MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
·
2025
·Vol. 63
·期 1
·199
·
IF 4.3
Yang Huijie,Wang Fangyu,Li Qian,Li Tiange,Zhang Bei,Song Lianjun,Huang Xianqing,Liu Shuyang,Galaverna Gianni,Zhao Peijun,Bakry Ibrahim A.,Li Ning
Lead (Pb) exposure is a major environmental risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigates the neuroprotective effects of black soybean peptides (BSPs), particularly BSP1, BSP3, and BSP4, against Pb-induced toxicity in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuron cells, with a mechanistic focus on the RhoA/MAPK signaling pathway. The rationale for targeting RhoA/MAPK stems from their established roles in mediating oxidative stress and apoptosis in Pb-related pathology. Pretreatment with BSP1 or BSP4 (200 µM) increased cell viability by approximately 35% relative to the Pb-only group. At the same time, BSPs also decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by up to 40% and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 30%. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were restored to near-control levels; for example, SOD activity increased 1.8-fold compared with the Pb group. Western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed that BSPs reduced the Pb-triggered activation of RhoA, ROCK1/2, and MAPK proteins (p38, JNK, ERK). These findings demonstrate that BSPs mitigate Pb-induced neurotoxicity by enhancing antioxidant activity and targeting RhoA/MAPK signaling, highlighting their potential as functional food ingredients or therapeutic agents for neuroprotection.
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
·
2023
·
IF 7.5
Hai-Tao Li,Kun Zhong,Yun-Fei Xia,Jian Song,Xiao-Qing Chen,Wei Zhao,Xu-Hui Zeng,Tian-Xing Chen
Male infertility is a global concern, with a noticeable increase in the decline of spermatogenesis and sperm quality. However, there are limited clinically effective treatments available. This study aimed to investigate the potential effectiveness of puerarin in treating male infertility, which leads to gonadal changes. The results obtained from various analyses such as CASA, immunofluorescence, DIFF-Quick, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining demonstrated that puerarin supplementation significantly alleviated the busulfan-induced reduction in spermatogenesis and sperm quality in both young and adult mice. Furthermore, puerarin exhibited a marked improvement in the damage caused by busulfan to the architecture of seminiferous tubules, causal epididymis, blood-testicular barrier (BTB), as well as spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Similarly, puerarin significantly reduced the levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and caspase-3 in the testes of busulfan-induced mice, as determined by microplate reader analysis. Additionally, RNA-seq data, RT-qPCR, and western blotting revealed that puerarin restored the abnormal gene expressions induced by busulfan to nearly healthy levels. Notably, puerarin significantly reversed the impact of busulfan on the expression of marker genes involved in spermatogenesis and oxidative stress. Moreover, puerarin suppressed the phosphorylation of p38, ERK1/2, and JNK in the testes, as observed through testicular analysis. Consequently, this study concludes that puerarin may serve as a potential alternative for treating busulfan-induced damage to male fertility by inactivating the testicular MAPK pathways. These findings may pave the way for the use of puerarin in addressing chemotherapy- or other factors-induced male infertility in humans.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
·
药理学
·
分子生物学
·
细胞生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
DNA AND CELL BIOLOGY
·
2025
·
IF 2.6
Lijiang Zhao,Xueqing Wu,Qiang Li,Yan Shen,Sheng Zeng,Jinbao Wang,Qian Liu
Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most common endocrine disruptor that has toxicity to the reproductive system and male infertility. However, the underlying mechanisms of BPA’s toxicity to Sertoli cells remain poorly understood. Cellular communication network factor 5 (CCN5) is reported to regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Our study demonstrated a significant elevation of CCN5 expression in the testis of nonobstructive azoospermia patients and TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to BPA. Knockdown of CCN5 reduced apoptotic cells after BPA treatment, as determined by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assays. Cells exposed to BPA showed increased expressions of Bax and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, decreased expression of Bcl-2, as well as elevated activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in BPA-induced TM4 cells, which were reversed by CCN5 inhibition. Loss of CCN5 declined phosphorylation of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2A and decreased activating transcription factor 4 and C/EBP-homologous protein in BPA-treated cells. Furthermore, silencing CCN5 blocked BPA-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Administration of anisomycin, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activator, reversed the effects of CCN5 knockdown on BPA-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis. Taken together, CCN5 promotes apoptosis and ER stress in Sertoli cells exposed to BPA by activating the p38/JNK MAPK signaling pathway.
