PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
·
2025
·
IF 6.3
Yichao Du,Junjie Bai,Tingting Ma,Ziming Wu,Pengru Wang,Xiaolin Zhong,Wenguang Fu,Shuixiang He
Liver fibrosis, a pivotal pathological feature in the progression of chronic liver injury, currently lacks effective therapies. Sinomenine (SIN), a bioactive alkaloid derived from traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrates diverse pharmacological properties. However, its therapeutic potential and mechanisms in liver fibrosis remain inadequately characterized. This study investigates the anti-fibrotic effects of SIN and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The anti-fibrotic efficacy of SIN was evaluated in two murine models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) or bile duct ligation (BDL), along with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6). Serum biochemical markers, histopathological analyses (Hematoxylin–Eosin, Sirius red, and Masson's trichrome staining), immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry were employed to assess hepatic injury and collagen deposition. Western blotting elucidated molecular mechanisms. SIN administration significantly attenuated hepatic injury in CCl 4 - or BDL-induced mice, as evidenced by reduced transaminase levels and improved histopathological features. In both in vivo and in vitro models, SIN suppressed fibrogenesis by decreasing collagen deposition and downregulating expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and collagen I. Mechanistically, SIN inhibited the TGF-β/SMAD pathway through reduced phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and attenuated c-JUN signaling via diminished phosphorylated c-JUN levels. Pretreatment with TP0427736 (a SMAD2/3 inhibitor) or SP600125 (a c-JUN inhibitor) synergistically enhanced SIN-mediated α-SMA suppression in HSC-T6 cells. SIN ameliorates liver fibrosis through inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD and c-JUN signaling pathways. These findings position SIN as a promising therapeutic candidate for liver fibrotic disorders.
研究领域:
药理学
·
肝脏病学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Nutrients
·
2022
·Vol. 14
·期 8
·1564
·
IF 6.706
Hongbo Jiang,Pei Ma,Zhiguang Duan,Yannan Liu,Shihong Shen,Yu Mi,Daidi Fan
Gastric cancer (GC) is the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Surgery remains the cornerstone of gastric cancer treatment, and new strategies with adjuvant chemotherapy are currently gaining more and more acceptance. Ginsenoside Rh4 has excellent antitumor activity. Conversely, the mechanisms involved in treatment of GC are not completely understood. In this study, we certified that Rh4 showed strong anti-GC efficiency in vitro and in vivo. MTT and colony formation assays were performed to exhibit that Rh4 significantly inhibited cellular proliferation and colony formation. Results from the wound healing assay, transwell assays, and Western blotting indicated that Rh4 restrained GC cell migration and invasion by reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Further validation by proteomic screening, co-treatment with disitertide, and SIX1 signal silencing revealed that SIX1, a target of Rh4, induced EMT by activating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. In summary, our discoveries demonstrated the essential basis of the anti-GC metastatic effects of Rh4 via suppressing the SIX1–TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling axis, which delivers a new idea for the clinical treatment of GC.Keywords:ginsenoside Rh4;SIX1;TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway;gastric cancer
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Death & Disease
·
2024
·Vol. 15
·期 8
·1-10
·
IF 8.1
Zhu Chen,Weng Qingyu,Gao Shenwei,Li Fei,Li Zhouyang,Wu Yinfang,Wu Yanping,Li Miao,Zhao Yun,Han Yinling,Lu Weina,Qin Zhongnan,Yu Fangyi,Lou Jiafei,Ying Songmin,Shen Huahao,Chen Zhihua,Li Wen
Eosinophils, traditionally associated with allergic phenomena, play a pivotal role in inflammatory responses. Despite accumulating evidence suggesting their pro-inflammatory function upon activation, the underlying mechanisms governing eosinophil activation remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we investigate the local activation of pulmonary and colon eosinophils within the inflammatory microenvironment. Leveraging transcriptional sequencing, we identify TGF-β as a putative regulator of eosinophil activation, leading to the secretion of granule proteins, including peroxidase. Genetic deletion of TGF-β receptors on eosinophils resulted in the inhibition of peroxidase synthesis, affirming the significance of TGF-β signaling in eosinophil activation. Using models of HDM-induced asthma and DSS-induced colitis, we demonstrate the indispensability of TGF-β-driven eosinophil activation in both disease contexts. Notably, while TGF-β signaling did not significantly influence asthmatic inflammation, its knockout conferred protection against experimental colitis. This study delineates a distinct pattern of eosinophil activation within inflammatory responses, highlighting the pivotal role of TGF-β signaling in regulating eosinophil behavior. These findings deepen our comprehension of eosinophil-related pathophysiology and may pave the way for targeted therapeutic approaches in allergic and inflammatory diseases.
