Caspase-3 Protein Expression Research Articles

Taurine and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin synergistically protect against the methotrexate-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects

This study aimed to evaluate the protective potential of taurine (Tau) and enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ), both individually and in combination, against MTX-induced cardiotoxicity in male rats. A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into six groups (six animals each): control (vehicle), MTX alone (20 mg/kg, single dose), EMIQ+MTX (EMIQ at 26 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), Tau + MTX (Tau at 500 mg/kg, p.o. for 16 days, with a single dose of MTX on the 13th day), (EMIQ+Tau)+MTX, and (EMIQ+Tau)½+MTX. MTX treatment resulted in elevated levels of cardiac creatine phosphokinase-myocardial band, troponin I, nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and serum IL-6, while decreasing levels of cardiac myeloperoxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. MTX also reduced expression of BMI-1, induced DNA laddering and fragmentation, and increased cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in cardiac tissue. Both Tau and EMIQ showed equivalent effectiveness in protecting the heart against MTX-induced damage due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Notably, combined treatment with half-doses of Tau and EMIQ offered superior protection compared to full doses of each agent alone. The full-dose combination showed similar efficacy to the half-dose combination, with a few exceptions. Overall, these results suggest a synergistic effect of Tau and EMIQ in mitigating MTX-induced cardiotoxicity, warranting further investigation into the underlying mechanisms.

Study on the Mechanism of Raspberry (Rubi fructus)in Treating Type 2 Diabetes Based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation.

The aim of this study is to analyze the chemical composition of raspberry using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology, predict the potential effects of raspberry in treating type 2 diabetes through network pharmacology, and conduct preliminary validation through invitro experiments. A Waters CORTECS C18 column (3.0 mm × 100 mm, 2.7 μm) was used; mobile phase A consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water and mobile phase B consisted of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Gradient elution was performed with full-scan mode in both positive and negative ion modes, covering a mass range of m/z 100-1500. The chemical components of raspberry were analyzed and identified based on secondary spectra from databases and relevant literature. The disease targets related to type 2 diabetes were searched, and protein-protein interaction network analysis as well as gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on the intersecting targets of the active components of raspberry and the disease. HepG2 cells were used for experimental validation, with high glucose-induced insulin resistance models established. The CCK-8 method was employed to assess the effects of raspberry on cell proliferation, while Western blotting was used to measure the expression of proteins related to the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway. A total of 47 components were identified, including 10 organic acids, 15 flavonoids, 12 phenols, 2 alkaloids, 4 terpenoids, 1 miscellaneous compound, 1 stilbene, 1 steroid and its derivatives, and 1 diterpenoid. Through database screening, seven active components were identified: kaempferol, epicatechin, ellagic acid, crocetin, stigmasterol, fisetin, and isorhamnetin. KEGG and GO results indicated that the therapeutic effects of raspberry on type 2 diabetes may be related to the advanced glycation end product (AGE)- receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) signaling pathway. Establishment of an insulin resistance model in HepG2 cells demonstrated that, compared to the control group, the raspberry treatment group upregulated p53 protein expression while downregulating the expression of RAGE, Akt1, and Caspase-3 proteins. This study preliminarily elucidates that the therapeutic effects of raspberry in treating type 2 diabetes may be mediated through the inhibition of the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, providing important references for the study of the pharmacological basis and clinical application of raspberry.

Effective Synthesis of C20-Epi-Isothiocyanato-Salinomycin and its Thiourea Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents.

Salinomycin, a naturally occurring polyether ionophore antibiotic isolated from Streptomyces albus, has been demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against a variety of cancer cell lines. In particular, it exhibits selective targeting of cancer stem cells. However, systemic toxicity, drug resistance and low bioavailability of the drug significantly limit its potential applications. In this study, the C20-epi-isothiocyanate of salinomycin was designed and synthesized, and then reacted with amines as a versatile synthon to assemble a series of salinomycin thiourea derivatives, which improved the druggability of salinomycin. The antiproliferative activities of the compounds were evaluated in vitro against A549, HepG2, HeLa, 4T1, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines using the CCK-8 assay. The pharmacological results showed that some salinomycin thiourea derivatives exhibited excellent inhibitory activity against at least one of the tested tumor cells and high selectivity. Further mechanistic studies showed that compound 9 f, containing a 3,5-difluorobenzyl moiety, could directly induce apoptosis, probably by increasing caspase-9 protein expression and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase in a concentration dependent manner.

