Sulforaphane mitigates muscle fibrosis in mdx mice via Nrf2-mediated inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling

Unlocking peak performance: The role of Nrf2 in enhancing exercise outcomes and training adaptation in humans

Since the discovery of the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor thirty years ago, it has been shown that it regulates more than 250 genes involved in a multitude of biological processes, including redox balance, mitochondrial biogenesis, metabolism, detoxification, cytoprotection, inflammation, immunity, autophagy, cell differentiation, and xenobiotic metabolism. In skeletal muscle, Nrf2 signalling is primarily activated in response to perturbation of redox balance by reactive oxygen species or electrophiles. Initial investigations into human skeletal muscle Nrf2 responses to exercise, dating back roughly a decade, have consistently indicated that exercise-induced ROS production stimulates Nrf2 signalling. Notably, recent studies employing Nrf2 knockout mice have revealed impaired skeletal muscle contractile function characterised by reduced force output and increased fatigue susceptibility compared to wild-type counterparts. These deficiencies partially stem from diminished basal mitochondrial respiratory capacity and an impaired capacity to upregulate specific mitochondrial proteins in response to training, findings corroborated by inducible muscle-specific Nrf2 knockout models. In humans, baseline Nrf2 expression in skeletal muscle correlates with maximal oxygen uptake and high-intensity exercise performance. This manuscript delves into the mechanisms underpinning Nrf2 signalling in response to acute exercise in human skeletal muscle, highlighting the involvement of ROS, antioxidants and Keap1/Nrf2 signalling in exercise performance. Furthermore, it explores Nrf2's role in mediating adaptations to chronic exercise and its impact on overall exercise performance. Additionally, the influence of diet and certain supplements on basal Nrf2 expression and its role in modulating acute and chronic exercise responses are briefly addressed.

Sulforaphane enhanced muscle growth by promoting lipid oxidation through modulating key signaling pathways

Sulforaphane (SFN) has shown diverse effects on human health and diseases. SFN was administered daily to C57BL/6J mice at doses of 1 mg/kg (SFN1) and 3 mg/kg (SFN3) for 8 weeks. Both doses of SFN accelerated body weight increment. The cross-sectional area and diameter of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle fibers were enlarged in SFN3 group. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels in LD muscle were decreased in SFN groups. RNA sequencing results revealed that 2455 and 2318 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found in SFN1 and SFN3 groups, respectively. Based on GO enrichment analysis, 754 and 911 enriched GO terms in the SFN1 and SFN3 groups, respectively. KEGG enrichment analysis shown that one KEGG pathway was enriched in the SFN1 group, while six KEGG pathways were enriched in the SFN3 group. The expressions of nine selected DEGs validated with qRT-PCR were in line with the RNA sequencing data. Furthermore, SFN treatment influenced lipid and protein metabolism related pathways including AMPK signaling, fatty acid metabolism signaling, cholesterol metabolism signalling, PPAR signaling, peroxisome signaling, TGFβ signaling, and mTOR signaling. In summary, SFN elevated muscle fibers size and reduced TG and TC content of in LD muscle by modulating protein and lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways.

Empowering Strategies for Lifestyle Interventions, Diet Modifications, and Environmental Practices for Uterine Fibroid Prevention; Unveiling the LIFE UP Awareness

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common prevalent benign tumor among women of reproductive age, disproportionately affecting women of color. This paper introduces an innovative management strategy for UFs, emphasizing the curbing of disease prevention and progression. Traditionally, medical intervention is deferred until advanced stages, necessitating invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, leading to high recurrence rates and increased healthcare costs. The strategy, outlined in this review, emphasizes UF disease management and is named LIFE UP awareness-standing for Lifestyle Interventions, Food Modifications, and Environmental Practices for UF Prevention. These cost-effective, safe, and accessible measures hold the potential to prevent UFs, improve overall reproductive health, reduce the need for invasive procedures, and generate substantial cost savings for both individuals and healthcare systems. This review underscores the importance of a proactive UF management method, paving the way for future research and policy initiatives in this domain.

Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds in Preventing and Reversing Organ Fibrosis and the Underlying Mechanisms

Increased production of extracellular matrix is a necessary response to tissue damage and stress. In a normal healing process, the increase in extracellular matrix is transient. In some instances; however, the increase in extracellular matrix can persist as fibrosis, leading to deleterious alterations in organ structure, biomechanical properties, and function. Indeed, fibrosis is now appreciated to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Extensive research has illustrated that fibrosis can be slowed, arrested or even reversed; however, few drugs have been approved specifically for anti-fibrotic treatment. This is in part due to the complex pathways responsible for fibrogenesis and the undesirable side effects of drugs targeting these pathways. Natural products have been utilized for thousands of years as a major component of traditional medicine and currently account for almost one-third of drugs used clinically worldwide. A variety of plant-derived compounds have been demonstrated to have preventative or even reversal effects on fibrosis. This review will discuss the effects and the underlying mechanisms of some of the major plant-derived compounds that have been identified to impact fibrosis.

Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis

Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.

Ginkgo biloba Extract 50 (GBE50) Exerts Antifibrotic and Antioxidant Effects on Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice by Regulating Nrf2 and TGF-β1/Smad Pathways

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disorder with a poor prognosis. GBE50 is a new standardized Ginkgo biloba extract that has been widely used in cardiovascular diseases. However, the protective mechanism of GBE50 against PF remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were treated with bleomycin (Bleo) to induce PF in the presence or absence of GBE50. Protein content in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and wet weight/dry weight ratio were examined for analysis of pulmonary edema. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson trichrome staining were used for histopathological observation of murine lung tissues. Ashcroft score was used for semi-quantitation of lung fibrosis degree. RT-qPCR was utilized for assessing mRNA levels of pro-fibrotic mediators in lung tissues. TUNEL staining was implemented for cell apoptosis assessment. The levels of oxidative stress- and inflammation-related markers were evaluated by corresponding commercial assay kits. Western blotting was used to evaluate levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling- and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/SMAD signaling-related proteins.

