RESUMEN

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: jinkui Shenqi Pill (JSP) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine used to treat "Kidney Yang Deficiency" disease. Previous studies indicate a protective effect of JSP on apoptosis in mouse neurons. AIM OF THE STUDY: This research, combining network pharmacology with in vivo experiments, explores the mechanism of JSP in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Network pharmacology analyzed JSP components and targets, identifying common genes with NTDs and exploring potential pathways. Molecular docking assessed interactions between key JSP components and pathway proteins. In an all-trans retinoic acid (atRA)-induced NTDs mouse model, histopathological changes were observed using HE staining, neuronal apoptosis was detected using TUNEL, and Western Blot assessed changes in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and apoptosis-related proteins. RESULTS: Different concentrations of JSP led to varying degrees of reduction in the occurrence of neural tube defects in mouse embryos, with the highest dose showing the most significant decrease. Furthermore, it showed a better reduction in NTDs rates compared to folic acid (FA). Network pharmacology constructed a Drug-Active Ingredient-Gene Target network, suggesting key active ingredients such as Quercetin, Wogonin, Beta-Sitosterol, Kaempferol, and Stigmasterol, possibly acting on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Molecular docking confirmed stable binding structures. Western Blot analysis demonstrated increased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-Akt1, p-Akt2, p-Akt3, downregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and upregulation of Bcl-2, indicating prevention of NTDs through anti-apoptotic effects. CONCLUSION: We have identified an effective dosage of JSP for preventing NTDs, revealing its potential by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibiting cell apoptosis in atRA-induced mouse embryonic NTDs.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective@#To explore the molecular mechanism of resveratrol (RES) in the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) through the use of biological information methods such as network pharmacology and molecular docking and to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical application of RES in the treatment of OSCC.@*Methods@#The Swiss Target Prediction(http://www.swisstargetprediction.ch), SEA (http://sea.bkslab.org)database, and Pharm mapper database(http://lilab-ecust.cn) were used to retrieve RES-related targets, and the DISGENET (www.disgenet.org), OMIM (https://omim.org) and GeneCards (https://www.genecards.org) databases were used to screen OSCC disease targets. The intersection of drugs and disease targets was determined, and Cytoscape 3.7.2 software was used to construct a "drug-diseasetarget pathway" network. The Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database was used to construct a target protein interaction network, and the DAVID database was used for enrichment analysis of key proteins. Finally, molecular docking validation of key proteins was performed using AutoDock and PyMOL. The enrichment analysis and molecular docking results were integrated to predict the possible molecular mechanisms of RES treatment in OSCC; western blot was used to determine the effect of resveratrol at different concentrations (50, 100) μmol/L on the expression of Src tyrosine kinase (SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor gene 1 (ESR1), and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway proteins in OSCC HSC-3 cells.@*Results@#A total of 243 targets of RES drugs and 6 094 targets of OSCC were identified. A total of 116 potential common targets were obtained by intersecting drugs with disease targets. These potential targets mainly participate in biological processes such as in vivo protein self-phosphorylation, peptide tyrosine phosphorylation, transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase signaling pathway, and positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription, and they interfere with the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to exert anti-OSCC effects. The docking results of resveratrol with OSCC molecules indicated that key targets, such as EGFR, ESR1, and SRC, have good binding activity. The results of cell-based experiments showed that resveratrol inhibited the protein expression of SRC, EGFR, ESR1, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in HSC-3 cells in a dose-dependent manner.@*Conclusion@#RES can inhibit the expression of its targets EGFR, ESR1, SRC, p-PI3K, and p-AKT in OSCC cells.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Infantile hemangioma (IH) is a common vascular tumor in female infants, which can lead to aesthetic issues and facial scarring. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser on IH. METHODS: Hemangioma endothelial cells (HemECs) were exposed to 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser to evaluate its impact on cell proliferation and apoptosis. A patient-derived xenograft model was established to assess the inhibitory effects of laser treatment on IH in vivo. RESULTS: In vitro, 755 nm long-pulsed alexandrite laser effectively suppressed the proliferation of HemECs and induced cell apoptosis. Laser treatment significantly inhibited the volume and weight of tumors, accompanied by significant downregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) expression levels in both hemangioma cells and tumors. Additionally, laser treatment resulted in the conversion of VEGFA165a to VEGFA165b. TUNEL staining demonstrated increased apoptosis in tumor cells after laser treatment, along with upregulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and downregulation of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: In addition to the principle of selective photothermal decomposition, modulation of the VEGF/PI3K/Akt axis may serve as a potential mechanism for IH treatment using a long pulse-width 755 nm laser. This sheds valuable light on the molecular mechanisms underlying IH pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets while providing a theoretical basis for the safe and efficient management of proliferative IH using laser therapy.

