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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: According to the theory of Qi and blood in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the combination of Qi-reinforcing herbs and blood-activating herbs has a synergistic effect in improving blood stasis syndrome, especially in tumor treatment. The classic "Radix Astragali - Salvia miltiorrhiza" duo exemplifies this principle, renowned for invigorating Qi and activating blood flow, employed widely in tumor therapies. Our prior research underscores the potent inhibition of pancreatic tumor xenografts by the combination of Formononetin (from Radix Astragali) and Salvianolic acid B (from Salvia miltiorrhiza) in vitro. However, it remains unclear whether this combination can inhibit the abnormal vascularization of pancreatic tumors to achieve its anti-cancer effect. AIM OF THE STUDY: Abnormal vasculature, known to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Strategies to normalize tumor-associated blood vessels provide a promising avenue for anti-tumor therapy. This study aimed to unravel the therapeutic potential of Formononetin combined with Salvianolic acid B (FcS) in modulating pancreatic cancer's impact on endothelial cells, illuminate the underlying mechanisms that govern this therapeutic interaction, thereby advancing strategies to normalize tumor vasculature and combat cancer progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A co-culture system involving Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and PANC-1 cells was established to investigate the potential of targeting abnormal vasculature as a novel anti-tumor therapeutic strategy. We systematically compared HUVEC proliferation, migration, invasion, and lumenogenesis in both mono- and co-culture conditions with PANC-1 (H-P). Subsequently, FcS treatment of the H-P system was evaluated for its anti-angiogenic properties. Molecular docking was utilized to predict the interactions between Formononetin and Salvianolic acid B with RhoA, and the post-treatment expression of RhoA in HUVECs was assessed. Furthermore, we utilized shRhoA lentivirus to elucidate the role of RhoA in FcS-mediated effects on HUVECs. In vivo, a zebrafish xenograft tumor model was employed to assess FcS's anti-tumor potential, focusing on cancer cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and vascular development. RESULTS: FcS treatment demonstrated a significant, dose-dependent inhibition of PANC-1-induced alterations in HUVECs, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation capabilities. Molecular docking analyses indicated potential interactions between FcS and RhoA. Further, FcS treatment was found to downregulate RhoA expression and modulated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in PANC-1-induced HUVECs. Notably, the phenotypic inhibitory effects of FcS on HUVECs were attenuated by RhoA knockdown. In vivo zebrafish studies validated FcS's anti-tumor activity, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and vascular sprouting, while promoting tumor cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the promising potential of FcS in countering pancreatic cancer-induced endothelial alterations. FcS exhibits pronounced anti-abnormal vasculature effects, potentially achieved through downregulation of RhoA and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, thereby presenting a novel therapeutic avenue for pancreatic cancer management.

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Benzofuranos , Movimiento Celular , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana , Isoflavonas , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA , Isoflavonas/farmacología , Humanos , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/patología , Animales , Benzofuranos/farmacología , Proteína de Unión al GTP rhoA/metabolismo , Línea Celular Tumoral , Células Endoteliales de la Vena Umbilical Humana/efectos de los fármacos , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Neovascularización Patológica/tratamiento farmacológico , Pez Cebra , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales/efectos de los fármacos , Células Endoteliales/metabolismo , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Depsidos

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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the role of Jumonji AT Rich Interacting Domain 2 (JARID2) in regulating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stemness and its mechanism. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis examined JARID2 expression, prognosis, and transcription factors. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry detected expression. Dual luciferase reporter gene and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays verified binding. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and colony formation assay detected viability and proliferation. Sphere formation assay detected the sphere formation efficiency. Flow cytometry detected CD44+/CD24- -marked stem cells. A xenograft tumor model verified the effect of JARID2 in vivo. RESULTS: JARID2 and nuclear transcription factor Y subunit α (NFYA) were upregulated in TNBC tissues and positively correlated. Knockdown of JARID2 or NFYA inhibited cell stemness by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway. Enforced JARID2 expression rescued the suppressive effect of NFYA knockdown on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and cell stemness. Knockdown of JARID2 inhibited tumor growth and cell stemness in mice but was alleviated by concurrent overexpression of NFYA. CONCLUSIONS: NFYA promotes TNBC cell stemness by upregulating JARID2 expression and regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting JARID2 as a potential target for innovating drugs that target TNBC stem cells.

