoma aspiration significantly improved the neurological function of mice with intracerebral hemorrhage,reduced pathological damage,and lowered the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in the tissue surrounding the hematoma.In an in vitro model of intracerebral hemorrhage using primary cortical neurons induced by hemin,the administration of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator suppressed neuronal apoptosis,autophagy,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator upregulated the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in neurons.Moreover,the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 abrogated the neuroprotective effects of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in inhibiting excessive apoptosis,autophagy,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Furthermore,to specify the domain of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator responsible for its neuroprotective effects,various inhibitors were used to target distinct domains.It has been revealed that the epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor AG-1478 reversed the effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator on the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonineprotein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.These findings suggest that recombinant tissue plasminogen activator exerts a direct neuroprotective effect on neurons following intracerebral hemorrhage,possibly through activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22225806,22078314,22278394,22378385)Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics(Nos.DICPI202142,DICPI202436)。
文摘Fluorogen-activating proteins(FAPs)selectively bind to specific fluorophores,inducing fluorescence activation through the inhibition of torsion of fluorophores.This binding-activation mechanism provides a highly specific and efficient fluorescence system that minimizes background signals,significantly enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and making it a powerful tool in live-cell imaging.The principle of binding-activation fluorescence is fundamental to point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography(PAINT)super-resolution imaging.However,the high binding affinity between traditional FAPfluorophore pairs limits their application in PAINT,thus hindering the rapid and dynamic imaging necessary for high-resolution cellular studies.In this work,we designed malachite green(MG)derivatives with bulky N-substituents to modulate the binding affinity of the MG-d L5^(**)fluorophore-FAP pair.This modification introduces steric hindrance in MG-dL5^(**)system,resulting in reduced binding affinity and practicability for fast,high-resolution PAINT imaging.Among the synthesized derivatives,MG-Pen showed optimal properties,enabling rapid and high-resolution PAINT imaging of dL5^(**)in living cells.This study highlights the potential of MG derivatives optimization in overcoming the limitations of fluorophore-FAP pairs for super-resolution imaging and provides a new approach for enhancing the performance of PAINT in living cell applications.
基金supported by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Team Project of Jiangsu Province(No.JSSCTD202133).
文摘Obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)are linked to numerous chronic conditions,including cardiovascular disease,atherosclerosis,chronic kidney disease,and type II diabetes.Previous research identified the natural flavonoid diosmin,derived from Chrysanthemum morifolium,as a regulator of glucose metabolism.However,its effects on lipid metabolism and underlying mechanisms remained unexplored.The AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK)pathway serves a critical function in glucose and lipid metabolism.The relationship between diosmin and the AMPK pathway has not been previously documented.This investigation examined diosmin's capacity to reduce lipid content through AMPK pathway activation in hepatoblastoma cell line G2(HepG2)and 3T3-L1 cells.The study revealed that diosmin inhibits lipogenesis,indicating its potential as an anti-obesity agent in obese mice.Moreover,diosmin demonstrated effective MASLD alleviation in vivo.These findings suggest that diosmin may represent a promising therapeutic candidate for treating obesity and MASLD.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China(Grant No.2023AFB671)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.82360177 and 82560182)+1 种基金the Key Project of Jiangxi Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.20224ACB206011)“Xuncheng Talents”Project in Jiujiang City,Jiangxi Province(Grant No.JJXC2023071).
