Signaling Pathway In Mouse Model Research Articles

Neural Stem Cells Secretome Increased Neurogenesis and Behavioral Performance and the Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive and age-related neurodegenerative disorder that is manifested by neuropathological changes and clinical symptoms. Recently, cell-based therapeutic interventions have been considered as the promising and effective strategies in this field. Herein, we investigated therapeutic effects of neural stem cell secretome on Alzheimer's disease-like model by triggering of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this study, mice were randomly allocated into three different groups as follows: Control, AD + Vehicle, and AD + NSCs-CM groups. To induce mouse model of AD, Aβ1-42 was injected into intracerebroventricular region. Following AD-like confirmation through thioflavin S staining and Passive avoidance test, about 5µl mouse NSCs-CM was injected into the target areas 21days after AD induction. For evaluation of endogenous proliferation rate (BrdU/Nestin+ cells), 50µg/kbW BrdU was intraperitoneally injected for 5 consecutive days. To track NSC differentiation, percent of BrdU/NeuN+ cells were monitored via immunofluorescence staining. Histological Nissl staining was done to neurotoxicity and cell death in AD mice after NSCs-CM injection. Morris Water maze test was performed to assess learning and memory performance. Data showed that NSCs-CM could reverse the learning and memory deficits associated with Aβ pathology. The reduced expression of Wnt/β-catenin-related genes such as PI3K, Akt, MAPK, and ERK in AD mice was increased. Along with these changes, NSCs-CM suppressed overactivity of GSK3β activity induced by Aβ deposition. Besides, NSCs increased BrdU/Nestin+ and BrdU/NeuN+ cells in a paracrine manner, indicating proliferation and neural differentiation of NSCs. Moreover, neurotoxicity rate and cell loss were deceased after NSCs-CM injection. In summary, NSCs can regulate adult neurogenesis through modulating of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and enhance the behavioral performance in the AD mice. These data present the alternative and effective approach in the management of AD and other cognitive impairments.

Salvianolic Acid C Protects against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury through Attenuation of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Effects and Activation of the CaMKK-AMPK-Sirt1-Associated Signaling Pathway in Mouse Models.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden reduction in kidney activity and has a high mortality rate. Salvianolic acid C (SAC), one of the main polyphenolic components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, displays significant pharmacologically active effects. An animal model of cisplatin-induced kidney injury was used to study the potential of SAC to improve AKI. First, SAC was administered intraperitoneally in mice for 10 consecutive days, and then cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally on day 7 to establish a nephrotoxicity mouse model. SAC mitigated renal histological changes, blood creatinine (CRE) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) production and the levels of inflammatory mediators in the cisplatin-induced AKI. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced and glutathione (GSH) was increased after intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) administration of SAC. In addition, based on Western blot data, SAC reduced the expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in mouse renal tissues. Finally, SAC diminished the level of TLR-4 expression and enhanced the production of several antioxidative enzymes (superoxidase dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx3), catalase, nuclear-factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)), Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), p-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p-Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK). In addition, Sirt1 inhibition (EX 527) inverted the effect of SAC against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Collectively, SAC provides a therapeutic target with promising clinical potential after cisplatin treatment by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation.

Nootkatone confers antifibrotic effect by regulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in mouse model of unilateral ureteral obstruction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with underlying interstitial fibrosis is often associated with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In the present study, we investigated the renoprotective and antifibrotic potential of nootkatone (NTK), a bioactive sesquiterpene, in an experimental model of renal fibrosis. Unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model was performed to induce renal fibrosis in Balb/C mice. The animals were randomly assigned into 5 groups: sham, NTK control, UUO control, UUO and NTK 5 mg/kg, and UUO and NTK 10 mg/kg. Animals received NTK at a dose of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg orally for the next 14 consecutive days. UUO induced histological alterations, accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components including collagens, fibronectin, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling and oxidative damage in the obstructed kidneys. Our study revealed that NTK (10 mg/kg) inhibits UUO mediated kidney fibrosis in vivo. Administration of NTK (10 mg/kg) prevented the activation of the TGF-β/Smad signaling, expression of ECM components, markedly attenuated the renal tubular injury and fibrosis area (% area: 6.66 ± 1.45% vs UUO: 26.33 ± 2.90%). Administration of NTK at 10 mg/kg significantly restored the endogenous antioxidants and prevented the reactive oxygen species generation (25.31 ± 1.65% vs UUO: 45.01 ± 4.85%) and reduced the level of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (95.22 ± 12.39 vs UUO: 215.57 ± 60.45 pg/mg protein) in the kidneys. Altogether, our findings suggest that NTK might be a budding therapeutic candidate for renal fibrosis.

