Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity-Targets and Therapy
·
2021
·
IF 3.168
Hongfang Zeng,Xiaoli Li,Duanfang Zhou,Ning Wang,Xiaoping Yu,Liangyuan Long,Hao Cheng,Shuyu Zhou,Zhengze Shen,Weiying Zhou
Purpose To examine the pharmacological effects of Qihu on type 2 diabetes mellitus using db/db mice. Materials and Methods Thirty-seven db/db mice were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: diabetes model control group (DM group; n = 7), administered with the adjuvant 0.3% carboxymethyl cellulose-Na; positive control group (Met group; n = 8), administered with metformin (0.13 g/kg bodyweight); Qihu-L group (n = 7), administered with a low dose of Qihu (0.75 g/kg bodyweight), Qihu-M group (n = 7), administered with a medium dose of Qihu (1.5 g/kg bodyweight); Qihu-H group (n = 8), administered with a high dose of Qihu (3.0 g/kg bodyweight). BKS mice (n = 8) were used as the negative control group. The db/db mice were administered with drugs through oral gavage for 28 days. The random blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance test, bodyweight, food intake, and blood lipid levels of the mice were measured during the experimental period. The liver and pancreas tissues were collected for pathological, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting analyses. Results Compared with the DM group, the Qihu groups exhibited decreased bodyweight gain. The blood glucose levels in the Qihu-L, Qihu-M, and Qihu-H were 31.46%, 43.73%, and 51.83%, respectively, lower than those in the DM group. The triglyceride levels were significantly downregulated and the swelling and steatosis of the hepatocytes were significantly lower in the Qihu-M and Qihu-H groups than in the DM group. Qihu downregulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TXNIP and upregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the pancreas and liver tissues of db/db mice. Conclusion The anti-diabetic effects of Qihu are mediated through the activation of the AMPK/Txnip signaling and the downregulation of the secretion of inflammatory factors in db/db mice.
研究领域:
药理学
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内分泌学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY MECHANISMS AND METHODS
·
2025
·
IF 2.7
Dan Wang,Hui Sun,Kerong Hai,Ningkang Li,Yang Gu,Zengrui Ma
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a prevalent neurological disorder in clinical practice, is primarily induced by external trauma. Propofol has been reported to alleviate the symptoms associated with TBI. In this study, a TBI model was established in mice using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. After treatment with propofol and BML-275, neuronal damage in the TBI model was assessed through the modified Neurological Severity Score (mNSS), Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, and Nissl staining. To investigate the role of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway in propofol-regulated TBI, AMPKα-silenced vectors and overexpressed SIRT1 vectors were transfected. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of proteins involved in the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway and pyroptosis markers. The regulatory impact of Th17/Treg balance was examined by detecting the key transcription factors RORγt and FOXP3 through immunofluorescent staining and RT-qPCR. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure IL-17 and IL-10 concentrations. Results showed that propofol significantly reduced neuronal injury in the TBI model, an effect that was reversed by BML-275. Moreover, propofol mitigated pyroptosis by downregulating Caspase-1 and GSDMD-N expression post-TBI. Propofol inhibited Th17 differentiation while promoting Treg differentiation by modulating RORγt/FOXP3 and IL-17/IL-10 levels. Silencing AMPKα markedly diminished propofol’s effects on Th17 and Treg differentiation, with these effects being reversed upon SIRT1 overexpression. Propofol suppressed neuronal pyroptosis through the regulation of Th17/Treg balance via activation of the AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. These findings suggest propofol exerts a protective effect against neuronal damage following TBI, potentially through the modulation of the Th17/Treg balance and AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
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免疫学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Immunity Inflammation and Disease
·
2023
·Vol. 11
·期 9
·e1025
·
IF 3.2
Lijie Zhang,Dongxue Liang,Linlin Liu,Lihua Liu
Background Obesity-related asthma, a specific type of asthma, tends to have more severe symptoms and more frequent exacerbations, and it is insensitive to standard medications. Plumbagin (PLB) has many positive effects on human health. However, it remains unclear whether PLB protects against obesity-related asthma. The study investigated the effect of PLB on obesity-related asthma. Methods Four-week-old male C57BL6/J mice were fed either standard-chow diet or high-fat diet (HFD). The mice were sensitized to 100 μg ovalbumin (OVA) once a week and intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg PLB once daily from Week 10 to 11 and then challenged with 10 μg OVA twice a day on Week 12. The lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected 48 h after the first OVA challenge. Results HFD enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration within the airways and increased total inflammatory cell and eosinophil counts, levels of eosinophil-related inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and eotaxin in BALF, and oxidative stress in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. PLB reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway walls, levels of eosinophil-related inflammatory cytokines in BALF, and oxidative stress in lung tissues of obese asthmatic mice. In addition, PLB restored HFD-induced decreases in adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Conclusion The study suggested that HFD exacerbated inflammation and oxidative stress, while PLB probably alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress and activated AMPK pathway to attenuate obesity-associated asthma. Thus, PLB likely had the potential to treat obesity-related asthma.
