INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2024
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IF 4.8
Ye Wang,Shao-jie Chen,Ting Ma,Qiu Long,Lan Chen,Ke-xin Xu,Yu Cao
Melanoma is a skin cancer originating from melanocytes. The global incidence rate of melanoma is rapidly increasing, posing significant public health challenges. Identifying effective therapeutic agents is crucial in addressing this growing problem. Natural products have demonstrated promising anti-tumor activity. In this study, a plant flavonoid, taxifolin, was screened using Weighted Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA) in combination with the Connectivity Map (CMAP) platform. Taxifolin was confirmed to inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of melanoma A375 and MV-3 cells by promoting apoptosis. Additionally, it suppressed the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) process of melanoma cells. Cyber pharmacological analysis revealed that taxifolin exerts its inhibitory effect on melanoma through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, specifically by downregulating the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT. Notably, the addition of SC-79, an activator of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reversed the effects of taxifolin on cell migration and apoptosis. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrated that taxifolin treatment slowed tumor growth in mice without significant toxic effects. Based on these findings, taxifolin holds promise as a potential drug for melanoma treatment.
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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癌症研究
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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2024
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IF 10.7
Hechen Wang,Xudan Shen,Xinlan Zhu,Su Zeng,Sheng Cai
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows the highest morbidity among liver cancers and accounts for a major factor inducing cancer-associated mortality globally. It is characterized by genetic mutations in hepatocytes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation. Treatment options for HCC include surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. But chemotherapeutics, which focus on single-targeted drug therapy, are still associated with certain limitations and may affect the treatment outcomes. Compared with chemotherapy drugs, natural products also show the anticancer effect of HCC and hypotoxicity, but overall low activity of natural products limits their further application. MiRNAs can modulate post-transcriptional functions of target genes. An increasing body of evidence has demonstrated that miRNAs are the key regulators in HCC by targeting different molecules in different signaling pathways. However, miRNAs are fragile and liable to catabolism by RNases in serum and other body fluids and small molecules separated from natural products may have limited bio-availability. According to this background, a chitosan based, targeted sustained-release nanoparticle delivery miR-128-3p agomir (NA-miR-128-3p) was developed in this work. This nanoparticle was prepared by pentasodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), chitosan hydrochloride, and miR-128-3p agomir with target aptamer which was loaded into the chitosan nanoparticle by self-assembly. It can intervene in HCC progress by affecting AKT1 expression. Based on this, a novel, efficient, long-acting, multi-mechanism, low-dosage combination drug delivery strategy was proposed in this work and showed a prominent anti-tumor effect. NA-miR-128-3p combined with natural product Oroxin B significantly affected HCC progression by the interference with VEGF and PI3K-AKT pathways, better than using NA-miR-128-3p and Oroxin B alone. Taken together, this nanoparticle and combinative administration compensate for the shortcomings of the fragile RNA drugs and the low activity of natural products, with high prospects in HCC treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药学
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分子生物学
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纳米技术
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
·
2016
·Vol. 14
·期 1
·904-910
·
IF 1.559
Liandi Xie,Yang Wu,Zongjing Fan,Yang Liu,Jixiang Zeng
In the present study, the mechanisms associated with the Astragalus polysaccharide (APS)-mediated protection of human cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC) against hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury were investigated. Pretreatment of HCMECs with APS at various concentrations was performed prior to Na2S2O4-induced HR injury. Subsequently, cell viability and apoptosis were measured by MTT and Hoechst assays, respectively. The viability of HCMECs was reduced by Na2S2O4 and apoptosis was enhanced; however, cell viability was observed to be increased by APS via inhibition of apoptosis. Additionally, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), Ca2+, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (AKT), B‑cell lymphoma‑2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2 associated X protein (Bax) and caspase‑3 were measured using detection kits or western blot analysis. In HCMECs with HR injury, the levels of ROS and Ca2+, MDA and Bax expression levels, and the activity of caspase‑3 were elevated. By contrast, the level of NO, the protein expression levels of SOD, Bcl‑2 and PI3K, and the phosphorylation of AKT were decreased. However, compared with the HR group, the effects of HR injury were significantly reduced by APS, with APS providing a protective effect on HCMECs, particularly at higher doses. The current study concluded that APS protects HCMECs from Na2S2O4‑induced HR injury by reducing the levels of ROS, Ca2+, MDA and Bax, inhibiting the activity of caspase‑3, and enhancing the levels of NO, SOD, Bcl‑2, PI3K and phosphorylated AKT. These results may provide an insight into the clinical application of APS and novel therapeutic strategies for HR injury.