文摘Objectives The discovery of novel molecular targets to enhance the osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(H-BMSCs)represents a promising strategy for preventing and treating osteoporosis.Thus,the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanisms by which long non-coding RNA FOXD2-AS1(lncRNA FOXD2-AS1)regulates early osteogenic differentiation in H-BMSCs,thereby identifying potential therapeutic targets.Methods Lentivirus-mediated vectors were constructed to either overexpress or silence FOXD2-AS1 in H-BMSCs.The effects of FOXD2-AS1 on osteogenesis were subsequently assessed by analyzing osteogenic marker expression and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)staining.To clarify the role of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(JAK2/STAT3)pathway in this process,AG490 inhibitor(a JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor)and knockdown of STAT3 were used to investigate the mechanisms of FOXD2-AS1.Results FOXD2-AS1 overexpression increased ALP activity and osteogenic marker expression,while its knockdown had the opposite effects.From a mechanistic perspective,FOXD2-AS1 overexpression promoted JAK2 and STAT3 phosphorylation,whereas its suppression attenuated their activation.Also,the osteogenic increase induced by FOXD2-AS1 overexpression was reversed by AG490 treatment or STAT3 silencing,indicating that the pathway plays a role in this process.Conclusion FOXD2-AS1 was identified as a novel genetic switch driving osteogenic commitment via JAK2/STAT3 activation,revealing a new regulatory mechanism and a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
文摘BACKGROUND Diabetic wound injury is a significant and common complication in individuals with diabetes.N6-methyladenosine(m6A)-related epigenetic regulation is widely involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes complications.However,the function of m6A methyltransferase Wilms tumor 1-associated protein(WTAP)in diabetic wound healing remains elusive.AIM To investigate the potential epigenetic regulatory mechanism of WTAP during diabetic wound healing.METHODS Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were induced with high glucose(HG)to establish in vitro cell model.Male BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to mimic diabetes,and full-thickness excision was made to mimic diabetic wound healing.HG-induced HUVECs and mouse models were treated with WTAP siRNAs and DNA methyltransferase 1(DNMT1)overexpression vectors.Cell viability and migration ability were detected by cell counting kit-8 and Transwell assays.In vitro angiogenesis was measured using a tube formation experiment.The images of wounds were captured,and re-epithelialization and collagen deposition of skin tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson’s trichrome staining.RESULTS The expression of several m6A methyltransferases,including METTL3,METTL14,METTL16,KIAA1429,WTAP,and RBM15,were measured.WTAP exhibited the most significant elevation in HG-induced HUVECs compared with the normal control.WTAP depletion notably restored cell viability and enhanced tube formation ability and migration of HUVECs suppressed by HG.The unclosed wound area of mice was smaller in WTAP knockdowntreated mice than in control mice at nine days post-wounding,along with enhanced re-epithelialization rate and collagen deposition.The m6A levels on DNMT1 mRNA in HUVECs were repressed by WTAP knockdown in HUVECs.The mRNA levels and expression of DNMT1 were inhibited by WTAP depletion in HUVECs.Overexpression of DNMT1 in HUVECs notably reversed the effects of WTAP depletion on HG-induced HUVECs.CONCLUSION WTAP expression is elevated in HG-induced HUVECs and epigenetically regulates the m6A modification of DNMT1 to impair diabetic wound healing.
基金Supported by Hangzhou Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan,No.B20210014.
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the most common causes of cancer mortality worldwide.The transcription factor Myc-associated zinc finger protein(MAZ)has been implicated in cancer progression.However,its precise function and mecha-nisms in CRC remain unclear.AIM To investigate the role and mechanism of the MAZ/ubiquitin-like with PHD and RING finger domains 1(UHRF1)/esophageal cancer-related gene 4(ECRG4)axis in CRC metastasis.METHODS Western blot,quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and transwell were performed to evaluate the impact of MAZ knockdown on CRC cell migration and invasion.A xenograft tumor metastasis model was es-tablished by injecting MAZ-deficient CRC cells into nude mice to assess in vivo metastatic potential.Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine the role of MAZ and its downstream target,UHRF1.Chromatin immunoprecip-itation-quantitative PCR and methylation-specific PCR were used to analyze whether UHRF1 regulated ECRG4 through DNA methylation.RESULTS MAZ was highly upregulated in CRC cells and promoted CRC migration,inva-sion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)and metastasis.Mechanistically,MAZ transcriptionally activated UHRF1,which in turn led to DNA methylation of ECRG4.Knockdown of MAZ suppressed CRC migration and invasion was reversed by overexpression of UHRF1.Loss of UHRF1 upregulated ECRG4,inhibited EMT,and reduced cell migration and invasion.However,simultaneous knockdown of ECRG4 partially reversed these effects.CONCLUSION MAZ promotes CRC cell migration,invasion,and EMT by transcriptionally activating UHRF1,which downreg-ulates ECRG4 through DNA methylation.
