Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
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2018
·Vol. 17
·期 1
·393-397
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IF 1.41
Rendong Wei,Haidong Liu,Ru Chen,Yunjian Sheng,Tao Liu
Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS‑Ⅳ) in improving liver cirrhosis injury in rats and its effect on the phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway were observed. Rat model of liver cirrhosis was induced by injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). A total of 36 Sprague‑Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: the normal control group (n=10), the model control group (n=13), and the AS‑Ⅳ group (n=13). The normal control group was injected with olive oil and given carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)‑Na (10 ml/kg/day), the model control group was given CMC‑Na (10 ml/kg/day), and the AS‑Ⅳ group underwent intragastric administration of AS‑Ⅳ (20 ml/kg/day). The content of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) of rats was detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α), interleukin (IL)‑6 and IL‑1β in serum were detected via enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied to observe morphological changes in liver tissues. The expression of collagens in liver tissues was detected via Masson's trichrome staining. Additionally, the expression of proteins in liver tissues was detected via western blotting. Compared with those in the blank group, the levels of AST, ALT, TNF‑α, IL‑6 and IL‑1β were higher, the expression level of collagens in liver tissues was increased, and the expression ratios of phosphorylated (p)‑PI3K/PI3K, p‑Akt/Akt and p‑mTOR/mTOR proteins were increased in the model group. Compared with the model group, AS‑Ⅳ could significantly decrease the content of AST, ALT, TNF‑α, IL‑6 and IL‑β in serum of rats, obviously inhibit the expression of collagens in liver tissues and decrease the expression ratios of p‑PI3K/PI3K, p‑Akt/Akt and p‑mTOR/mTOR proteins in liver tissues. AS‑Ⅳ can inhibit the inflammatory response so as to reduce the expression of collagens, and its mechanism may play a key role by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
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2025
·
IF 4.9
Jiayin Zhang,Rong Zhang,Lemei Sun,Bingqi Chen,Xiaohan Li,Jing Duan
Urolithin A (UA), a gut microbiota-derived metabolite of ellagic acid, exhibits diverse biological activities. Emerging evidence suggests its anti-tumor potential, possibly mediated through gut microbiota modulation, yet its role in lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, UA dose- and time-dependently suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation. Mechanistically, UA triggered autophagy, as evidenced by increased LC3-II protein levels, and transcriptome analysis revealed this effect was mediated through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In vivo , UA supplementation markedly inhibited tumor growth in H1975 xenograft models, concomitant with enhanced autophagy and downregulation of associated proteins. Notably, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that UA modulated gut microbiota composition, increasing Lactobacillus while decreasing Desulfovibrio abundance. Spearman’s correlation analysis further linked these microbial shifts to altered expression of autophagy-related genes. Collectively, our findings highlight UA as a promising gut microbial metabolite for lung cancer intervention via coordinated autophagy induction and microbiota remodeling.
研究领域:
癌症生物学
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微生物学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
·
2026
·
IF 8.1
Pengru Wang,Xin Hu,Haiyan Pu,Junjie Bai,Lei Sun,Tingting Ma,Yichao Du,Wenguang Fu
Hepatic ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury complicates transplantation, resection, and shock, yet lacks effective pharmacotherapy. We evaluated Leonurine (SCM-198) as a hepatoprotective agent. Male C57BL/6 mice were pretreated with SCM-198 for 7 days, then subjected to hepatic I/R and sampled at the reperfusion endpoint. AML12 cells were pretreated with SCM-198 for 24 h, exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and immediately analyzed. Injury, inflammation, apoptosis, and cell-cycle changes were assessed using assay kits, histology, IHC, WB, and qPCR; network pharmacology, docking, and MD simulations explored potential targets. SCM-198 sharply cut hepatic necrosis and serum transaminases, suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduced leukocyte infiltration, blocked apoptosis and restored cyclin D1/cyclin E1. In hypoxia-reoxygenation AML12 cells, it improved viability, limited oxidative stress and mirrored the anti-apoptotic effects. Network and dynamic simulation identified stable phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) binding, and the compound raised PI3K, protein kinase B and mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation; the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 abolished these changes. SCM-198 protects liver I/R by curbing inflammation, apoptosis, and cell-cycle arrest via PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation, offering a promising therapeutic candidate.