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Huperzine A (Hup A), an extract from Huperzia serrata, exerted its anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effect to protect against neurodegenerative disorders and organ injury. Ferroptosis was indicated to involve in the development of acute lung injury (ALI) accompanying by lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) overexpressed. However, there is little research focused on the protective effect of Hup A on ALI, and the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to determine the therapeutic effect of Hup A on ALI in vivo and in vitro. Hup A attenuated lung injury and cellular damage in lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI (LPS-ALI) models, both in vivo and in vitro, accompanied by the upregulation of ferroptosis-associated proteins (SLC7A11 and GPX4). Furthermore, the pretreatment with Hup A decreased the abundance of inflammation factors (IL-6, TNF-α), MDA, lipid ROS, and Fe2+ in the LPS-ALI model, while it also promoted the secretion of SOD and GSH to antagonize peroxidation. Mechanistically, RNA sequencing and network pharmacological analysis synergistically revealed the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway as a potential target of Hup A. In vitro experiments demonstrated that Hup A effectively activated GPX4 through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which was subsequently reversed by LY294002, an inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Consequently, our results revealed that Hup A inhibited ferroptosis in LPS-ALI by activating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway which indicated the potential therapeutical effect of Hup A and further emphasized the pivotal role of ferroptosis in ALI.

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Background: Paraquat (PQ) is a frequently used herbicide with neurotoxic effects after acute or chronic exposure. Although in vitro evidence supports the PQ toxicity to dopamine cells, its in vivo effects (especially the chronic exposure) remain ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the effect of chronic PQ exposure on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Adult male Sprague Dawley rats and primary human brain microvascular endothelial (PHBME) cells were exposed to PQ as the animal and cell models. Evans Blue staining and hematoxylin & eosin staining were conducted to examine the BBB and brain tissue damages. The inflammatory cytokines were quantified via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The changes of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were detected by western blot. Results: PQ exposure can cause significant pathological lesions in the brain tissues and the BBB. IL-6 and reactive oxygen species levels were found to be significantly upregulated after PQ exposure in both the animal and cell models. PQ treatment could arrest the cell proliferation and migration in PHBME cells. PQ treatment promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, and the application of PI3K inhibitor could attenuate PQ-induced IL-6 production, oxidative stress, BBB disruption, and brain tissue damage. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that chronic PQ exposure could impair the BBB function and induce brain tissue damage. The overactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, consequent upregulation of IL-6 production, and increased oxidative stress appear to mediate the inflammatory damage resulting from PQ exposure.

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<b>Background and Objective:</b> Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is proposed to have a potential regenerative effect on the ovaries following premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), however, the main impact on the process of follicle development (folliculogenesis) remains unclear. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) or network interaction analysis enables us to predict the targets of PRP's biomolecules using biological data through public databases and platforms. Therefore, this method is more efficient in time and cost than traditional laboratory procedures. The purpose of this study was to predict the targets of PRP's biomolecules on folliculogenesis following POI using PPI analysis and to clarify if those predictive targets integrate into PI3K/Akt signaling pathway which is an important pathway in folliculogenesis. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Mining data targets of POI, PRP and folliculogenesis was done by GeneCards. Only genes with "protein-coding" category were analyzed further. Network analysis was performed using Cytoscape and STRING. Finally, STRING, Enricher and ShinyGO platforms were conducted to analyze gene ontology, including biological processes, molecular function and cellular components, as well as pathways. <b>Results:</b> Network analysis with Cytoscape and STRING discovered 107 gene hubs for POI, PRP and folliculogenesis. Analysis of KEGG pathway using STRING, Enricher and ShinyGO identified 43 genes integrated into PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. From the KEGG pathway, PI3K and Akt were revealed as two main targets following PRP treatment for POI patients. <b>Conclusion:</b> Biomolecules in PRP may recover ovarian follicle development following POI through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

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Folículo Ovárico , Plasma Rico en Plaquetas , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria , Transducción de Señal , Femenino , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/terapia , Insuficiencia Ovárica Primaria/metabolismo , Humanos , Plasma Rico en Plaquetas/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/metabolismo , Folículo Ovárico/crecimiento & desarrollo , Mapas de Interacción de Proteínas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo

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Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell invasion assay data shown in Figs. 2E, 3E, 4E and 5E, and the Transwell migration assay data shown in Fig. 2D, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes that had either already been published elsewhere prior to the submission of this paper to Molecular Medicine Reports, or were under consideration for publication at around the same time (some of which have already been retracted). Moreover, data were also found to be duplicated comparing the data panels in Figs. 3D and 4D, such that data which were intended to have shown the results from differently performed experiments had been derived from the same original source. In view of the fact that certain of the abovementioned data had already apparently been published previously, the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 22: 4163­4172, 2020; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11498].