研究领域:
免疫学
·
炎症
·
过敏
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
·
2025
·Vol. 16
·期 2
·52
·
IF 5.2
He Bai,Wei Zhang,Xuanxuan Yan,Lin Qiu,Pengfei Cui,Weiyang Chen
In recent years, factors such as the postponement of childbearing and the relaxation of the childbearing policy have led to an increase in the proportion of cesarean sections and other intrauterine surgeries among pregnant women, further increasing the incidence of uterine scars. Currently, there is a lack of effective clinical treatment methods for uterine scars. In this study, a suture loaded with gene medicine was designed for the repair of uterine scars. Specifically, the non-viral vector Lipo8000 was first used to form a complex solution with the plasmid TGF-β3. Then, it was mixed and adsorbed with the surgical sutures pretreated with recombinant human type III collagen (RhCol III). In vitro experiments confirmed that RhCol III and the plasmid were successfully loaded onto the sutures and could be released and expressed. In vivo experiments were carried out using a rat model simulating uterine scars. The section results showed that compared with the scar model group, the expression level of TGF-β3 in the RhCol III+TGF-β3 group increased by 39%, the expression level of TGF-β1 decreased by 62.8%, and the fibrosis rate decreased by 16.8%, which has a positive effect on the prevention of uterine scars. This study integrates the therapeutic medicine into the sutures, ensuring that the medicine can come into contact with the wound site after suturing. Moreover, RhCol III and the gene medicine work synergistically to promote the repair of uterine wounds.
研究领域:
妇产科学
·
分子生物学
·
生物医学工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULES
·
2018
·Vol. 23
·期 12
·3369
·
IF 3.098
Li-Min Zhao,Zhen Guo,Yi-Jie Xue,Jun Zhe Min,Wen-Jing Zhu,Xiang-Yu Li,Hu-Ri Piao,Cheng Hua Jin
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), in which overexpression has been associated with various diseases, has become an attractive molecular target for the treatment of cancers. Thirty-two quinoxaline-derivatives of 3-substituted-4-(quinoxalin-6-yl) pyrazoles14a–d,15a–d,16a–d,17a–d,18a–d,19a–d,25a,25b,25d,26a,26b,26d,27b, and27dwere synthesized and evaluated for their activin TGF-β type I receptor kinase and p38α mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitory activity in enzymatic assays. Among these compounds, the most active compound19binhibited TGF-β type I receptor kinase phosphorylation with an IC50value of 0.28 µM, with 98% inhibition at 10 µM. Compound19balso had good selectivity index of >35 against p38α MAP kinase, with 9.0-fold more selective than clinical candidate, compound3(LY-2157299). A molecular docking study was performed to identify the mechanism of action of the synthesized compounds and their good binding interactions were observed. ADMET prediction of good active compounds showed that these ones possess good pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness behavior.Keywords:TGF-β;ALK5 inhibitor;kinase assay;selectivity;docking
研究领域:
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
药物化学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
·
2025
·
IF 2.9
Chenyu Xiao,Qianru Li,Meiqi Li,Yongshu Han,Hubin Xu,Haimin Jiang,Suer Zhang,Zhen Jin,Leilei Gao
Iodoacetamide (IAcAm) is a harmful disinfection by-product. Studies have demonstrated that IAcAm can produce toxic effects in various tissues; however, its effect on female reproductive function remains unclear. To explore the effects of IAcAm on ovaries, we constructed a female mouse IAcAm toxicity model of free drinking model. The findings indicated that IAcAm exposure for five weeks did not affect the body growth of mice but increased the ovary/body weight ratio. At the tissue level, the numbers of atretic follicles increased. After the exposure, ovarian and blood samples were collected for analysis. IAcAm exposure caused changes in serum sex hormone levels, with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone concentration(follicle-stimulating hormone) and a decrease in anti-Müllerian hormone concentration (anti-Müllerian hormone). Subsequent investigations revealed that IAcAm activated the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway and promoted ovarian fibrosis in mice. Simultaneously, IAcAm stimulated the granulosa cell apoptosis pathway and promoted granulosa cell apoptosis. Moreover, IAcAm interfered with mitochondrial function and increased reactive oxygen species, leading to a decrease in oocyte developmental potential. In conclusion, IAcAm exposure causes ovarian inflammation and leads to mitochondrial dysfunction in oocytes, affecting follicle maturation and reducing oocyte quality.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
·
毒理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
·
2021
·
IF 6.05
Xu Yan,Qu Xiaobo,Zhou Jia,Lv Guangfu,Han Dong,Liu Jinlong,Liu Yuexin,Chen Ying,Qu Peng,Huang Xiaowei
