Materials Today Bio
·
2024
·
IF 8.7
Xue Sun,Haohao Cui,Jingfan Li,Boyuan An,Ruixing Liu,Zhihua Guo,Dandan Chu,Xingchen Geng,Bingbing Cui,Lei Zhu,Jingguo Li,Zhanrong Li
Subconjunctival fibrosis (SCF) is a common and refractory eye disease that is a serious threat to vision. The severe side effects of existing drugs and low drug bioavailability due to the ocular barrier are major challenges in SCF treatment. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore safer and more effective strategies for administering anti-SCF drugs. Herein, an injectable and adaptable hydrogel system containing the antifibrotic drug rapamycin was fabricated to address this complex need. This system possesses moderate mechanical properties, self-healing and shape-adaptive capabilities, injectability, and biosafety. It is designed to promote autophagy by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/WIPI2 pathway, thereby inhibiting SCF. In vivo experiments utilizing a rat subconjunctival injury model indicated that in situ administration of this hydrogel system effectively inhibited SCF. This system constitutes a promising method for promoting autophagy to protect against SCF, which will foster its widespread application for other fibrotic diseases.
研究领域:
眼科学
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药学
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生物材料
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Nanomedicine
·
2026
·
IF 4.6
Jing Zhang,Dongdong Gao
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a highly aggressive malignancy with poor therapeutic outcomes due to drug resistance, systemic toxicity, and limited tumor-targeted drug delivery. This study aimed to develop dual-drug-loaded exosome nanocarrier encapsulating rapamycin (RAP) and Astragaloside IV (AST-IV) (RAP@AST-IV/EXO NC) to inhibit PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and enhance mitochondrial apoptosis in HCC.Methods Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (BM-MSC-Exos) were isolated and used for co-delivery of RAP and AST-IV via sonication-assisted loading. Physicochemical properties, drug loading, and release behavior were evaluated. In vitro efficacy was assessed through cell viability, apoptosis, ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane potential, migration, and Western blot assays. In vivo therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated in male BALB/c mice bearing HepG2 xenografts.Results RAP@AST-IV/EXO NC showed favorable physicochemical characteristics, sustained drug release, enhanced apoptosis, increased ROS generation, mitochondrial membrane disruption, and inhibition of cancer cell migration. The RAP@AST-IV/EXO NC significantly reduced cell viability and suppressed phosphorylated PI3K, Akt, and mTOR expression while activating mitochondrial apoptotic markers. In vivo, RAP@AST-IV/EXO NC markedly inhibited tumor growth without evident systemic toxicity.Conclusion RAP@AST-IV/EXO NC represent a promising biocompatible strategy for targeted HCC therapy through combined PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibition and mitochondrial apoptosis induction.
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DOI
高影响因子
Pharmaceuticals
·
2025
·Vol. 18
·期 6
·791
·
IF 4.8
Xiaojie Wang,Miaomiao Chang,Kun Feng,Qingyue Wang,Bowen Li,Weijuan Gao
Background:Chronic atrophic gastritis precancerous lesions (PL-CAG) are characterized by the atrophy of gastric mucosal glands, often accompanied by intestinal metaplasia or dysplasia. Timely intervention and treatment can effectively reverse its malignant progression and prevent the onset of gastric cancer. Bombyx Batryticatus (BB) exhibits a range of pharmacological effects, including anticoagulation, antiepileptic properties, anticancer activity, and antibacterial effects. However, the pharmacological basis and mechanisms underlying BB’s efficacy in treating PL-CAG remain unclear.Methods:A three-factor modeling approach was implemented to develop a rat PL-CAG model, while the MNNG-induced PLGC (precancerous lesions of gastric cancer) cell model was served as a cell PL-CAG model. UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS/MS (Ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbital trap high-resolution mass spectrometry) was utilized to perform an in-depth analysis of the components in the plasma extract of BB. Leveraging network pharmacology, molecular docking analyses, and experimental validation, we initially elucidated the potential mechanisms through which BB mediates its therapeutic effects on PL-CAG at both in vivo and in vitro levels.Results:Prototype compounds of 42 blood-entering components were identified by UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS/MS analysis. Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking studies indicate that the core targets are primarily enriched in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and the key components, including Nepitrin, Quercetin 3-O-neohesperidoside, Rutin, and others, exhibited stable docking conformations with the first eleven pivotal targets. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments validated that BB may effectively treat PL-CAG via modulation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.Conclusions:The therapeutic efficacy of BB in the management of PL-CAG may be achieved through the synergistic interaction of multiple components and targets, which may be more closely related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This approach will establish a solid experimental foundation and provide essential data for the clinical application of BB in treating PL-CAG, while also facilitating further research initiatives.
