Exploring the protective mechanisms of total tannins from Geum japonicum var. chinense F.Bolle in mice with hematopoietic dysfunction via the JAK2/STAT3/5 signaling pathway

Cardioprotective polyphenols from Geum japonicum var. chinense

Seven undescribed tannins, namely gejaponin A-G, and one dehydrodigallic acid derivative 3,4-dihydroxy-5-(3,4,5-trihydroxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl phenoxy)benzoic acid, together with eighteen known polyphenols were isolated from the 95% ethanol extract of the aerial part of Geum japonicum Thunb. var. chinense F. Bolle. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive analysis of UV, IR, NMR, HRMS, and CD spectroscopy experiments. To evaluate their bioactivities, sixteen major compounds were selected to intervene in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage on H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts. Some compounds demonstrated high activity in this assay, of which, the known compounds 16 and 21 exhibited strong protective effects against H2O2-induced injury in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts, with a comparable cardioprotective activity as that of the positive control trimetazidine, thereby revealing cardioprotective activities from G. japonicum var. chinense.

Ganoderic acid C2 exerts the pharmacological effects against cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression: a study involving molecular docking and experimental validation

Triterpenoids, as the main active ingredient of Ganoderma lucidum fermented extract, exert multiple pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory properties. Our study aimed to reveal the pharmacological effects and potential mechanisms of Ganoderic acid C2 (GAC) against cyclophosphamide (CY)-associated immunosuppression. Target genes were collected from several public databases, including the DisGeNET, Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, GeneCards, and PharmMapper. STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction of network. Subsequently, molecular docking was carried out to visualize the protein-GAC interactions. Experimental validations, including ELISA and qRT-PCR were performed to confirm the pharmacological activities of GAC on CY-induced immunosuppression model. A total of 56 GAC-related targets were identified to be closely associated with CY-induced immunosuppression. Enrichment analyses results revealed that these targets were mainly involved in immune and inflammatory response-related pathways. STAT3 and TNF were identified as the core targets of GAC. Molecular docking indicated that GAC combined well with STAT3 and TNF protein. In addition, animal experiments indicated that GAC improved immunity as well as STAT3 and TNF genes expression in CY-induced immunosuppression, which further verified the prediction through bioinformatics analysis and molecular docking. We successfully revealed the potential therapeutics mechanisms underlying the effect of GAC against CY-induced immunosuppression based on the combination of bioinformatics analysis, molecular docking, and animal experiments. Our findings lay a theoretical foundation for the in-depth development and utilization of Ganoderma lucidum fermentation product in the future, and also provide theoretical guidance for the development of innovative drugs that assist in improving immunity.

Exploring the JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Unraveling Signaling Complexity and Therapeutic Implications

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) continues to pose a substantial global health challenge due to its high incidence and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, the Janus Kinase (JAK) and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) pathway has emerged as a critical signaling cascade in HCC pathogenesis. The review commences with an overview of the JAK/STAT pathway, delving into the dynamic interplay between the JAK/STAT pathway and its numerous upstream activators, such as cytokines and growth factors enriched in pathogenic livers afflicted with chronic inflammation and cirrhosis. This paper also elucidates how the persistent activation of JAK/STAT signaling leads to diverse oncogenic processes during hepatocarcinogenesis, including uncontrolled cell proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, and immune escape. In the context of therapeutic implications, this review summarizes recent advancements in targeting the JAK/STAT pathway for HCC treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies investigating inhibitors and modulators of JAK/STAT signaling are discussed, highlighting their potential in suppressing the deadly disease. The insights presented herein underscore the necessity for continued research into targeting the JAK/STAT signaling pathway as a promising avenue for HCC therapy.

Evolving cognition of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway: autoimmune disorders and cancer

The Janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism of transmembrane signal transduction that enables cells to communicate with the exterior environment. Various cytokines, interferons, growth factors, and other specific molecules activate JAK-STAT signaling to drive a series of physiological and pathological processes, including proliferation, metabolism, immune response, inflammation, and malignancy. Dysregulated JAK-STAT signaling and related genetic mutations are strongly associated with immune activation and cancer progression. Insights into the structures and functions of the JAK-STAT pathway have led to the development and approval of diverse drugs for the clinical treatment of diseases. Currently, drugs have been developed to mainly target the JAK-STAT pathway and are commonly divided into three subtypes: cytokine or receptor antibodies, JAK inhibitors, and STAT inhibitors. And novel agents also continue to be developed and tested in preclinical and clinical studies. The effectiveness and safety of each kind of drug also warrant further scientific trials before put into being clinical applications. Here, we review the current understanding of the fundamental composition and function of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. We also discuss advancements in the understanding of JAK-STAT-related pathogenic mechanisms; targeted JAK-STAT therapies for various diseases, especially immune disorders, and cancers; newly developed JAK inhibitors; and current challenges and directions in the field.