Compromised MAPK signaling in human diseases: an update. Arch Toxicol. 2015;89:867-882. [PMID: 25690731 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1472-2]

Modified Banxiaxiexin decoction benefitted chemotherapy in treating gastric cancer by regulating multiple targets and pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chemotherapy tolerance weakened efficacy of chemotherapy drugs in the treating gastric cancer (GC). Banxiaxiexin decoction (BXXXD) was widely used in digestive diseases for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In order to better treat GC, three other herbs were added to BXXXD to create a new prescription named Modified Banxiaxiexin decoction (MBXXXD). Although MBXXXD potentially treated GC by improving chemotherapy tolerance, the possible mechanisms were still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the therapeutic effect of MBXXXD on GC patients and explore the possible anti-cancer mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial (n = 146) was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy between MBXXXD + chemotherapy (n = 73) and placebo + chemotherapy (n = 73) in GC patients by testing overall survival, progression free survival, clinical symptoms, quality of life score, tumor markers, T cell subpopulation, and adverse reactions. Network pharmacology was conducted to discover the potential mechanism of MBXXXD in treating GC. Metabolic activity assay, cell clone colony formation and mitochondrial apoptosis were detected in human GC cell lines including AGS cell, KNM-45 cell and SGC7901 cell treated by MBXXXD. Multiple pathways including P53, AKT, IκB, P65, P38, ERK, JNK p-AKT, p-P65, p-P38, p-ERK and p-JNK in AGS cell, KNM-45 cell and SGC7901 cell treated by MBXXXD and GC patients treated by MBXXXD + chemotherapy were also detected.

RESULTS

MBXXXD + chemotherapy promoted overall survival and progression free survival, improved clinical symptoms and quality of life score, increased T4 lymphocyte ratio and T8 lymphocyte ratio as well as T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio, and alleviated adverse reactions in GC patients. Network pharmacology predicted multiple targets and pathways of MBXXXD in treating GC including apoptosis, P53 pathway, AKT pathway, MAPK pathway. MBXXXD inhibited cell viability, decreased cell clone colony formation, and promoted mitochondrial apoptosis by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) and the cleavage of pro-caspase-3 and pro-caspase-9, and decreasing mito-tracker red Chloromethyl-X-rosamine (CMXRos) in AGS cell, KNM-45 cell and SGC7901 cell. MBXXXD up-regulated the expression of P53 and IκB, and down-regulated the expression of p-AKT, p-P65, p-P38, p-ERK, p-JNK, AKT, P65, P38, ERK and JNK AGS cell, KNM-45 cell and SGC7901 cell treated by MBXXXD and GC patients treated by MBXXXD + chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

MBXXXD benefitted chemotherapy for GC by regulating multiple targets and pathways.

Traditional herbal medicine: Therapeutic potential in acute gouty arthritis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is characterized by a rapid inflammatory reaction caused by the build-up of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in the tissues surrounding the joints. This condition often associated with hyperuricemia (HUA), is distinguished by its symptoms of intense pain, active inflammation, and swelling of the joints. Traditional approaches in AGA management often fall short of desired outcomes in clinical settings. However, recent ethnopharmacological investigations have been focusing on the potential of Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) in various forms, exploring their therapeutic impact and targets in AGA treatment.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review briefly summarizes the current potential pharmacological mechanisms of THMs - including active ingredients, extracts, and prescriptions -in the treatment of AGA, and discusses the relevant potential mechanisms and molecular targets in depth. The objective of this study is to offer extensive information and a reference point for the exploration of targeted AGA treatment using THMs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This review obtained scientific publications focused on in vitro and in vivo studies of anti-AGA THMs conducted between 2013 and 2023. The literature was collected from various journals and electronic databases, including PubMed, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The retrieval and analysis of relevant articles were guided by keywords such as "acute gouty arthritis and Chinese herbal medicine," "acute gouty arthritis herbal prescription," "acute gouty arthritis and immune cells," "acute gouty arthritis and inflammation," "acute gouty arthritis and NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3)," "acute gouty arthritis and miRNA," and "acute gouty arthritis and oxidative stress."

RESULTS

We found that AGA has a large number of therapeutic targets, highlighting the effectiveness the potential of THMs in AGA treatment through in vitro and in vivo studies. THMs and their active ingredients can mitigate AGA symptoms through a variety of therapeutic targets, such as influencing macrophage polarization, neutrophils, T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and addressing factors like inflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome, signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and miRNA multi-target interactions. The anti-AGA properties of THMs, including their active components and prescriptions, were systematically summarized and categorized based on their respective therapeutic targets.

CONCLUSION

phenolic, flavonoid, terpenoid and alkaloid compounds in THMs are considered the key ingredients to improve AGA. THMs and their active ingredients achieve enhanced efficacy through interactions with multiple targets, of which NLRP3 is a main therapeutic target. Nonetheless, given the intricate composition of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), additional research is required to unravel the underlying mechanisms and molecular targets through which THMs alleviate AGA.

Mitochondria-targeting peptide SS-31 attenuates ferroptosis via inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the hippocampus of epileptic rats

Ferroptosis is a newly identified form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death (RCD) andplaysanimportantrole in epileptogenesis. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway has been confirmed to be involved in ferroptosis. The mitochondria-targeting antioxidant Elamipretide (SS-31) can reduce the generation of lipid peroxidation and the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Collectively, our present study was to decipher whether SS-31 inhibits ferroptosis via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway in the rat epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine (PILO).Adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CON group), epilepsy group (EP group), SS-31 treatment group (SS group), and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580) treatment group (SB group). Our results demonstrated that the rat hippocampal neurons after epilepsy were followed by accumulated iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, upregulated phosphorylated p38 MAPK protein (P-p38) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) levels, reduced glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4) content, and depleted glutathione (GSH) activity. Morphologically, mitochondrial ultrastructural damage under electron microscopy was manifested by a partial increase in outer membrane density, disappearance of mitochondrial cristae, and mitochondrial shrinkage. SS-31 and SB203580 treatment blocked the initiation and progression of ferroptosis in the hippocampus of epileptic rats via reducing the severity of epileptic seizures, reversing the expression of Gpx4, P-p38 , decreasing the levels of iron and MDA, as well as increasing the activity of GSH and Nrf2. To summarize, our findings proved that ferroptosis was coupled with the pathology of epilepsy, and SS-31 can inhibit PILO-induced seizures by preventing ferroptosis, which may be connected to the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation, highlighting the potential therapeutic value for targeting ferroptosis process in individuals with seizure-related diseases.

A p38 MAP kinase inhibitor suppresses osteoclastogenesis and alleviates ovariectomy-induced bone loss through the inhibition of bone turnover

Inhibition of excessive osteoclastic activity is an efficient therapeutic strategy for many bone diseases induced by increased bone resorption, such as osteoporosis. BMS-582949, a clinical p38α inhibitor, is a promising drug in Phase II studies for treating rheumatoid arthritis. However, its function on bone resorption is largely unknown. In this study, we find that BMS-582949 represses RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, BMS-582949 inhibits osteoclastic F-actin ring formation and osteoclast-specific gene expression. Mechanically, BMS-582949 treatment attenuates RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathways without disturbing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Interestingly, BMS-582949 impairs osteoclastic mitochondrial biogenesis and functions, such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Furthermore, BMS-582949 administration prevents bone loss in ovariectomized mouse mode by inhibiting both bone resorption and bone formation in vivo. Taken together, these findings indicate that BMS-582949 may be a potential and effective drug for the therapy of osteolytic diseases.

Naringenin ameliorates amyloid-β pathology and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation. Naringenin (NRG), a natural flavonoid widely present in citrus fruits, has been reported can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and exert anti-inflammatory effects in the central nervous system. Here, we investigate the protective effects of long-term NRG treatment on AD. The novel object recognition test and Morris water maze test reveal that NRG treatment can improve the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice. Besides, we find that NRG can significantly reduce Aβ deposition, microglial and astrocytic activation, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in APP/PS1 mice. Results further show that NRG effectively decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS/Aβ-stimulated BV2 cells. Lastly, the molecular mechanistic study reveals that NRG attenuates neuroinflammatory responses via inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Overall, NRG may emerge as a promising compound for the prevention and treatment of AD.