RESUMEN

Objective:To investigate the effect and mechanism of longikaurin A (LK-A) on glioma proliferation.Methods:Resuscitated frozen human glioma cell lines U87 and SNB19 were in vitro sub-cultured; CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell activity changes 24 and 48 h after 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 μmol/L LK-A. Edu proliferation assay was used to detect the changes in number of Edu positive cells after 0, 1, 2 and 3 μmol/L LK-A, and cell clonal formation assay was used to detect the changes in number of cell colony formation after 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 μmol/L LK-A. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in cell cycle proportion after 0, 1, 2 and 3 μmol/L LK-A. Expression changes of proliferation-related proteins (Ki-67 and c-Myc) and cell cycle-related proteins (Cyclin B1, Cyclin D1, cyclin dependent kinase 1 [CDKl]) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting after 0, 1, 2, and 3 μmol/L LK-A. Results:U87 and SNB19 cell viabilities decreased gradually after being treated with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 μmol/L LK-A for 24 and 48 h compared with those with 0 μmol/L LK-A, with significant differences ( P<0.05); cell viability was dose-dependent. The number of Edu positive cells in U87 and SNB19 after being treated with 2, and 3 μmol/L LK-A was significantly decreased compared with that with 0 μmol/L LK-A ( P<0.05). The colony formation number of U87 and SNB19 cells after being treated with 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 μmol/L LK-A decreased significantly compared with that with 0 μmol/L LK-A ( P<0.05). The proportion of U87 and SNB19 cells at G2/M phase after being treated with 2 and 3 μmol/L LK-A were increased significantly compared with that with 0 μmol/L LK-A ( P<0.05). The Ki-67, c-Myc, Cyclin B1, CDK1, p-PI3K and p-AKT expressions were significantly decreased, while Cyclin D1 expression was significantly increased in U87 and SNB19 cells after being treated with 2 and 3 μmol/L LK-A compared with those with 0 μmol/L LK-A ( P<0.05). Conclusion:LK-A can inhibit the glioma proliferation and arrest glioma at G2/M phase, with dose-dependent manner; the mechanism is related to inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by LK-A.

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1(EEF1) family members (EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on public databases.Methods We examined EEF1 member expression levels in human LUAD samples via The Cancer Genome Atlas in the UCSC Xena browser and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.We analyzed the mRNA and protein levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 and their correlations with pathological variables via the Mann-Whitney U test.The Kaplan-Meier curves were established to assess the prognostic values of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2.The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm was employed to explore the relationship between the expression levels of EEF1 members and tumor immune cell infiltration.Spearman and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the expression levels of EEF1 members and those of the genes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway.The immunohistochemical assay was employed to determine the expression levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 in the LUAD tissue (n=75) and paracancer tissue (n=75) samples.Results The mRNA and protein levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 showed significant differences between tumor and paracancer tissues (all P<0.001).The patients with high protein levels of EEF1A1 showed bad prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.039),and those with high protein levels of EEF1A2 showed good prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.012).The influence of the mRNA level of EEF1D on prognosis was associated with pathological characteristics.The expression levels of EEF1 members were significantly associated with the infiltration of various immune cells and the expression of key molecules in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway.Conclusion EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 are associated with the progression of LUAD,serving as the candidate prognostic markers for LUAD.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate the role and mechanism of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1(EEF1) family members (EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) based on public databases.Methods We examined EEF1 member expression levels in human LUAD samples via The Cancer Genome Atlas in the UCSC Xena browser and the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium.We analyzed the mRNA and protein levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 and their correlations with pathological variables via the Mann-Whitney U test.The Kaplan-Meier curves were established to assess the prognostic values of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2.The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis algorithm was employed to explore the relationship between the expression levels of EEF1 members and tumor immune cell infiltration.Spearman and Pearson correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationship between the expression levels of EEF1 members and those of the genes in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway.The immunohistochemical assay was employed to determine the expression levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 in the LUAD tissue (n=75) and paracancer tissue (n=75) samples.Results The mRNA and protein levels of EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 showed significant differences between tumor and paracancer tissues (all P<0.001).The patients with high protein levels of EEF1A1 showed bad prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.039),and those with high protein levels of EEF1A2 showed good prognosis in terms of overall survival (P=0.012).The influence of the mRNA level of EEF1D on prognosis was associated with pathological characteristics.The expression levels of EEF1 members were significantly associated with the infiltration of various immune cells and the expression of key molecules in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway.Conclusion EEF1D,EEF1A1,and EEF1A2 are associated with the progression of LUAD,serving as the candidate prognostic markers for LUAD.