Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2025
·
IF 4.8
Zibo Li,Ziyang Huang,Zhiyi Wang,Zhenzhen Guo,Baoying Wang,Yucheng Li,Erping Xu
Background: Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction (CLM) is a classical herbal formula originally documented in Shang Han Lun. With an 1800-year clinical history, CLM remains widely prescribed for depression (“Yu Zheng” in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory). Emerging evidence suggests that chronic stress-induced depression is closely linked to lung cancer progression and metastasis. However, the therapeutic potential of CLM in this context remains unexplored.Methods: A lung cancer cell xenograft model combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) was used to evaluate the effect of CLM on lung cancer growth. Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanisms by which CLM alleviates CUMS-induced lung cancer progression. Western blot and qPCR were conducted to detect changes in Rap1/ERK-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. Finally, Rap1 agonists were utilized to determine the therapeutic mechanism of CLM on cortisol or corticosterone (Cort)-induced EMT progression in lung cancer cells and a mouse lung cancer model.Results: In our study, CUMS promoted lung cancer xenograft growth, increased the expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, and elevated serum Cort levels. CLM treatment not only alleviated CUMS-induced depression-like behaviors, but also suppressed stress-driven tumor growth. These effects were replicated in a urethane-induced lung cancer model combined with CUMS. Proteomic analysis revealed that CLM’s anti-tumor effects were associated with modulation of the Rap1 pathway. Mechanistically, CUMS downregulated Rap1GAP, activating Rap1 and subsequent ERK1/2 phosphorylation, thereby promoting EMT in lung cancer tissues. CLM effectively reversed these effects by inhibiting Rap1/ERK-mediated EMT. In vitro, CLM suppressed cortisol-induced migration, invasion, and EMT in lung cancer cells, and these effects were attenuated by Rap1 agonists. Furthermore, CLM inhibited Cort-induced EMT and depression-like behaviors in vivo, while Rap1 activation diminished CLM’s efficacy against Cort-driven tumor growth.Conclusion: These findings suggest that Rap1/ERK-mediated EMT is a hallmark of chronic stress-associated lung cancer progression. CLM exerts its therapeutic effects by targeting this pathway, offering a novel strategy to mitigate stress-aggravated oncogenesis.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
药理学
·
应激与疾病
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转化医学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
NEUROSCIENCE
·
2019
·
IF 3.244
Lanqiu Zhang,Jinlu Zhang,Xiaolin Jiang,Lei Yang,Qi Zhang,Botao Wang,Lihua Cui,Ximo Wang
Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the mechanism underlying the progression of neurodegeneration and infectious neuropathology. Growing evidence suggest that hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenil-ethanol, HT), one of the main polyphenols presented in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has shown potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. However, the potential anti-neuroinflammation activity and underlying mechanism of HT remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of HT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in both in vitro and in vivo models and the associated molecular mechanism. Our results revealed that HT significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory mediators in BV2 microglia and primary microglia cells. Phenotypic analysis showed that HT significantly reduced M1 marker CD86 expression and increased M2 marker CD206 expression. In addition, HT significantly decreased the levels of phospho-NF-κB p65 and phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, HT suppressed the LPS-induced Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) in BV2 microglia. In vivo administration of HT following LPS injection significantly reduced some proinflammatory mediator levels and microglia/astrocyte activation in the brain. Together, these results suggest that HT suppressed the LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses via modulation of microglia M1/M2 polarization and downregulation of TLR-4 mediated NF-κB activation and ERK signaling pathway.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
药理学
·
免疫学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION
·
2023
·
IF 3.6
Jing Luo,Yijue Deng,Yi Ding,Chenguang Tang,Mengqing Wang