EBP1 promotes the malignant biological behaviors of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma through activation of p38/HIF-1α signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system, and its incidence is increasing. ERBB3 binding protein (EBP1) is upregulated in various cancers. However, the connection between EBP1 and KIRC has not been reported.

METHODS

The expression of EBP1 in normal kidney tissue and KIRC tissue was analyzed through database and tissue microarray. EBP1 was knocked down in KIRC cell lines, and its impact on KIRC proliferation was assessed through CCK-8, soft agar assay, and flow cytometry. Scratch and transwell assays were used to evaluate the influence of EBP1 on KIRC invasion and migration. Nude mice tumor experiment were conducted to examine the effect of EBP1 on tumor tissue. Database analysis explored potential pathways involving EBP1, and validation was performed through Western blot experiments and p38 inhibitor.

RESULTS

EBP1 is upregulated in KIRC and significantly correlates with clinical staging, pathological grading, and lymph node metastasis in patients. The mechanism research showed that knocking down EBP1 inhibited KIRC proliferation, invasion, and migration and inhibited p38 phosphorylation and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in KIRC. p-38 inhibitor (SB203580) inhibits p38 phosphorylation and HIF-1α expression and suppresses cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner, but has no effect on EBP1 expression. HEK 293T cells overexpressing EBP1 showed increased expression of phosphorylated p38 and HIF-1α and enhanced cell viability, however, SB203580 inhibited this effect of EBP1.

CONCLUSION

EBP1 may promote the occurrence and development of KIRC by regulating the expression of p38/HIF-1α signaling pathway.

Molecular characterization and transcriptional response of Lactuca sativa seedlings to co-exposure to graphene nanoplatelets and titanium dioxide nanoparticles

The widespread use of nanomaterials in agriculture may introduce multiple engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) into the environment, posing a combined risk to crops. However, the precise molecular mechanisms explaining how plant tissues respond to mixtures of individual ENPs remain unclear, despite indications that their combined toxicity differs from the summed toxicity of the individual ENPs. Here, we used a variety of methods including physicochemical, biochemical, and transcriptional analyses to examine the combined effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on hydroponically exposed lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings. Results indicated that the presence of GNPs facilitated the accumulation of Ti as TiO2 NPs in the seedling roots. Combined exposure to GNPs and TiO2 NPs caused less severe oxidative damage in the roots compared to individual exposures. Yet, GNPs and TiO2 NPs alone and in combination did not cause oxidative damage in the shoots. RNA sequencing data showed that the mixture of GNPs and TiO2 NPs led to a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the seedlings compared to exposure to the individual ENPs. Moreover, the majority of the DEGs encoding superoxide dismutase displayed heightened expression levels in the seedlings exposed to the combination of GNPs and TiO2 NPs. The level of gene ontology (GO) enrichment in the seedlings exposed to the mixture of GNPs and TiO2 NPs was found to be greater than the level of GO enrichment observed after exposure to isolated GNPs or TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, the signaling pathways, specifically the "MAPK signaling pathway-plant" and "phenylpropanoid biosynthesis," exhibited a close association with oxidative stress. This study has provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying plant resistance against multiple ENPs.

CcPTGS2a-like gene-mediated NF-κB/ERK signaling regulation in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), a common biological macromolecule, is pivotal for innate immunity and pathogen recognition. In this study, we identified and characterized a CcPTGS2a-like gene in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) with an open reading frame (ORF) of 1821 bp and epidermal growth factor and peroxidase domains. Our multiple sequence analysis revealed high homology between the amino acid sequence of CcPTGS2a-like and those of its homologs in other fish. CcPTGS2a-like mRNA and protein expressions were significantly upregulated in the spleen, head kidney, liver, and gill tissues upon exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila stimulation. CcPTGS2a-like protein recognized the conserved bacterial surface components and exhibited detectable bacterial binding activity. CcPTGS2a-like overexpression before exposure to A. hydrophila notably enhanced the survival rate of common carp, concomitant with decreased bacterial burden. The NF-κB/ERK signaling pathway initiated the immune response in common carp upon infection with A. hydrophila. CcPTGS2a-like overexpression or interference in the head kidney and Epithelioma papulosum cyprinid cells could modulate the p-NF-κB (p-p-65), p-IκBα, and p-ERK1/2 levels as well as the IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expression. These results indicated potential CcPTGS2a-like involvement in the immune response of the common carp to bacterial infections through the NF-κB/ERK signaling pathway.

Oncogenic Animal Herpesviruses

Oncogenic viruses play a pivotal role in oncology due to their unique role in unraveling the complexities of cancer development. Understanding the role viruses play in specific cancers is important to provide basic insights into the transformation process, which will help identify potential cellular targets for treatment. This review discusses the diverse role of animal herpesviruses in initiating and promoting various forms of cancer. We will summarize the mechanisms that underlie the development of animal herpesvirus-induced cancer that may provide a basis for developing potential therapeutic interventions or preventative strategies in the future.

Protective effects of Amauroderma rugosum on dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis through the regulation of macrophage polarization and suppression of oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Amauroderma rugosum (AR) is a medicinal mushroom commonly used to treat inflammation, gastric disorders, epilepsy, and cancers due to its remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effects of AR and its underlying mechanism of action against ulcerative colitis (UC) in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

A UC mouse model was established by administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). AR extract was administered intragastrically to mice for 7 days. At the end of the experiment, histopathology, macrophage phenotype, oxidative stress, and inflammatory status were examined in vivo. Furthermore, RAW 264.7, THP-1, and Caco-2 cells were used to elucidate the mechanism of action of AR in vitro.

RESULTS

AR extract (0.5-2 mg/mL) significantly suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-induced M1 macrophage (pro-inflammatory) polarization in both RAW 264.7 and THP-1 cells. LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, TNF-α, IL-1β, MCP-1, and IL-6) were reduced by AR extract in a concentration-dependent manner. Similarly, AR extract downregulated MAPK signaling activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. AR extract elicited a concentration-dependent increase in the mRNA expression of M2 (anti-inflammatory) phenotype markers (CD206, Arg-1, Fizz-1, and Ym-1) in RAW 264.7 cells. Moreover, AR extract suppressed DSS-induced ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in Caco-2 cells. The in vivo experiment revealed that AR extract (200 mg/kg) increased colon length compared to the DSS-treated group. In addition, disease activity index, spleen ratio, body weight, oxidative stress, and colonic inflammation were markedly improved by AR treatment in DSS-induced UC mice. Finally, AR suppressed M1 and promoted M2 macrophage polarization in UC mice.

CONCLUSION

The AR extract protected against DSS-induced UC by regulating macrophage polarization and suppressing oxidative stress. These valuable findings suggest that adequate intake of AR can prevent and/or treat UC.

Therapeutic potential and pharmacological mechanism of visnagin

Visnagin is a furanochromone and one of the most important compound in the Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam (a synonym of Visnaga daucoides Gaertn.) plant, which is used to cure various ailments. Many investigations into the bioactive properties of visnagin have been studied to date. The literature on visnagin demonstrates its biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and beneficial effects in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Moreover, visnagin improves sperm quality parameters, stimulates steroidogenesis, and increases serum gonadotropins and testosterone levels, while decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative damage, genomic instability, and it modulates apoptosis. Thus, visnagin has emerged as an exciting lead for further research, owing to its potential in various unmet clinical needs. The current review summarized its basic structure, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacological effects, focusing on its mechanisms of action. The review will help to understand the potential of visnagin as an alternative treatment strategy for several diseases and provide insight into research topics that need further exploration for visnagin's safe clinical use. Please cite this article as: Yadav P, Singh SK, Datta S, Verma S, Verma A, Rakshit A, Bali A, Bhatti JS, Khurana A, Navik U. Therapeutic potential and pharmacological mechanism of visnagin. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(4): 399-412.