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Based on the bioinformatics analyses, the current study sought to explore the effects of exosomal miR-506 on LUAD cell biology and the efficacy of cisplatin (CDDP)-based hyperthermia (HT). After sample preparation, we identified decreased miR-506 and elevated ATAD2. LUAD cells were subsequently transfected with miR-506 mimic, oe-ATAD2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor LY294002 to analyze effects of the miR-506/ATAD2/PI3K/AKT axis on cell biological processes and chemoresistance. Effects of exosomal miR-506 on sensitivity of LUAD cells to CDDP-based HT were further assessed in a co-culture system of BMSC-derived exosomes and LUAD cells, which was also validated in tumor-bearing nude mice. miR-506 down-regulated ATAD2 to inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting the malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells and augmenting LUAD cell sensitivity to CDDP-based HT. Further, BMSCs-derived exosomes harboring miR-506 sensitized LUAD cells to DDP/HT both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings revealed that exosomal miR-506 sensitized LUAD cells to CDDP-based HT by inhibiting ATAD2/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, offering a potential therapeutic target for LUAD treatment.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) plays an important role in cell growth, development and homeostasis. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is an important half-channel protein responsible for gap junction formation. Platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) regulates the proliferation, migration, metabolism, apoptosis and cell cycle of chondrocytes. However, the role of PDGF-AA in gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes is not fully understood. In the current study, we performed experiments to explore the effect of PDGF-AA on GJIC and its underlying biomechanical mechanism. METHODS: qPCR was performed to determine the expression of PDGF, PDGFR and connexin family genes in chondrocytes and/or cartilage. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to determine GJIC. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of Cx43 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to examine protein distribution. Scanning electron microscopy was used to delineate the morphology of chondrocytes. RESULTS: Expression of PDGF-A mRNA was highest among the PDGF family in chondrocytes and cartilage tissues. PDGF-AA promoted functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes by upregulating the expression of Cx43. Enhanced functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes induced by PDGF-AA occurred through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling and its nuclear accumulation. CONCLUSION: For the first time, this study provides evidence demonstrating the role of PDGF-AA in cell-to-cell communication in chondrocytes through mediating Cx43 expression.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of ergosterol on neurons in CA1 area of the hippocampus and its mechanism in rats anesthetized with propofol.Methods:Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into control group, propofol group and propofol+ergosterol group ( n=15). Rats in the control group were injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg/kg fat emulsion solvent; rats in the propofol group were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg propofol first, and after the righting reflex was restored, they were injected with 50 mg/kg propofol; propofol+ergosterol group was intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg ergosterol, followed by propofol injection, and the propofol injection method was the same as that of the propofol group. Injection was given continuously for 7 d. After the last injection, the rats in each group were awake for 2 h. The ultrastructure of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area was observed by transmission electron microscopy. HE staining, TUNEL and neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) staining, and Western blotting were used to detect the morphology, apoptosis, and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) expression of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area, respectively. Western blotting was used to determine the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway proteins in hippocampal CA1 area of rats. Results:Transmission electron microscopy and HE staining showed that the damage of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of the propofol+ergosterol group was slighter than that of the propofol group. As compared with control group, propofol group had significantly higher neuronal apoptosis, significantly higher levels of activated Caspase 3 and Bax protein expressions, significantly decreased Bcl-2 and PSD95 expressions, significantly increased apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and Cytochrome (Cyt)-C protein expressions, statistically lower Sirt1 protein expression, and significantly lower phosphorylated (p)-PI3K/PI3K level and p-Akt/Akt ratio in the hippocampal CA1 area ( P<0.05). As compared with propofol group, propofol+ergosterol group had significantly lower neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 area (27.33±1.37% vs. 17.47±0.87%, P<0.05). As compared with propofol group, propofol+ergosterol group had significantly lower activated Caspase 3 and Bax protein expressions, significantly increased Bcl-2 and PSD95 expressions, significantly decreased AIF and Cyt-C protein expressions, statistically higher Sirt1 protein expression, and significantly higher p-PI3K/PI3K level and p-Akt/Akt ratio in the hippocampal CA1 area ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Ergosterol pretreatment can inhibit propofol-induced neuron apoptosis and alleviate the neuronal damage in the hippocampal CA1 area, whose mechanism may be mediated by PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

