The p38 signal transduction pathway: activation and function

C5a Induces Inflammatory Signaling and Apoptosis in PC12 Cells through C5aR-Dependent Signaling: A Potential Mechanism for Adrenal Damage in Sepsis

The complement system is critically involved in the pathogenesis of sepsis. In particular, complement anaphylatoxin C5a is generated in excess during sepsis, leading to cellular dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that excessive C5a impairs adrenomedullary catecholamine production release and induces apoptosis in adrenomedullary cells. Currently, the mechanisms by which C5a impacts adrenal cell function are poorly understood. The PC12 cell model was used to examine the cellular effects following treatment with recombinant rat C5a. The levels of caspase activation and cell death, protein kinase signaling pathway activation, and changes in inflammatory protein expression were examined following treatment with C5a. There was an increase in apoptosis of PC12 cells following treatment with high-dose C5a. Ten inflammatory proteins, primarily involved in apoptosis, cell survival, and cell proliferation, were upregulated following treatment with high-dose C5a. Five inflammatory proteins, involved primarily in chemotaxis and anti-inflammatory functions, were downregulated. The ERK/MAPK, p38/MAPK, JNK/MAPK, and AKT protein kinase signaling pathways were upregulated in a C5aR-dependent manner. These results demonstrate an apoptotic effect and cellular signaling effect of high-dose C5a. Taken together, the overall data suggest that high levels of C5a may play a role in C5aR-dependent apoptosis of adrenal medullary cells in sepsis.

p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 suppresses ferroptosis in the glutamate-induced retinal excitotoxicity glaucoma model

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202410000-00031/figure1/v/2024-02-06T055622Z/r/image-tiff Glutamate excitotoxicity has been shown to play an important role in glaucoma, and glutamate can induce ferroptosis. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway inhibitor SB202190 has a potential ability to suppress ferroptosis, and its downstream targets, such as p53, have been shown to be associated with ferroptosis. However, whether ferroptosis also occurs in retinal ganglion cells in response to glutamate excitotoxicity and whether inhibition of ferroptosis reduces the loss of retinal ganglion cells induced by glutamate excitotoxicity remain unclear. This study investigated ferroptosis in a glutamate-induced glaucoma rat model and explored the effects and molecular mechanisms of SB202190 on retinal ganglion cells. A glutamate-induced excitotoxicity model in R28 cells and an N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced glaucoma model in rats were used. In vitro experiments showed that glutamate induced the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxide and morphological changes of mitochondria in R28 cells, and SB202190 inhibited these changes. Glutamate induced the levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and SAT1 and decreased the expression levels of ferritin light chain, SLC7A11, and GPX4. SB202190 inhibited the expression of iron death-related proteins induced by glutamate. In vivo experiments showed that SB202190 attenuated N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced damage to rat retinal ganglion cells and improved visual function. These results suggest that SB202190 can inhibit ferroptosis and protect retinal ganglion cells by regulating ferritin light chain, SAT1, and SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathways and may represent a potential retina protectant.

Vaccarin Ameliorates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity via Inhibition of p38 MAPK Mediated Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Doxorubicin is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent for treating various malignancies. However, it leads to severe cardiotoxic side effects, such as heart failure, and elevates the risk of sudden cardiac death among cancer patients. While oxidative stress has been identified as the primary cause of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, therapeutic antioxidant approaches have yielded unsatisfactory outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic potential of vaccarin, an active flavonoid glycoside extracted from traditional Chinese herbal agent Semen Vaccariae, in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. We observed that vaccarin significantly ameliorates doxorubicin-induced heart dysfunction in mouse model and suppresses oxidative stress mediated cell apoptosis via specifically inhibiting the activation of p38 MAPK pathway. In vitro, we observed that vaccarin alleviates doxorubicin-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and ROS generation in H9c2 cell, but the p38 MAPK agonist anisomycin reverses these effects. Our findings provide a promising natural antioxidant to protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

Antitumor and chemopreventive role of major phytochemicals against breast cancer development

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers around the world. Despite the decrease in mortality, there has been a steady increase in its incidence. There is much evidence that naturally occurring phytochemicals could prove to be safer alternatives aimed at prevention and development of breast cancer. In the present review, we discuss important phytochemicals, namely capsaicin, alpha-santalol and diallyl trisulphide that are shown to have chemopreventive and anti-tumour properties against breast cancer development. We examined current knowledge of their bioavailability, safety and modulation of molecular mechanisms including their ability to induce apoptotic cell death, promote cell cycle arrest, and inhibit cellular proliferation in different breast cancer cell lines and in vivo models. This review emphasises the importance of these naturally occurring phytochemicals and their potential of becoming therapeutic options in the arsenal against breast cancer development provided further scientific and clinical validation.

Paeoniflorin protects hepatocytes from APAP-induced damage through launching autophagy via the MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is gradually becoming a common global problem that causes acute liver failure, especially in acute hepatic damage caused by acetaminophen (APAP). Paeoniflorin (PF) has a wide range of therapeutic effects to alleviate a variety of hepatic diseases. However, the relationship between them is still poorly investigated in current studies.

PURPOSE

This work aimed to explore the protective effects of PF on APAP-induced hepatic damage and researched the potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

C57BL/6J male mice were injected with APAP to establish DILI model and were given PF for five consecutive days for treatment. Aiming to clarify the pharmacological effects, the molecular mechanisms of PF in APAP-induced DILI was elucidated by high-throughput and other techniques.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that serum levels of ALP, γ-GT, AST, TBIL, and ALT were decreased in APAP mice by the preventive effects of PF. Moreover, PF notably alleviated hepatic tissue inflammation and edema. Meanwhile, the results of TUNEL staining and related apoptotic factors coincided with the results of transcriptomics, suggesting that PF inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by regulated MAPK signaling. Besides, PF also acted on reactive oxygen species (ROS) to regulate the oxidative stress for recovery the damaged mitochondria. More importantly, transmission electron microscopy showed the generation of autophagosomes after PF treatment, and PF was also downregulated mTOR and upregulated the expression of autophagy markers such as ATG5, ATG7, and BECN1 at the mRNA level and LC3, p62, ATG5, and ATG7 at the protein level, implying that the process by which PF exerted its effects was accompanied by the occurrence of autophagy. In addition, combinined with molecular dynamics simulations and western blotting of MAPK, the results suggested p38 as a direct target for PF on APAP. Specifically, PF-activated autophagy through the downregulation of MAPK/mTOR signaling, which in turn reduced APAP injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Paeoniflorin mitigated liver injury by activating autophagy to suppress oxidative stress and apoptosis via the MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings elucidate the role and mechanism of paeoniflorin in DILI, which is expected to provide a new therapeutic strategy for the development of paeoniflorin.

Histidine Kinase QseC in Glaesserella parasuis Enhances the Secretion of Proinflammatory Cytokines by Macrophages via the p38 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

The qseC gene is a two-component system that encodes a histidine protein kinase and is highly conserved among different Glaesserella parasuis strains. In this study, we used qRT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to confirm that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a role in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 by stimulating RAW 264.7 macrophages with QseC. Furthermore, we revealed that blocking the p38 and NF-κB pathways that regulate signaling can significantly reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines induced by QseC. In summary, our data suggest that QseC is a novel proinflammatory mediator that induces TLR4-dependent proinflammatory activity in RAW 264.7 macrophages through the p38 and NF-κB pathways.

MAPK pathway orchestrates gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 infection through the biphasic activation of MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK signaling

Therapies targeting virus-host interactions are seen as promising strategies for treating gallid alphaherpesvirus 1 (ILTV) infection. Our study revealed a biphasic activation of two MAPK cascade pathways, MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK, as a notably activated host molecular event in response to ILTV infection. It exhibits antiviral functions at different stages of infection. Initially, the MEK/ERK pathway is activated upon viral invasion, leading to a broad suppression of metabolic pathways crucial for ILTV replication, thereby inhibiting viral replication from the early stage of ILTV infection. As the viral replication progresses, the p38 MAPK pathway activates its downstream transcription factor, STAT1, further hindering viral replication. Interestingly, ILTV overcomes this biphasic antiviral barrier by hijacking host p38-AKT axis, which protects infected cells from the apoptosis induced by infection and establishes an intracellular equilibrium conducive to extensive ILTV replication. These insights could provide potential therapeutic targets for ILTV infection.