研究领域:
药理学
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肿瘤学
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胃肠病学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
·
2018
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IF 4.816
Long Ma,Yuanyuan Meng,Chunhao Tu,Xiuqi Cao,Haiyue Wang,Yuyin Li,Shuli Man,Jin Zhou,Miao Li,Zhenxing Liu,Yanfang Su
Experiments have been undertaken and for the first time, we have identified that a new cardiac glycoside (CG) isolated from Helleborus thibetanus Franch. a plant endemic to China, bears potent anti-cancer activity. We have named it as HTF-1. By using in vitro cell models, we have found that HTF-1 induces apoptosis against several types of cancer cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. It is able to inhibit cancer cell in proliferation, migration and invasion. HTF-1 causes S cell cycle arrest . Further-on, we have identified that HTF-1 triggers caspase-9 dependent apoptosis pathway and double strand DNA breaks (DSBs). Additionally, HTF-1 activates JNK , but suppresses ERK and PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathways. Collectively, the above-mentioned mechanisms contribute to the anti-cancer activity of HTF-1. It is rare to discover novel anti-cancer CG during the past couple of decades. We believe that our work will enrich the understanding of CGs; also, pave the way for natural product-based anti-cancer drug development.
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Foods
·
2024
·Vol. 13
·期 23
·3797
·
IF 4.7
Chenmeng Song,Wei Zheng,Chengyi Song,Houfeng Zhou,Jengyuan Yao
Background: Kaempferol (KPF), a flavonoid abundant in edible plants, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial with notable health benefits. Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of KPF on metabolic disturbances and pancreatic damage in a Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into normal, T1DM, T1DM + KPF 25 mg/kg, and T1DM + KPF 50 mg/kg groups. T1DM was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). KPF was administered via intraperitoneal injection for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks from the start, metabolic parameters, pancreatic histology, and plasma metabolites were analyzed. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified key targets and pathways. In vitro, INS-1 cells were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis. Results: KPF significantly reduced blood glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TG) levels, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and preserved pancreatic β-cell structure. Metabolomics revealed changes in energy metabolism and oxidative stress-related metabolites. Network analysis highlighted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, with strong binding affinities to targets such as AKT1. In vitro, KPF decreased ROS production in INS-1 cells; this effect was reversed by a PI3K/AKT inhibitor. KPF also reduced apoptosis in INS-1 cells. Conclusions: KPF ameliorates metabolic disturbances and pancreatic damage in T1DM mice, suggesting potential as a functional food ingredient for diabetes management.
研究领域:
药理学
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糖尿病研究
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分子生物学
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代谢组学
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网络药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CURRENT NEUROVASCULAR RESEARCH
·
2017
·Vol. 14
·期 2
·132-140
·
IF 2.298
Zhu Yingchun,Tang Qiqiang,Wang Guopin,Han Ruodong
Background: Tanshinone IIA is a key active ingredient of danshen, which is derived from the dried root or rhizome of Salviae miltiorrhizae Bge. The tanshinone IIA has protective effects against the focal cerebral ischemic injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
Methods: An in vitro model of cerebral ischemia was established by subjecting cultures of hippocampal neuronal cells to oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R). The probes of 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, acetyl ester (CMH2DCFDA)
and 5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine,iodide (JC-1) were used to determine the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Western-blot was used to detect the expression of proteins in HT-22 cells.
