Journal of Inflammation Research
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2025
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IF 4.1
Haiou Wang,Wenkang Huang,Xiaoya Pan,Meizi Tian,Jiahui Chen,Xiaotong Liu,Qin Li,Jianhua Qi,Yiping Ye,Lijuan Gao
Purpose To explore the protective effect and underlying mechanism of Quzhou Aurantii Fructus flavonoids (QAFF) on Ulcerative colitis (UC).Methods The constituents of QAFF were accurately determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The therapeutic impacts of QAFF were assessed in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC mice, focusing on the changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histological assessment of colonic tissues, levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and expression of tight junction proteins. Western blotting confirmed key regulatory proteins within the differential signaling pathways, guided by transcriptome analysis. Additionally, the influence of QAFF on the gut microbiome was explored through 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing. The alterations in endogenous metabolites were detected by untargeted metabolomics, and their potential correlation with intestinal flora was then examined utilizing Spearman correlation analysis. Subsequently, the regulation of gut microbiome by QAFF was validated by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).Results Eleven flavonoids, including Naringin and hesperidin, were initially identified from QAFF. In vivo experiments demonstrated that QAFF effectively ameliorated colitis symptoms, reduced IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels, enhanced intestinal barrier integrity, and downregulated PI3K/AKT pathway activation. Furthermore, QAFF elevated the levels of beneficial bacteria like Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Alloprevotella and concurrently reduced the pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia-Shigella, [Eubacterium]_siraeum_group, and Parabacteroides. Metabolomics analysis revealed that 34 endogenous metabolites exhibited significant alterations, predominantly associated with Glycerophospholipid metabolism. These metabolites were significantly correlated with those differential bacteria modulated by QAFF. Lastly, the administration of QAFF via FMT ameliorated the colitis symptoms.Conclusion QAFF could ameliorate inflammatory responses and intestinal barrier dysfunction in DSS-induced UC mice probably by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and gut microbiome, offering promising evidence for the therapeutic potential of QAFF in UC treatment.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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微生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
·
2023
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IF 3.1
Yong-xin Chen,Hong Yang,Da-song Wang,Yu-ting Yao,Ting-ting Chen,Ling Tao,Yan Chen,Xiang-chun Shen
Vascular dementia (VaD), the second most common type of dementia, is attributed to lower cerebral blood flow. To date, there is still no available clinical treatment for VaD. The phenolic glucoside gastrodin (GAS) is known for its neuroprotective effects, but the role and mechanisms of action on VD remains unclear. In this study, we aim to investigate the neuroprotective role and underlying mechanisms of GAS on chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH)-mediated VaD rats and hypoxia-induced injury of HT22 cells. The study showed that GAS relieved learning and memory deficits, ameliorated hippocampus histological lesions in VaD rats. Additionally, GAS down-regulated LC3II/I, Beclin-1 levels and up-regulated P62 level in VaD rats and hypoxia-injured HT22 cells. Notably, GAS rescued the phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins expression , which regulates autophagy. Mechanistic studies verify that YP-740, a PI3K agonist, significantly resulted in inhibition of excessive autophagy and apoptosis with no significant differences were observed in the YP-740 and GAS co-treatment. Meantime, we found that LY294002 , a PI3K inhibitor, substantially abolished GAS-mediated neuroprotection. These results revealed that the effects of GAS on VaD are related to stimulating PI3K/AKT pathway-mediated autophagy, suggesting a potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy for VaD.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2025
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IF 4.7
Ming Luo,Yawei Du,Xuanchen Liu,Shuwen Zhang,Wenwen Zhu,Kaipeng Liu,Xiubao Ren,Ningning Zhang
Background Portal hypertension (PHT) is a severe complication of liver cirrhosis, with limited therapeutic options. Despite emerging evidence linking gut microbiota dysbiosis to PHT progression, the mechanisms by which microbial metabolites modulate liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) dysfunction and the therapeutic efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remain poorly understood. This study investigated the potential of FMT to alleviate PHT in cirrhotic rats, exploring the underlying mechanisms involving butyrate-mediated HDAC3 inhibition and PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling regulation in LSECs. Methods Cirrhosis with PHT was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats via intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride injection, followed by FMT or butyrate supplementation via oral gavage. Analyses included portal hemodynamic measurements, gut microbiota sequencing, serum SCFA metabolomics profiling, HDAC3 activity assays, NO level quantification, and assessments of liver fibrosis, liver function, and