PHYTOMEDICINE
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2021
·
IF 5.34
Shusheng Fan,Xiaoyun Liu,Yu Wang,Xueyang Ren,Yue Liu,Ying Dong,Qiqi Fan,Jing Wei,Jiamu Ma,Axiang Yu,Ruolan Song,Hong Sui,Meng Shen,Fang Fang,Qing Xia,Gaimei She
Background Thymus quinquecostatus Celak. has been widely used as a spice and a folk medicine for relieving exterior syndrome and alleviating pain in China. Purpose To explore the protective effects and the underlying mechanism against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) of the T. quinquecostatus combining with its chemical composition. Study design and methods High-polar extract (HPE) was extracted from T. quinquecostatus and polyphenols in HPE were enriched to obtain polyphenol-rich fraction (PRF) using Macroporous resin. The free radicals and zebrafish embryos were used to compare the antioxidant activities of HPE and PRF in vitro and in vivo . Then, the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model was established in rats. Neurological deficit score, infarction rate, morphology and apoptosis of neurons were examined to investigate the protective effects of PRF on CIRI. The mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the activities of downstream antioxidant enzymes in ischemia tissues were determined to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Also, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in zebrafish embryos were detected after incubation with PRF for a short time (2 h) to investigate whether PRF could directly eliminate free radicals. Finally, chemical composition of PRF were analyzed to investigate the material basis for antioxidant activity and anti-CIRI effect. Results Compared with HPE, PRF showed stronger antioxidant activities. PRF exhibited obvious protective effects including ameliorating neurological deficit, lowering infarction rate, and improving the cellular morphology in hippocampus CA1 and cortex after tMCAO. TUNEL staining suggested PRF dose-dependently improved the apoptosis of the neurons in ischemic cortex. RT-qPCR and Western Blot results suggested that PRF regulated oxidative stress (OS) via activating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway . Also, PRF could directly scavenge excessive ROS in zebrafish embryos after a short-time PRF incubation. The anti-CIRI effect might be primarily attributed to the abundant polyphenols in PRF, including flavonoids , polymethoxylated flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides , and phenolic acids. Conclusion T. quinquecostatus contains abundant polyphenols and exhibited a good protective effect against CIRI via dual antioxidant mechanisms, providing a reference for further research and application for this plant.
研究领域:
药理学
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神经科学
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分子生物学
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植物科学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Analytical Methods
·
2023
·Vol. 15
·期 26
·3240-3250
·
IF 3.1
Ruihua Tang,Xueyan Yan,Min Li,Aoqi Du,Hui Yang,Huancai Yin,Mingyue Xie
Nucleic acid detection technologies have been widely utilized for various diseases. Conventional laboratory tests are less suitable for use in resource-limited settings as they are time-consuming, high-cost, complex, and heavily dependent on benchtop equipment. Rapid nucleic acid detection methods that consist of rapid nucleic acid extraction steps could overcome these challenges. A paper-based platform has been utilized to develop various rapid nucleic acid extraction methods owing to its cost-effectiveness, portability, and easy-modification. However, the existing paper-based nucleic acid extraction technologies mainly focus on improving the adsorption capacity of nucleic acids without reducing the non-specific adsorption capacity of proteins. In this study, paper-based nucleic acid extraction technology with wash-free, elution-free, and low protein adsorption was developed. The fabrication of paper involves the mixing of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified cotton fiber, chitosan (COS)-modified cotton fiber, and cotton fiber to form PEG-modified cotton fiber/chitosan-modified cotton fiber/cotton fiber (PEG-CF/COS-CF/CF) paper by the wet molding method. The result