This study aimed to determine the effects of Xiebai Zengye decoction (XBZY) on airway inflammation and respiratory function in rats with postinfectious cough (PIC), and its regulatory effects on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group, the rats from the PIC group had significantly shortened expiratory time (TE) and enhanced pause (EEP), increased resistance (RT), and enhanced pause (Penh), along with increased levels of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6, and decreased levels of IL-10. The lung and colon tissues of rats from the PIC group showed histopathological changes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, damaged mucosal epithelium, and crypt structure, with significantly increased ERK mRNA and protein expression levels. Treatment with XBZY and montelukast sodium (MAS) improved the respiratory function and serum cytokine levels, reduced tissue inflammation, and decreased ERK mRNA and protein expression levels in the lung and colon tissues. In the lung tissues, XBZY treatment significantly decreased the expression of phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) protein, as well as p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-c-Fos proteins, while in the colon tissues, XBZY significantly decreased the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-c-Fos proteins. However, MAS treatment only showed significant improvement in the lung tissue inflammation score, and the expression level of p-ERK protein in the lung tissue was decreased. In conclusion, the present study suggests that XBZY has a potential therapeutic effect on PIC by improving respiratory function and attenuating inflammation, and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway. These findings could provide a new direction for the development of treatments for PIC. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of XBZY and to confirm its safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Significance statement Postinfectious cough (PIC) accounts for 21.73% of the causes of chronic cough in Chinese children and has a higher incidence rate in preschool children. This study aims to observe the effects of Xiebai Zengye decoction (XBZY) on airway inflammation and reactivity in young rat model of PIC cough, and to explore its regulatory effects on the ERK signaling pathway, to preliminarily elucidate the mechanism of XBZY in treating PIC.
研究领域:
药理学
·
呼吸病学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Biomaterials Advances
·
2025
·
IF 6
Ying Sun,Yining Cai,Shanshan Xu,Ningning Zhai,Zirui Wang,Zongpu Qiu,Shuying Han,Yuanqing Wei,Rui Liu,Hao Wu
While the regulatory roles of biomaterial topology in bone regeneration are recognized, the specific osteogenic mechanisms driven by distinct morphological features, particularly without biochemical cues, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to independently elucidate the osteogenic potential and underlying mechanisms solely attributable to the distinctive “S”-grooved topology derived from cuttlebone. Inspired by cuttlebone, we successfully fabricated a biomimetic polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes sheet with “S”-grooved topology using liquid silicone mold replication combined with PCL recasting techniques. Comprehensive characterization (SEM, CLSM) confirmed precise replication of the native “S”-grooved morphology (width: 100 ± 30 μm, depth: 20 ± 6 μm). In vitro studies revealed that these grooves promoted directional adhesion and proliferation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) via contact guidance, as evidenced by cytoskeleton alignment. Furthermore, the “S”-grooved topology significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation of mouse pre-osteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), demonstrated by increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation. Mechanistic investigations using RT-qPCR, Western blot, and dimethyl labeling-based quantitative proteomics on rBMSCs identified key involvement of the Rap1-ERK signaling pathway. Specifically, the “S”-grooved topology upregulated Rap1 expression and enhanced ERK phosphorylation, leading to increased expression of osteogenic markers (e.g., Runx2, OPN). These findings demonstrate that the biomimetic “S”-grooved topology alone, through contact guidance and activation of the Rap1-ERK mechanotransduction pathway, significantly enhances osteogenic differentiation, providing a foundation for designing topologically optimized biomaterials for bone regeneration biomimetic PCL membranes sheet with the “S”-grooved topology.
