Chronic stress accelerates the process of gastric precancerous lesions in rats

Inflammation as a shared mechanism of chronic stress related disorders with potential novel therapeutic targets

Stress is a subjective experience that varies across individuals depending on their sensitivity, resilience, and length of exposure to stressors. Stress may be categorised as acute (positive stress) or chronic (negative stress). Acute stress is advantageous for the human body, but chronic stress results in changes in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, autonomic, and immunological functions, eventually causing different illnesses. The specific process relating stress to chronic stress associated diseases is still a topic of continuing debate. Inflammation has been recognised as a new and fascinating physiological mechanism that connects chronic stress and its associated illnesses. This article explored the relationships between chronic stress, inflammation, and chronic illnesses, including depression, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This article also emphasises on various possible therapeutic targets for the management of chronic stress related illnesses by targeting inflammation, namely lipoxins and alpha7 nicotinic receptors. These therapeutic targets may be useful in developing new and safe therapies for the management of chronic stress related dysfunctions.

Exploring the therapeutic mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma in gastric precancerous lesions: a network pharmacology approach

BACKGROUND

Gastric precancerous lesions are a critical stage in the development of gastric cancer or gastric adenocarcinoma, and their outcome plays an important role in the malignant progression of gastric cancer. Coptidis Rhizoma has a good effect on Gastric precancerous lesions. However, the specific mechanisms of its action remain incompletely elucidated.

METHODS

Network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques were used to explore the active ingredients and molecular mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in treating gastric precancerous lesions. The active compounds of Coptidis Rhizoma and their potential gastric precancerous lesions related targets were obtained from TCMSP, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. An interaction network based on protein-protein interactions (PPIs) was constructed to visualize the interactions between hub genes. Analysis of GO enrichment and KEGG pathway were conducted using the DAVID database. An investigation of interactions between active compounds and potential targets was carried out by molecular docking. Finally, animal experiments were conducted to verify the effect and mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma in treating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer.

RESULTS

A total of 11 active compounds and 95 anti-gastric precancerous lesions targets of Coptidis Rhizoma were screened for analysis. GO enrichment analysis showed that the mechanism of Coptidis Rhizoma acting on gastric precancerous lesions involves gene expression regulation and apoptosis regulation. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that Coptidis Rhizoma against gastric precancerous lesions involving the AKT /HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathway. Molecular docking simulations indicated potential interactions between these compounds and core targets involved in anti-gastric precancerous lesions activity. In addition, it was confirmed in vivo that Berberine and Coptidis Rhizoma may reverse atrophy and potential intestinal metaplasia by inhibiting the expression of p-AKT, HIFA, and VEGF.

CONCLUSION

Bioactive compounds in Coptidis Rhizoma have the potential to prevent atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. These compounds function by regulating the proteins implicated in AKT /HIF-1α/VEGF signalling pathways that are crucial in gastric epithelial cell differentiation, proliferation and maturation.

Sijunzi decoction ameliorates gastric precancerous lesions via regulating oxidative phosphorylation based on proteomics and metabolomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sijunzi decoction (SJZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is commonly used in clinical practice for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). However, the mechanism of gastric protection is not fully understood.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the efficacy of SJZD in blocking the development of GPL and to reveal the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

First, we established a rat model of GPL, which was induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) combined with an irregular diet and 40% ethanol. The efficacy of SJZD was evaluated based on pathological sections and serum biochemical indices. Then, the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SJZD was revealed by quantitative proteomics based on stable isotope dimethyl labeling. At the same time, the pharmacodynamic mechanism was verified by quantitative metabolomics. In addition, the anti-gastritis effect of SJZD was confirmed by a serum pharmacology method in a cell model, and the functional mechanism was further verified.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that SJZD could block the development of GPL in the animal model. Proteomics and metabolomics revealed that SJZD blocks GPL development by regulating oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). In addition, the serum pharmacology results showed that SJZD-containing serum (SJZD-CS) could inhibit apoptosis in MNNG-induced GES-1 cells. OXPHOS inhibitors could significantly reduce the protective effect of SJZD-CS.

CONCLUSION

SJZD effectively ameliorates GPL, and proteomics and metabolomics revealed that its protective effects are closely related to OXPHOS.

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction alleviates depressive-like behaviors in dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis mice via Trem2/Dap12 pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-Lian-Jie-Du decoction (HLJD), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has been implicated as effective in treating colitis, depression and inflammation-related diseases. Whether HLJD decoction could ameliorate colitis-induced depression was still unknown and the underlying mechanism was needed to be clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our study aimed to explore the effect and the underlying mechanism of HLJD treatment on colitis-induced depression and the involvement of the inflammatory factors and microglial-activated related genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chronic colitis model was established by treating male mice with 1% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 8 weeks. One week after DSS-treated, HLJD decoction was administered orally with 2 and 4 g/kg daily for 7 weeks. Behavior tests (Open field/Elevated plus maze/Novel object recognition) and TUNEL staining were then assessed. The expression of inflammatory-related genes and microglial dysregulation were measured by RT-PCR and the expression of Trem2, Danp12 and Iba1 were assessed by immunofluorescence methods.