RESUMEN

Objective To investigate the expression of MEX3A in colorectal cancer (CRC), and to explore the effect and mechanism of MEX3A on the proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells. Methods Totally 327 cases of data(41 normal tissues and 286 tumor tissues) were obtained from TCGA database, and 104 cases of clinical samples (77 cases tissues and 27 paracancerous tissues) were collected for immunohistochemistry, then analysed the differences in MEX3A expression between CRC tissues and normal tissues. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the differential expression of MEX3A in CRC cell lines. CL187 cells were selected as the follow-up research vector. Small interfering RNA of MEX3A(siMEX3A) was transfected into CL187 cells to inhibit the expression of MEX3A. The proliferation and migration of CL187 cells were measured by MTT, colony formation assay and Transwell assay. The expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt and p-Akt were detected by Western blotting. Results TCGA database, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis showed that MEX3A was highly expressed in colorectal cancer. The result of immunofluorescence staining showed that MEX3A was concentrated in the cytoplasm and the nucleus. In MTT, colony formation assay and Transwell assay, the proliferation and migration ability of CL187 cells in siMEX3A group decreased significantly than those in control group (P<0.05). Western blotting result showed that the expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt in siMEX3A group down-regulated significantly (P<0.05), and the inhibition of proliferation and migration ability of CL187 cells induced by siMEX3A group could be reversed by 740 Y-P via activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Conclusion MEX3A is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and promotes the proliferation and migration of CRC cells via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential biomarkers during development of human diseases. We aimed to explore the role of hypoxia-induced bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived exosomal miR-98-5p in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). METHODS: BMSCs were isolated, cultured, stimulated by hypoxia and transfected with adenovirus expressing miR-98-5p. The exosomes were extracted from BMSCs and named as BMSC-exos. The rat MI/RI models were established by ligation of left anterior descending artery and were respectively injected. Then, hemodynamic indices, myocardial enzymes, oxidative stress factors, inflammatory factors, macrophage infiltration and infarct size in these rats were determined. Expression of miR-98-5p, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway-related proteins was assessed. The target relation between miR-98-5p and TLR4 was confirmed by bioinformatic method and dual luciferase report gene assay. RESULTS: MiR-98-5p was downregulated, TLR4 was upregulated and the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inactivated in MI/RI rat myocardial tissues. Exosomal miR-98-5p from hypoxic BMSCs promoted cardiac function and suppressed myocardial enzyme levels, oxidative stress, inflammation response, macrophage infiltration and infarct size in I/R myocardial tissues. Moreover, TRL4 was targeted by miR-98-5p and miR-98-5p activated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia-induced BMSC-exos elevated miR-98-5p to protect against MI/RI. This study may be helpful for treatment of MI/RI.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Duranta repens is reported to contain a wide array of secondary metabolites, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, and - has potent antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the network pharmacology of D. repens (whole plant) with targets related to diabetes mellitus and assessed its outcome by evaluating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. METHODS: Phytoconstituents of D. repens were retrieved from an open-source database and published literature, and their targets were predicted for diabetes mellitus using BindingDB and the therapeutic target database. Protein-protein interaction was predicted using STRING, and pathways involved in diabetes mellitus were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway browser. Druglikeness, ADMET profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and cytotoxicity of compounds modulating proteins involved in diabetes were predicted using MolSoft, admetSAR2.0 and CLC-Pred, respectively. The interaction network among phytoconstituents, proteins and pathways was constructed using Cytoscape, and the docking study was performed using AutoDock4.0. The hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens was evaluated using streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus animal model for 28 d, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. At the end of the study, biochemical parameters like glycogen content, hepatic enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers and lipid profiles were quantified. Further, the liver and pancreas were collected for a histopathology study. RESULTS: Thirty-six different secondary metabolites from D. repens were identified to regulate thirty-one targets involved in diabetes mellitus, in which protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was primarily targeted. Enrichment analysis of modulated proteins identified 12 different pathways in diabetic pathogenesis in which the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway was chiefly regulated. The docking study found that durantanin I possessed the highest binding affinity (-8.9 kcal/mol) with PTP1B. Similarly, ADMET profiling showed that the majority of bioactive constituents from D. repens had higher human intestinal absorptivity and minimal cytotoxicity to normal cell lines, than tumor cell lines. Further, an in vivo animal study reflected the efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens to lower the elevated blood glucose level by stimulating insulin secretion, maintaining pancreatic ß cell mass, regulating glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and enhancing the glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. CONCLUSION: The present study reflected the probable network interaction of bioactive constituents from D. repens, their targets and modulated pathways, which identified the prime regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and PTP1B protein. Modulation of PTP1B protein and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway could contribute to enhancing glucose uptake, insulin production and glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis in diabetes, which was evaluated via the experimental study.