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Xiao CL, Lai HT, Zhou JJ, Liu WY, Zhao M, Zhao K. Nrf2 Signaling Pathway: Focus on Oxidative Stress in Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04394-z. [PMID: 39093381 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04394-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious, disabling injury to the central nervous system that can lead to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction below the injury plane. SCI can be divided into primary injury and secondary injury according to its pathophysiological process. Primary injury is irreversible in most cases, while secondary injury is a dynamic regulatory process. Secondary injury involves a series of pathological events, such as ischemia, oxidative stress, inflammatory events, apoptotic pathways, and motor dysfunction. Among them, oxidative stress is an important pathological event of secondary injury. Oxidative stress causes a series of destructive events such as lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, inflammation, and cell death, which further worsens the microenvironment of the injured site and leads to neurological dysfunction. The nuclear factor erythrocyte 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be a key pathway of antioxidative stress and is closely related to the pathological process of SCI. Activation of this pathway can effectively inhibit the oxidative stress process and promote the recovery of nerve function after SCI. Therefore, the Nrf2 pathway may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This review deeply analyzed the generation of oxidative stress in SCI, the role and mechanism of Nrf2 as the main regulator of antioxidant stress in SCI, and the influence of cross-talk between Nrf2 and related pathways that may be involved in the pathological regulation of SCI on oxidative stress, and summarized the drugs and other treatment methods based on Nrf2 pathway regulation. The objective of this paper is to provide evidence for the role of Nrf2 activation in SCI and to highlight the important role of Nrf2 in alleviating SCI by elucidating the mechanism, so as to provide a theoretical basis for targeting Nrf2 pathway as a therapy for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lin Xiao
- Gannan Medical University, 1 Harmony Avenue, Rongjiang New District, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frist Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Tong Lai
- Gannan Medical University, 1 Harmony Avenue, Rongjiang New District, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frist Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang-Jun Zhou
- Hospital 908, Joint Logistics Support Force, 1028 Jinggangshan Avenue, Qingyunpu District, Nanchang City, Jiangxi Province, 330001, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu-Yang Liu
- Gannan Medical University, 1 Harmony Avenue, Rongjiang New District, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frist Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Yingtan People's Hospital, 116 Shengli West Road, Yuehu District, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province, 335000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kai Zhao
- Gannan Medical University, 1 Harmony Avenue, Rongjiang New District, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Orthopaedics, Frist Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang Y, Yang YS, Chen WC, Wang CM, He HF. Constructing and Validating a Network of Potential Olfactory Sheathing Cell Transplants Regulating Spinal Cord Injury Progression. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:6883-6895. [PMID: 37515671 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03510-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
The pathology of spinal cord injury (SCI), including primary and secondary injuries, primarily involves hemorrhage, ischemia, edema, and inflammatory responses. Cell transplantation has been the most promising treatment for SCI in recent years; however, its specific molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, bioinformatics analysis verified by experiment was used to elucidate the hub genes associated with SCI and to discover the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell intervention. GSE46988 data were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset. In our study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were reanalyzed using the "R" software (R v4.2.1). Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction network analyses were performed, and key modules and hub genes were identified. Network construction was performed for the hub genes and their associated miRNAs. Finally, a semi-quantitative analysis of hub genes and pathways was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In total, 718 DEGs were identified, mainly enriched in immune and inflammation-related functions. We found that Cd4, Tp53, Rac2, and Akt3 differed between vehicle and transplanted groups, suggesting that these genes may play an essential role in the transplantation of olfactory ensheathing cells, while a toll-like receptor signaling pathway was significantly enriched in Gene set enrichment analysis, and then, the differences were statistically significant by experimentally verifying the expression of their associated molecules (Tlr4, Nf-κb, Ikkβ, Cxcl2, and Tnf-α). In addition, we searched for upstream regulatory molecules of these four central genes and constructed a regulatory network. This study is the first to construct a regulatory network for olfactory ensheathing cell transplantation in treating SCI, providing a new idea for SCI cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Cong-Mei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, China.
