MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
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2025
·Vol. 63
·期 1
·39
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IF 4.3
Hu Yingying,Qian Rengcheng,He Yifeng,Gao Qiqi,Wang Xun,Lin Huilin,Lin Wei,Fang Yu,Zhu Jianghu,Wang Xingyun,Nan Yan,Lin Zhenlang
Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a devastating disease for which no treatments that effectively mitigate severe neurological consequences exist. Recent studies have shown that costunolide (COS), a well-known bioactive sesquiterpene lactone, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but its efficacy in the context of HIBD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of COS in both in vivo and in vitro models of hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. In vivo, we found that COS intervention following a HI event dramatically reduced the brain infarction volume, ameliorated the inflammatory response, promoted histological recovery, and improved the prognosis. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, we performed an in vitro study and reported that COS protected PC12 cells from oxygen‒glucose deprivation (OGD) insult by reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, COS activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to suppress NF-κB and inflammation. In contrast, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed these therapeutic benefits. Our findings reveal that COS is a promising neuroprotective agent and could be used to treat HIBD and other related brain injuries.
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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新生儿学
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
·
2025
·Vol. 57
·期 1
·14
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IF 5.8
Shuang Dou,Zhijun Li,Boyao Zheng,Zhenyu Ren,Hai Wang,Qing Zuo,Fang Fang,Yuehong Zhuang
The present study investigates the molecular mechanisms of peripheral nerve regeneration by examining the ROCK/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway's role in promoting morphological and functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury (PNI). Using a mouse sciatic nerve crush (SNC) injury model and a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) explant axotomy model, mice and DRG were divided the experimental (treated with DMSO) group, Y27632 group (treated with ROCK inhibitor Y27632), Y + LY group (treated with Y27632 + PI3K inhibitor LY294002), and Y + LY + SB group (treated with Y27632 + LY294002 + GSK3β inhibitor SB216763). Immunofluorescence was used to assess axon density, diameter, myelin thickness and Schwann cell proliferation, while retrograde tracing with cholera toxin subunit B evaluated peripheral-to-central reconnection. Behavioral tests measured functional recovery, and in DRG explants, axon regeneration length and growth cone size were quantified. Protein expression analysis of RhoA, ROCK, PI3K, Akt, GSK3β, and their phosphorylated forms was conducted on day 3 post-axotomy, both in vivo and in vitro . Additionally, RSC96 Schwann cell migration and proliferation were evaluated using scratch assays and EdU staining. Results showed that ROCK inhibition with Y27632 significantly enhanced axonal regeneration, growth cone expansion, retrograde transport, and reinnervation of acetylcholine receptors and Merkel cells, and promoted Schwann cell proliferation and RSC96 migration, leading to thicker myelin sheaths after SNC. These changes mitigated gastrocnemius muscle atrophy, improved muscle strength, gait, and thermal/tactile sensitivity. Co-treatment with LY294002 blocked these effects, but adding SB216763 restored them. Protein analysis indicated that ROCK inhibition increased phosphorylated PI3K, Akt and GSK3β, whereas PI3K inhibition reduced GSK3β phosphorylation. These findings suggested that ROCK inhibition promotes axon regeneration and remyelination after PNI by enhancing PI3K/Akt phosphorylation and suppressing GSK3β activity, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting the ROCK/PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway for peripheral nerve repair.