RAGE Silencing Ameliorates Neuroinflammation by Inhibition of p38-NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Accumulating evidence suggested that neuroinflammation played a crucial role in dopaminergic neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a multi-ligand receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, has been proposed as a key molecule in the onset and sustainment of the inflammatory response. Engagement of RAGE contributed to neuroinflammation by upregulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as well as cytokines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of RAGE in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice and elucidate the RAGE signal pathway involved in the inflammation. Results showed that RAGE protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) were upregulated in MPTP-treated mice. Further experiments showed that RAGE ablation inhibited phosphorylation of IκB and p38 and protected nigral dopaminergic neurons against cell death in the substantia nigra (SN). These results suggested that RAGE participated in the pathogenesis of PD by neuroinflammation and p38MAPK-NFκB signal pathway may be involved in the process. Moreover, interfering with RAGE signaling pathway may be a reasonable therapeutic option in slowing PD development and progression.

Zoledronic acid inhibits TSC2-null cell tumor growth via RhoA/YAP signaling pathway in mouse models of lymphangioleiomyomatosis

BackgroundThis study is to investigate the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on TSC2-null cell proliferation and on the tumor progression and recurrence in mouse models of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM).MethodsSubcutaneous mouse models and LAM mouse models were established. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to detect the protein expression levels. TUNEL assay was conducted to detect cell apoptosis. Immunoprecipitation was carried out to determine the interaction between proteins.ResultsZA prevented the growth of TSC2-null cells both in culture and in LAM mouse models. Compared with rapamycin, ZA more effectively promoted the apoptosis of TSC2-null cells. Moreover, combined with the rapamycin, ZA effectively suppressed the tumor recurrence after drug withdrawal and ZA inhibited the activity of GTPase RhoA by decreasing protein geranylgeranylation, resulting in changes of Yap nucleus translocation.ConclusionZA promotes cell apoptosis in TSC2-null cells through the RhoA/YAP signaling pathway. ZA may be used for the clinical treatment of LAM.

Interleukin-6 Receptor Signaling and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Growth Rates.

The Asp358Ala variant (rs2228145; A>C) in the IL (interleukin)-6 receptor ( IL6R) gene has been implicated in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), but its effect on AAA growth over time is not known. We aimed to investigate the clinical association between the IL6R-Asp358Ala variant and AAA growth and to assess the effect of blocking the IL-6 signaling pathway in mouse models of aortic aneurysm rupture or dissection. Using data from 2863 participants with AAA from 9 prospective cohorts, age- and sex-adjusted mixed-effects linear regression models were used to estimate the association between the IL6R-Asp358Ala variant and annual change in AAA diameter (mm/y). In a series of complementary randomized trials in mice, the effect of blocking the IL-6 signaling pathways was assessed on plasma biomarkers, systolic blood pressure, aneurysm diameter, and time to aortic rupture and death. After adjusting for age and sex, baseline aneurysm size was 0.55 mm (95% CI, 0.13-0.98 mm) smaller per copy of the minor allele [C] of the Asp358Ala variant. Change in AAA growth was -0.06 mm per year (-0.18 to 0.06) per copy of the minor allele; a result that was not statistically significant. Although all available worldwide data were used, the genetic analyses were not powered for an effect size as small as that observed. In 2 mouse models of AAA, selective blockage of the IL-6 trans-signaling pathway, but not combined blockage of both, the classical and trans-signaling pathways, was associated with improved survival ( P<0.05). Our proof-of-principle data are compatible with the concept that IL-6 trans-signaling is relevant to AAA growth, encouraging larger-scale evaluation of this hypothesis.