Targeting Aquaporin-5 by Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibition Offers New Therapeutic Opportunities for Ovarian Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats

This study aimed to examine the effect of Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibition on Aquaporin-5 (AQP5) and its potential cell signaling pathway in the ovarian ischemia reperfusion (OIR) model. Thirty adult female rats were divided into five groups: Group 1; Control: Sham operation, Group 2; OIR that 3 hour ischemia followed by 3 hour reperfusion, Group 3; OIR + Rolipram 1 mg/kg, Group 4; OIR + Rolipram 3 mg/kg, Group 5; OIR + Rolipram 5 mg/kg. Rolipram was administered intraperitoneally to the rats in groups 3-4 and 5 at determined doses 30 minutes before reperfusion. From ovary tissue; Tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), Nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D), Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AQP5 levels were measured by ELISA. We also measured the level of AQP5 in ovary tissue by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the OIR groups; TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6, MAPK inflammatory levels increased, and cAMP and AQP5 levels decreased, which improved with the administration of rolipram doses. Also histopathological results showed damaged ovarian tissue after OIR, while rolipram administration decrased tissue damage in a dose dependent manner. We propose that the protective effect of PDE4 inhibition in OIR may be regulated by AQP5 and its potential cell signaling pathway and may be a new target in OIR therapy. However, clinical studies are needed to appraise these data in humans.

Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc. attenuates Aβ25-35-induced mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation in mice by modulating the ERK pathway

BACKGROUND

Cornus officinalis Sieb. Et Zucc. has the efficacy of tonifying the marrow and filling up the essence, breaking up the accumulation and opening up the orifices. Our research team found that CoS extracts were protective against Aβ25-35-induced memory impairment in mice. However, the pharmacodynamic components and mechanisms by which CoS improves AD have yet to be thoroughly explored and investigated.

PURPOSE

This study focused on exploring the bioactive components and pharmacodynamic mechanisms of CoS aqueous extract underlying mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation to improve Aβ25-35-induced AD.

METHODS

AD mouse models were generated using Aβ25-35 brain injections. Different doses of CoS aqueous extract were orally administered to mice for 28 days. The cognitive function, neuronal and synaptic damage, mitochondrial damage (mitochondrial length, mitochondrial fusion fission-related protein expression), neuroglial activation, and immune inflammatory factor and ERK pathway-related protein levels of mice were assessed. The CoS aqueous extracts components were identified using UPLC-TQ/MS and screened for cellular activity. Midivi-1 (Drp1 inhibitor) or PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) was added to Aβ25-35-exposed PC12 cells to assess whether CoS and its active compounds mMorB and CorE regulate mitochondrial fission through ERK/Drp1. PC12-N9 cells were cocultured to investigate whether mMorB and CorE could regulate mitochondrial division through the ERK pathway to modulate neuroinflammation.

RESULTS

CoS improved exploration and memory in AD mice, reduced synaptic and mitochondrial damage in their hippocampus, and modulated disturbed mitochondrial dynamics. Moreover, CoS inhibited ERK pathway signaling and attenuated abnormal activation of glial cells and secondary immune inflammatory responses. Additionally, in vitro experiments revealed that CoS and its compounds 7β-O-methylmorroniside (mMorB) and Cornusdiridoid E (CorE) ameliorated mitochondrial injury caused by Aβ25-35 in PC12 cells through inhibition of the ERK/Drp1 pathway. Meanwhile, mMorB and CorE ameliorated cellular inflammation by inhibiting the Ras/ERK/CREB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

CoS aqueous extract ameliorates behavioral deficits and brain damage in Aβ25-35-induced AD mice by modulating the ERK pathway to attenuate mitochondrial damage and neuroinflammation, and the compounds mMorB and CorE are the therapeutically active ingredients.

Neuroprotective effects of Shenghui decoction via inhibition of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in an AlCl3-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of Alzheimer's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multi-factorial degenerative disease, and multi-targeted therapies targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms should be explored. Shenghui decoction (SHD) is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used clinically to alleviate AD. However, the precise mechanism of action of SHD as a therapeutic agent for AD remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study investigated the neuroprotective properties and potential mechanisms of action of SHD in mitigating AD-like symptoms induced by AlCl3 in a zebrafish model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Active components of SHD were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Zebrafish were exposed to AlCl3 (200 μg/L) for 30 days to establish an AD zebrafish model. AlCl3-exposed zebrafish were treated with SHD or donepezil. Behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory, locomotor activity, and AD-related anxiety and aggression in AlCl3-exposed zebrafish. Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate histological alterations in brain neurons. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β) were quantified using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Markers of oxidative stress and cholinergic activity (acetylcholinesterase, AChE) were detected using biochemical assays. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression levels of Aβ, p-tau, PSD-95, synaptophysin, TLR4, phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, p38, and JNK.

RESULTS

Fifteen SHD compounds were identified by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. SHD improved AlCl3-induced dyskinesia, learning and memory impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and aggressive behavior in zebrafish. AlCl3-exposed zebrafish showed AD-like pathology, overexpression of Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, marked neuronal damage, decreased expression of synaptic proteins, synaptophysin, and PSD-95, and impairment of synaptic structural plasticity. These effects were reversed by the SHD treatment. We also observed that SHD ameliorated oxidative stress and decreased AChE activity and inflammatory cytokine levels. These effects are similar to those observed for donepezil. Meanwhile, SHD could decrease the protein expression of TLR4 and inhibit phosphorylation of NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK. These results demonstrate that SHD has the potential to exert neuroprotective effects, which may be partly mediated via inhibition of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings revealed the therapeutic mechanism of SHD in mitigating AD progression and suggested that SHD is a potent neuroprotectant that contributes to the future development of TCM modernization and broader clinical applications.

Jejunal transcriptomic profiling of carnosine synthesis precursor-related genes and pathways in slow-growing Korat chicken

Carnosine is a physiologically important molecule in normal human body functions. Chicken meat is an excellent source of carnosine; especially slow-growing Korat chicken (KR) females have a high carnosine content in their meat. The carnosine content of chicken meat can be increased by dietary supplementation of β-alanine (βA) and L-histidine (L-His). Our objective was to reveal the pathways and genes through jejunal transcriptomic profiling related to βA and L-His absorption and transportation. We collected whole jejunum samples from 5 control and 5 experimental KR chicken, fed with 1% βA and 0.5% L-His supplementation. A total of 407 differentially expressed genes (P < 0.05, log2 fold change ≥2) were identified, 272 of which were down-regulated and 135 up-regulated in the group with dietary supplementation compared to the control group. Based on the integrated analysis of the protein-protein interaction network and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway maps, 87 gene ontology terms were identified and 6 KEGG pathways were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched in the jejunum. The analyses revealed 6 key genes, KCND3, OPRM1, CCK, GCG, TRH, and GABBR2, that are related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and the calcium signaling pathway. These findings give insight regarding the molecular mechanism related to carnosine precursor absorption and transportation in the jejunum and help to identify useful molecular markers for improving the carnosine content in slow-growing KR chicken meat.

Therapeutic effects of Tanshinone IIA and Tetramethylpyrazine nanoemulsions on cognitive impairment and neuronal damage in Alzheimer's disease rat models

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and related mechanisms of Tanshinone IIA and Tetramethylpyrazine O/W composite nanoemulsions on Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats.

METHODS

The therapeutic effect of TSN/TMP O/W NEs on AD rats was evaluated by behavioral tests, H&E, Nissl, and Immunohistochemistry staining. ELISA and Western blot were used to analyze the mechanism.

KEY FINDINGS

The results showed that TSN/TMP O/W NEs could down-regulate the expression of Bax and Caspase-3 proteins, decrease the level of MDA, increase the expression of SOD and GSH-Px, and alleviate cognitive impairment in AD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

TSN/TMP O/W NEs can inhibit MAPK/ERK/CREB signaling pathway and effectively alleviate cognitive impairment, oxidative stress injury, and neuronal apoptosis in AD rats.

Podocyte OTUD5 alleviates diabetic kidney disease through deubiquitinating TAK1 and reducing podocyte inflammation and injury

Recent studies have shown the crucial role of podocyte injury in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Deubiquitinating modification of proteins is widely involved in the occurrence and development of diseases. Here, we explore the role and regulating mechanism of a deubiquitinating enzyme, OTUD5, in podocyte injury and DKD. RNA-seq analysis indicates a significantly decreased expression of OTUD5 in HG/PA-stimulated podocytes. Podocyte-specific Otud5 knockout exacerbates podocyte injury and DKD in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic mice. Furthermore, AVV9-mediated OTUD5 overexpression in podocytes shows a therapeutic effect against DKD. Mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal an inflammation-regulating protein, TAK1, as the substrate of OTUD5 in podocytes. Mechanistically, OTUD5 deubiquitinates K63-linked TAK1 at the K158 site through its active site C224, which subsequently prevents the phosphorylation of TAK1 and reduces downstream inflammatory responses in podocytes. Our findings show an OTUD5-TAK1 axis in podocyte inflammation and injury and highlight the potential of OTUD5 as a promising therapeutic target for DKD.