The impact of X-rays on cardiac hydrometabolism and the regulatory role of AS-IV

BackgroundRadiation-induced cardiac injury has emerged as a significant pathological entity, with many studies focusing on the fibrotic changes in myocardial tissue. However, these do not offer solutions for the clinical prevention and treatment of radiation-induced heart disease. Regulating hydrometabolism presents a potential therapeutic target for the management of cardiovascular diseases. This research seeks to explore the impacts of irradiation on cardiac hydrometabolism and its regulatory mechanisms. MethodsThe impact of X-ray radiation on cardiac and cardiomyocyte hydrometabolism was studied through in vivo and in vitro experiments, examining the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of PX-478 and AS-IV interventions in cardiomyocytes. Results28 days after direct chest irradiation with 20 Gy X-rays, C57BL/6 mice exhibited an increased heart wet-to-dry weight ratio, significant enlargement of cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area, and elevated protein expression of HIF-1α, AQP1, AQP4, Cx43, Caspase3, and Bax, with decreased expression of Bcl-2. Irradiation with 6 Gy X-rays induced edema and damage in AC16 and HL-1 cardiomyocytes at 24, 48, and 72 h, with increased expression of HIF-1α, AQP1, AQP4, and Cx43 proteins post-radiation. Inhibition of HIF-1α ameliorated edema and apoptosis in AC16 and HL-1 cardiomyocytes, reducing the expression of HIF-1α, AQP1, AQP4, and Cx43 proteins. AS-IV demonstrated strong binding affinity with HIF-1α, and successfully attenuated the expression levels of HIF-1α, AQP1, AQP4, and Cx43 proteins, alleviating edema, mitochondrial swelling, and apoptosis in AC16 and HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, AS-IV improved cardiomyocyte edema by restoring the activity of Na/K-ATPase. ConclusionAberrant activation of the HIF-1α/AQPs/Cx43 axis is a key mechanism in X-ray-induced cardiomyocyte edema and damage. AS-IV can ameliorate X-ray induced cardiac damage by regulating hydrometabolism.

Repurposing Aprepitant: Can it protect against doxorubicin-induced Chemobrain beyond its antiemetic role?

The substance P (SP) and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) axis is crucial in numerous pathological processes, including inflammation, stress responses, pain perception, and vomiting. Consequently, aprepitant, an NK-1R blocker, is used as an antiemetic in chemotherapy, including the use of doxorubicin (DOX), but whether aprepitant can also assuage DOX-mediated chemobrain remains to be unveiled. Here, we scrutinized the potential neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanisms of aprepitant using DOX-induced chemobrain model, where rats were allocated into 4 groups (control, aprepitant, DOX, and DOX+ aprepitant). Cognitive deficits were assessed through behavioral tests and hippocampal structural alterations were determined by H&E and toluidine blue staining. Biochemical measurements were performed using ELISA, real-time quantitative PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemical methods. Aprepitant improved cognitive responses, and hippocampal morphology, enhancing the presence of intact neurons. At the molecular tier, aprepitant significantly reduced hippocampal contents of SP and the inflammatory markers NF-κB and IL-1β. Additionally, it signified its antioxidant and antiapoptotic capacities by downregulating cleaved caspase-3 protein expression and curbing the content of malondialdehyde but boosted those of glutathione and Bcl-2. Aprepitant also downregulated the expression of miR-146a and turned off the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress cascade PERK/eIF-2α/ATF-4/CHOP. To recapitulate, aprepitant demonstrates a neuroprotective effect against DOX-mediated chemobrain by alleviating inflammatory, oxidative, and apoptotic responses, partly by reducing SP, ER stress, and miR-146a. These findings not only underscore the potential of aprepitant as a neuroprotective agent but also offer new understanding of the mechanisms behind chemobrain, leading to better therapeutic strategies for cancer patients.

