Cylindrin from Imperata cylindrica inhibits M2 macrophage formation and attenuates renal fibrosis by downregulating the LXR-α/PI3K/AKT pathway

MAPKAP1 orchestrates macrophage polarization and lipid metabolism in fatty liver-enhanced colorectal cancer

Various factors, including fatty liver and macrophage alterations, influence colorectal cancer (CRC). This study explores the mechanistic role of fatty liver in CRC progression, focusing on macrophage polarization and lipid metabolism. A murine fatty liver model was created with a high-fat diet (HFD), and CRC was induced using AOM and DSS. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified MAPKAP1 as a critical gene promoting CRC via M2 macrophage polarization and lipid metabolism reprogramming. Prognosis analysis on the TCGA-CRC dataset confirmed MAPKAP1's significance. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that EVs from fatty liver cells enhanced MAPKAP1 expression, accelerating CRC development and metastasis. HFD exacerbated CRC, but fatty acid inhibitors delayed progression. Fatty liver upregulates MAPKAP1, driving M2 macrophage polarization and lipid metabolism changes, worsening CRC. These findings suggest potential therapeutic strategies for CRC, particularly targeting lipid metabolism and macrophage-mediated tumor promotion.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharides and evaluation of its anti-oxidant and amelioration of uric acid stimulated cell apoptosis

An efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted hot water method for Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPs) extraction was developed. According to the response surface results, the optimal ultrasonic time was 85 min, ultrasonic power was 192.75 W, temperature was 90.74 °C, liquid-solid ratio was 26.1, and polysaccharide yield was 28.50 %. The polysaccharide mainly consisted of arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc), with a molecular weight of 62.3 kDa. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (UICP) exhibited stronger anti-oxidant activity and ability to ameliorate cellular damage due to uric acid stimulation compared with traditional hot water extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPC-b). It also exhibited higher thermal stability, indicating its potential value for applications in the food industry.

Activation of LXRs alleviates neuropathic pain-induced cognitive dysfunction by modulation of microglia polarization and synaptic plasticity via PI3K/AKT pathway

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive dysfunction is a common comorbidity in patients with chronic pain. Activation of Liver X receptors (LXRs) plays a potential role in improving cognitive disorders in central nervous diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of LXRs in cognitive deficits induced by neuropathic pain.

METHODS

We established the spared nerve injury (SNI) model to investigate pain-induced memory dysfunction. Pharmacological activation of LXRs with T0901317 or inhibition with GSK2033 was applied. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 was administered to explore the underlying mechanism of LXRs. Changes in neuroinflammation, microglia polarization, and synaptic plasticity were assessed using biochemical technologies.

RESULTS

We found that SNI-induced cognitive impairment was associated with reduced LXRβ expression, increased M1-phenotype microglia, decreased synaptic proteins, and inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the hippocampus. Activation of LXRs using T0901317 effectively alleviated SNI-induced cognitive impairment. Additionally, T0901317 promoted the polarization of microglia from M1 to M2, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulated synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. However, administration of GSK2033 or LY294002 abolished these protective effects of T0901317 in SNI mice.

CONCLUSIONS

LXRs activation alleviates neuropathic pain-induced cognitive impairment by modulating microglia polarization, neuroinflammation, and synaptic plasticity, at least partly via activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in the hippocampus. LXRs may be promising targets for addressing pain-related cognitive deficits.