Increased Bcl-2 Protein Expression Research Articles

Long non-coding RNA-NONMMMUT004552.2 regulates the unloading-induced bone loss through the miRNA-15b-5p/Syne1 in mice

Exercise-induced mechanical loading can increase bone strength whilst mechanical unloading enhances bone-loss. Here, we investigated the role of lncRNA NONMMUT004552.2 in unloading-induced bone-loss. Knockout of lncRNA NONMMUT004552.2 in hindlimb-unloaded mice caused an increase in the bone formation and osteoblast activity. The silencing of lncRNA NONMMUT004552.2 also decreased the osteoblast apoptosis and expression of Bax and cleaved caspase-3, increased Bcl-2 protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that NONMMUT004552.2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to facilitate the protein expression of spectrin repeat containing, nuclear envelope 1 (Syne1) by competitively binding miR-15b-5p and subsequently inhibits the osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in the microgravity unloading environment. These data highlight the importance of the lncRNA NONMMUT004552.2/miR-15b-5p/Syne1 axis for the treatment of osteoporosis.

α-synuclein regulates Cyclin D1 to promote abnormal initiation of the cell cycle and induce apoptosis in dopamine neurons

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, while misfolding and abnormal aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn) are core pathological features. Previous studies have suggested that damage to dopamine neurons may be related to cell cycle dysregulation, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, a PD mouse model was induced by stereotactic injection of α-syn into the nucleus, and treated with the cell cycle inhibitor, roscovitine (Rosc). The results demonstrated that Rosc improved behavioral disorders caused by α-syn, increased TH protein expression, inhibited α-syn and p-α-syn protein expression, and reduced the expression levels of G1/S phase cell cycle genes Cyclin D1, Cyclin E, CDK2, CDK4, E2F and pRB. Additionally, Rosc decreased Bax and Caspase-3 expression caused by α-syn, while increasing Bcl-2 protein expression. Meanwhile, we observed that α-syn can influence neuronal cell autophagy by decreasing the expression level of Beclin 1 and increasing the expression level of P62. However, Rosc can improve this phenomenon. In a cell model induced by α-syn in dopamine neuron injury cells, knockdown of Cyclin D1 led to similar results as those observed in animal experiments: Knocking down Cyclin D1 improved the abnormal initiation of the cell cycle caused by α-syn and regulated cellular autophagy, resulting in a reduction of apoptosis in dopamine neurons. In summary, exogenous α-syn can lead to the accumulation of α-syn and phosphorylated α-syn in dopamine neurons, increase key factors of the G1/S phase cell cycle such as Cyclin D1, and regulate downstream related indicators, causing the cell cycle to restart and leading to apoptosis of dopamine neurons. This exacerbates PD symptoms. However, knockdown of Cyclin D1 inhibits the progression of the cell cycle and can reverse this situation. These findings suggest that a Cyclin D inhibitor may be a novel therapeutic target for treating PD.

Nicorandil and carvedilol mitigates motor deficits in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis-induced multiple sclerosis: Role of TLR4/TRAF6/MAPK/NF-κB signalling cascade

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating neurodegenerative disease that negatively affects neurotransmission. It can be pathologically mimicked by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) animal model. ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) plays a crucial role in the control of neuronal damage, however their role in MS are still obscure. Additionally, Carvedilol showed a promising neuroprotective activity against several neurological disorders. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of KATP channel opener (nicorandil) as well as α and β adrenoceptor antagonist (Carvedilol) against EAE induced neurodegeneration in mice. Mice was treated with nicorandil (6 mg/kg/day; p.o.) and carvedilol (10 mg/kg/day; p.o.) for 14 days. Nicorandil and carvedilol showed improvement in clinical scoring, behaviour and motor coordination as established by histopathological investigation and immunohistochemical detection of MBP. Furthermore, both treatments downregulated the protein expression of TLR4/ MYD88/TRAF6 signalling cascade with downstream inhibition of (pT183/Y185)-JNK/p38 (pT180/Y182)-MAPK axis leading to reduction of neuroinflammatory status, as witnessed by reduction of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 contents. Moreover, nicorandil and carvedilol attenuated oxidative damage by increasing Nrf2 content and SOD activity together with reduction of MDA content. In addition, an immunomodulating effect via inhibiting the gene expression of CD4, TGF-β, and IL-17 as well as TGF-β, IL-17, and IL-23 contents along with anti-apoptotic effect by decreasing Bax protein expression and Caspase-3 content and increasing Bcl-2 protein expression was observed with nicorandil and carvedilol treatments. In conclusion, nicorandil and carvedilol exerted a neuroprotective activity against EAE induced neuronal loss via inhibition of TLR4/MYD88/TRAF6/JNK/p38-MAPK axis besides antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