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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呼吸医学
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肥胖研究
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULES
·
2019
·Vol. 24
·期 19
·3624
·
IF 3.06
Guangyun Wang,Tiezheng Wang,Yuanyuan Zhang,Fang Li,Boyang Yu,Junping Kou
The neuroprotective role of schizandrin (SA) in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) was recently highlighted. However, whether SA plays a regulatory role on autophagy in cerebral I/R injury is still unclear. This study aimed to explore whether the neuroprotective mechanisms of SA were linked to its regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/autophagy pathway in vivo and in vitro. The present study confirmed that SA significantly improved oxygen-glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced PC12 cells injury. The results of immunoblotting and confocal microscope showed that SA decreased autophagy in OGD/R-injured PC12 cells, which was reflected by the decreased Beclin-1 and LC3-II expression, autophagy flux level, and LC3 puncta formation. In addition, the autophagy inducer rapamycin partially prevented the effects of SA on cell viability and autophagy after OGD/R, whereas the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) exerted the opposite effect. The results of Western blotting showed that SA markedly decreased the phosphorylation of AMPK (p-AMPK), whereas the phosphor-mTOR (p-mTOR) levels increased in the presence of OGD/R insult. Furthermore, pretreatment with the AMPK inducer AICAR partially reversed the protective effects and autophagy inhibition of SA. However, AMPK inhibitor Compound C pretreatment further promoted the inhibition of SA on autophagy induction and cell damage induced by OGD/R. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that SA protects against OGD/R insult by inhibiting autophagy through the regulation of the AMPK-mTOR pathway and that SA may have therapeutic value for protecting neurons from cerebral ischemia.Keywords:OGD/R;autophagy;AMPK/mTOR;schizandrin;ischemic stroke
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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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2019
·
IF 4.18
Dan Chen,Ya-Xian Wu,Yu-bao Qiu,Bin-bin Wan,Gang Liu,Jun-liang Chen,Mu-dan Lu,Qing-feng Pang
Background Hypoxia is commonly existed in tumors and lead to cancer cell chemo/radio-resistance. It is well-recognized that tumor hypoxia is a major challenge for the treatment of various solid tumors . Hyperoside (quercetin-3-O-galactoside, Hy) possesses antioxidant effects and has been reported to protect against hypoxia/reoxygenation induced injury in cardiomyocytes . Therefore, Hy may be attractive compound applicable to hypoxia-related diseases . Purpose This study was designed to determine the role of Hy in hypoxia-induced proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer cells and the underlying mechanism. Study Design and Methods A549, a human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line, was used in the present study. 1% O 2 was used to mimic the in vivo hypoxic condition of NSCLC. The potential mechanisms of Hy on hypoxia-induced A549 survival and proliferation, as well as the involvement of AMPK/HO-1 pathway were studied via CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and western blot . Results We showed that pretreatment with Hy suppressed hypoxia-induced A549 survival and proliferation in dose-dependent manner. In terms of mechanism, hypoxia-treated A549 showed the lower AMPK phosphorylation and the reduced HO-1 expression, which were reversed by Hy pretreatment. Both AMPK inhibitor (Compound C) and HO-1 activity inhibitor (Zinc protoporphyrin IX) abolished Hy-evoked A549 cell death under hypoxia stimuli. Of note, Ferrous iron contributed to Hy-induced A549 cell death under hypoxia, while Hy had no effect on lipid peroxidation under hypoxia. Conclusion Taken together, our results highlighted the beneficial role of Hy against hypoxia-induced A549 survival and proliferation through ferrous accumulation via AMPK/HO-1 axis.
