INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
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2024
·Vol. 25
·期 12
·6468
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IF 4.9
Yuying Li,Wei Yan,Yu Qin,Liwei Zhang,Sheng Xiao
Chemotherapy resistance in cancer is an essential factor leading to high mortality rates. Tumor multidrug resistance arises as a result of the autophagy process. Our previous study found that compound 1-nitro-2 acyl anthraquinone-leucine (C2) exhibited excellent anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) activity involving autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins, whereas its underlying mechanism remains unclear. A notable aspect of this study is how C2 overcomes the multidrug susceptibility of HCT116/L-OHP, a colon cancer cell line that is resistant to both in vitro and in vivo oxaliplatin (trans-/-diaminocyclohexane oxalatoplatinum; L-OHP). In a xenograft tumor mouse model, we discovered that the mixture of C2 and L-OHP reversed the resistance of HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP and inhibited tumor growth; furthermore, C2 down-regulated the gene expression levels ofP-gpandBCRPand decreasedP-gp’sdrug efflux activity. It is important to note that while C2 re-sensitized the HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP for apoptosis, it also triggered a protective autophagic pathway. The expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Beclin 1 steadily rose. Expression of PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, and mTOR were decreased, while p53 increased. We demonstrated that the anthraquinone derivative C2 acts as an L-OHP sensitizer and reverses resistance to L-OHP in HCT116/L-OHP cells. It suggests that C2 can induce autophagy in HCT116/L-OHP cells by mediating p53 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
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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癌症研究
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Communications Biology
·
2024
·Vol. 7
·期 1
·1-15
·
IF 5.2
Zhang Wen,Cai Shuhui,Qin Lihong,Feng Yaru,Ding Menglei,Luo Zichen,Shan Jinjun,Di Liuqing
Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata ( Fuzi in Chinese) is widely used in the clinical treatment of tumors. This study aims to explore the active fractions and underlying mechanisms of Fuzi in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fuzi alkaloids (FZA) is prepared and found to inhibit the growth of NSCLC both in vitro and in vivo significantly. A total of 53 alkaloids are identified in FZA by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. Proteomics experiment show that 238 differentially expressed proteins regulated by FZA are involved in amino acid anabolism, pyrimidine metabolism and PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway. Metabolomics analyses identify 32 significant differential metabolites which are mainly involved in amino acid metabolism, TCA cycle and other pathways. Multi-omics research combined with molecular biological assays suggest that FZA might regulate glycolysis through PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway to treat NSCLC. The study lays a foundation for the anti-cancer investigation of Fuzi and provides a possible scientific basis for its clinical application.
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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生物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Heliyon
·
2023
·Vol. 9
·期 7
·e18046
·
IF 4
Weijie Zhang,Lei Shi,Wei Zhou,Xin Liu,Yuan Xi,Xinyin Wang,Ya Li,Xia Xu,Youcai Tang
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Oridonin, a traditional Chinese medicine, is believed to inhibit tumor growth, but its particular effects on breast cancer remain unknown. In this study, we examined oridonin's effects on 4T1, MCF-7, and MDAMB-231 cellular activity using CCK8. Scratch assays were used to detect oridonin's effects on cellular migration. Oridonin's effects on the breast cancer cell cycle were studied using flow cytometry, and expression of cell cycle related proteins p53, CDK2, and p21 was detected using Western blot assays. Metabolomics assays were used to detect changes in small molecule metabolites and metabolic pathways in breast cancer cells after treatment with oridonin. Oridonin's effects on breast cancer growth were also studied using xenograft mice. Metabolomics assays were used to detect changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in xenograft mouse plasma in a control group, model group, and drug administration group. Experimental results showed that oridonin could significantly inhibit breast cancer growth both in vivo and in vitro. Scratch experiments showed that oridonin could inhibit breast cancer cell migration. Oridonin was also able to arrest cells in S phase by affecting several cell cycle-related proteins, including p53, CDK2, and p21. Metabolomic analysis of 4T1 cells identified a total of 33 differential metabolites, including multiple amino acids (such as l-Glutamic acid, l-Asparagine, l-Histidine, l-Valine, and l-Isoleucine). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed significant changes in aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, and in multiple amino acid metabolic pathways. Plasma metabolomic analyses of xenograft mice revealed 28 differentially-expressed metabolites between the different animal model groups, including multiple amino acids. KEGG pathway analysis showed significant alterations in multiple amino acid metabolic pathways in oridonin-treated mice. Additionally, changes in the expression of PI3K, AKT and mTOR proteins, as well as in branched amino acids, suggest that oridonin affects the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway by inhibiting the biosynthesis of valine, leucine and isoleucine. Taken together, our results suggest that oridonin has strong anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo, and has potential as an adjuvant to breast cancer treatment regimens.