Therapeutic Potential of Dillenia indica L. in Attenuating Hyperglycemia-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Alloxan-Administered Diabetic Mice.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress accelerates the process of apoptosis in tissues. Dilleniaindica (DI) is a medicinal plant, and its fruit contains many therapeutic properties. The therapeutic activity of the Methanolic Fruit Extract (MFE) of DI in attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver and kidney tissues of alloxan-induced diabetic mice was analyzed in the present study. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profiling of MFE was conducted. GLUT4 protein expression analysis and lipid peroxidation assays were conducted to check for MFE effect by administering in diabetic mice. An ultrastructural study was conducted for both the tissues. In apoptotic studies, the TUNEL assay and apoptotic protein expression analysis was conducted. High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) profiling of MFE showed the presence of two crucial antioxidants, ascorbic acid, and naringenin. In GLUT-4 protein expression analysis, MFE suppresses hyperglycemia by upregulating GLUT4 protein expression. Lipid peroxidation assay showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) upon MFE administration in diabetic mice. An ultrastructural study was conducted, and MFE was found to restore cellular alterations in diabetic tissues. In apoptotic studies, the TUNEL assay shows that MFE treatment showed fewer apoptotic cells than the diabetic group. The study also observed decreased caspase 3 protein expression and increased Bcl-2 protein expression. Therefore, it is inferred from the study that MFE can exert a protective effect by suppressing hyperglycemia and modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis in alloxan-administered diabetic mice.

Protective effect of Anneslea fragrans ethanolic extract against CCl4-induced liver injury by inhibiting inflammatory response, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Anneslea Fragrans Wall. (AF) is a medicinal and edible plant distributed in China. Its leaves and bark generally used for the treatments of diarrhea, fever, and liver diseases. While its ethnopharmacological application against liver diseases has not been fully studied. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract from A. fragrans (AFE) on CCl4 induced liver injury in mice. The results showed that AFE could effectively reduce plasma activities of ALT and AST, increase antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD and CAT) and GSH level, and decrease MDA content in CCl4 induced mice. AFE effectively decreased the expressions of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2 and iNOS), cell apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9) and increased Bcl-2 protein expression via inhibiting MAPK/ERK pathway. Additionally, TUNEL staining, Masson and Sirius red staining, immunohistochemical analyses revealed that AFE could inhibit the CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis formation via reducing depositions of α-SMA, collagen I and collagen III. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that AFE had an hepatoprotective effect by MAPK/ERK pathway to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammatory response and apoptosis in CCl4-induced liver injury mice, suggesting that AFE might be served as a hepatoprotective ingredient in the prevention and treatment of liver injury.

Abstract 1631: Combination of olverembatinib (HQP1351) with BCL-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax (APG-2575) overcomes resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs)