RESULTS

GBE50 alleviated lung injury and severity of fibrosis, reduced collagen deposition and cell apoptosis in lung tissues, and suppressed inflammatory response and oxidative stress injury in Bleo-stimulated PF mice. GBE50 activated Nrf2 signaling pathway and inactivated TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway in the lungs of Bleo-induced PF mice. Inhibition of Nrf2 signaling reversed GBE50-mediated inactivation of TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and attenuation of inflammation and oxidative stress in Bleo-induced PF mice.

CONCLUSION

GBE50 protects against Bleo-induced PF in mice by mitigating fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf2 and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathways.

Mechanism of Nrf2/miR338-3p/TRAP-1 pathway involved in hyperactivation of synovial fibroblasts in patients with osteoarthritis

Our previous study has confirmed that miR338-3p/TRAP-1 axis was involved in regulation of hyperactivation in human synovial fibroblasts (HFLS) of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Here, we aim to further investigate the underlying causes of the abnormal activation miR338-3p/TRAP-1 at the molecular level. Our results showed that the decrease of NF-E2-related factor 2(Nrf2) was the direct cause of downregulation of miR338-3p and upregulation of TRAP-1 protein expression in HFLS of OA patients. Furthermore, we also found that the phosphorylation and nuclear entry of Nrf2 protein were significantly reduced in HFLS of OA patients than that of normal individuals, and both of them were positively correlated with miR338-3p levels. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, and CHIP experiment together indicated that Nrf2 could positively regulate the transcription of miR338-3p by binding to the Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS) on its promoter. It was confirmed by in vitro assays that oltipraz (agonists of Nrf2) treatment effectively inhibited the hyperactivation of HFLS induced by TGF-β1, and the effects of oltipraz could be reversed by the exogenous TRAP-1. In short, our research has revealed for the first time that Nrf2/miR338-3p/TRAP-1 pathway was involved in hyperactivation of HFLS in OA patients, Nrf2 has the potential to be used as therapy and new drug target of OA.

Mechanisms Underlying the Effects of the Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG in Sarcopenia Prevention and Management

Sarcopenia is prevalent among the older population and severely affects human health. Tea catechins may benefit for skeletal muscle performance and protect against secondary sarcopenia. However, the mechanisms underlying their antisarcopenic effect are still not fully understood. Despite initial successes in animal and early clinical trials regarding the safety and efficacy of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major catechin of green tea, many challenges, problems, and unanswered questions remain. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the potential role and underlying mechanisms of EGCG in sarcopenia prevention and management. We thoroughly review the general biological activities and general effects of EGCG on skeletal muscle performance, EGCG's antisarcopenic mechanisms, and recent clinical evidence of the aforesaid effects and mechanisms. We also address safety issues and provide directions for future studies. The possible concerted actions of EGCG indicate the need for further studies on sarcopenia prevention and management in humans.

Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 and Its Targets in Skeletal Muscle Repair and Regeneration

Significance: Skeletal muscles have a robust regenerative capacity in response to acute and chronic injuries. Muscle repair and redox homeostasis are intimately linked; increased generation of reactive oxygen species leads to cellular dysfunction and contributes to muscle wasting and progression of muscle diseases. In exemplary muscle disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), caused by mutations in the DMD gene that encodes the muscle structural protein dystrophin, the regeneration machinery is severely compromised, while oxidative stress contributes to the progression of the disease. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its target genes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), provide protective mechanisms against oxidative insults. Recent Advances: Relevant advances have been evolving in recent years in understanding the mechanisms by which NRF2 regulates processes that contribute to effective muscle regeneration. To this end, pathways related to muscle satellite cell differentiation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolism, inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis have been studied. The regulatory role of NRF2 in skeletal muscle ferroptosis has been also suggested. Animal studies have shown that NRF2 pathway activation can stop or reverse skeletal muscle pathology, especially when endogenous stress defence mechanisms are imbalanced. Critical Issues: Despite the growing recognition of NRF2 as a factor that regulates various aspects of muscle regeneration, the mechanistic impact on muscle pathology in various models of muscle injury remains imprecise. Future Directions: Further studies are necessary to fully uncover the role of NRF2 in muscle regeneration, both in physiological and pathological conditions, and to investigate the possibilities for development of new therapeutic modalities. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 619-642.

Sulforaphane attenuates cancer cell-induced atrophy of C2C12 myotubes

Cancer cachexia is common in many cancers and the loss of skeletal muscle mass compromises the response to therapies and quality of life. A contributing mechanism is oxidative stress and compounds able to attenuate it may be protective. Sulforaphane (SFN), a natural antioxidant in cruciferous vegetables, activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling to decrease oxidative stress. Although SFN has potential as a cancer therapeutic, whether it can attenuate muscle wasting in the absence or presence of chemotherapy is unknown. In healthy C2C12 myotubes, SFN administration for 48 h induced hypertrophy through increased myoblast fusion via Nrf2 and ERK signaling. To determine whether SFN could attenuate wasting induced by cancer cells, myotubes were cocultured with or without Colon-26 (C-26) cancer cells for 48 h and treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU, 5 µM) or vehicle (DMSO). SFN (10 µM) or DMSO was added for the final 24 h. Coculture with cancer cells in the absence and presence of 5-FU reduced myotube width by ∼30% (P < 0.001) and ∼20% (P < 0.01), respectively, which was attenuated by SFN (P < 0.05). Exposure to C-26 conditioned media reduced myotube width by 15% (P < 0.001), which was attenuated by SFN. Western immunoblotting and qRT-PCR confirmed activation of Nrf2 signaling and antioxidant genes. Coadministration of Nrf2 inhibitors (ML-385) or MEK inhibitors (PD184352) revealed that SFN's attenuation of atrophy was blocked by ERK inhibition. These data support the chemoprotective and antioxidative function of SFN in myotubes, highlighting its therapeutic potential for cancer-related muscle wasting.

Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 and liver damage

The liver performs various biochemical and molecular functions. Its location as a portal to blood arriving from the intestines makes it susceptible to several insults, leading to diverse pathologies, including alcoholic liver disease, viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are causes of death worldwide. Illuminating the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic injury will provide targets to develop new therapeutic strategies to fight liver maladies. In this regard, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-recognized mediators of liver damage. ROS induce nuclear factor-κB and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which are the main proinflammatory signaling pathways that upregulate several proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators. Additionally, oxygen-derived free radicals induce hepatic stellate cell activation to produce exacerbated quantities of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS, preventing liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Therefore, several researchers have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants, mainly derived from plants, affords beneficial effects on the liver. Notably, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major factor against oxidative stress in the liver. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Nrf2 plays an important role in liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis via the induction of antioxidant response element genes. The use of Nrf2 inducers seems to be an interesting approach to prevent/attenuate hepatic disorders, particularly under conditions where ROS play a causative role.

Longevity-Promoting Pathways and Transcription Factors Respond to and Control Extracellular Matrix Dynamics During Aging and Disease

Aging is one of the largest risk factors for cancer, type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and other age-related pathologies. Here, we give a detailed description of the interplay of chronic age-related pathologies with the remodeling of the extracellular matrix during disease development and progression. Longevity-promoting signaling pathways slow or prevent age-related diseases. In particular, we focus on the mTOR signaling pathway, sirtuins, and canonical longevity-promoting transcription factors, such as FOXO, NF-κB, and Nrf2. We extend our analysis using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing and transcriptomic data and report that many established and emerging longevity-promoting transcription factors, such as CREB1, FOXO1,3, GATA1,2,3,4, HIF1A, JUN, KLF4, MYC, NFE2L2/Nrf2, RELA/NF-κB, REST, STAT3,5A, and TP53/p53, directly regulate many extracellular matrix genes and remodelers. We propose that modulation of these pathways increases lifespan and protects from age-related diseases in part due to their effects on extracellular matrix remodeling. Therefore, to successfully treat age-related diseases, it is necessary to better understand the connection between extracellular matrix components and longevity pathways.

Lysyl oxidase-like 2 inhibitor rescues D-galactose-induced skeletal muscle fibrosis

Aging-related sarcopenia is currently the most common sarcopenia. The main manifestations are skeletal muscle atrophy, replacement of muscle fibers with fat and fibrous tissue. Excessive fibrosis can impair muscle regeneration and function. Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has previously been reported to be involved in the development of various tissue fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of LOXL2 inhibitor on D-galactose (D-gal)-induced skeletal muscle fibroblast cells and mice. Our molecular and physiological studies show that treatment with LOXL2 inhibitor can alleviate senescence, fibrosis, and increased production of reactive oxygen species in fibroblasts caused by D-gal. These effects are related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/p38 MAPK pathway. Furthermore, in vivo, mice treatment with LOXL2 inhibitor reduced D-gal-induced skeletal muscle fibrosis, partially enhanced skeletal muscle mass and strength and reduced redox balance disorder. Taken together, these data indicate the possibility of using LOXL2 inhibitors to prevent aging-related sarcopenia, especially with significant fibrosis.

Cardiovascular Disease in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

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Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in patients with DMD.

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DMD has no cure, and there is no current consensus for treatment of DMD cardiomyopathy.

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This review discusses therapeutic strategies to potentially reduce or prevent cardiac dysfunction in DMD patients.

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Additional studies are needed to firmly establish optimal treatment modalities for DMD cardiomyopathy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a devastating disease affecting approximately 1 in every 3,500 male births worldwide. Multiple mutations in the dystrophin gene have been implicated as underlying causes of DMD. However, there remains no cure for patients with DMD, and cardiomyopathy has become the most common cause of death in the affected population. Extensive research is under way investigating molecular mechanisms that highlight potential therapeutic targets for the development of pharmacotherapy for DMD cardiomyopathy. In this paper, the authors perform a literature review reporting on recent ongoing efforts to identify novel therapeutic strategies to reduce, prevent, or reverse progression of cardiac dysfunction in DMD.

Evaluation of HZX-960, a novel DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor, as a potential antifibrotic compound for liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a very common health problem and currently lacks effective treatments. Cullin ring E3 ligases (CRLs) regulate the turnover of ~20% of mammalian cell proteins. Neddylation, the process by which NEDD8 is covalently attached to cullin proteins through sequential enzymatic reactions, is critical for the activation of CRLs and was recently found to be elevated in liver fibrosis. NEDD8-activating enzyme E1-specific inhibition led to the reduced liver damage characterized by decreased apoptosis, inflammation and fibrosis. However, the relevance of a co-E3 ligase, DCN1, in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, a novel and potent DCN1-UBC12 interaction inhibitor HZX-960 was discovered with an IC50 value of 9.37nM, which could inhibit the neddylation of cullin3. Importantly, we identified that HZX-960 treatment could attenuate TGFβ-induced liver fibrotic responses by reducing the deposition of collagen I and α-SMA, and upregulating cellular NRF2, HO-1 and NQO1 level in two hepatic stellate cell lines. Additionally, DCN1 was shown to be unregulated in CCl4-induced mice liver tissue, and liver fibrotic signaling in mice was reduced by HZX-960. Therefore, our data demonstrated that HZX-960 possessed anti-liver fibrosis ability, and DCN1 may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis treatment.