showed that PEG-CF/COS-CF/CF paper has a desirable pore size (23.9 ± 4.03 μm), good mechanical strength (dry: 9.37 Mpa and wet: 0.28 Mpa), and hydrophilicity (contact angle: 42.6° ± 0.36°). NH3+ groups of COS and OH− groups of PEG were observed on its surface and the adsorption efficiency of nucleic acid in TE buffer was 42.48% ± 0.30%. The limit of detection of pure DNA with this PEG-CF/COS-CF/CF paper by qPCR was as low as 25 ng. Additionally, this platform could successfully extract nucleic acid from 30 μL of a saliva sample, highlighting its potential use for clinical sample testing. The proposed paper-based nucleic acid extraction platform shows tremendous potential for disease diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
研究领域:
生物技术
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分子生物学
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诊断技术
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材料科学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMOSPHERE
·
2023
·
IF 8.8
Mingzhao Li,Ren Wang,Pan Wang
Endocrine disruptors are environmental chemicals that can interfere with the endocrine system. However, research on endocrine disruptors that interfere with androgen's actions is still limited. The purpose of this study is to use in silico computation, i.e. , molecular docking to facilitate the identification of environmental androgens. Computational docking was used to study the binding interactions of environmental/industrial compounds with the three dimensional structure of human androgen receptor (AR). Then reporter assay and cell proliferation assay using AR-expressing LNCaP prostate cancer cells were used to determine their in vitro androgenic activity. Animal studies using immature male rats were also carried out to test their in vivo androgenic activity. Two novel environmental androgens were identified. As a photoinitiator, 2-benzyl-2-(dimethylamino)-4′-morpholinobutyrophenone (Irgacure 369, abbreviated as IC-369) is widely used in the packaging and electronics industries. Galaxolide (HHCB) is widely used in the production of perfume, fabric softeners and detergents. We found that both IC-369 and HHCB could activate AR transcriptional activity and promote cell proliferation in AR-sensitive LNCaP cells. Furthermore, IC-369 and HHCB could induce cell proliferation and histological changes of seminal vesicles in immature rats. RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis showed that androgen-related genes in seminal vesicle tissue were up-regulated by IC-369 and HHCB. In conclusion, IC-369 and HHCB are new environmental androgens that bind AR and induce AR transcriptional activity, thereby exerting toxicological effects on the development of male reproductive organs.
研究领域:
环境科学
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毒理学
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分子生物学
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内分泌学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
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2022
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IF 3.322
Yanwen Wang,Miao Cai,Yue Lou,Siran Zhang,Xiaoli Liu
To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of ZBTB20-AS1 on ZBTB20 and GSK-3β/Tau signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), SH-SY5Y cells were obtained for in vitro experiments and AD models were constructed using β-Amyloid 1–42. CCK8 assay was implemented for determining cell viability . Flow cytometry was used for cell apoptosis detection. Dual-luciferase reporter and RNA-RNA pull down assay was employed for elucidating molecular interactions . Immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR and western blotting were performed for measuring gene expression. The results showed that expression of LncRNA ZBTB20-AS1 was significantly upregulated, while ZBTB20 was downregulated in SH-SY5Y-AD cells. ZBTB20 was the target gene of LncRNA ZBTB20-AS1. Overexpression of ZBTB20 or knockdown of LncRNA ZBTB20-AS1 inhibited SH-SY5Y-AD cells apoptosis and suppressed GSK3β/Tau pathway, and knockdown of ZBTB20-AS1 increased cell viability and decreased apoptosis. In conclusion, overexpression of ZBTB20-AS1 inhibited ZBTB20 expression and promoted GSK-3β expression and Tau phosphorylation, contributing to the development of AD.
