Journal of Functional Foods
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2025
·
IF 4
Ping Jiang,Yanfei He,Guangpei Xu,Chuanbo Sun
This study aims to evaluate the mechanism of RCH against CCl 4 -induced liver injury in mice. RCH treatment effectively inhibited CCl 4 -induced liver injury and apoptosis in mice, and reduced liver enzyme activities, blood inflammatory cell and serum inflammatory factor levels. Network pharmacology and machine learning predicted that PI3K-Akt pathway and Met proteins play important roles in RCH anti-CCl 4 -induced liver injury. The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot showed that RCH could down-regulate the expression of the receptor proteins Met, Tlr2, and Tlr4, and inhibit the phosphorylation of Pik3ca and Akt1, and prevent the phosphorylation of NF-κB P65, and decrease cleaved Caspase3 expression. These findings suggest that RCH effectively alleviated liver injury in CCl 4 -induced mice by inhibiting the Met/Tlr2/Tlr4-mediated PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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DOI
高影响因子
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
·
2022
·Vol. 37
·期 8
·1840-1852
·
IF 4.109
Huijie Chen,Yue Zhang,Mengmeng Zou,Xiaowei Sun,Xiaodan Huang,Shiwen Xu
Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is a phthalic acid ester (PAE) that has posed a health hazard to the organisms. Naringenin (NRG) is a flavanone compound that has shown protection against several environmental chemicals through suppression of oxidative stress and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway. Herein, swine testis (ST) cells were treated with 1.8 μM of DBP or/and 25.39 nM of NRG for 24 h, we described the discovery path of NRG inhibition on apoptosis in DBP-exposed ST cells through targeting phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). We first found that the anti-apoptosis effect of NRG is dependent on mitochondrial pathway through flow cytometry and related gene/protein expression, and then we detected PI3K/AKT pathway-related gene/protein expression, and established a computational docking assay between NRG and PTEN. We found that NRG specifically binds to three basic residues (His93, Lys125, Lys128) of P loop in PTEN, as well as phosphatase domains (Asp92, His93, Cys124, Lys125, Ala126, Lys128, and Arg130) in active dephosphorylation pockets, thereby reducing PTEN level and activating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and further inhibiting oxidative stress and mitochondrial pathway apoptosis. Taken together, our results push forward that NRG deserves further attention as a potential antagonistic therapy against DBP through targeting PTEN to inhibit oxidative stress and activate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
研究领域:
毒理学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
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2019
·
IF 3.17
Jihang Dai,Yu Sun,Duoyun Chen,Yaxin Zhang,Lianqi Yan,Xiaolei Li,Jingcheng Wang
Fibroblasts excessive proliferation was considered as a decisive reason for epidural fibrosis , which was known as a serious complication of lumbar laminectomy. As a traditional Chinese medicine , triptolide (TP) was used to be proved effective in preventing several fibrosis scar formation diseases. However, little is known about the effect of TP on preventing epidural fibrosis and its possible mechanism. Here, we performed in vitro and in vivo experiments to detect the possible mechanism of TP in preventing epidural fibrosis. In vitro, the effect of TP on impacting fibroblasts proliferation activities was detected by CCK-8, cell cycle assay and EdU incorporation assay. Also, the expressions of cell proliferation protein markers and the expressions of p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR were detect by Western blot . Besides, the effect of TP on inducing fibroblast apoptosis and autophagy was tested by Western blots, flow cytometry, TUNEL staining , Transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis and LC3 immunofluorescent staining. The results suggested that TP could suppress the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, TP could inhibit fibroblast proliferation and induce fibroblast apoptosis as well as autophagy, which was known as two cellular self-destructions. Furthermore, we speculated the possible molecular pathway, through which that TP could inhibit fibroblast proliferation, induce fibroblast apoptosis and autophagy. We used PI3-kinase activator (740Y-P) to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway increase the proliferation of fibroblasts and suppressed the autophagy and apoptosis induced by TP. In vivo, we built epidural fibrosis models in rats and locally applied TP of various concentrations. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome were used to detect the effect of TP on reducing epidural fibrosis. And the results showed that TP could significantly reduce the surgery-induced epidural fibrosis. In conclusion, the results above shown that TP could reduce epidural fibrosis formation, and the potential mechanism might through inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and stimulating apoptosis and autophagy via suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. It might provide a novel thought for reducing surgery-induced epidural fibrosis.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经外科
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 12.6
Zhuoting Lu,Tong Wang,Xiangchi Xu,Qinglian Hu,Lei Wang,Yuanxiang Jin