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The phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/ AKT) signaling pathway constitutes a classical phosphorylation cascade that integrates tyrosine, lipid, and serine acid-threonine phosphorylation, affecting cell function. The pathway is vulnerable to viral infection. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) poses a significant threat to the global poultry industry; however, its mechanism of early viral cell invasion and pathogenesis remain unclear. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that NDV infection activates PI3K/AKT signaling; however, it remains unclear whether NDV establishes infection through endocytosis regulated by this pathway. This study aimed to examine whether different genotypes of NDV strains could activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway within 2 h of in vitro infection. This activation, which relies on PI3K phosphorylation, remains unaffected by the phosphorylation-phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphatase and tensin homolog (p-PTEN/PTEN) signaling pathway. Moreover, inhibition of PI3K activity impedes NDV replication. Additionally, interfering with the PI3K regulatory subunit p85 has no significant effect on NDV replication. Conversely, the tyrosine kinase activity upstream of PI3K can influence AKT activation and viral replication, particularly through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Additionally, NDV F protein primarily mediates PI3K and AKT phosphorylation to activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. NDV F and VEGFR2 proteins, along with the PI3K p85α subunit, interact and co-localize at the cell membrane. NDV-induced PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation impacts clathrin-mediated endocytosis, with VEGFR2 playing a pivotal role. In conclusion, this study shows that NDV infection is established early through F protein binding to VEGFR2, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inducing clathrin-mediated endocytosis, supporting infection prevention and control measures. IMPORTANCE: Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is a threat to the global poultry industry; however, the mechanisms of NDV infection remain unclear. NDV affects the phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase/serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/ AKT) signaling pathway, requiring endocytosis for successful infection. Based on previous studies, we identified a close correlation between NDV infection and replication and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activity. This study examined the molecular mechanisms through which NDV activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to regulate endocytosis and facilitate infection. This study showed that early-stage in vitro NDV infection activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, enhancing clathrin-mediated endocytosis, crucial for infection onset. Notably, this process involves the interaction between NDV F protein and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 tyrosine kinase, leading to the subsequent binding and phosphorylation of the PI3K p85α regulatory subunit. This activation primes PI3K, initiating a cascade that promotes clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our findings elucidate how NDV capitalizes on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to establish infection through endocytosis.

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Pathogenic CD8+T cells play an essential role in neuroinflammation and neural injury, which leads to the progression of inflammatory neurological disorders. Thus, blocking the infiltration of CD8+T cells is necessary for the treatment of neuroinflammatory diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) could significantly reduce the infiltration of CD8+T cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice. However, the mechanism by which APS suppress CD8+T cell infiltration remains elusive. In this study, we further found that APS could reduce the CD8+T cell infiltration in EAE and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory model. Furthermore, we established the mouse brain endothelial cell (bEnd.3) inflammatory injury model by interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) or LPS in vitro. The results showed that APS treatment downregulated the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule1 (VCAM1) to decrease the adhesion of CD8+T cells to bEnd.3 cells. APS also upregulated the expression of zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) to reduce the trans-endothelial migration of CD8+T cells. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway might mediate this protective effect of APS on bEnd.3 cells against inflammatory injury. In addition, we demonstrated the protective effect of APS on the integrity of brain endothelial cells in an LPS-induced neuroinflammatory model. In summary, our results indicate that APS can reduce peripheral CD8+T cell infiltration via enhancing the barrier function of brain endothelial cells, it may be a potential for the prevention of neuroinflammatory diseases.

