Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 attenuates aquapo-rin 4 expression and astrocyte swelling following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of PDE4 inhibition in astrocyte swelling caused by cerebral ischemic/reperfusion(I/R)injury and the molecular mech-anisms.METHODS SD rats were subjected to 2 h of focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R).Roflumilast(Roflu)was intraperitoneally injected 2 h after MCAO.At 24 h after reperfusion,a high-resolution MRI was performed and using the wet-dry weighting method to measure the water content.The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)model was established in primary astrocytes for 2 h.After 24 h of reoxygenation,CellMask? plasma membrane stain was used to label the plasma membrane to calculate cell volume.The protein expressions insides astrocytes and penumbra were detected by Western blot-ting.To investigate the role of Akt/FoxO3a in mediating the effect of Roflu on the expression of AQP4.The astro-cytes were treated with an Akt inhibitor MK2206 before treatment with Roflu and the activation of Akt,the expres-sion of AQP4 and cell volume were determined as described above.In addition,an IL-1β-stimulated cell model was established in astrocytes,the expression of AQP4 and the activation of Akt/FoxO3a were detected by Western blotting.The change of AQP4 expression inside astrocytes and penumbra were visualized by immunofluo-rescence staining.RESULTS Roflu reduced MCAO/R-induced water contents,the expression of AQP4 and the phsophorylation of Akt and FoxO3a in the brains of MCAO/R rats.Inhibition of PDE4 decreased the cell volume and the expression of AQP4 in primary astro-cytes subjected to OGD/R.PDE4 inhibition activated Akt/FoxO3a,and inhibition of Akt by MK2206 blocked the protective effect of Roflu against OGD/R induced astro-cyte swelling.PDE4B knocking down reduced the expres-sion of AQP4,while PDE4B overexpression reversed the effect of PDE4B siRNA in astrocytes.Roflu exert-ed similar protective effect in IL-1β-cultured astrocytes,and importantly overexpression of FoxO3a remarkably increased the expression of AQP4 in IL-1β-stimulated astrocytes.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that PDE4 inhibition limits I/R-induced brain edema and astro-cyte swelling via the Akt/FoxO3a/AQP4 pathway.PDE4 inhibition is a promising strategy for the treatment of brain edema after I/R injury.

Could be FOXO3a, miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p useful for Brazilian women with luminal A and triple negative breast cancers prognosis and target therapy?

Abstract FOXO3a dysregulation is frequently implicated in tumorigenesis, and its inhibition can occur by several molecular mechanisms. Among these, post-transcriptional suppression by miRNAs has been associated with various cancers initiation. Here, we assessed the expression profiles of the most relevant miRNAs for breast tumorigenesis, using Luminal A (LA) and Triple-Negative (TN) breast cancer from Brazilian patients, by the quantitative real time-PCR method. Their potential prognostic role for the patients was also evaluated. We identified the miRNAs miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p, de-scribed as negative regulators of FOXO3A, with differential expression both in LA and TN tumors when compared to normal tissue. The miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p miRNAs were upregulated in LA (7.82 times, p < 0.005; 6.12 times, p < 0.005, respectively) and TN breast cancer samples (9.42 times, p < 0.0001; 8.51 times, p < 0.0001) compared to normal tissues. The samples with higher miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p expression (FR ≥ 4) were submitted for FOXO3a immunostaining. Reduced protein detection was observed in all of the tumors compared to normal tissues. The most prominent miRNA expression and FOXO3a protein suppression were observed in TN samples (p < 0.001), indicating the relevant role of these molecules in this tumor biology and clinical behavior. Our results corroborate the literature regarding to the relevance of FOXO3a in the breast cancer, and they open new perspectives for alternative target therapy options for Brazilian patients expressing both FOXO3a and its regulatory miRNAs.

Mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang in Improving Ectopic Lipid Accumulation in Liver of db/db Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating AMPK-FoxO3a Autophagy Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang （GQT） in improving ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver of db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）-forkhead box O3a （FoxO3a） autophagy axis， to provide a scientific basis for clarifying the hypoglycemic mechanism of GQT and its clinical application. MethodSeventy-five spontaneous T2DM db/db mice and 15 normal db/m mice were selected and maintained on a regular diet for one week， followed by the measurement of blood glucose. They were then randomly divided into six groups， with 15 mice in each group， including normal group （0.2 g·kg-1 saline）， metformin group （0.2 g·kg-1）， high-， medium， and low-dose GQT group （31.9， 19.1， 6.9 g·kg-1）， and model group （0.2 g·kg-1 saline）. The mice were orally administered the corresponding drugs once daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） and glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） were detected. Fasting insulin （FINS） and free fatty acid （FFA） levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated （p）-AMPK， p-FoxO3a， and autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ （LC3Ⅱ） and p62 were detected using Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in liver tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to detect the mRNA expression of AMPK， FoxO3a， and LC3 in liver tissues. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed pathological changes in liver tissues， increased FBG， HbA1c， FINS， and FFA levels （P<0.01）， increased protein expression levels of p-AMPK， p62， and HIF-1α， decreased protein expression levels of p-FoxO3a and LC3Ⅱ in liver tissues （P<0.01）， decreased mRNA expression of AMPK， and increased expression of FoxO3a （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed relieved liver tissue lesions and decreased FBG， HbA1c， FINS， and FFA levels （P<0.01）. The expression of p-AMPK， p62， and HIF-1α increased， while the expression of p-FoxO3a showed a dose-dependent decrease in the high-dose GQT group. The expression of LC3Ⅱ increased in the metformin group and the high-dose GQT group （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of AMPK showed a dose-dependent increase， and the expression of FoxO3a showed a dose-dependent decrease in the treatment groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionGQT can improve ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver of T2DM db/db mice， which may be related to the regulation of the AMPK-FoxO3a autophagy axis.

Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Cognitive Ability of SAMP8 Mice by Regulating Autophagy Through PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on memory function of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 （SAMP8） mice by regulating autophagy through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/forkhead box O3a （FoxO3a） pathway. MethodSix male senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 （SAMR1） mice of SPF grade aging 6 months were assigned to a normal group， and 24 male SAMP8 mice of SPF grade aging 6 months were randomly divided into a model group， a donepezil group （0.747 mg·kg-1）， and high- and low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （2.700 and 1.350 g·kg-1）， with 6 mice in each group. The mice were treated with drugs by gavage for 2 months. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of mice in each group. Nissl staining was used to observe the neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. The positive expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B （LC3B） in the cortex and hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of the mammalian ortholog of yeast ATG6 （Beclin-1）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， autophagy-related gene 5 （ATG5）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 （Caspase-3）， Caspase-9， Akt， p-Akt， FoxO3a， and p-FoxO3a. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed prolonged escape latency （P<0.05，P<0.01）， reduced number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， decreased neurons with reduced volume and dispersed distribution in the cortex and hippocampus， increased positive expression of LC3B （P<0.01）， elevated expression of Beclin-1 and ATG5 in the cortex （P<0.01）， declined Bcl-2 expression （P<0.01）， up-regulated Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression （P<0.01）， and decreased expression levels of p-Akt/Akt and p-FoxO3a/FoxO3a （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the donepezil group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups showed shortened 3 d escape latency （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased number of platform crossings （P<0.01）， and prolonged residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）. In the donepezil group， the number of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus was increased. In the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups， the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased with denser distribution and lower degree of cell damage. The positive expression of LC3B in the cortex and hippocampus was decreased in the donepezil group and Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. The expression of Beclin-1 was decreased in the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. The expression of ATG5 was decreased in the donepezil group and the low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group （P<0.01）. The donepezil group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups showed the increased expression level of Bcl-2 in the cortex （P<0.01）， decreased expression level of Caspase-3 （P<0.01）， reduced expression level of Caspase-9 （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and elevated expression levels of p-Akt/Akt and p-FoxO3a/FoxO3a （P<0.01）. ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can effectively improve the learning and memory abilities of the SAMP8 mice and protect neurons. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway， down-regulation of the expression of ATG5， Beclin-1， and LC3B， and the inhibition of apoptosis.

Mechanism of Wenshen Yangxue Prescription Improving Endometrial Receptivity of Aged Female Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effective components， targets， and possible mechanisms of Wenshen Yangxue prescription in improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Method:Based on Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM） and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine， the components and targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription were retrieved， and the targets of ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were collected from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM） and GeneCards with "anovulatory sterility" and "anovulatory infertility" as keywords. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed based on STRING and the core targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription against ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were screened by Cytoscape， followed by Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment of the core targets in DAVID database. Then， the "medicinal-component-target-pathway" network was established and the core targets were verified by animal experiment. Result:A total of 253 components and 326 targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription， 819 disease targets， and 74 common targets were screened out. The common targets were mainly involved in the biological processes such as positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic process， positive regulation of cell proliferation， response to estradiol， aging， response to oxidative stress， and angiogenesis. The GO term of response to oxidative stress and five of the top 20 KEGG pathways were analyzed. According to the "medicinal-component-target-biological process/pathway" network， 41 chemical components in 20 medicinals participated in hypoxia inducible factor-1 （HIF-1） signaling pathway， tumor necrosis factor （TNF） signaling pathway， forkhead box O （FOXO） signaling pathway， Toll-like receptor （TLR） signal pathway， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway by affecting 35 targets. The results of animal experiment showed that the prescription could increase the expression of PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， forkhead box O3A （FoxO3A）， and phosphorylated FoxO3A （p-FoxO3A） in uterus of aged female ICR mice. Conclusion:Wenshen Yangxue prescription interferes with oxidative stress and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A signaling pathway by influencing Akt1， dual oxidase 2 （DUOX2）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， heme oxygenase-1 （HMOX1）， myeloperoxidase （MPO）， and other targets， thereby improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice.

