JOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 2.7
Qianqian Wang,Yaqian Yang,Pengfei Li,Ruoyun Dong,Chenhao Sun,Guanling Song,Yan Wang
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) can cause apoptosis in TM4 cells; however, the underlying mechanism has not been entirely elucidated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TiO 2 NPs on ROS, Ca 2+ level, p38/AKT/mTOR pathway, and apoptosis in TM4 cells and to evaluate the role of Ca 2+ in p38/AKT/mTOR pathway and apoptosis. After exposure to different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μg/mL) of TiO 2 NPs for 24 h, cell viability, ROS, Ca 2+ level, Ca 2+ -ATPase activity, p38/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins, apoptosis rate, and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and p53) were detected. The ROS scavenger NAC was used to determine the effect of ROS on Ca 2+ level. The Ca 2+ chelator BAPTA-AM was used to evaluate the role of Ca 2+ in p38/AKT/mTOR pathway and apoptosis. TiO 2 NPs significantly inhibited cell viability, increased ROS level, and elevated Ca 2+ level while suppressing Ca 2+ -ATPase activity. TiO 2 NPs regulated the p38/AKT/mTOR pathway via increasing p-p38 level and decreasing p-AKT and p-mTOR levels. TiO 2 NPs significantly enhanced the apoptosis. NAC attenuated Ca 2+ overload and reduction in Ca 2+ -ATPase activity caused by TiO 2 NPs. BAPTA-AM alleviated TiO 2 NPs-induced abnormal expression of p38/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins. BAPTA-AM assuaged the apoptosis caused by TiO 2 NPs. Altogether, this study revealed that TiO 2 NPs elevated intracellular Ca 2+ level through ROS accumulation. Subsequently, the heightened intracellular Ca 2+ level was observed to exert regulation over the p38/AKT/mTOR pathway, ultimately culminating in apoptosis. These results provides a complementary understanding to the mechanism of TiO 2 NPs-induced apoptosis in TM4 cells.
研究领域:
纳米技术
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细胞生物学
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毒理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Food Bioscience
·
2021
·
IF 4.24
Yonglu Li,Yiru Zhang,Yaxuan Wang,Xin Yu,Ting Yu,Xiaodong Zheng,Qiang Chu
With high morbidity and mortality, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become a challenge for humans, because its clinic chemotherapies still remain unsatisfactory. In this study, the leaf part of a traditional Chinese plant, Tetrastigma hemsleyanum (TL), was studied, and its main flavones compounds were extracted and purified (TLF), which were composed of 5-caffeoylquinic acid, 3-caffeoylquinic acid, 4-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin-3-O-rutinoside and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. To study the anti-NSCLC ability of TLF, in vitro and in vivo studies were done. TLF inhibited the proliferation and migration of A549 cells and caused mitochondrial dysfunction. TLF significantly suppressed the tumor weight and volume, and down-regulated Ki67, proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) productions. To determine the intrinsic mechanism, proteins alternations were measured in solid tumors, and results showed that TLF blocked the Akt/mTOR pathway, and thereby induced autophagy, triggering Bcl and Caspase-dependent pathways, resulting in A549 cells’ apoptosis. This study indicated that TLF is a potential candidate to be an anti-NSCLC drug, or a supplementary resource for chemotherapy.
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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中医药学
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产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
PeerJ
·
2025
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IF 2.4
Jia Song,Jinyu Qiao,Mingxue Chen,Jiahui Li,Jixia Wang,Dayong Yu,Huachuan Zheng,Liying Shi
Chaetoglobosin A (ChA) is an antitumor compound produced by Chaetomium globosum . However, the mechanism of its antitumor effect has been rarely reported. In this study, we evaluated the anti-proliferative effect of ChA on T-24 human bladder cancer cells and explored its mechanism of action. ChA was found to have a good inhibitory effect on T-24 cells by MTT assay with an IC50 value of 48.14 ± 10.25 μΜ. Moreover, it was found to have a migration inhibitory ability and a sustained proliferation inhibitory effect on tumor cells by cell aggregation assay and cell migration assay. The cells morphological changes were determined by Hoechst33342 assay. While Annexin V-FITC/PI double-staining assay also demonstrated that the number of apoptotic cells increased with the increase of drug concentration. Flow cytometry results showed that ChA treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in T-24 cells and inhibited cell mitosis, resulting in an increase in the number of sub-G1 phase cells. Further western blot experiments demonstrated that MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways were activated after drug treatment in addition to endogenous and exogenous apoptotic pathways. The addition of the ROS inhibitor N-acetylcysteine (NAC) upregulated the expression level of Bcl-2 protein, decreased p38 phosphorylation, increased ERK phosphorylation and restored the levels of PI3K and p-mTOR after ChA treatment. These suggest that ChA induces apoptosis by regulating oxidative stress, MAPK, and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathways in T-24 cells.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Theranostics
·
2025
·Vol. 15
·期 10
·4734
·
IF 13.3
Zi-Yue Xi,Chuan-Yong Fan,Ying-Ying Jiang,Xin-Ran Xi,Gan-Yu Nie,Shuang Zhu,Jun-Jie Zhang,Lu Xu