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Aims: We aimed to elucidate the mechanism leading to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Background: PCOS is an endocrine disorder. Patients with RSA also have a high incidence rate of PCOS, implying that PCOS and RSA may share the same pathological mechanism. Objective: The single-cell RNA-seq datasets of PCOS (GSE168404 and GSE193123) and RSA GSE113790 and GSE178535) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Methods: Datasets of PSCO and RSA patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The "WGCNA" package was used to determine the module eigengenes associated with the PCOS and RSA phenotypes and the gene functions were analyzed using the "DAVID" database. The GSEA analysis was performed in "clusterProfiler" package, and key genes in the activated pathways were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was conducted to determine the mRNA level. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: The modules related to PCOS and RSA were sectioned by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and positive correlation modules of PCOS and RSA were all enriched in angiogenesis and Wnt pathways. The GSEA further revealed that these biological processes of angiogenesis, Wnt and regulation of cell cycle were significantly positively correlated with the PCOS and RSA phenotypes. The intersection of the positive correlation modules of PCOS and RSA contained 80 key genes, which were mainly enriched in kinase-related signal pathways and were significant high-expressed in the disease samples. Subsequently, visualization of these genes including PDGFC, GHR, PRLR and ITGA3 showed that these genes were associated with the PI3K-AKT signal pathway. Moreover, the experimental results showed that PRLR had a higher expression in KGN cells, and that knocking PRLR down suppressed cell viability and promoted apoptosis of KGN cells. Conclusion: This study revealed the common pathological mechanisms between PCOS and RSA and explored the role of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the two diseases, providing a new direction for the clinical treatment of PCOS and RSA.

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Aborto Habitual , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Transducción de Señal , Humanos , Femenino , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/genética , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/metabolismo , Síndrome del Ovario Poliquístico/patología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/genética , Aborto Habitual/genética , Aborto Habitual/metabolismo , Aborto Habitual/patología , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/genética , Transducción de Señal/genética , Embarazo , Apoptosis/genética , Bases de Datos Genéticas

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Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related death. This study investigated the role of DPY30 in the development and progression of CRC cells, especially in the area of cellular glycolysis. Methods: HT29 control cells and DPY30 knockdown cells were collected for tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling quantitative proteomics analysis of cellular total proteins (n=3). To further assess the accuracy of the differential expression profile, representative genes were selected and confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot (WB). Glycolytic flux was studied by detecting the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) using the Seahorse XFe96. In view of the vital role of DPY30 on the H3K4me3 level, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays were performed. Results: The results showed that the expression of HK1, a protein related to cellular glucose metabolism, was significantly down-regulated after DPY30 knockdown, while the expression of GSK3B was significantly increased. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated significant changes in several signaling pathways, with the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway being the most prominent. The data of Seahorse XFe96 revealed that DPY30 knockdown attenuated aerobic glycolysis. DPY30 knockdown repressed the establishment of H3K4me3 on promoters of HK1, PFKL, and ALDOA. Conclusions: DPY30 promoted the glycolysis of CRC cells through two channels: influencing signaling pathways and gene transcription, thereby promoting the progression of CRC.

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ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Positive evidence from clinical trials highlights the promising potential of traditional Chinese medication, Qili qiangxin capsule (QLQX), on chronic heart failure; however, limited data are available regarding its effects and mechanism in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Herein, we aimed to explore cardioprotective effects and the underlying mechanism of QLQX in MIRI in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion with or without 7-day pretreatment with QLQX (0.234, 0.468, or 0.936 g/kg). Cardiac function, myocardial infarction, and morphological changes were evaluated. The mechanism underlying the cardio-protection of QLQX on MIRI was determined by network pharmacology based on the common genes of potential targets of QLQX and MIRI-related genes, further validated by H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The viability, apoptosis, as well as autophagy and relevant signaling proteins in H9c2 were analyzed. RESULTS: QLQX pretreatment markedly improved cardiac function and decreased myocardium infarct size, apoptotic cardiomyocyte number, and LHD, CK-MB, and TnT levels in MIRI mice. QLQX could mitigate H/R-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury, as evidenced by decreased cell apoptosis and LDH release and increased ATP production. QLQX effectively attenuates excessive autophagy in cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, network pharmacology analysis demonstrated the cardio-protection of QLQX on MIRI involving in PI3K/Akt signaling; the effects of QLQX on H/R-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes were abolished by a specific PI3K inhibitor. CONCLUSION: QLQX protects against cardiomyocyte apoptosis and excessive autophagy via PI3K/Akt signaling during MIRI.