A literature review on signaling pathways of cervical cancer cell death-apoptosis induced by Traditional Chinese Medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cervical cancer (CC) is a potentially lethal disorder that can have serious consequences for a woman's health. Because early symptoms are typically only present in the middle to late stages of the disease, clinical diagnosis and treatment can be challenging. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to have unique benefits in terms of alleviating cancer clinical symptoms, lowering the risk of recurrence after surgery, and reducing toxic side effects and medication resistance after radiation therapy. It has also been shown to improve the quality of life for patients. Because of its improved anti-tumor effectiveness and biosafety, it could be considered an alternative therapy option. This study examines how TCM causes apoptosis in CC cells via signal transduction, including the active components and medicinal tonics. It also intends to provide a reliable clinical basis and protocol selection for the TCM therapy of CC.

METHODS

The following search terms were employed in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, and other scientific databases to retrieve pertinent literature on "cervical cancer," "apoptosis," "signaling pathway," "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal monomers," "herbal components," "herbal extracts," and "herbal formulas."

RESULTS

It has been demonstrated that herbal medicines can induce apoptosis in cells of the cervix, a type of cancer, by influencing the signaling pathways involved.

CONCLUSION

A comprehensive literature search was conducted, and 148 papers from the period between January 2017 and December 2023 were identified as eligible for inclusion. After a meticulous process of screening, elimination and summary, generalization, and analysis, it was found that TCM can regulate multiple intracellular signaling pathways and related molecular targets, such as STAT3, PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin, MAPK, NF-κB, p53, HIF-1α, Fas/FasL and so forth. This regulatory capacity was observed to induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. The study of the mechanism of TCM against cervical cancer and the screening of new drug targets is of great significance for future research in this field. The results of this study will provide ideas and references for the future development of Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer.

Nepetoidin B Alleviates Liver Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Regulating MKP5 and JNK/P38 Pathway

Background

Nepetoidin B (NB) has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on liver ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, a mouse liver I/R injury model and a mouse AML12 cell hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) injury model were used to investigate the potential role of NB. Serum transaminase levels, liver necrotic area, cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were evaluated to assess the effects of NB on liver I/R and cell H/R injury. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blotting were used to measure mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding capacity of NB and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 5 (MKP5).

Results

The results showed that NB significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, liver necrosis, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, inflammatory cytokine content and expression, inflammatory cell infiltration, and apoptosis after liver I/R and AML12 cells H/R injury. Additionally, NB inhibited the JUN protein amino-terminal kinase (JNK)/P38 pathway. Molecular docking results showed good binding between NB and MKP5 proteins, and Western blotting results showed that NB increased the protein expression of MKP5. MKP5 knockout (KO) significantly diminished the protective effects of NB against liver injury and its inhibitory effects on the JNK/P38 pathway.

Conclusion

NB exerts hepatoprotective effects against liver I/R injury by regulating the MKP5-mediated P38/JNK signaling pathway.

Long- and short-term dietary β-glucan improves intestinal health and disease resistance in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)

β-Glucans are immunostimulants and are widely used in aquaculture industry. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different periods of β-glucan management on growth performance, intestinal health, and disease resistance in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀). A commercial feed was used as control diet (CD), and the β-glucan diet (βD) was based on CD and further supplemented with 0.1% β-glucan. Grouper in control and long-term β-glucan diet (LGD) groups were fed with CD and βD for 8 weeks, respectively. Groupers in short-term β-glucan diet (SGD) group were fed with CD for the first 4 weeks and βD for the last 4 weeks. We found that LGD and SGD had no effect on growth performance but reduced the mortalities of grouper after challenging with Vibrio harveyi. In addition, both LGD and SGD increased intestinal morphology, enhanced antioxidant capacity, enhanced immunity, inhibited apoptosis, altered the transcriptional profile, and activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway in the intestine of grouper. Furthermore, the effect of LGD on most of the above parameters was comparable to that of SGD. In conclusion, LGD and SGD did not affect growth rate parameters but enhanced the intestinal health and disease resistance of pearl gentian grouper.

Database construction and comparative genomics analysis of genes involved in nutritional metabolic diseases in fish

Nutritional metabolic diseases in fish frequently arise in the setting of intensive aquaculture. The etiology and pathogenesis of these conditions involve energy metabolic disorders influenced by both internal genetic factors and external environmental conditions. The exploration of genes associated with nutritional and metabolic disorder has sparked considerable interest within both the aquaculture scientific community and the industry. High-throughput sequencing technology offers researchers extensive genetic information. Effectively mining, analyzing, and securely storing this data is crucial, especially for advancing disease prevention and treatment strategies. Presently, the exploration and application of gene databases concerning nutritional and metabolic disorders in fish are at a nascent stag. Therefore, this study focused on the model organism zebrafish and five primary economic fish species as the subjects of investigation. Using information from KEGG, OMIM, and existing literature, a novel gene database associated with nutritional metabolic diseases in fish was meticulously constructed. This database encompassed 4583 genes for Danio rerio, 6287 for Cyprinus carpio, 3289 for Takifugu rubripes, 3548 for Larimichthys crocea, 3816 for Oreochromis niloticus, and 5708 for Oncorhynchus mykiss. Through a comparative systems biology approach, we discerned a relatively high conservation of genes linked to nutritional metabolic diseases across these fish species, with over 54.9 % of genes being conserved throughout all six species. Additionally, the analysis pinpointed the existence of 13 species-specific genes within the genomes of large yellow croaker, tilapia, and rainbow trout. These genes exhibit the potential to serve as novel candidate targets for addressing nutritional metabolic diseases.

Research on the signaling pathways related to the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in Parkinson's disease:A literature review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 10 million people worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of Daergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. It has been reported that signaling pathways play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PD, while the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have been found to possess a protective effect against PD. TCM has demonstrated significant potential in mitigating oxidative stress (OS), neuroinflammation, and apoptosis of DA neurons via the regulation of signaling pathways associated with PD.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This study discussed and analyzed the signaling pathways involved in the occurrence and development of PD and the mechanism of active ingredients of TCM regulating PD via signaling pathways, with the aim of providing a basis for the development and clinical application of therapeutic strategies for TCM in PD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

With "Parkinson's disease", "Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease", "Lewy Body Parkinson's Disease", "Parkinson's Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson Disease, Idiopathic", "Parkinson's disorders", "Parkinsonism syndrome", "Traditional Chinese medicine", "Chinese herbal medicine", "active ingredients", "medicinal plants" as the main keywords, PubMed, Web of Science and other online search engines were used for literature retrieval.

RESULTS

PD exhibits a close association with various signaling pathways, including but not limited to MAPKs, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Nrf2/ARE, Wnt/β-catenin, TLR/TRIF, NLRP3, Notch. The therapeutic potential of TCM lies in its ability to regulate these signaling pathways. In addition, the active ingredients of TCM have shown significant effects in improving OS, neuroinflammation, and DA neuron apoptosis in PD.

CONCLUSION

The active ingredients of TCM have unique advantages in regulating PD-related signaling pathways. It is suggested to combine network pharmacology and bioinformatics to study the specific targets of TCM. This not only provides a new way for the prevention and treatment of PD with the active ingredients of TCM, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection and development of TCM preparations.

IL-1β promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth and metastasis through FOXO3A by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway

Esophageal cancer is a common type of cancer that poses a significant threat to human health. While the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β has been known to contribute to the development of various types of tumors, its role in regulating esophageal cancer progression has not been extensively studied. Our studies found that the expression of IL-1β and FOXO3A was increased in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). IL-1β not only increased the proliferation, migration, and invasion of two ESCC cell lines but also promoted tumor growth and metastasis in nude mice. We also observed that IL-1β and FOXO3A regulated the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy. The PI3K/AKT pathway was found to be involved in the changes of FOXO3A with the expression level of IL-1β. The AKT agonist (SC79) reversed the reduction of FOXO3A expression caused by the knockdown of IL-1β, indicating that IL-1β plays a role through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO3A pathway. Furthermore, the knockdown of FOXO3A inhibited ESCC development and attenuated the pro-cancer effect of overexpressed IL-1β. Targeting IL-1β and FOXO3A may be potentially valuable for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.

