Wogonoside inhibits inflammatory cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage by suppressing the activation of the JNK/c-Jun signaling pathway

Sophora flavescens-Astragalus mongholicus herb pair in the progression of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma: a possible mechanisms and relevant therapeutic substances

Background

Both Sophora flavescens (SF) and Astragalus mongholicus (AM) are known for their anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities. However, the efficacy, multi-target mechanisms, and therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair on the progression of hepatitis-cirrhosis-hepatocellular carcinoma hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.

Purpose

To investigate the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair in the progression of hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC.

Methods

Firstly, diethylnitrosamine was used to establish the hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC model. HE staining and non-targeted metabolomics were used to evaluate the efficacy of SF-AM herb pair. Subsequently, the absorbed components of SF-AM herb pair in the plasma of rats were determined through HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Flow cytometry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR were then employed to assess CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins, and their corresponding mRNAs. Simultaneously, the efficacy and mechanism of SF-AM herb pair on HCC were confirmed by in vitro experiments. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was performed between pharmacodynamic indicators and in vivo components to identify the potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair.

Results

SF-AM herb pair can alleviate the pathological damage and reverse metabolic abnormalities in hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC rats, particularly during the hepatitis and cirrhosis stages. Pharmacological researches have demonstrated that SF-AM herb pair can increase the proportion of CD8+ T lymphocytes, inhibit the expression of PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, NF-κB p65, NF-κB pp65, and Bcl-2, as well as increase the expression of IκBα, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3. These findings suggest that SF-AM herb pair has the ability to enhance immunity, anti-inflammation and promote apoptosis. Cell experiments have shown that SF-AM herb pair can inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cell and regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, 23 absorbed prototypical components and 53 metabolites of SF-AM herb pair were identified at different stages of HCC rats. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that matrine, cytisine, wogonoside, and isoastragaloside are potential therapeutic substances in SF-AM herb pair for the prevention and treatment of hepatitis, cirrhosis, and HCC.

Conclusion

In summary, this study revealed the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential therapeutic substances of SF-AM herb pair in the hepatitis-cirrhosis-HCC axis and provided a reference for its clinical application.

Wogonoside Ameliorates Airway Inflammation and Mucus Hypersecretion via NF-κB/STAT6 Signaling in Ovalbumin-Induced Murine Acute Asthma

Asthma is recognized as a chronic respiratory illness characterized by airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Wogonoside, a flavonoid glycoside, is reported to significantly alleviate the inflammation response and oxidative stress. Herein, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and underlying mechanism of wogonoside on airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion in a murine asthma model and in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). Pulmonary function and the number of cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined. Pathological changes in lung tissue in each group were evaluated via hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining, and changes in levels of cytokines in BALF and of immunoglobulin E in serum were determined via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of relevant genes in lung tissue was analyzed via real-time PCR. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were employed to detect the expression of relevant proteins in lung tissue and 16HBE cells. Treatment with 10 and 20 mg/kg wogonoside significantly attenuated the OVA-induced increase of inflammatory cell infiltration, mucus secretion, and goblet cell percentage and improved pulmonary function. Wogonoside treatment reduced the level of T-helper 2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BALF and of IgE in serum and decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α), chemokines (CCL-2, CCL-11, and CCL-24), and mucoproteins (MUC5AC, MUC5B, and GOB5) in lung tissues. The expression of MUC5AC and the phosphorylation of STAT6 and NF-κB p65 in lung tissues and 16HBE cells were significantly downregulated after wogonoside treatment. Thus, wogonoside treatment may effectively decrease airway inflammation, airway remodeling, and mucus hypersecretion via blocking NF-κB/STAT6 activation.

Integration of metabolomics and network pharmacology to reveal the protective mechanism underlying Wogonoside in acute myocardial ischemia rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional medicine, both Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SBG) and the traditional formulas composed of it have been used to treat a wide range of diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular. Wogonoside (Wog) is the biologically active flavonoid compound extracted from the root of SBG, with potential cardiovascular protective effects. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of Wog on acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) have not yet been clearly elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the protective mechanism of Wog on AMI rats by comprehensively integrating traditional pharmacodynamics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology.