Background: Traditional programmed cell death, including ferroptosis, cuproptosis, and apoptosis, has demonstrated excellent anti-tumor effects and declared their complete mechanisms, however, the zinc ion-mediated tumor inhibiting mechanisms remain insufficiently explored. In this study, a self-generated oxygen nanocatalytic system (ZnO@COF@EM, ZCE) was developed to stimulate cascade amplified effect (CAE) of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leading to Znproptosis. The underlying Znproptosis mechanism to disrupt mitochondrial (Mito) metabolism was also investigated. Methods: Specifically, the principle of Znproptosis caused by accumulated zinc and ROS, which served as key factors, was declared through western blot analysis and genetic testing. The mechanism of generated ROS (·OH and 1 O 2 ) under NIR irradiation by ZCE was detected by UV scanning curves, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images, and density functional analysis. The injury condition of Fe-S protein of mitochondria metabolism, which triggered Znproptosis with FDX2/LIAS pathway by zinc and ROS, was examined by PCR test and MTT assay. Notably, a Mito-targeting strategy for ZCE was proposed by using molecular docking technology, wherein Zn 2+ was recognized by zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) with the Mito. Results: ZCE, along with CAE, produced abundant ROS (2.42-time more than control group). At the quantum chemical level, the CAE mechanism was associated with a narrower highest occupied molecular orbital-lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO) gap and increased electronic energy motion within ZCE, which prolonged the excited triplet state (ETS). At the gene level, Znproptosis was achieved by regulating FDX2 and ZIP7 proteins to damage Fe-S protein. The cell cycle was interrupted by Chk2/Cdc25C/Cdc2 and Chk2/p21/Cyclin B1 pathways, leading to the arrest of G1/S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle and inhibition of the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, Znproptosis induced by overloading zinc ions and ROS resulted in a significant antitumor effect (up to 83.81%). Conclusion: Hence, the research reveals a detailed Znproptosis mechanism in nanocatalytic system. Through regulating FDX2/LIAS pathway, Znproptosis could improve the death rate of mitochondria by decreasing the production of Fe-S protein, contributing to advancements in the field of antitumor therapy.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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生物化学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
·
2021
·
IF 5.858
Qingming Meng,Junbo Zhou,Fangting You,Yue Wu,Liquan Yang,Yan Wang,Xu Zhang,Shangfeng Gao,Rutong Yu,Xiaoxing Yin
AB38b is a novel biphenyl diester derivative synthesized in our laboratory, and it has been shown to improve the pathology of nephropathy and encephalopathy in diabetic mice. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal brain tumor, without effective drugs to date. The present study aims at investigating the role of AB38b in GBM growth and revealing the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that AB38b administration showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition on cell proliferation in multiple immortalized and primary GBM cell lines, but it had no significant effects on human astrocyte cell line. More importantly, AB38b blocked cell cycle progression, induced early apoptosis , decreased the activity of AKT/mTOR pathway, and increased the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in GBM cells. Interestingly, antioxidant treatments could reverse the AB38b-mediated abovementioned effects; overexpression of constitutively active AKT could partially rescue the suppressive effects of Ab38b on GBM cell proliferation. In addition, AB38b administration inhibited the tumor growth, decreased the activity of AKT/mTOR pathway, and prolonged the survival time in GBM animal models, without any adverse influences on the important organs. These findings suggest that AB38b exerts anti-glioma activity via elevating the ROS generation followed by inhibiting the activity of AKT/mTOR pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Orthopaedic Surgery
·
2022
·Vol. 14
·期 10
·2669-2681
·
IF 2.279
Bo-yong Jang,Shi-bing Guo,Rui Bai,Wan-lin Liu,Yu-lin Gong,Zhen-qun Zhao
Objective To study the relationship between vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and autophagy, and its regulatory mechanism in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). Methods In cell experiment, VEC were isolated and cultured from the femoral head of Sprague–Dawley rats and divided into three groups: blank control group (Ctrl), methylprednisolone group (MP), and methylprednisolone+mTOR-shRNA group (MP + shmTOR). The autophagy formation was observed by transmission electron microscope. The mRNA expression of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 was detected by RT-PCR and the protein expression was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Expression of the damage marker 6-keto-PGF1α was detected by the ELISA method. In vivo experiment, after establishing the model, the grouping method was the same as cell experiment. Autophagosomes were observed by same method, and the expression of related factors was detected by the same method in cell experiment. Results In the cell experiment, autophagosomes in the MP group were significantly lower than in the Ctrl group, and the autophagosomes in the MP + shmTOR group were intermediate between two groups ( P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt and mTOR in the MP group were significantly higher than in the Ctrl group, while the MP+ shmTOR group presented intermediate levels between these groups (average gray value were 3837.90, 2996.30, 3005.60, F = 428.64, P < 0.05). MRNA expression levels of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the MP group were significantly lower than that in Ctrl group ( P < 0.05). The content of 6-keto-PGF1α in the MP + shmTOR group was higher than in the Ctrl group and lower than in the MP group at the evaluated time intervals (average absorbance value were 104.98, 206.83, 145.91, F = 352.83, P < 0.01). In vivo experiment, the content of 6-Keto-PGF1α in the hormone group increased as time went on; the mTOR-si group was higher than that in control group, but lower than that in the hormone group ( P < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the control group were higher than those in the hormone group, while the mRNA expressions of PI3K, Akt and mTOR were lower than those in the mTOR-si group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The steroid inhibited the physiological protective effect of autophagy on SANFH by increasing the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway related factors and decreasing the expression of Beclin1 and MAP1LC3 in the femoral head VEC.
