JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
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2025
·Vol. 29
·期 6
·e70372
·
IF 4.2
Wang Huikang,Cao Shiya,Pan Di,Faisal Ayub Kiani,Li Hao,Nan Sha,Lin Xuan,Mahmoud M. Abouelfetouh,Zulfiqar Ahmed,Ding Mingxing,Ding Yi
Neuropathic pain (NP), resulting from nerve damage, is difficult to manage and often requires long-term treatment. However, prolonged use of pain medications can lead to addiction and reduced effectiveness over time. Understanding drug tolerance is essential for developing improved pain management strategies. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is effective in targeting the α2 -adrenergic receptor, providing relief from pain, especially NP. However, its extended use leads to tolerance and hinders its clinical utility. Herein, we investigated tolerance mechanisms and potential applications of this drug in managing NP. Adult C57BL/6 mice (male) were distributed into DEX Dosage Groups ( n = 48), DEX Tolerance Model Groups ( n = 32), SGK1 Inhibitor GSK650394 Groups ( n = 48), and NF - κB Inhibitor PDTC Groups ( n = 32) to explore dexmedetomidine's effects on NP and tolerance mechanisms. NP was established via selective ligation of the sciatic nerve branch (SNI), followed by administration of DEX. The results revealed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of DEX, with significant increases in pain thresholds observed compared to the sham group ( p < 0.05). Optimal efficacy was found at a dose of 30 μg/kg, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for NP ( p < 0.05). However, continuous administration of DEX over 13 days induced analgesic tolerance, evidenced by an initial increase in pain thresholds followed by a gradual decrease ( p < 0.05). Despite an initial efficacy in elevating pain thresholds, the analgesic effect of DEX diminished over time, returning to pre-dose levels after 5 days ( p < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing of spinal cord samples from mice receiving multiple DEX injections revealed differential gene expression patterns, notably upregulation of SGK1 , NR2A , and NR2B subunits ( p < 0.05). Inhibiting SGK1 mitigated DEX-induced tolerance, suggesting its involvement in tolerance development ( p < 0.05). Moreover, NF - κB inhibition reversed DEX-induced tolerance and implicated the SGK1 - NF - κB pathway in the mediation of analgesic tolerance. To sum up, these findings revealed the molecular mechanism underlying DEX-induced analgesic tolerance in the NP model and offer potential avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
研究领域:
药理学
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疼痛管理
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
RSC Medicinal Chemistry
·
2024
·
IF 4.1
Die Zhang,Wenping Wang,Huiping Ou,Jinhua Ning,Yingxun Zhou,Jin Ke,Anguo Hou,Lingyun Chen,Peng Li,Yunshu Ma,Wenbin Jin
To develop new anti-inflammatory agents with improved pharmaceutical profiles, a series of novel chalcone analogues were designed and synthesized. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of these compounds has been evaluated by screening inhibitory effects of the NO production in RAW264.7 cell lines. The most promising compounds 3h and 3l were selected to further investigated by assessment of their dose-dependent inhibitory activity against cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 release. The further study also indicated that 3h and 3l could significantly suppress expressions of iNOS and COX-2 through NF-κB/JNK signaling pathway. Furthermore, compounds 3h and 3l could also remarkably inhibit the mRNAs expressions of inflammation-related genes. Docking simulation was conducted to position compounds 3h and 3l into the iNOS binding site to predict the probable binding mode. In conclusion, a series of chalcone analogues with reasonable drug-likeness obtained by in silico rapid prediction could be used as promising lead candidates.