Abstract GISTs are common malignant mesenchymal tumors that occur in the GI tract, with an estimated incidence rate of 1% to 2%. About 75% to 80% of patients with GIST have mutations in the KIT gene, while 5% to 10% have mutations in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRA) gene. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) offer patients an improved quality of life but increased pharmacological resistance to TKIs is often observed. BCL-2 is expressed in >80% of GISTs, and amplification of BCL-2 and BCL-xL are common features associated with disease progression. One approach to enhance GIST eradication is to concurrently inhibit oncogenic KIT signaling while actively engaging apoptotic pathways. Olverembatinib (HQP1351) is a new, third-generation TKI that targets BCR-ABL1, KIT and PDGFRA and is currently in development for relapsed or refractory chronic myeloid leukemia and GIST. Lisaftoclax (APG-2575) is a selective BCL-2 inhibitor under development for hematologic malignancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether combining a BCL-2 inhibitor, lisaftoclax, with olverembatinib enhances treatment effect on imatinib-resistant GISTs. Compared to imatinib-sensitive GIST cell lines (GIST882 and GIST-T1), increased BCL-2 protein expression was observed in imatinib-resistant GIST cells, particularly in GIST430, GIST48, and GIST48B lines. Cell-based antiproliferation studies showed additive activity of olverembatinib and lisaftoclax in imatinib-resistant GIST cells. In vivo studies using imatinib-resistant GIST430 cell-derived xenograft models further revealed that coadministration of olverembatinib at 15 mg/kg (every other day for 3 weeks) with lisaftoclax at 50 mg/kg (daily for 3 weeks) resulted in enhanced antitumor effects compared to either agent alone. Tumor growth inhibition (TGI) rates for combined treatment with olverembatinib and lisaftoclax reached 76.8%, which was superior to the TGI rate of either agent alone: 57.6% and 31.2% for olverembatinib and lisaftoclax, respectively. Regarding putative mechanisms, olverembatinib treatment was shown to downregulate BCL-xL and MCL-1 protein expression, possibly via inhibition of KIT signal pathway and downstream signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Lisaftoclax triggered apoptosis by disrupting the BCL-2:BIM complex. Therefore, selective inhibition of BCL-2, aided by TKI-mediated MCL-1 and BCL-XL inhibition, markedly augmented cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), thus triggering apoptosis and subsequently enhancing antitumor effects. Our results demonstrate that olverembatinib and BCL-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax have additive antitumor effects in imatinib-resistant GIST. This novel dual approach may have the potential for treating patients with GISTs whose disease has progressed after treatment with TKIs. Citation Format: Ping Min, Guangfeng Wang, Eric Liang, Bingxing Wu, Huidan Yu, Dajun Yang, Yifan Zhai. Combination of olverembatinib (HQP1351) with BCL-2 inhibitor lisaftoclax (APG-2575) overcomes resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 1631.

Ginkgo biloba modulates ET-I/NO signalling in Lead Acetate induced rat model of endothelial dysfunction: Involvement of oxido-inflammatory mediators

ABSTRACT This study investigated the modulatory effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on lead acetate-induced endothelial dysfunction. Animals were administered GBE (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg orally) after exposures to lead acetate (25 mg/kg orally) for 14 days. Aorta was harvested after euthanasia, the tissue was homogenised, and supernatants were decanted after centrifuging. Oxidative, nitrergic, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic markers were assayed using standard biochemical procedure, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. GBE reduced lead-induced oxidative stress by increasing SOD, GSH, and CAT as well as reducing MDA levels in endothelium. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were reduced while increasing Bcl-2 protein expression. GBE lowered endothelin-I and raised nitrite levels. Histological changes caused by lead acetate were normalised by GBE. Our findings suggest that Ginkgo biloba extract restored endothelin-I and nitric oxide functions by increasing Bcl-2 protein expression and reducing oxido-inflammatory stress in endothelium.

Neohesperidin dihydrochalbazone protects against septic acute kidney injury in mice

