JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
·
2025
·Vol. 29
·期 6
·e70372
·
IF 4.2
Wang Huikang,Cao Shiya,Pan Di,Faisal Ayub Kiani,Li Hao,Nan Sha,Lin Xuan,Mahmoud M. Abouelfetouh,Zulfiqar Ahmed,Ding Mingxing,Ding Yi
Neuropathic pain (NP), resulting from nerve damage, is difficult to manage and often requires long-term treatment. However, prolonged use of pain medications can lead to addiction and reduced effectiveness over time. Understanding drug tolerance is essential for developing improved pain management strategies. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is effective in targeting the α2 -adrenergic receptor, providing relief from pain, especially NP. However, its extended use leads to tolerance and hinders its clinical utility. Herein, we investigated tolerance mechanisms and potential applications of this drug in managing NP. Adult C57BL/6 mice (male) were distributed into DEX Dosage Groups ( n = 48), DEX Tolerance Model Groups ( n = 32), SGK1 Inhibitor GSK650394 Groups ( n = 48), and NF - κB Inhibitor PDTC Groups ( n = 32) to explore dexmedetomidine's effects on NP and tolerance mechanisms. NP was established via selective ligation of the sciatic nerve branch (SNI), followed by administration of DEX. The results revealed a dose-dependent analgesic effect of DEX, with significant increases in pain thresholds observed compared to the sham group ( p < 0.05). Optimal efficacy was found at a dose of 30 μg/kg, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for NP ( p < 0.05). However, continuous administration of DEX over 13 days induced analgesic tolerance, evidenced by an initial increase in pain thresholds followed by a gradual decrease ( p < 0.05). Despite an initial efficacy in elevating pain thresholds, the analgesic effect of DEX diminished over time, returning to pre-dose levels after 5 days ( p < 0.05). Transcriptome sequencing of spinal cord samples from mice receiving multiple DEX injections revealed differential gene expression patterns, notably upregulation of SGK1 , NR2A , and NR2B subunits ( p < 0.05). Inhibiting SGK1 mitigated DEX-induced tolerance, suggesting its involvement in tolerance development ( p < 0.05). Moreover, NF - κB inhibition reversed DEX-induced tolerance and implicated the SGK1 - NF - κB pathway in the mediation of analgesic tolerance. To sum up, these findings revealed the molecular mechanism underlying DEX-induced analgesic tolerance in the NP model and offer potential avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
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HISTOLOGY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY
·
2024
·
IF 2.5
Jinfeng Xie,Yonggui Liao,Dile Wang
Background: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is the third most prevalent vascular disease worldwide, seriously threatening human health. Baicalin, a flavonoid isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis , has been identified to play a crucial role in various vascular diseases. The study aimed to explore the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of baicalin in DVT. Methods: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from rat bone marrow. Dil-ac-LDL/FITC-UEA-1 double staining and flow cytometry analysis were conducted for the identification of EPCs. The angiogenesis and migration of EPCs in vitro were tested by a tube formation assay and Transwell assay, respectively. DVT rat models were established by stenosis of the inferior vena cava (IVC). After the euthanasia of rats, thrombi in the IVC were collected and weighed, and histological alterations in IVC tissue were measured by H&E staining. The protein levels of SIRT1, p-P65, and p65 in rat IVC tissues were quantified via western blotting. Results: EPCs used in this study displayed a spindle-like shape and were positive for endothelial cell-specific markers, suggesting the phenotypic characteristics of EPCs. Baicalin enhanced the migratory and angiogenetic abilities of EPCs in vitro . For in vivo experiments, baicalin reduced thrombus weight and mitigated DVT formation in model rats. Moreover, baicalin activated SIRT but repressed NF-κB signaling in IVC tissues of DVT rats. Conclusion: Baicalin facilitates migration and angiogenesis of EPCs but impedes thrombus formation via regulation of SIRT1/NF-κB signaling in DVT model rats.