KRT1 gene silencing ameliorates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury via the activation of the Notch signaling pathway in mouse models.

Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury (MIRI) includes major drawbacks, such as excessive formation of free radicals and also overload of calcium, which lead to cell death, tissue scarring, and remodeling. The current study aims to explore whether KRT1 silencing may ameliorate MIRI via the Notch signaling pathway in mouse models. Myocardial tissues were used for the determination of the positive rate of KRT1 protein expression, apoptosis of myocardial cells, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) expression, expression of related biomarkers as well as myocardial infarction area. The transfected myocardial cells were treated with KRT1-siRNA, Jagged1, and DAPT (inhibitor of Notch-1 signaling pathway). The expression of KRT1, NICD, Hes1, Bcl-2, and Bax protein was detected. The MTT assay was applied for cell proliferation and flow cytometry was used for cell apoptosis. Mice with MIRI had a higher positive rate of KRT1 protein expression, apoptosis of myocardial cells, CK and LDH expression, myocardial infarction area, increased expression of MDA, NO, SDH, IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, CRP, KRT1, Bax protein, CK, and LDH, and decreased expression of SOD, NICD, Hes1, and Bcl-2. The downregulation of KRT1 led to decreased expression of KRT1 and Bax protein, increased expression of NICD, Hes1, and Bcl-2, decreased cell apoptosis, and improved cell proliferation. The inhibition of the Notch signaling pathway leads to reduced expression of Bax, increased expression of NICD, Hes1, and Bcl 2, and also decreased cell apoptosis and increased cell proliferation. Our data conclude that KRT1 silencing is able to make MIRI better by activating the Notch signaling pathway in mice.

Ameliorative effect of nicergoline on cognitive function through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the most common age‑associated diseases that frequently leads to memory disorders, cognitive decline and dementia. Evidence suggests that nicergoline serves an important role in the apoptosis of hippocampal cells, memory recovery, cognitive function and neuronal survival. However, the signaling pathway affected by nicergoline treatment remains to be elucidated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of nicergoline in the cognitive competence of a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The apoptosis rates of hippocampal cells were studied in mice with Alzheimer's disease treated with nicergoline compared with the negative control. Apoptosis‑associated gene expression levels in hippocampal cells, and hippocampus area, were analyzed in the experimental mice. Visual attention and inhibitory control were assessed and neural counting was performed in brain regions of interest. The phosphatidylinositol 3‑kinase (PI3K)/RAC‑α serine/threonine‑protein kinase (AKT) signaling pathway was additionally analyzed in hippocampal cells following treatment with nicergoline. The results of the present study demonstrated that nicergoline ameliorated apoptosis in hippocampal cells and hippocampus tissue in 3xTg‑AD mice with Alzheimer's disease. The data indicated that apoptosis‑associated genes, including caspase‑3, BCL2 associated X, BH3 interacting domain death agonist and caspase‑9, were downregulated in hippocampal cells isolated from nicergoline-treated experimental mice. In addition, the expression levels of inflammatory factors, in addition to oxidative stress, were decreased in hippocampal cells treated with nicergoline. Additionally, amyloid precursor protein accumulation was cleared in the hippocampal area in nicergoline‑treated mice. Nicergoline inhibited neuronal loss and prevented cognitive impairment through the restoration of learning/memory ability. It was additionally demonstrated in the present study that nicergoline improved motor attention impairment and cognitive competence in hippocampal cells by acting on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Therefore, memory recovery, cognitive function and neuronal survival were repaired by nicergoline via inhibition of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, suggesting that nicergoline may be an efficient drug for the clinical treatment of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Iron-induced oxidative stress stimulates osteoclast differentiation via NF-κB signaling pathway in mouse model