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HEREDITAS
·
2026
·Vol. 163
·期 1
·43
·
IF 2.6
Wu Ting,Jiang Jingwen,Zhang Yunfang,Zhang Hui,Fu Mingquan,Chen Fazhang,Fan Yilin,Yuan Huan,Wang Kaining
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) remains one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and is associated with high recurrence and poor survival outcomes, particularly in its advanced stages. Zi-Shen-Gu-Sui Decoction (ZSGSD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has been clinically applied in CRC treatment and postoperative rehabilitation; however, its pharmacological mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. This study aimed to explore the anti-CRC efficacy and molecular mechanisms of ZSGSD, with particular attention to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis. Methods UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was utilized to characterize the chemical profile of ZSGSD. Network pharmacology was employed to identify key signaling pathways and bioactive compounds, and molecular docking was conducted to predict potential interactions between major constituents and PI3K/AKT/mTOR proteins. A xenograft mouse model of CRC was established to evaluate tumor suppression. Histological staining was used to assess apoptosis, and the expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR was quantified via RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays. Results Sixty compounds were identified in ZSGSD, with flavonoids comprising approximately 50%. Network analysis suggested potential involvement of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and docking results indicated favorable predicted binding between key flavonoids (including Genistein, Apigenin, and Naringenin) and proteins within this pathway. In vivo, ZSGSD treatment suppressed tumor growth in a dose-responsive fashion, with tumor inhibition rates ranging from 30.83% to 75.23% ( p < 0.05). Histological evaluations revealed reduced nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratios and enhanced apoptotic activity, as confirmed by TUNEL staining ( p < 0.05). Molecular analyses showed a dose-related reduction in PI3K, AKT, and mTOR expression at the transcript and protein levels, indicating that this pathway may be modulated during ZSGSD treatment ( p < 0.05). Conclusion ZSGSD demonstrates notable tumor-suppressive and pro-apoptotic effects in a CRC xenograft model. These outcomes appear to be associated with modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, although further functional studies are required to confirm pathway specificity and clarify causal mechanisms.
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JOURNAL OF DRUG TARGETING
·
2019
·
IF 3.277
Jun Ma,Di Du,Jia Liu,Lei Guo,Yongchuan Li,Aimin Chen,TianWen Ye
Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, plays an important role in the regulation of bone homeostasis. However, the precise effect of H2S on osteoclasts was still elusive. The goal of this study was to determine the potential role of H2S in regulation of osteoclasts and the underlying mechanisms by which H2S affected osteoclastogenesis. The present study applied western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, pit formation assay, immunofluorescence confocal microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide double-staining assay. The results showed that the expressions of cystathionine b-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine c-lyase (CSE) were obviously increased in osteoclast differentiation induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β ligand (RANKL). In addition, H2S promoted RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and inhibited apoptosis of mature osteoclasts. Mechanistically, H2S inhibited autophagy in Raw 264.7 cells. Autophagy activator (rapamycin) alleviated the induction of osteoclast differentiation by H2S. Further studies showed that H2S inhibited autophagy by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. Taken together, our results implicated that exogenous H2S could promote osteoclastogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to downregulate autophagy.
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CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN
·
2021
·
IF 1.645
Bai-ling Sun,En-bo Cai,Yan Zhao,Yu Wang,Li-min Yang,Jing-Yao Wang
Arctigenin(ARG) , a natural lignans compound isolated from Arctium lappa L. In this study, the anti-tumor effect of ARG on prostate cancer cell PC-3M and the mechanism of apoptosis and autophagy induced by PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were discussed, and further confirmed by the joint treatment of ARG and PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Here, the effect of ARG on cell viability was evaluated in PC-3M cells by CCK-8 assay. After the treatment of ARG, colony formation assay was used to detect the anti-proliferation effect. Annexin V-FITC/PI kit and DAPI staining were used to detect the apoptosis level, and cell cycle changes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of autophagy was detected by acridine orange staining. In addition, the expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were analyzed by western blot. The result showed that different concentrations of ARG inhibited the proliferation of PC-3M cells. DAPI staining and flow cytometry showed that ARG induced PC-3M cell apoptosis and arrested cell in G0/G1 phase. Acridine orange staining showed that ARG induced autophagy in PC-3M cells. Western blot experiments showed that ARG inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 , promoted the expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3. At the same time, the expression of autophagy-related proteins LC3B-II and Beclin-1 increased after ARG treatment, but P62 decreased. In addition, further studies have shown that treatment with LY294002 enhanced the effects of ARG on the expression of proteins associated with apoptosis and autophagy , indicating that ARG may induce apoptosis and autophagy through PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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细胞生物学
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药理学