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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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULES
·
2023
·Vol. 28
·期 8
·3482
·
IF 4.6
Xingru Chen,Xiaolan Zhou,Xiaoqing Cheng,Liting Lin,Qi Wang,Ruoting Zhan,Qingguang Wu,Sijun Liu
In neurodegenerative diseases, microglial activation and neuroinflammation are essential for the control and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Mitigating microglium-induced inflammation is one strategy for hindering the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Ferulic acid (FA) is an effective anti-inflammatory agent, but its potential role and regulation mechanism in neuroinflammatory reactions have not been fully studied. In this study, the neuroinflammation model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the inhibitory effect of FA on neuroinflammation of BV2 microglia was studied. The results showed that FA significantly reduced the production and expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), leukocyte-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). We further studied the mechanism of FA’s regulation of LPS-induced BV2 neuroinflammation and found that FA can significantly reduce the expression of mTOR in BV2 microglia induced by LPS, and significantly increase the expression of AMPK, indicating that FA may have an anti-inflammatory effect by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway to regulate the release of inflammatory mediators (such as NLRP3, caspase-1 p20 and IL-1β). We further added an autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) and an AMPK inhibitor (compound C, CC) for reverse verification. The results showed that FA’s inhibitory effects on TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and its regulatory effect on AMPK/mTOR were destroyed by 3-MA and CC, which further indicated that FA’s inhibitory effect on neuroinflammation is related to its activation of the AMPK/mTOR autophagy signaling pathway. In a word, our experimental results show that FA can inhibit LPS-induced neuroinflammation of BV2 microglia by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway, and FA may be a potential drug for treating neuroinflammatory diseases.Keywords:BV2 microglia;ferulic acid;autophagy;AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway;NLRP3 inflammasome;neuroinflammation
研究领域:
神经科学
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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
Cancer Communications
·
2018
·Vol. 38
·期 1
·1-14
·
IF 0
Huang Yanjun,Zhou Sichun,He Caimei,Deng Jun,Tao Ting,Su Qiongli,Darko Kwame Oteng,Peng Mei,Yang Xiaoping
Background In previous studies, we have shown that the combination of metformin and gefitinib inhibits the growth of bladder cancer cells. Here we examined whether the metformin analogue phenformin, either used alone or in combination with gefitinib, could inhibit growth of bladder cancer cells.Methods The growth-inhibitory effects of phenformin and gefitinib were tested in one murine and two human bladder cancer cell lines using MTT and clonogenic assays. Effects on cell migration were assessed in a wound healing assay. Synergistic action between the two drugs was assessed using CompuSyn software. The potential involvement of AMPK and EGFR pathways in the effects of phenformin and gefitinib was explored using Western blotting.Results In MTT and clonogenic assays, phenformin was > 10-fold more potent than metformin in inhibiting bladder cancer cell growth. Phenformin also potently inhibited cell migration in wound healing assays, and promoted apoptosis. AMPK signaling was activated; EGFR signaling was inhibited. Phenformin was synergistic with gefitinib, with the combination of drugs showing much stronger anticancer activity and apoptotic activation than phenformin alone.Conclusion sPhenformin shows potential as an effective drug against bladder cancer, either alone or in combination with gefitinib.