基金Scientific Research Project of Hebei Province Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine:to Explore the Protective Effect and Mechanism of Zexie Decoction on Lipotoxic Cardiomyopathy based on the p-mitogen-activated protein kinases/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγcoactivator 1-alpha(p MAPK/PGC-1α)Signaling Pathway(No.2022096)Medical Science Research Project of Hebei Province:the Effect of 23-acetyl Alismol-B on Mitochondrial Function in Palmitic Acid-induced H9c2 Cells Was Investigated based on the Ca2+-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate(c AMP)-Response Element Binding Protein/c AMP Response Element(CREB/CRE)-PGC-1αSignaling Pathway(No.20221490)+1 种基金Hebei province natural science fund project:Study on the Mechanism of Danshen Zexie Decoction in Activating Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-related Factor 2 Signaling Pathway to Trigger 0mi/Htr A2,Restoring Autophagic Flux and Enhancing Metabolism-Related Fatty Liver Disease(No.H2023423064)Hebei graduate student innovation ability funding training project:to Investigate the Protective Effects and Underlying Mechanisms of Zexie Decoction on Lipotoxic Cardiomyopathy,with A Focus on the PGC-1a Signaling Pathway(No.CXZZBS2022096)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of Dan Ze mixture(丹泽合剂,DZM)in the treatment of lipotoxic cardiomyopathy.METHODS:Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the serum migration constituents of DZM.A lipotoxic cardiomyopathy rat model was established through high-fat diet and intervened by different doses of DZM.The cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography,and hematoxylin and eosin,oil red O,and Masson staining were conducted to evaluate morphological changes,lipid accumulation,and fibrosis in myocardial tissue.Serum myocardial enzyme activity,lipid levels,and lipid content of myocardial tissue were measured,while fluorescent staining and colorimetry were used to assess oxidation levels in myocardial tissue.Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by 5,5',6,6'-Tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanineiodide(JC-1).Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe ultrastructure and mitochondrial structure changes in myocardial tissue.Fluorescence double staining and colocalization were utilized to observe the binding of autophagosomes and mitochondria,while immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of mitophagy-related proteins.Terminal deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling staining was employed for the identification of apoptosis in myocardial tissue,while quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)and Western blot were utilized for the detection of apoptosis,B-cell lymphoma-2 adenovirus E1B 19 k Da-interacting protein 3(BNIP3)/mitophagy signaling pathway-related genes and proteins.In palmitic acid-induced Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes(H9c2)cells,various cellular parameters including cell viability,lactate dehydrogenase release,apoptosis rate,oxidative stress level,mitochondrial structure and function,and mitophagy level were assessed after the treatment of DZM drug-containing serum for a duration of 24 h.The cellular expressions of BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway relevant genes and proteins were further evaluated using q RT-PCR and Western blot techniques.RESULTS:A total of 295 prototypes(e.g.,phenolic acids,quinones,terpenoids)were identified in serum of rats after oral administration of DZM.In vivo,DZM therapy has been shown to effectively enhance cardiac function,mitigate high-fat diet-induced myocardial structural damage and lipid accumulation.Furthermore,DZM has demonstrated the ability to reduce lipid levels,attenuate cell apoptosis,combat oxidative stress,enhance mitochondrial structure and function,and activate the BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway.Furthermore,the silencing of BNIP3 has been shown to exacerbate palmitic acid-induced damages in H9c2 cells,while inhibiting the BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway can mitigate the inhibitory effects of DZM on palmitic acidinduced apoptosis,lipid deposition and oxidative stress.CONCLUSION:This study presents preliminary evidence for the therapeutic efficacy of DZM on lipotoxic cardiomyopathy through the activating BNIP3/mitophagy signaling pathway.