Electroacupuncture preconditioning prevents urticaria by regulating inflammatory response in rats with urticaria

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning at "Quchi" (LI11) and "Xuehai" (SP10) in prevention of urticaria. Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into control, model and preconditioning of EA (Pre-EA) groups (8 rats/group). The urticaria model was established by intradermal injection of dilute allogeneic antioalbumin serum at the spots of the bilateral symmetry of the spine on the back, and followed by tail venous injection of mixture solution of egg albumin diluent, plus 0.5% Evans blue and normal saline. Ten days before the end of modeling, rats of the pre-EA group received EA stimulation of LI11 and SP10 for 20 min, once a day for 10 consecutive days. The times of rat's scratching the sensitized skin were recorded. HE staining method was used to observe the pathological changes of skin tissue, and toluidine blue staining method was used to observe the morphology of mast cells (MCs) in the skin, blood, mesentery, and peritoneal fluid, and calculate the degranulation rate. Immunohistochemical stainning was used to detect immunoglobulin E (IgE), histamine (HIS), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) expressions in subcutaneous tissue. NOD like receptor thermal domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, apoptosis related granule protein (ASC), and cysteine aspartate aminotransferase 1 (Caspase-1) protein expression levels in skin tissue were detected by Western blot. The contents of serum interleukin(IL)-1β and IL-18 were detected using ELISA method. Compared with the control group, the scratching times, amount of Evans blue exudation of the sensitized blue spots, degranulation rate of MCs in skin, blood, mesentery and peritoneal fluid, the expression levels of IgE, HIS, 5-HT in subcutaneous tissue, protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 in skin tissue, and the contents of serum IL-1β and IL-18 were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the scratching times, amount of Evans blue exudation of the sensitized blue spots, degranulation rate of MCs, the expression levels of IgE, HIS, 5-HT in subcutaneous tissue, protein expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1 in skin tissue, and the contents of serum IL-1β and IL-18 in EA group were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). EA preconditioning at LI11 and SP10 can prevent and treat UR by inhibiting inflammatory response, which is related to the regulation of pyroptosis.

Effect of fermentation on the constituents in the branches and leaves of Taxus media and non-small cell lung cancer.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a prominent lung cancer disease worldwide. Currently, commonly used methods, such as surgery and radiotherapy, have significant side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become a research hotspot because of its safe and effective characteristics. The branches and leaves of Taxus media are abundant in antitumor active compounds, and there has been no research conducted as yet regarding its anti-lung cancer molecular mechanism. The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor activity of two samples before and after fermentation of T. media, and to research the molecular mechanism of its inhibitory effect on NSCLC. The chemical composition of pre-fermentation T. media (TM) and post-fermentation T. media qu (TMQ) were investigated using UHPLC-Q-Qrbitrap HRMS and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The anti-lung cancer activities of TM and TMQ were compared using an A549-induced tumor mouse model. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence were used to determine the of TMQ mechanism of action. The results indicated that TM and TMQ contained 83 compounds, consisting primarily of flavonoids, organic acids, and taxanes. Both taxanes and flavonoids in TMQ were higher than that in TM. Both TM and TMQ effectively inhibited the tumor growth in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the inhibition rate was greater in TMQ (57.24%) than in TM (49.62%). TMQ administration downregulated the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the glutathione (GSH) level and upregulated interferon-γ (IFN-γ), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum of tumor mice. TMQ treatment also increased the protein expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Beclin-1 in tumor tissues. In contrast, the bcl-2, PI3K, Ki67, ULK1, and mTOR protein levels were suppressed by TMQ. Protein assay analyses reemphasized the superior antitumor effect of TMQ over TM. These cumulative findings demonstrated that the mechanism of action of TMQ was closely related to the activation of transcriptional misregulation in the cancer pathway that inhibited the cholinergic synaptic, AMPK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways. This study demonstrated that fermentation increased the active ingredient contents and antitumor effects of T. media. In addition, post-fermentation TMQ was superior to TM as a herbal medicine for NSCLC treatment.

