RESUMEN

The cell signaling pathways involved in the antiproliferative activities of T. rosea inner bark remain unexplored. This study evaluated the apoptotic effects of two iridoids from the inner bark of T. rosea and apicidin on THP-1 cells. The cytotoxic effects of the extract and the pure compounds on THP-1 and Jurkat cells were also evaluated using the MTT assay. The apoptotic effect was determined by measuring the mitochondrial membrane potential. The expression of mRNA and MAPK kinase, Bax, and Bcl-2 proteins was detected by Western blotting and RT-qPCR, respectively. The extract and the compounds evaluated increased the percentage of apoptotic cells. Depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane was observed, and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase increased. Catalposide and specioside significantly increased p38 protein expression, mostly in cells pretreated with apicidin. The p38 MAPK signaling pathway is at least one of the pathways by which the n-butanol extract obtained from Tabebuia rosea, catalposide, and specioside exerts its apoptotic effect on THP-1 cells, and this effect generates a response in the G0/G1 phase and subsequent cell death. In addition, there was depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, an effect that was related to the participation of the proapoptotic protein Bax.

Asunto(s)

Apoptosis , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial , Corteza de la Planta , Extractos Vegetales , Tabebuia , Humanos , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Corteza de la Planta/química , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Tabebuia/química , Péptidos Cíclicos/farmacología , Péptidos Cíclicos/química , Péptidos Cíclicos/aislamiento & purificación , Células Jurkat , Leucemia/tratamiento farmacológico , Leucemia/metabolismo , Leucemia/patología , 1-Butanol/química , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Células THP-1 , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/química , Antineoplásicos Fitogénicos/aislamiento & purificación , Línea Celular Tumoral , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

Background: Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is the initial cause of the development of periodontal disease by the activity of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α). Unaddressed chronic inflammation can lead to persistent disturbances in other parts of the body. Brazilin is a naturally occurring plant chemical that may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Treatment based on the natural plant compound, brazilin, is developed in the form of a topical cream for easy application. Objective: The aim is to develop the natural compound brazilin in the form of a topical cream as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce NF-κB expression through Imunohistochemistry (IHC) methods, and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1ß, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were induced with gingivitis using P. gingivalis bacteria. The observed groups included rats treated with a single application of brazilin cream and rats treated with two applications of brazilin cream. The treatment was administered for 15 days. On days 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15, anatomical wound observations and wound histology using hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's Trichrome staining were performed. NF-κB protein expression was analyzed using the IHC method. Gingival inflammation gene expression of NF-κB, IL-1ß, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α was measured using q-RTPCR. Results: Single and double applications of brazilin cream increased angiogenesis and decreased NF-κB protein expression, in addition to the IL-1ß, IL-6, p38, and TNF-α gene expressions. Conclusion: In a rat gingivitis model, Brazilin cream may function as an anti-inflammatory agent in the gingival tissue.

Asunto(s)

Benzopiranos , Caesalpinia , Gingivitis , FN-kappa B , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Animales , Caesalpinia/química , Masculino , Ratas , Benzopiranos/farmacología , Benzopiranos/administración & dosificación , Benzopiranos/uso terapéutico , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Gingivitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Gingivitis/patología , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/administración & dosificación , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Enfermedades Periodontales/tratamiento farmacológico , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Interleucina-1beta/genética , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/genética , Interleucina-6/metabolismo , Interleucina-6/genética , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Cardiac fibrosis is a severe outcome of Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Clinical evidence revealed a correlation between fibrosis levels with impaired cardiac performance in CD patients. Therefore, we sought to analyze the effect of inhibitors of TGF-ß (pirfenidone), p38-MAPK (losmapimod) and c-Jun (SP600125) on the modulation of collagen deposition in cardiac fibroblasts (CF) and in vivo models of T. cruzi chronic infection. Sirius Red/Fast Green dye was used to quantify both collagen expression and total protein amount, assessing cytotoxicity. The compounds were also used to treat C57/Bl6 mice chronically infected with T. cruzi, Brazil strain. We identified an anti-fibrotic effect in vitro for pirfenidone (TGF-ß inhibitor, IC50 114.3 µM), losmapimod (p38 inhibitor, IC50 17.6 µM) and SP600125 (c-Jun inhibitor, IC50 3.9 µM). This effect was independent of CF proliferation since these compounds do not affect T. cruzi-induced host cell multiplication as measured by BrdU incorporation. Assays of chronic infection of mice with T. cruzi have shown a reduction in heart collagen by pirfenidone. These results propose a novel approach to fibrosis therapy in CD, with the prospect of repurposing pirfenidone to prevent the onset of ECM accumulation in the hearts of the patients.

