Inhibition of ROS-mediated activation Src-MAPK/AKT signaling by orientin alleviates H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

Identifying Diagnostic Markers and Constructing Predictive Models for Oxidative Stress in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation and neurodegeneration of the central nervous system. Despite the significant role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MS, its precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study utilized microarray datasets from the GEO database to analyze differentially expressed oxidative-stress-related genes (DE-OSRGs), identifying 101 DE-OSRGs. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicate that these genes are primarily involved in oxidative stress and immune responses. Through protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, LASSO regression, and logistic regression analyses, four genes (MMP9, NFKBIA, NFKB1, and SRC) were identified as being closely related to MS. A diagnostic prediction model based on logistic regression demonstrated good predictive power, as shown by the nomogram curve index and DAC results. An immune-cell infiltration analysis using CIBERSORT revealed significant correlations between these genes and immune cell subpopulations. Abnormal oxidative stress and upregulated expression of key genes were observed in the blood and brain tissues of EAE mice. A molecular docking analysis suggested strong binding potentials between the proteins of these genes and several drug molecules, including isoquercitrin, decitabine, benztropine, and curcumin. In conclusion, this study identifies and validates potential diagnostic biomarkers for MS, establishes an effective prediction model, and provides new insights for the early diagnosis and personalized treatment of MS.

Camellia sinensis polysaccharide attenuates inflammatory responses via the ROS-mediated pathway by endocytosis

Polysaccharide CSTPs extracted from Camellia sinensis tea-leaves possessed unique against oxidative damage by scavenging ROS. Herein, acid tea polysaccharide CSTPs-2 with tightly packed molecular structure was isolated, purified and characterized in this research. Furthermore, the effects of CSTPs-2 on ROS-involved inflammatory responses and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. The results suggest that CSTPs-2 dramatically reduced the inflammatory cytokines overexpression and LPS-stimulated cell damage. CSTPs-2 could trigger the dephosphorylation of downstream AKT/MAPK/NF-κB signaling proteins and inhibit nuclear transfer of p-NF-κB to regulate the synthesis and release of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated cells by ROS scavenging. Importantly, the impact of CSTPs-2 in downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines and mitigating ROS overproduction is associated with clathrin- or caveolae-mediated endocytosis uptake mechanisms, rather than TLR-4 receptor-mediated endocytosis. This study presents a novel perspective for investigating the cellular uptake mechanism of polysaccharides in the context of anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Anti-Tumor Activity and Mechanism of Silibinin Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Silibinin is a flavonoid compound extracted from the seeds of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. It has the functions of liver protection, blood-lipid reduction and anti-tumor effects. However, the potential molecular mechanism of silibinin against tumors is still unknown. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of silibinin in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC2) cells and Balb/c nude mice, and explore its potential mechanism based on network pharmacology prediction and experimental verification. A total of 347 targets interacting with silibinin were collected, and 75 targets related to the tumor growth process for silibinin were filtrated. Based on the PPI analysis, CASP3, SRC, ESR1, JAK2, PRKACA, HSPA8 and CAT showed stronger interactions with other factors and may be the key targets of silibinin for treating tumors. The predicted target proteins according to network pharmacology were verified using Western blot analysis in ACC2 cells and Balb/c nude mice. In the pharmacological experiment, silibinin was revealed to significantly inhibit viability, proliferation, migration and induce the apoptosis of ACC2 cells in vitro, as well as inhibit the growth and development of tumor tissue in vivo. Western blot analysis showed that silibinin affected the expression of proteins associated with cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis, such as MMP3, JNK, PPARα and JAK. The possible molecular mechanism involved in cancer pathways, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and viral carcinogenesis pathway via the inhibition of CASP3, MMP3, SRC, MAPK10 and CDK6 and the activation of PPARα and JAK. Overall, our results provided insight into the pharmacological mechanisms of silibinin in the treatment of tumors. These results offer a support for the anti-tumor uses of silibinin.

Orientin Reduces the Effects of Repeated Procedural Neonatal Pain in Adulthood: Network Pharmacology Analysis, Molecular Docking Analysis, and Experimental Validation

Background

Premature infants often undergo painful procedures and consequently experience repeated procedural neonatal pain. This can elicit hyperalgesia and cognitive impairment in adulthood. Treatments for neonatal pain are limited. Orientin is a flavonoid C-glycoside that has repeatedly been shown to have pharmacological effects in the past decades. The aim of this study was to systematically explore the effect of orientin on repeated procedural neonatal pain using network pharmacology, molecular docking analysis, and experimental validation.

Methods

Several compound-protein databases and disease-protein databases were employed to identify proteins that were both predicted targets of orientin and involved in neonatal pain. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to explore the potential mechanism of action. Molecular docking analysis was employed to calculate the binding energy and visualize the interactions between orientin and potential target proteins. Finally, a mouse model of repeated procedural neonatal pain was established and orientin was administered for 6 days. The mechanical and thermal pain thresholds were assessed in neonates and adult mice. A Morris water maze was employed to investigate cognitive impairment in adult mice.