Bifidobacterium lactis-Derived Vesicles Attenuate Hippocampal Neuroinflammation by Targeting IL-33 to Regulate FoxO6/P53 Signaling

Background: Hippocampal Neuroinflammation (HNF) is a critical driver of cognitive impairment. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) accumulate amyloid beta (Aβ) and lead to HNF. The Bifidobacterium lactis (BL) 99 have anti-inflammatory ability. However, whether BL99-derived microbiota-derived vesicles (MV) could alleviate LPS-induced HNF remains unclear. Methods: To investigate, we used ultrafiltration with ultracentrifuge to extract BL99-derived-MV (BL99-MV). We used hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells (HT22) to establish the LPS-induced HNF model, and explored whether BL99-MV alleviate LPS-induced HNF. Results: The confocal microscopy showed that BL99-MV were taken up by HT22 and reduced the oxidative stress (ROS) level. The PCR showed that BL99-MV up-regulate IL-10 level, and down-regulate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4127 differentially expressed genes, with 2549 genes upregulated and 1578 genes downregulated in the BL99-MV group compared to the LPS group. Compared to the LPS group, BL99-MV decreased FoxO6, IL-33, P53, and NFκB expression, but increased FoxO1 and Bcl2 expression. The WB showed that BL99-MV modulated NFκB, FoxO6, P53, Caspase9, and Caspase3 protein expression by reducing IL-33 expression in HT22. The findings demonstrated IL-33 as a regulator for FoxO6/P53 signaling. Conclusions: Here, we hypothesized that BL99-MV alleviated LPS-induced HNF to promote HT22 survival and synaptic development by regulating FoxO6/P53 signaling by targeting IL-33.

FuKe QianJin capsule alleviates endometritis via inhibiting inflammation and pyroptosis through modulating TLR4/ NF-κB /NLRP3 pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceFuke Qianjin Capsule (FKC), a traditional Chinese medicine commonly employed for treating endometritis, lacks reported treatment mechanisms. Aim of the studyThe aim of the present study was to explore the role and mechanism of FKC in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endometritis. Materials and methodsThe main active ingredients of FKC were identified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in conjunction with standard substances. Prior to endometritis induction, Sprague Dawley female rats received FKC for 7 days. The endometritis model was established through an intrauterine injection of 1 mg/kg LPS. Concurrently, an LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammation model was utilized, in which the cells were treated with serum containing Fuke Qianjin Capsule. Pathological alterations in the endometrium were assessed via H&E staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The contents of MPO in uterine tissues, and NO release in cells, along with the secretion of IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in both tissues and cells, were determined via assay kits. The mRNA levels of Nlrp3, Caspase-1, Gsdmd, and Il-1β in uterine tissues and cells were analyzed via qPCR. The protein levels of TLR4, p65, p-P65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and IL-1β in these samples were evaluated through Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the protein levels of p-P65 and NLRP3 in uterine tissues and cells. ResultsFive primary active components of FKC were identified. Treatment with FKC in vivo mitigated endometrial pathological damage and significantly decreased the levels of MPO, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as the levels of Nlrp3, Caspase-1, Gsdmd, and Il-1β mRNA in tissue samples. Treatment with FKC inhibited the expression of TLR4, p-P65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and IL-1β, as well as reduced NLRP3 protein fluorescence intensity, and inhibited P65 phosphorylation. In vitro findings demonstrated that FKC-containing serum reduced IL-18, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, as well as reduced Nlrp3, Caspase-1, Gsdmd, and Il-1β mRNA levels. In addition, FKC-containing serum inhibited the protein expression of TLR4, p-P65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and IL-1β. FKC-containing serum also reduced NLRP3 protein fluorescence intensity and suppressed P65 phosphorylation. ConclusionFKC reverses the LPS induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and mitigates inflammation and pyroptosis through the modulation of the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway, thereby alleviating endometritis.

Toxicological screening of zinc oxide nanoparticles in mongrel dogs after seven days of repeated subcutaneous injections

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have recently been applied in various veterinary and medical fields, however, the toxicological evaluations of these NPs in dogs are lacking. Therefore, the current study is designed to assess the impact of exposure to daily subcutaneous (SC) injections of ZnO NPs at different concentrations on various organs of mongrel dogs. Nine dogs were randomly divided into three groups (n = 3 for each) as follows: group (1) served as the control group, whereas groups (2&3) received SC injections of 50 and 100 ppm ZnO NPs (8 and 16 μg/kg bwt), respectively, once/day for 7 days. Our results revealed that ZnO NPs disrupted the oxidant/antioxidant balance in the lungs, liver, and kidneys of dogs in a dose-dependent manner. ZnO NPs induced dose-dependent radiological, ultrasonographical, and histopathological alterations in various organs especially lungs, spleen, liver, and kidneys along with disturbance in both liver and kidney biomarkers levels. Most organs of both ZnO NPs receiving groups displayed strong caspase-3 protein expression. Additionally, it upregulates the transcriptase levels of TNF-α and VEGF, as well as downregulates the antiapoptotic gene IL-10 in lung, kidney, and liver tissue homogenates. It was concluded that the daily SC injections of dogs with ZnO NPs at concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm caused extensive oxidative stress damage in various organs which provoked serious pathological processes such as apoptosis and inflammation.

