STAT3 Pathway Research Articles

Enzyme-Dynamic Extracellular Vesicles for Metalloimmunotherapy of Malignant Pleural Effusions.

Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are hard to treat, and their onset usually signals terminal cancer. Immunotherapies hold promise but must overcome the immunosuppressive MPE microenvironment. Herein, we treat MPEs via synergistically combining two emerging cancer therapy modalities: enzyme-dynamic therapy (EDT) and metalloimmunotherapy. To do so, a nanoplatform termed "A-R-SOME" was developed which comprises MPE-targeted M1 type extracellular vesicles (EVs) loaded with (1) a manganese-based superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, (2) stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist diABZI-2, and (3) signal transducer and an activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) small interfering RNA. Endogenous reactive oxygen species within tumors induced immunogenic cell death by EDT, along with STING activation by both Mn and diABZI-2, and suppression of the STAT3 pathway. Systemically administered A-R-SOME alleviated the MPE immunosuppressive microenvironment, triggered antitumor systemic immunity, and long-term immune memory, leading to the complete eradication of MPE and pleural tumors with 100% survival rate in an aggressive murine model. A-R-SOME-induced immune effects were also observed in human patient-derived MPE, pointing toward the translation potential of A-R-SOME as an experimental malignancy treatment.

Gastric cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-541-5p induces M2 macrophage polarization through DUSP3/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

PurposeExosomal microRNAs have been identified as important mediators of communication between tumor cells and macrophages in the microenvironment. miR-541-5p was reported to be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma progression, but its role in gastric cancer (GC) and in GC cell-macrophage crosstalk is unknown.MethodsCell proliferation, migration and invasion were respectively assessed by CCK-8 assay, scratch and Transwell assays. RT-qPCR was used to detect the level of miR-541-5p, macrophage markers and DUSP3. The percentage of CD11b+CD206+ cell population was analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blotting was employed to evaluate DUSP3-JAK2/STAT3 pathway proteins and exosome markers. The interaction between miR-541-5p and DUSP3 was verified by luciferase assay.ResultsThe results showed that miR-541-5p was upregulated in GC tissues and cells, and stimulated GC cell growth, migration and invasion in vitro. GC cells induce M2 macrophage polarization by secreting the exosomal miR-541-5p. Exosomal miR-541-5p maintained JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation in macrophages by targeting negative regulation of DUSP3. Inhibiting miR-541-5p significantly limited tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionIn conclusion, miR-541-5p promotes GC cell progression. GC cells may induce macrophage M2 polarization through the exosomal miR-541-5p-mediated DUSP3/JAK2/STAT3 pathway. miR-541-5p may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.

Catabolic mediators from TLR2-mediated proteoglycan aggrecan peptide-stimulated chondrocytes are reduced by Lactobacillus-conditioned media

In osteoarthritis (OA), extracellular matrix (ECM) digestion by cartilage-degrading enzymes drives cartilage destruction and generates ECM fragments, such as proteoglycan aggrecan (PG) peptides. PG peptides have been shown to induce immunological functions of chondrocytes. However, the role of PG peptides in stimulating catabolic mediators from chondrocytes has not been investigated. Therefore, we aim to determine the effects and its mechanism by which PG peptides induce chondrocytes to produce catabolic mediators in OA. Human chondrocytes were stimulated with IFNγ and various PG peptides either (i) with or (ii) without TLR2 blockade or (iii) with Lactobacillus species-conditioned medium (LCM), a genus of bacteria with anti-inflammatory properties. Transcriptomic analysis, cartilage-degrading enzyme production and TLR2-intracellular signaling activation were investigated. Chondrocytes treated with PG peptides p16-31 and p263-280 increased expression levels of genes associated with chondrocyte hypertrophy, cartilage degradation and proteolytic enzyme production. TLR2 downstream signaling proteins (STAT3, IkBα and MAPK9) were significantly phosphorylated in p263-280 peptide-stimulated chondrocytes. MMP-1 and ADAMTS-4 were significantly reduced in p263-280 peptides-treated condition with TLR2 blockade or LCM treatment. Phosphorylation levels of IkBa, ERK1/2 and MAPK9 were significantly decreased with TLR2 blockade, but only phosphorylation levels of MAPK9 was significantly decreased with LCM treatment. Our study showed that PG peptide stimulation via TLR2 induced cartilage-degrading enzyme production via activation of MAPK, NFκB and STAT3 pathways.