METHODS

The rat was pretreatment with Wog at a dose of 20 mg/kg/d and 40 mg/kg/d once daily for 10 days and then ligated the left anterior descending coronary artery of rats to establish the AMI rat model. Electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac enzyme levels, heart weight index (HWI), Triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and histopathological analyses were adopted to evaluate the protective effect of Wog on AMI rats. Moreover, a serum metabolomic-based UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS approach was performed to find metabolic biomarkers and metabolic pathways, and network pharmacology analysis was applied to predict targets and pathways of Wog in treating AMI. Then, the network pharmacology and metabolomic results were integrated to elucidate the mechanism of Wog in treating AMI. Finally, RT- PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, and ALOX15 to validate the result of integrated metabolomics and network analysis.

RESULTS

Pharmacodynamic studies suggest that Wog could effectively prevent the ST-segment of electrocardiogram elevation, reduce the myocardial infarct size, heart weight index, and cardiac enzyme levels, and alleviate cardiac histological damage in AMI rats. Metabolomics analysis showed that the disturbances of metabolic profile in AMI rats were partly corrected by Wog and the cardio-protection effects on AMI rats involved 32 differential metabolic biomarkers and 4 metabolic pathways. In addition, the integrated analysis of network pharmacology and metabolomics showed that 7 metabolic biomarkers, 6 targets, and 6 crucial pathways were the main mechanism for the therapeutic application of Wog for AMI. Moreover, the results of RT-PCR showed that PTGS1, PTGS2, ALOX5, and ALOX15 mRNA expression levels were reduced after treatment with Wog.

CONCLUSION

Wog exerts cardio-protection effects on AMI rats via the regulation of multiple metabolic biomarkers, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, our current study will provide strong scientific evidence supporting the therapeutic application of Wog for AMI.

Characterization of the Active Ingredient and Prediction of the Potential Mechanism of Dahuoluo Pill via Mass Spectrometry with the Network Pharmacology Method

The Dahuoluo pill (DHLP) is a classic Chinese patent medicine used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions. However, there has been no research on the chemical components of DHLP and the mechanisms by which it ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, we analysed the chemical components of DHLP and the DHLP components absorbed in blood by using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-Q-exactive-orbitrap-mass spectrometry. We then used network pharmacology to predict the underlying mechanisms by which DHLP ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis. We identified 153 chemical compounds from DHLP, together with 27 prototype components absorbed in blood. We selected 48 of these compounds as potential active ingredients to explore the mechanism. These compounds are related to 88 significant pathways, which are linked to 18 core targets. This study preliminarily reveals the potential mechanisms by which DHLP ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis and provides a basis for further evaluation of the drug's efficacy.

Salidroside ameliorated the pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke via mitigating M1 macrophage polarization by JNK/c-Jun

Pulmonary inflammation induced by cigarette smoke (CS) promoted the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and macrophage polarization caused by CS modulated inflammatory response. Previous studies indicated that salidroside exerted therapeutic effects in COPD, but the anti-inflammatory mechanisms were not clear. This study aimed to explore the effects and mechanisms of salidroside on macrophage polarization induced by CS. Wistar rats received passively CS exposure and were treated intraperitoneally with salidroside at a low, medium or high dose. Lung tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Emphysema and inflammatory scores were evaluated by histomorphology. Lung function, cytokines, and cell differential counts in BALF were detected. The macrophage polarization was determined by immunohistochemistry in lung tissues. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) were isolated and treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE), salidroside or inhibitors of relative pathways. The polarization status was determined by qPCR, and the protein level was detected by Western blotting. CS exposure induced emphysema and lung function deterioration. The inflammatory scores, cytokines level and neutrophils counts were elevated after CS exposure. Salidroside treatment partly ameliorated above abnormal. CS exposure activated M1 and M2 polarization of AMs in vivo and in vitro, and salidroside mitigated M1 polarization induced by CS. CSE activated the JNK/c-Jun in AMs and the M1 polarization of AMs was inhibited by the inhibitors of JNK and AP-1. Salidroside treatment deactivated the JNK/c-Jun, which indicated that salidroside mitigated the M1 polarization of AMs induced by CS via inhibiting JNK/c-Jun. Salidroside treatment ameliorated the pulmonary inflammation and M1 polarization of AMs induced by CS, and the process might be mediated by the deactivation of JNK/c-Jun.