Adriamycin (ADR)-based combination chemotherapy is the standard treatment for some patients with tumors in clinical, however, long-term application can cause dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Pilose Antler, as a traditional Chinese medicine, first appeared in the Han Dynasty and has been used to treat heart disease for nearly a thousand years. Previous data revealed pilose antler polypeptide (PAP, 3.2KD) was one of its main active components with multiple biological activities for cardiomyopathy. PAP-3.2KD exerts protective effects againt myocardial fibrosis. The present study demonstrated the protective mechanism of PAP-3.2KD against Adriamycin (ADR)-induced myocardial injury through using animal model with ADR-induced myocardial injury. PAP-3.2KD markedly improved the weight increase and decreased the HW/BW index, heart rate, and ST height in ADR-induced groups. Additionally, PAP-3.2KD reversed histopathological changes (such as disordered muscle bundles, myocardial fibrosis and diffuse myocardial cellular edema) and scores of the heart tissue, ameliorated the myocardial fibrosis and collagen volume fraction through pathological examination, significantly increased the protein level of Bcl-2, and decreased the expression levels of Bax and caspase-3 in myocardial tissue by ELISA, compared to those in ADR-induced group. Furthermore, ADR stimulation induced the increased protein levels of TGF-β1 and SMAD2/3/4, the increased phosphorylation levels of SMAD2/3 and the reduced protein levels of SMAD7. The expression levels of protein above in ADR-induced group were remarkably reversed in PAP-3.2KD-treated groups. PAP-3.2KD ameliorated ADR-induced myocardial injury by regulating the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway. Thus, these results provide a strong rationale for the protective effects of PAP against ADR-induced myocardial injury, when ADR is used to treat cancer.
研究领域:
药理学
·
心脏病学
·
传统中药
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Genes
·
2024
·Vol. 15
·期 12
·1575
·
IF 2.8
Dandan Wu,Xinning Sun,Xin Li,Zongchao Zuo,Dong Yan,Wu Yin
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality. Untimely treatment and high recurrence are currently the major challenges for HCC. The identification of potential targets of HCC progression is crucial for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Methods: Bioinformatics analyses have been employed to discover genes that are differentially expressed in clinical cases of HCC. A variety of pharmacological methods, such as MTT, colony formation, EdU, Western blotting, Q-PCR, wound healing, Transwell, cytoskeleton F-actin filaments, immunohistochemistry (IHC), hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and dual-luciferase reporter assay analyses, were utilized to study the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of ribonucleotide reductase regulatory subunit M2 (RRM2) in HCC. Results: RRM2 expression is significantly elevated in HCC, which is well correlated with poor clinical outcomes. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that RRM2 promoted HCC cell growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, RRM2 modulates the EMT phenotype of HCC, and further studies have shown that RRM2 facilitates the activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. SB431542, an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling, significantly inhibited RRM2-induced cell migration. Furthermore, RRM2 expression was correlated with diminished survival in HBV-associated HCC patients. RRM2 knockdown decreased the levels of HBV RNA, pgRNA, cccDNA, and HBV DNA in HepG2.2.15 cells exhibiting sustained HBV infection, while RRM2 knockdown inhibited the activity of the HBV Cp, Xp, and SpI promoters. Conclusion: RRM2 is involved in the progression of HCC by activating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. RRM2 increases HBV transcription in HBV-expressing HCC cells. Targeting RRM2 may be of potential value in the treatment of HCC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
肝脏病学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Reports Medicine
·
2025
·
IF 10.6
Shuai Yang,Xinyao Qiu,Yingcheng Yang,Jing Wu,Shan Wang,Bo Zheng,Jianmin Wu,Tao Zhou,Yangqianwen Zhang,Mixue Bai,Shuowu Liu,Zihan Zhao,Yani Zhang,Yixian Wang,Jinxia Bao,Mengye Wu,Dongdong Xue,Meiyu Bao,Ji Hu,Siyun Shen,Hongyang Wang,Lei Chen
Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), an inflammatory mediator, has garnered attention for its role in the development of chronic lung diseases and various cancers. Our study highlights the protective role of LTA4H in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence and progression. LTA4H is downregulated in clinical and mouse HCC tumors. LTA4H deficiency exacerbates hepatocyte damage by restraining JNK activation and promotes CD206 + macrophage polarization through the upregulation of LTBP1 expression and downstream transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) secretion and activation. Mechanistically, LTA4H induces heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (HNRNPA1) phosphorylation, enhancing their interaction and leading to the functional inhibition of HNRNPA1 in regulating Ltbp1 mRNA maturation and processing in the nucleus. LTA4H-deficient patients exhibit poor prognosis and immunotherapy resistance. Combination therapy targeting TGF-β and PD-1 significantly improves the immunotherapy resistance of LTA4H-knockout Hepa1-6 tumors. Our findings reveal the previously unreported role of LTA4H in regulating the tumor microenvironment and provide insights into potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for patients with LTA4H-deficient HCC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INFLAMMATION
·
2023
·
IF 5.1
Huang Yina,Zhang Lu,Tan Lingping,Zhang Chi,Li Xiting,Wang Panpan,Gao Li,Zhao Chuanjiang