Asunto(s)

Cardiomiopatía Chagásica , Fibrosis , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Piridonas , Animales , Piridonas/farmacología , Piridonas/uso terapéutico , Cardiomiopatía Chagásica/tratamiento farmacológico , Cardiomiopatía Chagásica/parasitología , Cardiomiopatía Chagásica/metabolismo , Cardiomiopatía Chagásica/patología , Ratones , Fibroblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Fibroblastos/metabolismo , Fibroblastos/parasitología , Miocardio/patología , Miocardio/metabolismo , Colágeno/metabolismo , Trypanosoma cruzi/efectos de los fármacos , Humanos , Enfermedad Crónica , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Masculino , Antracenos

RESUMEN

We aimed to determine the chemical profile and unveil Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan standardized extract effects on inflammatory cytokines expression and key proteins from immunoregulating signaling pathways on LPS-induced THP-1 monocyte. Using the RT-PCR and Luminex Assays, we planned to show the gene expression and the levels of IL-8, IL-1ß, and IL-10 inflammatory cytokines. Key proteins of NF-κB and MAPK transduction signaling pathways (NF-κB, p-38, p-NF-κB, and p-p38) were detected by Simple Western. Using HPLC-ESI-MSn (High-Performance Liquid-Chromatography) and HPLC-HRESIMS, we showed the profile of the extract that includes an opus of flavonoids, including the catechins, quercetin, kaempferol, and the proanthocyanidins. Cell viability was unaffected up to 250 µg/mL of the extract (LD50 = 978.7 µg/mL). Thereafter, the extract's impact on the cytokine became clear. Upon LPS stimuli, in the presence of the extract, gene expression of IL-1ß and IL-10 were downregulated and the cytokines expression of IL-1ß and IL-10 were down an upregulated respectively. The extract is involved in TLR-4-related NF-κB/MAPK pathways; it ignited phosphorylation of p38 and NF-κB, orchestrating a reduced signal intensity. Therefore, Anadenanthera colubrina's showed low cytotoxicity and profound influence as a protector against the inflammation, modulating IL-1ß and IL-10 inflammatory cytokines gene expression and secretion by regulating intracellular NF-κB and p38-MAPK signaling pathways.

Asunto(s)

Inflamación , Lipopolisacáridos , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas , FN-kappa B , Extractos Vegetales , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Humanos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Fabaceae/química , Inflamación/metabolismo , Inflamación/inducido químicamente , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/efectos de los fármacos , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Células THP-1

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation has exhibited promise in mitigating the local effects induced by Bothrops snakebite envenoming; however, the mechanisms underlying this protection are not yet fully understood. Herein, the effectiveness of photobiomodulation effects on regenerative response of C2C12 myoblast cells following exposure to Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjsuV), as well as the mechanisms involved was investigated. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: C2C12 myoblast cells were exposed to BjsuV (12.5 µg/mL) and irradiated once for 10 seconds with laser light of 660 nm (14.08 mW; 0.04 cm2; 352 mW/cm2) or 780 nm (17.6 mW; 0.04 cm2; 440 mW/ cm2) to provide energy densities of 3.52 and 4.4 J/cm2, and total energies of 0.1408 and 0.176 J, respectively. Cell migration was assessed through a wound-healing assay. The expression of MAPK p38-α, NF-Кß, Myf5, Pax-7, MyoD, and myogenin proteins were assessed by western blotting analysis. In addition, interleukin IL1-ß, IL-6, TNF-alfa and IL-10 levels were measured in the supernatant by ELISA. The PBM applied to C2C12 cells exposed to BjsuV promoted cell migration, increase the expression of myogenic factors (Pax7, MyF5, MyoD and myogenin), reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, IL1-ß, IL-6, TNF-alfa, and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In addition, PBM downregulates the expression of NF-kB, and had no effect on p38 MAKP. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: These data demonstrated that protection of the muscle cell by PBM seems to be related to the increase of myogenic factors as well as the modulation of inflammatory mediators. PBM therapy may offer a new therapeutic strategy to address the local effects of snakebite envenoming by promoting muscle regeneration and reducing the inflammatory process.