Similarities and differences between Ziqin and Kuqin in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities and their core chemical composition based on the zebrafish model and spectrum-effect relationship

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the clinical application of TCM, SB has been divided into two specifications (Ziqin and Kuqin) for a long time. At present, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission no longer distinguishes between the two. However, the two specifications of medicinal materials and pieces are still in circulation in the market.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aimed at investigating the similarities and differences between Ziqin and Kuqin in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities and their material basis. It will provide a new angle for relevant regulations to formulate the specifications and standards of SB.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Here we investigated the similarities and differences between Ziqin and Kuqin in anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities related to four zebrafish models and three chemical tests. The chemical fingerprints of SB (Ziqin and Kuqin) were profiled by HPLC. Meanwhile, UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS was used to identify the chemical constituents of Ziqin and Kuqin. The main effect-related compounds of SB, Ziqin, and Kuqin were screened out by spectrum-effect relationship. Finally, six monomeric compounds were validated experimentally using the zebrafish inflammation model induced by CuSO₄.

RESULTS

Both Ziqin and Kuqin had significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities. Kuqin had better anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, while Ziqin had better antioxidant activity. HPLC fingerprint and UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS evaluation showed that the chemical composition types and main components of Ziqin and Kuqin were basically the same, while the contents and proportions of chemical components in Ziqin and Kuqin were different. By spectrum-effect relationship, compounds X1, X2 (luteoloside), X3, X4 (baicalin), X6 (wogonoside), X7 (baicalein), X8 (wogonin), and X9 (oroxylin A) were the same active chemical constituents of Ziqin and Kuqin. The core components of anti-inflammatory and analgesia activities in Kuqin were compounds X1, X2, X3, X5, X6, X7, X8, and X9. The antioxidant core active components of Ziqin were compounds X2, X3, X4, X6, X7, and X9. Among them, luteoloside, baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A were validated successfully with good anti-inflammatory effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that Ziqin and kuqin have high similarity in chemical composition, but their proportions and active core components are different. This may be one of the main reasons why they have the same activity but different activity trends. These findings will help to improve the understanding of the different clinical applications of Ziqin and Kuqin, and provide a reference for the formulation of quality standards and their further research.

Wogonoside preserves against ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury by suppression of apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis via modulating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs after restoring blood supply, which brings about extra damage to heart tissue. Thus, exploring protection measures and underlying mechanisms appear to be particularly important. In this study, we investigated the cardioprotection of wogonoside against I/R injury in mice and further uncovered its mechanism.

METHODS

Mice model of myocardial I/R injury was established by left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). Before modeling, mice were administered the wogonoside (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for 7 d. To evaluate the effect of wogonoside through nuclear factor E2-associated factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway, sh-Nrf2 was transfected into wogonoside-treated I/R mice. Subsequently, echocardiography detection, HE staining, western blotting, ELISA, TUNEL assay, and MASSON assay were utilized to evaluate the degree of myocardial injury.

RESULTS

In I/R group, mice had severe myocardial injury, however, pretreatment of wogonoside at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg ameliorated the cardiac function, as evidenced by improving hemodynamic parameters. Besides, wogonoside could relieved the abnormality of cardiomyocytes structure, inflammatory reaction, apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis. Importantly, wogonoside activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, as demonstrated by increasing Nrf2 expression in nucleus and its downstream genes including HO-1 and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). However, effects of wogonoside on cardioprotection were abolished by sh-Nrf2.

CONCLUSIONS

Wogonoside exerted the protective role against I/R-induced myocardial injury by suppression of apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis via activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Research on the effect and underlying molecular mechanism of Cangzhu in the treatment of gouty arthritis

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify the active ingredients and elucidate the underlying mechanism of action of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC (namely, Cangzhu) for the treatment of gouty arthritis (GA) based on network pharmacology methods. These findings are expected to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of GA.