Role for Plant-Derived Antioxidants in Attenuating Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is the progressive muscle wasting and weakness experienced by many cancer patients. It can compromise the response to gold standard cancer therapies, impair functional capacity and reduce overall quality of life. Cancer cachexia accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer-related deaths and has no effective treatment. The pathogenesis of cancer cachexia and its progression is multifactorial and includes increased oxidative stress derived from both the tumor and the host immune response. Antioxidants have therapeutic potential to attenuate cancer-related muscle loss, with polyphenols, a group of plant-derived antioxidants, being the most widely investigated. This review describes the potential of these plant-derived antioxidants for treating cancer cachexia.

Nrf2 contributes to the benefits of exercise interventions on age-related skeletal muscle disorder via regulating Drp1 stability and mitochondrial fission

The progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, also known as sarcopenia, underlies disability, increasing adverse outcomes and poor quality of life in older people. Exercise interventions are commonly recommended as the primary treatment for sarcopenia. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, mitochondrial function, and the ROS-dependent adaptations of skeletal muscle, as the response to exercise. To investigate the contribution of Nrf2 to the benefits of exercise interventions in older age, aged (∼22 month old) Nrf2 knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice and age-matched wild-type (WT) C57BL6/J mice were randomly divided into 2 groups (sedentary or exercise group). We found that exercise interventions improved skeletal muscle function and restored the sarcopenia-like phenotype in WT mice, accompanied with the increasing mRNA level of Nrf2. While these alternations were minimal in Nrf2-KO mice after exercise. Further studies indicated that Nrf2 could increase the stability of Drp1 through deubiquitinating and promote Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission to attenuate mitochondrial disorder. We also observed the effects of sulforaphane (SFN), a Nrf2 activator, in restoring mitochondrial function in senescent C2C12 cells and improving sarcopenia in older WT mice, which were abolished by Nrf2 deficiency. These results indicated that some benefits of exercise intervention to skeletal muscle were Nrf2 mediated, and a future work should focus on Nrf2 signaling to identify a pharmacological treatment for sarcopenia.

Investigating the Potential for Sulforaphane to Attenuate Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in mdx Dystrophic Mice

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is an important, yet understudied condition associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with patients reporting bloating, diarrhea, and general discomfort, contributing to a reduced quality of life. In the mdx mouse, the most commonly used mouse model of DMD, studies have confirmed GI dysfunction (reported as altered contractility and GI transit through the small and large intestine), associated with increased local and systemic inflammation. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties via its activation of Nrf2 signalling that has been shown to improve aspects of the skeletal muscle pathology in dystrophic mice. Whether SFN can similarly improve GI function in muscular dystrophy was unknown. Video imaging and spatiotemporal mapping to assess gastrointestinal contractions in isolated colon preparations from mdx and C57BL/10 mice revealed that SFN reduced contraction frequency when administered ex vivo, demonstrating its therapeutic potential to improve GI function in DMD. To confirm this in vivo, four-week-old male C57BL/10 and mdx mice received vehicle (2% DMSO/corn oil) or SFN (2 mg/kg in 2% DMSO/corn oil) via daily oral gavage five days/week for 4 weeks. SFN administration reduced fibrosis in the diaphragm of mdx mice but did not affect other pathological markers. Gene and protein analysis revealed no change in Nrf2 protein expression or activation of Nrf2 signalling after SFN administration and oral SFN supplementation did not improve GI function in mdx mice. Although ex vivo studies demonstrate SFN’s therapeutic potential for reducing colon contractions, in vivo studies should investigate higher doses and/or alternate routes of administration to confirm SFN’s potential to improve GI function in DMD.

Glucosinolates From Cruciferous Vegetables and Their Potential Role in Chronic Disease: Investigating the Preclinical and Clinical Evidence

An increasing body of evidence highlights the strong potential for a diet rich in fruit and vegetables to delay, and often prevent, the onset of chronic diseases, including cardiometabolic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions, and certain cancers. A possible protective component, glucosinolates, which are phytochemicals found almost exclusively in cruciferous vegetables, have been identified from preclinical and clinical studies. Current research suggests that glucosinolates (and isothiocyanates) act via several mechanisms, ultimately exhibiting anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemo-protective effects. This review summarizes the current knowledge surrounding cruciferous vegetables and their glucosinolates in relation to the specified health conditions. Although there is evidence that consumption of a high glucosinolate diet is linked with reduced incidence of chronic diseases, future large-scale placebo-controlled human trials including standardized glucosinolate supplements are needed.

Inhibition of TGF-β2-induced migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ARPE-19 by sulforaphane

AIM

To investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 stimulated migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ARPE-19 cells.

METHODS

ARPE-19 cells were cultured in the presence or absence of SFN or TGF-β2. SFN toxicity was assessed by performing a lactate dehydrogenase assay (LDH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assays, and cell migration was evaluated by Transwell migration assay. Actin stress fiber formation in ARPE-19 cells was determined using immunofluorescence analysis. Immunoblotting analysis was used to determine fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin expressions along with the degree of Smad and Akt phosphorylation.