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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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
IN VIVO
·
2024
·Vol. 38
·期 3
·1133-1142
·
IF 1.8
LONGJIE XU,LILI HOU,CHUN CAO,XIAOHUA LI
Background/Aim: Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is one of the most common symptoms of bone metastasis of tumor cells. The hypothalamus may play a pivotal role in the regulation of CIBP. However, little is known about the exact mechanisms. Materials and Methods: First, we established a CIBP model to explore the relationship among hypothalamic ghrelin, NPY and CIBP. Then, we exogenously administered NPY and NPY receptor antagonists to investigate whether hypothalamic NPY exerted an antinociceptive effect through binding to NPY receptors. Finally, we exogenously administered ghrelin to investigate whether ghrelin alleviated CIBP by inducing the production of hypothalamic NPY through the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Body weight, food intake and behavioral indicators of CIBP were measured every 3 days. Hypothalamic ghrelin, NPY and the AMPK-mTOR pathway were also measured. Results: The expression of hypothalamic ghrelin and NPY was simultaneously decreased in cancer-bearing rats, which was accompanied by CIBP. Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of NPY significantly alleviated CIBP in the short term. The antinociceptive effect of NPY was reversed with the i.c.v. administration of the Y1R and Y2R antagonists. The administration of ghrelin activated the AMPK-mTOR pathway and induced hypothalamic NPY production to alleviate CIBP. This effect of ghrelin on NPY and antinociception was reversed with the administration of a GHS-R1α antagonist. Conclusion: Ghrelin could induce the production of hypothalamic NPY through the AMPK-mTOR pathway to alleviate CIBP, which can provide a novel therapeutic mechanism for CIBP.
研究领域:
神经科学
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疼痛研究
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肿瘤学
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药理学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
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2022
·
IF 5.168
Xueyun Liu,Man Hu,Chen Ye,Lihong Liao,Chang Ding,Lijuan Sun,Jichao Liang,Yong Chen
It is well known that the excessive accumulation of lipid in hepatocytes is one of the important causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of isosilybin on lipid metabolism in free fatty acids (FFAs) or TO901317-induced HepG2 cells. Cells were treated with FFAs (oleic acid: palmitic acid , 2:1) or TO901317 to induce steatosis in vitro. Intracellular triglyceride (TG) content was quantified using commercial assay kits. The mRNA and protein expression of genes involved in fatty acid uptake, synthesis and oxidation were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting . Selected biological pathways regulated by isosilybin treatment were determined by GO and KEGG analysis. The results showed that isosilybin significantly reduced TG levels in FFAs- and TO901317-induced HepG2 cells. Further studies showed that isosilybin treatment decreased the mRNA and protein expression of lipid synthesis genes Srebp-1c, Pnpla3, Acc and Fas , as well as the mRNA expression of fatty acid uptake gene CD36, whereas increased the mRNA levels of lipid oxidation genes Pparα, Acox1 and Cpt1α, as well as the mRNA expression of lipid export gene Mttp, in FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. Moreover, TO901317 was employed to induce endogenous lipid synthesis and steatosis, and the expression of Srebp-1c and its target genes in TO901317-induced hepatocytes was basically similar to that in FFAs-induced hepatocytes following isosilybin treatment. We also observed the increased level of phosphorylated AMP kinase (AMPK) after isosilybin treatment, while this effect was reversed after further treatment with AMPK inhibitor , compound C. The results of GO and KEGG analysis indicated that the pathways of fatty acid and TG metabolism were regulated by isosilybin. Interestingly, we found that treatment with the diastereoisomer A of isosilybin increased TG level, while exposure to the diastereoisomer B of isosilybin decreased TG level in FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. The above results suggest that isosilybin can inhibit lipid synthesis and activate lipid oxidation through AMPK signaling pathway, thereby improving steatosis of hepatocytes, and isosilybin B is the basis of its active substance.