RESULTS

Depressive-like behaviors were observed in mice treated with DSS, which suffered colitis. Compared to normal control (NC-V) mice, the density of TUNEL + cells in the habenula (Hb), hippocampus (HIP), and cortex were significantly higher in colitis (DSS-V) mice, especially in Hb. Compared to NC-V and several brain regions, the expression levels of the Il-1β, Il-10 and Dap12 mRNA were significantly increased in the lateral habenula (LHb) of colitis mice. Moreover, the expression of Trem2, Dap12 and Iba1 were increased in LHb of DSS-V mice. HLJD treatment could alleviate depressive-like behaviors, reduce the density of TUNEL + cells in Hb and the expression of Il-6, Il-10 and Dap12 mRNA in LHb of DSS-V mice. The overexpression of Trem2, Dap12 and Iba1 in LHb of DSS-V mice were reversed after HLJD treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal LHb is an important brain region during the process of colitis-induced depression. HLJD treatment could alleviates depressive-like behaviors in colitis mice via inhibiting the Trem2/Dap12 pathway in microglia of LHb, which would contribute to the precise treatment. It provides a potential mechanistic explanation for the effectiveness of HLJD treatment in colitis patients with depression.

Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer: A critical review

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor. Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC. However, preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia. A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL. This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC, especially focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.

Hyperbaric oxygen improves depression-like behaviors in chronic stress model mice by remodeling gut microbiota and regulating host metabolism

AIMS

There is growing evidence that the gut microbiota plays a significant part in the pathophysiology of chronic stress. The dysbiosis of the gut microbiota closely relates to dysregulation of microbiota-host cometabolism. Composition changes in the gut microbiota related to perturbations in metabolic profiles are vital risk factors for disease development. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is commonly applied as an alternative or primary therapy for various diseases. Therefore, a metabolic and gut bacteria perspective is essential to uncover possible mechanisms of chronic stress and the therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygenation. We determined that there were significantly disturbed metabolites and disordered gut microbiota between control and chronic stress group. The study aims to offer further information on the interactions between host metabolism, gut microbiota, and chronic stress.

METHODS

At present, chronic unpredictable mild stress is considered the most widespread method of modeling chronic stress in animals, so we used a chronic unpredictable mild stress mouse model to characterize changes in the metabolome and microbiome of depressed mice by combining 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UHPLC-MS/MS-based metabolomics. Pearson's correlation-based clustering analysis was performed with above metabolomics and fecal microbiome data to determine gut microbiota-associated metabolites.

RESULTS

We found that 18 metabolites showed a significant correlation with campylobacterota. Campylobacterota associated metabolites were significantly enriched mainly in the d-glutamate and d-glutamine metabolism. Hyperoxia treatment may improve depression-like behaviors in chronic stress model mice through regulating the disrupted metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperbaric oxygen improves depression-like behaviors in chronic stress model mice by remodeling Campylobacterota associated metabolites.

Gastric Mucosa Pathology in Rats with Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer with Spleen Deficiency and Blood Stasis

Objective

This research aimed at better understanding the histopathological development of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) and organelle ultrastructure changes.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the model and control groups. Model rats drank N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine solution, while control rats drank pure water ad libitum. At 1, 3, 5, 6, and 8 months after the start of feeding, eight rats were randomly chosen from each group, and gastric mucosa tissues were removed for histopathological analysis. H&E staining was applied to analyze the pathological histological structure of the rat gastric mucosa via a light microscope, and the ultrastructural changes were observed via a transmission electron microscope.

Results

Gastric mucosal pathologies of model rats such as mucosal atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, inflammatory lesions, and even intraepithelial neoplasia deteriorated over time. The endoplasmic reticulum gap widened, the mitochondrial endothelial cristae were disrupted, the nuclear membrane thickened, and chromatin condensed with heterotypic alterations in the main and parietal cells. Additionally, endothelial cell enlargement and thickening of the microvascular intima were seen.

Conclusion

Our research showed that the PLGC progression of rats is correlated with the pathological alteration axis of “normal gastric mucosa-gastric mucosa inflammatory changes-intestinal metaplasia with mild dysplasia-moderate to severe dysplasia.” Ultrastructure analysis of model rats is compatible with the structural changes in the gastric mucosa with spleen deficiency and blood stasis. The pathological evolutionary axis and ultrastructural analysis are helpful for evaluating potential novel herbal therapies for PLGC.

Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development

Simple Summary

Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy.

Abstract

Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.