Can thymosin beta 10 function both as a non-invasive biomarker and chemotherapeutic target in human colorectal cancer?

Thymosin beta 10 (TMSB10) overexpression is a general characteristic in human carcinogenesis. It is involved in the malignant process of generating multiple cancers. However, there are only a few reports about TMSB10 in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the mechanism of its carcinogenetic effect is still poorly understood. The present study intends to clarify the biological roles and carcinogenic mechanism of TMSB10 in CRC and to explore the possibility whether TMSB10 might be useful as a non-invasive serum tumor biomarker in detecting CRC. Immunohistochemical results showed that TMSB10 protein expression in CRC tissues was generally higher than that in adjacent tissues, and the TMSB10 contents in serum of CRC patients was significantly elevated compared to that of healthy controls. Knockdown-TMSB10 increased apoptosis and induced S-cell cycle arrest, and finally inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Transcriptome sequencing and western blotting analysis revealed that knockdown-TMSB10 increased phosphorylation of p38 and activated the p38 pathway that blocked cell cycle and promoted apoptosis. Taken together, our study indicated that TMSB10 could serve as a minimally invasive serum tumor marker in detecting CRC. At the same time it demonstrates an effective regulatory capacity of TMSB10 on cell proliferation of CRC, suggesting that TMSB10 and downstream effector molecules regulated by TMSB10 could further be applied as an appealing target in clinical post-surgery chemotherapy.

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.

Arrestin-3-assisted activation of JNK3 mediates dopaminergic behavioral sensitization

In rodents with unilateral ablation of neurons supplying dopamine to the striatum, chronic treatment with the dopamine precursor L-DOPA induces a progressive increase of behavioral responses, a process known as behavioral sensitization. This sensitization is blunted in arrestin-3 knockout mice. Using virus-mediated gene delivery to the dopamine-depleted striatum of these mice, we find that the restoration of arrestin-3 fully rescues behavioral sensitization, whereas its mutant defective in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation does not. A 25-residue arrestin-3-derived peptide that facilitates JNK3 activation in cells, expressed ubiquitously or selectively in direct pathway striatal neurons, also fully rescues sensitization, whereas an inactive homologous arrestin-2-derived peptide does not. Behavioral rescue is accompanied by the restoration of JNK3 activity, as reflected by JNK-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor c-Jun in the dopamine-depleted striatum. Thus, arrestin-3-assisted JNK3 activation in direct pathway neurons is a critical element of the molecular mechanism underlying sensitization upon dopamine depletion and chronic L-DOPA treatment.

Nanoplastics induced health risk: Insights into intestinal barrier homeostasis and potential remediation strategy by dietary intervention

Aged nanoplastics (aged-NPs) have unique characteristics endowed by environmental actions, such as rough surface, high oxygen content. Although studies have highlighted the potential hazards of aged-NPs, limited research has provided strategies for aged-NPs pollution remediation. The dietary intervention of quercetin is a novel insight to address the health risks of aged-NPs. This study explored the impact of aged-NPs on intestinal barrier homeostasis at the environmentally relevant dose and investigated the alleviating effects of quercetin on aged-NPs toxicity through transcriptomics and molecular biology analysis. It indicated that aged-NPs induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, which was characterized by higher permeability, increased inflammation, and loss of epithelial integrity, while quercetin restored it. Aged-NPs disrupted redox homeostasis, upregulated inflammatory genes controlled by AP-1, and led to Bax-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis. Quercetin intervention effectively mitigated inflammation and apoptosis by activating the Nrf2. Thus, quercetin decreased intestinal free radical levels, inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. This study unveiled the harmful effects of aged-NPs on intestinal homeostasis and the practicability of dietary intervention against aged-NPs toxicity. These findings broaden the understanding of the NPs toxicity and provide an effective dietary strategy to relieve the health risks of NPs. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: Growing levels of NPs pollution have represented severe health hazards to the population. This study focuses on the toxic mechanism of aged-NPs on the intestinal barrier and the alleviating effect of quercetin dietary intervention, which considers the environmental action and relevant dose. It revealed the harmful effects of aged-NPs on intestinal inflammation with the key point of free radical generation. Furthermore, a quercetin-rich diet holds significant promise for addressing and reversing intestinal damage caused by aged-NPs by maintaining intracellular redox homeostasis. These findings provide an effective dietary strategy to remediate human health risks caused by NPs.

Evaluation of nanoplastics-induced redox imbalance in cells, larval zebrafish, and daphnia magna with a superoxide anion radical fluorescent probe

Nanoplastics (NPs) is a novel plastic contaminant that could be taken up by cells and lead to severe biotoxicity toxicity, NPs in cells can cause oxidant damage by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lead to acute inflammation. As a major ROS which related to many kinds of physiological and pathological processes, superoxide anion radical (O2•-) could be utilized as a signal of oxidant damage effected by NPs exposure in vivo. To detect the toxic damage mechanism of NPs, a fluorescence probe Bcy-OTf has been developed to monitor O2•- fluctuations content in cells and aquatic organisms after exposure to NPs. The probe has a high sensitivity (LOD = 20 nM) and a rapid responsive time (within 6 min), and it has high selectivity and low cytotoxicity to analysis the levels of the endogenous O2•-. Endogenous O2•- induced by NPs in living cells, Daphnia magna and larval zebrafish were analyzed. Moreover, the results confirmed the key role of MAPK and NF-κB pathway in NPs stimulation mechanisms in cells. This study indicated that Bcy-OTf can precisely assess the fluctuations of endogenous O2•-, which has potential for applying in further analysis mechanisms of NPs biological risks.

An insight into crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways contributing to the pathophysiology of PTSD and depressive disorders

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders represent two significant mental health challenges with substantial global prevalence. These are debilitating conditions characterized by persistent, often comorbid, symptoms that severely impact an individual's quality of life. Both PTSD and depressive disorders are often precipitated by exposure to traumatic events or chronic stress. The profound impact of PTSD and depressive disorders on individuals and society necessitates a comprehensive exploration of their shared and distinct pathophysiological features. Although the activation of the stress system is essential for maintaining homeostasis, the ability to recover from it after diminishing the threat stimulus is also equally important. However, little is known about the main reasons for individuals' differential susceptibility to external stressful stimuli. The solution to this question can be found by delving into the interplay of stress with the cognitive and emotional processing of traumatic incidents at the molecular level. Evidence suggests that dysregulation in these signalling cascades may contribute to the persistence and severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The treatment strategies available for this disorder are antidepressants, which have shown good efficiency in normalizing symptom severity; however, their efficacy is limited in most individuals. This calls for the exploration and development of innovative medications to address the treatment of PTSD. This review delves into the intricate crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways implicated in the development and manifestation of these mental health conditions. By unravelling the complexities of crosstalk among multiple signalling pathways, this review aims to contribute to the broader knowledge base, providing insights that could inform the development of targeted interventions for individuals grappling with the challenges of PTSD and depressive disorders.