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IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-ANIMAL
·
2024
·
IF 1.5
Chen Jiye,Chen Jiayao,Li Qinxia,Hu Minxia,Zhong Xingxing,Yu Liang,Zhang Xi,Huang Hongyu,Liu Jing,Huang Ziyi,Liu Xinyi,Xiong Wu
This study aimed to explore the potential of using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes (MSC-Exos) pre-treated with Astragaloside IV (ASIV) to alleviate inflammation in high glucose (HG)-damaged endothelial cells. MSC-Exos were isolated from untreated MSCs and ASIV-pre-treated MSCs, and their characteristics were assessed. The expression of miR-146a-5p in MSC-Exos was determined, and it was found that ASIV treatment enhanced its expression. In order to assess the impact of highly miR-146a-5p-expressing MSC-Exos on HG-injured endothelial cells, we established a model of HG-induced inflammation using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The study measured cell viability, apoptosis, tube formation, and levels of inflammatory cytokines among the different treatment groups. It was found that transferring MSC-Exos with high miR-146a-5p expression to HG-damaged HUVECs increased cell viability and tube formation ability while reducing the number of apoptotic cells. Additionally, changes in inflammatory factors indicated a reduction in the inflammatory response. Further investigation demonstrated that miR-146a-5p inhibited the expression of TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and phosphorylated NF-κB, which are involved in the inflammatory response. This resulted in the alleviation of inflammation in HG-damaged endothelial cells. In summary, our findings indicate that ASIV treatment stimulated the secretion of MSC-Exos that exhibited increased levels of miR-146a-5p. These exosomes, in turn, regulated the TRAF6/NF-κB pathway. As a result of this modulation, the inflammatory response in HG-damaged endothelial cells was alleviated. These findings offer a fresh approach to addressing vascular complications associated with diabetes, which could lead to novel treatment strategies in the field.
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Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2025
·
IF 4.8
Sheng Li,Shiyi Lu,Jiahui Xiong,Liang Chen,Yanting Lin,Xiaohui Chen,Xinyi Wang,Lijing Lin,Xiaoliang Cai,Xiaoyu Yang
Here, we systematically evaluated the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms of action of in-house synthesized hydroxyethyl starch-curcumin nanoparticles (HES-CUR NPs) in ulcerative colitis (UC). Using a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC mouse model, we analyzed the effect of HES-CUR NPs on colonic tissue and the gut microbiota through the assessment of organ indices and serum biochemical markers, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that HES-CUR NPs significantly suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway (downregulated TLR4, p-IKKβ, IL-1β, IL-6, NFKB, MyD88, and p-IKKB/IKKB; p < 0.01), activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathway (enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and HO-1 expression), and upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins (claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1), thereby restoring intestinal barrier integrity. Microbiota analysis revealed that HES-CUR NPs increased gut microbiota diversity (elevated Chao1, Shannon, and ACE indices) and enriched beneficial bacteria abundance (Ligilactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus johnsonii). Antibiotic intervention partially attenuated the therapeutic effects of the HES-CUR NPs, confirming that their effects involved microbiota-dependent mechanisms. Compared to CUR and SASP, HES-CUR NPs exhibited significantly enhanced bioavailability and efficacy (p < 0.01), attributed to the targeted delivery and sustained-release properties of the hydroxyethyl starch nanocarrier. No toxicity was observed, as indicated by normal spleen, liver, and thymus indices and stable levels of TP, ALT, AST, ALB, GLB, and ALB/GLB. Our findings indicated that HES-CUR alleviates UC through a synergistic, multi-target mechanism involving inflammatory pathway suppression, antioxidant pathway activation, intestinal barrier repair, and microbiota modulation, providing a theoretical foundation for developing efficient and safe natural nanomedicines targeting UC.