A key challenge in clinical anticancer treatments is metastasis and recurrence, to address this challenge, it is crucial to develop combination treatment strategies that target different molecular pathways, considering the high complexity of tumors, as well as to create efficient drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity. Herein, two clinical small molecular drugs indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (PTX) were self-assembled into relatively stable, carrier-free nanoparticles (IP NPs) through a simple one-step nanoprecipitation method. The spherical IP NPs demonstrate excellent aqueous stability, tumor-targeted accumulation, and potent apoptosis induction. Combined with AKT inhibitor MK-2206, they effectively modulate survival pathways, suppress metastasis, and prevent tumor recurrence in rechallenge models. This synergistic approach achieves equivalent therapeutic efficacy at reduced doses, enhancing treatment safety. Encouraged by its effective therapy and sensitivity-enhancing properties, this study might show significant potential for malignant tumor synergistic therapy. Carrier-free nano-integrated strategy for combination therapy
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
纳米医学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
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癌症治疗
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Regenerative Biomaterials
·
2025
·
IF 8.1
Wen Zhuohao,Li Shuyi,Qiu Huiguo,Liu Xueyan,You Zhiying,Yan Yuhan,Che Yuejuan,Zhou Miao
Periosteum plays an indispensable role in bone regeneration by providing osteogenic and angiogenic cues essential for tissue repair. In cases of severe bone defects or nonunion, autologous vascularized periosteum transplantation remains a highly effective clinical solution. However, its application is restricted by donor site morbidity and limited tissue availability, thereby underscoring the urgent need for artificial periosteum that mimics both the composition and structure of the native counterpart. Among these properties, the topological morphology of the periosteum is believed to be critical, yet its influence on bone regeneration remains insufficiently understood. In this study, biomimetic periosteum membranes composed of coaxially electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and periosteal extracellular matrix (pECM) were fabricated with either random or aligned nanofiber architectures. Their osteogenic potential was systematically evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Compared to the randomly arranged structure, aligned pECM (aPEC) significantly enhanced the adhesion, alignment, and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) by activating the ITGB1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, whereas these effects were not observed in pure PCL membranes. These findings demonstrate that aligned topological morphology in biomimetic periosteum plays a pivotal role in directing stem cell behavior and promoting bone regeneration. This work provides mechanistic insight and technical guidance for the future design of functionally enhanced artificial periosteum for bone tissue engineering applications.
研究领域:
组织工程
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生物材料学
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分子生物学
·
再生医学
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生物医学工程
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Communication and Signaling
·
2024
·Vol. 22
·期 1
·1-21
·
IF 8.2
Wu Chengyan,Hu Li,Liu Bing,Zeng Xingyue,Ma Haixiang,Cao Yongkai,Li Huijun,Zhang Xiaohan
Background Desensitization of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) refers to the attenuation of receptor responsiveness by prolonged or intermittent exposure to agonists. The binding of β-arrestin to the cytoplasmic cavity of the phosphorylated receptor, which competes with the G protein, has been widely accepted as an extensive model for explaining GPCRs desensitization. However, studies on various GPCRs, including dopamine D 2 -like receptors (D 2 R, D 3 R, D 4 R), have suggested the existence of other desensitization mechanisms. The present study employed D 2 R/D 3 R variants with different desensitization properties and utilized loss-of-function approaches to uncover the mechanisms underlying GPCRs homologous desensitization, focusing on the signaling cascade that regulates the ubiquitination of AKT. Results AKT undergoes K8/14 ubiquitination by TRAF6, which occurs in the nucleus and promotes its membrane recruitment, phosphorylation and activation under receptor desensitization conditions. The nuclear entry of TRAF6 relies on the presence of the importin complex. Src regulates the nuclear entry of TRAF6 by mediating the interaction between TRAF6 and importin β1. Ubiquitinated AKT translocates to the plasma membrane where it associates with Mdm2 to phosphorylate it at the S166 and S186 residues. Thereafter, phosphorylated Mdm2 is recruited to the nucleus, resulting in the deubiquitination of β-Arr2. The deubiquitinated β-Arr2 then forms a complex with Gβγ, which serves as a biomarker for GPCRs desensitization. Like in D 3 R, ubiquitination of AKT is also involved in the desensitization of β 2 adrenoceptors. Conclusion Our study proposed that the property of a receptor that causes a change in the subcellular localization of TRAF6 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus to mediate AKT ubiquitination could initiate the desensitization of GPCRs.