Oxidative Stress: A Culprit in the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the principal culprit behind chronic kidney disease (CKD), ultimately developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and necessitating costly dialysis or kidney transplantation. The limited therapeutic efficiency among individuals with DKD is a result of our finite understanding of its pathogenesis. DKD is the result of complex interactions between various factors. Oxidative stress is a fundamental factor that can establish a link between hyperglycemia and the vascular complications frequently encountered in diabetes, particularly DKD. It is crucial to recognize the essential and integral role of oxidative stress in the development of diabetic vascular complications, particularly DKD. Hyperglycemia is the primary culprit that can trigger an upsurge in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately sparking oxidative stress. The main endogenous sources of ROS include mitochondrial ROS production, NADPH oxidases (Nox), uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), cytochrome P450 (CYP450), and lipoxygenase. Under persistent high glucose levels, immune cells, the complement system, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), protein kinase C (PKC), polyol pathway, and the hexosamine pathway are activated. Consequently, the oxidant-antioxidant balance within the body is disrupted, which triggers a series of reactions in various downstream pathways, including phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), transforming growth factor beta/p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (TGF-β/p38-MAPK), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling. The disease might persist even if strict glucose control is achieved, which can be attributed to epigenetic modifications. The treatment of DKD remains an unresolved issue. Therefore, reducing ROS is an intriguing therapeutic target. The clinical trials have shown that bardoxolone methyl, a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, blood glucose-lowering drugs, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists can effectively slow down the progression of DKD by reducing oxidative stress. Other antioxidants, including vitamins, lipoic acid, Nox inhibitors, epigenetic regulators, and complement inhibitors, present a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of DKD. In this review, we conduct a thorough assessment of both preclinical studies and current findings from clinical studies that focus on targeted interventions aimed at manipulating these pathways. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area and identify key areas for future exploration.

Protective effects of functional Nano-Selenium supplementation on spleen injury through regulation of p38 MAPK and NF-κB protein expression

Selenium (Se) is a trace element necessary for humans to maintain normal physiological activities, and Se deficiency may lead to splenic injury, while Se supplementation can alleviate splenic injury. However, the mechanism is unclear. In this study, we constructed a Se deficiency animal model by feeding Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with low Se feed. Meanwhile, we observed the repairing effect of Se supplementation on splenic injury with two doses of novel nano-selenium (Nano-Se) supplement by gavage. We measured the Se content in the spleens of the rats by atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) method and combined the results of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining to observe the splenic injury, comprehensively evaluating the construction of the animal model of low selenium-induced splenic injury. We measured the mRNA and protein expression levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the spleen by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found that the Se deficiency group exhibited lower Se content, splenic fibrosis, and high expression of p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and IL-6 compared to the normal group. The Se supplement groups exhibited higher Se content, attenuated splenic injury, and down-regulated expression of p38 MAPK, NF-κB, and IL-6 relative to the Se deficiency group. This study suggests that Se deficiency leads to splenic injury in rats, and Se supplementation may attenuate splenic injury by inhibiting the expression of p38 MAPK, NF-κB and IL-6.

Gastrodin ameliorates acute pancreatitis by modulating macrophage inflammation cascade via inhibition the p38/NF-κB pathway

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a prevalent, destructive, non-infectious pancreatic inflammatory disease, which is usually accompanied with systemic manifestations and poor prognosis. Gastrodin (4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol 4-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) has ideal anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory diseases. However, its potential effects on AP had not been studied. In this study, serum biochemistry, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) were performed to investigate the effects of Gastrodin on caerulein-induced AP pancreatic acinar injury model in vivo and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced M1 phenotype macrophage model in vitro. Our results showed that Gastrodin treatment could significantly reduce the levels of serum amylase and serum lipase while improving pancreatic pathological morphology. Additionally, it decreased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and inhibited the levels of p-p38/p38, p-IκB/IκB as well as p-NF-κB p-p65/NF-κB p65. Overall our findings suggested that Gastrodin might be a promising therapeutic option for patients with AP by attenuating inflammation through inhibition of the p38/NF-κB pathway mediated macrophage cascade.

Natural bioactive compounds and FOXO3a in cancer therapeutics: An update

Forkhead box protein 3a (FOXO3a) is a transcription factor that regulates various downstream targets upon its activation, leading to the upregulation of tumor suppressor and apoptotic pathways. Hence, targeting FOXO3a is an emerging strategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Recently, Natural Bioactive Compounds (NBCs) have been used in drug discovery for treating various disorders including cancer. Notably, several NBCs have been shown as potent FOXO3a activators. NBCs upregulate FOXO3a expressions through PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK, AMPK, and IκB signaling pathways. FOXO3a promotes its anticancer effects by upregulating the levels of its downstream targets, including Bim, FasL, and Bax, leading to apoptosis. This review focuses on the dysregulation of FOXO3a in carcinogenesis and explores the potent FOXO3a activating NBCs for cancer prevention and treatment. Additionally, the review evaluates the safety and efficacy of NBCs. Looking ahead, NBCs are anticipated to become a cost-effective, potent, and safer therapeutic option for cancer, making them a focal point of research in the field of cancer prevention and treatment.

Non-Additive and Asymmetric Allelic Expression of p38 mapk in Hybrid Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus ♀ × O. aureus ♂)

Hybridization is a widely used breeding technique in fish species that enhances desirable traits in cultured species through heterosis. However, the mechanism by which hybrids alter gene expression to form heterosis remains unclear. In this study, a group of hybrid tilapia was used to elucidate heterosis through interspecies crossing. Specifically, p38 was analyzed to describe the regulation of gene expression variation in hybrid tilapia. Transcripts from the Nile tilapia allele were found to be significantly higher than those from the blue tilapia allele in hybrid individuals, indicating that the expression of p38 was dominated by Nile tilapia sub-genomic alleles. The study also found a compensatory interaction of cis- and trans-acting elements of the Nile tilapia and blue tilapia sub-genomes, inducing a non-additive expression of p38 in hybrids. Eight specific SNPs were identified in the p38 promoter regions of Nile tilapia and blue tilapia, and were found to be promoter differences leading to differences in gene expression efficiencies between parental alleles using a dual-luciferase reporter system. This study provides insights into the non-additive expression patterns of key functional genes in fish hybrids related to growth and immunity response.

Dissection of MKK6 and p38 Signaling Using Light-Activated Protein Kinases

Stress-activated signaling pathways orchestrate cellular behaviors and fates. Studying the precise role(s) of stress-activated protein kinases is challenging, because stress conditions induce adaptation and impose selection pressure. To meet this challenge, we have applied an optogenetic system with a single plasmid to express light-activated p38α or its upstream activator, MKK6, in conjunction with live-cell fluorescence microscopy. In starved cells, decaging of constitutively active p38α or MKK6 by brief exposure to UV light elicits rapid p38-mediated signaling, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and apoptosis with different kinetics. In parallel, light activation of p38α also suppresses autophagosome formation, similarly to stimulation with growth factors that activate PI3K/Akt/mTORC1 signaling. Active MKK6 negatively regulates serum-induced ERK activity, which is p38-independent as previously reported. Here, we reproduce that result with the one plasmid system and show that although decaging active p38α does not reduce basal ERK activity in our cells, it can block growth factor-stimulated ERK signaling in serum-starved cells. These results clarify the roles of MKK6 and p38α in dynamic signaling programs, which act in concert to actuate apoptotic death while suppressing cell survival mechanisms.

Identification and characteristic analysis of an extracellular signal-regulated kinase from Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, a critical genetic determinant, controls diverse physiological functions, including innate immunity, development, and stress response. In the current study, a full-length cDNA (1592bp) encoding the ERK gene (OfERK) was cloned from Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (GenBank accession number: MF797866). The open reading frame of the OfERK gene encoded 364 amino acids and shared 96.43%-98.08% amino acid identities with other insect mitogen-activated protein kinases. For spatiotemporal analysis of the expression pattern, OfERK exhibited a significant peak expression on the 3rd day of the pupa stage and showed the highest expression in hemocytes specifically. Indirect immunofluorescence assays and immuno-electron microscopy revealed a wide distribution of the OfERK protein in hemocytes and epidermis. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the Bt Cry1Ab-activated toxin significantly induces the expression of OfERK. Other genes related to immune response, development, and stress response exhibited dynamic changes in expression after Cry1Ab oral treatment. The expression of OfERK was downregulated through RNA interference, and the correlation of its expression with other related genes was verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Our study provides valuable insights into the regulatory mechanism of ERK in insects for future studies.