研究领域:
心血管研究
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分子生物学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
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2018
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IF 2.297
Yunzhi Yin,Yiyue Wang,Jun Zhang,Jing Li,Jingjing Chen,Qi Shen
Docetaxel (DTX) is one kind of well-known anticancer drugs against tumors. GDC0941 was used to inhibit PI3K/Akt signal pathway and improve anti-tumor activity. PLGA-PEG-R7 (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid polyethylene glycol bending with cell penetrating peptide R7)/poly sulfadimethoxine-Folate nanoparticles (R7/PSD-Fol NPs) were made to load DTX and GDC0941 simultaneously. In vitro, the release capacity of DTX and GDC0941 inside nanoparticles was determined and both drugs could release from nanoparticles to 70% within 48h. The result of flow cytometry showed that GDC0941 had no interference on cell uptake and R7/PSD-Fol NPs could enhance MCF-7 cells uptake the most significantly. In cell colony study, GDC0941 could further improve the anti-tumor effect of DTX and inhibit the formation of cell clones on the basis of enhancing the uptake of R7/PSD-Fol NPs. The capability of cell colony formation was as follows: DTX > DTX + GDC0941 > R7 NPs > R7/PSD-Fol NPs. The expression of cell apoptosis proteins treated with R7/PSD-Fol NPs was the lowest. The addition of GDC0941 could decrease the full-length content of apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and caspase-9. In vivo, pharmacokinetic parameters results showed us that GDC0941 had no interference on pharmacokinetic study. Main pharmacokinetic parameters of DTX suspension and R7/PSD-Folate NPs suspension showed significant differences.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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纳米技术
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
·
2025
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IF 8.2
Shikang Zheng,Xiumei Sun,Kai Chen,Mingjun Zhang,Chentong Zou,Lin Wang,Zhipeng Guo,Zhaoyi Jin,Ziyi Ma,Guanyu Li,Guomin Wu
Critical-sized bone defect regeneration remains a significant clinical challenge due to the complex cascade of biological processes involved. To address this, we developed a sophisticated hierarchical biomembrane (PCS@MPN10) designed to modulate the osteogenic microenvironment. Using coaxial electrospinning, we fabricated a core–shell structure with polylactic acid (PLA) as the membrane base, incorporating simvastatin in the core and chitosan in the shell. The membrane surface was further modified with a tannic acid-iron metal-polyphenol network coating. Our results demonstrated that the biomembrane exhibits excellent biocompatibility, photothermal properties, and significant antibacterial activity. Additionally, the membrane regulates the microenvironment by promoting M1-to-M2 macrophage polarization, showing strong osteogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PCS@MPN10+NIR modulates mitochondrial function through the PI3K-AKT pathway, clears mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), and alleviates cellular oxidative stress, thereby enhancing bone regeneration. Overall, these findings suggest that this biomembrane holds great promise as a strategy for improving bone regeneration in critical-sized defects.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
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材料科学
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再生医学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Advanced Science
·
2024
·
IF 14.3
Qun Cui,Xiaona Zheng,Yunyang Bai,Yaru Guo,Shuo Liu,Yanhui Lu,Lulu Liu,Jia Song,Yang Liu,Boon Chin Heng,Fuping You,Mingming Xu,Xuliang Deng,Xuehui Zhang
Regulation of the immune response is key to promoting bone regeneration by electroactive biomaterials. However, how electrical signals at the micro- and nanoscale regulate the immune response and subsequent angiogenesis during bone regeneration remains to be elucidated. Here, the distinctly different surface potential distributions on charged poly(vinylidene fluoridetrifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) matrix surfaces are established by altering the dimensions of ferroelectric nanofillers from 0D BaTiO 3 nanoparticles (homogeneous surface potential distribution, HOPD) to 1D BaTiO 3 nanofibers (heterogeneous surface potential distribution, HEPD). Compared to HOPD, HEPD is significantly better at inducing the M2 polarization of macrophages and promoting neovascularization, which results in accelerated bone regeneration in vivo. The transcriptomic analysis reveals that macrophages modulated by HEPD display high expression levels of pro-angiogenic genes, which is corroborated by tube-formation assays, RT-qPCR, and western blot analyses in vitro. Mechanistic explorations elucidate activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which in turn induces the polarization of macrophages toward a pro-angiogenic phenotype. This study elucidates the cascade of biological processes by which heterogeneous electrical signals at the micro- and nanoscale modulate macrophage functions to promote vascularization and bone regeneration. Hence, this study provides new insights into how the micro- and nanoscale distribution characteristics of electrical signals facilitate bone regeneration.