基金supported by theScience Foundation of Shihezi University,Xinjiang Province,China(No.RCZX200688)
文摘Objective Sevoflurane preconditioning has been demonstrated to reduce cerebral ischemia–reperfusion（IR） injury,but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.Besides,different protocols would usually lead to different results.The objective of this study was to determine whether dual exposure to sevoflurane improves the effect of anesthetic preconditioning against oxygen and glucose deprivation（OGD）injury in vitro.Methods Rat hippocampal slices under normoxic conditions（95%O2/5%CO2）were pre-exposed to sevoflurane 1,2 and 3 minimum alveolar concentration （MAC）for 30 min,once or twice,with 15-min washout after each exposure.The slices were then subjected to 13-min OGD treatment（95%N2/5%CO2,glucose-free）,followed by 30-min reoxygenation.The population spikes（PSs）were recorded in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus.The percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment was calculated,since it could indicate the recovery degree of neuronal function.In addition,to assess the role of mitogen-activated protein kinases（MAPKs）in preconditioning,U0126,an inhibitor of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）,and SB203580,an inhibitor of p38 MAPK,were separately added 10 min before sevoflurane exposure.Results Preconditioning once with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage of PS amplitude at the end of 30-min reoxygenation to that before OGD treatment,from（15.13±3.79）%（control）to（31.88±5.36）%, （44.00±5.01）%,and（49.50±6.25）%,respectively,and twice preconditioning with sevoflurane 1,2,and 3 MAC increased the percentage to（38.53±4.36）%,（50.74±7.05）%and（55.86±6.23）%,respectively.The effect of duplicate preconditioning with sevoflurane 3 MAC was blocked by U0126[（16.23±4.62）%].Conclusion Sevoflurane preconditioning can induce neuroprotection against OGD injury in vitro,and preconditioning twice enhances this effect.Besides,the activation of extracellular signal–regulated protein kinase（MEK-ERK1/2,ERK1/2 MAPK）may be involved in this process.
文摘BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in many diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is a metabolic pathway that facilitates cancer cell survival in response to stress. The relationship between autophagy and the lncRNA-activated by transforming growth factor beta (lncRNA-ATB) in HCC remains unknown. AIM To explore the influence of lncRNA-ATB in regulating autophagy in HCC cells and the underlying mechanism. METHODS In the present study, we evaluated lncRNA-ATB expression in tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues from 72 HCC cases by real-time PCR. We evaluated the role of lncRNA-ATB in the proliferation and clonogenicity of HCC cells in vitro. The effect of lncRNA-ATB on autophagy was determined using a LC3-GFP reporter and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanism by which lncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy was explored by immunofluorescence staining, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and Western blot. RESULTS The expression of lncRNA-ATB was higher in HCC tissues than in normal liver tissues, and lncRNA-ATB expression was positively correlated with tumor size, TNM stage, and poorer survival of patients with HCC. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of lncRNA-ATB promoted cell proliferation and clonogenicnity of HCC cells in vitro. LncRNA-ATB promoted autophagy by activating Yesassociated protein (YAP). Moreover, lncRNA-ATB interacted with autophagy-related protein 5 (ATG5) mRNA and increased ATG5 expression. CONCLUSION LncRNA-ATB regulates autophagy by activating YAP and increasing ATG5 expression. Our data demonstrate a novel function for lncRNA-ATB in autophagy and suggest that lncRNA-ATB plays an important role in HCC.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81070557)
文摘The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of Fenofibrate on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury（IRI） in mice and its potential mechanism. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischemia for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. Eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups： sham-operated group（sham）, IRI＋saline group（IRI group）, IRI＋Fenofibrate（FEN） group. Normal saline or Fenofibrate（3 mg/kg） was intravenously injected 60 min before renal ischemia in IRI group and FEN group, respectively. Blood samples and renal tissues were collected at the end of reperfusion. The renal function, histopathologic changes, and the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-8（IL-8）, tumor necrosis factor alpha（TNF-α） and IL-6] in serum and renal tissue homogenate were assessed. Moreover, the effects of Fenofibrate on activating phosphoinositide 3 kinase/protein kinase B（PI3K/Akt） signaling and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α（PPAR-α） were also measured in renal IRI. The results showed that plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, histopathologic scores and the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and IL-6 were significantly lower in FEN group than in IRI group. Moreover, Fenofibrate pretreatment could further induce PI3K/Akt signal pathway and PPAR-α activation following renal IRI. These findings indicated PPAR-α activation by Fenofibrate exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by suppressing inflammation via PI3K/Akt activation. Thus, Fenofibrate could be a novel therapeutic alternative in renal IRI.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81370590