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EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
·
2025
·
IF 2.7
Yarong Yan,Shulei Xing,Jinghua Liu,Xinlin Yan,Yi Guan,Zhixin Jiang,Wei Zhang,Xuan Li
Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp), derived from the Chinese medicinal plant Lycium barbarum, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties; however, its precise role and mechanism in corneal repair following injury remain elusive. The present research investigated the mechanisms and effects of LbGp on corneal repair following alkali burn injury using in vivo mouse models of corneal alkali burn and in vitro human keratocyte fibrosis models. Corneal inflammation, opacity, and epithelial defects were assessed via a slit lamp microscope. Results showed that LbGp-treated mice exhibited reduced edema, accelerated re-epithelialization, and decreased corneal opacity compared to the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated controls. Proteomic analysis revealed altered proteins enriched in the extracellular matrix among the control, injury, and LbGp treatment groups. Moreover, LbGp significantly attenuated TGFβ-1-induced myofibroblasts transdifferentiation from keratocytes. Consistently, LbGp treatment inhibited the upregulation of fibrosis markers (αSMA, fibronectin, and collagen III) at both the protein and mRNA levels after corneal alkali burns. LbGp also effectively suppressed the activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1β signaling pathway and neutrophil infiltration following corneal alkali burn injury. Additionally, miR-21 was upregulated in TGFβ-1-stimulated keratocytes and in the alkali-burned mouse cornea. LbGp decreased miR-21 expression, while increasing expression of its target, Smad7, thereby dampening the TGFβ/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. This research demonstrates that LbGp promotes corneal healing by inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis after alkali burns, suggesting its potential as a supplementary therapy for corneal injury repair.
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Human Cell
·
2022
·Vol. 35
·期 5
·1424-1439
·
IF 4.374
Liu Wen,Li Guojuan,Li Jing,Chen Wei
The long-term treatment of glucocorticoids is a common cause of osteoporosis (OP). This study concentrated on inquiring into the regulatory role and potential mechanisms of TRG-AS1 on dexamethasone (Dex)-induced OP in rats. We adopted Dex to treat rat osteoblasts and rats to simulate in-vitro and in-vivo OP models, respectively. Gain-of-function assays of TRG-AS1, miR-802 and CAB39 were constructed in rat osteoblasts to make certain the influence of TRG-AS1, miR-802 and CAB39 on differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis of rat osteoblasts. TRG-AS1 and CAB39 were down-regulated in the Dex-induced OP model in rats, in contrast to miR-802. Overexpression of TRG-AS1 restrained Dex-induced inhibition of osteogenic differentiation, promoted CAB39/AMPK/SIRT-1 and inhibited NF-κB, while overexpression of miR-802 bridled the inhibitory effect of TRG-AS1 on OP. miR-802 was targeted by TRG-AS1, and inhibited CAB39. Inhibition of either AMPK or SIRT-1 abated the osteogenic differentiation-promoting effect of CAB39. Animal experiments displayed that overexpressing TRG-AS1 alleviated Dex-induced OP in rats. In conclusion, up-regulation of TRG-AS1 protected against glucocorticoid-induced OP in rats by modulating the miR-802-mediated CAB39/AMPK/SIRT-1/NF-κB axis.
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LIPIDS
·
2026
·
IF 1.6
Xujiao Hu,Yu Fang
In atherosclerosis (AS), the conversion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a macrophage-like phenotype is a key contributor to plaque instability. Although retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (RARRES2) has been identified as an adipokine implicated in inflammation and metabolism, its role in VSMC phenotypic transformation remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether RARRES2 regulates the macrophage-like transformation and dysfunction of VSMCs. In the in vitro AS model, RARRES2 expression was significantly upregulated. Knockdown of RARRES2 inhibited VSMC proliferation and migration, reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors, decreased lipid accumulation, and the number of CD68-positive cells, and suppressed the activation of key proteins in the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. In the AS model, RARRES2 expression was found to be significantly upregulated. Knockdown of RARRES2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, reduced the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MMP-2, reduced lipid accumulation, decreased the number of CD68-positive cells (indicating an acquisition of partial macrophage-like features, though further lineage markers are needed to confirm full partial macrophage-like phenotype), and inhibited the activation of key proteins (p-p65, NLRP3, ASC) in the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway. RARRES2 knockdown suppresses NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling and attenuates macrophage-like transformation, inflammatory responses, and lipid accumulation in VSMCs, suggesting that RARRES2 may represent a potential therapeutic target for AS.