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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代谢组学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2021
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IF 5.811
Fang Yuwei,Shi Kangpei,Lu Haining,Lu Lin,Qiu Bo
Objective: To investigate the effect of Mingmu Xiaomeng tablets (MMXM) on the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related proteins in a diabetic rat model.Methods: Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), diabetic model (DM) control, MMXM, and calcium dobesilate (CD) Rats injected with streptozotocin (STZ) were used as an experimental diabetes model. After 14 weeks, autophagy and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway proteins were detected by western blot. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in Müller cells was examined by immunohistochemistry. Retinal function was evaluated with electroretinography, and retinal ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum cytokine levels were detected with protein chip technology.Results: MMXM restored autophagy by decreasing the protein expression of LC3-II and p62 and reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, thus promoting autophagy. MMXM decreased GFAP expression in retinal Müller cells; restored electrophysiology indexes and retinal ultrastructures; and reduced serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor.Conclusion: MMXM may protect the diabetic retina by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and enhancing autophagy.
研究领域:
药理学
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糖尿病
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眼科学
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细胞信号传导
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动物模型
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2025
·
IF 8.5
Mengxiang Chen,Yi Peng,Rongtao Zhu,Xiaoting Luo,Xuemin Yang,Jiazhi Chen,Haiyan Chen,Wei Zhou,Zhiyun Du
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with significant impacts on quality of life. Current treatments face challenges like high costs and side effects. This study explores the therapeutic potential of Rosa rugosa polysaccharide (RRPS) and its nanofiber membrane in psoriasis treatment. RRPS was extracted using a yeast fermentation enzyme-assisted method and characterized. In vitro studies on RAW264.7 macrophages showed that RRPS significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. The nanofiber membrane, fabricated via electrospinning, has high porosity and sustained-release properties, enhancing drug delivery and skin barrier repair. In vivo studies using an imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model demonstrated that both RRPS and its nanofiber membrane improved psoriasis symptoms, reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17A). Mechanistically, they suppressed the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway. The nanofiber membrane showed superior efficacy compared to RRPS alone, highlighting the benefits of electrospinning. This study suggests that Rosa rugosa polysaccharide and its nanofiber membrane could be a novel, effective, and safe alternative for psoriasis treatment by targeting the PI3K-AKT/mTOR pathway.
研究领域:
皮肤病学
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药理学
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纳米技术
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免疫学
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生物技术
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生物化学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Chemical Biology & Drug Design
·
2024
·Vol. 104
·期 4
·e70003
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IF 3.2
Xiang Yu,Di Zhang,Chengming Hu,Zejun Yu,Yang Li,Cheng Fang,Yinsheng Qiu,Zhinan Mei,Lingyun Xu
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most prevalent malignant tumor. Hepatocellular carcinogenesis is closely linked to apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation. Diosmetin and chrysin, are two flavonoid compounds, exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. In this study, the TCGA database was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes between normal subjects and HCC patients. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics analyses were employed to assess the binding affinity of chrysin and diosmetin to key proteins in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to measure the protein and gene expression within this pathway. The results indicated that HCC patients had elevated levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and P65 proteins compared to normal subjects, which adversely affected patient survival. Molecular docking and dynamics studies demonstrated that diosmetin and chrysin are effectively bound to these four proteins. In vitro experiments revealed that the combination of diosmetin and chrysin could induce apoptosis, enhance autophagy, reduce inflammatory mediator production, and improve the tumor cell microenvironment by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/NF-κB signaling pathway. Notably, the synergy score for the combination of diosmetin (25 μM) and chrysin (10 μM) was 16. Thus, the diosmetin–chrysin combination shows promise as an effective therapeutic approach for hepatocellular carcinoma due to its strong synergistic effect.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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.