Diacerein ameliorates amiodarone-induced pulmonary fibrosis via targeting the TGFβ1/α-SMA/Smad3 pathway.

This study is aimed at investigating the possible protective effect of diacerein (DIA) against AMD-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Rats were classified into 4 groups: a normal group that received distilled water, control group that received AMD (100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 21 days to induce pulmonary fibrosis, and 2 treatment groups that received diacerein, in 2 dose levels (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., respectively) in addition to AMD (100 mg/kg, p.o.), for 21 days. Lung function test was assessed using a spirometer; serum and tissue were collected. Biochemical, real-time PCR, histopathological, and immunohistopathological analyses were carried out. AMD reduced tidal volume (TV), peripheral expiratory rate (PER), forced vital capacity (FVC), serum reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, Beclin, and LCII, while it elevated transform growth factor (TGF-β1) gene expression, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad3, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (p-STAT3), and p62 lung content. Also, AMD elevated tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and caspase-3 protein expression. DIA elevated TV, PER, FVC, serum GSH level, Beclin, and LCII, while it reduced TGF-β1 gene expression, serum MDA level, α-SMA, Smad3, p-STAT-3, and p62 lung content. Moreover, DIA reduced TNF-α and caspase-3 protein expression. DIA attenuated AMD-induced pulmonary fibrosis via alleviating the TGF1/α-SMA/Smad3 pathway, reducing STAT-3 activation, and combating oxidative stress and inflammation in addition to promoting autophagy and abrogating apoptosis.

Loureirin B Reduces Insulin Resistance and Chronic Inflammation in a Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome by Upregulating GPR120 and Activating the LKB1/AMPK Signaling Pathway.

Polycystic ovary yndrome (PCOS) is a common metabolic disorder in women, which is usually associated with insulin resistance (IR) and chronic inflammation. Loureirin B (LrB) can effectively improve insulin resistance and alleviate chronic inflammation, and in order to investigate the therapeutic effect of LrB on polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS-IR), we conducted animal experiments. A PCOS-IR rat model was established by feeding a high-fat diet combined with letrozole (1 mg/kg·d for 21 days). The rats were treated with the GPR120 agonists TUG-891 and LrB for 4 weeks. Biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein), hormone levels (serum insulin, E2, T, LH, and FSH), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) were analyzed. Histopathological analyses of ovaries were performed using hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining. Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to assess GPR120, NLRP3, and caspase-1 expression in ovaries, and immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate LKB1 and AMPK protein expression. LrB reduced body weight, Lee's index, ovarian index, ovarian area, and volume in PCOS-IR rats. It lowered fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR. LrB decreased total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels and increased HDL levels. It reduced serum T, LH, and LH/FSH and raised serum E2 and FSH levels. LrB downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 and Caspase-1, increased the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPR120 in rat ovaries, and increased LKB1 and AMPK protein expression in ovaries, ameliorating ovarian histopathological changes in PCOS-IR rats. Taken together, LrB upregulated GPR120, LKB1, and AMPK protein expression, downregulated NLRP3 and Caspase-1 protein expression, reduced insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, and ameliorated histopathological changes in ovarian tissues in PCOS rats, suggesting its potential as a treatment for PCOS.

A polysaccharide with a triple helix structure from Agaricus bisporus: Characterization and anti-colon cancer activity

In this study, A polysaccharide WAAP-2 (121 kDa) with a triple-helical structure was isolated and purified from Agaricus bisporus for the first time. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics and anti-colon cancer activity were preliminarily investigated. The primary structure indicated that WAAP-2 was composed of mannose, glucose and galactose and determined the position of the linkage between monosaccharide residues. The advanced structure revealed that WAAP-2 has a triple helix and tangled chain conformation. In the anti-colon cancer activity investigation, WAAP-2 exerted an apoptosis-inducing effect by causing HT-29 cell cycle arrest in S phase. WAAP-2 promoted HT-29 cell apoptosis by up-regulating the expression of Caspase-3 and Bax proteins while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 protein. Besides, WAAP-2 could inhibit the migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells by inducing E-cadherin expression and inhibiting Vimentin expression to affect epithelial mesenchymal transition. This paper is of importance for the application of WAAP-2, a triple-helical structural polysaccharide from Agaricus bisporus, to low-toxicity anti-colon cancer drugs.