Sparsentan ameliorates glomerular hypercellularity and inflammatory-gene networks induced by IgA1-IgG immune complexes in a mouse model of IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is characterized by glomerular deposition of immune complexes (ICs) consisting of IgA1 with O-glycans deficient in galactose (Gd-IgA1) and Gd-IgA1-specific IgG autoantibodies. These ICs induce kidney injury, and in the absence of disease-specific therapy, up to 40% of patients with IgAN progress to kidney failure. IgA1 with its clustered O-glycans is unique to humans, which hampered development of small-animal models of IgAN. Here, we used a model wherein engineered ICs (EICs) formed from human Gd-IgA1 and recombinant human IgG autoantibody are injected into nude mice to induce glomerular injury mimicking human IgAN. In this model, we assessed the protective effects of sparsentan, a single-molecule dual endothelin angiotensin receptor antagonist (DEARA) versus vehicle on EIC-induced glomerular proliferation and dysregulation of gene expression in the kidney. Oral administration of sparsentan (60 or 120 mg/kg daily) to mice intravenously injected with EIC attenuated the EIC-induced glomerular hypercellularity. Furthermore, analysis of changes in the whole kidney transcriptome revealed that key inflammatory and proliferative biological genes and pathways that are upregulated in this EIC model of IgAN were markedly reduced by sparsentan, including complement genes, integrin components, members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, and Fc receptor elements. Partial overlap between mouse and human differentially expressed genes in IgAN further supported the translational aspect of the immune and inflammatory components from our transcriptional findings. In conclusion, our data indicate that in the mouse model of IgAN, sparsentan targets immune and inflammatory processes leading to protection from mesangial hypercellularity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The mechanisms by which deposited IgA1 immune complexes cause kidney injury during early phases of IgA nephropathy are poorly understood. We used an animal model we recently developed that involves IgA1-IgG immune complex injections and determined pathways related to the induced mesangioproliferative changes. Treatment with sparsentan, a dual inhibitor of endothelin type A and angiotensin II type 1 receptors, ameliorated the induced mesangioproliferative changes and the associated alterations in the expression of inflammatory genes and networks.

Modulation of Cerebrospinal Fluid Dysregulation via a SPAK and OSR1 Targeted Framework Nucleic Acid in Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is one of the most common brain disorders and a life-long incurable condition. An empirical "one-size-fits-all" approach of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting remains the mainstay of hydrocephalus treatment and effective pharmacotherapy options are currently lacking. Macrophage-mediated ChP inflammation and CSF hypersecretion have recently been identified as a significant discovery in the pathogenesis of hydrocephalus. In this study, a pioneering DNA nano-drug (TSOs) is developed by modifying S2 ssDNA and S4 ssDNA with SPAK ASO and OSR1 ASO in tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs) and synthesis via a one-pot annealing procedure. This construct can significantly knockdown the expression of SPAK and OSR1, along with their downstream ion channel proteins in ChP epithelial cells, thereby leading to a decrease in CSF secretion. Moreover, these findings indicate that TSOs effectively inhibit the M0 to M1 phenotypic switch of ChP macrophages via the MAPK pathways, thus mitigating the cytokine storm. In in vivo post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) models, TSOs significantly reduce CSF secretion rates, alleviate ChP inflammation, and prevent the onset of hydrocephalus. These compelling results highlight the potential of TSOs as a promising therapeutic option for managing hydrocephalus, with significant applications in the future.

Lau AT, Xu YM. The regulation of microRNAs on chemoresistance in triple-negative breast cancer: a recent update

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has negative expressions of ER, PR and HER2. Due to the insensitivity to both endocrine therapy and HER2-targeted therapy, the main treatment method for TNBC is cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, the curative effect of chemotherapy is limited because of the existence of acquired or intrinsic multidrug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are frequently dysregulated in malignant tumors and involved in tumor occurrence and progression. Interestingly, growing studies show that miRNAs are involved in chemoresistance in TNBC. Thus, targeting dysregulated miRNAs could be a plausible way for better treatment of TNBC. Here, we present the updated knowledge of miRNAs associated with chemoresistance in TNBC, which may be helpful for the early diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of this life-threatening disease.

An Update on the Potential of Tangeretin in the Management of Neuroinflammation-Mediated Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neuroinflammation is the major cause of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Currently available drugs present relatively low efficacy and are not capable of modifying the course of the disease or delaying its progression. Identifying well-tolerated and brain-penetrant agents of plant origin could fulfil the pressing need for novel treatment techniques for neuroinflammation. Attention has been drawn to a large family of flavonoids in citrus fruits, which may function as strong nutraceuticals in slowing down the development and progression of neuroinflammation. This review is aimed at elucidating and summarizing the effects of the flavonoid tangeretin (TAN) in the management of neuroinflammation-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. A literature survey was performed using various resources, including ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and Web of Science. The data revealed that TAN exhibited immense neuroprotective effects in addition to its anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonistic effects. The effects of TAN are mainly mediated through the inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory pathways via regulating multiple signaling pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, extracellular-signal-regulated kinase, and CRE-dependent transcription. In conclusion, the citrus flavonoid TAN has the potential to prevent neuronal death mediated by neuroinflammatory pathways and can be developed as an auxiliary therapeutic agent in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.

Xie Zhuo Tiao Zhi formula ameliorates chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in mice

This study aimed to evaluate the protective role and potential mechanisms of Xie Zhuo Tiao Zhi decoction (XZTZ) on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). XZTZ significantly alleviated alcohol-induced liver dysfunction, based on histological examinations and biochemical parameters after 4-week administration. Mechanically, alcohol-stimulated hepatic oxidative stress was ameliorated by XZTZ, accompanied by the improvement of Nrf2/Keap1 expression and alcohol-activated phosphorylation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors, including JNK, P38, P65, and IκBα, were rescued by XZTZ. In conclusion, XZTZ demonstrates potential in alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation possibly through modulation of Nrf2/Keap1 and MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic option for patients with alcoholic liver disease.

A promising future of metal-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in medicinal chemistry: The emerging bioorganometallic antitumor agents

Metal complexes based on N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have emerged as promising broad-spectrum antitumor agents in bioorganometallic medicinal chemistry. In recent decades, studies on cytotoxic metal-NHC complexes have yielded numerous compounds exhibiting superior cytotoxicity compared to cisplatin. Although the molecular mechanisms of these anticancer complexes are not fully understood, some potential targets and modes of action have been identified. However, a comprehensive review of their biological mechanisms is currently absent. In general, apoptosis caused by metal-NHCs is common in tumor cells. They can cause a series of changes after entering cells, such as mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) variation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cytochrome c (cyt c) release, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, lysosome damage, and caspase activation, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Therefore, a detailed understanding of the influence of metal-NHCs on cancer cell apoptosis is crucial. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of recent advances in metal-NHC complexes that trigger apoptotic cell death via different apoptosis-related targets or signaling pathways, including B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2 family), p53, cyt c, ER stress, lysosome damage, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibition, and so forth. We also discuss the challenges, limitations, and future directions of metal-NHC complexes to elucidate their emerging application in medicinal chemistry.

Biomarker profiling to determine clinical impact of microRNAs in cognitive disorders

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) are the leading causes of progressive dementia related to neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular injuries in elderly populations. Despite decades of research, patients with these conditions still lack minimally invasive, low-cost, and effective diagnostic and treatment methods. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a vital role in AD and PSCI pathology. As they are easily obtained from patients, miRNAs are promising candidates for the diagnosis and treatment of these two disorders. In this study, we performed complete sequencing analysis of miRNAs from 24 participants, split evenly into the PSCI, post-stroke non-cognitive impairment (PSNCI), AD, and normal control (NC) groups. To screen for differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) in patients, we predicted their target genes using bioinformatics analysis. Our analyses identified miRNAs that can distinguish between the investigated disorders; several of them were novel and never previously reported. Their target genes play key roles in multiple signaling pathways that have potential to be modified as a clinical treatment. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of miRNAs and their key target genes in disease management. Further in-depth investigations with larger sample sizes will contribute to the development of precise treatments for AD and PSCI.