研究领域:
药理学
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细胞生物学
·
骨科
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2024
·
IF 5.7
Lu Li,Kunlu Zhao,Jian Luo,Jinhong Tian,Fengxin Zheng,Xueman Lin,Zijun Xie,Heyang Jiang,Yongmei Li,Zean Zhao,Ting Wu,Jianxin Pang
Uncontrolled hyperuricemia often leads to the development of hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN), characterized by excessive inflammation and oxidative stress. Piperine, a cinnamic acid alkaloid, possesses various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we intended to investigate the protective effects of piperine on adenine and potassium oxonate-induced HN mice and a uric-acid-induced injury model in renal tubular epithelial cells (mRTECs). We observed that treatment with piperine for 3 weeks significantly reduced serum uric acid levels and reversed kidney function impairment in mice with HN. Piperine (5 μM) alleviated uric acid-induced damage in mRTECs. Moreover, piperine inhibited transporter expression and dose-dependently inhibited the activity of both transporters. The results revealed that piperine regulated the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Overall, piperine inhibits URAT1/GLUT9 and ameliorates HN by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR pathway, making it a promising candidate for patients with HN.
研究领域:
药理学
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肾病学
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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 BIOCHEMICAL AND MOLECULAR TOXICOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 39
·期 9
·e70455
·
IF 2.8
Lihan Xie,Weinan Li,Shiqi Fan,Jinsong Jin
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes, often characterized by podocyte injury, proteinuria, and eventual renal failure. Sinomenine hydrochloride (SH), an active component derived from traditional Chinese medicine, is clinically effective in treating kidney diseases. This study investigates the protective effects of SH on podocytes under high-glucose conditions and its mechanism of action. Mouse podocytes (MPC-5) were treated with SH at concentrations of 50, 200, and 600 μg/mL under high-glucose conditions (30 mmol/L) for 24 h to establish a DKD model. Cell viability was assessed using CCK-8 assays, and apoptosis rates were measured using flow cytometry. Autophagy levels were evaluated by detecting LC3-II, Beclin-1, and P62 proteins via Western blot analysis, while the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was analyzed by examining phosphorylated AKT and mTOR. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to observe autophagosomes. SH improved podocyte viability, reduced apoptosis, and enhanced autophagic activity by increasing LC3-II and Beclin-1 expression while decreasing P62 levels. SH also downregulated p-AKT and p-mTOR, indicating inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Electron microscopy confirmed increased autophagosomes in SH-treated groups. SH protects podocytes in a high-glucose environment by enhancing autophagy through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings provide insights into SH as a potential therapeutic agent for DKD management.
研究领域:
药理学
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细胞生物学
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肾病学
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分子生物学
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中医学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TISSUE & CELL
·
2023
·
IF 2.6
Ying Wang,Yongjun Li,Dongxia Liu
Background This study aimed to investigate role of erythropoietin in atherosclerosis and explore whether underlying mechanism is associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Methods High-fat-diet-induced atherosclerosis model was established in apolipoprotein E knockout mice (C57BL/6 genetic background). Mice were randomly divided into the control group and the EPO group. Hematoxylin-eosin was performed for the determination of atherosclerotic lesions. The expression levels of related proteins were detected by western blot analysis . Results Erythropoietin significantly enhanced the incidence of hemorrhage in atherosclerotic plaques compared with the control group. The proteins’ expression signaling pathways (including PI3K , AKT, and mTOR) and angiogenesis-related proteins (VEGF, COX-2, and HIF-1α) were proved to be up-regulated by erythropoietin. Additionally, erythropoietin significantly enhanced the incidence of hemorrhage in the atherosclerotic plaques compared with the control group. The vitro experiments were conducted in macrophages at 21% O 2 or 1% O 2 . The data showed that expression of p -PI3K, p -AKT, p -mTOR, VEGF, COX-2, and HIF-1α related proteins increased in 1% O 2 group than 21% O 2 group. Moreover, compared with control group, protein expression including p -PI3K, p -AKT, p -mTOR, VEGF, COX-2, and HIF-1α was markedly increased in EPO group, decreased in inhibitors group, and similar results were observed in EPO+ inhibitors group. Conclusion The present study demonstrated that erythropoietin might promote angiogenesis in atherosclerotic vulnerable by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in atherosclerotic, providing a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic targeted therapy.