研究领域:
生殖生物学
·
毒理学
·
分子生物学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INFLAMMATION
·
2021
·Vol. 44
·期 5
·2018-2032
·
IF 4.092
Zhou Changkai,Gao Jing,Ji Hongyan,Li Wenjing,Xing Xiaomin,Liu Donghua,Guo Qie,Zhou Lihua,Jing Fanbo
Previous studies have shown that benzoylaconine (BAC), a representative monoester alkaloid, has a potential anti-inflammatory effect. This study investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms using the mode of LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Our findings showed that BAC significantly suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, ROS, NO, and PGE 2 . BAC treatment also effectively downregulated the elevated protein levels of iNOS and COX-2 induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. In this study, we found that BAC inhibited LPS-induced NF-κB activation by reducing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα by western blotting and blocking the nuclear translocation of p65 using an immunofluorescence assay. The elevated protein levels of JNK, p38, and ERK phosphorylation after LPS stimulation were restored effectively by BAC treatment. The protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and LPS-induced phosphorylation of TAK1, which is a crucial upstream regulatory factor of TLR-induced MAPK and NF-κB signaling, were inhibited by BAC in activated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, BAC decreased the levels of TAK1 phosphorylation and pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators associated with MAPK and NF-κB activation, similar to TLR4 inhibitor TAK-242. These findings demonstrated that BAC exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect by the inhibition of TLR-induced MAPK and NF-κB pathways, indicating that it could potentially be used for treating inflammatory diseases.
研究领域:
免疫学
·
药理学
·
细胞生物学
·
炎症研究
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2024
·
IF 7.7
Chunyan Wang,Xu Huang,Kailing Sun,Xiang Li,Dingding Feng,Yoshimasa Nakamura,Hang Qi
Fucoxanthin (FX), a non-provitamin-A carotenoid, is a well-known major xanthophyll contained in edible brown algae. The nanoencapsulation of FX was motivated due to its multiple activities. Here, nano-encapsulated-FX (nano-FX) was prepared according to our early method by using whey protein and flaxseed gum as the biomacromolecule carrier material, then in vivo antitumor effect and mechanism of nano-FX on xenograft mice were investigated. Thirty 4-week-old male BALB/c nude mice were fed adaptively for 7 days to establish xenograft tumor model with Huh-7 cells. The tumor-bearing mice consumed nano-FX (50, 25, and 12.5 mg kg −1 ) and doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX, 1 mg kg −1 ) or did not consume (Control) for 21 days, n = 6. The tumor inhibition rates of nano-FX were as high as 54.67 ± 1.04 %. Nano-FX intervention promoted apoptosis and induced hyperchromatic pyknosis and focal necrosis in tumor tissue by down-regulating the expression of p-JNK, p-ERK, PI3Kp85α, p-AKT, p-p38MAPK, Bcl-2, CyclinD1 and Ki-67, while up-regulating the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax. Nano-FX inhibited tumor growth and protected liver function of tumor bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner, up-regulate the level of apoptosis-related proteins, inhibit the MAPK-PI3K/Akt pathways, and promote tumor cell apoptosis.
研究领域:
生物化学
·
药理学
·
肿瘤学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
FASEB JOURNAL
·
2025
·Vol. 39
·期 11
·e70681
·
IF 4.2
Yao Chen,Heqi Dai,Fei Mao,Yangbai Li,Ruizhi Feng,Yun Qian
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most prevalent endocrine disorders in women of reproductive age. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we employed RNA sequencing analysis to identify differentially expressed protein‐coding genes and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles in granulosa cells from women with and without PCOS. It was established that the level of NONHSAT233728.1 was diminished in women with PCOS. The present study demonstrated the role of NONHSAT233728.1 in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS and further investigated the potential mechanism of NONHSAT233728.1 in the KGN cell line. Additionally, the knockdown of NONHSAT233728.1 has been observed to promote cell apoptosis, inhibit cell proliferation, promote mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Western blot analyses confirmed that phospho‐extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2 were decreased following lnc‐NONHSAT233728.1 knockdown. Consequently, we propose that ROS accumulation activates the endogenous mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, leading to granulosa cell apoptosis via the MEK/ERK1/2 pathway, which contributes to follicular atresia. We observed a negative correlation between NONHSAT233728.1 and both LH levels and the LH/FSH ratio. These findings indicate that lncRNA NONHSAT233728.1 is linked to the pathogenesis of PCOS and offer new insights into its underlying mechanisms. Through isolation and transcriptomic profiling of granulosa cells, we identified the functional significance of lncRNA NONHSAT233728.1 in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis. Knockdown of lncRNA NONHSAT233728.1 in granulosa cells elevated ROS levels, reduced the Bcl2/Bax ratio, downregulated phospho‐ERK1/2, and increased IL‐8 secretion. These results demonstrate ROS‐mediated mitochondrial apoptosis via MEK/ERK1/2 suppression, alongside inhibited proliferation and enhanced inflammation, consistent with follicular atresia in PCOS. Negative correlations between NONHSAT233728.1 and LH/FSH ratios further support its pathogenic role.