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NEUROCHEMICAL RESEARCH
·
2026
·Vol. 51
·期 2
·129
·
IF 4.5
Liu Shanshan,Yan Jing,Dong Jian
This study investigates the early synergistic effects of curcumin and licorice through vertical cooperation, which can simultaneously target both the upstream and downstream components of neuroinflammation. It evaluates their neuroprotective effects and potential mechanisms in a d -galactose/sodium nitrite-induced Alzheimer’s disease mouse model.Eighty C57BL/6 mice were divided into eight groups ( n = 10): wild-type (WT), AD model, curcumin monotherapy (AD + CL, 100 mg/kg), G. glabra monotherapy (AD + GG, 100 mg/kg), low-dose combination (AD + COM-L, 50 + 50 mg/kg), high-dose combination (AD + COM-H, 100 + 100 mg/kg), donepezil (3 mg/kg), and SN50 (NF-κB inhibitor, 400 µg/kg). Cognitive function was assessed via Morris Water Maze in WT, AD, AD + CL, AD + GG, and AD + COM-H groups, while all groups underwent molecular analyzes. The high-dose combination most effectively restored spatial memory, reducing escape latency by ~ 43% versus monotherapies. Molecularly, it synergistically reduced tau-related proteins (MAPT, GSK-3β) and suppressed the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB axis, lowering inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL1, PTGS2). IL-6 was further reduced by 28.6% and 40.0% compared to curcumin and G. glabra alone, respectively. The combination also enhanced antioxidant defense (increased SOD) and anti-apoptotic capacity (upregulated BCL-2) while reducing oxidative lipid damage (lower MDA). Network pharmacology identified 40 shared AD targets, with enrichment in NF-κB and IL-17 pathways, validated experimentally. In conclusion, curcumin and G. glabra exert synergistic neuroprotection by concurrently inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway and modulating IL-17 signaling, with G. glabra potentially targeting the TLR4/HMGB1 axis and curcumin directly inhibiting NF-κB activation, forming a complementary mechanistic interplay. This multi-target action disrupts the interplay between neuroinflammation and tau pathology, underscoring the combination’s therapeutic potential for AD intervention.
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Current Pharmaceutical Analysis
·
2026
·
IF 3.6
Renjun Gao,Yu Cai,Xue Jiang,Xue Li,Jingrui Li,Yu Kang
Background Safflower yellow injection (SYI) has demonstrated cardioprotective effects on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. This study aimed to explore its mechanistic basis. Methods H9c2 cells were pre-treated with 80 μg/mL SYI for 24 h before exposure to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Protein levels related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis were detected by western blot (WB). IL‑6 and TNF‑α protein and mRNA levels were determined by ELISA and qPCR. CCK-8 test and flow cytometry were used to measure cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. Moreover, the expression of proteins implicated in HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB pathway was measured by WB assay. Finally, rescue validation was performed using recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1). Results SYI treatment alleviated OGD/R-induced ER stress and reduced IL-6 and TNF-α levels in H9c2 cells. These changes were accompanied by increased cell viability and reduced OGD/R‑induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, SYI significantly restrained activation of the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling cascade in H9c2 cells triggered by OGD/R. Further rescue experiments with recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) reversed the protective effects of SYI against OGD/R damage. Conclusion These findings indicate that the HMGB1/TLR4/NF‑κB axis mediates the protective effects of SYI against myocardial OGD/R injury, potentially through modulating ER stress and inflammatory responses. This study provides a mechanistic basis for the cardioprotective action of SYI in vitro and informs future investigations into its therapeutic potential. However, these results are derived from cell-based experiments alone, and further validation in animal models is needed to confirm the in vivo relevance of this mechanism.