研究领域:
生物材料科学
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组织工程
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免疫学
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细胞生物学
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再生医学
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纳米技术
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
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2017
·
IF 3.671
Wenjie Jiang,Yanna Cheng,Na Zhao,Lian Li,Yikang Shi,Aizhen Zong,Fengshan Wang
Previous studies demonstrated that SIP-SII, a sulfated derivative of SIP that is isolated from the ink of Sepiella maindroni , showed significant inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis. In this study, the effects of SIP-SII on the migration, invasion and molecular mechanism in ovarian cancer cell line, SKOV-3 cells, were investigated. The flow cytometry, confocal microscope observation, western blot and RT-PCR results indicated that SIP-SII located on cell membrane and inhibited the expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Moreover, the binding capacity of SIP-SII with EGFR was confirmed by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis and co-localization of EGFR and SIP-SII. Accordingly, SIP-SII was proved to attenuate the EGF-induced EGFR phosphorylation and migration by western blot and wound healing assay, respectively. Additionally, SIP-SII inhibited p38/MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in SKOV-3 cells significantly. What is more, SIP-SII showed amplified inhibitory activity on migration, invasion, and MMP-2 expression in combination with p38-specific inhibitor, PI3K-specific inhibitor or mTOR-specific inhibitor in SKOV-3 cells. Therefore, the mechanism that SIP-SII suppressed EGFR-mediated p38/MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways to inhibit migration and invasion of SKOV-3 cells was demonstrated. These findings suggested that SIP-SII might be used as a potential inhibitor against tumor metastasis.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Acta Biomaterialia
·
2024
·
IF 9.4
Shixin Xu,Miaomiao Zhang,Ruoying Wang,Jinxin Zhang,Chengwei Wang,Li Xie,Wen Zhao
Secretomes from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have significant therapeutic potential and could be the basis for future MSCs treatments. Innovative design of the topology of biomaterials, which mechanically regulate cell behavior and function, can tremendously improve the efficacy of stem cell therapy. However, how spatial dimension cues derived from specific topology command cell mechanotransduction to regulate the paracrine function of MSCs remains unknown. In this study, the three-dimensional (3D) fibrous constructs with box-like pores and precise strand spacing from 150 μm down to only 40 μm were manufactured using melt electrowriting (MEW), which were used to systematically investigate the spatial dimension cues-triggered mechanotransduction of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Ad-MSCs) and their impact on the paracrine and regeneration function of Ad-MSCs. The results demonstrated that spatial instructions from the 3D fibrous constructs could influence the spatial reorganization of the cytoskeleton, resulting in cell elongation and augmented immunomodulatory and angiogenic paracrine effects of Ad-MSCs, which was most pronounced at a minimum strand spacing of 40 μm. Besides, mechanical activation of the FAK-PI3K/AKT axis significantly enhanced the paracrine function of Ad-MSCs. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the Ad-MSCs trained using well-defined 3D fibrous constructs with a strand spacing of 40 μm significantly promoted skin regeneration via paracrine signals. In conclusion, this study provides a new horizon for deciphering space dimension insights into the interactional mechanisms of mechanotransduction in regulating cell function, which has inspired innovations in biomaterials for improving tissue regeneration. Statement of Significance Designing cell-scale spatial dimension cues in engineered constructs potentiates the paracrine and regenerative functions of Ad-MSCs. FAK-PI3K/AKT signaling serves as the key mechanotransduction checkpoints for spatial dimension cues triggering mechanical activation. Paracrine signals of Ad-MSCs triggered by mechanical activation promotes skin repair and regeneration via the immunomodulation and angiogenesis.