研究领域:
神经科学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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病理学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
LIFE SCIENCES
·
2023
·
IF 6.1
Jiahong Feng,Ting Jia,Yue Ren,Hao Zhang,Wanlong Zhu
Aims Leptin is a signaling protein secreted by white adipose tissue encoded by the obesity gene, and its main function is to regulate the food intake and energy metabolism in mammals. Previous studies had found that animal leptin concentration was positively correlated with its body fat, but the leptin concentration of Tupaia belangeri was negatively correlated with its body fat mass . The present study attempted to investigate the mechanisms of leptin concentration negatively correlated with its body fat mass in T. belangeri. Material and methods We measured the leptin concentration of the two groups of animals by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantified the leptin mRNA expression by qPCR. Then, the histological, transcriptomic , and bisulfite sequencing of the two groups of animals were studied. Moreover, to investigate the energy metabolism under the negative correlation, we also analyzed the metabolomics and metabolic rate in T. belangeri . Key findings We revealed the negative correlation was mediated by leptin gene methylation of subcutaneous adipose tissue . Further, we also found that T. belangeri increased energy metabolism with leptin decreased. Significance We challenge the traditional view that leptin concentration was positively correlated with body fat mass, and further revealed its molecular mechanism and energy metabolism strategy. This special leptin secretion mechanism and energy metabolism strategy enriched our understanding of energy metabolism of animals, which provided an opportunity for the clinical transformation of metabolic diseases .
研究领域:
内分泌学
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分子生物学
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代谢学
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动物生理学
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DOI
高影响因子
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
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2018
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IF 4.235
Mengjing Zhao,Tianpeng Zhang,Fangjun Yu,Lianxia Guo,Baojian Wu
Carboxylesterases (CES) are a family of phase I enzymes that play an important role in xenobiotic clearance and lipid metabolism. Here, we investigate a potential role of E4 promoter-binding protein 4 (E4bp4) in regulation of Ces and CPT-11 (irinotecan, a first-line drug for treating colorectal cancer) pharmacokinetics in mice. Mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 cells were transfected with Rev-erbα expression plasmid or siRNA targeting E4bp4. The relative mRNA and protein levels of Ces enzymes in the cells or the livers of wild-type and E4bp4-deficient (E4bp4 −/− ) mice were determined by qPCR and Western blotting , respectively. Transcriptional regulation of Ces by E4bp4/Rev-erbα were investigated using luciferase reporter, mobility shift, and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed with wild-type and E4bp4 −/− mice after intraperitoneal injection of CPT-11. E4bp4 ablation down-regulated an array of hepatic Ces genes in mice. E4bp4 −/− mice also showed reduced Ces-mediated metabolism and elevated systemic exposure of CPT-11, a well-known Ces substrate. Consistently, E4bp4 knockdown reduced the expression of Ces genes ( Ces2b , Ces2e and Ces2f ) in Hepa-1c1c7 cells. Furthermore, Rev-erbα repressed the transcription of Ces2b, whereas E4bp4 antagonized this repressive action. Co-IP experiment confirmed a direct interaction between E4bp4 and Rev-erbα. Through a combination of promoter analysis and mobility shift assays, we demonstrated that Rev-erbα trans-repressed Ces (Ces2b) through its specific binding to the -767 to-754 bp promoter region. In conclusion, E4bp4 regulates Ces enzymes through inhibition of the transrepression activity of Rev-erbα, thereby impacting the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of Ces substrates.
研究领域:
药理学
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分子生物学
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遗传学
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肝病学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Epigenomics
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2022
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IF 4.357
Hanlin Li,Yanjie Yang,Jianpeng Yu,Boya Zhang,Xuanrong Chen,Shimiao Zhu,Yuanjie Niu,Zhiqun Shang