Abstract We115: Modified mRNA Therapeutics Inhibits Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis and Induces Cardiac Protection in Ischemic Heart Diseases

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality worldwide. After myocardial infarction (MI), there is a permanent loss of cardiomyocytes (CMs), and as the mammalian heart has limited regenerative capacity, it leads to Heart Failure. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as potential therapeutic agents, yet their precise mechanism of CM survival and cardiac repair remains elusive. Hypothesis: The myocardial delivery of hiPSC-EV-specific protein improves cardiac function and mice survival post-MI by inhibiting CM apoptosis and oxidative stress molecular pathways. Methods and Results: Our preliminary studies confirmed that hiPSC-EVs promote CM survival post-MI in mice, and through proteomic analysis, we identified a novel protein uniquely expressed in hiPSC-EVs. We showed that the myocardial delivery of hiPSC-EVs specific protein in the form of modRNA inhibited CM apoptosis and induced CM survival post-MI. This increase in the CM's survival by hiPSC-EVs specific protein expression was associated with reduced scar size, improved cardiac function, and mice survival 28 days post-MI. Furthermore, using the siRNA and small molecule inhibition of hiPSC-EVs specific protein, we found enhanced MI-induced CM apoptosis post-MI. Mechanistic insights reveal the hiPSC-EVs specific protein induced STAT3 pathway, while STAT3 pathway inhibition by small molecule repressed hiPSC-EVs specific protein induced CM survival in vitro . Additionally, our preliminary study shows this protein translocates to the nucleus post-MI or ischemic injury. Conclusion: Taken together, the myocardial injection of hiPSC-EVs specific protein through a highly therapeutic modRNA tool improves cardiac function by inhibiting CMs apoptosis, and reactivating cardiac repair post-injury. Moreover, our studies demonstrate that the modRNA (protein) approach in mouse models is potentially adaptable for mRNA therapeutics in a clinical setup.

Downregulation of lox transcription through Ang-1/Tie-2/STAT3 pathway inhibits endothelial cell injury in myocardial infarction mice

Downregulation of lox transcription through Ang-1/Tie-2/STAT3 pathway inhibits endothelial cell injury in myocardial infarction mice

Porcine deltacoronavirus nucleocapsid protein interacts with the Grb2 through its proline-rich motifs to induce activation of the Raf-MEK-ERK signal pathway and promote virus replication.

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), an enteropathogenic coronavirus, causes severe watery diarrhoea, dehydration and high mortality in piglets, which has the potential for cross-species transmission in recent years. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) is a bridging protein that can couple cell surface receptors with intracellular signal transduction events. Here, we investigated the reciprocal regulation between Grb2 and PDCoV. It is found that Grb2 regulates PDCoV infection and promotes IFN-β production through activating Raf/MEK/ERK/STAT3 pathway signalling in PDCoV-infected swine testis cells to suppress viral replication. PDCoV N is capable of interacting with Grb2. The proline-rich motifs in the N- or C-terminal region of PDCoV N were critical for the interaction between PDCoV-N and Grb2. Except for Deltacoronavirus PDCoV N, the Alphacoronavirus PEDV N protein could interact with Grb2 and affect the regulation of PEDV replication, while the N protein of Betacoronavirus PHEV and Gammacoronavirus AIBV could not interact with Grb2. PDCoV N promotes Grb2 degradation by K48- and K63-linked ubiquitin-proteasome pathways. Overexpression of PDCoV N impaired the Grb2-mediated activated effect on the Raf/MEK/ERK/STAT3 signal pathway. Thus, our study reveals a novel mechanism of how host protein Grb2 protein regulates viral replication and how PDCoV N escaped natural immunity by interacting with Grb2.