Asunto(s)

Bothrops , Venenos de Crotálidos , Citocinas , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad , Mioblastos , Miogenina , Animales , Mioblastos/efectos de los fármacos , Mioblastos/efectos de la radiación , Mioblastos/metabolismo , Ratones , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad/métodos , Citocinas/metabolismo , Línea Celular , Venenos de Crotálidos/toxicidad , Miogenina/metabolismo , Miogenina/genética , Factor de Transcripción PAX7/metabolismo , Factor de Transcripción PAX7/genética , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Proteína MioD/metabolismo , Proteína MioD/genética , Movimiento Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Movimiento Celular/efectos de la radiación , Factor 5 Regulador Miogénico/metabolismo , Factor 5 Regulador Miogénico/genética , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Mordeduras de Serpientes/radioterapia , Serpientes Venenosas

RESUMEN

The endogenous metabolite of estradiol, estradiol 17ß-D-glucuronide (E17G), is considered the main responsible of the intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. E17G alters the activity of canalicular transporters through a signaling pathway-dependent cellular internalization, phenomenon that was attributed to oxidative stress in different cholestatic conditions. However, there are no reports involving oxidative stress in E17G-induced cholestasis, representing this the aim of our work. Using polarized hepatocyte cultures, we showed that antioxidant compounds prevented E17G-induced Mrp2 activity alteration, being this alteration equally prevented by the NADPH oxidase (NOX) inhibitor apocynin. The model antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine prevented, in isolated and perfused rat livers, E17G-induced impairment of bile flow and Mrp2 activity, thus confirming the participation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this cholestasis. In primary cultured hepatocytes, pretreatment with specific inhibitors of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK impeded E17G-induced ROS production; contrarily, NOX inhibition did not affect ERK1/2 and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Both, knockdown of p47phox by siRNA and preincubation with apocynin in sandwich-cultured rat hepatocytes significantly prevented E17G-induced internalization of Mrp2, suggesting a crucial role for NOX in this phenomenon. Concluding, E17G-induced cholestasis is partially mediated by NOX-generated ROS through internalization of canalicular transporters like Mrp2, being ERK1/2 and p38MAPK necessary for NOX activation.

Asunto(s)

Estradiol , Hepatocitos , NADPH Oxidasas , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno , Animales , NADPH Oxidasas/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Ratas , Hepatocitos/metabolismo , Hepatocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Estradiol/farmacología , Estradiol/metabolismo , Estradiol/análogos & derivados , Femenino , Colestasis/inducido químicamente , Colestasis/metabolismo , Colestasis/patología , Ratas Wistar , Acetofenonas/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Acetilcisteína/farmacología , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteínas Asociadas a Resistencia a Múltiples Medicamentos/metabolismo , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Colestasis Intrahepática , Complicaciones del Embarazo , Transportadoras de Casetes de Unión a ATP

RESUMEN

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of inhibitors of the fractalkine pathway in hyperalgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain in male rats and the morphological changes in microglia and satellite glial cells (SGCs). Rats were submitted to zymosan-induced arthritis of the temporomandibular joint or infraorbital nerve constriction, and treated intrathecally with a P2 X7 antagonist, a cathepsin S inhibitor or a p-38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor. Mechanical hyperalgesia was evaluated 4 and 6 h following arthritis induction or 7 and 14 days following nerve ligation. The expression of the receptor CX3 CR1 , phospho-p-38 MAPK, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1), and glutamine synthetase and the morphological changes in microglia and SGCs were evaluated by confocal microscopy. In both inflammatory and neuropathic models, untreated animals presented a higher expression of CX3 CR1 and developed hyperalgesia and up-regulation of phospho-p-38 MAPK, which was prevented by all drugs (p < .05). The number of microglial processes endpoints and the total branch length were lower in the untreated animals, but the overall immunolabeling of Iba-1 was altered only in neuropathic rats (p < .05). The mean area of SGCs per neuron was significantly altered only in the inflammatory model (p < .05). All morphological alterations were reverted by modulating the fractalkine pathway (p < .05). In conclusion, the blockage of the fractalkine pathway seemed to be a possible therapeutic strategy for inflammatory and neuropathic orofacial pain, reducing mechanical hyperalgesia by impairing the phosphorylation of p-38 MAPK and reverting morphological alterations in microglia and SGCs.