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Hou Z, Yang X, Jiang L, Song L, Li Y, Li D, Che Y, Zhang X, Sun Z, Shang H, Chen J. Active components and molecular mechanisms of Sagacious Confucius' Pillow Elixir to treat cognitive impairment based on systems pharmacology. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7278-7307. [PMID: 37517091 PMCID: PMC10415554 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sagacious Confucius' Pillow Elixir (SCPE) is a common clinical prescription to treat cognitive impairment (CI) in East Asia. OBJECTIVE To predict the active components of SCPE, identify the associated signaling pathway, and explore the molecular mechanism using systems pharmacology and an animal study. METHODS Systems pharmacology and Python programming language-based molecular docking were used to select and analyze the active components and targets. Senescence-accelerated prone 8 mice were used as a CI model. The molecular mechanism was evaluated using the water maze test, neuropathological observation, cerebrospinal fluid microdialysis, and Western blotting. RESULTS Thirty active components were revealed by screening relevant databases and performing topological analysis. Additionally, 376 differentially expressed genes for CI were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and molecular docking indicated that SCPE played a crucial role in modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and 23 SCPE components interacted with it. In the CI model, SCPE improved cognitive function, increased the levels of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and metabolite 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA), ameliorated pathological damage and regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. SCPE increased the LC3-II/LC3-I, p-PI3K p85/PI3K p85, p-AKT/AKT, and p-mTOR/mTOR protein expression ratios and inhibited P62 expression in the hippocampal tissue of the CI model. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that 23 active SCPE components improve CI by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter 5-HT and metabolite 5-HIAA, suppressing pathological injury and regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to improve cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Hou
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Heilongjiang Deshun Chang Chinese Herbal Medicine Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102400, China
| | - Ling Jiang
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Liying Song
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Heilongjiang Nursing College, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150086, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Dongdong Li
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Yanning Che
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Xiuling Zhang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for New Drug Research and Development, Harbin No. 4 Traditional Chinese Medicine Factory Co. Ltd., Harbin, Heilongjiang 150025, China
| | - Zhongren Sun
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
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Euxanthone Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of Human Medulloblastoma Cells by Inhibiting the RANK/RANKL Pathway. Pharmacogn Mag 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/09731296221138649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Euxanthone is a plant-based flavonoid that is mostly isolated from a Chinese medicinal plant, Polygala caudate. This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer effects of euxanthone against human medulloblastoma cells. Materials and Methods: Cell viability was evaluated by CCK-8 and EdU assays. Apoptotic cell percentage was determined by annexin V/PI assay. The mRNA expression was determined by qRT-PCR. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to assess cell migration and invasion. Results: The results revealed aberrant activation of RANK/RANKL pathway in human medulloblastoma tissues and cell lines. Euxanthone suppressed the proliferation of the D425 medulloblastoma cells with comparatively lower cytotoxic effects against the normal human cerebellar granule cells. The IC50 of euxanthone against the D425 cells was found to be 10 µM. Interestingly, silencing of receptor activator of nuclear factor kβ (RANK) could also suppress the proliferation of the D425 cells via induction of apoptosis. Nonetheless, overexpression of RANK could abolish the cytotoxic effects of euxanthone on the D425 cells. Finally, wound-heal and transwell assay showed that euxanthone suppressed the migration and invasion of the D425 medulloblastoma cells. Conclusion: Collectively, the results revealed the anticancer effects of euxanthone against human medulloblastoma cells via RANK/RANKL pathway. These results suggest the potential of euxanthone as a lead molecule in the development of chemotherapy for medulloblastoma.
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The role of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Melatonin Attenuates Spinal Cord Injury in Mice by Activating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway to Inhibit the NLRP3 Inflammasome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182809. [PMID: 36139384 PMCID: PMC9496911 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a central nervous system (CNS) trauma involving inflammation and oxidative stress, which play important roles in this trauma’s pathogenesis. Therefore, controlling inflammation is an effective strategy for SCI treatment. As a hormone, melatonin is capable of producing antioxidation and anti-inflammation effects. In the meantime, it also causes a neuroprotective effect in various neurological diseases. Nrf2/ARE/NLRP3 is a well-known pathway in anti-inflammation and antioxidation, and Nrf2 can be positively regulated by melatonin. However, how melatonin regulates inflammation during SCI is poorly explored. Therefore, it was investigated in this study whether melatonin can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome through the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in a mouse SCI model. Methods: A model of SCI was established in C57BL/6 mice and PC12 cells. The motor function of mice was detected by performing an open field test, and Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling were carried out to evaluate the survival of neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by assessing the mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative-stress-related proteins were detected through Western blot and immunofluorescence double staining. Results: By inhibiting neuroinflammation and reducing neuronal death, melatonin promotes the recovery of neuromotor function. Besides this, melatonin is able to reduce the damage that causes neuronal mitochondrial dysfunction, reduce the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde, and enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase and the production of glutathione peroxidase. Mechanically, melatonin inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors through the Nrf2/ARE signaling. Conclusions: In conclusion, melatonin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome through stimulation of the Nrf2/ARE pathway, thereby suppressing neuroinflammation, reducing mitochondrial dysfunction, and improving the recovery of nerve function after SCI.