Results: The results of cell proliferative assays showed that the tanshinone IIA attenuated OGD/Rmediated neuronal cell death, with the evidence of increased cell viability. In addition, OGD/R exposure led to increase the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), which were
significantly suppressed by tanshinone IIA treatment. Furthermore, tanshinone IIA treatment inhibited elevations in MMP and autophagy following exposure to OGD/R. Additionally, OGD/R promoted cell death with concomitant inhibiting phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/
mammalian target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which was reversed by tanshinone IIA. Conclusion: These results suggest that the tanshinone IIA protects against OGD/R-mediated cell death in HT-22 cells, in part, due to activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
·
细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2026
·
IF 11.3
Linyan Lang,Yiping Fu,Jinxin Miao,Yagang Song,Xiaolei Zhang,Quanyou Zhao,Yuting Liu,Yu Zhang,Mingsan Miao,Xingyi Liu,Yueyang Zhang,Xiaoran Wang,Zhanzhan Li
In this study, we report that Fresh Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE), effectively prevents and treats Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) by regulating the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway to restore the Treg/Th17 balance. • RGE, a traditional "medicinal and edible homology" herb recently added to China's 2024 list, demonstrates therapeutic potential for HSP by aligning with the TCM principle of "clearing descending fire and nourishing yin" to treat blood syndromes. • RGE and its core active component catalpol significantly alleviate HSP symptoms, reducing skin and renal purpura, pathological damage, and IgA deposition in mouse models. • RGE and its core active component catalpol restore Treg/Th17 balance and suppresses inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway, as confirmed by network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo/in vitro experiments. • Multi-omics analysis reveals that RGE intervention reshapes gut microbiota structure and regulates metabolic homeostasis, suggesting a protective "gut-microbiota-immune" mechanism in HSP treatment. Background Therapeutic choices remain limited for Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP), an IgA-associated vasculitis. Rehmannia glutinosa , a medicinal and edible herb traditionally used to "clear heat and cool blood," shows clinical promise, yet its precise pathogenesis remains elusive. Purpose This study was designed to examine the therapeutic impact of Rehmannia glutinosa extract (RGE) on HSP, characterize its primary active components, and explore the mechanistic basis of its activity. Study design An integrative approach encompassing in vivo and in vitro HSP models, network pharmacology, LC-MS, molecular docking, dynamics simulations, microbiomics, and metabolomics was utilized to systematically identify the anti-HSP material basis and underlying mechanisms of RGE. Methods Forty-one active components in RGE were identified via LC-MS. A multi-level computational strategy-encompassing network pharmacology, docking studies, and molecular dynamics was applied to screen and identify Catalpol (Cat) as the key active candidate. ICR mouse HSP models and cell cultures were treated with RGE or Cat. Pathological injuries, IgA deposition, and immune cell proportion changes were evaluated using RT-qPCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence. Furthermore, microbiomics and metabolomics were utilized to decipher the mechanism by which RGE exerts its effects through gut microbiota regulation. Results RGE and Cat significantly alleviated skin and kidney injuries and reduced abnormal IgA deposition. By suppressing the PI3K-AKT-mTOR/NF-κB pathway, they successfully rectified the Treg/Th17 imbalance and mitigated inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, RGE effectively reshaped the gut microbiota ecology and regulated the metabolome. Molecular simulations further confirmed Cat as a key active compound. Conclusion RGE exerts therapeutic effects on HSP through multi-target immunomodulation and gut microbiota remodeling, with Cat identified as a critical active component. These data support the herapeutic prospects of RGE and Cat in the prophylaxis and management of HSP. Download: Download high-res image (351KB) Download: Download full-size image
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高影响因子
PLoS One
·
2025
·Vol. 20
·期 12
·e0337214
·
IF 2.6
Ruifang Li,Yan Sun,Drolma Kelsang,Mingzhi Feng,Hanhui Cai,Jun Zhang
Background
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that imposes a significant global public health burden due to its recurrent and refractory nature. The therapeutic effects of butyrate on UC have been documented previously, but its specific mechanisms remain unclear.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of butyrate in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC.