Results

A total of 286 proteins that were both predicted targets of orientin and involved in neonatal pain were identified. The hub proteins were SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, RHOA, EGFR, AKT1, PTPN11, ESR1, RXRA, and HRAS. GO analysis indicated that the primary biological process (BP), molecular function (MF), and cellular component (CC) were protein phosphorylation, protein kinase activity, and vesicle lumen, respectively. KEGG analysis revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway may be the key to the mechanism of action. Molecular docking analysis showed the high binding affinities of orientin for MAPK1, MAPK8, and MAPK14. In mice, orientin inhibited the hyperalgesia in the pain threshold tests in neonates and adult mice and cognitive impairment in adult mice. Immunofluorescence showed that phosphorylated MAPK1 (p-ERK) protein levels in the hippocampus and spinal dorsal horn were downregulated by orientin.

Conclusion

The findings suggested that orientin alleviates neonatal pain, and the MAPK signaling pathway is involved.

ROS-mediated MAPK activation aggravates hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury by promoting apoptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells via the STAT3/miR-21-5p axis

Inhibition of type II alveolar epithelial (AE-II) cell apoptosis is a critical way to cure hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury (HALI). It has been reported that miR-21-5p could reduce H2O2-induced apoptosis in AE-II cells. However, the upstream molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we established a cellular model of HALI by exposing AE-II cells to H2O2 treatment. It was shown that miR-21-5p alleviated H2O2-induced apoptosis in AE-II cells. ROS inhibition decreased apoptosis of H2O2-evoked AE-II cells via increasing miR-21-5p expression. In addition, ROS induced MAPK and STAT3 phosphorylation in H2O2-treated AE-II cells. MAPK inactivation reduces H2O2-triggered AE-II cell apoptosis. MAPK activation inhibits miR-21-5p expression by promoting STAT3 phosphorylation in H2O2-challenged AE-II cells. Furthermore, STAT3 activation eliminated MAPK deactivation-mediated inhibition on the apoptosis of AE-II cells under H2O2 condition. In conclusion, ROS-mediated MAPK activation promoted H2O2-triggered AE-II cell apoptosis by inhibiting miR-21-5p expression via STAT3 phosphorylation, providing novel targets for HALI treatment.

Targeting receptor tyrosine kinase signaling: Avenues in the management of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide. Among the various types of NMSCs, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) exhibits more aggressive phenotype and is also the second-most prevalent type. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) triggers key signaling events that play critical roles in the development of various cancers including cSCC. Unsurprisingly, for this reason, this family of proteins has become the cynosure of anti-cancer drug discovery pipelines and is also being considered as attractive targets against cSCC. Though inhibition of RTKs in cSCC has yielded favourable results, there is still scope for bettering the therapeutic outcome. In this review, we discuss the relevance of RTK signaling in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and observations from clinical trials that used RTK inhibitors against cSCC. Backed by results from preclinical studies, including those from our lab, we also give insights into the scope of using some natural products as effective suppressors of RTK signaling and skin carcinogenesis.

Hispolon Methyl Ether, a Hispolon Analog, Suppresses the SRC/STAT3/Survivin Signaling Axis to Induce Cytotoxicity in Human Urinary Bladder Transitional Carcinoma Cell Lines

Bladder cancer is a leading human malignancy worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 is an oncogenic transcription factor commonly hyperactivated in most human cancers, including bladder cancer. Notably, preclinical evidence has validated STAT3 blockade as a promising therapeutic strategy for bladder cancer. Hispolon Methyl Ether (HME) is a structural analog of hispolon, an anticancer component of the medicinal mushroom Phellinus linteus. Thus far, HME's anticancer activity and mechanisms remain largely unknown. We herein report HME was cytotoxic, more potent than cisplatin, and proapoptotic to various human bladder transitional carcinoma cell lines. Of note, HME blocked STAT3 activation, evidenced by HME-elicited reduction in tyrosine 705-phosphorylated STAT3 levels constitutively expressed or induced by interleukin-6. Significantly, HME-induced cytotoxicity was abrogated in cells expressing a dominant-active STAT3 mutant (STAT3-C), confirming STAT3 blockage as a pivotal mechanism of HME's cytotoxic action. We further revealed that survivin was downregulated by HME, while its levels were rescued in STAT3-C-expressing cells. Moreover, survivin overexpression abolished HME-induced cytotoxicity, illustrating survivin as a central downstream mediator of STAT3 targeted by HME. Lastly, HME was shown to lower tyrosine 416-phosphorylated SRC levels, suggesting that HME inhibits STAT3 by repressing the activation of SRC, a STAT3 upstream kinase. In conclusion, we present the first evidence of HME's anti-bladder cancer effect, likely proceeding by evoking apoptosis through suppression of the antiapoptotic SRC/STAT3/survivin signaling axis.