研究领域:
药理学
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炎症研究
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药物发现
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MEDIATORS OF INFLAMMATION
·
2020
·
IF 3.758
Yushi Ding,Suyun Yu,Zhonghong Wei,Rui Deng,Peng Chen,Yifan Sun,Qi Jia,Xiaoman Li,Yuanyuan Wu,Wenxing Chen,Kurt S. Zanker,Aiyun Wang,Yin Lu
Relieving Sore Throat Formula (RSTF) is a formula approved by the China Food and Drug Administration and has been used for the treatment of pharyngitis in clinic for many years. However, the potential pharmacological mechanism still remains unknown. We combined multiple methods including bioinformatics data digging, network pharmacology analysis, and pathway analysis to predict the potential target of RSTF. We verified our in silico prediction results with an in vivo/vitro antibacterial effect test, mouse phagocytic index test, proliferation, transformation, and migration of mouse spleen lymphocytes. Alteration of NF-κB pathway was determined by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and PCR. The in vivo experiments demonstrated that the RSTF could significantly relieve the symptoms of pharyngitis. A rat saliva secretion test showed that RSTF can effectively relieve the xerostomia symptom. A phenol red excretion test showed that RSTF has an eliminating phlegm effect. A hot plate method and granuloma experiment proved that RSTF also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. In silico prediction demonstrates that 70 active compounds of RSTF were filtered out through ADME screening and 84 putative targets correlated with different diseases. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the candidate targets were mostly related to the response to bacteria and immunity signalling pathways, which are known contributors to pharyngitis. Experimental results confirmed that RSTF exerted therapeutic effects on pharyngitis mainly by antibacterial effect and downregulation of NF-κB activities. It is demonstrated both in silico and in vivo/vitro that RSTF exerted therapeutic effects on pharyngitis mainly through an antibiotic effect and downregulation of NF-κB signalling pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
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生物信息学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH
·
2023
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IF 3.5
Yifan Ma,Yi Qian,Yuteng Chen,Xiaoxu Ruan,Xiaoya Peng,Yi Sun,Jue Zhang,Jingjing Luo,Songlin Zhou,Chao Deng
Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate resveratrol's specific role as an anti-inflammatory and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs in periodontitis and to reveal the mechanisms involved. Background Numerous studies have shown that inhibiting the inflammatory response of periodontal tissues and promoting the regeneration of alveolar bone are crucial treatments for periodontitis. Resveratrol has been found to have certain anti-inflammatory property. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism and osteogenic effect of resveratrol in periodontitis are poorly understood. Materials and Methods We constructed an in vitro periodontitis model by LPS stimulation of hPDLSCs and performed WB, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence to analyze inflammatory factors and related pathways. In addition, we explored the osteogenic ability of resveratrol in in vitro models. Results In vitro, resveratrol ameliorated the inflammatory response associated with activation of the NF-κB pathway through activation of the NRF2/HO-1 pathway, characterized by inhibition of p65/p50 nuclear translocation and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β levels. Resveratrol also has a positive effect on osteogenic differentiation. Conclusions Observations suggest that resveratrol modulates the inflammatory response in hPDLSCs via the NRF2/HO-1 and NF-κB pathways and promotes osteogenic differentiation.
研究领域:
牙科
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药理学
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分子生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
·
2025
·Vol. 29
·期 14
·e70659
·
IF 4.2
Hao Wang,Chi Zhang,Jinyue He,Zhuoen He,Shihua Yan,Yuan Zhang,Shiyin Huang,Yangtian Yan,Yuchi Chen,Zhiqiang Xian,Rong Hu,Yanjing Wang,Wei Xiao,Mingqing Wang
Skeletal muscle atrophy is a prevalent complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and its pathogenesis is closely related to inflammation and oxidative stress. P-Coumaric acid (PCA) is a phenolic acid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological actions. This research aims to investigate the effect of PCA on CKD-induced muscle atrophy and its underlying mechanism. In our study, in vivo and in vitro models were established by using 5/6 nephrectomized rats and LPS-induced C2C12 myoblasts. The experimental results showed that PCA ameliorated kidney injury in CKD rats and increased skeletal muscle weight and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibres. In both CKD rats and LPS-induced C2C12 myoblasts, PCA also exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Network pharmacology studies have identified 165 common targets between PCA and skeletal muscle atrophy. Furthermore, the experimental results also demonstrated that PCA decreased the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, MurF1 and MAFbx at both the protein and mRNA levels. Additionally, in vitro experiments showed that the use of TLR4 agonists could reverse the muscle-protective effect of PCA. In summary, this study illustrated that PCA ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy in CKD rats by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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肾脏病学