Clausena harmandiana root extract ameliorates Aβ1-42 induced cognitive deficits, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats

BackgroundClausena harmandiana (CH), commonly known as song fa dong, was a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat illnesses and as a health tonic. CH root extract (CHRE) exhibited various bioactivities, including neuroprotective, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, CHRE data on neuroprotective in AD-like animal models were still scarce.ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the effects of CHRE on Aβ1-42-induced cognitive deficits, free radical damage, and neuronal death in rats.MethodsForty-eight adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (250–300 g) were classified as sham control (SC), V+Aβ, Vit C+Aβ, CHRE125+Aβ, CHRE250+Aβ, and CHRE500+Aβ (n = 8 in each group). Animals were orally administered with 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose, vitamin C (200 mg/kg BW), or CHRE (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg BW) and were untreated for 35 days. On day 21, all treated rats were injected with 1 µl of aggregated Aβ1-42 (1 µg/µl) into the lateral ventricles, bilaterally, whereas untreated rats were injected with sterilized normal saline (NS). The Morris water maze test estimated the rat’s learning and memory one week later. At the end of the treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and their brains were removed and divided into two hemispheres. On the left, morphological changes and neuronal density were observed in hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions. While, on the right, changes in free radical damage markers (SOD, CAT, GPx, MDA, and Nrf2) and protein expression of active caspase-3 were evaluated in the hippocampus.ResultsPretreatment with CHRE at all doses could alleviate spatial learning and memory defects. CHRE also improved morphological changes and a decrease in neuronal density in CA1 and CA3 regions. Additionally, CHRE significantly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) and Nrf2 expression. This was coupled with significantly decreased MDA levels and active caspase-3 expression in the hippocampus of Aβ1-42-induced rats, which was similar to vitamin C exposure.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that CHRE ameliorated cognitive deficits and exhibited neuroprotective effects by reducing free radical damage and mitigating neuronal abnormality and neuronal death.

Mechanism of ginsenoside Rb3 against OGD/R damage based on metabonomic and PCR array analyses.

In order to study the mechanisms of ginsenoside Rb3 (G-Rb3) against oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury in HT22 cells based on metabolomics and PCR array, HT22 cells were randomly divided into control group, model group, G-Rb3 high-dose group (10 µmol/l) and G-Rb3 low-dose group (5 µmol/l). Except for the control group, which was left untreated, the remaining groups were incubated with 10 mmol/l Na2S2O4 in sugar-free DMEM medium for 2 h and then replaced with serum-free high-sugar DMEM medium for 2 h in order to replicate in vitro OGD/R model. Trypan blue staining was used to detect the cell viability; flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis; western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3. The metabolomics were used to analyze the differential metabolites of G-Rb3 affecting OGD/R in order to find the relevant metabolic pathways. PCR array assay was performed to identify the expression of the differential genes. G-Rb3 could inhibit HT22 apoptosis according to the result of cell morphology, trypan blue staining and flow cytometry. The levels of Bax and caspase-3 protein expression were decreased, whereas the level of Bcl-2 protein expression was increased after the treatment of G-Rb3. Metabolomics results showed that a total of 31 differential metabolites between OGD/R group and G-Rb3 group, such as guanosine level, was downregulated, the levels of enalaprilat and sorbitol were upregulated, affecting ABC transporters, galactose metabolism, citrate cycle and other related metabolic pathways; according to the result of PCR array, it was observed that G-Rb3 significantly downregulated Trp63, Trp73, Dapk1, Casp14 and Cd70 pro-apoptotic genes. In conclusion, G-Rb3 has a significant protective effect on the OGD/R model simulated in vitro, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of apoptosis by affecting metabolites.