RESULTS

SFN inhibited ARPE-19 migration. Additionally, SFN attenuated TGF-β2-induced appearance of actin stress fibers as well as fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin expressions in these cells. SFN also hindered the TGF-β2-stimulated phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, and Akt. SFN showed no cytotoxicity towards ARPE-19 cells.

CONCLUSION

SFN inhibits TGF-β2-stimulated migration and EMT in ARPE-19 cells, probably by preventing the establishment of actin stress fibers and Akt and Smad2/3 signaling.

Beneficial Role of Exercise in the Modulation of mdx Muscle Plastic Remodeling and Oxidative Stress

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive progressive lethal disorder caused by the lack of dystrophin, which determines myofibers mechanical instability, oxidative stress, inflammation, and susceptibility to contraction-induced injuries. Unfortunately, at present, there is no efficient therapy for DMD. Beyond several promising gene- and stem cells-based strategies under investigation, physical activity may represent a valid noninvasive therapeutic approach to slow down the progression of the pathology. However, ethical issues, the limited number of studies in humans and the lack of consistency of the investigated training interventions generate loss of consensus regarding their efficacy, leaving exercise prescription still questionable. By an accurate analysis of data about the effects of different protocol of exercise on muscles of mdx mice, the most widely-used pre-clinical model for DMD research, we found that low intensity exercise, especially in the form of low speed treadmill running, likely represents the most suitable exercise modality associated to beneficial effects on mdx muscle. This protocol of training reduces muscle oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis process, and enhances muscle functionality, muscle regeneration, and hypertrophy. These conclusions can guide the design of appropriate studies on human, thereby providing new insights to translational therapeutic application of exercise to DMD patients.

Extracellular matrix: an important regulator of cell functions and skeletal muscle development

Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a kind of connective tissue in the cell microenvironment, which is of great significance to tissue development. ECM in muscle fiber niche consists of three layers: the epimysium, the perimysium, and the endomysium (basal lamina). These three layers of connective tissue structure can not only maintain the morphology of skeletal muscle, but also play an important role in the physiological functions of muscle cells, such as the transmission of mechanical force, the regeneration of muscle fiber, and the formation of neuromuscular junction. In this paper, detailed discussions are made for the structure and key components of ECM in skeletal muscle tissue, the role of ECM in skeletal muscle development, and the application of ECM in biomedical engineering. This review will provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of ECM, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the structure, physiological function, and application of ECM in skeletal muscle tissue.

Cafestol Inhibits High-Glucose-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Type 1-Like Diabetic Rats

Diabetes is associated with the development of myocardial fibrosis, which is related to various cardiac diseases. Cafestol, one of the active ingredients in coffee, has been reported to exert biological effects. However, whether cafestol can ameliorate diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cafestol on cardiac fibrosis in high-glucose-treated cardiac fibroblasts and streptozocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic rats. Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in high-glucose (25 mM) media in the absence or presence of cafestol, and the changes in collagen synthesis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production, and related signaling molecules were assessed on the basis of ³H-proline incorporation, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blotting. Cardiac fibroblasts exposed to high-glucose conditions exhibited increased collagen synthesis, TGF-β1 production, and Smad2/3 phosphorylation, and these effects were mitigated by cafestol treatment. Furthermore, cafestol increased the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1. The results of molecular docking analysis suggested a selective interaction of cafestol with Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1. The rats with untreated STZ-induced diabetes exhibited considerable collagen accumulation, which was ameliorated by cafestol. Moreover, activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, general matrix metalloproteinase, and reduced glutathione concentration were upregulated, whereas malondialdehyde level was downregulated by treatment with cafestol in rats with cardiac fibrosis. These findings highlight the effects of cafestol, which may be useful in treating diabetes-related cardiac fibrosis.

Targeting Nrf2 for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Imbalances in redox homeostasis can result in oxidative stress, which is implicated in various pathological conditions including the fatal neuromuscular disease Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a complicated disease, with many druggable targets at the cellular and molecular level including calcium-mediated muscle degeneration; mitochondrial dysfunction; oxidative stress; inflammation; insufficient muscle regeneration and dysregulated protein and organelle maintenance. Previous investigative therapeutics tended to isolate and focus on just one of these targets and, consequently, therapeutic activity has been limited. Nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that upregulates many cytoprotective gene products in response to oxidants and other toxic stressors. Unlike other strategies, targeted Nrf2 activation has the potential to simultaneously modulate separate pathological features of DMD to amplify therapeutic benefits. Here, we review the literature providing theoretical context for targeting Nrf2 as a disease modifying treatment against DMD.