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生物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 4.8
Jinsheng Gao,Yousong Li,Jiaohua Chen,Wen Feng,Jianchen Bu,Zixuan Lu,Jiandong Wang
Background Emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative isolated from the roots of Rheum officinale Baill, has many pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-cancer. However, little is known about the effect of emodin on acute radiation proctitis (ARP). The present study was conducted to determine its effects and elucidate its mechanisms involving AKT/MAPK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways in ARP mice. Methods Total 60 C57BL/6 mice were divided randomly into control group, ARP group, AKT inhibitor MK-2206 group, and different doses of emodin groups. ARP mice were induced by 27 Gy of 6 MV X-ray pelvic local irradiation. MK-2206 was given orally for 2 weeks on alternate days. Emodin was administered daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks. Subsequently, all mice were sacrificed on day 15. The rectal tissues were obtained for further tests. The general signs score and the pathological grade were used to evaluate the severity of ARP. The expression of NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and western blot. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, Bcl-2 and Bax were assessed using western blot. Results The worse general signs and damaged tissue structure of ARP mice were profoundly ameliorated by emodin. The expression of p-AKT, p-ERK, NF-κB, VEGF and AQP1 were significantly increased, resulting in the inflammation-induced angiogenesis in ARP mice. However, the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 were decreased, leading to the reduction of apoptosis in ARP mice. Excitedly, emodin reversed these changes, not only inhibited inflammation-induced angiogenesis, but also promoted apoptosis. Notably, the effects of emodin were similar to that of AKT inhibitor MK-2206, suggesting the involvement of AKT signaling in the effect of emodin. Conclusion These results suggest that emodin attenuates ARP in mice, and the underlying mechanism might involve inhibition of the AKT/ERK/NF-κB/VEGF pathways and the induction of apoptosis mediated by JNK and p38.
研究领域:
药理学
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放射生物学
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分子生物学
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炎症研究
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癌症研究
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
·
2017
·Vol. 15
·期 1
·897-903
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IF 1.261
Jing Chen,Chenli Yang,Xiang Xu,Yonglin Yang,Bo Xu
The present study analyzed the change of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) expression in focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model. A sample of 36 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected and divided into sham operation group (group S), control group (group C) and Chrysanthemum ester group (NF-κB inhibitor, group CE), each group consisted of 12 rats. The rat model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was established. The physiological indexes and neurological severity score of rats was recorded by a double-blind method. The cerebral infarction area was evaluated by triphenyltetrazole oxide (TTC) staining on brain slices. Apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining. Semi-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis was used to measure the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. The neurological severity score of rats in group C and CE were found to be significantly lower than group S (P<0.01). The TTC staining results showed that group C and CE had different levels of cerebral infarction but the area of infarction in group CE was significantly lower than group C (P<0.01). In addition, the number of TUNEL positive cells in group CE was significantly lower than group C (P<0.01). Semi-quantitative PCR and westernblot analysis results showed that the expression of NF-κB and TLR4 of group S was significantly lower than that of group C and group CE (P<0.01), the relative expression of NF-κB and TLR4 of group CE was significantly lower than that of group C (P<0.01). Moreover, the expression of NF-κB p65/p50 of group CE and group C was significantly higher than that of group S (P<0.01). This study concludes that the focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats can cause brain damage and cell apoptosis. This effect might be associated to the increased expression of NF-κB and TLR4, and the activation of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR MEDICINE
·
2022
·Vol. 28
·期 1
·1-20
·
IF 6.376
Ming Shaoxiong,Tian Jia,Ma Ke,Pei Chengbin,Li Ling,Wang Zeyu,Fang Ziyu,Liu Min,Dong Hao,Li Weijian,Zeng Jianwen,Peng Yonghan,Gao Xiaofeng