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of insulin-like growth factor 2 ( IGF2 ) on the proliferation of human ovarian granulosa cells ( KGN ). Methods KGN cells cultured in vitro and treated with different concentrations of IGF2 were divided into control group and IGF2 group (25 μg/L, 50 μg/L, 100 μg/L), and then cells were divided into control group, 100 μg/L IGF2 group, LY294002 group, and IGF2 +LY294002 group after intervened the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway with LY294002. MTS and 5-ethynyl-2'- deoxyuridine (EdU) method was used to detect the effect of IGF2 on KGN cell proliferation, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of estrogen and progesterone in cell culture supernatant. The expressions of insulin like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated protein kinase B(p-Akt) and CYP19A1 protein in each group were detected by Western blotting. Results With the concentration gradient of IGF2, the proliferation rate of KGN cells and the secretion of estrogen and progesterone gradually increased. The cell proliferation rate and hormone level in the group treated with lOOfig/L IGF2 were the highest (P<0.01), while the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was inhibited, and the cell proliferation rate and hormone secretion decreased significantly (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of IGF1R, p-Akt and CYP19A1 in different concentration groups increased significantly (P<0.05). While the expression of the above proteins were affected by intervened the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Compared with the control group, the protein expression of IGF1R and p-Akt increased significantly in IGF2 group and IGF2 +LY294002 group(P<0.01), CYP19A1 increased significantly in IGF2 group(P<0.01), the protein expression of p-Akt and CYP19A1 decreased significantly in LY294002 group (P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the protein expression of IGF 1R. Compared with the IGF2 group, the protein expression of p-Akt and CYP19A1 decreased in IGF2 +LY294002 group (P<0.01), there was no statistically significant difference in the protein expression of IGF1R, and the expression levels of IGF1R, p-Akt and CYP19A1 were significantly reduced in LY294002 group (P<0.01). Conclusion IGF2 may promote the proliferation and secretion of human ovarian granulosa cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediated by IGF1R.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE@#Duranta repens is reported to contain a wide array of secondary metabolites, including α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors, and - has potent antioxidant activity. The present study evaluated the network pharmacology of D. repens (whole plant) with targets related to diabetes mellitus and assessed its outcome by evaluating the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus in rats.@*METHODS@#Phytoconstituents of D. repens were retrieved from an open-source database and published literature, and their targets were predicted for diabetes mellitus using BindingDB and the therapeutic target database. Protein-protein interaction was predicted using STRING, and pathways involved in diabetes mellitus were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway browser. Druglikeness, ADMET profile (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) and cytotoxicity of compounds modulating proteins involved in diabetes were predicted using MolSoft, admetSAR2.0 and CLC-Pred, respectively. The interaction network among phytoconstituents, proteins and pathways was constructed using Cytoscape, and the docking study was performed using AutoDock4.0. The hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens was evaluated using streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetes mellitus animal model for 28 d, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test. At the end of the study, biochemical parameters like glycogen content, hepatic enzymes, antioxidant biomarkers and lipid profiles were quantified. Further, the liver and pancreas were collected for a histopathology study.@*RESULTS@#Thirty-six different secondary metabolites from D. repens were identified to regulate thirty-one targets involved in diabetes mellitus, in which protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was primarily targeted. Enrichment analysis of modulated proteins identified 12 different pathways in diabetic pathogenesis in which the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-Akt) signaling pathway was chiefly regulated. The docking study found that durantanin I possessed the highest binding affinity (-8.9 kcal/mol) with PTP1B. Similarly, ADMET profiling showed that the majority of bioactive constituents from D. repens had higher human intestinal absorptivity and minimal cytotoxicity to normal cell lines, than tumor cell lines. Further, an in vivo animal study reflected the efficacy of the hydroalcoholic extract of D. repens to lower the elevated blood glucose level by stimulating insulin secretion, maintaining pancreatic β cell mass, regulating glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and enhancing the glucose uptake in skeletal muscles.@*CONCLUSION@#The present study reflected the probable network interaction of bioactive constituents from D. repens, their targets and modulated pathways, which identified the prime regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and PTP1B protein. Modulation of PTP1B protein and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway could contribute to enhancing glucose uptake, insulin production and glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis in diabetes, which was evaluated via the experimental study.