研究领域:
细胞生物学
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分子生物学
·
药理学
·
信号转导
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Neuroinflammation
·
2024
·Vol. 21
·期 1
·1-16
·
IF 9.3
Chen Lushu,Zhang HuiYing,Zhang Ying,Li Xiumiao,Wang MeiHuan,Shen Yaming,Cao Yuan,Xu Yong,Yao Jin
Retinal neovascularisation is a major cause of blindness in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). It is mediated by the complex interaction between dysfunctional ganglion cells, microglia, and vascular endothelial cells. Notably, retinal microglia, the intrinsic immune cells of the retina, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of retinopathy. In this study, we found that lysophosphatidylserines (LysoPS) released from injured ganglion cells induced microglial extracellular trap formation and retinal neovascularisation. Mechanistically, LysoPS activated the GPR34-PI3K-AKT-NINJ1 signalling axis by interacting with the GPR34 receptor on the microglia. This activation upregulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, VEGFA, and FGF2, and facilitated retinal vascular endothelial cell angiogenesis. As a result, inhibition of the GPR34-PI3K-AKT-NINJ1 axis significantly decreased microglial extracellular trap formation and neovascularisation by suppressing LysoPS-induced microglial inflammatory responses, both in vitro and in vivo. This study reveals the crucial role of apoptotic ganglion cells in activating microglial inflammation in PDR, thereby enhancing our understanding of the pathogenesis of retinal neovascularisation.
研究领域:
眼科学
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免疫学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
·
2019
·Vol. 74
·期 6
·549
·
IF 2.371
Huang Yue,Wu Xiangyan,Wu Meizhu,Chu Jianfeng,Yu Na,Shen Aling,Shen Zhiqing,Chen Youqin,Peng Jun
The Qingda granule (QDG) formulation was simplified from the Qingxuan Jiangya Decoction, which has been used in China to treat hypertension for decades. However, the molecular mechanisms of QDG in antihypertension remain largely unknown. Therefore, we evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of QDG against elevated blood pressure and explored its underlying mechanism. QDG treatment decreased elevated blood pressure and increased the vascular elasticity of thoracic aortic rings to KCl stimulation in spontaneously hypertensive rats. QDG treatment increased the relaxation of isolated thoracic aortic rings precontracted with norepinephrine (NE) or KCl in an endothelium-independent manner, which was attenuated by treatment with verapamil, but not by treatment with TEA, 4-AP, Gli, or BaCl 2 . Moreover, QDG pretreatment attenuated the CaCl 2 -induced constriction of isolated thoracic aortic rings in K + - or NE-containing Ca 2+ -free solutions. In addition, QDG pretreatment significantly inhibited the influx of Ca 2+ in A7r5 cells induced by a K + - or NE-containing Ca 2+ solution and decreased the levels of p-AKT but had no effect on levels of total AKT protein in isolated thoracic aortic rings. Considering these results, QDG treatment attenuated elevated blood pressure and promoted the vasorelaxation of thoracic aortic rings by inhibiting the influx of Ca 2+ and activating the AKT pathway .