研究领域:
生物材料
·
组织工程
·
细胞生物学
·
生物医学工程
·
材料科学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine
·
2024
·
IF 2.2
Liu Xiao-rong,Li Shuo-fu,Mei Wen-ya,Liu Xiang-dan,Zhou Ri-bao
Objective To investigate the effect of isorhamnetin on the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α -induced fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) was exposed to additional isorhamnetin (10, 20 and 40 µ mol/L). Overexpression vectors for matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) or MMP9 or SRC were transfected to explore their roles in isorhamnetin-mediated RA-FLS function. RA-FLS viability, migration, and invasion were evaluated. Moreover, a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established. Rats were randomly divided to sham, CIA, low-, medium-, and high-dosage groups using a random number table ( n =5 in each group) and administed with normal saline or additional isorhamnetin [2, 10, and 20 mg/(kg·day)] for 4 weeks, respectively. Arthritis index was calculated and synovial tissue inflammation was determined in CIA rats. The levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1 β, as well as the phosphorylation levels of SRC, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding (CREB), were detected in RA-FLS and synovial tissue. Molecular docking was also used to analyze the binding of isorhamnetin to SRC. Results In in vitro studies, isorhamnetin inhibited RA-FLS viability, migration and invasion ( P <0.05). Isorhamnetin downregulated the levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β in RA-FLS ( P <0.05). The overexpression of either MMP2 or MMP9 reversed isorhamnetin-inhibited RA-FLS migration and invasion, as well as the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β ( P <0.05). Furthermore, isorhamnetin bound to SRC and reduced the phosphorylation of SRC, ERK, and CREB ( P <0.05). SRC overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin on RA-FLS viability, migration and invasion, as well as the negative regulation of MMP2 and MMP9 ( P <0.05). In in vivo studies, isorhamnetin decreased arthritis index scores ( P <0.05) and alleviated synovial inflammation. Isorhamnetin reduced the levels of MMP2, MMP9, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 β, as well as the phosphorylation of SRC, ERK, and CREB in synovial tissue ( P <0.05). Notably, the inhibitory effect of isorhamnetin was more pronounced at higher concentrations ( P <0.05). Conclusion Isorhamnetin exhibited anti-RA effects through modulating SRC/ERK/CREB and MMP2/MMP9 signaling pathways, suggesting that isorhamnetin may be a potential therapeutic agent for RA.
研究领域:
药理学
·
免疫学
·
风湿病学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Oncology
·
2024
·
IF 3.5
Xincheng Huang,Jun Zeng,Siyuan Ruan,Zhuolin Lei,Jingyuan Zhang,Hong Cao
Background Matrine is an alkaloid extracted from Sophorus beans of the legume family, and it has significant effects and a variety of pharmacological activities. Osteosarcoma(OS) is a common malignant bone tumor that is characterized by high incidence and rapid progression. There have been some preliminary studies on the therapeutic effect of matrine on OS, but the specific mechanism remains unclear. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effect of matrine on HOS cells and the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods The effects of matrine on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle progression of HOS cells were determined by CCK-8 assay, TUNEL assay and flow cytometry in vitro . Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were used to observe the effect of matrine on the migration and invasion of HOS cells. The mechanism underlying the antitumor effect of matrine on HOS cells was investigated by Western blotting. Results Matrine significantly inhibited HOS cell proliferation, promoted HOS cell apoptosis, and arrested HOS cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Both wound healing and Transwell invasion assays showed that matrine inhibited HOS cell migration and invasion. Western blotting results showed that matrine inhibited the activation of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. We found that matrine also downregulated Bcl-2 expression, which may be related to protein synthesis inhibition. Conclusion Matrine can inhibit the proliferation of HOS cells, arrest HOS cells in the G1 phase, and promote HOS cell apoptosis through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
药理学
·
细胞生物学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Oncology
·
2022
·
IF 4.501
Hongliang You,Dao Wang,Linlin Wei,Jiao Chen,Huanhuan Li,Yufeng Liu