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LIFE SCIENCES
·
2018
·
IF 3.234
Han Zhang,Fenfen Qin,Anlong Liu,Qinmei Sun,Qisheng Wang,Shuwu Xie,Shengfeng Lu,Dong Zhang,Zhigang Lu
Aims Electro-acupuncture (EA) is frequently recommended as a complementary therapy for premature ovarian failure (POF) in the clinical. However, little information exists about its potential treatment mechanisms. The study was designed to observe the effect of EA to ovarian function and fertility in POF mice model, and investigated its potential mechanisms on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Materials and methods Forty-five female C57/BL6 mice were divided into the Control, the Model and the EA group. The ovaries morphology of mice was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and all follicles were counted under microscope. The protein expression of PI3K, phospho-PI3K, AKT, phospho-AKT, mTOR, phospho-mTOR, S6, phospho-S6, 4E-BP1 and phospho-4E-BP1 were detected by western blotting. The data was presented as the ratio of phosphorylation protein to total protein. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E 2 ) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The fertility was observed by giving treated mice 8 weeks for breeding. Key findings We found that primordial follicle counts were increased in EA group compared to Model group. The phosphorylation of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 4E-BP1 and S6K in EA group significantly reduced compared to Model group. Serum FSH and LH levels in EA group were decreased compared to Model group, while, serum E 2 and AMH levels in EA group were increased compared with Model group. The litter size in EA group was improved compared to Model group. Significance The effects of EA on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway may represent one of the mechanisms involved in attenuating the mice POF.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
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针灸疗法
·
信号转导
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FASEB JOURNAL
·
2020
·Vol. 34
·期 10
·14006-14023
·
IF 4.966
Chang-Sheng Zhan,Jia Chen,Jing Chen,Li-Gang Zhang,Yi Liu,He-Xi Du,Hui Wang,Mei-Juan Zheng,Zi-Qiang Yu,Xian-Guo Chen,Li Zhang,Chao-Zhao Liang
Chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a complicated syndrome characterized by genitourinary pain in the absence of bacterial infection. Th17 cell-driven autoimmunity has been proposed as a cause of CP/CPPS. However, the factors that promote Th17-driven autoimmunity in experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) and the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here, we showed that Th17 cells were excessively activated, and blockade of IL-17A could effectively ameliorate various symptoms in EAP. Furthermore, we revealed that calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅳ (CaMK4), especially Thr 196 p-CaMK4 was increased in the Th17 cells of the EAP group, which were activated by intracellular cytosolic Ca 2+ . Pharmacologic and genetic inhibition of CaMK4 decreased the proportion of Th17 cells, and the protein and mRNA level of IL-17A, IL-22, and RORγt. The phosphorylation of CaMK4 was dependent on the increase in intracellular cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration in Th17 cells. A mechanistic study demonstrated that inhibition of CaMK4 reduced IL-17A production by decreasing the phosphorylation of Akt-mTOR, which was well accepted to positively regulate Th17 differentiation. Collectively, our results demonstrated that Ca 2+ -CaMK4-Akt/mTOR-IL-17A axis inhibition may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS.
研究领域:
免疫学
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分子生物学
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泌尿科
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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
·
2023
·Vol. 18
·期 1
·1-13
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IF 2.6
Zhang Yang,Liu Wenguang,Liu Zhonghao,Liu Yi
Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and intra-articular inflammation. Daurisoline (DAS) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Rhizoma Menispermi, whose antitumor and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects have been demonstrated, but the effects of DAS on OA have rarely been researched. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential role of DAS in OA and its partial mechanism.
Materials and methods The cytotoxicity of H 2 O 2 and DAS toward chondrocytes was detected by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Safranin O staining was used to detect chondrocyte phenotype changes. Cell apoptosis was measured by both flow cytometry and quantitative analysis of the protein levels of the apoptosis-related factors Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 by western blot. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to assess the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3, Beclin-1 and p62. In addition, key signal pathway targets and matrix-degrading indicators were measured by western blot. Results Our results indicated that H 2 O 2 induced human chondrocyte apoptosis and activated autophagy in a dose-dependent manner. DAS treatment dose-dependently reversed the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase3) and the apoptosis rate induced by H 2 O 2 . Western blot and immunofluorescence analyses showed that DAS decreased the H 2 O 2 -induced upregulation of the autophagy marker Beclin-1 and the LC3 II/LC3 I ratio and upregulated the p62 protein level. Mechanistically, DAS inhibited autophagy through the activation of the classical PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and protected chondrocytes from apoptosis. In addition, DAS alleviated the H 2 O 2 -induced degradation of type II collagen and the high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and MMP13. Conclusion Our research demonstrated that DAS alleviated chondrocyte autophagy caused by H 2 O 2 through activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and protected chondrocytes from apoptosis and matrix degradation. In conclusion, these findings suggest that DAS may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for OA.