RESUMEN

Objective: To observe the changes of insulin secretion in the early stage of severe scald in rats, and to explore its signal transduction mechanism. Methods: Twenty-four male Wistar rats aged 7 weeks were divided into sham injury alone (SIA) group, sham injury+ BPV (HOpic) (SIB) group, scald alone (SA) group, and scald+ BPV (HOpic) (SB) group using the random number table, with 6 rats in each group. Full-thickness scald of 50% total body surface area was inflicted in rats of SA and SB groups by a 6-s immersion of the abdomen and a 12-s immersion of the back in 94 ℃ hot water. Rats in SIA and SIB groups received sham injuries through immersion of the back and abdomen in 37 ℃ warm water for 6 and 12 seconds respectively. From 0 (immediately) to 2 day (s) after injury, the rats in groups SB and SIB were intraperitoneally injected with the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway enhancer BPV (HOpic) solution (0.5 mg/mL) at the dosage of 0.6 mg/kg once a day, and the rats in groups SA and SIA were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of dimethyl sulfoxide once a day. At post injury hour (PIH) 72, the tail blood of rats was sampled for measuring fasting blood glucose (FBG) with a glucometer, and the pancreatic tissue samples of rats was harvested for observing the pathological manifestations of islets by hematoxylin-eosin staining, counting the docked granules per 10 µm membrane of islet beta cells and calculating the proportion of insulin vesicles through the observation of the ultrastructure of islet beta cells by transmission electron microscope, and detecting the phosphorylation level of Akt in the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by Western blotting. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance and least significant difference test. Results: (1) At PIH 72, the rat FBG levels in SIA and SIB groups were normal and similar (P>0.05). Compared with the levels of those two groups, the rat FBG level in SA group was increased significantly (P<0.01), while the level in SB group showed no obvious change (P>0.05). Compared with that in SA group, the rat FBG level in SB group was decreased significantly (P<0.01). (2) At PIH 72, the morphology of rat islets was complete and the islet cells distributed regularly in SIA and SIB groups. Compared with those in SIA and SIB groups, the morphology of rat islets was incomplete, the insulin vesicles in islets were common, the islet cells distributed irregularly, and the cytoplasm of some islet beta cells was lightly stained or translucent in SA group; the morphology of islets in SB group did not change obviously. Compared with those in SA group, the morphology of islets was comparatively complete, the insulin vesicles in islets were less common, the islet cells distributed comparatively regularly, and the lightly stained or translucent cytoplasm of islet beta cells was less in SB group. (3) At PIH 72, the number of docked granules per 10 µm membrane of rat islet beta cells and the proportion of insulin vesicles in SIA and SIB groups were similar (P>0.05). Compared with those in SIA and SIB groups, the number of docked granules per 10 µm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SA group was decreased significantly (P<0.01), while the proportion of insulin vesicles was increased significantly (P<0.01); the number of docked granules per 10 µm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SB group was obviously decreased (P<0.05), while the proportion of insulin vesicles did not change obviously (P>0.05). Compared with those in SA group, the number of docked granules per 10 µm membrane of rat islet beta cells in SB group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the proportion of insulin vesicles was significantly decreased (P<0.01). (4) At PIH 72, the phosphorylation levels of Akt in SIA, SIB, SA, and SB groups were 0.91±0.03, 0.98±0.03, 0.78±0.08, and 0.87±0.08, respectively. Compared with that in SIA group, the phosphorylation level of Akt was increased obviously in SIB group (P<0.05) but was decreased significantly in SA group (P<0.01), while the level in SB group did not change obviously (P>0.05). Compared with the level in SIB group, the phosphorylation levels of Akt in SA and SB groups were decreased significantly (P<0.01). Compared with that in SA group, the phosphorylation level of Akt in SB group was increased significantly (P<0.05). Conclusions: At the early stage post severe scald in rats, the activity of the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and the function of insulin secretion are reduced. Improving the activity of the pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats can ameliorate the function of insulin secretion and recover the physiological level of blood glucose.