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer, with a feature of easy to induce multidrug resistance and relapse. Abundant studies have proved that iron overload strengthens the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. Herein, we found that deferoxamine (DFO) effectively decreased the concentration of intracellular iron in ALL cells. DFO inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis, and obstructed cell cycle of ALL cells, whereas DFO and dextriferron (Dex) used in combination significantly decreased the sensitivity of ALL cells to DFO. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was reduced in ALL cells treated with DFO, and the combination of DFO and Dex reversed the effects of DFO. In vivo, DFO inhibited mouse tumor growth. Besides, cyclinD1, β-catenin, c-Myc, hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1), p-p38MAPK, and p-ERK1/2 protein levels were significantly downregulated, and the levels of prolyl hydroxylase-2 (PHD-2) were upregulated after treated with DFO, whereas Dex treatment reversed those in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, DFO inhibited the proliferation and ALL xenograft tumor growth, obstructed the cell cycle, and induced apoptosis of ALL cells, probably via inactivating the ROS/HIF-1α, Wnt/β-catenin, and p38MAPK/ERK signaling.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Cell Death Discovery
·
2023
·Vol. 9
·期 1
·1-15
·
IF 7
Ye Jianfeng,Liu Wangmin,Yu Xueyang,Wu Lina,Chen Zhengjie,Yu Yufei,Wang Jianfeng,Bai Song,Zhang Mo
Homeobox A5 (HOXA5), a homeodomain transcription factor, is considered a tumor suppressor in cancer progression; however, its function in prostate cancer (PCa) remains unclear. This study focused on the relevance of HOXA5 in PCa progression. We identified the downregulation of HOXA5 in PCa tissues based on the TCGA database and further verified in 30-paired PCa and adjacent normal tissues. Functional studies revealed that HOXA5 upregulation impaired the stem-like characteristics and malignant behaviors of PCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HOXA5 was found to be regulated by tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 7 (TRAF7), a putative E3-ubiquitin ligase. We observed that TRAF7 was overexpressed in PCa and subsequently enhanced the degradation of HOXA5 protein via its ubiquitin ligase activity, contributing to the acquisition of an aggressive PCa phenotype. For its downstream mechanism, we demonstrated that sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 2 (SPRY2) served as a downstream target of HOXA5. HOXA5 could directly bind to the SPRY2 promoter, thereby regulating the SPRY2-mediated MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Silencing SPRY2 largely compromised the tumor-suppressive effect of HOXA5 in PCa progression and cancer stemness. Our findings highlight the previously-underappreciated signaling axis of TRAF7–HOXA5–SPRY2, which provides a novel prognostic and therapeutic target for PCa treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
癌症研究
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports
·
2025
·
IF 2.2
Haipeng Feng,Qianqian Qiao,Jingyan Zhang,Kang Zhang,Lei Wang,Jianxi Li
Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke ( DIF ), a medicinal plant from the Rosaceae family, possesses therapeutic properties such as heat-clearing and detoxification, dispersion of stasis detumescence, blood-cooling, and hemostatic effect. The latest research unveiled a diverse array of pharmacologically active compounds from DIF, showcasing a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. However, there was limited attention given to the comprehensive investigation of its high molecular weight compounds, particularly polysaccharides. In this study, DIF extracts were prepared by water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method and the pharmacological effect was detected. The results demonstrated that the total polysaccharide content, reducing sugar content, total flavonoid content, and total polyphenol content in DIF extracts were 32.62 ± 0.91 %, 13.41 ± 0.18 %, 1.07 ± 0.07 %, and 12.16 ± 0.27 %, respectively. Although the total antioxidant activity of DIF extracts were significantly low than that of the vitamin C group, its ability to scavenge ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide anion radicals was similar to that of the vitamin C group. Furthermore, DIF extracts demonstrated significant inhibition on NO and MDA levels while simultaneously enhancing SOD activity in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Finally, DIF extracts significantly reduced the mRNA level of pro-inflammation cytokines interleukin ( IL )-6, IL-1β, inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS ), cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2 ) and tumor necrosis factor ( TNF ) -α , and directly inhibited the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase ( ERK-MAPK ) pathway. Taken together, these results indicated that DIF extracts exhibited an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in LPS-induced RAW264.7 mouse macrophages by directly inhibiting ERK-MAPK signaling pathway. Based on these findings, DIF extracts provided new insights into the treatment and prevention of diseases related to oxidative stress and inflammation.