研究领域:
组织工程
·
干细胞生物学
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生物材料科学
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力学生物学
·
再生医学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Functional Foods
·
2024
·
IF 3.8
Xiaotian Xu,Xinhui Li,Xingshu Wei,Xiaoqun Duan,Yuhui Wang
Passion fruit peel fermentation extract (PFPFE) increased gastrointestinal transport power and fecal moisture content, protected the structural integrity of colon tissue, and reduced inflammatory infiltration. PFPFE also increased secretion of the ET-1, GAS, MTL, and SP, and decreased secretion of the inhibitory SS and VIP. In addition, PFPFE alleviated perirectal redness and hemorrhage in hemorrhoid mice, and downregulated levels of the serum inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In this study, we also analyzed the main active components and core targets of PFPFE for alleviating constipation and hemorrhoids through network pharmacology, and predicted its mechanism of action. Finally, we carried out Western blot experiments to verify that PFPFE and its active component kae alleviates constipation and hemorrhoids in mice by downregulating ESR1 and PI3K/Akt pathways. These results provide a scientific basis for the development of PFPFE as a functional food for alleviating constipation and hemorrhoids.
研究领域:
药理学
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胃肠病学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE
·
2024
·
IF 1.9
Guo Z,Qin Y,Li Y,Tang P
Objective Given the crucial role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in chondrocyte survival and inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA), this study aimed to investigate the effects of Gu Bi Tang on chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory factor expression in a rat model of OA, with a focus on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Methods Forty-five specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57 mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model group (Group A), the Gu Bi Tang group (Group B), and the Amfenac group (Group C), with 15 rats in each group. All 45 rats underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) surgery to establish an OA model. The ACLT procedure is a well-established method for inducing OA in rodents, as it leads to the destabilization of the knee joint and the development of degenerative changes characteristic of human OA. After 8 weeks of modeling, Group A rats received an equivalent volume of normal saline by gastric lavage, Group B rats were administered 13 mL/kg of Gu Bi Tang, and Group C rats received 19.5 mg/kg of Amfenac solution by gastric lavage. The dosages of Gu Bi Tang and Amfenac were selected based on previous studies examining the therapeutic effects of these interventions in rodent OA models. The gastric lavage frequency for all three groups was maintained at twice daily. The researchers analyzed cartilage morphological changes using toluidine blue staining, chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis using the TUNEL method, and the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR proteins in chondrocytes using Western blotting. Additionally, the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-1β) in serum was measured using ELISA. Results Staining: Compared to the model group (Group A), both the Gu Bi Tang group (Group B) and the Amfenac group (Group C) showed significant improvement in cartilage tissue, with deeper toluidine blue staining. Toluidine blue staining is a marker of cartilage integrity and glycosaminoglycan content, indicating improved cartilage structure and composition in the treatment groups. Chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis: Compared to the model group (Group A), both the Gu Bi Tang group (Group B) and the Amfenac group (Group C) significantly reduced chondrocyte apoptosis (P < .05). This reduction in chondrocyte death contributes to a healthier cartilage environment and helps prevent further cartilage degradation. Protein expression: In comparison to the model group (Group A), the expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR proteins in the joint cartilage of the Gu Bi Tang group (Group B) and the Amfenac group (Group C) significantly decreased, with the Amfenac group showing a greater reduction than the Gu Bi Tang group (P < .05). The inhibition of this detrimental PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway promotes chondrocyte survival and a more favorable cartilage homeostasis. Inflammatory factor expression: Prior to treatment, there was no significant difference in the expression levels of the inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β in serum among the three groups (P > .05). However, after treatment, both the Gu Bi Tang group (Group B) and the Amfenac group (Group C) showed a significant reduction in the serum expression of TNF-α and IL-1β compared to the model group (Group A), with the Amfenac group showing a greater reduction than the Gu Bi Tang group (P < .05). This is important, as TNF-α and IL-1β are key pro-inflammatory cytokines that drive the destructive processes in osteoarthritis. Conclusion In summary, this study demonstrates that Gu Bi Tang exerts protective effects on chondrocytes in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Specifically, Gu Bi Tang was shown to inhibit chondrocyte apoptosis, reduce the expression of key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and decrease the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. These findings suggest that Gu Bi Tang could offer a novel therapeutic approach for osteoarthritis by modulating key signaling pathways and inflammatory responses. The ability of Gu Bi Tang to preserve chondrocyte viability and maintain a more favorable cartilage homeostasis makes it a promising candidate for further investigation as a potential treatment for osteoarthritis. Future studies should explore the precise mechanisms by which Gu Bi Tang exerts its beneficial effects and evaluate its efficacy in additional animal models and clinical settings.