研究领域:
生殖医学
·
分子生物学
·
内分泌学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Human Cell
·
2024
·
IF 3.4
Wang Chenggang,Wang Zhanchao,Zi Ying,Dan Xuejian,Xu Jiahui,Zhao Jingwei,Xu Wei,Wu Zhourui,Liu Wei,Ma Bin
Neurogenic intermittent claudication (NIC), a classic symptom of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), is associated with neuronal apoptosis. To explore the novel therapeutic target of NIC treatment, we constructed the rat model of NIC by cauda equina compression (CEC) method and collected dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues, a region responsible for sensory and motor function, for mRNA sequencing. Bioinformatic analysis of mRNA sequencing indicated that upregulated metallothionein 2A (MT2A), an apoptosis-regulating gene belonging to the metallothionein family, might participate in NIC progression. Activated p38 MAPK mediated motor dysfunction following LSS and it was also found in DRG tissues of rats with NIC. Therefore, we supposed that MT2A might affect NIC progression by regulating p38 MAPK pathway. Then the rat model of NIC was used to explore the exact role of MT2A. Rats at day 7 post-CEC exhibited poorer motor function and had two-fold MT2A expression in DRG tissues compared with rats with sham operation. Co-localization analysis showed that MT2A was highly expressed in neurons, but not in microglia or astrocytes. Subsequently, neurons isolated from DRG tissues of rats were exposed to hypoxia condition (3% O 2 , 92% N 2 , 5% CO 2 ) to induce cell damage. Gain of MT2A function in neurons was performed by lentivirus-mediated overexpression. MT2A overexpression inhibited apoptosis by inactivating p38 MAPK in hypoxia-exposed neurons. Our findings indicated that high MT2A expression was related to NIC progression, and MT2A overexpression protected against NIC through inhibiting activated p38 MAPK-mediated neuronal apoptosis in DRG tissues.
研究领域:
神经科学
·
分子生物学
·
病理生理学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Nutrients
·
2022
·Vol. 14
·期 13
·2765
·
IF 6.706
Xuejiao Zhang,Bowei Zhang,Bo Peng,Jin Wang,Yaozhong Hu,Ruican Wang,Shuo Wang
Sugar reduction and sugar control are advocated and gaining popularity around the world. Sucrose, as the widely consumed ingredient in our daily diet, has been reported a relation to gastrointestinal diseases. However, the role of sucrose in inflammatory bowel disease remains controversial. Hence, our study aimed to elucidate the potential role of three doses of sucrose on DSS-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice and the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that low-dose sucrose intervention alleviated colitis in mice, reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and repairing mucosal damages. In contrast, high-dose sucrose intervention exacerbated colitis. Furthermore, three doses of sucrose administration markedly altered gut microbiota composition. Notably, the low-dose sucrose restored microbial dysfunction and enhanced the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Specifically, the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteriaFaecalibaculum,Bacteroides,andRomboutsiawere increased significantly in the LOW group. Consistently, PPAR-γ, activated by SCFAs, was elevated in the LOW group, thereby inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB pathway. Together, our study demonstrates the differential effects of sucrose on colitis at different doses, providing a scientific basis for measuring and modifying the safe intake level of sugar and providing favorable evidence for implementing sugar reduction policies.Keywords:sucrose;gut microbiota;SCFAs;PPAR-γ;MAPK/NF-κB
研究领域:
胃肠病学
·
免疫学
·
微生物学
·
营养学
✓ 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
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
·
2023
·
IF 8.2
Shaojie Zhang,Qian Zhang,Chong Li,Na Xing,Pengfei Zhou,Yukun Jiao
Anemarrhena asphodeloides polysaccharide (AAP70–1) was reported to have immunomodulatory effects in our previous report. To further improve the immunomodulatory effects of AAP70–1, an A. asphodeloides polysaccharide-zinc complex (AAP-Zn) was synthesized using a ZnCl 2 modification method, and the potential mechanisms by which AAP-Zn activates macrophages were investigated. The results showed that the structural features of AAP-Zn were similar to those of AAP70–1 with a Zn content of 0.2 %, confirming that Zn mainly interacted with AAP70–1 by forming Zn O coordination bonds and Zn…OH bonds. In addition, the administration of AAP70–1 and AAP-Zn effectively improved the immunomodulatory effects by enhancing phagocytosis and upregulating the mRNA expression of cytokines (TNF- α , IL-6, IL-1 β , and IL-18), as well as increasing the production levels of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish embryos. The intracellular mechanism by which AAP-Zn activates macrophages was found to involve activation of the NF- κ B and MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that AAP-Zn may be a potential immunopotentiator in the field of biomedicine or functional foods.