LSEC ultrastructure. LSECs were isolated for PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling analysis via qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. Results A two-week FMT intervention in cirrhotic rats with PHT enriched butyrate-producing bacteria and increased serum butyrate levels, which were associated with reduced portal pressure and intrahepatic vascular resistance, without affecting liver fibrosis, function, or LSEC ultrastructure. FMT reduced HDAC3 activity by 2.17-fold and increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation in primary LSECs by 1.69-fold and 1.25-fold, respectively, elevating plasma NO levels by 1.66-fold compared to untreated controls. In vitro experiments with primary LSECs confirmed these butyrate-mediated effects. Conclusion FMT alleviates cirrhotic PHT through butyrate-mediated HDAC3 inhibition and subsequent PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling activation in LSECs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut-liver axis via microbial metabolites for PHT management.
研究领域:
医学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
RSC Advances
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2018
·Vol. 8
·期 43
·24470-24476
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IF 2.936
Xiaofang Chen,Jianyang Tan,Lu Zhang,Yonggang Liu,Yahong Cheng,Qianying Zhang,Hong Ding
The abuse of fructose in daily diet may cause cardiovascular diseases that seriously threaten human health, and both safe and efficient solutions need to be developed. We investigated whether apigenin can prevent the harmful impact of excessive fructose on cardiovascular events. Based on the reduction of percentage of body fat and systolic pressure as well as the improvements in insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and pathological injury to the thoracic aorta, we suggested that high levels of fructose cause vascular injury and metabolic disorders, which can be improved to some extent by using apigenin. Fundamentally, apigenin down-regulates levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), which increase with high concentrations of fructose. Moreover, the inflammation and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels increased in fructose group, but they decreased when the rats were fed with apigenin. The results suggest that PI3K/AKT/GLUT1 may have potential for alleviating cardiovascular injury, and apigenin can be an excellent candidate for supplements to ameliorate cardiovascular diseases related to high fructose consumption.
研究领域:
药理学
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心血管疾病
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代谢
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营养学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENT
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2020
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IF 2.156
Yifeng Xiao
Background This study explored the function and mechanism of miR-486-5p in HSFBs.Methods Qualitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression of miR-486-5p in HS and hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFBs). Viability, migration, invasion ability, apoptosis, and expressions of Collagen I, Collagen III, α-SMA and Cleaved caspase-3 in HSFBs after transfection with miR-486-5p mimic or inhibitor were measured by CCK-8, wound-healing, transwell, and Western blot, respectively. Interaction between miR-486-5p and IGF1 was predicted by Targetscan version 7.2 and further confirmed by dual-luciferase assay, and functional rescue experiments were conducted to verify the predicted molecular mechanism. The activation of PI3K/AKT pathway was also analyzed by Western blot.Results MiR-486-5p was low-expressed in HS and HSFBs, and that overexpression of miR-486-5p suppressed the viability, migration, invasion, and expressions of Collagen I, Collagen III, and α-SMA of HSFBs, meanwhile, it also promoted apoptosis and Cleaved caspase-3 expression in HSFBs. Moreover, IGF1 was targeted by miR-486-5p, and increased viability, migration, invasion, and collagens expressions, the activation of PI3K/Akt pathway, and decreased apoptosis and Cleaved caspase-3 induced by miR-486-5p inhibitor could be partly alleviated by siIGF1.Conclusions Overexpressed miR-486-5p inhibited the hyperproliferation and excessive production of collagen in HSFBs via IGF1/PI3K/AKT pathway.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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皮肤病学
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PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2019
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IF 4.18
Jun-Shan Liu,Chu-Ying Huo,Hui-Hui Cao,Chun-Lin Fan,Jian-Yang Hu,Li-Juan Deng,Zi-Bin Lu,Hua-Yi Yang,Lin-Zhong Yu,Zhi-Xian Mo,Zhi-Ling Yu
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks third among the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The chemotherapy for HCC is still insufficient, so far. In searching for effective anti-HCC agents from traditional Chinese medicine , we discovered that aloperine (ALO), a quinolizidine alkaloid from Sophora alopecuroides L., exerts anti-HCC activities. However, the effects of ALO on HCC have been rarely studied, and its underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Purpose This study aims to evaluate the anti-HCC activities of ALO and explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods MTT assay and colony formation assay were used to investigate the anti-proliferative effects of ALO on human HCC Hep3B and Huh7 cells. Hoechst 33258 staining was used to observe the morphological changes of cells after ALO treatment . Flow cytometry was used to analyze apoptosis induction, the collapse of the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycle distribution. Western blotting was used to examine the expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis and cell cycle arrest , and key proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway . Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to investigate the role of Akt in ALO-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Zebrafish tumor model was used to evaluate the anti-HCC effects of ALO in vivo. Results ALO inhibited the proliferation of Hep3B and Huh7 cells. ALO induced apoptosis in HCC cells, which was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial potential, the release of cytochrome c into cytosol, as well as the increased cleavages of caspase-9, caspase-3 and PARP . Moreover, ALO induced G2/M cell cycle arrest by downregulating the expression levels of cdc25C, cdc2 and cyclin B1 . In addition, ALO inhibited activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by decreasing the expression levels of p110α , p85, Akt and p-Akt (Ser473) . Further study showed that inhibition of Akt by siRNA augmented ALO-mediated apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HCC cells. Critically, ALO inhibited the growth of Huh7 cells in vivo. Conclusion We first demonstrated that ALO induced apoptosis and G2/M cell cycle arrest in HCC cells through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study provides a rationale for ALO as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for HCC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2023
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IF 5.4
Yong-Yu Yang,Jing-Jing Qi,Si-Yi Jiang,Ling Ye
Ethnopharmacological relevance Cortex fraxini (also known as qinpi)—the bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (Oleaceae)—is widely used as a Chinese traditional medicinal for its anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperuricemic activities. Aim of the study Obesity-induced insulin resistance (IR) is driving the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is related to pathological adipose tissue remodeling. Esculin, a major active component of Cortex fraxini , has anti-diabetic effects. However, whether esculin improves obesity-induced IR by regulating adipose tissue remodeling is unclear. The aims of the present study were to assess the effects of esculin on obesity-induced IR and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods Obese IR C57BL/6J mice were treated with esculin (40 or 80 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance tests were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Histological analyses were performed to analyze the number and size distribution of adipocytes. Glucose uptake was assessed using 2-NBDG. Results Esculin had no effect on body weight gain but reduced fasting blood glucose, improved oral glucose tolerance, and increased insulin sensitivity. Esculin reduced adipocyte size and the expression levels of collagen 4A1 and tumor necrosis factor α and increased the number of adipocytes and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A. Esculin promoted the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells and upregulated the mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, activated the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, and enhanced the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) and glucose uptake in adipocytes treated with palmitic acid. Conclusions These data suggest that esculin increases insulin sensitivity by improving adipose tissue remodeling and activating the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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内分泌学
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代谢
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中药
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PubMed
高影响因子
REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY
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2025
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IF 2.8
Huan Li,Hongyan Wang,Xiaolei Xu,Li Qu,Xiuling Sun,Jing Zhang
This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanism of Ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) against Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) induced spermatogenic damage, focusing on the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway. In vivo experiments demonstrated that Rg3 restored DBP-induced dysregulation of gap junction (GJ) protein connexin 43 (Cx43), improved testicular structure, enhanced sperm parameters (count and motility), and upregulated phosphorylation of Src, PI3K, and Akt (p-Src, p-PI3K, p-Akt) in mice. In vitro studies, using the metabolite of DBP, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), and pathway inhibitors (PP2 for Src and LY294002 for PI3K), further confirmed these effects. Rg3 increased antioxidant enzyme activity, reduced oxidative stress marker MDA, and enhanced the expression of p-Src, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and Cx43 in MBP-treated TM4 Sertoli cells. Inhibitor experiments confirmed that the Src/PI3K pathway mediates Rg3’s protective action. These findings suggest that Rg3 alleviates DBP/MBP-induced male reproductive dysfunction by enhancing antioxidant capacity and reactivating the Src/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, which helps restore blood-testis barrier (BTB) integrity through Cx43 stabilization. Thus, Rg3 may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for environmental toxicant-related male infertility.