ASK1 inhibitors are potential pan-antiviral drugs, which dampen replication of diverse viruses including SARS-CoV2

Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)/MAP3K5 is a stress response kinase that is activated by various stimuli. It is known as an upstream activator of p38- Mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) that are reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced kinases. Accumulating evidence show that ROS accumulate in virus-infected cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between viruses and ASK1/p38MAPK or ASK1/JNK pathways. Our findings suggest that virus infection activates ASK1 related pathways. In parallel, ASK1 inhibition led to a remarkable reduction in the replication of a broad range of viruses including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), vaccinia virus (VV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in different human cell lines. Our work demonstrates the potential therapeutic use of Selonsertib, an ASK1 inhibitor, as a pan-antiviral drug in humans. Surprisingly, we observed differential effects of Selonsertib in in vitro and in vivo hamster models, suggesting caution in using rodent models to predict clinical and therapeutic outcomes in humans.

Advances in oxidative stress in pathogenesis of diabetic kidney disease and efficacy of TCM intervention

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a common complication of diabetes and has become the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. The pathogenesis of DKD is complicated, and oxidative stress is considered as a core of DKD onset. High glucose can lead to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the polyol, PKC, AGE/RAGE and hexosamine pathways, resulting in enhanced oxidative stress response. In this way, pathways such as PI3K/Akt, TGF-β1/p38-MAPK and NF-κB are activated, inducing endothelial cell apoptosis, inflammation, autophagy and fibrosis that cause histologic and functional abnormalities of the kidney and finally result in kidney injury. Presently, the treatment for DKD remains an unresolved issue. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages for DKD prevention and treatment attributed to its multi-target, multi-component, and multi-pathway characteristics. Numerous studies have proved that Chinese herbs (e.g., Golden Thread, Kudzuvine Root, Tripterygium glycosides, and Ginseng) and patent medicines (e.g., Shenshuaining Tablet, Compound Rhizoma Coptidis Capsule, and Zishen Tongluo Granule) are effective for DKD treatment. The present review described the role of oxidative stress in DKD pathogenesis and the effect of TCM intervention for DKD prevention and treatment, in an attempt to provide evidence for clinical practice.

Exploring the pharmacological versatility of ficus carica: Modulating classical immunometabolism and beyond

The burden of metabolic disorders is alarmingly increasing globally. On the other hand, sustainability is the key project of the 21st century. Natural products offer a coherent option for the complementary management of both these challenges. Ficus carica (FC), commonly known as the fig fruit, has an experimentally proven potency for the modulation of cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Here, we review the potential of FC-derived products (FCDP) in slowing down the progression of cancers, acute/chronic inflammation-related conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, toxicities, neurological and neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, vascular diseases, and skin-stressing conditions, as well as, in boosting normal healthy functions of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It reveals a variety of cellular and molecular targets for FCDP: cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ), chemokines (CCL2), other inflammatory mediators (CRP, PGE2), immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4, FcεRI), oxidative stress-related markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, GPx, catalase, ROS, NO, protein carbonyls), kinases (MAPKs, hexokinase, G6Pase, FBPase, PEPCK, Akt, AMPK, GSK3, CDKs), other enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, MMPs, caspases), growth factors/receptors (VEGF, EGFR), hormones (DHEAS, prolactin, GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHT, insulin), cell death-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, FasL, gasdermins, cytochrome C), glucose transporter protein (Glut4), and transcription factors (NF-κB, HNF-4α, Foxo, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, CREB, NFATC1, STAT3). FCDP cause both activation and inhibition of AMPK, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling to confer condition-specific advantages. Such a broad-range activity might be attributed to different mechanisms of action of FCDP in modulating functions within the classical immunometabolic system, but also beyond.

2-Methoxyestradiol inhibits the proliferation level in keloid fibroblasts through p38 in the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

The MAPK/Erk signaling pathway is a classic pathway in cell proliferation. Our former study showed that keloid tissue revealed a higher proliferation level than physiological scars and normal skin. As a natural metabolite of estradiol, 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME2) showed an inhibition proliferation effect on tumor cells.

AIM

In this study, the treatment effect of 2ME2 and its potential mechanisms are explored.

METHODS

Six keloid patients and six non-keloid patients were randomly selected from the Department of Plastic Surgery at our hospital during June 2021 to December 2021. Six groups were established: normal skin fibroblasts (N); keloid fibroblasts (K); keloid fibroblasts treated with 2ME2 (K + 2ME2); keloid fibroblasts treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) (K + DMSO); keloid fibroblasts treated with doramapimod (K + IN); keloid fibroblasts treated with doramapimod (p38 inhibitor) and 2ME2 (K + IN+2ME2). The fibroblast activity and key factor expression of the MAPK/Erk signaling pathway were measured.

RESULTS

In the results, 2ME2 significantly inhibited keloid fibroblast activity and key factor expression (except STAT1).

CONCLUSION

The proliferation levels were reduced by both the p38 inhibitor and 2ME2, indicating 2ME2 may achieve an antiproliferation effect by targeting p38 in keloid fibroblasts.

Arrestin-3-assisted activation of JNK3 mediates dopaminergic behavioral and signaling plasticity in vivo

In rodents with unilateral ablation of the substantia nigra neurons supplying dopamine to the striatum, chronic treatment with the dopamine precursor L-DOPA or dopamine agonists induces a progressive increase of behavioral responses, a process known as behavioral sensitization. The sensitization is blunted in arrestin-3 knockout mice. Using virus-mediated gene delivery to the dopamine-depleted striatum of arrestin-3 knockout mice, we found that the restoration of arrestin-3 fully rescued behavioral sensitization, whereas its mutant defective in JNK activation did not. A 25-residue arrestin-3-derived peptide that facilitates JNK3 activation in cells, expressed ubiquitously or selectively in the direct pathway striatal neurons, fully rescued sensitization, whereas an inactive homologous arrestin-2-derived peptide did not. Behavioral rescue was accompanied by the restoration of JNK3 activity and of JNK-dependent phosphorylation of the transcription factor c-Jun in the dopamine-depleted striatum. Thus, arrestin-3-dependent JNK3 activation in direct pathway neurons is a critical element of the molecular mechanism underlying sensitization.

Deltonin enhances gastric carcinoma cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin via inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling

BACKGROUND

As an active ingredient derived from Dioscorea zingiberensis C.H. Wright, deltonin has been reported to show anti-cancer effects in a variety of malignancies.

AIM

To investigate the role and mechanism of action of deltonin in promoting gastric carcinoma (GC) cell apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin.

METHODS

The GC cell lines AGS, HGC-27, and MKN-45 were treated with deltonin and then subjected to flow cytometry and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-3,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays for cell apoptosis and viability determination. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine alterations in the expression of apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bid, Bad, and Fas), DNA repair-associated proteins (Rad51 and MDM2), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) axis proteins. Additionally, the influence of deltonin on GC cell chemosensitivity to cisplatin was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Deltonin treatment weakened viability, enhanced apoptosis, and dampened DNA repair in GC cell lines in a dose-dependent pattern. Furthermore, deltonin mitigated PI3K, AKT, mTOR, and p38-MAPK phosphorylation. HS-173, an inhibitor of PI3K, attenuated GC cell viability and abolished deltonin inhibition of GC cell viability and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and p38-MAPK pathway activation. Deltonin also promoted the chemosensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin via repressing GC cell proliferation and growth and accelerating apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Deltonin can boost the chemosensitivity of GC cells to cisplatin via inactivating p38-MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

The RELT Family of Proteins: An Increasing Awareness of Their Importance for Cancer, the Immune System, and Development

This review highlights Receptor Expressed in Lymphoid Tissues (RELT), a Tumor Necrosis Factor Superfamily member, and its two paralogs, RELL1 and RELL2. Collectively, these three proteins are referred to as RELTfms and have gained much interest in recent years due to their association with cancer and other human diseases. A thorough knowledge of their physiological functions, including the ligand for RELT, is lacking, yet emerging evidence implicates RELTfms in a variety of processes including cytokine signaling and pathways that either promote cell death or survival. T cells from mice lacking RELT exhibit increased responses against tumors and increased inflammatory cytokine production, and multiple lines of evidence indicate that RELT may promote an immunosuppressive environment for tumors. The relationship of individual RELTfms in different cancers is not universal however, as evidence indicates that individual RELTfms may be risk factors in certain cancers yet appear to be protective in other cancers. RELTfms are important for a variety of additional processes related to human health including microbial pathogenesis, inflammation, behavior, reproduction, and development. All three proteins have been strongly conserved in all vertebrates, and this review aims to provide a clearer understanding of the current knowledge regarding these interesting proteins.