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He X, Li Y, Deng B, Lin A, Zhang G, Ma M, Wang Y, Yang Y, Kang X. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in inflammation, cell death and glial scar formation after traumatic spinal cord injury: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13275. [PMID: 35754255 PMCID: PMC9436900 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objects Traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) causes neurological dysfunction below the injured segment of the spinal cord, which significantly impacts the quality of life in affected patients. The phosphoinositide 3kinase/serine‐threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway offers a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of secondary TSCI. This review summarizes updates concerning the role of the PI3K/AKT pathway in TSCI. Materials and Methods By searching articles related to the TSCI field and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, we summarized the mechanisms of secondary TSCI and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway; we also discuss current and potential future treatment methods for TSCI based on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Results Early apoptosis and autophagy after TSCI protect the body against injury; a prolonged inflammatory response leads to the accumulation of pro‐inflammatory factors and excessive apoptosis, as well as excessive autophagy in the surrounding normal nerve cells, thus aggravating TSCI in the subacute stage of secondary injury. Initial glial scar formation in the subacute phase is a protective mechanism for TSCI, which limits the spread of damage and inflammation. However, mature scar tissue in the chronic phase hinders axon regeneration and prevents the recovery of nerve function. Activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway can inhibit the inflammatory response and apoptosis in the subacute phase after secondary TSCI; inhibiting this pathway in the chronic phase can reduce the formation of glial scar. Conclusion The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway has an important role in the recovery of spinal cord function after secondary injury. Inducing the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the subacute phase of secondary injury and inhibiting this pathway in the chronic phase may be one of the potential strategies for the treatment of TSCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuegang He
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ying Li
- Medical School of Yan'an University, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Aixin Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guangzhi Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
| | - Miao Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xuewen Kang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,The International Cooperation Base of Gansu Province for the Pain Research in Spinal Disorders, Lanzhou, China
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Zhang A, Zou Y, Xu Q, Tian S, Wang J, Li Y, Dong R, Zhang L, Jiang J, Wang L, Tao K, Meng Z, Liu Y. Investigation of the Pharmacological Effect and Mechanism of Jinbei Oral Liquid in the Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:919388. [PMID: 35784749 PMCID: PMC9240387 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.919388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Overview: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disease caused by many factors, eventually resulting in lung function failure. Jinbei oral liquid (JBOL) is a traditional Chinese clinical medicine used to treat pulmonary diseases. However, the pharmacological effects and mechanism of the action of JBOL on IPF remain unclear. This study investigated the protective effects and mechanism of the action of JBOL on IPF using network pharmacology analysis, followed by in vivo and in vitro experimental validation. Methods: The components of JBOL and their targets were screened using the TCMSP database. IPF-associated genes were obtained using DisGeNET and Drugbank. The common targets of JBOL and IPF were identified with the STRING database, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. GO and KEGG analyses were performed. Sprague–Dawley rats were injected with bleomycin (BLM) to establish an IPF model and treated orally with JBOL at doses of 5.4, 10.8, and 21.6 ml/kg. A dose of 54 mg/kg of pirfenidone was used as a control. All rats were treated for 28 successive days. Dynamic pulmonary compliance (Cdyn), minute ventilation volume (MVV), vital capacity (VC), and lung resistance (LR) were used to evaluate the efficacy of JBOL. TGF-β–treated A549 cells were exposed to JBOL, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) changes were assessed. Western blots were performed. Results: Two hundred seventy-eight compounds and 374 targets were screened, and 103 targets related to IPF were identified. Core targets, including MAPK1 (ERK2), MAPK14 (p38), JUN, IL-6, AKT, and others, were identified by constructing a PPI network. Several pathways were involved, including the MAPK pathway. Experimentally, JBOL increased the levels of the pulmonary function indices (Cdyn, MVV, and VC) in a dose-dependent manner and reduced the RL level in the BLM-treated rats. JBOL increased the epithelial marker E-cadherin and suppressed the mesenchymal marker vimentin expression in the TGF-β–treated A549 cells. The suppression of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation by JBOL was validated. Conclusion: JBOL had therapeutic effects against IPF by regulating pulmonary function and EMT through a systemic network mechanism, thus supporting the need for future clinical trials of JBOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aijun Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Yixuan Zou