Asunto(s)

Artritis , Neuralgia , Masculino , Animales , Ratas , Hiperalgesia/tratamiento farmacológico , Quimiocina CX3CL1 , Neuroglía , Neuralgia/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos , Inhibidores de Proteínas Quinasas , Dolor Facial/tratamiento farmacológico , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos

RESUMEN

One of the theories related to aging is the increase in oxidative stress. Given this, the objective of the study is to evaluate the cellular mechanisms responsible for the resveratrol antioxidant effect on leukocytes from donors aged between 20 and 80 years old. For this, leukocytes from donors of three age groups (20-39, 40-59 and 60-80) were isolated. Image-iT™LIVE Green Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) Kit was used. Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) analysis was performed by measuring nitric oxide and peroxynitrite. The PKA, Akt/PKB and p38-MAPK were evaluated by chemiluminescence. The statistical analysis between age and treatments were performed by Pearson correlation (*p < 0.05). It was possible to observe the antioxidant effect of resveratrol in all age groups. The correlation results show loss of resveratrol effect in decreasing ROS in leukocytes from older donors. We observed an active antioxidant effect of p38-MAPK in all ages, with resveratrol acting on it. The PKA and Akt/PKB were active in leukocytes from donors aged 20-59. In cells from donors older than 60, these pathways are silenced, and an effect is also not observed in cells treated with resveratrol. Therefore, resveratrol showed antioxidant effect in all age, although it was more pronounced in leukocytes from younger. One of resveratrol's mechanisms is due to the activation of the PKA and Akt/PKB, which were activated in younger donor cells.

Asunto(s)

Antioxidantes , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Resveratrol/farmacología , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/farmacología , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

This study investigated the potential effects of exercise on the responses of energy metabolism, redox balance maintenance, and apoptosis regulation in Drosophila melanogaster to shed more light on the mechanisms underlying the increased performance that this emerging exercise model provides. Three groups were evaluated for seven days: the control (no exercise or locomotor limitations), movement-limited flies (MLF) (no exercise, with locomotor limitations), and EXE (with exercise, no locomotor limitations). The EXE flies demonstrated greater endurance-like tolerance in the swimming test, associated with increased citrate synthase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity and lactate levels, and metabolic markers in exercise. Notably, the EXE protocol regulated the Akt/p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway, which was associated with decreased Hsp70 activation, culminating in glutathione turnover regulation. Moreover, reducing the locomotion environment in the MLF group decreased endurance-like tolerance and did not alter citrate synthase activity, lactate dehydrogenase activity, or lactate levels. The MLF treatment promoted a pro-oxidant effect, altering the Akt/p38 MAPK/Nrf2 pathway and increasing Hsp70 levels, leading to a poorly-regulated glutathione system. Lastly, we demonstrated that exercise could modulate major metabolic responses in Drosophila melanogaster aerobic and anaerobic metabolism, associated with apoptosis and cellular redox balance maintenance in an emergent exercise model.

Asunto(s)

Drosophila melanogaster , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Animales , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Drosophila melanogaster/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt/metabolismo , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Citrato (si)-Sintasa/metabolismo , Oxidación-Reducción , Glutatión/metabolismo , Lactato Deshidrogenasas/metabolismo , Lactatos

RESUMEN

Chronic stress affects millions of people around the world, and it can trigger different behavioral disorders like nociceptive hypersensitivity and anxiety, among others. However, the mechanisms underlaying these chronic stress-induced behavioral disorders have not been yet elucidated. This study was designed to understand the role of high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in chronic stress-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity. Chronic restraint stress induced bilateral tactile allodynia, anxiety-like behaviors, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and activation of spinal microglia. Moreover, chronic stress enhanced HMGB1 and TLR4 protein expression at the dorsal root ganglion, but not at the spinal cord. Intrathecal injection of HMGB1 or TLR4 antagonists reduced tactile allodynia and anxiety-like behaviors induced by chronic stress. Additionally, deletion of TLR4 diminished the establishment of chronic stress-induced tactile allodynia in male and female mice. Lastly, the antiallodynic effect of HMGB1 and TLR4 antagonists were similar in stressed male and female rats and mice. Our results suggest that chronic restraint stress induces nociceptive hypersensitivity, anxiety-like behaviors, and up-regulation of spinal HMGB1 and TLR4 expression. Blockade of HMGB1 and TLR4 reverses chronic restraint stress-induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behaviors and restores altered HMGB1 and TLR4 expression. The antiallodynic effects of HMGB1 and TLR4 blockers in this model are sex independent. TLR4 could be a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of the nociceptive hypersensitivity associated with widespread chronic pain.