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. The gingival epithelium is the first barrier of periodontal tissue against oral pathogens and harmful substances. The structure and function of epithelial lining are essential for maintaining the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Abnormal apoptosis can lead to the decrease of functional keratinocytes and break homeostasis in gingival epithelium. Interleukin-22 is a cytokine that plays an important role in epithelial homeostasis in intestinal epithelium, inducing proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, but its role in gingival epithelium is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of interleukin-22 on apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis. Interleukin-22 topical injection and Il22 gene knockout were performed in experimental periodontitis mice. Human gingival epithelial cells were co-cultured with Porphyromonas gingivalis with interleukin-22 treatment. We found that interleukin-22 inhibited apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis in vivo and in vitro , decreasing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-xL expression. As for the underlying mechanisms, we found that interleukin-22 reduced the expression of TGF-β receptor type II and inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 in gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis. Blockage of TGF-β receptors attenuated apoptosis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and increased Bcl-xL expression stimulated by interleukin-22. These results confirmed the inhibitory effect of interleukin-22 on apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells and revealed the involvement of TGF-β signaling pathway in gingival epithelial cell apoptosis during periodontitis.
研究领域:
牙科学
·
免疫学
·
细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Applied Biological Chemistry
·
2024
·Vol. 67
·期 1
·1-11
·
IF 2.3
Yu Ziqing,He Wen,Shi Weiwu
All chronic renal disorders eventually lead to renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF). Chronic inflammation and pro-fibrotic substances are familiar companions of the fibrotic process. The Sulforaphane (Sul) molecule is particularly useful in protecting the liver from oxidative damage. To investigate the Sul effects on fibrosis markers and inflammatory proteins in the kidney of NRK52E cell line and rats and clarify the mechanism of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in a rat model of RIF were developed in the present study. Sul (50, 100, and 200 ng/ml) remarkably reduced the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin (IL)-1β, collagen 3 (COL3A1), collagen 1 (COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in fibrotic NRK52E cells compared with those in cells inspired by transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α). Histopathological investigations showed that Sul administration retained renal tissue structure and decreased kidney tissue fibrosis in rats subjected to unilateral ureteral blockage (UUO). The expression level of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COL3A1, COL1A1, and α-SMA in the rats’ kidneys exposed to UUO was also suppressed by the treatment of Sul. In the present study, western blot analysis showed that Sul upregulated the expressions of fibrotic NRK52E cells Smad7 and rat model UUO groups while simultaneously decreasing the stimulation of Smad2/3 and the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2, NF-κB, Smad4, activator protein-1, and high-mobility group protein B1. Ultimately, Sul’s ability to inhibit the TGF-β/Smad pathway and the development of inflammation factors may mitigate RIF.
研究领域:
医学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 3.5
Yongjun Tang,Zhengning Feng,Chenlu Ma,Nian Jang,Xiaolong Chen,Yingxu He,Francis L. Martin,Hui Liu,Weiyi Pang
Breast cancer has a high global incidence, and benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P) is considered a contributing factor that increases carcinogenic risk. This study examined B[ a ]P's oncogenic mechanisms in mammary epithelial cells. Chronic B[ a ]P exposure induced morphological changes and enhanced proliferative/clonogenic capacity in MCF-10A cells. Chronic B[ a ]P exposure altered gene expression in MCF-10A cells, revealing differential levels of circRNAs, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs. qRT-PCR validation demonstrated strong alignment with RNA-seq results, ensuring sequencing reliability. Additionally, chronic B[ a ]P exposure upregulated the protein expression of AhR and ARNT, as well as TGF- β , pSmad2/3, and KRT14 , while increasing Vimentin expression and decreasing E-cadherin expression. Notably, treatment with the TGF- β inhibitor SB431542 reversed these protein expression changes in transformed cells. These results show that exposure to Chronic B[ a ]P induces MCF-10A cell transformation. The underlying mechanisms involve significant transcriptional alterations, AhR/ARNT expression regulation, TGF- β signaling pathway activation, KRT14 protein modulation, and EMT. Furthermore, Chronic B[ a ]P exposure may drive transformation through TGF- β modulation. Chronic B[ a ]P exposure promotes breast carcinogenesis, revealing mechanistic insights and potential preventive biomarkers.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）