Deciphering the impact of STAT3 activation mediated by PTPRT promoter hypermethylation as biomarker of response to paclitaxel-plus-cetuximab in patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. It is known that the activation of STAT3 signaling pathways promotes the development and progression of this neoplasia and it has been described the role of PTPRT as a negative regulator of STAT3. Then, we have evaluated the impact of them as biomarkers of outcome in a series of patients with recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN treated with weekly paclitaxel-plus-cetuximab (ERBITAX) regimen. Between 2008 and 2017, 52 patients with recurrent/metastatic SCCHN were treated with ERBITAX at our center, 34 of whom had available tumor samples. Phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, STAT3 mRNA expression by qPCR, and PTPRT promoter methylation by methylation-specific PCR. Molecular results were correlated with response rate (RR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). pSTAT3 overexpression was detected in 67% and PTPRT promoter hypermethylation in 41% of tumor samples. PTPRT promoter hypermethylation showed a trend towards an association with lower RR (21% vs. 60%; p = 0.06). A lower RR was also observed in patients with pSTAT3 overexpression (36% vs. 54%) and in those with high STAT3 mRNA levels (43% vs. 64%), but these differences did not reach statistical significance. PTPRT promoter hypermethylation correlated with pSTAT3 overexpression (p = 0.009) but not with STAT3 mRNA overexpression. OS and PFS was shorter in patients with activated STAT3, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Although this was a relatively small retrospective study, it provides preliminary indications of the potential role of the STAT3 pathway on outcome in SCCHN and confirms that PTPRT acts as a negative regulator of STAT3. Our findings warrant investigation in a larger patient cohort to determine if inactivating this pathway through specific targeted treatments could improve outcomes in recurrent/metastatic SCCHN patients.

Combined Inhibition of PI3K and STAT3 signaling effectively inhibits bladder cancer growth

Bladder cancer is characterized by aberrant activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-OH kinase (PI3K) signaling, underscoring the significance of directing therapeutic efforts toward the PI3K pathway as a promising strategy. In this study, we discovered that PI3K serves as a potent therapeutic target for bladder cancer through a high-throughput screening of inhibitory molecules. The PI3K inhibitor demonstrated a robust anti-tumor efficacy, validated both in vitro and in vivo settings. Nevertheless, the feedback activation of JAK1-STAT3 signaling reinstated cell and organoid survival, leading to resistance against the PI3K inhibitor. Mechanistically, the PI3K inhibitor suppresses PTPN11 expression, a negative regulator of the JAK-STAT pathway, thereby activating STAT3. Conversely, restoration of PTPN11 enhances the sensitivity of cancer cells to the PI3K inhibitor. Simultaneous inhibition of both PI3K and STAT3 with small-molecule inhibitors resulted in sustained tumor regression in patient-derived bladder cancer xenografts. These findings advocate for a combinational therapeutic approach targeting both PI3K and STAT3 pathways to achieve enduring cancer eradication in vitro and in vivo, underscoring their promising therapeutic efficacy for treating bladder cancer.

Low levels of supercoiled mitochondrial DNA are involved in heart failure induced by transverse aortic constriction in mice via an inflammatory response mediated by ZBP1

BackgroundInflammation in the myocardium plays a critical role in cardiac remodeling and the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). Previous studies have shown that mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can exist in different topological forms. However, the specific influence of the ratio of supercoiled/relaxed mtDNA on the inflammatory response in cardiomyocytes remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential effects of different mtDNA types on cardiomyocyte inflammation through regulation of ZBP1. Materials and methodsA mouse model of HF was established by transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or doxorubicin (Doxo) induction. Histopathological changes were assessed by HE staining. ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-6). Southern blot analysis was performed to examine the different topology of mtDNA. Pearson correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the ratio of supercoiled/relaxed mtDNA and inflammatory cytokines. Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6) and Dloop, as an mtDNA marker. ResultsThe ratio of supercoiled to relaxed mtDNA was significantly increased in the myocardium of Doxo-induced mice, whereas no significant changes were observed in TAC-induced mice. The levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were positively correlated with the cytoplasmic mtDNA supercoiled/relaxed circle ratio. Different mtDNA topology has different effects on inflammatory pathways. Low supercoiled mtDNA primarily activates the NF-κB (Ser536) pathway via ZBP1, whereas high supercoiled mtDNA significantly affects the STAT1 and STAT2 pathways. The RIPK3-NF-κB pathway, as a downstream target of ZBP1, mediates the inflammatory response induced by low supercoiled mtDNA. Knockdown of TLR9 enhances the expression of ZBP1, p-NF-κB, and RIPK3 in cardiomyocytes treated with low supercoiled mtDNA, indicating the involvement of TLR9 in the anti-inflammatory role of ZBP1 in low supercoiled mtDNA-induced inflammation. ConclusionDifferent ratios of supercoiled to relaxed mtDNA influence the inflammatory response of cardiomyocytes and contribute to HF through the involvement of ZBP1. ZBP1, together with its downstream inflammatory mechanisms, mediates the inflammatory response induced by a low ratio of supercoiled mtDNA.