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Huangqin Qingrechubi Capsule (HQC) on inflammation and uric acid and lipid metabolism in rats with gouty arthritis (GA) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rat models of GA established by injecting monosodium urate into the right ankle joint were treated with saline, colchicine and HQC at low, medium and high doses (n=10) by gavage for 7 days. Toe swelling of the rats was detected at 4, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h after modeling, and synovial histological changes were observed with HE staining. Serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-18, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), adiponectin, leptin, resistin and visfatin were measured by ELISA, and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and uric acid (BUA) were detected. RTqPCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) and the protein expressions of PTEN, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT and p-AKT. RESULTS: The rat models of GA showed obvious toe swelling, which reached the peak level at 48 h. HE staining revealed massive inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial tissue hyperplasia. The rat models showed significantly increased expressions of TNF-α, TGF-ß1, IL-18, TC, TG, leptin, resistin and visfatin, BUA, p-PI3K, and p-AKT and lowered levels of IL-10, APN, HDL-C, and PTEN. Treatment with HQC and colchicine obviously improved these changes and alleviated synovial pathologies and toe swelling in the rat models. CONCLUSION: HQC can improve inflammation and correct the imbalance of uric acid and lipid metabolism in GA rats possibly by inhibiting the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

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Artritis Gotosa , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Inflamación , Metabolismo de los Lípidos , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Transducción de Señal , Ácido Úrico , Animales , Artritis Gotosa/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Gotosa/metabolismo , Ratas , Fosfohidrolasa PTEN/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Ácido Úrico/sangre , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Metabolismo de los Lípidos/efectos de los fármacos , Inflamación/metabolismo , Masculino , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta1/metabolismo , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Interleucina-18/metabolismo

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OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Tujia medicine Toddalia asiatica alcohol extract (TAAE) for synovial pannus formation in rats with college-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomized into normal control group, CIA model group, TGT group, 3 TAAE treatment groups at low, medium and high doses (n=10). Except for those in the normal control group, all the rats were subjected to CIA modeling using a secondary immunization method and treatment with saline, TGT or TAAE by gavage once daily for 35 days. The severity of arthritis was assessed using arthritis index (AI) score, and knee joint synovium pathologies were examined with HE staining. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß were detected with ELISA; the protein expressions of PI3K, Akt, p-PI3K, p-Akt, VEGF, endostatin, HIF-1α, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP9 in knee joint synovial tissues were determined using Western blotting, and the mRNA expressions of TNF­α, IL-6, IL-1ß, VEGF, HIF-1α, PI3K, and Akt were detected with RT-PCR. RESULTS: Treatment of CIA rat models with TAAE and TGT significantly alleviated paw swelling, lowered AI scores, and reduced knee joint pathology, neoangiogenesis, and serum levels of inflammatory factors. TAAE treatment obviously increased endostatin protein expression, downregulated p-PI3K, p-Akt, MMP1, MMP3, MMP9, VEGF, and HIF-1α proteins, and reduced TNF­α, IL-6, IL-1ß, PI3K, Akt, VEGF, and HIF-1α mRNA levels in the synovial tissues, and these changes were comparable between high-dose TAAE group and TGT group. CONCLUSION: TAAE can improve joint symptoms and inhibit synovial pannus formation in CIA rats by regulating the expressions of HIF-1α, VEGF, endostatin, MMP1, MMP3, and MMP9 via the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.

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Artritis Experimental , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Transducción de Señal , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular , Animales , Artritis Experimental/tratamiento farmacológico , Artritis Experimental/metabolismo , Ratas , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Subunidad alfa del Factor 1 Inducible por Hipoxia/metabolismo , Factor A de Crecimiento Endotelial Vascular/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Metaloproteinasa 1 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Metaloproteinasa 3 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Metaloproteinasa 9 de la Matriz/metabolismo , Endostatinas , Membrana Sinovial/metabolismo , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/uso terapéutico , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología

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Miltefosine is the first and only drug approved for the treatment of leishmaniasis. It is also known as a PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor utilized in anti-cancer or anti-viral therapies. However, the impact of miltefosine on male fertility has not been fully understood. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the effects of miltefosine on sperm function during capacitation. Duroc spermatozoa were exposed to 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80µM miltefosine and induced for capacitation. Our results showed that miltefosine dramatically increased the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-associated proteins. Sperm motility, motion kinetics, capacitation, and tyrosine phosphorylation were significantly suppressed by miltefosine. However, intracellular ATP levels and cell viability were not significantly affected. Our findings suggest that miltefosine may disrupt sperm function by abnormally increasing the levels of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway-associated proteins. Therefore, the harmful effects of miltefosine on male reproduction should be considered when using this drug.