文摘AIM To investigate the effect of metformin on activated hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) and the possible signaling pathways involved. METHODS A fibrotic mouse model was generated by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride(CCl_4) and subsequent treatment with or without metformin. The level of fibrosis was detected by hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry. The HSC cell line LX-2 was used for in vitro studies. The effect of metformin on cell proliferation(CCK8 assay),motility(scratch test and Transwell assay), contraction(collagen gel contraction assay), extracellular matrix(ECM) secretion(Western blot), and angiogenesis(ELISA and tube formation assay) was investigated. We also analyzed the possible signaling pathways involved by Western blot analysis.RESULTS Mice developed marked liver fibrosis after intraperitoneal injection with CCl_4 for 6 wk. Metformin decreased the activation of HSCs, reduced the deposition of ECM, and inhibited angiogenesis in CCl_4-treated mice. Platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF) promoted the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vitro, while metformin inhibited the activation, proliferation, migration, and contraction of HSCs, and reduced the secretion of ECM. Metformin decreased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in HSCs through inhibition of hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α in both PDGF-BB treatment and hypoxic conditions, and it down-regulated VEGF secretion by HSCs and inhibited HSC-based angiogenesis in hypoxic conditions in vitro. The inhibitory effects of metformin on activated HSCs were mediated by inhibiting the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin(m TOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK) pathways via the activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK).CONCLUSION Metformin attenuates the fibrogenic response of HSCs in vivo and in vitro, and may therefore be useful for the treatment of chronic liver diseases.
基金supported by a grant from the Health Bureau of Jiangsu Province (No. H201005)
文摘Variants of the arachidonate 5-1ipoxygenase-activating protein （ALOX5AP） gene have been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. This study was aimed to explore the association of ALOX5AP variants with ischemic stroke risk in Han Chinese of eastern China. A total of 690 ischemic stroke cases and 767 controls were recruited. The subjects were further subtyped according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment （TOAST） criteria. On the basis of that, two polymorphisms of the ALOX5AP gene （rs10507391 and rs12429692） were determined by TaqMan genotyping assay. In addition, plasma leukotriene B4 （LTB4） levels were analyzed in these subjects. There was no evidence of association between the two variants of ALOX5AP and the risk of ischemic stroke or its TOAST-subtypes. Haplotype analysis and stratification analysis according to sex, age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes also showed negative association. Analysis of LTB4 levels in a subset of cases and controls revealed that LTB4 levels were significantly higher in ischemic stroke cases than in the controls （70.06± 14.75 ng/L vs 57.34±10.93 ng/L; P = 0.000） and carriers of the T allele of the rs10507391 variant were associated with higher plasma LTB4 levels （P = 0.000）. The present study suggests there is no association of the two polymorphisms in the ALOX5AP gene with ischemic stroke risk in Han Chinese of eastern China.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30170427
文摘AIM： To construct a live attenuated Salmonella typhimurium （S. typhimurium） strain harboring the H pylori neutrophil activating protein （HP-NAP） gene as an oral recombinant DNA vaccine, and to evaluate its immunogenicity. METHODS： By genetic engineering methods, the genomic DNA of Hpylori was extracted as a template. The total length of the HP-NAP gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and cloned into pBT vector for sequencing and BLAST analysis, then subcloned into a eukaryotic expression vector pIRES followed by PCR identification and restriction enzyme digestion. The identified recombinant plasmid pIRES-NAP was transfected into COS-7 cells for target fusion protein expression, and its antigenicity was detected by Western blotting. Then the recombinant plasmid was transformed into a live attenuated S. typhimurium strain SL7207 as an oral vaccine strain, and its immunogenicity was evaluated with animal experiments. RESULTS： A 435 bp product was cloned using high homology with HP-NAP gene in GenBank （more than 98%）. With identification by PCR and restriction enzyme digestion, a recomoinant eukaryotic expression plasmid pIRES-NAP containing the HP-NAP gene of H pylori was successfully constructed. The expressed target protein had a specific reaction with Hpyloril whole cell antibody and showed a single strip result detected by Western blotting. Oral immunization of mice with recombinant DNA vaccine strain SL7207 （pIRES-NAP） also induced a specific immune response. CONCLUSION： The successful construction of HP-NAP oral DNA vaccine with good immunogenicity may help to further investigate its immunoprotection effects and develop vaccine against Hpylori infection.