Aims: We aimed to determine whether intronic circRNA acts as a molecular sponge in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Materials & methods: A gene chip technique was used to conduct sequencing. A qPCR experiment was performed to verify the result. Radioimmunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to particularly expound its function. Verification of downstream effects was carried out through qPCR and western blot, and a xenograft assay was performed in vivo for verification. Results: Intronic circRNA hsa_circ_0092339 in the nucleus was highly expressed in CRPC cell lines. hsa_circ_0092339 did not regulate the expression of its parental gene. hsa_circ_0092339 functions like a molecular sponge, preventing degradation of C-MYC mRNA by absorbing hsa-mir-940. Conclusion: hsa_circ_0092339 plays a critical role in CRPC through targeting C-MYC indirectly by absorbing hsa-mir-940.Plain language summaryOur research breaks the mold by investigating a novel function of RNA and a novel regulatory mechanism. Our research provides a new therapeutic target for prostate cancer treatment and broadens the understanding of prostate cancer.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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癌症研究
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前列腺癌
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Omega
·
2023
·
IF 4.1
Yi Chen,Yongfang Wang,Shasha Song,Xiaoli Zhang,Lili Wu,Jianbing Wu,Xinyu Li
Baicalin (BAI), the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, has significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Echinacoside (ECH), an active component from Echinacea purpurea, has significant antiangiogenesis and antioxidant effects. In previous studies, BAI or ECH has been used for some skin inflammation problems by topical treatment. Psoriasis (PSO) is a common inflammatory skin disease with typical features such as excessive inflammatory response and vascular proliferation in skin lesions. Because of the anti-inflammatory effect of BAI and the antiangiogenic activity of ECH, it is proposed that the combination of BAI and ECH can ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions better than a single component. This study aims to explore the effects and potential mechanisms of BAI combined with ECH on imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriatic skin lesions by topical treatment. Transcriptome analysis first showed that the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway were significantly enriched in IMQ-induced psoriatic skin lesions. Topical application of BAI combined with ECH could ameliorate IMQ-induced skin lesions in mice, especially the better effects of B2-E1 (BAI/ECH = 2:1). Network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking indicated that BAI-treated PSO on the skin by regulating the TNF signaling pathway, and ECH treated PSO on the skin by regulating the VEGF signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the ELISA test and the qPCR assay showed that BAI combined with ECH could inhibit the expression of key cytokines and genes related to the TNF signaling pathway and the VEGF signaling pathway. Zebrafish experiments demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antiangiogenic effects of BAI combined with ECH and revealed the potential mechanisms associated with regulating the inflammation-related TNF signaling pathway and the angiogenesis-related VEGF signaling pathway. This suggested that BAI combined with ECH may be a promising topical agent to ameliorate psoriatic skin lesions in the future.
研究领域:
药理学
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皮肤病学
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分子生物学
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炎症研究
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血管生成研究
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
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2024
·
IF 3.3
Yang Li,Mijia Li,Shiyi Duan,Sijie Zhang,Huiqiang Lu,Xinchun Guo,Keyuan Zhong
d -Tetramethrin is one of the main components of mosquito control products, and is widely used for the control of dengue fever and insecticide production. Due to its widespread use, d -tetramethrin is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and poses potential risks to human health. However, the effects of d -tetramethrin on liver morphology and function are not clearly established. In this study, we used zebrafish as an animal model to analyze the acute and chronic effects of d -tetramethrin exposure on the liver. We exposed zebrafish larvae and adults to different concentrations of d -tetramethrin and examined the impact of d -tetramethrin on lipid and glycogen metabolism, cellular properties, oxidative stress , cell proliferation , and apoptosis in the liver. We also analyzed transcriptional changes in genes related to apoptosis, inflammation, and cell proliferation using qPCR . Zebrafish exposed to d -tetramethrin exhibited severe liver damage, as evidenced by the presence of vacuoles and nuclear distortion in liver cells. The liver area in zebrafish larvae of the treatment group was significantly smaller than that of the control group. Significant lipid accumulation and decreased glycogen levels were observed in the livers of both zebrafish larvae and adults exposed to d -tetramethrin. Furthermore, d -tetramethrin exposure induced apoptosis and inflammation in zebrafish embryos. Additionally, d -tetramethrin caused liver damage, metabolic dysfunction, and impaired liver function. These results suggest that d -tetramethrin induces liver toxicity in zebrafish, by inducing oxidative stress and inhibiting cell proliferation.