MTORC2 inhibition by JR-AB2-011 improves IL-1β-induced inflammation, catabolic response, and apoptosis in human chondrocytes through IκB-α/NF-κB p65.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a very common chronic joint condition marked by inflammation and cartilage loss. mTOR is a well-known mediator of inflammation, cell survival, and aging; however, its role in OA has not been determined. To explore the role of mTORC2 in OA-and associated pathological changes, we examined the contribution of mTORC2-mediated Akt, rictor and IκB-α/NF-κB p65 pathway in interleukin (IL)-1β-treated human chondrocytes. We focused on the protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines and catabolic and apoptotic factors, including TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, MMP13, Bax, and caspase3, which may occur through this signalling pathway in IL-1β-treated chondrocytes. Chondrocytes were cultured and treated with either 2 ng/mL IL‑1β alone or in combination with increasing concentrations of JR-AB2-011 (50, 100, or 250 µM), a selective mTORC2 inhibitor. The protein levels of phosphorylated (p)‑Akt, Akt, rictor, p-NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65, IκB-α, p-IκB-α, iNOS, MMP13, Bax, and caspase3 were evaluated by Western blotting. In IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes, mTORC2 activity was increased with increased phosphorylation of Akt and expression of rictor. IL-1β increased the expression of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, NF-κB p65, IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS, Bax, and caspase3 proteins and decreased the expression of IκB-α. All of these IL-1β-induced alterations were prevented by JR-AB2-011. The main novel finding in the present study is that selective mTORC2 inhibition by JR-AB2-011 prevents the inflammatory, catabolic, and apoptotic responses induced by IL-1β via modulation of IκB-α/NF-κB activity. Therefore, we demonstrated a previously unknown function of mTORC2 inhibition that seems to be a potential therapeutic target for OA.

Mild burn amplifies the locomotive depression in demyelinated mice without muscle pathophysiological changes.

Patients with mild burns take most accounts, however, the impact of mild burns is less known. Nerve destruction leads to muscle atrophy. We posit that even mild burn injury could worsen demyelinated nerves related to muscle pathophysiological impairment. Young adult C57BL/6 (male, n = 60) mice were randomly fed with either a 0.2% cuprizone diet or a regular rodent diet for 4 weeks. At week 5, all mice were then grouped into mild scald burn with 10% TBSA and sham injury groups. Mice received animal behavior tests and in situ muscle isometric force measurement before euthanasia for tissue collection. Total horizontal ambulation and vertical activity were significantly reduced in mice with mild burn injury (p<0.05). Mice with the cuprizone diet had significantly less time to fall than those with the regular diet on day 7 after burn (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in gastrocnemius tissue weight among the groups, nor muscle isometric tensions (all p>0.05). The cuprizone diet increased the maximal phosphorylating respiration in mice muscle mitochondria (p<0.05). The muscle protein expressions of caspase 3, Fbx-32, and Murf1 significantly increased in mice with the cuprizone diet 3 days after burn (p<0.05). The signal expression of S100B significantly increased in mice with the cuprizone diet, and its expression was even greater on day 7 after burn injury. (p<0.05). The cuprizone diet-induced locomotion and cognitive disorders were amplified by the mild burn injury in mice, which is associated with muscle intracellular signal alterations. However, mild burn injury does not cause mouse muscle weight loss and function impairment. The potential risk of pre-existed neural impairment could be aware when patients encounter even small or mild burns.

Design, synthesis and antitumor effects of lupeol quaternary phosphonium salt derivatives

Lupeol is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid with a wide range of biological activities. To improve the water solubility and targeting of lupeol, in the following study, we synthesized 27 lupeol derivatives in the first series by introducing lipophilic cations with lupeol as the lead compound. Through the screening of different cancer cells, we found that some of the derivatives showed better activity than cisplatin against human non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, among which compound 6c was found to have an IC50 value of 1.83 μM and a selectivity index of 21.02 (IC50MRC-5/IC50A549) against A549 cells. To further improve the antiproliferative activity of the compounds, we replaced the ester linkage of the linker with a carbamate linkage and synthesized a second series of five lupeol derivatives which were screened for activity, among which compound 14f was found to have an IC50 value of 1.36 μM and a selectivity index of 15.60 (IC50MRC-5/IC50A549) against A549 cells. We further evaluated the bioactivity of compounds 6c and 14f and found that both compounds induced apoptosis in A549 cells, promoted an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species and decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, and inhibited the cell cycle in the S phase. Of the compounds, compound 14f showed stronger bioactivity than compound 6c. We then selected compound 14f for molecular-level Western blot evaluation and in vivo evaluation in the zebrafish xenograft A549 tumor cell model. Compound 14f was found to significantly downregulate Bcl-2 protein expression and upregulate Bax, Cyt C, cleaved caspase-9, and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression, and 14f was found to be able to inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells in the zebrafish xenograft model. The above results suggest that compound 14f has great potential in the development of antitumor drugs targeting mitochondria.