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.30971532Ph.D.Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China,No.20090162110063+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.09JJ5015the Scientific Research Program of Hunan Provincial Higher Education Institutes,No.110541
文摘Previous studies show that actin-binding Rho activating protein （Abra） is expressed in cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells. In this study, we investigated the expression profile of Abra in the central nervous system of normal adult rats by confocal immunofluorescence. Results showed that Abra immunostaining was located in neuronal nuclei, cytoplasm and processes in the central nervous system, with the strongest staining in the nuclei; in the cerebral cortex, Abra positive neuronal bodies and processes were distributed in six cortical layers including molecular layer, external granular layer, external pyramidal layer, internal granular layer, internal pyramidal layer and polymorphic layer; in the hippocampus, the cell bodies of Abra positive neurons were distributed evenly in pyramidal layer and granular layer, with positive processes in molecular layer and orien layer; in the cerebellar cortex, Abra staining showed the positive neuronal cell bodies in Purkinje cell layer and granular layer and positive processes in molecular layer; in the spinal cord, Abra-immunopositive products covered the whole gray matter and white matter; co-localization studies showed that Abra was co-stained with F-actin in neuronal cytoplasm and processes, but weakly in the nuclei. In addition, in the hippocampus, Abra was co-stained with F-actin only in neuronal processes, but not in the cell body. This study for the first time presents a comprehensive overview of Abra expression in the central nervous system, providing insights for further investigating the role of Abra in the mature central nervous system.
基金Supported by A Grant from the General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Ministry of Development of Greece, by the Program HERAKLITOS I as well as by Chios Gum Mastic Growers Association
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection is among the most common human infections and the major risk factor for peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer.With-in this work we present the implication of C-terminal region of H.pylori neutrophil activating protein in the stimulation of neutrophil activation as well as the evi-dence that the C-terminal region of H.pylori activating protein is indispensable for neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells,a step necessary to H.pylori inflammation.In addition we show that arabino galactan proteins derived from chios mastic gum,the natural resin of the plant Pistacia lentiscus var.Chia inhibit neutrophil activation in vitro.
基金supported by the a grant from China Postdoctoral Science Project,No.801161020425the Natural Science Foundation of China,No.8160010172
文摘The major pathological changes in Alzheimer＇s disease are beta amyloid deposits and cognitive impairment. Calycosin is a typical phy- toestrogen derived from radix astragali that binds to estrogen receptors to produce estrogen-like effects. Radix astragali Calycosin has been shown to relieve cognitive impairment induced by diabetes mellitus, suggesting calycosin may improve the cognitive function of Alzhei- mer＇s disease patients. The protein kinase C pathway is upstream of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and exerts a neuropro- tective effect by regulating Alzheimer＇s disease-related beta amyloid degradation. We hypothesized that calycosin improves the cognitive function of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer＇s disease by activating the protein kinase C pathway. Various doses of calycosin （10, 20 and 40 mg/kg） were intraperitoneally injected into APP/PS1 transgenic mice that model Alzheimer＇s disease. Calycosin diminished hippocampal beta amyloid, Tau protein, interleukin-lbeta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde levels in a dose-dependent manner, and increased acetylcholine and glutathione activities. The administration of a protein kinase C inhibitor, cal- phostin C, abolished the neuroprotective effects of calycosin including improving cognitive ability, and anti-oxidative and anti-inflammato- ry effects. Our data demonstrated that calycosin mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the hippocampus of Alzheimer＇s disease model mice by activating the protein kinase C pathway, and thereby improving cognitive function.