The role of Nrf2 in acute and chronic muscle injury

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered as a master cytoprotective factor regulating the expression of genes encoding anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying proteins. The role of Nrf2 in the pathophysiology of skeletal muscles has been evaluated in different experimental models, however, due to inconsistent data, we aimed to investigate how Nrf2 transcriptional deficiency (Nrf2tKO) affects muscle functions both in an acute and chronic injury. The acute muscle damage was induced in mice of two genotypes-WT and Nrf2tKO mice by cardiotoxin (CTX) injection. To investigate the role of Nrf2 in chronic muscle pathology, mdx mice that share genetic, biochemical, and histopathological features with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) were crossed with mice lacking transcriptionally active Nrf2 and double knockouts (mdx/Nrf2tKO) were generated. To worsen the dystrophic phenotype, the analysis of disease pathology was also performed in aggravated conditions, by applying a long-term treadmill test. We have observed slightly increased muscle damage in Nrf2tKO mice after CTX injection. Nevertheless, transcriptional ablation of Nrf2 in mdx mice did not significantly aggravate the most deleterious, pathological hallmarks of DMD related to degeneration, inflammation, fibrotic scar formation, angiogenesis, and the number and proliferation of satellite cells in non-exercised conditions. On the other hand, upon chronic exercises, the degeneration and inflammatory infiltration of the gastrocnemius muscle, but not the diaphragm, turned to be increased in Nrf2tKOmdx in comparison to mdx mice. In conclusion, the lack of transcriptionally active Nrf2 influences moderately muscle pathology in acute CTX-induced muscle injury and chronic DMD mouse model, without affecting muscle functionality. Hence, in general, we demonstrated that the deficiency of Nrf2 transcriptional activity has no profound impact on muscle pathology in various models of muscle injury.

Tempol reduces inflammation and oxidative damage in cigarette smoke-exposed mice by decreasing neutrophil infiltration and activating the Nrf2 pathway

Cigarette smoke is a complex mixture capable of triggering inflammation and oxidative damage in animals at pulmonary and systemic levels. Tempol (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) reduces tissue injury associated with inflammation in vivo by mechanisms that are not completely understood. Here we evaluated the effect of tempol on inflammation and oxidative damage induced by acute exposure to cigarette smoke in vivo. Male C57BL/6 mice (n = 32) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8 each): 1) control group exposed to ambient air (GC), 2) animals exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days (CSG), mice treated 3) prior or 4) concomitantly with tempol (50 mg/kg/day) and exposed to cigarette smoke for 5 days. The results showed that the total number of leukocytes and neutrophils increased in the respiratory tract and lung parenchyma of mice exposed to cigarette smoke. Likewise, MPO levels and activity as well as lipid peroxidation and lung protein nitration and carbonylation also increased. Administration of tempol before or during exposure to cigarette smoke inhibited all the above parameters. Tempol also reduced the pulmonary expression of the inflammatory cytokines Il-6, Il-1β and Il-17 to basal levels and of Tnf-α by approximately 50%. In contrast, tempol restored Il-10 and Tgf-β levels and enhanced the expression of Nrf2-associated genes, such as Ho-1 and Gpx2. Accordingly, total GPx activity increased in lung homogenates of tempol-treated animals. Taken together, our results show that tempol protects mouse lungs from inflammation and oxidative damage resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke, likely through reduction of leukocyte infiltration and increased transcription of some of the Nrf2-controlled genes.

Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.

The Evolving Role of Natural Compounds in the Medical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UFs) remain a significant health issue for many women, with a disproportionate impact on women of color, likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. The prevalence of UFs is estimated to be approximately 70% depending on population. UF-derived clinical symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal and voiding problems, as well as impaired fertility. Nowadays numerous methods of UF treatment are available-from conservative treatment to invasive surgeries. Selecting an appropriate treatment option should be individualized and adjusted to the patient's expectations as much as possible. So far, the mainstay of treatment is surgery, but their negative impact of future fertility is clear. On the other hand, emerging new pharmaceutical options have significant adverse effects like liver function impairment, hot flashes, bone density loss, endometrial changes, and inability to attempt conception during treatment. Several natural compounds are found to help treat UFs and relieve their symptoms. In this review we summarize all the current available data about natural compounds that may be beneficial for patients with UFs, especially those who want to preserve their future fertility or have treatment while actively pursuing conception. Vitamin D, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, curcumin, and others are being used as alternative UF treatments. Moreover, we propose the concept of using combined therapies of natural compounds on their own or combined with hormonal agents to manage UFs. There is a strong need for more human clinical trials involving these compounds before promoting widespread usage.

The FRiND Model: A Mathematical Model for Representing Macrophage Plasticity in Muscular Dystrophy Pathogenesis

Muscular dystrophy describes generalized progressive muscular weakness due to the wasting of muscle fibers. The progression of the disease is affected by known immunological and mechanical factors, and possibly other unknown mechanisms. This article introduces a new mathematical model, the FRiND model, to further elucidate these known immunological actions. We will perform stability and sensitivity analyses on this model. The models time course results will be verified by biological studies in the literature. This model could be the foundation for further understanding of immunological muscle repair.

Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β in Skeletal Muscle Fibrosis: A Review

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) isoforms are cytokines involved in a variety of cellular processes, including myofiber repair and regulation of connective tissue formation. Activation of the TGF-β pathway contributes to pathologic fibrosis in most organs. Here, we have focused on examining the evidence demonstrating the involvement of TGF-β in the fibrosis of skeletal muscle particularly. The TGF-β pathway plays a role in different skeletal muscle myopathies, and TGF-β signaling is highly induced in these diseases. In this review, we discuss different molecular mechanisms of TGF-β-mediated skeletal muscle fibrosis and highlight different TGF-β-targeted treatments that target these relevant pathways.