Compound glycyrrhiza oral solution alleviates oxidative stress and inflammation by regulating SRC/MAPK pathway in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVES

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from persistent cough and breathlessness, which can be ameliorated by the Chinese herbal medicine glycyrrhiza. Furthermore, the SRC/MAPK pathway is activated in the process of oxidative stress and inflammation, which afflict COPD progression. Thus, this research aimed at dissecting the mechanism of compound glycyrrhiza oral solution (CGOS) relieving oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD via the SRC/MAPK pathway.

METHODS

After a COPD rat model was established using lipopolysaccharide and cigarette smoke, rats underwent intragastric administration with CGOS and intratracheal injection with LV-NC and LV-SRC lentivirus into lungs. Then, pulmonary function-related indexes were evaluated, followed by analyses of arterial blood and inflammatory cell number in prepared bronchoalveolar lavage fluids. Meanwhile, the contents of oxidative stress-related indicators (malondialdehyde, 3NT, 8-Isoprostane, glutathione, NO, and SOD) in pulmonary tissues were measured, along with RT-qPCR and ELISA detection of the expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-10). Moreover, western blot assay was utilized to assess p-SRC/SRC and p-p38/p38 ratios in pulmonary tissues.

RESULTS

CGOS treatment enhanced PaO₂ and reduced PaCO₂ in COPD rats, accompanied by declines in the number of total cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. CGOS improved pulmonary function, decreased malondialdehyde, 3NT, 8-Isoprostane, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels, and increased GSH, NO, IL-4, and IL-10 levels and SOD activity. Mechanistically, CGOS suppressed the SRC/MAPK pathway, and SRC overexpression reversed the alleviating function of CGOS in COPD rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, CGOS might alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation in COPD rats by inhibiting the SRC/MAPK pathway.

Src Family Kinases: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Acute Kidney Injury

Src family kinases (SFKs) are non-receptor tyrosine kinases and play a key role in regulating signal transduction. The mechanism of SFKs in various tumors has been widely studied, and there are more and more studies on its role in the kidney. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a disease with complex pathogenesis, including oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. In addition, fibrosis has a significant impact on the progression of AKI to developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). The mortality rate of this disease is very high, and there is no effective treatment drug at present. In recent years, some studies have found that SFKs, especially Src, Fyn, and Lyn, are involved in the pathogenesis of AKI. In this paper, the structure, function, and role of SFKs in AKI are discussed. SFKs play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of AKI, making them promising molecular targets for the treatment of AKI.

Fe3O4 Nanozymes Improve Neuroblast Differentiation and Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity of the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus in D-Galactose-Induced Aged Mice

Aging is a process associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage and the reduction in neurogenesis, and is the greatest known risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders. However, the effects of Fe₃O₄ nanozymes on neurogenesis have rarely been studied. This study examined the effects of Fe₃O₄ nanozymes on neuronal differentiation in the dentate gyrus (DG) and BBB integrity of D-galactose-induced aged mice. Long-term treatment with Fe₃O₄ nanozymes (10 μg/mL diluted in ddH₂O daily) markedly increased the doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactivity and decreased BBB injury induced by D-galactose treatment. In addition, the decreases in the levels of antioxidant proteins including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase as well as autophagy-related proteins such as Becin-1, LC3II/I, and Atg7 induced by D-galactose treatment were significantly ameliorated by Fe₃O₄ nanozymes in the DG of the mouse hippocampus. Furthermore, Fe₃O₄ nanozyme treatment showed an inhibitory effect against apoptosis in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Fe₃O₄ nanozymes can relieve neuroblast damage and promote neuroblast differentiation in the hippocampal DG by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy.

β-Hydroxybutyrate Alleviates Low Glucose-Induced Apoptosis via Modulation of ROS-Mediated p38 MAPK Signaling

Hypoglycemia has emerged as a prominent complication in anti-diabetic drug therapy or negative energy balance of animals, which causes brain damage, cognitive impairment, and even death. Brain injury induced by hypoglycemia is closely related to oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The intracellular accumulation of ROS leads to neuronal damage, even death. Ketone body β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) not only serves as alternative energy source for glucose in extrahepatic tissues, but is also involved in cellular signaling transduction. Previous studies showed that BHBA reduces apoptosis by inhibiting the excessive production of ROS and activation of caspase-3. However, the effects of BHBA on apoptosis induced by glucose deprivation and its related molecular mechanisms have been seldom reported. In the present study, PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons were used to establish a low glucose injury model. The effects of BHBA on the survival and apoptosis in a glucose deficient condition and related molecular mechanisms were investigated by using flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. PC12 cells were incubated with 1 mM glucose for 24 h as a low glucose cell model, in which ROS accumulation and cell mortality were significantly increased. After 24 h and 48 h treatment with different concentrations of BHBA (0 mM, 0.05 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM), ROS production was significantly inhibited. Moreover, cell apoptosis rate was decreased and survival rate was significantly increased in 1 mM and 2 mM BHBA groups. In primary cortical neurons, at 24 h after treatment with 2 mM BHBA, the injured length and branch of neurites were significantly improved. Meanwhile, the intracellular ROS level, the proportion of c-Fos⁺ cells, apoptosis rate, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB protein after treatment with BHBA were significantly decreased when compared with that in low glucose cells. Importantly, the expression of p38, p-p38, NF-κB, and caspase-3 were significantly decreased, while the expression of p-ERK was significantly increased in both PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons. Our results demonstrate that BHBA decreased the accumulation of intracellular ROS, and further inhibited cell apoptosis by mediating the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and caspase-3 apoptosis cascade during glucose deprivation. In addition, BHBA inhibited apoptosis by activating ERK phosphorylation and alleviated the damage of low glucose to PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons. These results provide new insight into the anti-apoptotic effect of BHBA in a glucose deficient condition and the related signaling cascade.