研究领域:
药理学
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心血管研究
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 4.8
Ying Ren,Xiangka Hu,Mushuang Qi,Wanjun Zhu,Jin Li,Shuyu Yang,Chunmei Dai
Background Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycaemia. Tangningtongluo Tablet (TNTL) is an inpatient formula extensively utilized to treat diabetes mellitus (DM), but the protective mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the relevant mechanisms by which TNTL affects pancreatic damage in diabetic mice and autophagy. Methods The impact of TNTL on pancreatic damage in diabetic mice in vitro and in vivo was investigated via glucose and lipid metabolism analyses, HE staining, CCK-8, TUNEL staining, Annexin V/PI, and Western blotting. Molecular docking and Western blotting were used to verify the results of network pharmacological analysis, which was carried out to explore the mechanism by which TNTL affects DM. The autophagosome levels were visualized via RFP-GFP-LC3 and transmission electron microscopy, and lysosomal function was evaluated via Lysotracker red staining. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expression of the autophagy proteins LC3, p62 and LAMP2. Results Compared with the model group, TNTL protected pancreas from oxidative stress, decreased the level of MDA, increased the levels of SOD and GSH-px, induced the occurrence of autophagy and decreased the levels of apoptotic factors. Moreover, TNTL inhibited the protein expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR, increased the levels of LC3 and LAMP2 and decreased the level of p62, and the autophagy inhibitor CQ blocked the protective effect of TNTL on pancreatic damage in diabetic mice. Conclusion These results demonstrated that TNTL ameliorated pancreatic damage in diabetic mice by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and regulating autophagy.
研究领域:
药理学
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糖尿病
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MedComm
·
2024
·Vol. 5
·期 12
·e70033
·
IF 10.7
Jing Li,Mimi Chen,Dingwen Huang,Ziyin Li,Yu Chen,Jinhua Huang,Yuanqun Chen,Zhili Zhou,Zhiying Yu
Ovarian cancer (OV) ranks among the deadliest gynecological cancer, known for its high risk of relapse and metastasis, and a general resistance to conventional platinum‐based chemotherapy. Selenoprotein I (SELENOI) is a crucial mediator implicated in human hereditary spastic paraplegia. However, its role in human tumors remains poorly elucidated. Here, we comprehensively analyzed SELENOI expression patterns, functions, and clinical implications across various malignancies through the integration of bulk transcriptomics, cancer databases, and in vitro and in vivo experiments. Pan‐cancer analysis indicated upregulated SELENOI expression across various cancers, correlating with augmented malignancy, suppressed tumor immunity and poor prognosis. Knockdown of SELENOI caused G0/G1‐phase cell cycle arrest and diminished aggressive cancer phenotypes in OV cells. Moreover, SELENOI inhibition augments ferroptosis and reverses the cisplatin resistance in OV cells by modulating Akt phosphorylation. Conversely, overexpression of SELENOI in OV cells enhanced therapeutic sensitivity to cisplatin by upregulating Akt phosphorylation. Importantly, in vivo studies demonstrated that SELENOI inhibition suppressed ovarian tumor growth and enhanced cisplatin's anticancer effects. These findings highlight the significant role of SELENOI in OV by modulating ferroptosis and chemotherapy resistance. Targeting SELENOI represents a promising therapeutic approach to promote the efficacy of platinum‐based chemotherapy in OV, particularly in cases of resistance. Graphic summary of targeting SELENOI for promoting ferroptosis and reversing chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Inhibition of SELENOI activated unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and impaired Akt phosphorylation, resulting in the upregulation of ACSL4 expression and induction of ferroptosis. Reduced Akt phosphorylation also led to the downregulation of ALDH3A1 expression, a key gene associated with cisplatin‐resistance, thereby enhancing cisplatin cytotoxicity in SELENOI‐silenced ovarian cancer cells.