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FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
·
2022
·
IF 5.572
Dan Su,Aitong Lei,Chunchao Nie,Yi Chen
The potential mechanism for the protective effect of Ganoderma atrum ( G. atrum ) polysaccharide (PSG-1) on acrylamide (AA) induced intestinal damage in mice was explored. Results showed that PSG-1 pretreatment prevented AA-induced injury by decreasing intestinal permeability and serum D-lactate acid (D-Lac) levels and increasing the number of small intestinal goblet cells and IgA secreting cells. In addition, PSG-1 pretreatment effectively reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level and raised superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) activities in the intestine. Furthermore, PSG-1 administration decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory factors including IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, while the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 was elevated. Meanwhile, PSG-1 could increase the performance of tight junction (TJ) proteins such as Occludin , Claudin-1 and ZO-1. Moreover, according to the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and Western blot results, PSG-1 could reduce AA-induced intestinal injury through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. Overall, the present study suggested that PSG-1 protected intestinal permeability and barrier function in mice via reducing inflammation and oxidative stress , and effectively prevented AA-induced intestinal injury in mice.
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Frontiers in Pharmacology
·
2023
·
IF 5.6
Zhang Xiuying,Chen Qilei,Zhao Jia,Zhao Wei,Fan Ni,Wang Yu,Chen Hubiao,Rong Jianhui
Myocardial infarction (MI) is a highly prevalent and lethal disease worldwide. Prevention and timely recovery are critical for the control of the recurrence and heart failure in MI survivors. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the herbal medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) and identify the active compounds and molecular targets. The ethanolic BYD extract (BYDE) was prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation of four herbal medicines, Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Initially, BYDE was validated for the cardioprotective effectiveness in a mouse model of ischemia injury and rat cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells. As results, BYDE effectively reduced infarct size from 56% to 37% and preserved cardiac functions in mouse MI model while protected H9C2 cells against oxygen glucose deprivation. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that 122 bioactive ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins from the UPLC-MS/MS profile of BYDE, might target 37 MI-related proteins, including inflammatory and apoptotic mediators (e.g., TNF, NFKB1, CASPs, TNFRSF1A, CXCL12, BCL2A1). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that BYDE might control the cardiac inflammation via targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway while the selected targets were also implicated in IL-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis. Consequently, adenosine, ginsenoside Rh2, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A were selected to generate the four-compound mixture AGILe and validated for the inhibitory effects on the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway. The results of the present study suggested that the mixture AGILe might be a potential cardioprotective remedy against MI.
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Acta Biomaterialia
·
2022
·
IF 10.633
Yifan Li,Qiangwei Liang,Liyue Zhou,Yongjing Cao,Jiayu Yang,Juan Li,Jinxia Liu,Jiawei Bi,Yanhua Liu
The signaling cascade between nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can be activated by proinflammatory M1 macrophages in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhances M1 macrophage polarization, thus aggravating the development of RA. Therefore, an ROS-responsive artesunate prodrug micellar nanosystem for co-delivery of dexamethasone (DEX/HA-TK-ART micelles , abbreviated as DEX/HTA) was developed for synergistic inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade to regulate ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization in RA combination therapy. DEX/HTA micelles displayed prolonged circulation in blood and efficiently co-delivered ART&DEX in the inflamed joints of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rats; moreover, they were specifically recognized and internalized into M1 macrophages through CD44 receptor-mediated endocytosis . ROS-responsive co-released ART&DEX then exerted a synergistic action to efficiently perform ROS scavenging and repolarization of M1 to M2 macrophages by inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade. The intravenous administration of DEX/HTA micelles into AIA rat models significantly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and repaired cartilage injury in the joint. Collectively, our study highlights the therapeutic potential of DEX/HTA micelles for treating RA through synergistic inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling cascade to regulate ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization. Statement of significance An ROS-responsive artesunate (ART) prodrug micellar nanosystem for co-delivering dexamethasone (DEX), abbreviated as DEX/HA-TK-ART micelle, was developed for synergistic cascade regulation of the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway on ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization in combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. The well-designed nanosystem showed prolonged circulation in blood and superior ART&DEX accumulation in the inflamed joints of AIA rats; moreover, the micelles were specifically internalized into M1 macrophages and co-released ART&DEX, subsequently leading to inhibition of the HIF-1α/NF-κB pathway for ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization, thus generating synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in RAW 264.7 cells and AIA rats. The HIF-1α/NF-κB cascade regulation on ROS scavenging and macrophage repolarization based on ART&DEX combination with smart nanotechnology could serve as a promising approach for rheumatoid arthritis therapy.
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