A dual-targeted multifunctional nanoformulation for potential prevention and therapy of Alzheimer's disease

Antioxidation and adjustable treatment strategies are critical for the effective treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we design a dual-targeted Prussian blue nanoformulation (PTCN) that can cross the blood-brain barrier and target amyloid beta aggregates further exert antioxidant effects. An adjustable gradient dosing strategy with PTCN is used for the first time to design the preventive and therapeutic trials based on the severity of oxidative stress at different AD stages. The results show that PTCN could effectively ameliorate AD-related pathological processes, improve the cognitive decline, and rescue hippocampal atrophy of APP/PS1 mice in both preventive and therapeutic trials. Altogether, PTCN provided here is a successful combination of three traditional biomaterials with good biosafety, which has broad prospects for the early prevention, mild remission, and late treatment of AD, and is expected to be developed into personalized therapeutic drugs and healthcare products for clinical AD in the future.

A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and quality control of the ethnic medicinal plant Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach in China

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Persicaria orientalis (L.) Spach (syn. Polygonum orientale L.) is a potent medicinal herb widely used in many ethnic groups, such as the Han, Tibetan, Mongolian, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Korean, Dong, Hani, Lisu, Naxi and She people in China. Aims of the review: This article aims to present the research progress on P. orientalis, which is helpful to understand the multi-purpose of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and prompt its medicinal value.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Information on P. orientalis was obtained from published materials, including monographs on medicinal plants, ancient and modern recorded classics, pharmacopoeias and electronic databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer, AGRIS, Europe PMC, SCI Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang DATA, J-STAGE, classical treatises of modern pharmaceutical science and Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae (FRPS).

RESULTS

Clinical applications of traditional medicine of P. orientalis have therapeutic effects for dispelling rheumatism, promoting digestion, aiding diuresis and activating blood circulation. A total of 153 chemical constituents have been identified from P. orientalis, including flavonoids, carboxylic acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, hydrocarbons, chromones, lignans, volatile oils, amides and other components. Its active ingredients have a wide range of pharmacological effects, such as anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-inflammation, analgesia, anti-myocardial ischemia, anti-abortion, and anti-rheumatoid arthritis, as well as protective effects on cerebral ischemia and liver injury. By establishing stable detection methods, the quality standards of P. orientalis medicinal materials have been guaranteed, such as determination of the iconic components, harvesting periods and optimization of specific components extraction processes.

CONCLUSIONS

P. orientalis has different pharmacological activities based on the diversity of chemical constituents. However, the existing reports mainly focus on the extracts, and these studies on its corresponding compounds are not clear enough. The information suggests that P. orientalis has good potential medicinal value, and more attention should be paid to further explore its bioactive components.

[Mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for mediating anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of chrysin: a protein microarray-based study]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway for mediating the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of chrysin.

METHODS

RAW264.7 cells were treated with different concentrations of chrysin for 24 h, and the changes in cell viability were detected using CCK-8 method. The cells with or without chrysin pretreatment for 2 h were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for different lengths of time, and the related signal molecules were screened using protein chip technique. In cells pretreated with chrysin for 2 h followed by LPS stimulation for 18 h, the release of IL-6, MCP-1 and TNF-α by the cells was detected with ELISA, and NO production was examined using Griess method, and ROS level was determined using DCFH-DA. The effects of chrysin, LPS, and their combination on the mRNA expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were detected using RT-PCR; Western blotting was performed to examine the changes in cellular expressions of p-AKT, p-PRAS40, p-mTOR, mTOR, p-P70S6k, p-S6RP and S6RP following the treatments with LPS, N-Acetyl-L-cysteine, and chrysin, alone or in combinations.