研究领域:
神经科学
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分子生物学
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再生医学
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周围神经修复
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细胞信号转导
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EXPERIMENTAL CELL RESEARCH
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2023
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IF 3.7
Hai-Tao Yang,Guan Wang,Peng-Cheng Zhu,Zhao-Yang Xiao
Pulmonary vascular remodeling caused by the excessive proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is the hallmark feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 subunit A (EIF3A) exhibited proliferative activity in multiple cell types. The present study investigated the role of EIF3A in the progression of PAH. A monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PAH rat model was constructed, and adeno-associated virus type 1 (AAV1) carrying EIF3A shRNA was intratracheally delivered to PAH rats to block EIF3A expression. PASMCs were isolated from rats and treated with PDGF-BB to simulate PASMC proliferation , and shRNA for EIF3 was conducted to investigate the mechanism behind the role of EIF3A in PASMC function in vitro . EIF3A expression was upregulated in pulmonary arteries, and EIF3A inhibition effectively improved pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy and suppressed MCT-induced vascular remodeling in vivo . In addition, we found that genetic knockdown of EIF3A reduced PDGF-triggered proliferation and arrested cell cycle, accompanied by downregulated proliferation-related protein expression in PASMCs. Mechanistically, the histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1)-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway was recognized as a primary mechanism in PAH progression. Silencing EIF3A decreased HDAC1 expression, and further inhibited the excessive proliferation of PASMCs by increasing the phosphatase and tension homolog (PTEN) expression and suppressing the AKT phosphorylation. Notably, HDAC1 expression reversed the effect of silencing EIF3A on PAH and PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. Collectively, silencing EIF3A improved PAH by decreasing PASMC proliferation through the HDAC1-mediated PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings suggest that targeting EIF3A may represent a potential approach for the treatment of PAH.
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Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
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2023
·Vol. 25
·期 4
·1-11
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IF 2.7
Chun-Lian Liang,Xiu-Li Li,Xiao-Juan Quan,Lin Zhang
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a heterogeneous lung disease associated with high mortality. Disabled‑2 (DAB2), an adapter protein, regulates cell‑fibrinogen adhesion and fibrinogen uptake. DAB2 is differentially expressed in mouse fibrotic lungs induced by bleomycin according to a genome microarray analysis based on Gene Expression Omnibus database. However, the role of DAB2 in IPF has not been revealed. A bleomycin‑induced mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was constructed in the present study. It found that the expression of DAB2 was upregulated in bleomycin‑induced fibrotic lung tissue with collagen fiber deposition and pulmonary interstitium thickening. Colocalization of DAB2 with α‑smooth muscle actin (SMA) was observed in lung tissue sections. In vitro, human lung fibroblast MRC‑5 cells were treated with TGF‑β1 and the expression of DAB2 was increased. Knockdown of DAB2 suppressed cell proliferation and the expression of α‑SMA, collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin in TGF‑β1‑treated MRC‑5 cells. The phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT were suppressed in DAB2‑knockdown cells. IGF‑1/IGF‑1R has been reported to promote pulmonary fibrosis and activate the PI3K/Akt signaling. In the present study, the activation of IGF‑1/IGF‑1R signaling pathways in bleomycin‑induced fibrotic lung tissues were positively associated with DAB2 expression. The phosphorylation level of IGF‑1R was increased in MRC‑5 cells with TGF‑β1 treatment, and DAB2 expression was decreased by silencing of IGF‑1R. This suggested that DAB2 might be a downstream target of the IGF‑1R pathway and thus induced PI3K/AKT signaling activation and fibrogenesis. The current study demonstrated the importance of DAB2 in pulmonary fibrosis and suggested the potential of IGF‑1R/DAB2/PI3K in the pathogenesis of IPF.
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Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2023
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IF 5.6
Xiu Yanghui,Su Yu,Gao Lihua,Yuan Hui,Xu Sennan,Liu Ying,Qiu Yan,Liu Zhen,Li Yuhang
Introduction: Chronic non-healing wound is a considerable clinical challenge and research into the discovery of novel pro-healing agents is underway as existing therapeutic approaches cannot sufficiently meet current needs.Method: We studied the effects of corylin in cell line fibroblasts and macrophages by Western blots, PCR, Flow cytometry assay, Immunofluorescence.Results: We showed that corylin, a main flavonoid extracted from Psoralea corylifolia L, reduced inflammatory responses, promoted collagen deposition, and accelerated the healing of full-thickness skin wounds in mice. Exploration of the underlying mechanisms showed that corylin activated the PI3K/AKT signaling, leading to fibroblasts’ migration, proliferation, and scratch healing. Corylin also activated sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) signaling, enhanced the deacetylation and cytoplasmic translocation of NF-κB p65, and therefore reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in macrophages. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K/AKT and sirtuin 1 pathway with LY294002 and EX527 prevent the therapeutic potency of corylin against chronic wounds.Conclusion: In summary, our results suggested that corylin may be a candidate for the development of novel pro-healing agents.