BackgroundNeohesperidin dihydrochalbazone (NHDC) shows a range of pharmacological actions, however, in septic acute kidney injury (AKI), the effect of NHDC is little known. PurposeTo assess the role of NHDC against AKI and the possible mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, we used different concentration of NHDC (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) treated septic AKI model of mice. Moreover, in vitro, in HK-2 cells, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced cell model was treated with 10, 20, and 30 μM NHDC. Next, kidney tissue pathologic change, marker of renal injury, apoptosis, and inflammatory factors were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling, and western blot. HK-2 cell apoptosis and viability were assessed via flow cytometry and cell counting kit-8. In HK-2 cells and tissues, NLRP3, caspase 1, ASC, and P38/ERK 1/2/JNK pathway related protein levels were tested using western blot. ResultsNHDC (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly attenuated kidney injury in caecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-treated mice. In CLP-treated mice, the level of BUN, Scr, KIM-1, and NAGL was reduced by 100 and 200 mg/kg NHDC. Furthermore, 100 and 200 mg/kg NHDC inhibited inflammation by reducing the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and inhibited oxidative stress by regulating the change of MDA, SOD, GSH, and CAT. NHDC (100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited renal cell apoptosis by increasing Bcl2 protein expression and inhibiting Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression. Additionally, NHDC (100 and 200 mg/kg) inhibited the protein levels of phosphorylated (p)-P38, p-JNK, p-ERK 1/2, NLRP3, caspase 1, ASC. In vitro, in LPS-stimulated HK-2 cells, NHDC (20 and 30 μM) increased cell viability, reduced cell apoptosis, restrained inflammation by reducing the content of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, and inhibited the protein expression of caspase 1, NLRP3, ASC, p-P38, p-JNK, and p-ERK1/2. Importantly, the promotive effect of NHDC on HK-2 cell viability was reversed by DHR (an activator of P38 MAPK signaling pathway), and DHR reversed the inhibitive effects of NHDC on HK-2 cell apoptosis and inflammation. ConclusionFor the first time, NHDC was found to inhibit oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in AKI model, which was related to the inhibition of P38 MAPK pathways. Our findings provided the theoretical basis for NHDC on the prevention of AKI.

Secukinumab alleviates cognitive impairment by attenuating oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis via the IL-17RA/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway in a rat model of sepsis

BackgroundSeptic-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a critical manifestation of sepsis that leads to long-term cognitive impairment. Interleukin (IL)-17A has been shown to mediate neuronal apoptosis in central nervous system diseases, while oxidative stress has been found to have a detrimental effect in SAE. However, the relationship between IL-17A and oxidative stress in SAE remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of secukinumab on alleviating cognitive impairment in a rat model of sepsis, as well as examine its underlying molecular mechanism of action. MethodsA total of 282 male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham treatment followed by volume resuscitation immediately after surgery. Secukinumab was administered intranasally 1 h post-CLP. Rats were given the p-ERK activator ceramide C6 intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) 24 h before CLP surgery. Recombinant rIL-17A was administered i.c.v. at 0 h in naive rats, followed by intraperitoneal injection of the AKT inhibitor GDC0068 1 h post-rIL-17A injection. Clinical scores, body weight, and survival rate were assessed. In addition, immunofluorescence staining, neurobehavioral tests, Nissl staining, and western blotting were performed. Cognitive function was assessed 15–20 days post-CLP using the Morris water maze test. ResultsIL-17A and IL-17RA protein expression levels in the rat hippocampus increased and peaked 24 h post-CLP. Furthermore, IL-17RA was found to be expressed in neurons. The survival rate after CLP was 50%. Following CLP, an increased clinical score and significant decrease in body weight were observed. However, treatment with secukinumab led to a decrease in the clinical score of rats 24 h post-CLP. CLP resulted in spatial and memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors in rats, while secukinumab treatment significantly alleviated cognitive impairment compared to the CLP group (p < 0.05). In addition, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis were found to be increased in the CLP group, while secukinumab significantly reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus following CLP. Furthermore, secukinumab treatment led to a significant decrease in the protein expression levels of p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, Romo1, and Bax, together with increased Bcl-2 protein expression. Finally, treatment with ceramide C6 and GDC0068 abolished the neuroprotective effects of secukinumab post-CLP. ConclusionOur results demonstrated that secukinumab attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis and partially ameliorated cognitive impairment via the IL-17RA/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway in a rat model of sepsis. Thus, secukinumab may be a potential therapeutic strategy for septic patients.

Yuk-Gunja-Tang attenuates neuronal death and memory impairment via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling in the hippocampi of experimental Alzheimer's disease model.