RESULTS

Chrysin below 60 μg/mL did not significantly affect the viability of RAW264.7 cells (P>0.05). Chrysin treatment significantly reduced the release of IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α and the level of NO (P < 0.01), and inhibited the mRNA and protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 (P < 0.01) in the cells. The results of protein chip screening suggested that LPS could activate the AKT/mTOR pathway, which was significantly inhibited by chrysin pretreatment, and the results were verified by Western blotting (P < 0.01). Chrysin treatment significantly reduced the generation of endogenous ROS, and treatment with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine to eliminate intracellular ROS obviously reduced the expressions of iNOS and COX-2 (P < 0.05) and blocked the AKT/mTOR pathway (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chrysin can inhibit the synthesis of the upstream signaling molecule ROS to inhibit the activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, regulate the translation process of ribosomes, down-regulate the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, and thus produce anti-inflammatory effects.

Investigating the medicinal potential, material basis and mechanism of Polygoni Orientalis Fructus based on multi-technology integrated network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Polygoni Orientalis Fructus (POF) refers to the dried ripe fruit of Polygonum orientale L. which has a long historical application in clinic for treatment of various conditions in China. However, its chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and their coupled correlation have not been intensively investigated.

PURPOSE

In present work, we aimed to elucidate the medicinal material basis, optimum indication and corresponding therapeutic mechanism of POF.

METHODS

The main phytochemical ingredients in POF were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The optimum medicinal potential and corresponding molecular mechanism of POF were deduced based on integrated statistic pattern recognition and network pharmacology. The deduced pharmacologic efficacy and mechanism of POF were further validated through in vitro study in free-fatty acid (FFA)-induced LO₂ cells.

RESULTS

Total 30 main phytochemical ingredients were identified in POF in which 18 ingredients were screened to yield 277 potential targets. Based on analyzing the quantitative data matrix of drug-disease targets by statistic pattern recognition, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was screened as the optimum indication of POF from 23 candidate diseases. Promising action targets (PPARG, IL6, TNF, IL1B, IKBKB, RELA, etc.) and signaling pathways (AMPK signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, etc.) were screened and refined to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of POF against NAFLD based on network pharmacology. In vitro study demonstrated that POF effectively alleviated FFA-induced steatosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, and these beneficial effects were attributed to the activation of AMPK signaling pathway and suppression of NF-κB signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

POF could be exploited as a promising phytotherapy in the treatment of NAFLD.

An Update on Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Activities of the Genus Persicaria and Polygonum

The discovery of new pharmaceutical identities, particularly anti-infective agents, represents an urgent need due to the increase in immunocompromised patients and the ineffectiveness/toxicity of the drugs currently used. The scientific community has recognized in the last decades the importance of the plant kingdom as a huge source of novel molecules which could act against different type of infections or illness. However, the great diversity of plant species makes it difficult to select them with probabilities of success, adding to the fact that existing information is difficult to find, it is atomized or disordered. Persicaria and Polygonum constitute two of the main representatives of the Polygonaceae family, which have been extensively used in traditional medicine worldwide. Important and structurally diverse bioactive compounds have been isolated from these genera of wild plants; among them, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids should be remarked. In this article, we firstly mention all the species reported with pharmacological use and their geographical distribution. Moreover, a number of tables which summarize an update detailing the type of natural product (extract or isolated compound), applied doses, displayed bioassays and the results obtained for the main bioactivities of these genera cited in the literature during the past 40 years. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anticancer, antiviral, antiparasitic, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, gastroprotective and neuropharmacological activities were explored and reviewed in this work, concluding that both genera could be the source for upcoming molecules to treat different human diseases.

Tanshinone IIA Inhibits Osteosarcoma Growth through a Src Kinase-Dependent Mechanism

Introduction

Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor associated with high mortality rates due to the toxic side effects of current therapeutic methods. Tanshinone IIA can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in vitro, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. The aims of this study are to explore the antiosteosarcoma effect of tanshinone IIA via Src kinase and demonstrate the mechanism of this effect.

Materials and Methods

Osteosarcoma MG-63 and U2-OS cell lines were stable transfections with Src-shRNA. Then, the antiosteosarcoma effect of tanshinone IIA was tested in vitro. The protein expression levels of Src, p-Src, p-ERK1/2, and p-AKt were detected by Western blot and RT-PCR. CCK-8 assay and BrdU immunofluorescence assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay, cell scratch assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect cell invasion, migration, and cell cycle. Tumor-bearing nude mice with osteosarcoma were constructed. The effect of tanshinone IIA was detected by tumor HE staining, tumor inhibition rate, incidence of lung metastasis, and X-ray.

Results

The oncogene role of Src kinase in osteosarcoma is reflected in promoting cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and in inhibiting apoptosis. However, Src has different effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle regulation among cell lines. At a cellular level, the antiosteosarcoma effect of tanshinone IIA is mediated by Src downstream of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKt signaling pathways. At the animal level, tanshinone IIA played a role in resisting osteosarcoma formation by Src downstream of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKt signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Tanshinone IIA plays an antiosteosarcoma role in vitro and in vivo and inhibits the progression of osteosarcoma mediated by Src downstream of the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKt signaling pathways.