Methods
A UC mouse model was induced utilizing 3% DSS, followed by interventions of 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, or 1200 mg/kg of butyrate. The fecal condition and colonic pathology of the mice were observed, along with measurements of body weight and colon length. The expression of serum inflammatory factors, autophagy-related proteins, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins were detected. Additionally, the impact of butyrate on the mouse gut microbial communities was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing technology.
Results
It was demonstrated that butyrate effectively alleviated UC symptoms, including bloody stools, weight loss, and colon shortening. Furthermore, butyrate reduced colonic tissue damage, decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and significantly upregulated Beclin-1, Atg5, and the LC3II/I ratio, while reducing P62 expression. Butyrate also decreased the relative expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR. 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that butyrate improved the intestinal microbial community structure by inhibiting harmful bacteria and accelerating the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Conclusion
This study suggests that butyrate may alleviate DSS-induced UC in mice by blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to facilitating autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and by modulating the gut microbiota.
研究领域:
免疫学
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胃肠病学
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微生物学
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分子生物学
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营养科学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
·
2023
·Vol. 24
·期 20
·15403
·
IF 5.6
Li Chen,Meng Tian,Jing Yang,Zhenxu Wu
Polymer microspheres have recently shown outstanding potential for bone tissue engineering due to their large specific surface area, good porosity, injectable property, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Their good load-release function and surface modifiability make them useful as a carrier of drugs or growth factors for the repair of bone defects in irregularly injured or complex microenvironments, such as skull defects. In this study, berberine (BBR)-encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/hydroxyapatite (HA) microspheres were fabricated using electrified liquid jets and a phase-separation technique, followed by modification with the 3,4-hydroxyphenalyalanine-containing recombinant insulin-like growth–factor-1 (DOPA-IGF-1). Both the BBR and the IGF-1 exhibited sustained release from the IGF-1@PLGA/HA-BBR microspheres, and the composite microspheres exhibited good biocompatibility. The results of the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assays showed that the BBR and IGF-1 in the composite microspheres synergistically promoted the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, it was confirmed that immobilized IGF-1 enhances the mRNA expression of an osteogenic-related extracellular matrix and that BBR accelerates the mRNA expression of IGF-1-mediated osteogenic differentiation and cell mineralization. Further cellular studies demonstrate that IGF-1 could further synergistically activate the IGF-1R/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway using BBR, thereby enhancing IGF-1-mediated osteogenesis. Rat calvarial defect repair experiments show that IGF-1@PLGA/HA-BBR microspheres can effectively promote the complete bony connection required to cover the defect site and enhance bone defect repair. These findings suggest that IGF-1@PLGA/HA-BBR composite microspheres show a great potential for bone regeneration.Keywords:polymer microspheres;berberine (BBR);IGF-1;bone regeneration;osteogenic differentiation
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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组织工程
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骨再生
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药学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
·
2024
·
IF 3.5
Chenchen Zhao,Liang Sun,Yuxin Zhang,Xin Shu,Yujie Hu,Duo Chen,Zhi Zhang,Shengnan Xia,Haiyan Yang,Xinyu Bao,Jingwei Li,Yun Xu
Background Microglia-mediated inflammation is a critical factor in the progression of ischemic stroke. Consequently, mitigating excessive microglial activation represents a potential therapeutic strategy for ischemic injury. Thymol, a monophenol derived from plant essential oils, exhibits diverse beneficial biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with demonstrated protective effects in various disease models. However, its specific effects on ischemic stroke and microglial inflammation remain unexplored. Methods Rodent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was established to simulate ischemic stroke. TTC staining, modified neurological function score (mNSS), and behavioral tests were used to assess the severity of neurological damage. Then immunofluorescence staining and cytoskeleton analysis were used to determine activation of microglia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was utilized to induce the inflammatory response of primary microglia in vitro . Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to exam the expression of inflammatory cytokines. And western blot was used to investigate the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of thymol. Results In this study, we found that thymol treatment could ameliorate post-stroke neurological impairment and reduce infarct volume by mitigating microglial activation and pro-inflammatory response (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Mechanically, thymol could inhibit the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K), sink serine/threonine kinase (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), thereby suppressing the activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB). Conclusions Our study demonstrated that thymol could reduce the microglial inflammation by targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway, ultimately alleviating ischemic brain injury. These findings suggest that thymol is a promising candidate as a neuroprotective agent against ischemic stroke.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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炎症
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中风
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Neurotherapeutics
·
2025
·
IF 6.9
Yue Zhang,Lan Deng,Jing Wei,Lufen Huang,Fei Gao,Lu Yu,Fengdan Zhu,Jianing Mi,Jianming Wu,Fang Ren,Minsong Guo,Xiaogang Zhou,Dalian Qin,Ting Chen,Anguo Wu
Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology involves amyloid-beta (Aβ) accumulation and neuronal toxicity, highlighting the need for therapeutic strategies that can both inhibit Aβ aggregation and promote pathogenic protein clearance. In this study, we identified Gaultheria leucocarpa as a medicinal plant with promising neuroprotective potential. Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence screening revealed that extracts from G. leucocarpa (GE), particularly the petroleum ether fraction of G. leucocarpa extract (GPF), effectively inhibited Aβ fibril formation in vitro . In cell-based assays, GPF significantly improved the viability of PC-12 cells exposed to Aβ peptides and fibrils, indicating protection against Aβ-induced cytotoxicity. Furthermore, GPF enhanced mitophagic activity, as demonstrated by increased GFP-LC3 puncta, elevated LC3-II/I ratio, and colocalization of GFP-LC3 with MitoTracker Red. Mechanistic investigations showed that GPF activates mitophagy via the AMPK/ULK1 pathway and inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, resulting in enhanced degradation of APP and Tau proteins. In Caenorhabditis elegans models relevant to AD, GPF administration led to reduced Aβ deposits, delayed paralysis onset, improved food perception, and decreased oxidative stress. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GPF exerts dual actions by inhibiting Aβ fibrillization and promoting mitophagy-mediated degradation of pathogenic proteins. The active ingredients identified from GPF extracts represent promising leads for the development of novel neuroprotective agents targeting AD-related pathological mechanisms.
研究领域:
神经科学
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药理学
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生物化学
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细胞生物学
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药物化学
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神经退行性疾病
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Anquan Ma,Ziqing Yang,Qixuan He,Wenhao Wang,Huiping Ren,Chuanyao Zhai,Jing Lan
Environmental glyphosate exposure has been linked to glioblastoma (GBM), yet its molecular basis remains unclear. Integrating network-toxicology and druggable Mendelian randomization screens, we identified the Src-family kinase FYN as the principal glyphosate target. Molecular-dynamics simulations, surface-plasmon resonance (KD = 1.54 μM) and pull-down assays confirmed high-affinity binding and highlighted ASP353 as a dominant contact residue. Multi-omics profiling showed FYN over-expression and promoter hypomethylation in GBM, correlating with diminished immune infiltration. In U87 cells, sub-toxic glyphosate (0.1 mg/L, 12 h) up-regulated FYN, activated PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling, increased GLUT1, LDHA and PKM2, and accelerated proliferation, migration and invasion; lentiviral sh-FYN reversed these effects and curtailed glycolytic flux. Orthotopic mouse studies mirrored the in-vitro findings, with FYN knock-down suppressing glyphosate-driven tumor growth. Exosomes derived from sh-FYN glioma cells weakened macrophage M2 polarization and reduced CXCL1, IL-10 and TGF-β secretion, revealing an immunometabolism axis. Collectively, these results establish FYN as the mechanistic conduit between glyphosate and GBM and demonstrate that targeting FYN—directly or via exosome delivery—reprograms tumor glycolysis and immunity, offering a tractable strategy against glyphosate-associated malignancy.
研究领域:
毒理学
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肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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生物信息学
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神经肿瘤学
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药理学
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免疫学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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