研究领域:
药理学
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毒理学
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生殖生物学
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细胞信号传导
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环境卫生
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PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
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2024
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IF 6.7
Shuang Chai,Yanbing Yang,Liwei Wei,Yuju Cao,Jiangtao Ma,Xuxia Zheng,Junyan Teng,Na Qin
Background Recently, osteoblast pyroptosis has been proposed as a potential pathogenic mechanism underlying osteoporosis, although this remains to be confirmed. Luteolin (Lut), a flavonoid phytochemical, plays a critical role in the anti-osteoporosis effects of many traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. However, its protective impact on osteoblasts in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) has not been elucidated. Purpose This research aimed to determine the effect of Lut in ameliorating PMOP by alleviating osteoblast pyroptosis and sustaining osteogenesis. Study design This research was designed to investigate the novel mechanism of Lut in alleviating PMOP both in cell and animal models. Methods Ovariectomy-induced PMOP models were established in mice with/without daily gavaged of 10 or 20 mg/kg body weight Lut. The impact of Lut on bone microstructure, metabolism and oxidative stress was evaluated with 0.104 mg/kg Estradiol Valerate Tablets daily gavaged as positive control. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking were employed to investigate the mechanisms of Lut in PMOP treatment. Subsequently, the impacts of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis, oxidative stress, mitochondria, and osteoblast pyroptosis were assessed. In vitro, cultured (MC3T3-E1(14) cells were exposed to H 2 O 2 with/without Lut to examine its effects on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, osteogenic differentiation, mitochondrial function, and osteoblast pyroptosis. Results Our findings demonstrated that 20 mg/kg Lut, similar to the positive control drug, effectively reduced systemic bone loss and oxidative stress, and enhanced bone metabolism induced by ovariectomy. Network pharmacological analysis and molecular docking indicated that the PI3K/AKT axis was a potential target, with oxidative stress response and nuclear membrane function being key mechanisms. Consequently, the effects of Lut on the PI3K/AKT axis and pyroptosis were investigated. In vivo data revealed that the PI3K/AKT axis was deactivated following ovariectomy, and Lut restored the phosphorylation of key proteins, thereby reactivating the axis. Additionally, Lut alleviated osteoblast pyroptosis and mitochondrial abnormalities induced by ovariectomy. In vitro, Lut intervention mitigated the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT axis and osteogenesis, as well as H 2 O 2 -induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, Lut attenuated ROS accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. The effects of Lut, including osteogenesis restoration, anti-pyroptosis, and mitochondrial maintenance, were all reversed with LY294002 (a PI3K/AKT pathway inhibitor). Conclusion In summary, Lut could improve mitochondrial dysfunction, alleviate GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and maintain osteogenesis via activating the PI3K/Akt axis, offering a new therapeutic strategy for PMOP.