Asunto(s)

Proteína HMGB1 , Hiperalgesia , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Ratones , Ratas , Alarminas/metabolismo , Enfermedad Crónica , Proteína HMGB1/metabolismo , Hiperalgesia/tratamiento farmacológico , Hiperalgesia/etiología , Hiperalgesia/metabolismo , Nocicepción , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Médula Espinal , Receptor Toll-Like 4/metabolismo

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: Our previous study showed that Er-Bai-Tang decoction (EBT) could effectively improve Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' quality of life, sleep, mood, and cognitive disorders, but the mechanism of EBT to treat PD was unclear. So, our study aimed to explore the mechanism of EBT to treat PD via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and intestinal flora. METHODS: In our study, the PD rat model was established by subcutaneously injecting 2 mg/kg/d rotenone solution, and 23.43 g/kgEBT was used to treat PD model rats. RESULTS: Behavioral test showed that EBT could reverse the motor impairment in the PD model rats. Hematoxylin and eosin result showed that EBT could reduce the cell necrosis in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction showed that EBT could decrease the p38 MAPK expression in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. 16s rRNA sequencing analysis showed that EBT could improve the composition of intestinal flora in the PD model rats. Rikenellaceae at family level and Alistipes and Allobaculum at the genus level were the key species in the PD development and EBT treatment to PD. KEGG showed that EBT might change the iron uptake in PD rats. CONCLUSIONS: EBT could improve the motor symptoms and neuronal injury in the PD model rat, and its mechanism may be related to decreasing p38 MAPK pathway and improving the composition of intestinal flora.

Asunto(s)

Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Animales , Ratas , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Enfermedad de Parkinson/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad de Parkinson/metabolismo , Calidad de Vida , ARN Ribosómico 16S , Medicamentos Herbarios Chinos/farmacología

RESUMEN

PURPOSE: The active melanocytes in the skin were affected by hormones and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Licorice zinc has a whitening effect, which may have a prominent potential in the treatment of pigmented skin disease. METHODS: Modeling chloasma C57BL/6J mice by daily progesterone injection (15 mg/kg) and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation (λ = 312 nm, 2 h/day) for 30 days. Then, mice were given 0.65, 1.3, and 2.6 (g/kg) of licorice zinc and tranexamic acid 250 mg daily by oral administration for 14 days, respectively. Hematoxylin and eosin and Fontana-Masson staining, and Western blotting (WB) were performed to test the inhibitory of melanogenesis and activation of c-Jun-N-terminal (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) for licorice zinc. Melanogenesis was induced by α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone in vitro. Cell counting kit-8, melanin content determination, and WB were performed to verify the inhibitory effect of licorice zinc on melanogenesis. RESULTS: The present study showed that licorice zinc decreased melanin formation, cutaneous tissue injury, and the phosphorylation of JNK and P38MAPK, which was caused by UVB irradiation in vivo. In vitro, licorice zinc showed opposite effects from JNK/p38 activator. Meanwhile, tyrosinase-related protein-1, tyrosinase, and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor were decreased too. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice zinc induced a decrease in melanin synthesis by inhibiting the JNK and the P38MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting licorice zinc is a potential agent of anti-chloasma.