Non-Psychoactive Phytocannabinoids Inhibit Inflammation-Related Changes of Human Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle and Endothelial Cells

Atherosclerosis is associated with vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, chronic vascular inflammation, and leukocyte adhesion. In view of the cardioprotective effects of cannabinoids described in recent years, the present study investigated the impact of the non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) on proliferation and migration of human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) and on inflammatory markers in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). In HCASMC, CBD and THCV at nontoxic concentrations exhibited inhibitory effects on platelet-derived growth factor-triggered proliferation (CBD) and migration (CBD, THCV). When interleukin (IL)-1β- and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated HCAEC were examined, both cannabinoids showed a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which was mediated independently of classical cannabinoid receptors and was not accompanied by a comparable inhibition of intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Further inhibitor experiments demonstrated that reactive oxygen species, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation, histone deacetylase, and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) underlie IL-1β- and LPS-induced expression of VCAM-1. In this context, CBD and THCV were shown to inhibit phosphorylation of NF-κB regulators in LPS- but not IL-1β-stimulated HCAEC. Stimulation of HCAEC with IL-1β and LPS was associated with increased adhesion of monocytes, which, however, could not be significantly abolished by CBD and THCV. In summary, the results highlight the potential of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids CBD and THCV to regulate inflammation-related changes in HCASMC and HCAEC. Considering their effect on both cell types studied, further preclinical studies could address the use of CBD and THCV in drug-eluting stents for coronary interventions.

P38 kinase in gastrointestinal cancers

Gastrointestinal cancers are a leading cause of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide with 4.2 million new cases and 3.2 million deaths estimated in 2020. Despite the advances in primary and adjuvant therapies, patients still develop distant metastases and require novel therapies. Mitogen‑activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are crucial signaling pathways that regulate many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress responses and cancer development. p38 Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases (p38 MAPKs) includes four isoforms: p38α (MAPK14), p38β (MAPK11), p38γ (MAPK12), and p38δ (MAPK13). p38 MAPK was first identified as a stress response protein kinase that phosphorylates different transcriptional factors. Dysregulation of p38 pathways, in particular p38γ, are associated with cancer development, metastasis, autophagy and tumor microenvironment. In this article, we provide an overview of p38 and p38γ with respect to gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, targeting p38γ is also discussed as a potential therapy for gastrointestinal cancers.

Synthesis and neuroprotective effects of new genipin derivatives against glutamate-induced oxidative damage

Glutamate-induced oxidative stress is well-known to play a crucial role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as stroke. Genipin, a natural iridoid compound, has demonstrated potential neuroprotective properties but is unstable in physiological conditions. The present study aimed to develop new derivatives of genipin that exhibit improved stability and activity for the treatment of stroke. Nineteen new derivatives were thus designed and synthesized. Their neuroprotective effect against glutamate-induced injury was evaluated in HT22 cells. Among the newly synthesized derivatives, 3e demonstrated significantly greater neuroprotection and improved stability compared to genipin. Specifically, 0.01 μM of 3e was found to effectively attenuate glutamate-induced oxidative damage by inhibiting ROS over-accumulation, reducing MDA content, and restoring the endogenous antioxidative system. Further investigation revealed that 3e inhibited oxidative stress by downregulating the phosphorylation levels of p38 MAPK and activating Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. These results suggested that 3e has the potential to serve as a promising candidate for the treatment of stroke by protecting against glutamate-induced oxidative stress.

Climate has contributed to population diversification of Daphnia galeata across Eurasia

Climate is a fundamental abiotic factor that plays a key role in driving the evolution, distribution and population diversification of species. However, there have been few investigations of genomic signatures of adaptation to local climatic conditions in cladocerans. Here, we have provided the first high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly (~143 Mb, scaffold N50 12.6 Mb) of the waterflea, Daphnia galeata, and investigated genomic variation in 22 populations from Central Europe and Eastern China. Our ecological-niche models suggested that the historic distribution of D. galeata in Eurasia was significantly affected by Quaternary climate fluctuations. We detected pronounced genomic and morphometric divergences between European and Chinese D. galeata populations. Such divergences could be partly explained by genomic signatures of thermal adaptation to distinct climate regimes: a set of candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) potentially associated with climate were detected. These SNPs were in genes significantly enriched in the Gene ontology terms "determination of adult lifespan" and "translation repressor activity", and especially, mthl5 and SOD1 involved in the IIS pathway, and EIF4EBP2 involved in the target of the rapamycin signalling pathway. Our study indicates that certain alleles might be associated with particular temperature regimes, playing a functional role in shaping the population structure of D. galeata at a large geographical scale. These results highlight the potential role of molecular variation in the response to climate variation, in the context of global climate change.

Active ingredients Isorhamnetin of Croci Srigma inhibit stomach adenocarcinomas progression by MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway

Gastric cancer (GC) remains the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the world, and ninety-five percent of GC are stomach adenocarcinomas (STAD). The active ingredients of Croci Stigma, such as Isorhamnetin, Crocin, Crocetin and Kaempferol, all have antitumor activity. However, their chemical and pharmacological profiles remain to be elusive. In this study, network pharmacology was used to characterize the action mechanism of Croci Stigma. All compounds were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database, and active ingredients were selected by their oral bioavailability and drug-likeness index. The targets of Croci Stigma active ingredients were obtained from the traditional Chinese medicine integrated database (TCMID), whereas the related genes of STAD were obtained from DisGeNET platform. Cytoscape was used to undertake visual analyses of the Drug Ingredients-Gene Symbols-Disease (I-G-D) network, and 2 core genes including MAPK14, ERBB3 were obtained, which are the predicted targets of isorhamnetin (IH) and quercetin, respectively. Data analysis from TCGA platform showed that MAPK14 and ERBB3 all upregulated in STAD patients, but only the effect of MAPK14 expression on STAD patients' survival was significant. Molecular docking showed that IH might affect the function of MAPK14 protein, and then the underlying action mechanisms of IH on STAD were experimentally validated using human gastric cancer cell line, HGC-27 cells. The results showed that IH can inhibit cell proliferation, migration, clonal formation, and arrest cell cycle, but promote the apoptosis of HGC-27 cells. qRT-PCR data demonstrated that IH downregulated the MAPK14 mRNA expression and EMT related genes. WB results showed that IH regulates MAPK/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings suggest that IH has the therapeutic potential for the treatment of STAD.

p38γ MAPK Inflammatory and Metabolic Signaling in Physiology and Disease

p38γ MAPK (also called ERK6 or SAPK3) is a family member of stress-activated MAPKs and has common and specific roles as compared to other p38 proteins in signal transduction. Recent studies showed that, in addition to inflammation, p38γ metabolic signaling is involved in physiological exercise and in pathogenesis of cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. p38γphosphorylates at least 19 substrates through which p38γ activity is further modified to regulate life-important cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, cell death, and transformation, thereby impacting biological outcomes of p38γ-driven pathogenesis. P38γ signaling is characterized by its unique reciprocal regulation with its specific phosphatase PTPH1 and by its direct binding to promoter DNAs, leading to transcriptional activation of targets including cancer-like stem cell drivers. This paper will review recent findings about p38γ inflammation and metabolic signaling in physiology and diseases. Moreover, we will discuss the progress in the development of p38γ-specific pharmacological inhibitors for therapeutic intervention in disease prevention and treatment by targeting the p38γ signaling network.

Quantifying Information of Dynamical Biochemical Reaction Networks

A large number of complex biochemical reaction networks are included in the gene expression, cell development, and cell differentiation of in vivo cells, among other processes. Biochemical reaction-underlying processes are the ones transmitting information from cellular internal or external signaling. However, how this information is measured remains an open question. In this paper, we apply the method of information length, based on the combination of Fisher information and information geometry, to study linear and nonlinear biochemical reaction chains, respectively. Through a lot of random simulations, we find that the amount of information does not always increase with the length of the linear reaction chain; instead, the amount of information varies significantly when this length is not very large. When the length of the linear reaction chain reaches a certain value, the amount of information hardly changes. For nonlinear reaction chains, the amount of information changes not only with the length of this chain, but also with reaction coefficients and rates, and this amount also increases with the length of the nonlinear reaction chain. Our results will help to understand the role of the biochemical reaction networks in cells.