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Aging and Disease
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2023
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IF 7.4
Guoxiang Liu,Xiaoxia Li,Fanghao Yang,Jingyu Qi,Lipeng Shang,Huhu Zhang,Shuang Li,Fenghua Xu,Lingne Li,Huaxin Yu,Yang Li,Xiaolei Dong,Qinghang Song,Feng Zhu,Guang Chen,Can Cao,Liangqian Jiang,Junzhe Su,Lina Yang,Xiaohui Xu,Zhe Zhang,Robert Chunhua Zhao,Bing Li
The senescence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) impairs their regenerative capacity to maintain tissue homeostasis. Numerous studies are focusing on the interventions and mechanisms to attenuate the senescence of MSCs. C-phycocyanin (C-PC) is reported to have multiple functions such as antitumor, antioxidation, anti-inflammation and anti-aging roles, but there is little research about the effects of C-PC on the senescence of MSCs. Here we investigated the roles and mechanism of C-PC on MSCs senescence. In vitro results showed that C-PC could reduce senescence, enhance proliferation, promote the adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation in senescent MSCs induced by oxidative stress. In vivo D-Galactose (D-Gal) induced rats aging models showed C-PC also increased the viability and differentiation of intrinsic senescent bone marrow derived MSCs (BMSCs). Furthermore, C-PC also decreased the levels of oxidative stress markers ROS or MDA, elevated the SOD activity, and increased the anti-inflammatory factors. Proteomic chip analysis showed that C-PC interacted with ZDHHC5, and their interaction was verified by pull down assay. Overexpression of ZDHHC5 aggravated the senescence of MSCs and greatly lessened the beneficial effects of C-PC on senescence. In addition, we found ZDHHC5 regulated autophagy by altering LC3, Beclin1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In summary, our data indicated that C-PC ameliorates the senescence of MSCs through zinc finger Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) domain-containing protein 5 (ZDHHC5) mediated autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. The present study uncovered the key role of autophagy in MSCs senescence and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may be a potential target for anti-senescence studies of MSCs.
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Chemical Biology & Drug Design
·
2022
·Vol. 101
·期 1
·24-39
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IF 2.873
Donglin Zhang,Aiqin Pan,Jianke Gu,Renfeng Liao,Xueyu Chen,Zhaozhu Xu
MicroRNAs (miRs) are implicated in heart failure (HF). Thereby, we aim to uncover the role of miR-144-3p in HF. Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced HF model was constructed in rats and cardiomyocytes H9C2, and the cardiac function was determined using ultrasound cardiogram. Morphology of cardiac tissue was observed using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining. The viability and apoptosis of Dox-treated and transfected cardiomyocytes were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry. Relative expressions of the HF-associated miRs (including miR-144-3p), suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), apoptosis- and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway-related factors (B-cell lymphoma 2, Bcl-2; Bcl-2 associated X protein, Bax; cleaved [C] capsase-3; phosphoinositide 3-kinase, PI3K; phosphorylated-PI3K, p-PI3K; p-AKT; AKT) were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. Target gene of miR-144-3p was predicted by Starbase and TargetScan and confirmed with dual-luciferase reporter assay. Dox caused rat cardiac dysfunction, aggravated cardiac injury, decreased cardiomyocytes viability, and the expression of miR-144-3p, Bcl-2, and phosphorylation of both PI3K and AKT yet the upregulated those of Bax and C caspase-3, which was reversed by upregulating miR-144-3p, whereas downregulating miR-144-3p did oppositely. SOCS2 was the target gene of miR-144-3p, Dox promoted SOCS2 expression, which was reversed by upregulating miR-144-3p, while downregulating miR-144-3p did conversely. In addition, silencing SOCS2 reversed the effects of miR-144-3p downregulation in Dox-treated cardiomyocytes. Upregulating miR-144-3p alleviated Dox-induced cardiac dysfunction and cell apoptosis via targeting SOCS2, providing a novel evidence of miR-144-3p in HF.