Yuk-Gunja-Tang (YG) is the Korean traditional medicine in East Asia for gastrointestinal disorders. In the present study, we determined the protective effects of YG on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in HT22 hippocampal neuronal cells and mice with scopolamine-induced memory impairment. In vitro assessments were performed using a cell viability assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting, while in vivo assessments were performed in C57BL/6 mice administered with YG for 7days and injected with scopolamine (1mg/kg) for 7 days. We assessed the memory function using the Y-maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests. Protein expression analyses and histological analyses were performed using hippocampal tissues. YG treatment significantly restored cell viability against glutamate-induced apoptosis. It significantly suppressed glutamate-induced reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction. It also increased Bcl-2 protein expression and decreased HO-1 protein expression. It activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element binding protein (ERK/CREB) signaling pathway and increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) under excitotoxic conditions. In the scopolamine-injected mice, YG ameliorated memory impairment in the Y-maze, novel object recognition, and passive avoidance tests; restored dysfunction in the acetylcholine, acetylcholinesterase expression levels; reduced neuronal damage in Nissl staining; and increased BDNF and phosphorylated ERK and CREB levels in Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Thus, YG exerted neuroprotective effects by activating ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling in the hippocampus, indicating its potential cognition-enhancing effects, especially in Alzheimer's disease.

Extra copy number of BCL2 is correlated with increased BCL-2 protein expression and poor survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with chemoimmunotherapy

The clinical significance of extra copy (EC) genotypes of BCL2, MYC, and BCL6 have not been fully elucidated. We evaluated the EC and translocation statuses of BCL2, MYC, and BCL6 in 190 diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) cases using fluorescence in situ hybridization. EC genotype was sub-classified according to copy number-gained tumor cell ratio (EC1, >20% but ≤50%; EC2, >50%). Only the BCL2-EC groups, not MYC-EC or BCL6-EC groups, displayed significantly increased immunoreactivity of the corresponding protein. Moreover, the BCL2-EC2 group was significantly associated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in a 147 R-CHOP-treated patient subset, which was also statistically significant as per the multivariate survival analysis for PFS. No significant differences in the survival of MYC, BCL6, concurrent BCL2/MYC, BCL6/MYC, BCL2/BCL6, or triple EC groups were observed. BCL2-EC may contribute to increased BCL-2 protein expression and serve as a predictor of treatment outcomes in DLBCL.

Effect of electroacupuncture combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion on expression of apoptosis-related factors in gastric antrum of diabetic gastroparesis rats

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion on expression of apoptosis-related factors in gastric antrum of diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of DGP. Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, medication, EA, Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion (moxibustion) and EA+moxibustion (combination) groups (12 rats in each group). The DGP model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of 0.15 mg/mL mosapride citrate suspension （10 mL/kg）. EA (10 Hz/50 Hz, 2 mA, 20 min) or Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion (3 cones) was applied to "Zhongwan" (CV12), bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6) and bilateral "Sanyinjiao" (SP6) of the related groups, once a day for 3 weeks. The blood glucose, gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsion rate of rats were measured. The apoptosis index of gastric antrum cells were observed by TUNEL staining. The protein and mRNA expressions of Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in gastric antrum were detected by Wes-tern blot and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the blood glucose, the apoptosis index, the protein and gene expressions of Caspase-3 and Bax were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the gastric emptying rate, intestinal propulsive rate, the protein and gene expressions of Bcl-2 were considerably decreased (P<0.01) in the model group. In contrast to the model group, the blood glucose in the EA, moxibustion and combination groups, the apoptosis index in the 4 treatment groups, as well as Caspase-3 protein, Bax protein and mRNA expressions in the medication, EA and combination groups, Caspase-3 protein and mRNA, Bax mRNA expressions in the moxibustion group were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05); while the gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsive rate in the 4 treatment groups, and Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions in the medication and combination groups, Bcl-2 mRNA expressions in the EA and moxibustion groups were obviously increased (P<0.01). The effects of EA+moxibustion were significantly superior to those of simple EA, moxibustion or medication in increasing gastric emptying rate and intestinal propulsive rate, and in lowering blood glucose (P<0.05, P<0.01). And the effects of the combination treatment were better than those of EA in lowering Caspase-3 protein and Bax mRNA expressions (P<0.01), and in increasing Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expressions (P<0.05, P<0.01). Also the effects of the combination treatment were better than those of moxibustion in lowering the apoptosis index, Caspase-3 protein, and Bax protein and mRNA expressions (P<0.01, P<0.05), and in increasing Bcl-2 protein expression (P<0.05). EA combined with Zhuang-medicine-thread moxibustion can reduce blood glucose and improve gastrointestinal motility in DGP rats, which may be related to its effect in regulating of Caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 expression.