Asunto(s)

Glycyrrhiza , Melaninas , Animales , Ratones , Melaninas/metabolismo , Melaninas/farmacología , Sistema de Señalización de MAP Quinasas , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Glycyrrhiza/metabolismo , Zinc/farmacología , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Línea Celular Tumoral

RESUMEN

Although the mouse model of incisional pain is broadly used, the mechanisms underlying plantar incision-induced nociception are not fully understood. This work investigates the role of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 sodium channels in nociceptive sensitization following plantar incision in mice and the signaling pathway modulating these channels. A surgical incision was made in the plantar hind paw of male Swiss mice. Nociceptive thresholds were assessed by von Frey filaments. Gene expression of Nav1.8, Nav1.9, TNF-α, and COX-2 was evaluated by Real-Time PCR in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Knockdown mice for Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 were produced by antisense oligodeoxynucleotides intrathecal treatments. Local levels of TNF-α and PGE2 were immunoenzymatically determined. Incised mice exhibited hypernociception and upregulated expression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 in DRG. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides reduced hypernociception and downregulated Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. TNF-α and COX-2/PGE2 were upregulated in DRG and plantar skin. Inhibition of TNF-α and COX-2 reduced hypernociception, but only TNF-α inhibition downregulated Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. Antagonizing NF-κB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not ERK or JNK, reduced both hypernociception and hyperexpression of Nav1.8 and Nav1.9. This study proposes the contribution of the TNF-α/p38/NF-κB/Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 pathways to the pathophysiology of the mouse model of incisional pain.

Asunto(s)

Proteína Quinasa 14 Activada por Mitógenos , FN-kappa B , Animales , Ciclooxigenasa 2/genética , Ciclooxigenasa 2/metabolismo , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Masculino , Ratones , Proteína Quinasa 14 Activada por Mitógenos/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Oligodesoxirribonucleótidos , Dolor Postoperatorio/tratamiento farmacológico , Prostaglandinas E , Canales de Sodio/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/genética , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Combination therapies or multi-targeted drugs have been pointed out as an option to prevent the emergence of resistant clones, which could make long-term treatment more effective and translate into better clinical outcomes for cancer patients. The NT157 compound is a synthetic tyrphostin that leads to long-term inhibition of IGF1R/IRS1-2-, STAT3- and AXL-mediated signaling pathways. Given the importance of these signaling pathways for the development and progression of lung cancer, this disease becomes an interesting model for generating preclinical evidence on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic activity of NT157. In lung cancer cells, exposure to NT157 decreased, in a dose-dependent manner, cell viability, clonogenicity, cell cycle progression and migration, and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). In the molecular scenario, NT157 reduced expression of IRS1 and AXL and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, AKT, and 4EBP1. Besides, NT157 decreased expression of oncogenes BCL2, CCND1, MYB, and MYC and increased genes related to cellular stress and apoptosis, JUN, BBC3, CDKN1A, CDKN1B, FOS, and EGR1 (p < 0.05), favoring a tumor-suppressive cell signaling network in the context of lung cancer. Of note, JNK was identified as a key kinase for NT157-induced IRS1 and IRS2 phosphorylation, revealing a novel axis involved in the mechanism of action of the drug. NT157 also presented potentiating effects on EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer cells. In conclusion, our preclinical findings highlight NT157 as a putative prototype of a multitarget drug that may contribute to the antineoplastic arsenal against lung cancer.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Pirogalol/análogos & derivados , Sulfonamidas/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis , Línea Celular Tumoral , Receptores ErbB/farmacología , Humanos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , MAP Quinasa Quinasa 4/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-akt , Proteínas Proto-Oncogénicas c-bcl-2 , Proto-Oncogenes , Pirogalol/farmacología , Proteínas Tirosina Quinasas Receptoras/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , Tirfostinos/farmacología , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos

RESUMEN

Several recent studies have established the efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in painful clinical conditions. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) can be related to activating mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), such as p38, in the peripheral nerve. MAPK pathway is activated in response to extracellular stimuli, including interleukins TNF-α and IL-1ß. We verified the pain relief potential of PBMT in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic neuropathic rats and its influence on the MAPK pathway regulation and calcium (Ca2+) dynamics. We then observed that PBMT applied to the L4-L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) region reduced the intensity of hyperalgesia, decreased TNF-α and IL-1ß levels, and p38-MAPK mRNA expression in DRG of diabetic neuropathic rats. DN induced the activation of phosphorylated p38 (p-38) MAPK co-localized with TRPV1+ neurons; PBMT partially prevented p-38 activation. DN was related to an increase of p38-MAPK expression due to proinflammatory interleukins, and the PBMT (904 nm) treatment counteracted this condition. Also, the sensitization of DRG neurons by the hyperglycemic condition demonstrated during the Ca2+ dynamics was reduced by PBMT, contributing to its anti-hyperalgesic effects.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus , Neuropatías Diabéticas , Terapia por Luz de Baja Intensidad , Animales , Calcio/metabolismo , Calcio de la Dieta/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus/metabolismo , Neuropatías Diabéticas/metabolismo , Neuropatías Diabéticas/radioterapia , Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Hiperalgesia , Proteínas Quinasas Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Estreptozocina/farmacología , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Hederagenin, a natural compound distributed in many medicinal plants, has a variety of pharmacological properties including anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and anti- apoptosis.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hederagenin on decreasing blood lipid and anti-oxidative stress in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells and hyperlipidemic rats, and explore underlying mechanisms. In vitro, TG was used as the index to verify the lipid-lowering effect of hederagenin in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells. In vivo, TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C were used as direct indicators to study the antilipemic effect of hederagenin in hyperlipidemic rats. MDA, SOD, and GSH-PX were measured to analyze the anti-oxidative effect of hederagenin. The signaling pathways of anti-oxidation were evaluated using Western blot. Our results showed that hederagenin (250µmol/L) increased significantly TG clearance rate. In addition, treatment with hederagenin, XZK and simvastatin reduced effectively TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA content, and increased HDL-C, SOD and GSH-PX in HFD rats. Moreover, the phosphorylation level of p38 MAPK was inhibited after administration of hederagenin, XZK and simvastatin. Our results revealed that hederagenin possessed beneficial potentials for hypolipidemic effects, especially in TG clearance. The mechanism might be associated with inhibition of lipid absorption, reduction of lipid oxidation, and down-regulation of p38MAPK phosphorylation.

Asunto(s)

Hipolipemiantes , Ácido Oléico , Animales , LDL-Colesterol , Células Hep G2 , Humanos , Hipolipemiantes/farmacología , Hipolipemiantes/uso terapéutico , Ácido Oleanólico/análogos & derivados , Ratas , Simvastatina/farmacología , Simvastatina/uso terapéutico , Superóxido Dismutasa , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role and possible mechanisms of action of apolipoprotein O (APOO) in autophagy in Myocardial Infarction (MI) in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Differential gene expression and single Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to evaluate MI-related candidate genes. Animal and cell MI models were established. Sh-APOO, si-APOO, and SB203580 were used to inhibit the expression of APOO or p38MAPK. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the expression levels of the target protein or mRNA. Apoptosis was observed using the TUNEL assay. The plasma concentrations of CK-MB and cTn-I in humans and mice were determined. RESULTS: In the GSE23294 dataset, APOO mRNA was highly expressed in the left ventricle of mice with MI; GSEA revealed that APOO was positively correlated with p38MAPK, autophagy, and apoptosis. The plasma concentration of APOO in patients with MI was significantly higher than that in healthy subjects. The expression of APOO, Beclin-1, LC3, and Bax in mouse and AC16 cell MI models increased, while the level of Bcl-2 decreased. After silencing the APOO gene, the expression of APOO was downregulated; meanwhile, changes in autophagy, apoptosis and myocardial cell injury were reversed in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, autophagy was alleviated after AC16 cells were treated with SB203580. CONCLUSIONS: The increased APOO expression in mouse and cell MI models may activate autophagy and apoptosis by regulating the p38MAPK signaling pathway, thus aggravating the myocardial injury.

Asunto(s)

Apolipoproteínas , Infarto del Miocardio , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Animales , Apolipoproteínas/metabolismo , Apoptosis , Autofagia , Humanos , Ratones , Infarto del Miocardio/genética , Infarto del Miocardio/terapia , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , ARN Mensajero , Transducción de Señal , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Patulin (PAT) is a natural product isolated from several species of fungi. Here, we evaluated the effect of PAT (62.5-4,000 ng/ml) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine peritoneal macrophages. Cell viability assay showed that PAT at concentrations up to 250 ng/ml did not affect macrophage viability. PAT (250 ng/ml) significantly reduced LPS-induced nitric oxide production (by 98.4%), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression (by 83.5%), and iNOS messenger ribonucleic acid expression (by 100.0%). Moreover, PAT significantly reduced LPS-induced interleukin-1ß (by 80.6%), cluster of differentiation (CD) 69 (by 63.1%), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 (by 91.9%) protein expression. Finally, PAT significantly reduced LPS-triggered phosphorylation of all mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) assessed: extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK; by 89.5%), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK; by 77.5%), and p38 (by 72.3%). Taken together, these data suggest that PAT downregulates acute inflammatory response, inhibiting nitric oxide production by suppressing CD69-TLR4/ERK-JNK-p38 MAPKs/Nos2/iNOS signaling pathway.