Parthenolide enhances the metronomic chemotherapy effect of cyclophosphamide in lung cancer by inhibiting the NF-kB signaling pathway.

Parthenolide (PTL), a sesquiterpene lactone derived from the medicinal herb Chrysanthemum parthenium, exhibits various biological effects by targeting NF-kB, STAT3, and other pathways. It has emerged as a promising adjunct therapy for multiple malignancies. To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo effect of PTL on cyclophosphamide (CTX) metronomic chemotherapy. The cytotoxicity of PTL and CTX on Lewis lung cancer cells (LLC cells) was assessed by measuring cell activity and apoptosis. The anti-tumor efficiency was evaluated using a tumor xenograft mice model, and the survival of mice and tumor volume were monitored. Additionally, the collected tumor tissues were analyzed for tumor microenvironment indicators and inflammatory factors. In vitro, PTL demonstrated a synergistic effect with CTX in inhibiting the growth of LLC cells and promoting apoptosis. In vivo, metronomic chemotherapy combined with PTL and CTX improved the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice and reduced tumor growth rate. Furthermore, metronomic chemotherapy combined with PTL and CTX reduced NF-κB activation and improved the tumor immune microenvironment by decreasing tumor angiogenesis, reducing Transforming growth factor β, and α-SMA positive cells. PTL is an efficient compound that enhances the metronomic chemotherapy effects of CTX both in vitro and in vivo, suggesting its potential as a supplementary therapeutic strategy in metronomic chemotherapy to improve the chemotherapy effects.

Cannabidiol ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiovascular toxicity by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity via regulating IL-6, Hif1α, STAT3, eNOS pathway.

Systemic inflammation causes several organ damage by activating the intracellular signaling mechanisms. Heart and aorta tissues are the structures mostly affected by this situation. By examining underlying processes, this study sought to determine whether cannabidiol (CBD) may have protective effects against the cardiovascular damage brought on by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of 32 female rats were randomly allocated to one of four groups: control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5mg/kg, i.p., single dose), LPS + CBD (5mg/kg, i.p., single dose), and CBD groups. The rats were killed six hours after receiving LPS, and tissues from the heart and aorta were taken. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyzes were performed. Oxidative stress was evaluated biochemically by spectrophotometric method. Expression levels of genes were studied by RT-qPCR method. Histopathological analysis of the LPS group showed moderate hyperemia, hemorrhages, edema, inflammation, and myocardial cell damage. There was a slight to moderate increase in Cox-1, G-CSF, and IL-3 immunoexpressions, along with enhanced expressions of IL-6, Hif1α, and STAT3 genes, and decreased expressions of eNOS genes. Additionally, there were increased levels of TOS and decreased TAS levels observed biochemically. CBD treatment effectively reversed and improved all of these observed changes. CBD protects the heart and aorta against systemic inflammation through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity via regulating IL-6, Hif1α, STAT3, and eNOS intracellular pathways.

Ropivacaine synergizes with sorafenib to induce apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway.

The development of resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells limits the effectiveness of sorafenib, but combination therapy with other drugs may have a positive effect. However, the effect of ropivacaine combined with sorafenib on the treatment of HCC cells and its potential regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. The proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cells treated with ropivacaine, sorafenib, and ropivacaine plus sorafenib were analyzed by cell-counting kit 8 and flow cytometry. The protein levels were measured by Western blot. The antitumor effect of ropivacaine, sorafenib, and their combination was verified by a tumor xenograft model. Ropivacaine and sorafenib markedly impeded the viability of HCC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with ropivacaine or sorafenib treatment alone, ropivacaine and sorafenib combination treatment impeded HCC cell proliferation, facilitated apoptosis, enhanced cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and cyclin D1 protein expression, while it reduced IL-6 and p-STAT3 expression and inhibited tumor growth invivo. Importantly, the activation of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway could reverse the repressive or stimulative effects of ropivacaine and sorafenib on the proliferation and apoptosis in HCC cells. In summary, ropivacaine synergistically induces sorafenib-stimulated apoptosis of HCC cells via the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Ropivacaine is a potential drug for the treatment of HCC when combined with sorafenib.