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The adzuki bean is a mature seed of the red bean leguminous plant, and people like to eat it because of its nutritious properties and moderate proportion of amino acids. Adzuki bean germination and the enrichment of GABA greatly improve the health effects of the adzuki bean. The effects of the GABA-rich adzuki bean on the expression of insulin-pathway-related genes and proteins in the liver of T2DM mice were studied via Western blotting and qPCR. The results showed that a GABA-rich adzuki bean diet could promote glycogen synthesis in the liver of T2DM mice, inhibit the activities of PEPCK and G-6-Pase, and significantly down-regulate the gene expression levels of PEPCK, G6PC and FOXO1 (p < 0.05) and the phosphorylation levels of FOXO1 and GSK3ß. In addition, it can also up-regulate the expression of the AMPKα gene and down-regulate the expression of the SREBP1c gene to inhibit the synthesis of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM mice. Lipid accumulation in mice can alleviate glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and play an effective role in regulating blood glucose at liver tissue targets. This study suggested that the GABA-rich adzuki bean can improve hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic mice by activating the IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the liver.

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Ripened pu-erh tea is known to have beneficial hypoglycemic properties. However, it remains unclear whether the bioactive peptides produced during fermentation are also related to hypoglycemic potential. This study aimed to identify hypoglycemic peptides in ripened pu-erh tea and to elucidate their bioactive mechanisms using physicochemical property prediction, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and cell experiments. Thirteen peptides were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Among them, AADTDYRFS (AS-9) and AGDGTPYVR (AR-9) exhibited high α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.820 and 3.942 mg/mL, respectively. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and van der Waals forces assist peptides AS-9 and AR-9 in forming stable and tight complexes with α-glucosidase. An insulin-resistance (IR)-HepG2 cell model was established. AS-9 was non-toxic to IR-HepG2 cells and significantly increased the glucose consumption capacity, hexokinase, and pyruvate kinase activities of IR-HepG2 cells (p < 0.05). AS-9 alleviated glucose metabolism disorders and ameliorated IR by activating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and increasing the expression levels of MDM2, IRS-1, Akt, PI3K, GLUT4, and GSK3ß genes. In addition, no hemolysis of mice red blood cells red blood cells occurred at concentrations below 1 mg/mL. This work first explored hypoglycemic peptides in ripened pu-erh tea, providing novel insights for enhancing its functional value.

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Inhibidores de Glicósido Hidrolasas , Hipoglucemiantes , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Péptidos , Té , Hipoglucemiantes/farmacología , Hipoglucemiantes/química , Animales , Té/química , Humanos , Células Hep G2 , Péptidos/química , Péptidos/farmacología , Inhibidores de Glicósido Hidrolasas/farmacología , Inhibidores de Glicósido Hidrolasas/química , Ratones , Simulación de Dinámica Molecular , Resistencia a la Insulina , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Proteínas Sustrato del Receptor de Insulina/metabolismo , Espectrometría de Masas en Tándem , alfa-Glucosidasas/metabolismo , Fermentación

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a challenging condition to treat with myocardial fibrosis being a pivotal pathological component. Previous studies have suggested a role for inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the progression of this condition, but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of iNOS in HFpEF-related myocardial fibrosis and identify potential therapeutic targets. METHODS: A 'two-hit' mouse model of HFpEF was established, and echocardiography, histopathology and biochemical analyses were performed. In vitro experiments were conducted in mouse cardiac fibroblasts, with iNOS overexpression and application of iNOS or phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. The iNOS-S-nitrosylated phosphatase and TENsin homolog (SNO-PTEN)-phosphorylated-protein kinase B (p-AKT) pathway was investigated, along with the effects on fibrotic markers and cell proliferation and migration. RESULTS: HFpEF mice exhibited significant cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis, with increased expression of iNOS, SNO-PTEN, and p-AKT, indicative of the activation of the iNOS-SNO-PTEN-p-AKT pathway. iNOS overexpression in mouse cardiac fibroblasts led to increased SNO-PTEN, decreased PTEN, activated phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and p-AKT, and enhanced cell proliferation and migration, as well as increased collagen I and III expression. The use of an iNOS inhibitor (L-NIL) or a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) partially reversed these changes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the iNOS-SNO-PTEN-p-AKT pathway may play a crucial role in HFpEF-related myocardial fibrosis, with iNOS and PI3K inhibitors offering potential therapeutic benefits. These insights may pave the way for the development of effective drug therapies for HFpEF.