Background Kidney stones are composed of approximately 70–80% calcium oxalate. However, the exact mechanism of formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the NF-κB signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of oxalate-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury and its possible molecular mechanisms. Methods We established a model to evaluate the formation of kidney stones by intraperitoneal injection of glyoxylic acid solution into mice and assessed cell morphology, apoptosis, and the expression levels of ERS, ROS, and NF-κB signalling pathway-related proteins in mouse renal tissues. Next, we treated HK-2 cells with potassium oxalate to construct a renal tubular epithelial cell injury model. We detected the changes in autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential and investigated the ultrastructure of the cells by transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting revealed the expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy proteins; mitochondrial structural and functional proteins; and ERS, ROS, and NF-κB (p65) proteins. Lastly, we studied the downregulation of NF-κB activity in HK-2 cells by lentivirus interference and confirmed the interaction between the NF-κB signalling and ERS/ROS pathways. Results We observed swelling of renal tissues, increased apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, and activation of the ERS, ROS, and NF-κB signalling pathways in the oxalate group. We found that oxalate induced autophagy, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage in HK-2 cells and activated the ERS/ROS/NF-κB pathways. Interestingly, when the NF-κB signalling pathway was inhibited, the ERS/ROS pathway was also inhibited. Conclusion Oxalate induces HK-2 cell injury through the interaction between the NF-κB signalling and ERS/ROS pathways.
研究领域:
肾病学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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病理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Drug Design Development and Therapy
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2022
·
IF 4.319
Lei Lei,Jing Zhao,Xue-Qi Liu,Juan Chen,Xiang-Ming Qi,Ling-Ling Xia,Yong-Gui Wu
Introduction Kidney tubular epithelial injury is one of the key factors in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Wogonin is a kind of flavonoid, which has many pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-fibrosis. However, the effect of wogonin in renal tubular epithelial cells during DN is still unknown.Materials and Methods STZ-induced diabetic mice were given doses of wogonin (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) by intragastric administration for 16 weeks. The metabolic indexes from blood and urine and pathological damage of renal tubules in mice were evaluated. Human tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were cultured in high glucose (HG) condition containing wogonin (2μM, 4μM, 8μM) for 24 h. Tubular epithelial cell inflammation and autophagic dysfunction both in vivo and in vitro were assessed by Western blot, qRT-PCR, IHC, and IF analyses.Results The treatment of wogonin attenuated urinary albumin and histopathological damage in tubulointerstitium of diabetic mice. We also found that wogonin down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and autophagic dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. Molecular docking and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) results revealed that mechanistically phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) was the target of wogonin. We then found that inhibiting PI3K eliminated the protective effect of wogonin. Wogonin regulated autophagy and inflammation via targeting PI3K, the important connection point of PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.Conclusion Our study is the first to demonstrate the novel role of wogonin in mitigating tubulointerstitial fibrosis and renal tubular cell injury via regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway-mediated autophagy and inflammation. Wogonin might be a latent remedial drug against tubular epithelial injury in DN by targeting PI3K.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾病学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Functional Foods
·
2023
·
IF 5.6
Wenjing Xu,Yufeng Chen,Fenfen Li,Xiaoxi Zhang,Cantao Li,Chenxi Wu,Yan Huang,Daozong Xia
Gout is a metabolic disease that seriously affects people's health. Polydatin, a stilbene compound isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum , has attracted much attention because of its rich biological activity and high safety. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of polydatin on hyperuricemia (HUA) combined with gouty arthritis (GA). The results showed that polydatin reduced the levels of uric acid and inflammatory cytokines, indicating that polydatin had the effect of reducing uric acid and anti-GA. Then the inhibitors of ABCG2, NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway (Ko143, MCC950 and QNZ) were used to demonstrate that polydatin played a role in reducing uric acid and anti-GA via regulating urate transporters, NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB pathway. Taken together, these results provided evidence that polydatin might be used as a potential functional ingredient for the synchronous treatment of HUA and GA.