METHODS

We used monosodium urate (MSU)-induced GA rats as a model to test the overall efficacy of Cangzhu in vivo. Then, the components of the Cangzhu decoction were analyzed and identified, and we screened the active ingredients and their targets. The GA disease targets were predicted by GeneCards and Disgenet databases and found to overlap in both databases. The STRING database was used to construct a protein-protein interaction network, followed by identification of the hub genes using Network Analyzer. Thereafter, Cytoscape software (version 3.8.2) was applied to construct a network for drug-active ingredient-key targets. Next, we applied cluego, a plug-in of Cytoscape, to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) signal pathway enrichment analyses. Additionally, molecular docking was used to verify the characteristics of the key candidate components interacting with the hub therapeutic targets. Finally, we established an inflammatory injury model of LPS using RAW264.7 macrophages and used it to experimentally validate the critical active ingredients.

RESULTS

Cangzhu effectively protected against gouty arthritis in vivo, and network pharmacology results revealed various active ingredients in Cangzhu, such as wogonin, atractylenolide I and atractylenolide II. These compounds were found to act on 16 hub targets, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), recombinant mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) and transcription factor p65 (RELA), which have significant effects on regulating inflammatory factors and apoptosis-related pathways to improve the proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory imbalance in the body, and this may be one of the underlying mechanisms of Cangzhu in anti-GA.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that Cangzhu comprises multiple active components that exert various targeted effects during GA treatment. These findings provide relevant insights to illuminate the mechanism of Cangzhu in the treatment of GA and provide a reference for further experimental research.

[Wogonoside alleviates high glucose-induced dysfunction of retinal microvascular endothelial cells and diabetic retinopathy in rats by up-regulating SIRT1]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of wogonoside on high glucose-induced dysfunction of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRMECs) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic retinopathy in rats and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

HRMECs in routine culture were treated with 25 mmol/L mannitol or exposed to high glucose (30 mmol/L glucose) and treatment with 10, 20, 30, 40 μmol/L wogonoside. CCK-8 assay and Transwell assay were used to examine cell proliferation and migration, and the changes in tube formation and monolayer cell membrane permeability were tested. ROS, NO and GSH-ST kits were used to evaluate oxidative stress levels in the cells. The expressions of IL-1β and IL-6 in the cells were examined with qRT-PCR and ELISA, and the protein expressions of VEGF, HIF-1α and SIRT1 were detected using Western blotting. We also tested the effect of wogonoside on retinal injury and expressions of HIF-1α, ROS, VEGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and SIRT1 proteins in rat models of STZ-induced diabetic retinopathy.

RESULTS

High glucose exposure caused abnormal proliferation and migration, promoted angiogenesis, increased membrane permeability (P < 0.05), and induced inflammation and oxidative stress in hRMECs (P < 0.05). Wogonoside treatment concentration-dependently inhibited high glucose-induced changes in hRMECs. High glucose exposure significantly lowered the expression of SIRT1 in hRMECs, which was partially reversed by wogonoside (30 μmol/L) treatment; interference of SIRT1 obviously attenuated the inhibitory effects of wogonoside against high glucose-induced changes in proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, membrane permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress in hRMECs. In rat models of STZ-induced diabetic retinopathy, wogonoside effectively suppressed retinal thickening (P < 0.05), alleviated STZ-induced retinal injury, and increased the expression of SIRT1 in the retinal tissues (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Wogonoside alleviates retinal damage caused by diabetic retinopathy by up-regulating SIRT1 expression.

Evaluation of the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. rhizome with excision wound model in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb. is a plant growing in the Himalayan region of India where locals use its rhizomes for a variety of disease conditions including wounds and fractures. Although some of its pharmacological benefits have been documented, scientific validation of its wound healing property has not been done so far.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To ensure use of this natural remedy as an alternative therapy to the faster wound healing, this study evaluated the wound healing activity of the ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata rhizome using excision wound model in Wistar rats.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four groups (n = 10) of rats were subjected to different topical wound regimens for 14 days. Simple paraffin-lanolin ointment was applied to the control group rats. One group was applied povidone-iodine 10% (w/w) ointment. The other two groups were treated with ointment of ethanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata at 5 or 10% (w/w) rhizome, respectively. Blood and wound tissue samples were collected on 7th and 14th day of treatment and were correspondingly subjected to histopathology, and the assays of L-hydroxyproline, D-glucosamine, antioxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