研究领域:
干细胞生物学
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衰老研究
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分子生物学
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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
ACS Omega
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2024
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IF 3.7
Hong Duan,Han Li,Tianyi Liu,Yuan Chen,Mengmeng Luo,Ying Shi,Jing Zhou,Marwan M. A. Rashed,Kefeng Zhai,Lili Li,Zhaojun Wei
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cardiovascular disease that poses a major threat to health. Schisandra chinensis is a medicinal and edible plant that is commonly used to treat cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, HPLC was used to detect and analyze 5 different components in Schisandra chinensis. Network pharmacological predictions highlight the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as an important pharmacological pathway. The effective ingredient Schisandrin C was screened by the molecular docking technique. ox-LDL-induced HUVECs were used to construct the atherosclerosis model for further experimental verification. The results showed that Schisandrin C interfered with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR autophagy pathway. This study lays a foundation for the further application of Schisandrin C in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis in the future.
研究领域:
心血管疾病
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药理学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 5.1
Wu Yuhan,Zhu Zhanpeng,Lan Tian,Li Shuhan,Li Ye,Wang Changmin,Feng Yabo,Mao Xueqin,Yu Shuyan
Depression is a common psychological disease with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, the involvement of synaptic plasticity in the pathogenesis of depression has shed light on the direction of developing novel antidepressants. Levomilnacipran is a newly approved medication for the treatment of adult major depressive disorder. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying its antidepressant-like effects have yet to be illuminated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of levomilnacipran in regulating synaptic plasticity and explore the possible molecular mechanisms of its antidepressant effects using a rat model of depression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results demonstrated that levomilnacipran (30 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in rats, alleviated the dysregulation of synaptic plasticity, and suppressed neuroinflammation within hippocampus induced by LPS-treatment. Levomilnacipran increased the expression of postsynaptic dense 95 (PSD-95) and synaptophysin (Syn) and reversed the imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines within hippocampus of depressed rats. Additionally, levomilnacipran elevated expression level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), accompanied by increased tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR). Taken together, these results suggest that levomilnacipran may exert antidepressant effects via upregulating BDNF/TrkB mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to improve synaptic plasticity. These findings reveal potential mechanisms for the antidepressant effects of levomilnacipran and offer new insights into the treatments for depression. Graphical Abstract
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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精神病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
·
2023
·
IF 5.6
WenBin Liu,ZhengWei Tan,YueChao Zhao,YanNa Zhao,XiaoLing Yu,BoLin Wang,FengLin Shen,Ai Mi,JinJian Lan,RuiLan Gao
Panaxadiol saponin (PND) is a latent targeted drug for the treatment of aplastic anemia (AA). In this study, we examined the effects of PND on ferroptosis in iron-overload AA and Meg-01 cells. We utilized RNA-seq to analyze differentially expressed genes in iron-induced Meg-01 cells treated with PND. The effects of PND or combined with deferasirox (DFS) on iron deposition, labile iron pool (LIP), several ferroptosis events, apoptosis, mitochondrial structure, as well as ferroptosis-, Nrf2/HO-1-, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related markers in iron-induced Meg-01 cells were examined by Prussian-blue staining, flow cytometer, ELISA, Hoechst 33342 staining, transmission electron microscope, and Western blot assays, respectively. Additionally, an AA mice model with iron overload was established. Then, the blood routine was assessed, and the number of bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in mice was counted. Also, serum iron, ferroptosis events, apoptosis, histology, T lymphocyte percentage, ferroptosis-, Nrf2/HO-1-, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling-related targets in primary megakaryocytes of AA mice with iron overload were assessed by commercial kits, TUNEL staining, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Prussian blue staining, flow cytometer, and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. PND suppressed iron-triggered iron overload, and apoptosis, and ameliorated mitochondrial morphology in Meg-01 cells. Importantly, PND ameliorated ferroptosis-, Nrf2/HO-1-, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling-related marker expressions in iron-induced Meg-01 cells or primary megakaryocytes of AA mice with iron overload. Moreover, PND ameliorated body weight, peripheral blood cell counts, the number of BMMNCs, and histological injury in the iron-overload AA mice. Also, PND improved the percentage of T lymphocytes in the iron-overload AA mice. PND attenuates ferroptosis against iron-overload AA mice and Meg-01 cells via activating Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and is a promising novel therapeutic candidate for AA.