Hepatic p38α MAPK controls gluconeogenesis via FOXO1 phosphorylation at S273 during glucagon signalling in mice

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Hyperglucagonaemia-stimulated hepatic glucose production (HGP) contributes to hyperglycaemia during type 2 diabetes. A better understanding of glucagon action is important to enable efficient therapies to be developed for the treatment of diabetes. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of p38 MAPK family members in glucagon-induced HGP and determine the underlying mechanisms by which p38 MAPK regulates glucagon action.

METHODS

p38α, β, γ and δ MAPK siRNAs were transfected into primary hepatocytes, followed by measurement of glucagon-induced HGP. Adeno-associated virus serotype 8 carrying p38α MAPK short hairpin RNA (shRNA) was injected into liver-specific Foxo1 knockout, liver-specific Irs1/Irs2 double knockout and Foxo1^S273D knockin mice. Foxo1^S273A knockin mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. Pyruvate tolerance tests, glucose tolerance tests, glucagon tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests were carried out in mice, liver gene expression profiles were analysed and serum triglyceride, insulin and cholesterol levels were measured. Phosphorylation of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) by p38α MAPK in vitro was analysed by LC-MS.

RESULTS

We found that p38α MAPK, but not the other p38 isoforms, stimulates FOXO1-S273 phosphorylation and increases FOXO1 protein stability, promoting HGP in response to glucagon stimulation. In hepatocytes and mouse models, inhibition of p38α MAPK blocked FOXO1-S273 phosphorylation, decreased FOXO1 levels and significantly impaired glucagon- and fasting-induced HGP. However, the effect of p38α MAPK inhibition on HGP was abolished by FOXO1 deficiency or a Foxo1 point mutation at position 273 from serine to aspartic acid (Foxo1^S273D) in both hepatocytes and mice. Moreover, an alanine mutation at position 273 (Foxo1^S273A) decreased glucose production, improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. Finally, we found that glucagon activates p38α through exchange protein activated by cAMP 2 (EPAC2) signalling in hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study found that p38α MAPK stimulates FOXO1-S273 phosphorylation to mediate the action of glucagon on glucose homeostasis in both health and disease. The glucagon-induced EPAC2-p38α MAPK-pFOXO1-S273 signalling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Resveratrol Enhances Cytotoxic Effects of Cisplatin by Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Ovarian Adenocarcinoma SKOV-3 Cells through Activating the p38 MAPK and Suppressing AKT

In the current study, we identified a mechanism of resveratrol (RES) underlying its anti-cancer properties against human ovarian adenocarcinoma SKOV-3 cells. We investigated its anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects in combination with cisplatin, using cell viability assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence study and Western blot analysis. We discovered that RES suppressed cancer cell proliferation and stimulated apoptosis, especially when combined with cisplatin. This compound also inhibited SKOV-3 cell survival, which may partly be due to its potential to inhibit protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and induce the S-phase cell cycle arrest. RES in combination with cisplatin strongly induced cancer cell apoptosis through activating the caspase-dependent cascade, which was associated with its ability to stimulate nuclear phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), well recognized to be involved in transducing environmental stress signals. RES-induced p38 phosphorylation was very specific, and the activation status of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was not mainly affected. Taken together, our study provides accumulated evidence that RES represses proliferation and promotes apoptosis in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells through activating the p38 MAPK pathway. It is interesting that this active compound may be used as an effective agent to sensitize ovarian cancer to apoptosis induced by standard chemotherapies.

Bacterial extracellular vesicles repress the vascular protective factor RNase1 in human lung endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and characterized by blood stream infections associated with a dysregulated host response and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. Ribonuclease 1 (RNase1) acts as a protective factor of vascular homeostasis and is known to be repressed by massive and persistent inflammation, associated to the development of vascular pathologies. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (bEVs) are released upon infection and may interact with ECs to mediate EC barrier dysfunction. Here, we investigated the impact of bEVs of sepsis-related pathogens on human EC RNase1 regulation.

METHODS

bEVs from sepsis-associated bacteria were isolated via ultrafiltration and size exclusion chromatography and used for stimulation of human lung microvascular ECs combined with and without signaling pathway inhibitor treatments.

RESULTS

bEVs from Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium significantly reduced RNase1 mRNA and protein expression and activated ECs, while TLR2-inducing bEVs from Streptococcus pneumoniae did not. These effects were mediated via LPS-dependent TLR4 signaling cascades as they could be blocked by Polymyxin B. Additionally, LPS-free ClearColi™ had no impact on RNase1. Further characterization of TLR4 downstream pathways involving NF-кB and p38, as well as JAK1/STAT1 signaling, revealed that RNase1 mRNA regulation is mediated via a p38-dependent mechanism.

CONCLUSION

Blood stream bEVs from gram-negative, sepsis-associated bacteria reduce the vascular protective factor RNase1, opening new avenues for therapeutical intervention of EC dysfunction via promotion of RNase1 integrity. Video Abstract.

Ferulic Acid: A Review of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Effects on Pulmonary Diseases

Ferulic acid (FA), a prevalent dietary phytochemical, has many pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects, and has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Many studies have shown that FA can significantly downregulate the expression of reactive oxygen species and activate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling, exerting anti-oxidative effects. The anti-inflammatory effect of FA is mainly related to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathways. FA has demonstrated potential clinical applications in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The transforming growth factor-β1/small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 signaling pathway can be blocked by FA, thereby alleviating pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, in the context of asthma, the T helper cell 1/2 imbalance is restored by FA. Furthermore, FA ameliorates acute lung injury by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via toll-like receptor 4, consequently decreasing the expression of downstream inflammatory mediators. Additionally, there is a moderate neuraminidase inhibitory activity showing a tendency to reduce the interleukin-8 level in response to influenza virus infections. Although the application of FA has broad prospects, more preclinical mechanism-based research should be carried out to test these applications in clinical settings. This review not only covers the literature on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of FA, but also discusses the therapeutic role and toxicology of FA in several pulmonary diseases.

The inhibition of p38 MAPK blocked inflammation to restore the functions of rat meibomian gland epithelial cells

Meibomian glands (MGs) are vital for ocular surface health. However, the roles of inflammation in the progression of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) are largely unknown. In this study, the roles of the inflammation factor interleukin-1β (IL-1β) via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway on rat meibomian gland epithelial cells (RMGECs) were explored. Eyelids from adult rat mice at 2 months and 2 years of age were stained with specific antibodies against IL-1β to identify inflammation levels. RMGECs were exposed to IL-1β and/or SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK signaling pathway, for 3 days. Cell proliferation, keratinization, lipid accumulation, and matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9) expression were evaluated by MTT assay, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunofluorescence staining, apoptosis assay, lipid staining, and Western blot analyses. We found that IL-1β was significantly higher in the terminal ducts of MGs in rats with age-related MGD than in young rats. IL-1β inhibited cell proliferation, suppressed lipid accumulation and peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ (PPARγ) expression, and promoted apoptosis while activating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Cytokeratin 1 (CK1), a marker for complete keratinization, and MMP9 in RMGECs were also up-regulated by IL-1β. SB203580 effectively diminished the effects of IL-1β on differentiation, keratinization, and MMP9 expression by blocking IL-1β-induced p38 MAPK activation, although it also inhibited cell proliferation. The inhibition of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway blocked IL-1β-induced differentiation reduction, hyperkeratinization, and MMP9 overexpression of RMGECs, which provides a potential therapy for MGD.