RESUMEN

KIFC3 is a member of the Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs). The role of KIFC3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the function of KIFC3 in NSCLC and the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemistry indicated that KIFC3 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and correlated with the degree of differentiation, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. MTT, colony formation and Transwell assays demonstrated that KIFC3 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro, while KIFC3 knockdown led to the opposite results. The protein expression levels of PI3Kp85α and p-Akt were increased after KIFC3 overexpression, meanwhile the downstream protein expression levels such as cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, RhoA, RhoC and MMP2 were increased. This promotion effect could be inhibited by a specific inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway, LY294002. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the interaction between endogenous/exogenous KIFC3 and PI3Kp85α. Tumor formation experiments in nude mice confirmed that KIFC3 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vivo and performed its biological function through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.In conclusion, KIFC3 promotes the malignant behavior of NSCLC cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas , Movimiento Celular , Proliferación Celular , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Invasividad Neoplásica , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Transducción de Señal , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/metabolismo , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/genética , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Movimiento Celular/genética , Animales , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/genética , Femenino , Masculino , Ratones , Línea Celular Tumoral , Persona de Mediana Edad , Cinesinas/metabolismo , Cinesinas/genética , Ratones Desnudos , Regulación Neoplásica de la Expresión Génica

RESUMEN

The involvement of let-7 in the occurrence and progression of various cancers has been well-documented. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its impact on oral cancer development remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of let-7 in oral cancer progression and investigate its underlying molecular mechanisms. The expression of let-7 and high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) mRNA was assessed using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was employed to detect the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as well as HMGA2 protein levels. The targeting relationship between let-7 and HMGA2 was predicted through bioinformatics methods and confirmed via luciferase reporter gene assay. The effects of let-7 and HMGA2 on the functionality of oral cancer cells were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, wound healing assay, and Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay. Additionally, the impact of let-7 on the growth of oral cancer cells in vivo was investigated by inducing subcutaneous tumor formation in nude mice. Let-7 effectively suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral cancer cells by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. HMGA2, a downstream target gene of let-7, exhibits high expression in oral cancer. However, overexpression of HMGA2 diminishes the inhibitory effects induced by let-7 overexpression on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of oral cancer cells. The occurrence and progression of oral cancer cells are inhibited by Let-7 through the downregulation of HMGA2, potentially mediated by the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation.

Asunto(s)

Movimiento Celular , Proliferación Celular , Proteína HMGA2 , MicroARNs , Neoplasias de la Boca , Transducción de Señal , Animales , Humanos , Ratones , Apoptosis , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proteína HMGA2/metabolismo , Proteína HMGA2/genética , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Ratones Desnudos , MicroARNs/metabolismo , MicroARNs/genética , Neoplasias de la Boca/patología , Neoplasias de la Boca/metabolismo , Neoplasias de la Boca/genética , Fosfatidilinositol 3-Quinasas/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Dysfunction in trophoblast cells is closely associated with the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Previous reports have indicated that microRNA (miR)-200c was upregulated in the serum of patients who have had abortions. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects and mechanisms of miR-200c in trophoblast cells. The human extravillous trophoblast cell line HTR-8/SVneo was either subjected to knockdown or overexpression of miR-200c, and its levels were measured using RT-qPCR. The cell behaviors of HTR-8/SVneo were assessed using CCK-8, Transwell, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of Ki67, Bcl-2, Bax, MMP2/9, and PI3K/Akt-related markers. The findings revealed that miR-200c levels were higher in the villous tissues of URSA patients. Depletion of miR-200c impeded HTR-8/SVneo cell apoptosis and enhanced cell migration, invasiveness, and proliferation, while overexpression of miR-200c exhibited the opposite effects. The data suggested that mechanistically, miR-200c inactivated PI3K/Akt signaling in trophoblast cells. Furthermore, rescue experiments demonstrated that blocking PI3K/Akt signaling reversed the effects of miR-200c depletion on HTR-8/SVneo cell behavior. Therefore, miR-200c depletion can potentially improve trophoblast cell function by activating PI3K/Akt signaling.