Identification of qPCR reference genes suitable for normalizing gene expression in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

The mdx mouse is the most widely-used animal model of the human disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression in the muscles of this animal plays a key role in the study of pathogenesis and disease progression and in evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions. Normalization to appropriate stably-expressed reference genes is essential for accurate quantitative measurement, but determination of such genes is challenging: healthy and dystrophic muscles present very different transcriptional environments, further altering with disease progression and muscle use, raising the possibility that no single gene or combination of genes may be stable under all experimental comparative scenarios. Despite the pedigree of this animal model, this problem remains unaddressed. The aim of this work was therefore to comprehensively assess reference gene suitability in the muscles of healthy and dystrophic mice, identifying reference genes appropriate for specific experimental comparisons, and determining whether an essentially universally-applicable set of genes exists. Using a large sample collection comprising multiple muscles (including the tibialis anterior, diaphragm and heart muscles) taken from healthy and mdx mice at three disease-relevant ages, and a panel of sixteen candidate reference genes (FBXO38, FBXW2, MON2, ZFP91, HTATSF1, GAPDH, ACTB, 18S, CDC40, SDHA, RPL13a, CSNK2A2, AP3D1, PAK1IP1, B2M and HPRT1), we used the geNorm, BestKeeper and Normfinder algorithms to identify genes that were stable under multiple possible comparative scenarios. We reveal that no single gene is stable under all conditions, but a normalization factor derived from multiple genes (RPL13a, CSNK2A2, AP3D1 and the widely-used ACTB) appears suitable for normalizing gene expression in both healthy and dystrophic mouse muscle regardless of muscle type or animal age. We further show that other popular reference genes, including GAPDH, are markedly disease- or muscle-type correlated. This study demonstrates the importance of empirical reference gene identification, and should serve as a valuable resource for investigators wishing to study gene expression in mdx mice.

Effects of the isothiocyanate sulforaphane on TGF-β1-induced rat cardiac fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix interactions

An important step in many pathological conditions, particularly tissue and organ fibrosis, is the conversion of relatively quiescent cells into active myofibroblasts. These are highly specialized cells that participate in normal wound healing but also contribute to pathogenesis. These cells possess characteristics of smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts, have enhanced synthetic activity secreting abundant extracellular matrix components, cytokines, and growth factors, and are capable of generating contractile force. As such, these cells have become potential therapeutic targets in a number of disease settings. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a potent stimulus of fibrosis and myofibroblast formation and likewise is an important therapeutic target in several disease conditions. The plant-derived isothiocyanate sulforaphane has been shown to have protective effects in several pathological models including diabetic cardiomyopathy, carcinogenesis, and fibrosis. These studies suggest that sulforaphane may be an attractive preventive agent against disease progression, particularly in conditions involving alterations of the extracellular matrix and activation of myofibroblasts. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of sulforaphane on cardiac fibroblast activation and their interactions with the extracellular matrix. The present studies were carried out to determine the potential effects of sulforaphane on the conversion of quiescent cardiac fibroblasts to an activated myofibroblast phenotype and associated alterations in signaling, expression of extracellular matrix receptors, and cellular physiology following stimulation with TGF-β1. These studies demonstrate that sulforaphane attenuates TGF-β1-induced myofibroblast formation and contractile activity. Sulforaphane also reduces expression of collagen-binding integrins and inhibits canonical and noncanonical TGF-β signaling pathways.

Identifying chondroprotective diet-derived bioactives and investigating their synergism

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial disease and nutrition is a modifiable factor that may contribute to disease onset or progression. A detailed understanding of mechanisms through which diet-derived bioactive molecules function and interact in OA is needed. We profiled 96 diet-derived, mainly plant-based bioactives using an in vitro model in chondrocytes, selecting four candidates for further study. We aimed to determine synergistic interactions between bioactives that affected the expression of key genes in OA. Selected bioactives, sulforaphane, apigenin, isoliquiritigenin and luteolin, inhibited one or more interleukin-1-induced metalloproteinases implicated in OA (MMP1, MMP13, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5). Isoliquiritigenin and luteolin showed reactive oxygen species scavenging activity in chondrocytes whereas sulforaphane had no effect and apigenin showed only a weak trend. Sulforaphane inhibited the IL-1/NFκB and Wnt3a/TCF/Lef pathways and increased TGFβ/Smad2/3 and BMP6/Smad1/5/8 signalling. Apigenin showed potent inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB and TGFβ/Smad2/3 pathways, whereas luteolin showed only weak inhibition of the IL-1/NFκB pathway. All four bioactives inhibited cytokine-induced aggrecan loss from cartilage tissue explants. The combination of sulforaphane and isoliquiritigenin was synergistic for inhibiting MMP13 gene expression in chondrocytes. We conclude that dietary-derived bioactives may be important modulators of cartilage homeostasis and synergistic relationships between bioactives may have an anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective role.

Inhibitory Effects of Momordicine I on High-Glucose-Induced Cell Proliferation and Collagen Synthesis in Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts

Diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis is a severe cardiovascular complication. Momordicine I, a bioactive triterpenoid isolated from bitter melon, has been demonstrated to have antidiabetic properties. This study investigated the effects of momordicine I on high-glucose-induced cardiac fibroblast activation. Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in a high-glucose (25 mM) medium in the absence or presence of momordicine I, and the changes in collagen synthesis, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) production, and related signaling molecules were assessed. Increased oxidative stress plays a critical role in the development of high-glucose-induced cardiac fibrosis; we further explored momordicine I's antioxidant activity and its effect on fibroblasts. Our data revealed that a high-glucose condition promoted fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis and these effects were abolished by momordicine I (0.3 and 1 μM) pretreatment. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on high-glucose-induced fibroblast activation may be associated with its activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation, TGF-β1 production, and Smad2/3 phosphorylation. The addition of brusatol (a selective inhibitor of Nrf2) or Nrf2 siRNA significantly abolished the inhibitory effect of momordicine I on fibroblast activation. Our findings revealed that the antifibrotic effect of momordicine I was mediated, at least partially, by the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis through Nrf2 activation. Thus, this work provides crucial insights into the molecular pathways for the clinical application of momordicine I for treating diabetes-associated cardiac fibrosis.