研究领域:
心血管疾病
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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
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 4.3
Eun-Ji Han,Eun-Young Choi,Su-Ji Jeon,Sang-Woo Lee,Jun-Mo Moon,Soo-Hyun Jung,Bumseok Kim,Sung-Dae Cho,Jeong-Seok Nam,Changsun Choi,Jeong-Hwan Che,Ji-Youn Jung
Natural products are continuously being researched to develop safe and effective treatment options for cervical cancer , the fourth most common cancer in women. Piperlongumine (PL), an amide alkaloid mainly present in long pepper , exhibits neuroprotective and anti-cancer properties. However, the specific effect of PL in cervical cancer and the relationship between the anti-cancer pathway and autophagy remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate PL-induced apoptosis in KB human cervical cancer cells and the relationship between apoptosis and autophagy therein. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and wound-healing assays showed that PL treatment suppressed KB cell viability and proliferation. Apoptosis was identified through 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole and annexin V-propidium iodide staining, increased cleaved-poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase and Bcl-2 associated X levels, and decreased B cell lymphoma 2 levels. Acridine orange staining and increased microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-II and Beclin-1 levels confirmed autophagy. We determined that KB cell-related autophagy exerted cytoprotective effects using the autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine and hydroxychloroquine . PL treatment promoted apoptosis by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in KB cells; inhibiting the pathway using PI3K inhibitors increased autophagy. We suggest that PL is a potential natural anticancer agent for cervical cancer treatment.
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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天然产物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Biomed Research International
·
2021
·
IF 3.411
Fengqin Wang,Hanzhong Zhang,Zhigang Cheng
EPHA2 is a member of the ephrin receptor tyrosine kinase family and is closely related to the malignant tumor progression. The effect of EPHA2 on OSCC is not clear. This study explored the role of EPHA2 and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways in Cal-27 cell invasion and migration. The expression of EPHA2 and EPHA4 in human OSCC and normal oral tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. EPHA2-overexpressing and EPHA2-knockdown Cal-27 cells were established, and the cells were treated with an AKT inhibitor (MK2206) and mTOR inhibitor (RAD001). The expression of EPHA2 was detected by qRT-PCR, cell proliferation was evaluated by MTT assay, cell migration and invasion were examined by scratch and Transwell assay, and cell morphology and apoptosis were assessed by Hoechst 33258 staining. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of proteins related to AKT/mTOR signaling, cell cycle, and pseudopod invasion. EPHA2 and EPHA4 were highly expressed in clinical human OSCC. Overexpression of EPHA2 promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of Cal-27 cells, inhibited cell cycle blockage and apoptosis, and enhanced the activity of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. MK2206 (AKT inhibitor) and RAD001 (mTOR inhibitor) reversed the effect of EPHA2 overexpression on the biological behavior of Cal-27 cells. EPHA2 promotes the invasion and migration of Cal-27 human OSCC cells by enhancing the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
·
2025
·
IF 6.2
Xinyuan Wu,Dan Su,Jiaxin Xu,Ge Ge,Yongzhen Zhang,Bingjian Wu,Kun Hu,Jie Ren,Hao Yang
Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder among older adults, significantly impairs behavioral and cognitive functions, posing a severe threat to patients’ health and quality of life. The Tricetin (TRN), a natural flavonoid found in wheat, pomegranate, and eucalyptus honey, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and neuroprotective properties. However, its role in the context of AD has not been previously explored. This study investigated the antineuroinflammatory and autophagic protective effects of TRN in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells and D-galactose/sodium nitrite/aluminum chloride (D-gal/NaNO2/AlCl3)-induced AD mice. The RNA sequencing examined the underlying mechanisms by which TRN ameliorates AD-related pathologies. Our research findings revealed that TRN significantly improved memory and mobility in AD mice, reduced Aβ deposition, and inhibited Tau protein phosphorylation. Furthermore, TRN regulated enzyme activities and reduced pathological markers associated with AD. Moreover, it modulated inflammatory mediators, inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB in LPS-induced BV2 cells, and exerted anti-inflammatory and autophagic protective effects via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, TRN demonstrated robust neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo AD models by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings highlight its potential as a promising therapeutic agent for treating AD.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
药理学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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