Indirubin relieves inflammatory injury of chondrocytes in a mouse model of osteoarthritis

To investigate the effect of indirubin for relieving joint inflammation and injury in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Articular cartilage chondrocytes were isolated from adult rat knee joint and cultured in the presence of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 2.0 μmol/L indirubin. The cells were transfected with NPAS2 siRNA or a non-specific siRNA, and the cell proliferation and apoptosis were evaluated using tetramethylthiazole blue staining and flow cytometry. The protein expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, ACAN, COL2A1, MMP-13 and NPAS2 were detected with Western blotting, and the levels of NO, PGE2 and TNF-α in the culture supernatant were determined with ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of NPAS2, ACAN, COL2A1 and MMP-13 were detected using fluorescence quantitative PCR. In a C57BL/6 mouse model of osteoarthritis, the effect of indirubin on BAX, Bcl-2, ACAN and MMP-13 protein expressions in the bone and joint tissues were evaluated with Western blotting. Treatment with 0.1 μmol/L indirubin produced no significant changes in chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, or BAX and Bcl-2 protein expressions. At higher doses (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μmol/L), indirubin significantly promoted cell proliferation, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, and lowered cell apoptosis rate, caspase-3 activity and Bax protein expression (P < 0.05). Indirubin treatment at 0.5 μmol/L up-regulated the protein and mRNA expressions of NPAS2, ACAN and COL2A1, and down-regulated the expressions of MMP-13, NO, PGE2 and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Interference of NPAS2 expression significantly attenuated the protective effect of 0.5 μmol/L indirubin against IL-1β-induced chondrocyte injury. The mouse model of osteoarthritis showed obviously increased protein levels of BAX and MMP-13 (P < 0.01) and decreased levels of Bcl-2 (P < 0.05) and ACAN (P < 0.01) in the knee joint, and indirubin treatment of the mouse models significantly inhibited the increase of BAX and MMP-13 protein expressions (P < 0.01) and up-regulated the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and ACAN (P < 0.05). Indirubin has a protective effect on osteoarthritis tissue and alleviates inflammation and damage of osteoarthritis chondrocytes possibly through NPAS2.

MiR-702-5p ameliorates diabetic encephalopathy in db/db mice by regulating 12/15-LOX

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of miR-702-5p on diabetic encephalopathy (DE) and the interaction of miR-702-5p/12/15-LOX in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, db/db mice were used as DE animal model and HT22 cells were treated with high-glucose (HG). Based on the bioinformatics prediction of possible binding sites between miR-702-5p and 12/15-LOX, we found that the expression of miR-702-5p was significantly down-regulated while 12/15-LOX up-regulated in vivo and in vitro, and the expression changes were inversely correlated. In vivo, diabetic mice with cognitive dysfunction and hippocampal neuronal damage had a concomitant increase in amyloid precursor protein (APP), amyloid beta(Aβ), tau, BAX protein expressions; by contrast, Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly decreased. Overexpression of miR-702-5p significantly reduced the histopathological damage of the hippocampus, improved the learning and memory function of db/db mice, down-regulated 12/15-LOX, APP, Aβ, tau, BAX protein expressions significantly and up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2. In vitro, miR-702-5p mimic reversed the decline in cell viability and the increase in cell apoptosis induced by HG. Simultaneously, reduced 12/15-LOX, APP, Aβ, BAX protein expressions, and increased Bcl-2 protein expression were detected in the miR-702-5p mimic group. Moreover, combined administration of miR-702-5p mimic and 12/15-LOX overexpression lentivirus significantly reversed the protective effect of up-regulation of miR-702-5p. In conclusion, miR-702-5p has a neuroprotective effect on DE, and this effect was achieved by inhibiting 12/15-LOX. However, miR-702-5p had an endogenous regulatory effect on 12/15-LOX rather than a direct targeting relationship.