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Amelioration of renal impairment is the key to diabetic nephropathy (DN) therapy. The progression of DN is closely related to podocyte dysfunction, but the detailed mechanism has not yet been clarified. The present study aimed to explore the renal impairment amelioration effect of berberine and related mechanisms targeting podocyte dysfunction under the diabetic state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) was used to develop a DN rat model together with a high-glucose/high-lipid diet. Renal functional parameters and glomerular ultrastructure changes were recorded. The alterations of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphorylated Akt in the kidney cortex were determined by western blot. Meanwhile, podocyte dysfunction was induced and treated with berberine and LY294002. After that, podocyte adhesion functional parameters, protein biomarker and the alterations of the PI3K-Akt pathway were detected. RESULTS: Berberine reduces the increased levels of biochemical indicators, and significantly improves the abnormal expression of PI3K, Akt and phosphorylated Akt in a rat kidney model. In vitro, a costimulating factor could obviously reduce the podocyte adhesion activity, including decreased expression of nephrin, podocin and adhesion molecule α3ß1 levels, to induce podocyte dysfunction, and the trends were markedly reversed by berberine and LY294002 therapy. Furthermore, reduction of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt levels were observed in the berberine (30 and 60 µmol/L) and LY294002 (40 µmol/L) treatment group, but the Akt protein expression showed little change. CONCLUSIONS: Berberine could be a promising antidiabetic nephropathy drug through ameliorating renal impairment and inhibiting podocyte dysfunction in diabetic rats, and the underlying molecular mechanisms might be involved in the regulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Nuclear factor-κB activating protein (NKAP) is a conserved nuclear protein that acts as an oncogene in various cancers and is associated with a poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the role of NKAP in neuroblastoma (NB) progression and recurrence. We compared NKAP gene expression between 89 recurrence and 134 non-recurrence patients with NB by utilizing the ArrayExpress database. The relationship between NKAP expression and clinicopathological features was evaluated by correlation analysis. We knocked down NKAP expression in NB1 and SK-N-SH cells by small interfering RNA transfection to verify its role in tumor proliferation, apoptosis, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. NKAP gene expression in NB tissues was significantly overexpressed in the recurrence group compared with the non-recurrence group, and NKAP was enriched in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Correlation analysis revealed NKAP expression was correlated with chromosome 11q deletion in patients with NB. Knockdown of NKAP expression significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of NB1 and SK-N-SH cells. Moreover, we found that small interfering NKAP significantly reduced p-PI3K and p-AKT expression. NKAP knockdown played an oncogenic role in NB by inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activations both in vitro and in vivo. Our research revealed that NKAP mediates NB cells by inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis through activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, and the expression of NKAP may act as a novel biomarker for predicting recurrence and chromosome 11q deletion in patients with NB.

RESUMEN

The present study aimed to observe the effect of the biological functions of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) silencing combined with hyperthermia on Tca8113 cells. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-targeting ILK was transfected into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) Tca8113 cells and, combined with hyperthermia, several experimental methods were used to detect their biological behavior in vitro. On the basis of in vitro experiments, Tca8113 cells were transplanted into nude mice models, and ILK-shRNA-lentivirus was injected into the nude mice transplanted tumor and combined with hyperthermia. Tumor morphology and the associated protein expression changes were determined. Subsequent to ILK silencing combined with hyperthermia, the growth, migration and proliferation of Tca8113 cells were significantly inhibited. Flow cytometry revealed that the cells were blocked in the S phase, and western blot analysis demonstrated that ILK, phosphorylated (p)-RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt), p-glycogen synthase kinase-3ß and p-heat shock factor 1 protein expression levels were significantly decreased, while apoptosis-associated protein B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X protein expression and the efficacy of hypothermia were significantly increased. By ILK silencing combined with hyperthermia, a significant therapeutic effect on transplanted tumors was observed in nude mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed the same results as the in vitro experiments. ILK silencing combined with hyperthermia can inhibit the growth, proliferation and migration of Tca8113 cells, promote Tca8113 cell apoptosis, inhibit the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway and increase hyperthermia sensitivity; the combination therapy exhibits a synergistic sensitizing effect. Therefore, ILK silencing combined with hypothermia may serve as a novel combination therapy strategy against OSCC.