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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转化医学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 5.4
Jue Liu,Yue-Xuan Liu,Yu-Song Song,Chen-Kai Liu,Fei-Xue Yu,Gao Liu,Tian-Rui Xu,Jun Sang
Ethnopharmacological relevance Paris polyphylla Smith var. yunnanensis (Franch.) Hand.-Mazz., known as “Chonglou” in traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically used in cancer therapy, with saponins identified as the key antitumor constituents. However, the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of the total saponins from P. polyphylla var. yunnanensis (PPT) against bladder cancer, particularly their ability to overcome chemoresistance, remain unexplored. Aim of the study This study aimed to investigate PPT's anti-bladder cancer effects and mechanisms, with a focus on its potential to overcome cisplatin resistance. Materials and methods We established a UPLC-DAD method for saponin profiling and developed an eco-friendly extraction protocol using hydroxypropyl- β -cyclodextrin-assisted extraction combined with macroporous resin purification to prepare PPT. Anti-cancer efficacy was assessed in bladder cancer cell lines, mouse/zebrafish xenograft models, and cisplatin-resistant models. Mechanistic investigations integrated network pharmacology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and experimental validations (siRNA silencing, western blotting, flow cytometry, molecular dynamics simulations, cellular thermal shift assay, and surface plasmon resonance). Results The hydroxypropyl- β -cyclodextrin-based extraction system enhanced PPT purity by 15-fold, with the purified fraction showing dose-dependent anti-bladder cancer activity in vitro and in vivo . Mechanistically, PPT exerted anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-lipogenic, and chemosensitizing effects by inhibiting the growth factor receptor binding protein 2 (GRB2)-mediated Akt-SREBP1 signaling axis. Notably, polyphyllin VII, a key constituent of PPT, was identified as a novel GRB2 inhibitor, potently suppressing bladder cancer progression and overcoming cisplatin resistance. Conclusion This study demonstrates that targeting the GRB2-Akt-SREBP1 signaling axis is a promising strategy for bladder cancer therapy, further establishing PPT as a multicomponent phytomedicine and PPVII as a novel GRB2 inhibitor with high translational potential.
研究领域:
癌症研究
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
民族药理学
·
生物信息学
·
信号转导
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2021
·
IF 4.36
Min Liu,Hongqiu Zhu,Ying Zhu,Xiaodan Hu
Ethnopharmacological relevance Guizhi Fuling Wan (GFW) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to remove blood stasis and dissipate phlegm for treating gynecological diseases that was invented by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han dynasty. In recent years, GFW has been widely used to treat patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Clinical and animal studies have shown that it is effective in the treatment of PCOS, but its mechanism is unknown. Generally, it works by regulating autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Aim of the study This study investigated the effects and mechanism of GFW in PCOS rats with insulin resistance (IR) in order to provide better understanding of its observed clinical effects and a theoretical basis for the study of traditional Chinese medicine. Materials and methods Eighty-four female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 12 per group): 1) control, 2) PCOS model, 3) low-dose GFW, 4) medium-dose GFW, 5) high-dose GFW, 6) metformin , and 7) medium-dose GFW plus LY294002 . In all non-control groups, we induced PCOS through daily letrozole combined with intragastric high-fat emulsion for 21 days. After treatment, rats were sacrificed and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), progesterone , luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-estradiol, fasting insulin (FINS), and fasting plasma glucose levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The LH/FSH ratios and HOMA-IR values were calculated. Ovarian morphology was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, and all follicles were counted under a microscope. MDC-positive vesicles were used as markers to detect autophagy, and the expression levels of p62, Beclin1 , and LC3-II were examined by immunostaining. Western blotting was used to measure PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation, granulosa cell apoptosis , and autophagy. Results Compared with the PCOS model group, GFW-treated rats had less atretic and cystic follicles, and more mature follicles and corpus lutea. The GFW-treated rats had lower serum T, LH, and FINS levels than the PCOS model group, as well as lower LH/FSH ratios and HOMA-IR values. GFW treatment resulted in significantly reduced levels of cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-9, BAX, Beclin1, Atg5, and LC3-II. Phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was significantly higher in GFW-treated rats compared with the PCOS model group. The phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was decreased with the use of a PI3K antagonist. Conclusions Our results indicate that GFW inhibited granulosa cell autophagy and promoted follicular development to attenuate ovulation disorder in PCOS-IR rats. This was associated with activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
·
中医药
·
内分泌学
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生殖生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）