JPT2 Affects Trophoblast Functions and Macrophage Polarization and Metabolism, and Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Target for Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) is a pregnancy-related condition with complex etiology. Trophoblast dysfunction and abnormal macrophage polarization and metabolism are associated with RSA; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Jupiter microtubule-associated homolog 2 (JPT2) is essential for calcium mobilization; however, its role in RSA remains unclear. In this study, it is found that the expression levels of JPT2, a nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate-binding protein, are decreased in the villous tissues of patients with RSA and placental tissues of miscarried mice. Mechanistically, it is unexpectedly found that abnormal JPT2 expression regulates trophoblast function and thus involvement in RSA via c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, but not via calcium mobilization. Specifically, on the one hand, JPT2 deficiency inhibits trophoblast adhesion, migration, and invasion by inhibiting the JNK/atypical chemokine receptor 3 axis. On the other hand, trophoblast JPT2 deficiency contributes to M1 macrophage polarization by promoting the accumulation of citrate and reactive oxygen species via inhibition of the JNK/interleukin-6 axis. Self-complementary adeno-associated virus 9-JPT2 treatment alleviates embryonic resorption in abortion-prone mice. In summary, this study reveals that JPT2 mediates the remodeling of the immune microenvironment at the maternal-fetal interface, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for RSA.

PP2A as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer: Current insights and future perspectives

Breast cancer has become the most prevalent malignancy worldwide; however, therapeutic efficacy is far from satisfactory. To alleviate the burden of this disease, it is imperative to discover novel mechanisms and treatment strategies. Protein phosphatase 2 A (PP2A) comprises a family of mammalian serine/threonine phosphatases that regulate many cellular processes. PP2A is dysregulated in several human diseases, including oncological pathologies, and plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of tumours. The role of PP2A as a tumour suppressor has been extensively studied, and its regulation can serve as a target for anticancer therapy. Recent studies have shown that PP2A is a tumour promotor. PP2A-mediated anticancer therapy may involve two opposing mechanisms: activation and inhibition. In general, the contradictory roles of PP2A should not be overlooked, and more work is needed to determine the molecular mechanism by which PP2A affects in tumours. In this review, the literature on the role of PP2A in tumours, especially in breast cancer, was analysed. This review describes relevant targets of breast cancer, such as cell cycle control, DNA damage responses, epidermal growth factor receptor, immune modulation and cell death resistance, which may lead to effective therapeutic strategies or influence drug development in breast cancer.

Antioxidant Hydrogels: Antioxidant Mechanisms, Design Strategies, and Applications in the Treatment of Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

Oxidative stress is a biochemical process that disrupts the redox balance due to an excess of oxidized substances within the cell. Oxidative stress is closely associated with a multitude of diseases and health issues, including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory conditions, and aging. Therefore, the developing of antioxidant treatment strategies has emerged as a pivotal area of medical research. Hydrogels have garnered considerable attention due to their exceptional biocompatibility, adjustable physicochemical properties, and capabilities for drug delivery. Numerous antioxidant hydrogels have been developed and proven effective in alleviating oxidative stress. In the pursuit of more effective treatments for oxidative stress-related diseases, there is an urgent need for advanced strategies for the fabrication of multifunctional antioxidant hydrogels. Consequently, the authors' focus will be on hydrogels that possess exceptional reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species scavenging capabilities, and their role in oxidative stress therapy will be evaluated. Herein, the antioxidant mechanisms and the design strategies of antioxidant hydrogels and their applications in oxidative stress-related diseases are discussed systematically in order to provide critical insights for further advancements in the field.

Neuroprotective effects of cordycepin on MPTP-induced Parkinson's disease mice via suppressing PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK-mediated neuroinflammation

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent progressive and multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Cordycepin is known to exhibit antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and neuroprotective effects; however, few studies have explored the neuroprotective mechanism of cordycepin in PD. Using a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced mouse model, we investigated the impact of cordycepin on PD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings indicated that cordycepin significantly mitigated MPTP-induced behavior disorder and neuroapoptosis, diminished the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the striatum-substantia nigra pathway, elevated striatal monoamine levels and its metabolites, and inhibited the polarization of microglia and the expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Subsequent proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses revealed the involvement of the MAPK, mTOR, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways in the protective mechanism of cordycepin. Cordycepin treatment inhibited the activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and enhanced the expression of autophagy proteins in the striatum and substantia nigra. We also demonstrated the in vivo inhibition of the ERK/JNK signaling pathway by cordycepin treatment. In summary, our investigation reveals that cordycepin exerts neuroprotective effects against PD by promoting autophagy and suppressing neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK/JNK signaling pathways. This finding highlights the favorable characteristics of cordycepin in neuroprotection and provides novel molecular insights into the neuroprotective role of natural products in PD.

The activation of RARα prevents surgery-induced cognitive impairments via the inhibition of neuroinflammation and the restoration of synaptic proteins in elderly mice

Post-operative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a multi-etiological symptom mainly occurred in elderly people after surgery. The activation of retinoic acid receptor α (RARα), a transcriptional factor, was previously predicated to be negatively associated with the occurrence of POCD. However, the mechanisms underlying anti-POCD effects of RARα were still unclear. In this study, AM580, a selective agonist of RARα, and all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), a pan agonist of RAR, significantly alleviated cognitive dysfunction and increased the expression of RARα in elderly mice after surgery, which was decreased by RO41-5253, an antagonist of RARα. A bioinformatic study further predicted that the activation of RARα might produce anti-POCD effects via the restoration of synaptic proteins. Both agonists inhibited the expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88) and the phosphorylation of nuclear factorkappa-B (NF-κB), leading to the prevention of microglial over-activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion in the hippocampal regions of elderly mice after surgery. Moreover, AM580 and ATRA increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). All these results suggested that the activation of RARα prevented surgery-induced cognitive impairments via the inhibition of neuroinflammation by the reduction of the TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB pathway and the restoration of synaptic proteins by the activation of the BDNF/ERK/CREB pathway, providing a further support that RARα could be developed as a therapeutic target for POCD.

Stress-Activated Protein Kinases in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration: Unraveling the Impact of JNK and p38 MAPK

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain. The pathophysiological development of IDD is closely related to the stimulation of various stressors, including proinflammatory cytokines, abnormal mechanical stress, oxidative stress, metabolic abnormalities, and DNA damage, among others. These factors prevent normal intervertebral disc (IVD) development, reduce the number of IVD cells, and induce senescence and apoptosis. Stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), particularly, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), control cell signaling in response to cellular stress. Previous studies have shown that these proteins are highly expressed in degenerated IVD tissues and are involved in complex biological signal-regulated processes. Therefore, we summarize the research reports on IDD related to JNK and p38 MAPK. Their structure, function, and signal regulation mechanisms are comprehensively and systematically described and potential therapeutic targets are proposed. This work could provide a reference for future research and help improve molecular therapeutic strategies for IDD.

A review of chemotherapeutic drugs-induced arrhythmia and potential intervention with traditional Chinese medicines

Significant advances in chemotherapy drugs have reduced mortality in patients with malignant tumors. However, chemotherapy-related cardiotoxicity increases the morbidity and mortality of patients, and has become the second leading cause of death after tumor recurrence, which has received more and more attention in recent years. Arrhythmia is one of the common types of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity, and has become a new risk related to chemotherapy treatment, which seriously affects the therapeutic outcome in patients. Traditional Chinese medicine has experienced thousands of years of clinical practice in China, and has accumulated a wealth of medical theories and treatment formulas, which has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine may reduce the arrhythmic toxicity caused by chemotherapy without affecting the anti-cancer effect. This paper mainly discussed the types and pathogenesis of secondary chemotherapeutic drug-induced arrhythmia (CDIA), and summarized the studies on Chinese medicine compounds, Chinese medicine Combination Formula and Chinese medicine injection that may be beneficial in intervention with secondary CDIA including atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmia and sinus bradycardia, in order to provide reference for clinical prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced arrhythmias.

Immunosuppressive effects of the mycotoxin patulin in macrophages

Patulin (PAT) is a fungi-derived secondary metabolite produced by numerous fungal species, especially within Aspergillus, Byssochlamys, and Penicillium genera, amongst which P. expansum is the foremost producer. Similar to other fungi-derived metabolites, PAT has been shown to have diverse biological features. Initially, PAT was used as an effective antimicrobial agent against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Then, PAT has been shown to possess immunosuppressive properties encompassing humoral and cellular immune response, immune cell function and activation, phagocytosis, nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production, cytokine release, and nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases activation. Macrophages are a heterogeneous population of immune cells widely distributed throughout organs and connective tissue. The chief function of macrophages is to engulf and destroy foreign bodies through phagocytosis; this ability was fundamental to his discovery. However, macrophages play other well-established roles in immunity. Thus, considering the central role of macrophages in the immune response, we review the immunosuppressive effects of PAT in macrophages and provide the possible mechanisms of action.

