CHEMICAL & PHARMACEUTICAL BULLETIN
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2021
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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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PubMed
高影响因子
LIFE SCIENCES
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2018
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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
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信号转导
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PubMed
高影响因子
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
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2024
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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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PubMed
高影响因子
Molecular Medicine Reports
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2019
·Vol. 19
·期 5
·3658-3666
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IF 1.851
Jin Xu,Yin Ying,Gaoyun Xiong,Liqin Lai,Qingliang Wang,Yue Yang
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a type of cancer originating in the nasopharynx. There are no NPC‑specific treatments available at present. Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade C member 1 (SERPINC1) serves roles in anticoagulation and anti‑inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of SERPINC1 in the proliferation and apoptosis of NPC cells. Tumor and adjacent healthy tissue samples were collected from patients with NPC. Additionally, the SERPINC1 gene was silenced in the HNE3 cell line using short interfering RNA targeted against SERPINC1 (SERPINC1‑siRNA). Cell viability was determined via a Cell Counting Kit‑8 assay; furthermore, proliferation and apoptosis were investigated via flow cytometry. Western blotting and reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis were performed to determine the expression levels of protein and mRNA. It was revealed that the expression levels of SERPINC1 mRNA and protein were increased in NPC tumor tissues compared with in adjacent healthy tissues. The expression of SERPINC1 mRNA and protein in HNE3 cells decreased following SERPINC1‑siRNA transfection. Furthermore, knockdown of SERPINC1 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. It was also demonstrated that silencing SERPINC1 upregulated the expression of B‑cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl‑2)‑associated X protein and p53 mRNA and protein, and downregulated that of Bcl‑2, survivin and cyclin D1. Downregulation of SERPINC1 reduced the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Thus, SERPINC1 knockdown may promote the apoptosis of HNE3 cells and inhibit proliferation via the suppression of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
OncoTargets and Therapy
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2022
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IF 4.345
Xiaoli Li,Guangbei Zhu,Xintong Yao,Ning Wang,Ronghui Hu,Qingxin Kong,Duanfang Zhou,Liangyuan Long,Jiali Cai,Weiying Zhou
Background Celastrol is a major active component of the thunder god vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Celastrol inhibits PI3K–Akt–mTOR signaling, which is frequently dysregulated in tumors and critical for tumor-cell proliferation and survival, but the underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood. In the present study, we investigated detailed mechanisms of celastrol inhibition of mTOR signaling in breast cancer cells.Methods First, we evaluated the effect of celastrol on breast cancer-cell growth using MTT assays. Second, we examined the effects of celastrol on mTOR phosphorylation and expression using Western blot. Furthermore, we investigated the cause of mTOR downregulation by celastrol using immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, we evaluated the effect of celastrol on an MDA-MB231 cell-derived xenograft model.Results Celastrol suppressed breast cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Celastrol inhibited mTOR phosphorylation and induced mTOR ubiquitination, resulting in its proteasomal degradation. Mechanistically, we found that mTOR is a client of Hsp90–Cdc37 chaperone complex, and celastrol disrupts mTOR interaction with chaperone Hsp90 while promoting mTOR association with cochaperone Cdc37.Conclusion Our study reveals that celastrol suppresses mTOR signaling, at least in part through regulating its association with chaperones and inducing its ubiquitination.
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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传统中药
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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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高影响因子
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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高影响因子
Frontiers in Pharmacology
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2025
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IF 4.8
Xiaoli Deng,Chunjie Hu,Lin Li,Guixian Yang,Chikun Li,Wanxun Zhang,Guangyu Cheng
Background Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, with cisplatin being a cornerstone of treatment. However, resistance to cisplatin presents a significant challenge. β-elemene, a natural compound, has demonstrated potential to reverse cisplatin resistance. LncRNA LINC00511 has been implicated in cisplatin resistance through its role in activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which supports tumor survival and proliferation. Purpose This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which β-elemene overcomes cisplatin resistance in lung cancer by regulating LINC00511. Methods Human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549 and A549/DDP) were treated with β-elemene and cisplatin. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using CCK-8, EdU staining, and flow cytometry. LINC00511 expression was measured by qRT-PCR, and protein levels of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR were evaluated via Western blot. A xenograft model was used to confirm in vivo effects. Results β-elemene significantly enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in A549/DDP cells, reduced LINC00511 expression, and inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. LINC00511 knockdown further potentiated these effects, both in vitro and in vivo . Xenograft models confirmed the enhanced anti-tumor effects of the combination treatment. Conclusion β-elemene overcomes cisplatin resistance in lung cancer by downregulating LINC00511 and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. These findings propose a promising therapeutic strategy for treating cisplatin-resistant lung cancer.