1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 protects against placental inflammation by suppressing NLRP3-mediated IL-1β production via Nrf2 signaling pathway in preeclampsia

BackgroundMaternal vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, a potentially life-threatening multi-system disorder specific to human pregnancy. Placental trophoblast dysfunction is a key factor in the development of preeclampsia, and the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome may play a crucial role in this process. Previous studies have suggested that vitamin D can exert beneficial effects by suppressing inflammasome activation, but the underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study aims to explore the protective effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] on the placenta and to investigate the mechanisms by which 1,25(OH)2D3 attenuates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in a rat model of preeclampsia and hypoxia-cultured placental trophoblast cells. ResultsOur findings demonstrated that supplementation of rats with 1,25(OH)2D3 mitigated placental inflammation and prevented multi-organ dysfunction associated with preeclampsia. Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited inflammasome-mediated inflammation in trophoblast cells via its receptor VDR by reducing the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), decreasing IL-1β production, reducing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, and enhancing the expression and enzymatic activity of Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD). Mechanistically, 1,25(OH)2D3 upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling, subsequently suppressing NLRP3-mediated IL-1β overproduction in trophoblast cells. ConclusionsOur study indicates that 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibits NLRP3-mediated inflammation in trophoblast cells during preeclampsia by stimulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Drug pairs of Huangqi and Danggui alleviates pyroptosis by promoting autophagy activity via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway in middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common complication of ischemic stroke, with autophagy and pyroptosis playing key roles. Huangqi and Danggui (HQDG) are a commonly used drug pair of Chinese traditional medicine for clinical treatment of ischemic stroke. Aim of the studyThe study aims to investigate the interaction between autophagy and pyroptosis regulated by HQDG through the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway during cerebral I/R injury. Materials and methodsModel of middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in SD rats was established using the Longa suture method. The components of traditional Chinese medicine were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (LC/MS). Neurological deficits were evaluated by neurological function score. Changes of cerebral blood flow were detected by a laser speckle blood flow imaging instrument. The volume of cerebral infarction was observed by 2,3,5-Chlorotriphenyltetrazolium (TTC) staining. The permeability of the blood-brain barrier was measured by Evans blue test. Neurovascular unit and autophagosomes in brain tissue were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Neuronal pyroptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)/Caspase-1 staining. The expression of autophagy related proteins, pyroptosis related proteins, and AMPK/mTOR pathway related proteins were detected by Western blot. ResultsAfter cerebral I/R injury, autophagy and pyroptosis, were characterized by increased number of autophagosomes and pyroptosis cells, upregulated expression of Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1beta, IL-18 proteins, and downregulated expression of P62 proteins. HQDG significantly improved neurological function, reduced the volume of cerebral infarction, increased cerebral blood flow, improved blood-brain barrier permeability and the function of neurovascular units. Autophagy was further activated and pyroptosis was significantly inhibited by HQDG, which promoted increased number of autophagosomes, enhanced expression of Beclin 1, LC3-II/LC3-I proteins, reduced expression of P62, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1beta, and IL-18 proteins, and downregulated the number of pyroptosis cells. On the other hand, after administering 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) to inhibit autophagy, the above effects of HQDG were significantly inhibited. Besides, HQDG promoted AMPK phosphorylation, and weakened mTOR phosphorylation. However, after the administration of AMPK inhibitor Compound C, HQDG caused increase in Beclin 1 and LC3-II/LC3-I, reduced P62 and NLRP3, and cleaved Caspase-1 protein expression, whereas cerebral blood flow decreased. ConclusionHQDG alleviated pyroptosis by promoting autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway after middle-cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion in rats, showing its potential for treatment of cerebral I/R injury in humans.