Effect of Interval Training and Curcumin on BAX, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 Enzyme Activity in Rats

Background: Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death in extracellular organisms. High-intensity interval training and curcumin can make some changes in this process. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the role of intense interval training with curcumin supplementation on BAX and Bcl-2 proteins and caspase-3 enzyme activity in rats. Methods: In this study, 48 elderly rats were randomly divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) training, (3) curcumin, and (4) training + curcumin. Then, high-intensity interval training group rats ran on the treadmill for eight weeks, five sessions per week, for 30 - 50 min, and curcumin was fed to the supplement group at 25 mg/kg of body weight three times per week for eight weeks. Gene expression levels of BAX and Bcl-2 and myocardial caspase enzyme were measured in the heart tissue. The Shapiro-Wilk test, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey test were used for data analysis. Results: Curcumin consumption and intense interval training increased the expression of BAX (P = 0.001), Bcl-2 (P = 0.002), and caspase (P = 0.001). Besides, BAX, Bcl-2, and caspase genes expression significantly changed in the groups compared to the control group. The ratio of BAX to Bcl-2 in the curcumin group and interval training was significantly lower than the other groups. The Tukey post hoc test confirmed a significant difference between the groups and the control group. Conclusions: High-intensity interval training did not reduce BAX protein, but the training and curcumin supplementation increased Bcl-2 protein expression and neutralized the BAX effect. Curcumin supplementation combined with intense interval training resulted in synergy and reduced cell programming mortality.

L-theanine protects rat kidney from D-galactose-induced injury via inhibition of the AGEs/RAGE signaling pathway

As the irreversible products of the non-enzymatic reduction of sugars and the amino groups of proteins or peptides, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are metabolized and excreted via the kidneys. However, if AGEs are not metabolized, they are deposited in the kidneys and bind to AGE receptors (RAGE), which can induce various pathological changes, including oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. This study used the D-galactose (DG)-induced rat model to explore the potential role and mechanism of L-theanine in inhibiting AGEs/RAGE-related signaling pathways in renal tissues. L-theanine increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) while downregulating the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and AGEs in renal tissues induced by DG (P < 0.05). By inhibiting the upregulation of RAGE protein expression attributed to AGEs accumulation (P < 0.05), L-theanine downregulated phosphorylated nuclear factor (p–NF–κB (p65)), Bax, and cleaved-caspase-3 expression and increased Bcl-2 protein expression (P < 0.05), thereby alleviating the oxidative stress damage and reducing the inflammation and cell injury induced by DG. In addition, the Congo red staining section of renal tissue also showed that the natural product L-theanine can protect against AGEs-induced renal damage in DG-induced rat model.

Genistein Protects against Spinal Cord Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Neuroinflammation via TLR4-Mediated Microglial Polarization.

Objective The present study was designed to study the effect of genistein on spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods We established SCI mouse model, and genistein was administered for treatment. We used the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) exercise rating scale to evaluate exercise recovery, and the detection of spinal cord edema was done using the wet/dry weight method. Apoptosis was determined by TUNEL staining, and inflammation was evaluated by measuring inflammatory factors by an ELISA kit. The expression of M1 and M2 macrophage markers was determined using flow cytometry, and the expression of proteins was detected using immunoblotting. Results Genistein treatment not only improved the BBB score but also reduced spinal cord edema in SCI mice. Genistein treatment reduced apoptosis by increasing Bcl2 protein expression and decreasing Bax and caspase 3 protein expression. It also reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8) in the SCI area of SCI mice. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that genistein treatment significantly decreased the ratio of M1 macrophages (CD45+/Gr-1-/CD11b+/iNOS+) and increased the ratio of M2 macrophages (CD45+/Gr-1-/CD11b+/Arginase 1+) in the SCI area of SCI mice on the 28th day after being treated with genistein. We also found that genistein treatment significantly decreased the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and TRAF6 protein in the SCI area of SCI mice on 28th day after being treated with genistein. Conclusion Our findings suggested that genistein exerted neuroprotective action by inhibiting neuroinflammation by promoting the activation of M2 macrophages, and its underlying mechanisms might be related to the inhibition of the TLR4-mediated MyD88-dependent signaling pathway.