Bicyclol alleviates obesity-induced renal injury by inhibiting JNK and NF-κB-mediated inflammation

Obesity is recognized as a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is accompanied by increased renal lipid build-up, fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis. Bicyclol (BIC), a Chinese marketed hepatoprotective drug, has shown excellent anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, anti-apoptotic, and lipid regulation effects in different animal models. In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of BIC in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity-related nephropathy. Mice were fed with HFD for 24 weeks to develop obesity-related nephropathy, while mice in the BIC administration group were treated with BIC (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg, once every two days) at the last 12 weeks. We found that BIC treatment relieved the impairment of kidney structure and renal dysfunction caused by HFD. In addition, we found that BIC mitigated HFD-induced renal fibrosis, inflammation, apoptosis and pyroptosis by inhibiting JNK and NF-κB pathways. SV40-MES-13 cells treated with palmitate (PA) were used as the in vitro model. Our data show that BIC pre-administration relieved cellular damage caused by PA through suppressing JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways. In conclusion, we demonstrated that BIC attenuated obesity-induced renal injury by inhibiting chronic inflammation, fibrosis, apoptosis and pyroptosis via targeting JNK and NF-κB pathways. Our data suggested that BIC could be potentially used to prevent obesity-associated nephropathy, which warrants future investigation.

Protective Effects of Carbonated Chitosan Montmorillonite on Vomitoxin-Induced Intestinal Inflammation

Exposure to vomitoxin (DON) can negatively impact the intestinal health of livestock and poultry, leading to compromised nutrient absorption and utilization, resulting in slowed growth and reduced production efficiency. In this study, we synthesized carbonated chitosan montmorillonite intercalation complexes (CCM) through solution precipitation. The successful formation of intercalation complexes was confirmed by examining functional groups and surface features using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. To assess the impact of CCM on DON-infected mice, we established an experimental mouse model of jejunal inflammation induced by DON infection. We analyzed the effects of CCM on blood biochemical and conventional indices, jejunal inflammatory factors, pathological changes, and the expression of proteins in the MAPK pathways in DON-infected mice. Our results indicate that CCM effectively mitigates the adverse effects of DON on growth performance, jejunal injury, and the inflammatory response in mice. CCM supplementation alleviated the negative effects of DON infection on growth performance and reduced intestinal inflammation in mice. Moreover, CCM supplementation successfully inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway induced by DON. These findings suggest that the mitigating effect of CCM on DON-induced inflammatory injury in the murine jejunum is closely linked to the regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway.

Therapeutic potential of the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a high-incidence neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by cognitive impairment, memory loss, and psychiatric abnormalities. Ganoderma lucidum is a famous medicinal fungus with a long history of dietary intake, containing various bioactive components, and have been documented to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-aging, and immunomodulatory effects, among others. Recent studies have shown that G. lucidum and its components have promising therapeutic potential against AD from various aspects, which can delay the progression of AD, improve cognitive function and quality of life. The underlying mechanisms mainly include inhibiting tau hyperphosphorylation, inhibiting Aβ formation, affecting activated microglia, regulating NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, modulating immune system, and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, etc. This paper systematically reviewed the relevant studies on the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum and its active components for treatment of AD, key points related with the mechanism studies and clinical trials have been discussed, and further perspectives have been proposed. Totally, as a natural medicinal mushroom, G. lucidum has the potential to be developed as effective adjuvant for AD treatment owing to its therapeutic efficacy against multiple pathogenesis of AD. Further mechanical investigation and clinical trials can help unlock the complete potential of G. lucidum as a therapeutic option for AD.

The ERK-cPLA2-ACSL4 axis mediating M2 macrophages ferroptosis impedes mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that can be managed with 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), the standard treatment for UC. However, the effectiveness of 5-ASA is not always optimal. Our study revealed that despite 5-ASA treatment, cells continued to experience excessive ferroptosis, which may hinder mucosal healing in UC and limit the success of this treatment approach in achieving disease remission. We found that combining 5-ASA with the ferroptosis inhibitor Fer-1 led to a significant inhibition of ferroptosis in macrophages present in the colon tissue, along with an increase in the proportion of M2 macrophages, suggesting that targeting ferroptosis in M2 macrophages could be a potential therapeutic strategy for alleviating UC. Our study also demonstrated that M2 macrophages are more susceptible to ferroptosis compared to M1 macrophages, and this susceptibility is associated with the activated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism pathway mediated by ERK-cPLA2-ACSL4. Additionally, we found that the expression of cPLA2 gene pla2g4a was increased in the colon of UC patients compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the combination treatment group, as opposed to the 5-ASA treatment group, exhibited the ability to modulate AA metabolism. Overall, our findings emphasize the importance of addressing macrophage ferroptosis in order to enhance macrophage anti-inflammation, improve mucosal healing, and achieve better therapeutic outcomes for patients with UC.

Identification of lncRNA-based regulatory mechanisms of Takifugu rubripes growth traits in fast and slow-growing family lines

Family selection is an important method in fish aquaculture because growth is the most important economic trait. Fast-and slow-growing families of tiger puffer fish (Takifugu rubripes) have been established through family selection. The development of teleost fish is primarily controlled by the growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis that includes the hypothalamus-pituitary-liver. In this study, the molecular mechanisms underlying T. rubripes growth were analyzed by comparing transcriptomes from fast- and slow-growing families. The expressions of 214 lncRNAs were upregulated, and those of 226 were downregulated in the brain tissues of the fast-growing T. rubripes family compared to those of the slow-growing family. Differentially expressed lncRNAs centrally regulate mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathways. Based on the results of lncRNA-gene network construction, we found that lncRNA3133.13, lncRNA23169.1, lncRNA23145.1, and lncRNA23141.3 regulated all four genes (igf1, mdm2, flt3, and cwf19l1). In addition, lncRNA7184.10 may be a negative regulator of rasgrp2 and a positive regulator of gadd45ga, foxo3b, and dusp5. These target genes are associated with the growth and development of organisms through the PI3K/AKT and MAPK/ERK pathways. Overall, transcriptomic analyses of fast- and slow-growing families of T. rubripes provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of teleost fish growth rates. Further, these analyses provide evidence for key genes related to growth regulation and the lncRNA expression regulatory network that will provide a framework for improving puffer fish germplasm resources.

Polystyrene nanoplastics induce glycolipid metabolism disorder via NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathway in mice

Nanoplastics-induced developmental and reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity are a focus of widespread attention. However, the effects of nanoplastics (NPs) on glycolipid metabolism and the precise underlying mechanisms are unclear at present. Here, we showed that oral administration of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) disrupts glycolipid metabolism, with reactive oxygen species (ROS) identified as a potential key signaling molecule. After PS-NPs treatment, excessive production of ROS induced the inflammatory response and activated the antioxidant pathway through nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2. The activation of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) signaling pathway induced the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway, which induced the activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) and p38. Constitutive activation of the MAPK signaling proteins induced high continued phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1, in turn, leading to decreased protein kinase B (Akt) activity, which weakened the sensitivity of liver cells to insulin signals and induced insulin resistance. In parallel, phosphorylation of Akt led to loss of control of FoXO1, a key gene of gluconeogenesis, activating transcription of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in a manner dependent on PGC1α. Moreover, the activated ERK promoted lipid accumulation through ERK-PPARγ cascades. Therefore, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and levels of its downstream lipogenic enzymes, ACC-1, were up-regulated. Upon treatment with the antioxidant resveratrol, PS-NPs-induced glucose and lipid metabolic disorders were improved by inhibiting ROS-induced activation of NFκB and MAPK signaling pathway in mice. Based on above, PS-NPs exposure disrupts glycolipid metabolism in mice, with ROS identified as a potential key signaling molecule.

Research hotspots and frontiers of preconditioning in cerebral ischemia: A bibliometric analysis

Background

Preconditioning is a promising strategy against ischemic brain injury, and numerous studies in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated its neuroprotective effects. However, at present there is no bibliometric analysis of preconditioning in cerebral ischemia. Therefore, a comprehensive overview of the current status, hot spots, and emerging trends in this research field is necessary.