研究领域:
免疫学
·
药理学
·
生物医学工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES
·
2022
·Vol. 67
·期 10
·4780-4796
·
IF 3.487
Duan Houyu,Ding Xiang,Luo Hesheng
Background and Aims KISS-1 is an established tumor suppressor that inhibits metastases in various malignancies. However, little is known regarding its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of the present study was to identify the possible mechanisms of KISS-1 in ESCC metastasis. Methods The expression levels of KISS-1 mRNA and protein in ESCC samples and cell lines were analyzed by qRT-PCR, IHC, and western blotting. Bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) were used to analyze the methylation pattern of KISS-1 promoter in ESCC cells with or without 5-Aza-dC treatment. The role of KISS-1 in the progression and metastasis of ESCC was analyzed through in vitro functional assays. Results KISS-1 mRNA and protein were markedly downregulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines compared to the respective controls. Hypermethylation of KISS-1 promoter correlated to its lower expression levels in ESCC, and KISS-1 demethylation inhibited tumor progression. Ectopic KISS-1 overexpression inhibited tumor cell metastasis in vitro. In addition, KISS-1 overexpression downregulated the matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2 and 9) and inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, KISS-1 downregulated phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) without affecting their total expression levels in the ESCC cells. MAPK/ERK and p38 MAPK agonists reversed the suppressive effects of KISS-1. Conclusions The hypermethylation of KISS-1 promoter partly contributed to its downregulation in ESCC. KISS-1 inhibits the metastasis of ESCC cells by targeting the MMP2/9/ERK/p38 MAPK axis.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
分子生物学
·
癌症遗传学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Nutrients
·
2022
·Vol. 14
·期 9
·1940
·
IF 6.706
Kuaitian Wang,Xiao Kong,Mengdi Du,Wei Yu,Zhenhua Wang,Bo Xu,Jianrong Yang,Jingru Xu,Zhili Liu,Yongqiang Cheng,Jing Gan
DEDEQIPSHPPR, the calcium-binding peptide (CBP) identified in soy yogurt, was proven to be a potential cofactor in osteoporosis prevention in our previous study, but the mechanism was unknown. In this study, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN), the regulation of RUNX2, and the expression of TβRI were investigated to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The results show that CBP upregulated ALP activity and OCN concentration and increased the expression of RUNX2 and the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. Similarly, the expression of osteogenesis-related genes in osteoblasts also increased upon CBP treatment. Moreover, the CBP-induced enhancement of ALP activity and phosphorylation levels in the p38 pathway was inhibited by treatment with a p38 inhibitor (SB203538) and TβRI inhibitor (SB431542), respectively, suggesting that p38 and TβRI were involved in the osteogenic action. Based on the signaling pathways, the intracellular calcium concentration was significantly elevated by CBP, which was correlated with the increased behavioral functions and the relative fluorescence intensity of the bone mass. These findings suggest that CBP stimulates osteoblast differentiation and bone mineralization through the activation of RUNX2 via mechanisms related to the TβRI-p38-MAPK signaling pathways, further highlighting CBP’s important potential for treating osteoporosis.Keywords:bone remodeling;soy peptide CBP;osteoblast;differentiation;p38-MAPK;RUNX2
研究领域:
生物学
·
生物化学
·
药理学
·
骨骼生物学
✓ 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）