RhoA/ROCK inhibition attenuates endothelin-1-induced elevated glomerular permeability to albumin, inflammation, and fibrosis

Y-27632 targeting ROCK1&2 modulates cell growth, fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hyperplastic prostate by inhibiting β-catenin pathway

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting the male urinary system, with its molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis remaining unclear. Y-27632, a non-isoform-selective Rho kinase inhibitor, has shown therapeutic potential in various diseases but its effects on static factors and fibrosis in BPH remain unexplored. This study investigated human prostate tissues, human prostate cell lines, and BPH rat model using immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and cell counting kit-8. ROCK1 and ROCK2 were significantly up-regulated in BPH tissues, correlating with clinical parameters. Y-27632 targeted the inhibition of ROCK1 & ROCK2 expression and inhibited cell proliferation, fibrosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, knockdown of either ROCK isoform inhibited fibrosis and EMT, induced apoptosis, while ROCK overexpression had the opposite effects. ROCK downregulation inhibited the β-catenin signaling pathway (such as C-MYC, Snail and Survivin) and decreased β-catenin protein stability, while inhibiting TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling. At the in vivo level, Y-27632 reversed prostatic hyperplasia and fibrosis in BPH model rats to some extent. Our study sheds light on the therapeutic potential of Y-27632 in regulating prostate cell growth, fibrosis and EMT, and demonstrates for the first time the regulatory effect of ROCK isoforms on prostate cells, providing the basis for future research of ROCK isoform-selective inhibitors.

Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics revealed the anti-constipation mechanisms of xylooligosaccharides from corn cobs

Xylooligosaccharides (XOSs) have recently garnered interest for their potential as an anti-constipation agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of XOSs derived from corn cobs on constipation in mice through a comprehensive analysis of both the metabolome and transcriptome. Our multi-omics approach revealed that XOSs primarily modulated butanoate metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis pathways, as well as key signaling pathways such as PPAR and NF-kappa B. Notably, we observed a decrease in inflammatory biomarker expression and an elevation of butyric acid metabolite levels with XOSs treatment. A deeper analysis of gene expression and metabolite alterations highlighted significant changes in genes encoding critical enzymes and metabolites involved in these pathways. Overall, these findings underscore the considerable potential of XOSs derived from corn cobs as a dietary supplement for effectively alleviating constipation.