Gene expression profiling reveals candidate biomarkers and probable molecular mechanisms in chronic stress

Chronic stress refers to nonspecific systemic reactions under the over-stimulation of different external and internal factors for a long time. Previous studies confirmed that chronic psychological stress had a negative effect on almost all tissues and organs. We intended to further identify potential gene targets related to the pathogenesis of chronic stress-induced consequences involved in different diseases. In our study, mice in the model group lived under the condition of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) until they expressed behaviors like depression which were supposed to undergo chronic stress. We applied high-throughput RNA sequencing to assess mRNA expression and obtained transcription profiles in lung tissue from CUMS mice and control mice for analysis. In view of the prediction of high-throughput RNA sequences and bioinformatics software, and mRNA regulatory network was constructed. First, we conducted differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and obtained 282 DEGs between CUMS (group A) and the control model (group B). Then, we conducted functional and pathway enrichment analyses. In general, the function of upregulated regulated DEGs is related to immune and inflammatory responses. PPI network identified several essential genes, of which ten hub genes were related to the T cell receptor signaling pathway. qRT-PCR results verified the regulatory network of mRNA. The expressions of CD28, CD3e, and CD247 increased in mice with CUMS compared with that in control. This illustrated immune pathways are related to the pathological molecular mechanism of chronic stress and may provide information for identifying potential biomarkers and early detection of chronic stress.

The therapeutic effect of Huazhuojiedu decoction on precancerous lesions in a gastric cancer model via the regulation of lnc 517368

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huazhuojiedu decoction, a Chinese herbal preparation, has been proven to be clinically effective in treating precancerous lesions in gastric cancer (PLGC). This formula is optimized from a classic formula called "Ganluxiaodu Dan." Although some experiments have shown that Huazhuojiedu decoction is effective against PLGC, the mechanism remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the treatment of PLGC with Huazhuojiedu decoction from the perspective of lncRNA in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PLGC rat model was prepared and randomly divided into a Huazhuojiedu decoction group (HG), a vitacoenzyme group (VG), a model group (MG), and a normal group (CG). Each group was given a corresponding concentration of medicine and distilled water for 10 weeks. The pathological changes in the gastric mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE). High-throughput sequencing was performed to detect the differentially expressed lncRNAs in the HG, MG, and CG. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to verify differentially expressed lncRNAs, and rat-human homology information was obtained from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Database. Human gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1) were used to prepare precancerous lesions of gastric cancer cells (MC). A Huazhuojiedu decoction drug-containing serum was prepared to treat the MC cells. The effects of the Huazhuojiedu decoction and the lncRNA ENST00000517368 (lnc 517368) knockdown or overexpression on PLGC cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated in vitro using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR.

RESULTS

The HE results showed that gastric mucosal pathology was significantly improved in the HG. High-throughput sequencing results showed that compared with the CG, 91 lncRNAs upregulated in the MG were restored and downregulated in the HG (P < 0.05), and 115 lncRNAs downregulated in the MG were restored and upregulated in the HG (P < 0.05). The results of RT-qPCR were consistent with the sequencing results. The differentially expressed genomic rat lncRNA ENSRNOT00000079699 is homologous to human lnc 517368. In cell experiments, high expression of lnc 517368 promoted proliferation and reduced apoptosis in PLGC cells, while the Huazhuojiedu decoction reduced the expression of lnc 517368 and improved cell morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

Huazhuojiedu decoction inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis in PLGC cells, and its effect may be partially dependent on the downregulation of lnc 517368.

Leptin Protein Expression and Promoter Methylation in Ovarian Cancer: A Strong Prognostic Value with Theranostic Promises

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest among all gynecological cancers. Epidemiological studies showed that obesity might influence many cancers including OC. One of the key factors that may link obesity and OC is leptin (LEP), known as an adipokine with pleiotropic effects on body homeostasis. This study aims to investigate the expression pattern of LEP, assess the methylation profiles of LEP and their associations with clinicopathological features including survival outcomes of OC patients. The protein expression of LEP was evaluated in 208 samples using both tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry techniques. The methylation profiles of LEP were measured in 63 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor tissues by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using a MethyLight assay. Our results showed a significant association of LEP protein overexpression with several clinicopathological variables, mainly tumor subtype, LVI, age of menarche, tumor size and stage (p < 0.04). Kaplan-Meier analysis (using low expression versus high expression as a discriminator) indicated that LEP protein overexpression is a powerful positive prognosticator of both OC recurrence (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) in our OC cohort (log-rank p = 0.01 and p = 0.002, respectively). This implies that patients with high LEP expression profiles live longer with less recurrence rates. Methylation analysis results demonstrated a clear association between no/low LEP protein expression pattern (38%) and LEP promoter CpG island hypermethylation (43%). Results of this study suggest that LEP is a powerful prognosticator of OC recurrence and DSS. LEP expression in OC seems to be regulated by its promoter hypermethylation through gene partial/total silencing. Further multi-institutional studies using larger cohorts are required to demystify the intricate molecular functions of this leptin-driven effects in OC pathophysiology and to accurately assess its theranostic potential and validate its prognostic/predictive power in OC onset, progression towards more effective and personalized management of OC patients.