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MOLECULAR BIOTECHNOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 2.6
Chang Ruijing,Su Yuan,Kong Hongfang,Wang Fang,Xing Ying,Jiang Lei,Xin Hong
Disturbance of extravillous trophoblast infiltration is associated with preeclampsia (PE), a severe condition of pregnancy characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Senescence-associated epithelial membrane protein 1 (SEMP1), an integral membrane protein, is a vital component of tight junction strands in epithelial or endothelial cells, with no clear function reported in PE. Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets showed that SEMP1 expression was downregulated in the placental tissues of PE patients, which was confirmed by assessing SEMP1 levels in placental samples collected in our hospital. Furthermore, less SEMP1 was detected in cytokeratin 7 positive trophoblast cells in the spiral arteries of rat placentas post L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) treatment. Trophoblast cells acquired robust ability of proliferation, migration, and invasion when SEMP1 was overexpressed. Such capability was weakened in SEMP1-silenced cells. Trophoblast cells overexpressing SEMP1 secreted more vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), which facilitated the tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Blockade of PI3K/AKT signaling transduction with LY294002 dampened the effects of SEMP1 on trophoblast cells. Collectively, we firstly indicated that SEMP1 inhibition is a potential driver for PE, which may be associated with the deactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Graphical Abstract SEMP1 was involved in PE progression by regulating cell growth, migration, invasion, and tube formation via PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in trophoblast cells and endothelial cells.
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Advanced Healthcare Materials
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2023
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IF 10
Limin Fan,Xiaoyi Ma,Bingbing Liu,Yushan Yang,Yan Yang,Tianbin Ren,Yongyong Li
Inspired by the experience of relieving inflammation in infants with milk, we have developed antioxidant-engineered milk-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) to evaluate their potential for accelerating wound healing. In this work, we engineered MEVs with polydopamines (PDA) using the co-extrusion method. Subsequently, we incorporated them into a Schiff-based crosslink hydrogel, forming a skin dosage form that could facilitate the wound healing process. The antioxidant properties of PDA assist in the anti-inflammatory function of engineered MEVs, while the gel provides better skin residency. The PDA@MEVs+GEL formulation exhibited excellent biocompatibility, pro-angiogenic capacity, and antioxidant ability in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo, experiments demonstrated its efficacy in wound repair and inflammation inhibition. Mechanistically, PDA@MEVs+GEL simultaneously promoted the growth, migration, and anti-inflammation of 3T3 cells by activating PI3K-AKT pathway. Moreover, PDA@MEVs+GEL exhibited enhanced functionality in promoting wound healing in vivo, attributed to its ability to inhibit inflammation, stimulate angiogenesis, and promote collagen synthesis. In conclusion, this study delves into the mechanism of MEVs and underscores the improved efficacy of engineered extracellular vesicles. Additionally, the feasibility and prospect of engineered MEVs in treating skin wounds were verified, suggesting that antioxidant-engineered MEVs could be a promising therapeutic agent for wound healing applications. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
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Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
·
2021
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IF 6.543
Yanzhuo Zhang,Zhe Lv,Yudong Liu,Huan Cao,Jianwang Yang,Baoshan Wang
A growing amount of evidence has confirmed the crucial role of the prolyl isomerase PIN1 in aging and age-related diseases. However, the mechanism of PIN1 in age-related hearing loss (ARHL) remains unclear. Pathologically, ARHL is primarily due to the loss and dysfunction of hair cells (HCs) and spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) in the cochlea. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the role of PIN1 in protecting hair cells and auditory HEI-OC1 cells from senescence. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the PIN1 protein level in the serum of ARHL patients and C57BL/6 mice in different groups, and in the SGCs and HCs of young and aged C57BL/6 mice. In addition, a model of HEI-OC1 cell senescence induced by H2O2 was used. Adult C57BL/6 mice were treated with juglone, or juglone and NAC, for 4 weeks. Interestingly, we found that the PIN1 protein expression decreased in the serum of patients with ARHL, in senescent HEI-OC1 cells, and in the cochlea of aged mice. Moreover, under H2O2 and juglone treatment, a large amount of ROS was produced, and phosphorylation of p53 was induced. Importantly, PIN1 expression was significantly increased by treatment with the p53 inhibitor pifithrin-α. Overexpression of PIN1 reversed the increased level of p-p53 and rescued HEI-OC1 cells from senescence. Furthermore, PIN1 mediated cellular senescence by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo data from C57BL/6 mice showed that treatment with juglone led to hearing loss. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that PIN1 may act as a vital modulator in hair cell and HEI-OC1 cell senescence.