Materials and methods

Studies on preconditioning in cerebral ischemia from January 1999-December 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database. CiteSpace was used for data mining and visual analysis.

Results

A total of 1738 papers on preconditioning in cerebral ischemia were included in the study. The annual publications showed an upwards and then downwards trend but currently remain high in terms of annual publications. The US was the leading country, followed by China, the most active country in recent years. Capital Medical University published the largest number of articles. Perez-Pinzon, Miguel A contributed the most publications, while KITAGAWA K was the most cited author. The focus of the study covered three areas: (1) relevant diseases and experimental models, (2) types of preconditioning and stimuli, and (3) mechanisms of ischemic tolerance. Remote ischemic preconditioning, preconditioning of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and inflammation are the frontiers of research in this field.

Conclusion

Our study provides a visual and scientific overview of research on preconditioning in cerebral ischemia, providing valuable information and new directions for researchers.

Loss of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphate-5 aggravates islet dysfunction in mice with type 1 and type 2 diabetes

Impaired functionality and loss of islet β-cells are the primary abnormalities underlying the pathogenesis of both type 1 and 2 diabetes (T1DM and T2DM). However, specific therapeutic and preventive mechanisms underlying these conditions remain unclear. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-5 (MKP-5) has been implicated in carcinogenesis, lipid metabolism regulation, and immune cell activation. In a previous study, we demonstrated the involvement of exogenous MKP-5 in the regulation of obesity-induced T2DM. However, the role of endogenous MKP-5 in the T1DM and T2DM processes is unclear. Thus, mice with MKP-5 knockout (KO) were generated and used to establish mouse models of both T1DM and T2DM. Our results showed that MKP-5 KO exacerbated diabetes-related symptoms in mice with both T1DM and T2DM. Given that most phenotypic studies on islet dysfunction have focused on mice with T2DM rather than T1DM, we specifically aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy in T2DM KO islets. To accomplish this, we performed RNA sequence analysis to gain comprehensive insight into the molecular mechanisms associated with ERS and autophagy in T2DM KO islets. The results showed that the islets from mice with MKP-5 KO triggered 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-mediated autophagy inhibition and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP-78)-dominated ERS. Hence, we concluded that the autophagy impairment, resulting in islet dysfunction in mice with MKP-5 KO, is mediated through GRP-78 involvement. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular pathogenesis of diabetes and highlight the significant role of MKP-5. Moreover, this knowledge holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies targeting MKP-5 for diabetes management.

The recombinant L-lysine α-oxidase from the fungus Trichoderma harzianum promotes apoptosis and necrosis of leukemia CD34 + hematopoietic cells

BACKGROUND

In hematologic cancers, including leukemia, cells depend on amino acids for rapid growth. Anti-metabolites that prevent their synthesis or promote their degradation are considered potential cancer treatment agents. Amino acid deprivation triggers proliferation inhibition, autophagy, and programmed cell death. L-lysine, an essential amino acid, is required for tumor growth and has been investigated for its potential as a target for cancer treatment. L-lysine α-oxidase, a flavoenzyme that degrades L-lysine, has been studied for its ability to induce apoptosis and prevent cancer cell proliferation. In this study, we describe the use of L-lysine α-oxidase (LO) from the filamentous fungus Trichoderma harzianum for cancer treatment.

RESULTS

The study identified and characterized a novel LO from T. harzianum and demonstrated that the recombinant protein (rLO) has potent and selective cytotoxic effects on leukemic cells by triggering the apoptotic cascade through mitochondrial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support future translational studies using the recombinant LO as a potential drug for the treatment of leukemia.

Advances in Research Related to MicroRNA for Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes and is one of the primary causes of blindness in the working-age population in Europe and the United States. At present, no cure is available for DR, but early detection and timely intervention can prevent the rapid progression of the disease. Several treatments for DR are known, primarily ophthalmic treatment based on glycemia, blood pressure, and lipid control, which includes laser photocoagulation, glucocorticoids, vitrectomy, and antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications. Despite the clinical efficacy of the aforementioned therapies, none of them can entirely shorten the clinical course of DR or reverse retinopathy. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators of gene expression and participate in cell growth, differentiation, development, and apoptosis. MicroRNAs have been shown to play a significant role in DR, particularly in the molecular mechanisms of inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. The aim of this review is to systematically summarize the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of miRNAs involved in the occurrence and development of DR, mainly from the pathogenesis of oxidative stress, inflammation, and neovascularization. Meanwhile, this article also discusses the research progress and application of miRNA-specific therapies for DR.

A neutral polysaccharide from Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury via regulating the gut microbiota and modulating AKT/PI3K/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Persicaria hydropiper (L.) Spach, a herb that is prevalent across Asia and Europe, finds utility as both a culinary ingredient and medicinal herb. In China, P. hydropiper decoction is commonly employed to alleviate dysentery, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea symptoms.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effects of a neutral polysaccharide from P. hydropiper (PHP) on the intestinal barrier (IB) injury induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice, and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PHP was extracted from dried P. hydropiper herb using hot water extraction, followed by ethanol precipitation. The extract underwent successive isolation and purification steps involving anion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The primary structure of PHP was determined using Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, ion chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to control (CON), model (MOD), berberine hydrochloride (BBR), and PHP (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) groups. Histopathological changes in jejunal tissues were assessed through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The expression levels of proteins and genes involved in AKT/PI3K/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways were evaluated using qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The composition and abundance of the gut microbiota in mice were analyzed using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined using GC-MS.

RESULTS

The main components of PHP included arabinose, galactose, and glucose (molar ratio = 1.00:5.52:11.39). The backbone of PHP consisted of →4)-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-Glcp-(1→, →4)-Galp-(1→, →4,6)-Galp-(1→. The branched chains primarily consisted of 5)-Araf-(1→ residues, which were attached to the backbone through →6)-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-Galp-(1→ at the 6-position. Histological analysis demonstrated that PHP exhibited a mitigating effect on intestinal damage induced by LPS. PHP could markedly reduce the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, p70 S6K, Ras, Raf1, MEK1/2, p38, ERK1/2, and JNK, while downregulating the protein levels of p-mTOR, p-PI3K, p-AKT, p-p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK. PHP also modulated the diversities and abundances of the gut microbiota, resulting in an increase in the abundances of Lactobacillaceae, Anaerovoracaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Eggerthellaceae, and Desulfovibrionaceae and a decrease in the abundances of Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, and Rikenellaceae. Additionally, PHP significantly increased the content of various SCFAs.

CONCLUSION

PHP emerges as a pivotal factor in the repair of IB injury by virtue of its ability to regulate the gut microbiota, elevate SCFA levels, and inhibit the MAPK and AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathways. It is worth noting that the therapeutic effect of high-dose PHP was remarkably significant, surpassing even the positive control of berberine hydrochloride.

Urolithin A exerts a protective effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by regulating HMGB1-mediated MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory disorder that has a high morbidity and mortality rate. Urolithin A (UA) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects in ALI. However, its molecular mechanisms in ALI remain to be explored. Mice and BEAS-2B cells were administrated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to mimic the ALI model in vivo and in vitro. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the pathological injury of lung tissues. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and culture supernatant and the levels of oxidative stress markers in lung tissues were measured using ELISA. DCFH-DA probe was used to assess the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell apoptosis. The key targets and pathways were confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot. UA suppressed the pathologic damage, wet/dry weight ratio, and total protein and inflammatory cells in BALF. UA decreased neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines production. UA reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in pulmonary tissues. UA also inhibited cell apoptosis in lung tissues by decreasing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-2 expression. In addition, UA suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory factor production, ROS level, and cell apoptosis in BEAS-2B. Importantly, UA decreased the expression of HMGB1 in LPS-treated mice and BEAS-2B cells. HMGB1 overexpression greatly abrogated the inhibition of UA on inflammation, ROS, and cell apoptosis in LPS-administrated BEAS-2B. Furthermore, UA treatment suppressed the phosphorylated levels of p38, JNK, ERK, and p65 in LPS-administrated mice and BEAS-2B cells. UA alleviated lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in ALI by targeting HMGB1 to inactivate the MAPK/NF-κB signaling, suggesting the potential of UA to treat ALI.