研究领域:
药理学
·
免疫学
·
天然产物化学
·
分子生物学
·
炎症与感染
·
抗氧化研究
·
信号转导
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 5.3
Huan Liu,Longsheng Wang,Xiaokai Shi,Lei Yin,Wei Zhai,Shenglin Gao,Yonghui Chen,Tao Zhang
Current therapeutic options for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are very limited, which is largely due to inadequate comprehension of molecular pathological mechanisms as well as RCC's resistance to chemotherapy. Dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) has been associated with numerous human diseases. However, its role in RCC is not well understood. Here, we show that diminished DUSP6 expression is linked to RCC progression and unfavorable prognosis. Mechanistically, DUSP6 serves as a tumor suppressor in RCC by intervening the TAF10 and BSCL2 via the ERK-AKT pathway. Further, DUSP6 is also transcriptionally regulated by HNF-4a. Moreover, docking experiments have indicated that DUSP6 expression is enhanced when bound by Calcium saccharate, which also inhibits RCC cell proliferation, metabolic rewiring, and sunitinib resistance. In conclusion, our study identifies Calcium saccharate as a prospective pharmacological therapeutic approach for RCC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
药理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 5.6
Pingchuan Wang,Tianming Li,Changping Niu,Siyu Sun,Dongyan Liu
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage to the intestinal barrier is a side effect of prolonged hyperoxia therapy in neonates, which impairs growth and development of the intestine and promotes intestinal diseases. However, the research on clinical prevention and treatment is lacking. Therefore, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of the neonate intestinal response against hyperoxia-derived ROS to find targets for intestinal barrier damage prevention. Human intestinal epithelial cells were incubated under hyperoxia (85% oxygen) to build an in vitro model. ROS and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway were inhibited to detect the MAPK/ERK pathway, nuclear factor erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α), and interleukin-17D (IL-17D) expression. Nrf2 was inhibited to detect Hif-1α and IL-17D expression. Hif-1α was inhibited to detect Nrf2, IL-17D, and tight junction proteins expression and apoptosis. Cells were treated with human recombinant IL-17D to detect TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and tight junction proteins expression. ROS, Nrf2, Hif-1α, and IL-17D were upregulated and the MAPK/ERK pathway was activated under hyperoxia. But ROS inhibition downregulated the MAPK/ERK pathway, Nrf2, Hif-1α, and IL-17D. MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition downregulated Nrf2, Hif-1α, and IL-17D. Nrf2 inhibition downregulated Hif-1α and IL-17D. Hif-1α inhibition downregulated Nrf2, IL-17D, tight junction proteins, and exacerbated apoptosis. The recombinant IL-17D downregulated TNF-α, IL-1β, but upregulated IL-10 and tight junction proteins. We concluded that Hyperoxia-generated ROS activated the MAPK/ERK pathway to regulate Nrf2, Hif-1α, and IL-17D expression. Nrf2 and Hif-1α were interdependent and promoted IL-17D. Importantly, Hif-1α and IL-17D expression protected the intestinal epithelial barrier.
研究领域:
分子生物学
·
细胞生物学
·
儿科
·
肠道生理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2023
·
IF 5.6
Li Yuan-Ce,Zhang Qi,Zhang Hong-Yang,Wang Yan-Wen,Sun Yu-Mei,Yang Bi-Juan,Yin Jun-Lin
Introduction: Artesunate, a derivative of artemisinin, has anti-malarial effects, and in recent years has also been reported to have anti-tumor activity. However, its anti-tumor mechanisms are not well understood. Methods: In this study, we focused on the targeting of Hsp90 by artesunate to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, which we examined using immunoprecipitation, a proliferation assay, flow cytometry, western blotting, a tumor xenograft animal model, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, to examine the tumor-suppressive effects of artesunatein nude mice, we used artesunate-loaded PLGA-PEG nanoparticles. Results: The binding of artesunate to Hsp90 was found to reduce the expression of its client proteins AKT, ERK, p-AKT, p-ERK, and EGFR, thereby blocking the cell cycle at the G0/G1 → S stage in lymphoma cells and inducing apoptosis. In addition, the results of tumor xenograft experiments revealed that artesunate reduced the expression of AKT and ERK proteins in tumor tissues, inhibited tumor proliferation, and reduced tumor size and weight. Furthermore, nanoparticle encapsulation was demonstrated to enhance the anti-cancer activity of artesunate. Discussion: We thus established that artesunate inhibits the proliferation of lymphoma cells by targeting the Hsp90 protein, and we accordingly believe that this compound has potential for development as a novelanti-tumor drug.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 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）