Experimental study on the role and mechanism of Allicin in ventricular remodeling through PPARα and PPARγ signaling pathways

The paper investigated the effects of Allicin on the changes of activities of PPARα and PPARγ signaling pathways, and the relations with the subsequent myocardial cell hypertrophy, apoptosis, myocardial interstitial remodeling, RAAS activation and heart failure. The heart obtained from the 1-day-old Wistar suckling rats was isolated and cultured in an ordinary medium. After adding AngII and AngII+ of different concentrations respectively, the conditions of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, apoptosis and interstitial remodeling were observed. AngII activated the re-expression of β-MHC in cardiomyocytes, which increased the area of cardiomyocytes, indicating that myocardial hypertrophy had occurred, and the model of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was successfully established. Compared with the control group, after being treated with different concentrations of Allicin for 24 h, the AngII-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was significantly reversed, α-MHC expression increased, β-MHC expression decreased, and α/β-MHC ratio obviously increased. Allicin inhibited AngII-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, decreased Fas/FasL protein expression, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, and decreased Bax protein expression. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio increased significantly. PPARα and PPARγ signaling pathways are involved in the inhibition of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Allicin-activated PPARα and PPARγ pathways can reverse cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and alter expressions of Bcl-2/Bax and Fas/Fas-L in apoptosis-related gene.

Down-regulation of miR-488 targeting to promote Jag1 expression inhibits hypoxia-reoxygenation myocardial H9c2 cell damage

To study the effect of down-regulating miR-488 targeting Jag1 on the injury of hypoxia-reoxygenation myocardial H9c2 cells. A hypoxic-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cell injury model was constructed. miR-488 inhibitor was used to transfect the cells. CCK-8 method and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis in each group. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) levels were detected. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of Bcl-2 associated X Protein (Bax) and B cell lymphoma/lewkmia-2 (Bcl-2). Target genes of miR-488 were predicted, and a luciferase reporter system was used to verify the targeting relationship between the two. Myocardial H9c2 cells were co-transfected with miR-488 inhibitor and Jag1 siRNA, and treated with hypoxia and reoxygenation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, LDH, SOD, MDA, CAT levels, and Bax, Bcl-2 protein expression were detected. The expression of miR-488 in the hypoxia-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cells was increased, along with reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, increased Bax protein expression, decreased Bcl-2 protein expression, increased MDA, decreased CAT and SOD, and increased LDH level in the supernatant of cell culture. When myocardial H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-488 inhibitor and treated with hypoxia and reoxygenation, the expression of miR-488 was decreased, along with increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, decreased Bax protein expression, increased Bcl-2 protein expression, decreased MDA, increased CAT and SOD, and decreased LDH level in the supernatant of cell culture. Down-regulation of miR-488 could target and down-regulate Jag1 expression. And Jag1 siRNA could reverse the effect of miR-488 inhibitor on the proliferation, apoptosis, LDH, SOD, MDA, CAT levels and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 of hypoxic-reoxygenated myocardial H9c2 cells. Down-regulating miR-488 targeted Jag1 can attenuate hypoxia-reoxygenation induced myocardial H9c2 cell injury.

Apple Polyphenols Extract (APE) Alleviated Dextran Sulfate Sodium Induced Acute Ulcerative Colitis and Accompanying Neuroinflammation via Inhibition of Apoptosis and Pyroptosis.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the potent anti-apoptosis and anti-pyroptosis effects of apple polyphenols extract (APE) on dextran sulfate sodium model group (DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis (UC) and the protective effect of APE against acute UC-related neuroinflammation and synapse damage. Forty-three C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into a control group (CON), a 3% DSS model group (DSS), a 500 mg/(kg·bw·d) APE group (HAP), and a 125 (LD) or 500 (HD) mg/(kg·bw·d) APE treatment concomitantly with DSS treatment group. The results showed that APE significantly ameliorated DSS-induced acute UC through inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) apoptosis and the Caspase-1/Caspase-11-dependent pyroptosis pathway, with increased BCL-2 protein expression and decreased protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1/11, and GSDND. Furthermore, APE significantly reduced acute UC-related neuroinflammation and synapse damage, supported by decreased mRNA levels of hypothalamus Cox-2 and hippocampus Gfap and also increased the mRNA levels of hypothalamus Psd-95. The increased protein expression of ZO-1 and Occludin improved the intestinal barrier integrity and improved the function of goblet cells by upregulating the protein level of MUC-2 and TTF3 accounted for the beneficial effects of APE on UC-associated neuroinflammation. Therefore, APE might be a safe and effective agent for the management of acute UC.