RESUMEN

Objective To observe the variation of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K),protein kinase B (AKT),sodium iodide symporter (NIS) mRNA and protein expression in rat mammary tissues and serum insulin growth factor Ⅰ (IGF-1) under different iodine nutrition levels,and to study the role of PI3K-AKT signaling pathway in the process of mammary gland intaking iodine during lactation period.Methods Totally 130 Wistar rats (100 female rats,30 male rats) were randomly divided into five groups with 20 female rats in each group:①control group (NI):was feed with normal diet and iodine content 50 μg/L in deionized water;②low iodine group 1 (LI1 group):was feed with low iodine diet and deionized water;③low iodine group 2 (LI2):was feed with low iodine diet and iodine content 5 μg/L in deionized water;④high iodine group 1 (HI1 group):was feed with normal diet and iodine content 3 000 μg/L in deionized water;⑤high iodine group 2 (HI2):was feed with normal diet and iodine content 10 000 μg/L in deionized water.After feeding for 3 months,females were mated with male rats,then male rats were taken out and every female rat was feed individually.Urinary iodine level of rats in lactation period 10 days after giving birth was tested.Blood and mammary tissue samples of rats in lactation period were taken after killing them.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum IGF-1 level,real-time fluorescence quantification PCR to detect the mRNA expression of mammary gland PI3K,AKT and NIS,Western blotting to detect mammary gland PI3K,total AKT,phosphorylation AKT (p-AKT) and NIS protein expression.Results The medians urinary iodine of lactation period rats in LI1 and LI2 (3.16,6.36 μg/L) were significantly lower than that in NI group (162.59 μg/L),and were significantly higher in HI1 and HI2 (2 356.27,11 507.29 μg/L) than that in NI group.The differences were statistically significant (all P ＜ 0.01).Compared with control group [(8.84 ± 2.12) μg/L],the content of serum IGF-1 increased significantly in lactation period rats in LI1 and LI2 groups [(13.30 ± 2.37) and (10.90 ± 1.92) μg/L,all P＜ 0.01].The real-time fluorescence quantification PCR detection results indicated that the differences were statistically significant by comparing NIS,AKT,PI3K mRNA expression of the mammary tissues of lactation period rats in the five groups (F=14.916,36.477,14.994,all P＜ 0.01).Among them,NIS mRNA expression quantities in LI1 and LI2 groups (0.75 ± 0.40,0.89 ± 0.51) were significantly higher than that in NI group (0.53 ± 0.31),and significantly lower in HI2 group (0.30 ± 0.24) than that in NI group (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01).AKT mRNA expression quantities in LI1 and LI2 groups (0.90 ± 0.19,0.64 ± 0.22) were significantly higher than that in NI group (0.43 ± 0.22),and significantly lower in HI2 group (0.29 ± 0.15) than that in NI group (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01).PI3K mRNA expression quantity in LI1 group (0.85 ± 0.42) was significantly higher than that in NI group (0.50 ± 0.24),and significantly lower in HI2 group (0.28 ± 0.10) than that in NI group (all P ＜ 0.01).Western blot detection results indicated that the differences were statistically significant by comparing mammary gland NIS protein expression of lactation period rats in the five groups (F=4.510,P＜ 0.01).Among them,LI1 group (1.67 ± 0.97) was significantly higher than NI group (0.87 ± 0.43,P ＜ 0.05).The differences were statistically significant by comparing the p-AKT protein expression among groups (F =3.528,P ＜ 0.05).Among them,HI2 group (1.10 ± 0.30) was significantly higher than NI group (0.75 ± 0.23,P ＜0.05).The differences were not statistically significant by comparing total AKT and PI3K protein expression among groups (F =0.558,1.319,all P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The inhibitory effect of PI3K-AKT signaling pathways on NIS in the mammary gland was weaker than the effect of iodine intake.But the expression of functional p-AKT was gradually increased with the increment of iodine intake,which had been presented inhibit effect on NIS expression in lactating mammary gland.