Medaka liver developed Human NAFLD-NASH transcriptional signatures in response to ancestral bisphenol A exposure.

The progression of fatty liver disease to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of death in humans. Lifestyles and environmental chemical exposures can increase the susceptibility of humans to NASH. In humans, the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in urine is associated with fatty liver disease, but whether ancestral BPA exposure leads to the activation of human NAFLD-NASH-associated genes in the unexposed descendants is unclear. In this study, using medaka fish as an animal model for human NAFLD, we investigated the transcriptional signatures of human NAFLD-NASH and their associated roles in the pathogenesis of the liver of fish that were not directly exposed, but their ancestors were exposed to BPA during embryonic and perinatal development three generations prior. Comparison of bulk RNA-Seq data of the liver in BPA lineage male and female medaka with publicly available human NAFLD-NASH patient data revealed transgenerational alterations in the transcriptional signature of human NAFLD-NASH in medaka liver. Twenty percent of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in both human NAFLD patients and medaka. Specifically in females, among the total shared DEGs in the liver of BPA lineage fish and NAFLD patient groups, 27.69% were downregulated, and 20% were upregulated. Of all DEGs, 52.31% of DEGs were found in ancestral BPA-lineage females, suggesting that NAFLD in females shared the majority of human NAFLD gene networks. Pathway analysis revealed beta-oxidation, lipoprotein metabolism, and HDL/LDL-mediated transport processes linked to downregulated DEGs in BPA lineage males and females. In contrast, the expression of genes encoding lipogenesis-related proteins was significantly elevated in the liver of BPA lineage females only. BPA lineage females exhibiting activation of myc, atf4, xbp1, stat4, and cancerous pathways, as well as inactivation of igf1, suggest their possible association with an advanced NAFLD phenotype. The present results suggest that gene networks involved in the progression of human NAFLD and the transgenerational NAFLD in medaka are conserved and that medaka can be an excellent animal model to understand the development and progression of liver disease and environmental influences in the liver.

Yiqi Jiedu Huayu decoction inhibits precancerous lesions of chronic atrophic gastritis by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis.

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a prevalent chronic gastritis usually accompanied by precancerous lesions such as intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. The increasing application of traditional Chinese medicine in CAG treatment has shown promising results with low side effects and significant efficacy. To investigate the pharmacological effects of Yiqi Jiedu Huayu decoction (YJHD) on precancerous lesions of CAG. A CAG rat model was established by Helicobacter pylori bacteria solution combined with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Histopathological measurements were conducted by hematoxylin-eosin and alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Serum levels of inflammatory factors and gastric mucosal-related factors were examined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein and mRNA levels were quantified via western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. Molecular interaction was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. YJHD greatly attenuated pathological changes in the gastric mucosa and precancerous lesions in CAG rats. Meanwhile, YJHD treatment reduced serum levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein] and increased serum levels of gastric mucosal-related factors (gastrin, pepsin, somatostatin and prostaglandin E2) in CAG rats. In addition, YJHD administration suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated cell pyroptosis, as well as the activation of TLR4/NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways. Mechanically, ChIP experiments confirmed that NLRP3 transcription was regulated by TLR4/NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling. Taken together, YJHD alleviated NLRP3 inflammasome formation and pyroptosis of epithelial cells in CAG, potentially through the inactivation of TLR4/NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 pathways.

Alarming and calming: Dual functions of S100A9 on Mycoplasma gallisepticun infection in avian cells