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高影响因子
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
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2021
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IF 6.291
Min Kang,Jie Luo,Ling Zhao,Fei Shi,Gang Ye,Xiaoli He,Suqi Hao,Dan Yang,Helin Chen,Hongrui Guo,Yinglun Li,Huaqiao Tang
Nano-copper (nano-Cu) is widely used in the pharmaceutical field as well as a feed additive for animals owing to its unique physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities. In our previous study, nano-Cu was found to hamper fetal development; however, the toxicity of nano-Cu and its effects in placental function have not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the toxic effects of nano-Cu using rat placenta. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were orally exposed to different copper sources from the third day of gestation (GD 3) to GD 18. We found that nano-Cu (180 mg/kg) and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O increased the accumulation of copper. Besides, nano-Cu and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O disrupted the placental morphology and induced oxidative stress. Micro-copper (micro-Cu) caused similar toxicity in the placenta, but its effects were weaker than that of nano-Cu and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O. In addition, exposure to nano-Cu (180 mg/kg) and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O induced inflammation in the rat placenta. Furthermore, nano-Cu, micro-Cu, and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O upregulated the expression of the autophagy-related proteins, Beclin-1 and LC3 II/ LC3 I, and downregulated that of p62. Moreover, nano-Cu, micro-Cu, and CuCl 2 .2 H 2 O downregulated the protein expression of PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR in rat placentas, whereas the protein expression of p-AMPK/AMPK was upregulated. Taken together, our data indicated that prenatal exposure to nano-Cu induced autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathways, which associated with oxidative stress and inflammation in rat placenta.
研究领域:
毒理学
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药理学
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生殖生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine
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2015
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IF 1.062
Chong Shi,Guo-Bin Zhang,Shu-Wang Yin
Objective To explore the effect of bortezomib on migration and invasion of cervical carcinoma HeLa cell and specific molecular mechanism. Methods The effect of bortezomib on the viability of HeLa cell was measured by MTT assay. The effect of bortezomib on cell migration and invasion was measured by Transwell assay and invasion experiment respectively. The activation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and expression level of MMP2, MMP9 were assayed by western blot. Results MTT assay indicated bortezomib (2.5 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM) could inhibit HeLa cell viability, and the inhibitory rate was highest at 48 h. Transwell assay and invasion experiment results showed that bortezomib inhibited HeLa cell migration and invasion. Western blotting assays presented bortezomib could suppress the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, and down-regulate the expression of MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusions These results suggested bortezomib could inhibit migration and invasion in cervical carcinoma HeLa cell, which might be related to Akt/mTOR signal 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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产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
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2025
·
IF 4.7
Xinyi Li,Hui Song,Yiwen Yuan,Na Jiang,Wei Duan,Tianzhao Xu,Chang Liu,Xinghui Liu
Cardiovascular diseases have long posed a significant threat to public health. Among them, myocarditis is a major category of cardiovascular disorders that is characterized by high mortality during its acute phase, necessitating urgent medical attention. This study aims to explore the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of Spi1-mediated gene regulation in chemotherapy induced cardiomyopathy. To validate our findings, we employed bioinformatics analysis methods and established myocarditis models using the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin in both cellular and animal models. Our results demonstrated that the inhibition of Spi1 significantly suppressed inflammatory factor expression in H9C2 rat cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, in C57BL/6 mouse model, Spi1 inhibition was shown to improve cardiac function and alleviate both myocardial inflammation and fibrosis in mice with doxorubicin-induced myocarditis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Spi1 suppression altered the expression of genes associated with immune response, cell differentiation and proliferation. Notably, Spi1 modulates the expression of YTHDF2, thereby influencing the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and subsequently regulating the inflammatory response. Collectively, these findings suggest that Spi1 plays a pivotal role in doxorubicin-induced myocarditis by mitigating inflammatory responses and myocardial injury through the regulation of YTHDF2 and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, offering a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of myocarditis.
研究领域:
心血管研究
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分子生物学
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药理学
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肿瘤学
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信号转导
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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
CELLULAR SIGNALLING
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2025
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IF 3.7
JingjingLi,Juan Gu,SijiaPan,Nuo Deng,Muhammad Khan,Lingyan Li,Xiao Wu,Yongming Li
Despite continuous therapeutic interventions, the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains very poor. Thus, quest for novel treatment strategies to improve therapeutic window of HCC therapy is paramount. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is commonly used as the first-line treatment for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a potential plant-based bioactive molecule with versatile biological and pharmacological effects including anticancer effect. The present study aimed to investigate the potential synergistic effects of combination of ISL and ATO in HCC cells. The data revealed that the combination of ISL and ATO synergistically inhibited HCC cell proliferation. The collective data demonstrate that synergistic anticancer effect of combined treatment of ISL + ATO was achieved via cooperative induction of mitochondrial apoptosis through ROS generation and inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In addition, ROS generation and suppression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway were found to be two independent events in induction of apoptosis. Finally, we observed that combination treatment effectively suppressed tumor growth in nude mice xenograft model through induction of intrinsic apoptosis and inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that both drugs work synergistically to exert anti-tumor effect in HCC, both in-vitro and in-vivo and could offer novel strategy for liver cancer treatment.
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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DOI
PubMed
高影响因子