研究领域:
分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
·
代谢紊乱
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
·
2019
·
IF 3.298
Qiaojian Zhang,Shufang Zheng,Shengchen Wang,Wei Wang,Houjuan Xing,Shiwen Xu
Chlorpyrifos (CPF) has become a mainly pollution in water environment. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) play an important part in the development of apoptosis and autophagy. However, the potential mechanism of CPF induced kidney toxicity and the roles of miRNAs are still unclear. To explore the underlying mechanism, the kidney of common carp exposed to different concentrations of CPF for 40 days was used as a research object. We found that CPF could damage the ultrastructure and function of kidney; and also caused antioxidant system disorder. CPF inhibited the mRNA level of miR-19a which improved AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Furthermore, the detection of apoptosis and autophagy relative genes showed that the expressions of TSC complex subunit 2 (TSC2), light chain 3 (LC3), Dynein, tumor protein 53 (p53), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3 and caspase-9 were enhanced and the expressions of nechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ras homolog mTORC1 binding (Rheb) and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) were reduced in dose-dependent way. Taken together, we conclude that CPF causes oxidative stress and miR-19a-AMPK axis disorder, thereby promotes apoptosis and autophagy in common carp kidney. Our study will provide theoretical basis for toxicology research and environmental protection of CPF.
研究领域:
毒理学
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环境科学
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分子生物学
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水生生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Small
·
2025
·
IF 12.1
Qi Han,Jiaqi Li,Hao Deng,Sirong Shi,Mi Zhou,Xiaoxiao Cai,Yu Chen,Yunfeng Lin
Diabetic periodontitis presents a unique therapeutic challenge, primarily due to its chronic inflammatory profile and the associated bone loss driven by immune dysregulation. Metformin (Met) is recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, yet its limited cellular uptake has hindered its clinical effectiveness in diabetic periodontitis. A tetrahedral framework nucleic acid (tFNA)-based delivery system is developed to enhance Met cellular uptake and investigate its effects on diabetic periodontitis in this study. The tFNA-loaded Met complex (TMC) demonstrates efficient Met loading efficiency and rapid cellular internalization. These results show that in vitro, TMC significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinaseat both mRNA and protein levels under high glucose conditions. Mechanistically, TMC suppresses NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis by downregulating NLRP3, Caspase-1, Caspase-11, and GSDMD, ultimately reducing Mature-IL-1β and Mature-IL-18 production. Furthermore, TMC activates AMPK while inhibiting NF-κB signaling, thus mitigating the inflammatory response in diabetic periodontitis. In vivo, intraperitoneal administration of TMC in a diabetic periodontitis mouse model significantly reduces inflammatory cell infiltration, collagen degradation, and osteoclast formation, thus alleviating alveolar bone loss. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of tFNA as an efficient Met delivery vehicle to tackle diabetic periodontitis-associated inflammation and bone resorption, providing a promising strategy for managing diabetic complications.
研究领域:
口腔医学
·
分子生物学
·
药剂学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF DRUG TARGETING
·
2019
·
IF 3.277
Yan Jiang,Hongjiao Du,Xue Liu,Xi Fu,Xiaodong Li,Qian Cao
There is increasing evidence that atherosclerosis is the significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Artemisinin is a natural endoperoxides quiterpene lactone compound in Artemisia annua L with vasculoprotective effects. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether artemisinin could be conferred an anti-atherosclerotic effect in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed ApoE–/– mice and explore the possible mechanism. We found that treatment with artemisinin (50 and 100 mg/kg) effectively ameliorated atherosclerotic lesions, such as foam cell formation, hyperplasia and fibrosis in the aortic intima. Atherosclerotic mice treated with artemisinin showed reduced inflammation by up-regulating adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation and by down-regulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) phosphorylation and nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression in the aortas. In addition, artemisinin was found to promote AMPK activity in macrophages and its anti-inflammatory effect was neutralised by AMPK silence using specific siRNA. In conclusion, we demonstrate that artemisinin may protect the aortas from atherosclerotic lesions by suppression of inflammatory reaction via AMPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasomes signalling in macrophages.
研究领域:
心血管疾病
·
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