Asunto(s)

Lipopolisacáridos , Patulina , Animales , Ratones , Lipopolisacáridos/farmacología , Óxido Nítrico , Patulina/farmacología , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/farmacología , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa de Tipo II/metabolismo , Transducción de Señal , FN-kappa B/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Purpose: Our previous study showed that Er-Bai-Tang decoction (EBT) could effectively improve Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' quality of life, sleep, mood, and cognitive disorders, but the mechanism of EBT to treat PD was unclear. So, our study aimed to explore the mechanism of EBT to treat PD via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway and intestinal flora. Methods: In our study, the PD rat model was established by subcutaneously injecting 2 mg/kg/d rotenone solution, and 23.43 g/kgEBT was used to treat PD model rats. Results: Behavioral test showed that EBT could reverse the motor impairment in the PD model rats. Hematoxylin and eosin result showed that EBT could reduce the cell necrosis in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. Western blotting and real time-polymerase chain reaction showed that EBT could decrease the p38 MAPK expression in the SNpc area of the PD model rats. 16s rRNA sequencing analysis showed that EBT could improve the composition of intestinal flora in the PD model rats. Rikenellaceae at family level and Alistipes and Allobaculum at the genus level were the key species in the PD development and EBT treatment to PD. KEGG showed that EBT might change the iron uptake in PD rats. Conclusions: EBT could improve the motor symptoms and neuronal injury in the PD model rat, and its mechanism may be related to decreasing p38 MAPK pathway and improving the composition of intestinal flora.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Ratas , Enfermedad de Parkinson , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Animales de Laboratorio , Trastornos del Movimiento , Degeneración Nerviosa

RESUMEN

We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of extracellularly oriented carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms protects the myocardium against ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this study, our aim was to assess the possible further contribution of CA intracellular isoforms examining the actions of the highly diffusible cell membrane permeant inhibitor of CA, ethoxzolamide (ETZ). Isolated rat hearts, after 20 min of stabilization, were assigned to the following groups: (1) Nonischemic control: 90 min of perfusion; (2) Ischemic control: 30 min of global ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion (R); and (3) ETZ: ETZ at a concentration of 100 µM was administered for 10 min before the onset of ischemia and then during the first 10 min of reperfusion. In additional groups, ETZ was administered in the presence of SB202190 (SB, a p38MAPK inhibitor) or chelerythrine (Chel, a protein kinase C [PKC] inhibitor). Infarct size, myocardial function, and the expression of phosphorylated forms of p38MAPK, PKCε, HSP27, and Drp1, and calcineurin Aß content were assessed. In isolated mitochondria, the Ca2+ response, Ca2+ retention capacity, and membrane potential were measured. ETZ decreased infarct size by 60%, improved postischemic recovery of myocardial contractile and diastolic relaxation increased P-p38MAPK, P-PKCε, P-HSP27, and P-Drp1 expression, decreased calcineurin content, and normalized calcium and membrane potential parameters measured in isolated mitochondria. These effects were significantly attenuated when ETZ was administered in the presence of SB or Chel. These data show that ETZ protects the myocardium and mitochondria against ischemia-reperfusion injury through p38MAPK- and PKCε-dependent pathways and reinforces the role of CA as a possible target in the management of acute cardiac ischemic diseases.

Asunto(s)

Inhibidores de Anhidrasa Carbónica/farmacología , Etoxzolamida/farmacología , Corazón/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias Cardíacas/efectos de los fármacos , Miocardio/metabolismo , Animales , Benzofenantridinas/farmacología , Calcio/metabolismo , Inhibidores Enzimáticos/farmacología , Imidazoles/farmacología , Preparación de Corazón Aislado , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias Cardíacas/metabolismo , Poro de Transición de la Permeabilidad Mitocondrial/metabolismo , Daño por Reperfusión Miocárdica , Proteína Quinasa C/antagonistas & inhibidores , Piridinas/farmacología , Ratas , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/antagonistas & inhibidores