研究领域:
药理学
·
风湿病学
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骨科
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分子生物学
·
炎症
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food & Function
·
2016
·Vol. 7
·期 5
·2398-2408
·
IF 2.686
Xiaofei Li,Jian Li,Zhike Li,Ying Sang,Yunhui Niu,Qianying Zhang,Hong Ding,Shanye Yin
Despite major scientific advances in its prevention, treatment and care, hypertension remains a serious condition that might lead to long-term complications such as heart disease and stroke. The great majority of forms of hypertension eventually result from an increased vasomotor tone activity that is regulated by endothelial NOS (eNOS) in vascular endothelium. Here, we examined the effect of fucoidan on eNOS activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). We also examined the effects of functional components of Undaria pinnatifida fucoidan on blood pressure and vascular function in eNOS inhibition-induced hypertensive rats in vivo. Our results suggest that fucoidan increased nitric oxide production by activating eNOS and Akt phosphorylation, which could be impaired by Akt or eNOS inhibitors. In the hypertensive rat model, treatment of fucoidan resulted in potent and persistent reduction of high blood pressure (BP) even after drug withdrawal. Our results showed that the mechanisms might involve protection against vascular structure damage, enhanced endothelium-independent vascular function and inhibition of abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells, which are mediated by the Akt–eNOS signaling pathway. Moreover, fucoidan treatment reduced the vascular inflammation and oxidative stress control caused by iNOS expression. Together, these results support a putative role of fucoidan in hypertension prevention and treatment.
研究领域:
药理学
·
心血管疾病
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分子生物学
·
营养保健品
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2024
·
IF 4.4
Du Hongxu,Li Zhangxun,Su Lijuan,He Zhengke,Tan Xiaoyan,Hou Fengzhi,He Tanjie,Pan Yu,Xu Shuang,Cao Liting,Dong Shiqi,Ma Yue
Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and mechanism of Baicalin derivative (Baicalin butyl ester, BE).Methods: BE was synthesized and identified using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. Its anti-inflammatory potential was explored by an in vitro inflammation model. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the anti-inflammatory targets of BE, construct protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, and analysis topological features and KEGG pathway enrichment. Additionally, molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the binding affinity between BE and its core targets. qRT-PCR analysis was conducted to validate the network pharmacology results. The organizational efficiency was further evaluated through octanol-water partition coefficient and transmembrane activity analysis.Results: UV-Vis, FT-IR, MS, and HPLC analyses confirmed the successfully synthesis of BE with a high purity of 93.75%. In vitro anti-inflammatory research showed that BE could more effectively suppress the expression of NO, COX-2, IL-6, IL-1β, and iNOS. Network pharmacology and in vitro experiments validated that BE’s anti-inflammatory effects was mediated through the suppression of SRC, HSP90AA1, PIK3CA, JAK2, AKT1, and NF-κB via PI3K-AKT pathway. Molecular docking results revealed that the binding affinities of BA to the core targets were lower than those of BE. The Log p-value of BE (1.7) was markedly higher than that of BA (−0.5). Furthermore, BE accumulated in cells at a level approximately 200 times greater than BA.Conclusion: BE exhibits stronger anti-inflammatory activity relative to BA, possibly attributed to its better lipid solubility and cellular penetration capabilities. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of BE may be mediated through the PI3K-AKT pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
·
化学
·
分子生物学
·
炎症研究
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子