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CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
·
2024
·
IF 4.7
Long Zhang,Weibin Li,Xiaohui Chen,Dongmin Cao,Siyuan You,Fan Shi,Zhengqiong Luo,Hongyu Li,Xiangchen Zeng,Yabin Song,Na Li,Yoshie Akimoto,Gang Rui,Yu Chen,Zuoxing Wu,Ren Xu
Bone metastases caused by breast cancer pose a major challenge to the successful treatment of breast cancer patients. Many researchers have suggested that herbal medicines are extremely effective at preventing and treating cancer-associated osteolysis. Previous studies have revealed that Morusin (MOR) is cytotoxic to many cancer cells ex vivo . Nevertheless, how MOR contributes to osteolysis induced by breast cancer is still unknown, and the potential mechanism of action against osteolysis is worthy of further study. The protective effect and molecular mechanism of MOR in inhibiting breast cancer cell-induced osteolysis were verified by experiments and network pharmacology. Cell function was assessed by cell proliferation, osteoclast (OC) formation, bone resorption, and phalloidin staining. Tumour growth was examined by micro-CT scanning in vivo . To identify potential MOR treatments, the active ingredient–target pathway of breast cancer was screened using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. This study is the first to report that MOR can prevent osteolysis induced by breast cancer cells. Specifically, our results revealed that MOR inhibits RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and restrains the proliferation, invasion and migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cells through restraining the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signalling pathway. Notably, MOR prevented bone loss caused by breast cancer cell-induced osteolysis in vivo , indicating that MOR inhibited the development of OCs and the resorption of bone, which are essential for cancer cell-associated bone distraction. This study showed that MOR treatment inhibited osteolysis induced by breast cancer in vivo . MOR inhibited OC differentiation and bone resorption ex vivo and in vivo and might be a potential drug candidate for treating breast cancer-induced osteolysis.
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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TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
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2026
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IF 3.1
Lele Zhou,Lingbin Chen,Cailin Zheng,Jinneng Wu,Meihua Zhong,Zhixiong Huang,Zhiming Xin,Zhou Chen
Tripchlorolide, a low-toxicity derivative of the natural product triptolide, exhibits significant therapeutic potential for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases; however, its profile of male reproductive toxicity remains a major concern for clinical translation. To address this, we first established its median lethal dose at 33.13 mg/kg in mice to guide safe exposure levels. We then systematically evaluated its reproductive toxicity in male rats following 8-week intraperitoneal administration (2.5, 5, and 10 μg/kg/day). Our results demonstrated a clear dose-dependent toxicity, characterized by significant reductions in testicular and epididymal coefficients, impaired sperm count and motility, disrupted testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels, and evident histopathological damage in the testes and epididymides. Encouragingly, these adverse effects showed signs of reversal after a 4-week recovery period, suggesting that the impairment is reversible. Through an integrated approach combining network pharmacology prediction and molecular docking, we identified the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as the pivotal molecular event. This mechanism was conclusively validated by our in vivo rescue experiment, where co-administration of the Akt activator SC79 markedly attenuated the tripchlorolide-induced reproductive impairments. Our study provides a comprehensive toxicological profile, defining the dose-response, reversibility, and mechanistic basis of tripchlorolide's male reproductive toxicity, thereby offering critical insights for its risk assessment and potential repurposing.
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Nature Communications
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2026
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IF 18.1
Li Ke-ran,Fu Ping-ping,Bai Wen,Bai Chao-wen,Yang Yitian,Liu Le,Chai Jin-long,Yao Yujia,Huang Dan,Zhang Zhi-qing,Jiang Qin,Ma Zhou-rui,Feng Yu,Yao Jin,Cao Cong
Retinal neovascularization (RNV) is a potential vision-threatening process characterized by the abnormal growth of retinal vessels. Despite its clinical prevalence, the precise mechanisms governing RNV initiation and progression remain incompletely defined. Here we identify myeloid-derived growth factor (MYDGF) as a critical regulator of retinal vascular dynamics. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and human patient validation, we show that MYDGF is upregulated in retinal endothelial cells during proliferative diabetic retinopathy and mouse models of pathological neovascularization. In vitro, MYDGF promotes retinal endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and sprouting. In vivo, endothelial-specific MYDGF depletion inhibits both normal vascular development and pathological neovascularization in neonatal mice, and disrupting adult vascular homeostasis in male mice. MYDGF drives angiogenesis by activating the Akt-mTOR cascade through the Gαi1/3-Gab1 signaling complex; genetic depleting or mutation these components suppress MYDGF-induced Akt-mTOR activation and angiogenic responses. Together, MYDGF promotes retinal angiogenesis and maintains vascular homeostasis via the Gαi1/3-Gab1-Akt-mTOR signaling axis.
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