研究领域:
药理学
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骨生物学
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细胞信号传导
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骨质疏松研究
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PubMed
高影响因子
International Journal of Biological Sciences
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2021
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IF 6.582
Deng-Pan Wu,Yan Zhou,Li-Xiang Hou,Xiao-Xiao Zhu,Wen Yi,Si-Man Yang,Tian-Yu Lin,Jin-Lan Huang,Bei Zhang,Xiao-Xing Yin
Tamoxifen (TAM) resistance has indicated a significant challenge during endocrine therapy for hormone-sensitive breast cancer. Thus, it is significant to elucidate the molecular events endowing TAM resistance to endocrine therapy. In this study, we found that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was an important event to confer TAM resistance, and attenuating EMT by elevating connexin (Cx) 43 expression could reverse TAM resistance. Specifically, Cx43 overexpression improved TAM sensitivity, while Cx43 depletion facilitated TAM insensitivity by modulating EMT in T47D TAM-resistant and -sensitive cells, and transplanted xenografts. Importantly, we found a novel reciprocal regulation between Cx43 and c-Src/PI3K/Akt pathway contributing to EMT and TAM resistance in breast cancer. Moreover, we identified that Cx43 deficiency was significantly correlated with poor relapse-free survival in patients undergoing TAM treatment. Therefore, Cx43 represents a prognostic marker and an attractive target for breast cancer treatments. Therapeutic strategies designed to increase or maintain Cx43 function may be beneficial to overcome TAM resistance.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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癌症治疗
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
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2024
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IF 4.4
Xin Chen,Liming Yu,Shan Meng,Jikai Zhao,Xinyi Huang,Zhishang Wang,Zijun Zhou,Yuting Huang,Tao Hong,Jinfeng Duan,Tong Su,Zijun Cao,Yanbang Chi,Tao Huang,Huishan Wang
Inflammation and infiltration of immune cells are intricately linked to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), an enhancer of inflammation, is implicated in various cardiovascular disorders. However, the precise role and potential mechanisms of TREM-1 in the development of AF remain ambiguous. Atrial samples from patients with AF were used to assess the expression levels of TREM-1. An angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced AF mouse model was established to assess the functionality of TREM-1. Cardiac function and AF inducibility were assessed through echocardiography, programmed transvenous cardiac pacing, and atrial electrophysiological mapping. Peripheral blood and atrial inflammatory cells were assessed using flow cytometry. Using histology, bulk RNA sequencing, biochemical analyses, and cell cultures, the mechanistic role of TREM-1 in AF was elucidated. TREM-1 expression was upregulated and co-localized with macrophages in the atria of patients with AF. Pharmacological inhibition of TREM-1 decreased Ang II-induced atrial enlargement and electrical remodeling. TREM-1 inhibition also ameliorated Ang II-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, inflammatory factor release, atrial fibrosis, and macrophage infiltration. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that TREM-1 modulates Ang II-induced inflammation through the PI3K/AKT/FoxO3a signaling pathway. In vitro studies further supported these findings, demonstrating that TREM-1 activation exacerbates Ang II-induced inflammation, while overexpression of FoxO3a counteracts this effect. This study discovered the critical role of TREM-1 in the pathogenesis of AF and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Inhibition of TREM-1 provides a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AF.
研究领域:
心脏病学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
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2025
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IF 8
Mingxiu Long,Hui Wang,Fang Zhang,Yaoqi Ran,Yongfu Li,Jingwen Luo,Zhaojun Chen,Zhuxi Tian,Shuming Tan,Xiong Liu
Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit polyphenols (RP) possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties, showing potential for ulcerative colitis (UC) treatment. However, their efficacy is limited by bioavailability and targeting efficiency. To address this, RP were encapsulated into acylated chitosan-crosslinked carboxymethyl konjac glucomannan (ACs-CKGM) nanogel (RPNG). Experimental results demonstrated that RPNG significantly enhanced intestinal barrier function by upregulating tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-3) and mucus secretion (MUC2). It effectively mitigated oxidative stress by restoring antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px and CAT) while reducing MPO, COX-2 and iNOS activation. Through integrated ELISA, western blot, and transcriptomic analyses, we emonstrated that RPNG specifically inhibited PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways, decreasing inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators (e.g., IL-10). Gut microbiome analysis showed RPNG reversed DSS-induced dysbiosis by enriching beneficial bacteria (e.g., Muribaculum sp.) and suppressing pathogens (e.g., Escherichia coli ). These findings highlight RPNG as a novel targeted strategy for UC management, supported by multi-omics mechanistic insights.
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高影响因子
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