Arctiin-encapsulated DSPE-PEG bubble-like nanoparticles inhibit alveolar epithelial type 2 cell senescence to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis via the p38/p53/p21 pathway

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a severe and deadly form of diffuse parenchymal lung disease and treatment options are few. Alveolar epithelial type 2 (AEC2) cell senescence is implicated in the pathogenies of IPF. A major bioactive compound from the traditional Chinese medicine Fructus arctii, arctiin (ARC) has robust anti-inflammatory, anti-senescence, and anti-fibrosis functions. However, the potential therapeutic effects of ARC on IPF and the underlying mechanisms involved are still unknown.

Methods: First of all, ARC was identified as an active ingredient by network pharmacology analysis and enrichment analysis of F. arctii in treating IPF. We developed ARC-encapsulated DSPE-PEG bubble-like nanoparticles (ARC@DPBNPs) to increase ARC hydrophilicity and achieve high pulmonary delivery efficiency. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis model for assessing the treatment effect of ARC@DPBNPs on lung fibrosis and the anti-senescence properties of AEC2. Meanwhile, p38/p53 signaling in AEC2 was detected in IPF lungs, BLM-induced mice, and an A549 senescence model. The effects of ARC@DPBNPs on p38/p53/p21 were assessed in vivo and in vitro.

Results: Pulmonary route of administration of ARC@DPBNPs protected mice against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis without causing significant damage to the heart, liver, spleen, or kidney. ARC@DPBNPs blocked BLM-induced AEC2 senescence in vivo and in vitro. The p38/p53/p21 signaling axis was significantly activated in the lung tissues of patients with IPF, senescent AEC2, and BLM-induced lung fibrosis. ARC@DPBNPs attenuated AEC2 senescence and pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the p38/p53/p21 pathway.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that the p38/p53/p21 signaling axis plays a pivotal role in AEC2 senescence in pulmonary fibrosis. The p38/p53/p21 signaling axis inhibition by ARC@DPBNPs provides an innovative approach to treating pulmonary fibrosis in clinical settings.

In vitro and in silico studies of 7'',8''-buddlenol D anti-inflammatory lignans from Carallia brachiata as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors

Excessive macrophage activation induces the release of high levels of inflammatory mediators which not only amplify chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases but also exacerbate fever and retard wound healing. To identify anti-inflammatory molecules, we examined Carallia brachiata-a medicinal terrestrial plant from Rhizophoraceae. Furofuran lignans [(-)-(7''R,8''S)-buddlenol D (1) and (-)-(7''S,8''S)-buddlenol D (2)] isolated from the stem and bark inhibited nitric oxide (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀): 9.25 ± 2.69 and 8.43 ± 1.20 micromolar for 1 and 2, respectively) and prostaglandin E₂ (IC₅₀: 6.15 ± 0.39 and 5.70 ± 0.97 micromolar for 1 and 2, respectively) productions in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells. From western blotting, 1 and 2 suppressed LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner (0.3-30 micromolar). Moreover, analysis of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway showed decreased p38 phosphorylation levels in 1- and 2-treated cells, while phosphorylated ERK1/2 and JNK levels were unaffected. This discovery agreed with in silico studies which suggested 1 and 2 bound to the ATP-binding site in p38-alpha MAPK based on predicted binding affinity and intermolecular interaction docking. In summary, 7'',8''-buddlenol D epimers demonstrated anti-inflammatory activities via p38 MAPK inhibition and may be used as viable anti-inflammatory therapies.

Mimicking Tumor Cell Heterogeneity of Colorectal Cancer in a Patient-derived Organoid-Fibroblast Model

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patient-derived organoid cancer models are generated from epithelial tumor cells and reflect tumor characteristics. However, they lack the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, which is a key driver of tumorigenesis and therapy response. Here, we developed a colorectal cancer organoid model that incorporates matched epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts.

METHODS

Primary fibroblasts and tumor cells were isolated from colorectal cancer specimens. Fibroblasts were characterized for their proteome, secretome, and gene expression signatures. Fibroblast/organoid co-cultures were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and compared with their tissue of origin, as well as on gene expression levels compared with standard organoid models. Bioinformatics deconvolution was used to calculate cellular proportions of cell subsets in organoids based on single-cell RNA sequencing data.

RESULTS

Normal primary fibroblasts, isolated from tumor adjacent tissue, and cancer associated fibroblasts retained their molecular characteristics in vitro, including higher motility of cancer associated compared with normal fibroblasts. Importantly, both cancer-associated fibroblasts and normal fibroblasts supported cancer cell proliferation in 3D co-cultures, without the addition of classical niche factors. Organoids grown together with fibroblasts displayed a larger cellular heterogeneity of tumor cells compared with mono-cultures and closely resembled the in vivo tumor morphology. Additionally, we observed a mutual crosstalk between tumor cells and fibroblasts in the co-cultures. This was manifested by considerably deregulated pathways such as cell-cell communication and extracellular matrix remodeling in the organoids. Thrombospondin-1 was identified as a critical factor for fibroblast invasiveness.

CONCLUSION

We developed a physiological tumor/stroma model, which will be vital as a personalized tumor model to study disease mechanisms and therapy response in colorectal cancer.

Luteoloside Induces G0/G1 Phase Arrest of Neuroblastoma Cells by Targeting p38 MAPK

Luteoloside has shown anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antitumor properties. However, the effect and mechanism of luteoloside on neuroblastoma cells remain unknown. The proliferation of human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y and SK-N-AS) treated with different concentrations of luteoloside (0, 12.5, 25, and 50 μM) was detected by the MTT assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were examined by Hoechst staining and flow cytometry. A subcutaneous tumorigenesis model was established in nude mice to evaluate the effect of luteoloside on tumor growth in vivo. Bioinformatics, molecular docking techniques, and cellular thermal shift assays were utilized to predict the potential targets of luteoloside in neuroblastoma. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 was used to confirm the role of p38 MAPK. Luteoloside inhibited the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Luteoloside slightly induced cellular G0/G1 phase arrest and reduced the expression levels of G0/G1 phase-related genes and the proteins cyclin D1, CDK4, and C-myc, which are downregulated by p38 MAPK pathways. Meanwhile, p38 was identified as the target of luteoloside, and inhibition of p38 MAPK reversed the inhibitory effect of luteoloside on neuroblastoma cells. Luteoloside is a potential anticancer drug for treating neuroblastoma by activating p38 MAPK.

Mitochondria Profoundly Influence Apolipoprotein E Biology

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria can trigger Alzheimer's disease (AD)-associated molecular phenomena, but how mitochondria impact apolipoprotein E (APOE; apoE) is not well known.

OBJECTIVE

Consider whether and how mitochondrial biology influences APOE and apoE biology.

METHODS

We measured APOE expression in human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells with different forms of mitochondrial dysfunction including total, chronic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) depletion (ρ0 cells); acute, partial mtDNA depletion; and toxin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. We further assessed intracellular and secreted apoE protein levels in the ρ0 cells and interrogated the impact of transcription factors and stress signaling pathways known to influence APOE expression.

RESULTS

SH-SY5Y ρ0 cells exhibited a 65-fold increase in APOE mRNA, an 8-fold increase in secreted apoE protein, and increased intracellular apoE protein. Other models of primary mitochondrial dysfunction including partial mtDNA-depletion, toxin-induced respiratory chain inhibition, and chemical-induced manipulations of the mitochondrial membrane potential similarly increased SH-SY5Y cell APOE mRNA. We explored potential mediators and found in the ρ0 cells knock-down of the C/EBPα and NFE2L2 (Nrf2) transcription factors reduced APOE mRNA. The activity of two mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK and ERK, also strongly influenced ρ0 cell APOE mRNA levels.

CONCLUSION

Primary mitochondrial dysfunction either directly or indirectly activates APOE expression in a neuronal cell model by altering transcription factors and stress signaling pathways. These studies demonstrate mitochondrial biology can influence the biology of the APOE gene and apoE protein, which are implicated in AD.