MiR-137 promotes cell growth and inhibits extracellular matrix protein expression in H2O2-induced human trabecular meshwork cells by targeting Src

Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in more than 25 % of cases in patients with permanent blindness. The microRNA is implicated in modulating the cellular function of the trabecular meshwork (TM). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of miR-137 in glaucoma and illustrate the potential molecular mechanisms. We show that miR-137 was down-regulated in H₂O₂-induced human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs), and overexpression of miR-137 attenuated H₂O₂-induced cell growth inhibition, apoptosis and elevated extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression. In addition, miR-137 blocked the activation of YAP/TAZ by directly targeting src. Overexpression of src or activation of the YAP/TAZ pathway partly abrogated the effects of miR-137 on H₂O₂-induced cell viability and apoptosis and dampened the inhibition effect on ECM protein expression. In conclusion, miR-137 promotes cell growth and inhibits extracellular matrix protein expression in H₂O₂-induced human trabecular meshwork cells via the YAP/TAZ pathway by targeting src. Hence, miR-137 might be used as a novel therapeutic target to treat glaucoma.

Neuroprotective Effect of Kinase Inhibition in Ischemic Factor Modeling In Vitro

The contribution of many neuronal kinases to the adaptation of nerve cells to ischemic damage and their effect on functional neural network activity has not yet been studied. The aim of this work is to study the role of the four kinases belonging to different metabolic cascades (SRC, Ikkb, eEF2K, and FLT4) in the adaptive potential of the neuron-glial network for modeling the key factors of ischemic damage. We carried out a comprehensive study on the effects of kinases blockade on the viability and network functional calcium activity of nerve cells under ischemic factor modeling in vitro. Ischemic factor modelling was performed on day 14 of culturing primary hippocampal cells obtained from mouse embryos (E18). The most significant neuroprotective effect was shown in the blockade of FLT4 kinase in the simulation of hypoxia. The studies performed revealed the role of FLT4 in the development of functional dysfunction in cerebrovascular accidents and created new opportunities for the study of this enzyme and its blockers in the formation of new therapeutic strategies.

Emerging risk of environmental factors: insight mechanisms of Alzheimer's diseases

Neurodegenerative disorders are typically sporadic in nature in addition to usually influenced through an extensive range of environmental factors, lifestyle, and genetic elements. Latest observations have hypothesized that exposure of environmental factors may increase the prospective risk of Alzheimer's diseases (AD). However, the role of environmental factors as a possible dangerous issue has extended importance concerned in AD pathology, although actual etiology of the disorder is still not yet clear. Thus, the aim of this review is to highlight the possible correlation between environmental factors and AD, based on the present literature view. Environmental risk factors might play an important role in decelerating or accelerating AD progression. Among well-known environmental risk factors, prolonged exposure to several heavy metals, for example, aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury; particulate air, and some pesticides as well as metal-containing nanoparticles have been participated to cause AD. These heavy metals have the capacity to enhance amyloid β (Aβ) peptide along with tau phosphorylation, initiating amyloid/senile plaques, as well as neurofibrillary tangle formation; therefore, neuronal cell death has been observed. Furthermore, particulate air, pesticides, and heavy metal exposure have been recommended to lead AD susceptibility and phenotypic diversity though epigenetic mechanisms. Therefore, this review deliberates recent findings detailing the mechanisms for a better understanding the relationship between AD and environmental risk factors along with their mechanisms of action on the brain functions.

2'-Hydroxyflavanone prevents LPS-induced inflammatory response and cytotoxicity in murine macrophages

2'-Hydroxyflavanone (2-HF) is a natural flavonoid isolated from citrus fruits. Multiple studies have demonstrated that 2-HF with its anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects prevent the growth of various cancers. Although 2-HF is a well known anti-oxidative and chemopreventive agent, its role as an anti-inflammatory agent is not well established. In this study, we examined the effect of 2-HF on LPS-induced cytotoxicity and inflammatory response in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Flow cytometry analysis showed that pre-treatment of RAW 264.7 macrophages with 2-HF significantly prevented LPS-induced macrophage apoptosis. 2-HF also prevented LPS-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, lipid peroxidation, and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in murine macrophages. Most importantly, the release of multiple inflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as eotaxin, IL-2, IL-10, IL-12p40, LIX, IL-15, IL-17, MCP-1, and TNF-α induced by LPS in the macrophages was inhibited by 2-HF. 2-HF also prevented LPS-induced activation of protein kinases p38MAPK and SAPK/JNK. Apart from this, LPS-induced phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA-binding of the redox transcription factor, NF-κB, was prevented by 2-HF. Our results demonstrate that 2-HF by regulating ROS/MAPK/NF-κB prevents LPS-induced inflammatory response and cytotoxicity in murine macrophages suggesting that the need of potential development of 2-HF as an anti-inflammatory agent to ameliorate various inflammatory complications.