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is the primary causative agent of chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in chickens, characterized by respiratory inflammation. S100A9 plays a pivotal role in modulating the inflammatory response to microbial pathogens. Our prior investigation revealed a significant upregulation of S100A9 in the lungs of chickens following MG infection. This study delves into the immunomodulatory effects of S100A9 during MG infection, demonstrating a notable increase in S100A9 levels in the lungs, immune organs, alveolar epithelial type II cells (AECII), and macrophage HD11 cells of MG-infected chicks and embryos. In MG-infected AECII cells, S100A9 overexpression significantly enhanced MG proliferation and adhesion, suppressed AVBD1, NFκB, pro-inflammatory factors (IL1β and TNFα), and chemokines, reduced apoptosis, and promoted cell proliferation, thereby facilitating MG infection. Conversely, inhibiting S100A9 produced opposing effects. In MG-infected HD11 cells, S100A9 impeded MG proliferation and adhesion, increased AVBD1, NFκB, pro-inflammatory factors, and chemokines, and induced cell apoptosis while inhibiting proliferation. Additional results demonstrated that S100A9 facilitates MG infection by modulating the TLR7/NFκB/JAK/STAT pathway in AECII/HD11 cells. In summary, S100A9 exhibits a dual role in activating/inhibiting the natural immune response through TLR7/NFκB/JAK/STAT pathway regulation. This dual role promotes MG infection in AECII cells while enabling MG to evade immune surveillance by HD11 cells, ultimately enhancing the overall infection process. These findings advance our understanding of host-pathogen interactions during MG infection and underscore S100A9's potential as a therapeutic target for CRD in chickens.

Lycorine combined with cisplatin synergistically inhibited osteosarcoma cells growth and metastasis by suppressing Wnt/β-Catenin and STAT3 signaling pathways

Cisplatin is commonly used in treating osteosarcoma, however, chemoresistance reduces its efficacy and results in a poor prognosis. Lycorine, a Chinese herbal medicine component, possesses anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to investigate the combined impact of lycorine and cisplatin on osteosarcoma and its molecular mechanism. The combination of lycorine and cisplatin exhibited a synergistic effect evaluated by MTT and Zheng-Jun Jin’s method. Lycorine and cisplatin synergistically inhibit proliferation, migration, invasion, and induce apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Pharmacological analysis predicts 13 key targets, including Wnt/β-Catenin and STAT3. After treatment with this combination, key molecules in Wnt/β-Catenin and STAT3 pathways were significantly inhibited. In an orthotopic tumor model, the combination significantly reduces lung metastasis. The present work suggests that a combination of lycorine with cisplatin can effectively inhibit OS cells by suppressing the Wnt/β-Catenin and STAT3 signaling pathways synergistically. This is expected to enhance the therapeutic effect of OS.

Analysis of the Actions of RARγ Agonists on Growing Osteochondromas in a Mouse Model.

The actions of the retinoic acid nuclear receptor gamma (RARγ) agonist, palovarotene, on pre-existing osteochondromas were investigated using a mouse multiple osteochondroma model. This approach was based on the knowledge that patients often present to the clinic after realizing the existence of osteochondroma masses, and the findings from preclinical investigations are the effects of drugs on the initial formation of osteochondromas. Systemic administration of palovarotene, with increased doses (from 1.76 to 4.0 mg/kg) over time, fully inhibited tumor growth, keeping the tumor size (0.31 ± 0.049 mm3) similar to the initial size (0.27 ± 0.031 mm3, p = 0.66) while the control group tumor grew (1.03 ± 0.23 mm3, p = 0.023 to the drug-treated group). Nanoparticle (NP)-based local delivery of the RARγ agonist also inhibited the growth of osteochondromas at an early stage (Control: 0.52 ± 0.11 mm3; NP: 0.26 ± 0.10, p = 0.008). Transcriptome analysis revealed that the osteoarthritis pathway was activated in cultured chondrocytes treated with palovarotene (Z-score = 2.29), with the upregulation of matrix catabolic genes and the downregulation of matrix anabolic genes, consistent with the histology of palovarotene-treated osteochondromas. A reporter assay performed in cultured chondrocytes demonstrated that the Stat3 pathway, but not the Stat1/2 pathway, was stimulated by RARγ agonists. The activation of Stat3 by palovarotene was confirmed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. These findings suggest that palovarotene treatment is effective against pre-existing osteochondromas and that the Stat3 pathway is involved in the antitumor actions of palovarotene.