研究领域:
药理学
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代谢性疾病
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炎症
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分子生物学
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DOI
高影响因子
SKIN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 2
Guiyu an Chen,Yingxun Chen,Yan Zhang,Shufeng Zheng,Louying Zhu,Mingxing Ding
Background Incontinence‐associated dermatitis (IAD) is a tough problem in clinical settings, not only increasing the risk of complications like catheter‐related urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers in elderly and critically ill patients, but also prolonging hospital stays, raising hospital costs, and possibly leading to medical disputes. This study is aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy on IAD in a rat model. Methods An IAD rat model induced by synthetic urine with trypsin was established. Hematoxylin & eosin staining was carried out to examine skin histology. Using immunofluorescence, the microvessel density in the affected skin tissues was determined. ELISA was performed to measure the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors in serum. The mRNA expression of EGF, PDGF, and VEGF was detected via qRT‐PCR. Western blotting was employed to determine NF‐κB p65/STAT1 pathway‐related protein levels. Results Compared to single therapy, silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy could significantly reduce the severity of IAD, improve skin histology, inhibit inflammation, and promote angiogenesis in IAD rat models. Additionally, the results showed that relatively speaking, the combined therapy suppressed the NF‐κB p65/STAT1 signaling pathway more effectively. Conclusion These findings indicated that silicone dressing combined with topical oxygen therapy can alleviate IAD through promoting wound healing and inhibiting inflammation via NF‐κB p65/STAT1 signaling pathway in a rat model, which provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IAD in clinic.
研究领域:
皮肤科
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药理学
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分子生物学
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临床研究
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics
·
2023
·Vol. 29
·期 4
·1000-1011
·
IF 5.5
Di Zhang,Bei Jing,Zhen-ni Chen,Xin Li,Hui-mei Shi,Ya-chun Zheng,Shi-quan Chang,Li Gao,Guo-ping Zhao
Introduction Sciatica causes intense pain. No satisfactory therapeutic drugs exist to treat sciatica. This study aimed to probe the potential mechanism of ferulic acid in sciatica treatment. Methods Thirty-two SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham operation, chronic constriction injury (CCI), mecobalamin, and ferulic acid. We conducted RNA sequencing, behavioral tests, ELISA, PCR, western blotting, and immunofluorescence analysis. TAK-242 and JSH23 were administered to RSC96 and GMI-R1 cells to explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit apoptosis and alleviate inflammation. Results RNA sequencing showed that TLR4/NF-κB pathway is involved in the mechanism of sciatica. CCI induced cold and mechanical hyperalgesia; destroyed the sciatic nerve structure; increased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8, and TGF-β protein levels and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-β, TLR4, and IBA-1 mRNA levels; and decreased IL-10 and INF-γ protein levels and IL-4 mRNA levels. Immunohistochemistry showed that IBA-1, CD32, IL-1β, iNOS, nNOS, COX2, and TLR4 expression was increased while S100β and Arg-1 decreased. CCI increased TLR4, IBA-1, IL-1β, iNOS, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels. Treatment with mecobalamin and ferulic acid reversed these trends. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced RSC96 cell apoptosis by reducing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl protein and mRNA levels and increasing Bax and Bad mRNA and IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK protein levels, while ferulic acid inhibited cell apoptosis by decreasing IL-1β, TLR4, Myd88, p-NF-κB, and p-p38MAPK levels and increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl levels. In GMI-R1 cells, Ferulic acid attenuated LPS-induced M1 polarization by decreasing the M1 polarization markers IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, and CD32 and increasing the M2 polarization markers CD206, IL-4, IL-10 and Arg-1. After LPS treatment, IL-1β, iNOS, TLR4, Myd88, p-p38MAPK, and p-NF-κB levels were obviously increased, and Arg-1 expression was reduced, while ferulic acid reversed these changes. Conclusion Ferulic acid can promote injured sciatic nerve repair by reducing neuronal cell apoptosis and inflammatory infiltration though the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
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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炎症研究
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
危险品化学品经营许可证（带存储）