研究领域:
药理学
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血液学
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细胞生物学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Drug Delivery and Translational Research
·
2025
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IF 5.5
Xie Ruiye,Liu Zhen,Zheng Jingjing,Tan Qiwen,Wu Haitao,Liang Yong
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder strongly associated with aging, and Dauricine (DAU) has demonstrated significant neuropharmacological properties for AD treatment. However, its bioavailability is significantly limited when administered orally, leaving the mechanisms underlying its effects on AD largely unexplored. In this study, a DAU-loaded thermosensitive gel was formulated for delivery via the nasal-nerve route, and its potential to enhance the bioavailability of DAU in rat plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was assessed through a pharmacokinetic study. The anti-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mechanism of DAU was investigated using network pharmacology approaches, molecular docking, and dynamics simulations, complemented by in vivo experimental validation. DAU can be effectively incorporated into a thermosensitive gel and administered to the brain within 30 min via intranasal delivery. Following nasal administration, the pharmacokinetic parameters of DAU in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma were significantly elevated compared to oral administration ( ** P < 0.01), indicating a substantial improvement in bioavailability at equivalent doses. Behavioral studies demonstrated that DAU (dose of 1 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg in gel) enhanced cognitive function in intracerebroventricular-streptozotocin (ICV-STZ) rats and decelerated aging processes by reversing oxidative stress and mitigating neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, DAU contributed to lowering blood glucose levels, increasing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) content, and reducing insulin resistance. Network pharmacological analysis, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and in vivo experiments collectively suggested that DAU exerted significant therapeutic effects on Alzheimer’s disease by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our study demonstrates a significant enhancement in the bioavailability of DAU in the brain via nasal-nerve delivery route and also this research is the first to report that DAU ameliorates cognitive impairment in ICV-STZ rats through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Our findings contribute to the scientific understanding of DAU’s potential in Alzheimer’s disease treatment and offer a novel experimental foundation for the development of anti-Alzheimer’s drugs. Graphic abstract
研究领域:
神经科学
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药剂学
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药理学
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药物递送
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
PHYTOMEDICINE
·
2022
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IF 6.656
Zhonghao Li,Qinmei Sun,Qingyang Liu,Xinru Mu,Hui Wang,Han Zhang,Fenfen Qin,Qisheng Wang,Dengyun Nie,Anlong Liu,Qian Li,Jianjian Ji,Yongwei Jiang,Shengfeng Lu,Qian Wang,Zhigang Lu
Background Opioids are widely used in clinical practice. However, their long-term administration causes respiratory depression , addiction, tolerance, and severe immunosuppression . Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can alleviate opioid-induced adverse effects. Compound 511 is particularly developed for treating opioid addiction, based on Jiumi Liangfang, an ancient Chinese drug treatment and rehabilitation monograph completed in 1833 A.D. It is an herbal formula containing eight plants, each of them contributing to the overall pharmacological effect of the product: Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer (8.8%), Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) (18.2%), Datura metel Linn. (10.95%), Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang (14.6%), Acanthopanar gracilistμlus W. W. Smith (10.95%), Ophiopogon japonicus (Linn. f.) Ker-Gawl. (10.95%), Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino (10.95%), Polygala arvensis Willd. (14.6%). This formula effectively ameliorates opioid-induced immunosuppression. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Purpose To reveal the effects of Compound 511 on the immune response of morphine-induced immunosuppressive mice and their potential underlying molecular mechanism. This study provides information for a better clinical approach and scientific use of opioids. Methods Immunosuppression was induced in mice by repeated morphine administration. Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg cell levels were measured using flow cytometry. Splenic transcription factors of Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg and outputs of the regulatory PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway were determined. Subsequently, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was administered intranasally to morphine-induced immunosuppressive mice pretreated with Compound 511. Their lung inflammatory status was assessed using micro-computer tomography (CT), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Compared to morphine, Compound 511 significantly decreased the immune organ indexes of mice, corrected the Th1/Th2 and Treg/Th17 imbalance in the immune organs and peripheral blood, reduced the mRNA levels of FOXP3 and GATA3 , and increased those of STAT3 and T-bet in the spleen . It improved immune function and reduced MRSA-induced lung inflammation. Conclusion Compound 511 ameliorates opioid-induced immunosuppression by regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Thus, it effectively reduces susceptibility of morphine-induced immunosuppressive mice to MRSA infection .
研究领域:
药理学
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免疫学
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微生物学
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中药学
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分子生物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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