Wound histology revealed increased collagenation, re-epithelialization and neovascularization while decreased bacterial colonies in the treatment groups. These histological changes and wound contraction were better in the 10% Bergenia ciliata group. Tissue L-hydroxyproline levels, blood enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were increased in the treatment groups. On 7th day of treatment glucosamine levels increased in the treatment groups, while as a reverse trend was observed on day 14. Plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that treatment with Bergenia ciliata extract ointment provides satisfactory wound healing which is comparable to that of the standard wound healing ointment, povidone-iodine and is surpassing simple lanolin-paraffin ointment. The improved wound healing, especially in the 10% Bergenia ciliata groups, can be attributed to satisfactory profile of the above studied parameters in these treatment groups which is also construed by the phytochemical analysis of its extract revealing the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds gallic acid, catechin, quercetin and rutin as the major active components.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction Attenuates Atherosclerosis and Increases Plaque Stability in High-Fat Diet-Induced ApoE-/- Mice by Inhibiting M1 Macrophage Polarization and Promoting M2 Macrophage Polarization

Macrophage polarization plays a vital impact in triggering atherosclerosis (AS) progression and regression. Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction (HLJDD), a famous traditional Chinese decoction, displays notable anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects in different animal models. However, its effects and mechanisms on AS have not been clearly defined. We determined whether HLJDD attenuated atherosclerosis and plaques vulnerability by regulating macrophage polarization in ApoE^−/− mice induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of HLJDD on macrophage polarization in oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) induced RAW264.7 cells. For in vivo assay, compared with the model group, HLJDD ameliorated lipid metabolism, with significantly decreased levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (CHOL), and lipid density lipoprotein. HLJDD suppressed serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and IL-1β levels with increased serum IL-10 level, and inhibited mRNA level of NLRP3 inflammasome in carotid tissues. HLJDD enhanced carotid lesion stability by decreasing macrophage infiltration together with increased expression of collagen fibers and α-SMA. Moreover, HLJDD inhibited M1 macrophage polarization, which decreased the expression and mRNA levels of M1 markers [inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and CD86]. HLJDD enhanced alternatively activated macrophage (M2) activation, which increased the expression and mRNA levels of M2 markers (Arg-1 and CD163). For in vitro assay, HLJDD inhibited foam cell formation in RAW264.7 macrophages disturbed by ox-LDL. Besides, groups with ox-LDL plus HLJDD drug had a lower expression of CD86 and mRNA levels of iNOS, CD86, and IL-1β, but higher expression of CD163 and mRNA levels of Arg-1, CD163, and IL-10 than ox-LDL group. Collectively, our results revealed that HLJDD alleviated atherosclerosis and promoted plaque stability by suppressing M1 polarization and enhancing M2 polarization.

Silencing c-Jun inhibits autophagy and abrogates radioresistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Background

Radioresistance plays an important role in the failure of radiotherapy (RT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), leading to poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the expression of the c-Jun oncogene and the prognosis of NPC. In addition, we investigated the potential mechanisms of c-Jun in the regulation of tumor growth and radioresistance in NPC.

Methods

c-Jun expression in NPC tissues and nasopharyngeal mucosa tissues was evaluated using immunochemistry. c-Jun and its downstream targets were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Inhibitors or activators were used to interfere with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Protein expression was analyzed by western blotting. NPC nude mouse xenograft models were used to investigate the potential effects of c-Jun and ionizing radiation in vivo.

Results

The expression of c-Jun in NPC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal nasopharyngeal mucosa (NNM) tissues, and Cox regression analysis revealed that c-Jun overexpression was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in NPC patients. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments verified that c-Jun targeted PI3K/AKT signaling. We also performed an in vivo study showing that c-Jun knockdown effectively suppressed NPC growth in a xenograft tumor model by autophagy inhibition, and these effects were accompanied by the upregulation of p-PI3K p-AKT, p-mTOR, and P62 and downregulation of LC3-II expression.

Conclusions

High expression of c-Jun was correlated with poor prognosis in NPC patients. c-Jun knockdown increased cell sensitivity to radiation by inhibiting autophagy activation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The present study provides a theoretical basis for a promising treatment for radioresistant NPC by inhibiting c-Jun expression.