MicroRNA-202-5p functions as a tumor suppressor in colorectal carcinoma by directly targeting SMARCC1

Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been emerged as critical regulators for human diseases and as prognostic markers in several tumors, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Herein, we identified a tumor-suppressive miRNA, miR-202-5p, which may suppress CRC tumorigenesis. SWI/SNF related, matrix associated, actin dependent regulator of chromatin subfamily c member 1 (SMARCC1) is a susceptibility gene in CRC. However, the role of SMARCC1 in CRC tumorigenesis has not been elucidated. In our present study, we demonstrated that miR-202-5p was a tumor-suppressive miRNA in CRC progression. We found that expression of miR-202-5p was obviously decreased in CRC tissues. Down-regulation of miR-202-5p was associated with postoperative survival. Overexpression of miR-202-5p inhibited the growth and metastasis of CRC cells. The SMARCC1 was a direct target of miR-202-5p and promoted the growth and metastasis of CRC cells. Further study showed that SMARCC1 could reverse the inhibitory effect of miR-202-5p on growth and metastasis of CRC cells. In conclusion, our data highlight the key role of miR-202-5p in the progression of CRC. Thus, miR-202-5p may be a potential prognostic marker and of treatment relevance for CRC progression intervention.

Hsa-miR-875-5p exerts tumor suppressor function through down-regulation of EGFR in colorectal carcinoma (CRC)

Hsa-miRNA-875-5p (miR-875-5p) has recently been discovered to have anticancer efficacy in different organs. However, the role of miR-875-5p on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is still ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-875-5p on the development of CRC. The results indicated that miR-875-5p was significantly down-regulated in primary tumor tissues and very low levels were found in CRC cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-875-5p in CRC cell lines significantly suppressed cell growth as evidenced by cell viability assay, colony formation assay and BrdU staining, through inhibition of cyclin D1, cyclin D2, CDK4 and up-regulation of p57(Kip2) and p21(Waf1/Cip1). In addition, miR-875-5p induced apoptosis, as indicated by concomitantly with up-regulation of key apoptosis protein cleaved caspase-3, and down-regulation of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl2. Moreover, miR-875-5p inhibited cellular migration and invasiveness through inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-7 and MMP-9. Further, oncogene EGFR was revealed to be a putative target of miR-875-5p, which was inversely correlated with miR-875-5p expression in CRC. Taken together, our results demonstrated that miR-875-5p played a pivotal role on CRC through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoting apoptosis by targeting oncogenic EGFR.

Hsa-miR-329 exerts tumor suppressor function through down-regulation of MET in non-small cell lung cancer

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as key regulators of multiple cancers. Hsa-miR-329 (miR-329) functions as a tumor suppressor in some malignancies. However, its role on lung cancer remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of miR-329 on the development of lung cancer. The results indicated that miR-329 was decreased in primary lung cancer tissues compared with matched adjacent normal lung tissues and very low levels were found in a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. Ectopic expression of miR-329 in lung cancer cell lines substantially repressed cell growth as evidenced by cell viability assay, colony formation assay and BrdU staining, through inhibiting cyclin D1, cyclin D2 and up-regulatiing p57(Kip2) and p21(WAF1/CIP1). In addition, miR-329 promoted NSCLC cell apoptosis, as indicated by up-regulation of key apoptosis gene cleaved caspase-3, and down-regulation of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl2. Moreover, miR-329 inhibited cellular migration and invasiveness through inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-7 and MMP-9. Further, oncogene MET was revealed to be a putative target of miR-329, which was inversely correlated with miR-329 expression. Furthermore, down-regulation of MET by siRNA performed similar effects to over-expression of miR-329. Collectively, our results demonstrated that miR-329 played a pivotal role in lung cancer through inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoting apoptosis by targeting oncogenic MET.

Long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00858 functions as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-422a to facilitate the cell growth in non-small cell lung cancer

The expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is dysregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the functions and contributions of lncRNAs remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a critical role of long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 00858 (LINC00858) in NSCLC. Ectopic expression of LINC00858 in NSCLC cells promoted cell proliferation and induced cell migration and invasion. Moreover, LINC00858 functioned as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA), effectively becoming sponge for miR-422a and thereby modulating the expression of kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4). In NSCLC patients, high expression of LINC00858 closely correlated with tumor progression. Thus, targeting the ceRNA network involving LINC00858 may be used as a treatment strategy against NSCLC.

Long non-coding RNA EWSAT1 promotes human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth in vitro by targeting miR-326/-330-5p

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) Ewing sarcoma associated transcript 1 (EWSAT1) has been identified as an oncogene, and its dysregulation is closed corrected with tumor progression in Ewing sarcoma. Recently, high-through put analysis reveals that EWSAT1 is also highly expressed in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, whether the aberrant expression of EWSAT1 in NPC is corrected with malignancy or prognosis has not been expounded. Herein, we identified that EWSAT1 was up-regulated in NPC tissues and cell lines, and higher expression of EWSAT1 resulted in a markedly poorer survival time. EWSAT1 over-expression facilitated, while EWSAT1 silencing impaired cell growth in NPC. In addition, mechanistic analysis demonstrated that EWSAT1 up-regulated the expression of miR-326/330-5p clusters targeted gene cyclin D1 through acting as a competitive 'sponge' of miR-326/330-5p clusters. Collectively, our data revealed that EWSAT1 promotes NPC cell growth in vitro through up-regulating cyclin D1 partially via 'spongeing' miR-326/330-5p clusters.