Qiangguyin inhibited fat accumulation in OVX mice through the p38 MAPK signaling pathway to achieve anti-osteoporosis effects

Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common bone disease characterized by decreased bone density and increased bone fragility due to decreased estrogen levels. Qiangguyin (QGY) is transformed from the famous traditional Chinese medicine BuShen Invigorating Blood Decoction. In this study, we used QGY to treat PMOP. We observed that QGY significantly reduced fat accumulation in the chondro-osseous junction. However, its specific mechanism of action remains unclear. To determine the specific molecular mechanism of QGY, we explored the pharmacological mechanism by which QGY reduces fat accumulation in the chondro-osseous junction through network pharmacological analysis. The active components and targets related to PMOP and QGY were screened from different databases, forming a composition-target-disease network. Next, a comprehensive analysis platform including protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were established. The results revealed that QGY inhibits adipogenic differentiation by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, thus reducing the accumulation of fat in the chondro-osseous junction. For further verification. In vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out. Our data showed that QGY significantly reversed the high expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Further, QGY prevents fat accumulation by inhibiting the expression of p38. In summary, the results of this study suggested that QGY-induced phenotypic changes are related to the activation of the p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

A comparison of proliferation levels in normal skin, physiological scar and keloid tissue

Proliferation is an important characteristic of life, and many signaling pathways participate in this complicated process. The MAPK/Erk pathway is a classic pathway in cell proliferation. In this study, expression levels of key factors in the MAPK/Erk pathway were measured to assess the proliferation level among normal skin, physiological scar, and keloid tissue. Thirty patients were selected randomly from the Department of Plastic Surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Histological appearance and fiber tissue content were observed by Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson staining. Expression levels of key factors in the MAPK/Erk pathway (ATF2, c-Jun, c-Myc, p38 and STAT1) and relative proteins (HIF-1α and PCNA) in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and analyzed as the percentage of positively stained cells in both the tissue epidermis and dermis. Western blot was used for quantitative analysis of the above factors. In results, keloid tissue showed a significantly higher fiber and less cell content. In the immunohistochemical result, higher expression of key factors was observed in the epidermis than in the dermal layer, and the expression of all factors was increased remarkably in keloid tissue. In western blot analysis, all factors (except STAT1) showed higher expression in keloid tissue. In our former research, keloid showed similar apoptosis level as physiological scar and normal skin. On combining our former conclusion and results in this study, an imbalance condition between the high proliferation level and normal apoptosis level may lead to the growth characteristics of keloid.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Gymnema Sylvestre extract rescue acute respiratory distress syndrome in rats via modulating the NF-κB/MAPK pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is one of the major causes of mortality in COVID-19 patients, due to limited therapeutic options. This prompted us to explore natural sources to mitigate this condition. Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) is an ancient medicinal plant known to have various therapeutic effects. This investigation examined the therapeutic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Gymnema Sylvestre (HAEGS) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and ARDS in in vitro and in vivo models. UHPLC-HRMS/GC-MS was employed for characterizing the HAEGS and identified several active derivatives including gymnemic acid, gymnemasaponins, gymnemoside, gymnemasin, quercetin, and long fatty acids. Gene expression by RT-qPCR and DCFDA analysis by flow cytometry revealed that several inflammatory cytokine/chemokine, cell injury markers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were highly upregulated in LPS control and were significantly reduced upon HAEGS treatment. Consistent with the in vitro studies, we found that in LPS-induced ARDS model, pre-treatment with HAEGS significantly suppressed the LPS-induced elevation of inflammatory cell infiltrations, cytokine/chemokine marker expression, ROS levels, and lung injury in a dose-dependent manner. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that HAEGS suppressed oxidative stress by modulating the NRF2 pathway and ameliorated the ARDS through the NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway. Additional fractionation results revealed that fraction 6 which has the exclusive composition of gymnemic acid derivatives showed better anti-inflammatory effects (inhibition of IL-6 and IL-1β) at lower concentrations compared to HAEGS. Overall, HAEGS significantly mitigated LPS-induced lung injury and ARDS by targeting the NF-κB/MAPK signalling pathway. Thus, our work unravels the protective role of HAEGS for the first time in managing ARDS.

The roles of NOP56 in cancer and SCA36

NOP56 is a highly conserved nucleolar protein. Amplification of the intron GGCCTG hexanucleotide repeat sequence of the NOP56 gene results in spinal cerebellar ataxia type 36 (SCA36). NOP56 contains an N-terminal domain, a coiled-coil domain, and a C-terminal domain. Nucleolar protein NOP56 is significantly abnormally expressed in a number of malignant tumors, and its mechanism is different in different tumors, but its regulatory mechanism in most tumors has not been fully explored. NOP56 promotes tumorigenesis in some cancers and inhibits tumorigenesis in others. In addition, NOP56 is associated with methylation in some tumors, suggesting that NOP56 has the potential to become a tumor-specific marker. This review focuses on the structure, function, related signaling pathways, and role of NOP56 in the progression of various malignancies, and discusses the progression of NOP56 in neurodegenerative and other diseases.

Chinese herbal medicine alleviates the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome by improving oxidative stress and glucose metabolism via mitochondrial Sirtuin 3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women, and the curative effects of its current management are not satisfactory. A formula of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), called Bu-Shen-Tian-Jing Formula (BSTJF), has clinically shown beneficial effects in treating PCOS.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying BSTJF for treatment of PCOS.

METHODS

Whole blood samples were collected from women with PCOS treated and not treated with BSTJF (n = 5 per group). Whole transcriptome sequencing of leukocytes and untargeted metabonomic analysis of the plasma were performed. Three groups of 18 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly selected: control, PCOS, and BSTJF. A PCOS rat model was established using testosterone propionate. The estrous cycle; glucose tolerance; ovarian morphology; serum markers of oxidative stress; and expression of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and phospho-protein kinase B in the ovary were measured. Palmitate was initially applied to KGN cells, followed by freeze-dried BSTJF powder. The glucose uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and protein levels of SIRT3, PI3K, and glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) were detected in KGN cells.

RESULTS

The transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles showed alterations in 572 genes and 73 metabolites in women with PCOS treated with BSTJF. The enriched pathways in women with PCOS treated with BSTJF were mainly involved in inflammation, insulin resistance, glucose and lipid metabolism, and neuro and associated signaling pathways. In PCOS rat models, BSTJF improved the estrous cycle, glucose tolerance, and ovarian morphology; relieved oxidative stress; increased ovarian SIRT3 expression; inhibited p38 MAPK activation; and promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling in the ovary. In the in-vitro study with KGN cells, BSTJF rescued the palmitate-induced impaired glucose uptake and SIRT3 expression, reduced mitochondrial ROS production mediated by SIRT3, and restored the impaired insulin-induced PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

BSTJF effectively alleviated the pathogenesis of PCOS by improving oxidative stress and glucose metabolism via mitochondrial SIRT3 and the following insulin signaling pathway. This study innovatively revealed the action mechanism of CHM in treating PCOS.

Mechanism of Elian granules in the treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer in rats through the MAPK signalling pathway based on network pharmacology

CONTEXT

Elian Granules have been applied in the treatment of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) and achieved good results. However, its exact mechanism remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the mechanism of Elian granules in treating PLGC through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway based on network pharmacology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Through network pharmacological methods, the targets of the active component of Elian granules against PLGC were obtained. Subsequently, Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into normal, model, and Elian granule groups. The N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine comprehensive method was used to establish the PLGC rat model. The model and Elian granule groups were given normal saline and Elian granule aqueous solution (3.24 g/kg/d) intragastric administration, respectively, for 24 weeks. The pathological changes in gastric tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The protein expression of p-JNK and p-p38 was verified by western blotting.

RESULTS

394 and 4,395 targets were identified in Elian granules and PLGC, respectively. The 190 common targets were mainly enriched in MAPK signalling pathways. The gastric mucosal epithelium was still intact, the glands were arranged regularly, and no goblet cells or apparent inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the Elian granule group. The expression of p-JNK and p-p38 protein of the Elian granule group (0.83 ± 0.08; 1.18 ± 0.40) was significantly higher than the model group (0.27 ± 0.14; 0.63 ± 0.14) (p < 0.01; p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Elian granules may play a critical role in the treatment of rat PLGC by up-regulating the expression of p-JNK and p-p38 proteins in the MAPK signalling pathway, thus providing a scientific basis for clinical application.