Circular RNA-9119 protects IL-1β-treated chondrocytes from apoptosis in an osteoarthritis cell model by intercepting the microRNA-26a/PTEN axis

AIMS

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and joint inflammation. As its pathogenesis remains unclear, there are no effective treatments established. Circular RNA (circRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and other noncoding RNAs participate in OA development; however, the effects and mechanisms of circRNA and miRNA in OA remain unknown.

MAIN METHODS

Cartilage miRNA was examined in patients with and without OA.

KEY FINDINGS

CircRNA-9119 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression decreased in OA-affected cartilage and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced chondrocytes, and miR-26a expression significantly decreased in normal cells and tissues. CircRNA-9119 overexpression restored chondrocyte growth, whereas IL-1β treatment impaired chondrocyte growth. Annexin V-FITC & PI flow cytometry and Bcl-2/Bax ratio measurement indicated that the apoptosis of IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes was decreased by circRNA-9119 upregulation. Bioinformatic prediction and the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that circRNA-9119 served as a miR-26a sponge and that miR-26a targeted the 3'-UTR of PTEN. Transfection of chondrocytes with a circRNA-9119-overexpressing vector revealed downregulation of miR-26a expression. Furthermore, circRNA-9119 overexpression induced PTEN expression. In addition, a miR-26a mimic induced IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, and circRNA-9119 overexpression inhibited IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

CircRNA-9119 is an important regulator of IL-1β-treated chondrocytes through the miR-26a/PTEN axis, possibly contributing to OA development.

Cr(VI) induces ROS-mediated mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in neuronal cells via the activation of Akt/ERK/AMPK signaling pathway

Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), a well-known toxic industrial and environmental pollutant, has been shown to cause serious toxic and health effects. However, limited information is available on Cr(VI)-induced neurotoxic potential, with the underlying toxicological mechanisms remain mostly unclear. The present study demonstrated that the mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway was involved in Cr(VI)-induced SH-SY5Y cell (the human neuroblastoma cell line) death, which was accompanied by the appearance of cell shrinkage, increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) depolarization and cytochrome c release, and the activation of caspase cascades and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Cr(VI) treatment also increased the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Pretreatment of SH-SY5Y cells with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively attenuated ROS production and reversed these Cr(VI)-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic responses. Furthermore, exposure to Cr(VI) significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt, extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α. NAC and the pharmacological inhibitor of Akt (LY294002), ERK1/2 (PD980590), and AMPKα (Compound C) markedly abrogated the Cr(VI)-induced activation of Akt, ERK1/2, and AMPKα signal, respectively, with the concomitant inhibition of mitochondrial dysfunction and caspase activation. Additionally, all these inhibitors suppressed Cr(VI)-induced phosphorylation of Akt, ERK1/2, and AMPKα and of each other. Collectively, these results suggest that Cr(VI) exerts its cytotoxicity on neuronal cells by inducing mitochondria-dependent apoptosis through the interdependent activation of Akt, ERK1/2, and AMPKα, which are mainly mediated by ROS generation.

MiR-27a promotes the autophagy and apoptosis of IL-1β treated-articular chondrocytes in osteoarthritis through PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disorder, which involves articular cartilage degeneration as well as joint inflammatory reactions. The recent studies have identified microRNA (miRNA) as one of the epigenetic mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression. Here we aim to reveal the role of miRNA in the regulation of gene expression in articular chondrocytes and its significance in the OA pathogenesis. In the present study, miRNA profiling was performed using OA cartilage and normal healthy cartilage tissues. As compared to their levels in normal cells and tissues, miR-27a expression was found to be upregulated in OA cartilage and IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes. TUNEL staining, as well as flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling indicated that miR-27a inhibition reduced the apoptosis of IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes. Bioinformatics prediction and the dual-luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-27a targeted the 3'-UTR of the PI3K gene to silence it. The PI3K mRNA level in OA cartilage and IL-1β-treated articular chondrocytes was also downregulated, comparing with normal cells and tissues. Transfection of chondrocytes transfected with the miR-27a inhibitor upregulated the PI3K expression. This study demonstrated miR-27a is a regulator of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR axis in human chondrocytes and could participate in OA pathogenesis.

MAPK Pathway Inhibitors Attenuated Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Damage in Neural Cells

Background

Oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species plays a central role in pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades attenuates the oxidative induced cell stress and behaves as potential neuroprotection agent.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we evaluate hydrogen peroxide induced neural cell stress and determine how different MAPK inhibitors restore the cell damage.

Results

The results indicated that oxidative stress induced by neural cell damage commonly exists, and MAPK inhibitors partially and selectively attenuated the cell damage by reducing ROS production and cell apoptosis. The cultured neurons are more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide than subculture cells.

Conclusion

We conclude that the essential role of different MAPK inhibitors is to attenuate the hydrogen peroxide induced neuronal cell damage. Those data broaden the implication between individual neural cells and different MAPK inhibitors and give clues for oxidative stress induced neural diseases.