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Qingcui Xu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Shuo Tian
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yilin Li
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Renchao Dong
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Liangzong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Juanjuan Jiang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Kai Tao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoqing Meng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shandong Hongji-tang Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoqing Meng, ; Yanqiu Liu,
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaoqing Meng, ; Yanqiu Liu,
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Chang S, Cao Y. The ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 ameliorates blood-spinal cord barrier disruption by reducing tight junction protein degradation via the MYPT1-MLC2 pathway after spinal cord injury in rats. Brain Res 2021; 1773:147684. [PMID: 34634287 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) is a physiological barrier between the blood and spinal cord parenchyma. This study aims to determine whether Y-27632, a Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, can protect the BSCB using in vivo models. The Evans blue fluorescence assay was used to detect leakage of the BSCB. Western blotting was used to define alterations in ROCK-related and tight junction (TJ) protein expression. Immunofluorescence triple-staining was used to evaluate histologic alterations in TJs. Locomotor function was evaluated using the open-field test, the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan score, and footprint analysis. Two peaks of BSCB leakage after spinal cord injury (SCI) occurred at 24 h and 5 days. The ROCK inhibitor reduced the BSCB leakage at the second peak after SCI. Moreover, the ROCK inhibitor ameliorated the integrity of the BSCB and improved motor function recovery after SCI by regulating the phosphorylation of myosin phosphatase subunit-1 (MYPT1) and cofilin. ROCK inhibitors might protect the BSCB, which provides a new strategy for transitioning SCI treatment from the bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Chang
- Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Industrial Park District, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical, China; University, 5-2 Renmin Street, Guta District, Jinzhou 121000, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Yang Cao
- Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Industrial Park District, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical, China; University, 5-2 Renmin Street, Guta District, Jinzhou 121000, Liaoning Province, China.
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Shen W, Yin Y, Li T, Cao G. Euxanthone inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced injury, inflammatory response, and MUC5AC hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells by the TLR4/MyD88 pathway. J Appl Toxicol 2021; 42:671-682. [PMID: 34655103 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Asthma progression is involved in airway epithelial dysfunction, airway inflammatory response, and mucus hypersecretion. Euxanthone has been found to exhibit cytotoxic activity on several human diseases, such as neurological disorders and cancers. Our study aimed to explore the influence of euxanthone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced injury, inflammatory response, and mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) hypersecretion in human airway epithelial cells (AECs). Network pharmacology analysis was carried out to analyze the drug targets and key pathways of euxanthone against asthma. Cell injury was evaluated by CCK-8, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) assay. The production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and MUC5AC was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MUC5AC mRNA expression was detected by qRT-PCR. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein expression was examined by western blot analysis. Venn diagram showed 14 overlapping targets between euxanthone and asthma. According to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, we focused on TLR signaling pathway. LPS exposure evoked viability reduction, increased LDH release and apoptosis, and induced production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1) and MUC5AC hypersecretion in human AECs, which were alleviated by euxanthone. Mechanistically, we validated that euxanthone attenuated LPS-induced activation of TLR4/MyD88 pathway in AECs. Moreover, inhibition of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway enhanced the inhibitory effect of euxanthone on LPS-induced cell injury, inflammatory response and MUC5AC expression. In conclusion, euxanthone attenuated LPS-induced cell injury, inflammatory response, and MUC5AC expression in AECs by inhibiting the activation of TLR4/MyD88 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shen
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yuyao Yin
- Gastroenterology Department, Nanjing Pukou District Central Hospital, Pukou Branch of Jiangsu People's Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Gang Cao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Hongze District People's Hospital, Huai'an, China
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