BackgroundWomen transitioned to postmenopausal status experience a corresponding gain in iron stores. Recently clinical researches have observed increased serum ferritin level in postmenopausal women, and ferritin level was negatively correlated with bone mineral density. PurposeTo explore the mechanism of iron-induced osteopenia in mouse model. MethodsBriefly, in this study, we established an iron accumulation mouse model with ovariectomy. Primary osteoclasts and osteoblasts were extracted for this research. Biomarkers of bone metabolism and cell signaling pathways were measured. ResultsWe found that bone mass changed later than ferritin and decreased gradually following overiectomy. We also observed higher levels of bone resorption and oxidative stress when iron was administered. When stimulated with iron, primary osteoclasts derived from bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) underwent differentiation and numerous reactive oxygen species (ROS) were generated. Further, we found that iron activated the JNK, ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways in vivo. In vitro, we found that only NF-κB signaling was stimulated by iron and that suppression of this pathway blocked osteoclast differentiation. To determine whether these effects were related to ROS, osteoclasts were treated with H2O2. We found that ROS stimulated osteoclast activity, and that this effect was reversed upon NF-κB suppression. ConclusionsThese data suggest that ROS might be a downstream factor of iron and regulated NF-κB signaling in osteoclasts in mouse model.

Notch4 signaling pathway in a Kawasaki disease mouse model induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract.

The present study aimed to explore the role of the Notch4 signaling pathway in a mouse model of Kawasaki disease (KD) induced by Lactobacillus casei cell wall extract (LCWE). BALB/c male mice (4–6 weeks old) were intraperitoneally injected with 500 µg LCWE in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or PBS alone (control group). At days 3, 7, 14 and 28, the numbers of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in the peripheral blood and the expression of Notch4 on the surface of EPCs were detected. In addition, the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and P-selectin in the roots of coronary arteries were evaluated. The results demonstrated that the level of circulating EPCs increased significantly at day 3, decreased progressively from day 3 onwards, and recovered to the normal level at day 28. Furthermore, the expression of Notch4 on the surface of EPCs was evidently higher in the KD model compared with that in the control group at day 7. In the endothelial cells of the coronary artery root, the protein levels of VCAM-1 and P-selectin protein increased in the KD model. In conclusion, the Notch4 signaling pathway participated in the coronary artery lesions in the KD animal model induced by LCWE.

Effects of Shen'an granules on Wnt signaling pathway in mouse models of diabetic nephropathy.

The effect of Shen'an granules on the Wnt signaling pathway in renal tissues of mouse models of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy was investigated in the present study. A total of 62 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the normal control (A group), model (B group), losartan (C group), low-dose Shen'an granules (D group), and high-dose Shen'an granules (E group) groups. The mouse model of diabetic nephropathy was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (150 mg/kg). The animals were treated with drugs for 8 weeks, and blood creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol (CHOL) were measured prior to and after treatment. PAS staining was performed for observation of glomerular microstructure by light microscope, and western blot analysis was performed to detect Wnt1 protein and β-catenin protein. The results indicated that the quantification of 24-h microalbuminuria, and levels of blood creatinine, urea nitrogen, TG, and CHOL were significantly lower in the high- and low-dose Shen'an granules groups than those in the model group (p<0.05). The expression levels of Wnt1 protein and β-catenin protein in the high- and low-dose Shen'an granules groups were significantly lower than those in the model group (p<0.05). In conclusion, proteinuria, renal dysfunction, and dyslipidemias are closely associated with the abnormal activation of the Wnt signaling pathway in the mouse model of diabetic nephropathy. The mechanism by which Shen'an granules regulate proteinuria, renal function, and blood lipids may be associated with inhibition of the abnormally activated Wnt signaling pathway.