ATP1A1 Integrates AKT and ERK Signaling via Potential Interaction With Src to Promote Growth and Survival in Glioma Stem Cells

Glioma stem cells (GSCs) have been considered to be responsible for treatment failure due to their self-renewal and limitless proliferative property. Recently, the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase a1 (ATP1A1) subunit was described as a novel therapeutic target for gliomas. Interestingly, our previous proteomics study revealed that ATP1A1 is remarkably overexpressed in GSCs. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP1A1 in regulating growth, survival, and tumorigenicity of primary human GSCs and the underlying molecular mechanism. We tested RNA and protein expression of ATP1A1 in glioma tissues and GSCs. In addition, we knocked down ATP1A1 in GSCs and assessed the effects thereof on growth, survival, and apoptosis. The role of ATP1A1 in signaling pathways was investigated in vitro. We found that the ATP1A1 expression level was associated with the grade of glioma. Knockdown of ATP1A1 in GSCs in vitro inhibited cell proliferation and survival, increased apoptosis, and halted cell-cycle progression at the G1 phase. Cell proliferation and survival were resumed upon rescue of ATP1A1 expression in ATP1A1-knockdown GSCs. The ERK1/2 and AKT pathways were inhibited through suppression of Src phosphorylation by ATP1A1 knockdown. Collectively, our findings suggest that ATP1A1 overexpression promotes GSC growth and proliferation by affecting Src phosphorylation to activate the ERK1/2 and AKT signaling pathways.

PGC-1α protects against oxidized low-density lipoprotein and luteinizing hormone-induced granulosa cells injury through ROS-p38 pathway

Obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often suffer from ovulation failure, which may be driven by granulosa cells (GCs) injury caused by increased levels of circulating oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and luteinizing hormone (LH). PGC-1α may play an important role in this pathophysiological processes. However, the effect and the potential mechanism of PGC-1α on GCs injury evoked by obese PCOS is fully unclear. To investigate the protective effect and the potential mechanism of PGC-1α on GCs injury evoked by ox-LDL + LH stimulation. Patients with PCOS and women of normal reproductive age who undergoing egg retrievals and consenting for this research were collected. Those women were divided into normal-weight non-PCOS group, obese non-PCOS group, normal-weight PCOS group and obese PCOS group according to the body mass index (BMI) and PCOS diagnosis. Follicular fluid was collected and primary GCs were isolated. The levels of LH and ox-LDL in follicular fluid in the four groups were measured. And, the expressions of PGC-1α, cell apoptosis and ROS generation in primary GCs in the four groups were evaluated. After GCs from women of normal reproductive age at normal-weight pre-treated with adenovirus encoding PGC-1α (Ad-PGC-1α) prior to ox-LDL + LH treatment in vitro, the cell viability, apoptosis, apoptosis-related proteins expressions and ROS generation were evaluated by CCK-8 assay, AnnexinV/PI double staining, Western blot and H₂DCF-DA staining, respectively. The expression of PGC-1α was significantly decreased, whereas the cell apoptosis and ROS generation were significantly increased in GCs of PCOS group, especially obese PCOS group. Our data also revealed that over-expression of PGC-1α in GCs from women of normal reproductive age at normal-weight markedly inhibited cell injury, ROS generation and p38 activation, accompanied by increased Bcl-2 expression, decreased Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expressions induced by ox-LDL + LH stimulation. Ox-LDL + LH-induced cell apoptosis was abrogated by attenuation of ROS generation or p38 activation. Attenuation of ROS generation reversed ox-LDL + LH-induced p38 activation, however, p38 inhibitors had an effect on ROS generation. Our findings suggested that PGC-1α protected against ox-LDL + LH-induced GCs injury through inhibiting cell apoptosis. And, the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of ROS-initiated p38 pathway. Our data indicated that PGC-1α may be a potential therapeutic target for obese PCOS.

Seleno-L-Methionine Suppresses Immunoglobulin E-Mediated Allergic Response in RBL-2H3 Cells

The effect of seleno-L-methionine (SeMet) on immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergic responses were investigated using rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. Cells were first treated with or without SeMet, sensitized with anti-dinitrophenyl IgE and stimulated with the antigen dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin, before the measurement of degranulation, calcium mobilization, mRNA expression and protein secretion of interleukin (IL)-4 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and phosphorylation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Akt, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). The antigen-induced β-hexosaminidase release, a degranulation marker, was significantly inhibited by SeMet treatment. SeMet also significantly suppressed antigen-induced calcium mobilization. Antigen-induced increases in the mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-α were both significantly attenuated by SeMet treatment. In addition, SeMet significantly suppressed antigen-induced phosphorylation of Syk, Akt, and MAPKs. These results demonstrate that SeMet suppresses antigen-induced degranulation, and mRNA expression and protein secretion of IL-4 and TNF-α, and inhibits antigen-induced mobilization of calcium and activation of Syk, Akt, and MAPKs. Our study provides valuable information that may be useful in the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.