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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动物学
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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Scientific Reports
·
2020
·Vol. 10
·期 1
·14092-14092
·
IF 3.998
Yang Chen,Juan Ni,Yun Gao,Jinghui Zhang,Xuesong Liu,Yong Chen,Zhongjian Chen,Yongjiang Wu
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy occurring in the digestive system. Despite progress in surgery and therapy options, CRC is still a considerable cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In this study, a colon cancer patient-derived xenograft model was established to evaluate the antitumor activity of Shikonin. The protective effect underlying Shikonin was determined through assessing serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and kidney functions (BuN, Scr) in PDX mice. Proteomics and metabolomics profiles were integrated to provide a systematic perspective in dynamic changes of proteins and global endogenous metabolites as well as their perturbed pathways. A total of 456 differently expressed proteins (DEPs), 32 differently expressed metabolites (DEMs) in tumor tissue, and 20 DEMs in mice serum were identified. The perturbation of arginine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and biosynthesis of amino acids may mainly account for therapeutic mechanism of Shikonin. Furthermore, the expression of mRNAs participating in arginine biosynthesis (CPS1, OTC, Arg1) and do novo purine synthesis (GART, PAICS, ATIC) were validated through RT-qPCR. Our study provides new insights into the drug therapeutic strategies and a better understanding of antitumor mechanisms that might be valuable for further studies on Shikonin in the clinical treatment of colorectal cancer.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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蛋白质组学
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代谢组学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
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2022
·
IF 4.114
Pan Li,Yuwei Chen,Xiumei Ke,Ruoyu Zhang,Ling Zuo,Meng Wang,Zhiwei Chen,Xianqin Luo,Jianwei Wang
Baicalin is a flavonoid compound abundant in multiple edible and medicinal plants such as Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi . In this study, we provide evidence to support the fact that baicalin ameliorates alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis via regulating SREBP1c elicited PNPLA3 competitive binding to ATGL . Results showed that baicalin significantly attenuated the development of metabolic disorders and hepatic steatosis in alcohol-induced rats after four weeks of treatment. It was evident that baicalin treatment significantly normalized the serous contents of hepatic triglyceride (TG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and attenuated the increase of hepatic vacuolization and Oil Red O staining area caused by alcohol. Meanwhile, baicalin relieves alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by masson staining and RT-qPCR analysis. Mechanistically, alcohol aggravated the nuclear expression of SREBP1c, which contributed to the high expression of PNPLA3 and FASN , thereby enhancing the binding of PNPLA3 to ABHD5 , and indirectly impairing the binding ability between ATGL and ABHD5, ultimately causing a decline in the hydrolysis capacity in liver lipid droplets . As expected, these alcohol-induced pathobolism were reversed by baicalin treatment both in vivo and in vitro . In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that baicalin can protect against alcohol-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by activating hepatic lipolysis via suppressing SREBP1c elicited PNPLA3 competitive binding to ATGL. Baicalin is a promising natural product for preventing alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis.
研究领域:
药理学
·
肝病学
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代谢学
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分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 82
·期 10
·1-12
·
IF 2.6
Bi Jinli,Huang Xin,Meng Liqin,Li Jinghan,He Yu,Jin Jing,Li Taijie
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) possesses multiple virulence factors and causes severe infections with elevated mortality rates. It induces a strong inflammatory response in the host, with macrophages playing a key role in defense and inflammation. However, the signaling pathways of macrophages involved in response to hvKP infection remain unclear. In this study, we developed a stable hvKP infection model in differentiated THP-1 macrophages, confirmed by CFU assay and LDH cytotoxicity assay, and subsequently performed transcriptomic profiling analysis of hvKP-infected cells to characterize infection-induced gene expression changes. Pathway and differential gene correlation network analyses identified 14 potential regulatory genes primarily involved in inflammation. These changes in gene expression were further validated by Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). KEGG and GO analyses revealed several key signaling pathways involved in inflammation and immune response, particularly the TNF, IL-17, NF-κB, and JAK-STAT pathways. Further analysis indicated that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays a central role in the inflammatory response to hvKP infection, whereas the TNF and IL-17 pathways act synergistically to upregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Western blot analysis confirmed the expression of TRAF6 and NF-κB p65 protein during hvKP infection. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of macrophage responses to hvKP, offering potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
研究领域:
微生物学
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免疫学
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分子生物学
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传染病学
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基因组学
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细胞生物学
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生物信息学
✓ 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）