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Neural Regeneration Research
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2021
·
IF 5.135
Rui Zhao,Xue Wu,Xue-Yuan Bi,Hao Yang,Qian Zhang
Baicalin is a natural active ingredient isolated from Scutellariae Radix that can cross the blood-brain barrier and exhibits neuroprotective effects on multiple central nervous system diseases. However, the mechanism behind the neuroprotective effects remains unclear. In this study, rat models of spinal cord injury were established using a modified Allen's impact method and then treated with intraperitoneal injection of Baicalin. The results revealed that Baicalin greatly increased the Basso, Beattie, Bresnahan Locomotor Rating Scale score, reduced blood-spinal cord barrier permeability, decreased the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and nuclear factor κB, increased the expression of Bcl-2, and reduced neuronal apoptosis and pathological spinal cord injury. SH-SY5Y cell models of excitotoxicity were established by application of 10 mM glutamate for 12 hours and then treated with 40 μM Baicalin for 48 hours to investigate the mechanism of action of Baicalin. The results showed that Baicalin reversed tight junction protein expression tendencies (occludin and ZO-1) and apoptosis-related protein expression (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and nuclear factor-κB), and also led to up-regulation of PI3K and Akt phosphorylation. These effects on Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were blocked by pretreatment with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. These findings suggest that Baicalin can inhibit blood-spinal cord barrier permeability after spinal cord injury and reduce neuronal apoptosis, possibly by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This study was approved by Animal Ethics Committee of Xi’an Jiaotong University on March 6, 2014.
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JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
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2019
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IF 3.571
Feier Cheng,Lin Han,Yao Xiao,Chuanying Pan,Yunlong Li,Xinhui Ge,Yao Zhang,Shaoqing Yan,Min Wang
d-chiro-Inositol (DCI) is a biologically active component found in tartary buckwheat, which can reduce hyperglycemia and ameliorate insulin resistance. However, the mechanism underlying the antidiabetic effects of DCI remains largely unclear. This study investigated the effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DCI on hepatic gluconeogenesis in mice fed a high fat diet and saturated palmitic acid-treated hepatocytes. DCI attenuated free fatty acid uptake by the liver via lipid trafficking inhibition, reduced diacylglycerol deposition, and hepatic PKCε translocation. Thus, DCI could improve insulin sensitivity by suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis. Subsequent analyses revealed that DCI decreased hepatic glucose output and the expression levels of PEPCK and G6 Pase in insulin resistant mice through PKCε-IRS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Likewise, such effects of DCI were confirmed in HepG2 cells with palmitate-induced insulin resistance. These findings indicate a novel pathway by which DCI prevents hepatic gluconeogenesis, reduces lipid deposition, and ameliorates insulin resistance via regulation of PKCε-PI3K/AKT axis.
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