The pivotal role of microglia in injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage leads to a series of pathological changes, including vascular spasm, cellular apoptosis, blood-brain barrier damage, cerebral edema, and white matter injury. Microglia, which are the key immune cells in the central nervous system, maintain homeostasis in the neural environment, support neurons, mediate apoptosis, participate in immune regulation, and have neuroprotective effects. Increasing evidence has shown that microglia play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage and affect the process of injury and the prognosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Moreover, microglia play certain neuroprotective roles in the recovery phase of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Several approaches aimed at modulating microglia function are believed to attenuate subarachnoid hemorrhage injury. This provides new targets and ideas for the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, an in-depth and comprehensive summary of the role of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage is still lacking. This review describes the activation of microglia after subarachnoid hemorrhage and their roles in the pathological processes of vasospasm, neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, blood-brain barrier disruption, cerebral edema, and cerebral white matter lesions. It also discusses the neuroprotective roles of microglia during recovery from subarachnoid hemorrhage and therapeutic advances aimed at modulating microglial function after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Currently, microglia in subarachnoid hemorrhage are targeted with TLR inhibitors, nuclear factor-κB and STAT3 pathway inhibitors, glycine/tyrosine kinases, NLRP3 signaling pathway inhibitors, Gasdermin D inhibitors, vincristine receptor α receptor agonists, ferroptosis inhibitors, genetic modification techniques, stem cell therapies, and traditional Chinese medicine. However, most of these are still being evaluated at the laboratory stage. More clinical studies and data on subarachnoid hemorrhage are required to improve the treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

High M2-TAM Infiltration and STAT3/NF-κB Signaling Pathway as a Predictive Factor for Tumor Progression and Death in Cervical Cancer.

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the progression, invasion, and metastasis of cervical carcinoma (CC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are significant components of the CC TME, but studies on their correlation with CC progression are still controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between TAM infiltration, the STAT3/NF-κB signaling pathway, and Overall Survival (OS) in CC patients. In a retrospective study, 691 CC patients who had received a definitive histopathologic diagnosis of CC scored by the FIGO staging system and not undergone preoperative treatment were selected from a database. The effect of TAM infiltration on tumor progression biomarkers using Tissue Microarray (TMA) and immunohistochemistry was evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of the expression of these biomarkers and clinical-pathological parameters on recurrence-free (RF) and OS using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression methods was also analyzed. High stromal CD163 + 204 + TAMs density and via STAT3 and NF-κB pathways was relevant to the expression of E-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP9, VEGFα, Bcl-2, Ki-67, CD25, MIF, FOXP3, and IL-17 (all p < 0.0001). In addition, elevated TNM staging IV had a strong association correlation with STAT3 and NF-κB pathways (p < 0.0001), CD25 (p < 0.001), VEGFα (p < 0.001), MIF (p < 0.0001), and Ki-67 (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, overall and recurrence survival was shown to be strongly influenced by the expression of SNAIL (HR = 1.52), E-cadherin (HR = 1.78), and Ki-67 (HR = 1.44). M2-TAM and via STAT3/NF-κB pathways had a strong effect on CC tumor progression which reverberated in the severity of clinicopathological findings, becoming an important factor of poor prognosis.

OxInflammatory Responses in the Wound Healing Process: A Systematic Review.

Significant sums are spent every year to find effective treatments to control inflammation and speed up the repair of damaged skin. This study investigated the main mechanisms involved in the skin wound cure. Consequently, it offered guidance to develop new therapies to control OxInflammation and infection and decrease functional loss and cost issues. This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines, with a structured search in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases, analyzing 23 original studies. Bias analysis and study quality were assessed using the SYRCLE tool (Prospero number is CRD262 936). Our results highlight the activation of membrane receptors (IFN-δ, TNF-α, toll-like) in phagocytes, especially macrophages, during early wound healing. The STAT1, IP3, and NF-kβ pathways are positively regulated, while Ca2+ mobilization correlates with ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This pathway activation leads to the proteolytic cleavage of caspase-1, releasing IL-1β and IL-18, which are responsible for immune modulation and vasodilation. Mediators such as IL-1, iNOS, TNF-α, and TGF-β are released, influencing pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades, increasing ROS levels, and inducing the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and DNA. During healing, the respiratory burst depletes antioxidant defenses (SOD, CAT, GST), creating a pro-oxidative environment. The IFN-δ pathway, ROS production, and inflammatory markers establish a positive feedback loop, recruiting more polymorphonuclear cells and reinforcing the positive interaction between oxidative stress and inflammation. This process is crucial because, in the immune system, the vicious positive cycle between ROS, the oxidative environment, and, above all, the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome inappropriately triggers hypoxia, increases ROS levels, activates pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits the antioxidant action and resolution of anti-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to the evolution of chronic inflammation and tissue damage.