Effects of Sirt1 on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of SD rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To explore the effect of Sirt1 on the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A rat COPD model was established via smoking and endotoxin administration for three months. The peripheral circulating EPCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation, and their functions, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and Sirt1 expression were examined. The function changes of EPCs in the presence or absence of Sirt1 agonist and inhibitor were estimated; meanwhile, the expressions of Sirt1, FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 were also evaluated. Results: The proliferation, adhesion, and migration of EPCs decreased while the apoptosis rate was increased in the COPD rats. The expression of Sirt1 protein in EPCs of the COPD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The overexpression of the Sirt1 gene using a gene transfection technique or Sirt1 agonists (SRT1720) improved the proliferation, migration, and adhesion, and decreased the apoptosis of EPC. However, Sirt1 inhibitor (EX527) decreased EPC functions in the COPD group. The effect of Sirt1 expression on EPC function may be related to reduction of FOXO3a and increase of NF-κB and p53 activity. Conclusions: Increased expression of Sirt1 can improve the proliferation and migration of EPCs and reduce their apoptosis in COPD rats. This change may be related to FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 signaling pathways.

Naringenin prevented nonalcoholic steatohepatitis fibrosis via regulating MAPK/FoxO3a pathway and promoting apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE The pathological characteristics of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) include liver steato?sis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Fibrosis is the most severe and significant pathological feature in NASH. Effective drug treatment could reverse early liver fibrosis and is of significance to prevent NASH from progressing into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Identification of drug targets for NASH treatment has been an active research area and is essential for the development of anti-NASH medications. Naringenin (NGN) is a flavonoid compound rich in citrus fruits. Our preliminary data demonstrated that NGN reduced diet-induced lipid accumulation and inflammation in the mouse liver, but whether NGN can attenuate liver fibrosis of NASH is not known. METHODS To study the effect of NGN on NASH fibrosis. WT mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) and injected intraperitoneally 20％ carbon tetrachloride at the same time for 8 weeks to induce NASH, and NGN was administrated by gavage in the meantime. In vitro, LO2 cells and LX2 cells were stimulated by oleic acid (OA) combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. RESULTS Treating the WT mice with NGN 100 mg · kg-1 · d-1 significantly attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, plasma ALT and AST levels, inhibited protein expression of p-ERK, p-FoxO3a in the mouse livers. In vitro, on OA and LPS stimulated LO2 or LX2 cells, NGN significantly promoted apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells while inhibited apoptosis of hepatocytes. Mechanism study indicated that NGN inhibited MAPK pathway and promoted activation of FoxO3a, conse?quently promoted apoptosis of the activated LX2 cells and inhibited liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION NGN preventes NASH fibrosis via regulating MAPK/FoxO3a pathway, thus promoting apoptosis of the activated hepatic stellate cells.

Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules containing serum on oxidative stress and protein expression of AMPK and FoxO3a in rheumatoid arthritis patients / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules containing serum on the protein expressions of AMPK and FoxO3 a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), in order to explore the mechanism of anti-oxidation. Peripheral anticoagulant was collected from patients and normal people. Monocytes(PBMC) were isolated through density gradient centrifugation, and the logarithmic phase cells were cultured. Drug containing serum was prepared through intragastric admini-stration to SD rats. The rats were divided into five groups, namely normal group, model group, AMPK blocker group(compound C 10 μmol·L~(-1)), medium-dose HQC+AMPK blocker group, and middle-dose HQC group. The cell inhibition rate was calculated by MTT method. The levels of IL-1β, IL-4, LPO, MDA, SOD and TAOC were detected by ELISA. The expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and FoxO3 a were detected by Western blot. The HQC containing serum had an inhibitory effect on human monocytes in peripheral blood. The best concentration was observed in middle-dose HQC, and the best time was 24 hours. Middle-dose HQC group was better than model group, AMPK blocker group and middle-dose HQC + AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of SOD, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and decrease of LPO. It was better than model group and AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of IL-4, TAOC, AMPK, FoxO3 a and decrease of IL-1β, MDA. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The HQC containing serum may increase the levels of TAOC and SOD, decrease the level of MDA and LPO, activate AMPK, directly phosphorylate FOXO3 a, enhance its transcriptional activity, and improve the state of oxidative stress in RA patients.

Fufangqizao decoction regulates Foxo3a/Bim inhibiting apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells in rats with experimental gastric ulcer / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of Fufangqizao Decoction in the treatment of gastric ulcer. Methods:Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, ulcer control group, Fufangqizao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, and 12 g/kg); omeprazole group, with 10 in each group. Rat gastric ulcer model was prepared by acetic acid ablation method. The protein expressions of Foxo3a and Bim in gastric ulcer were detected by Western blot. Apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells was detected by TUNEL staining. Results: Compared with those in ulcer control group, the expression levels of Foxo3a and Bim in Fufangqizao decoction groups and omeprazole group were significantly lower, and the effect of high-dose Fufangqizao decoction on the expressions of Foxo3a and Bim was more significant than that of omeprazole (P<0.05). The apoptosis index in each group was (26.79±2.54)%, (22.41±3.67)%, and (14.38±3.40)%, which were significantly lower than that in ulcer model group (30.75±2.93)% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fufangqizao decoction may inhibit gastric mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis by down-regulating Foxo3a/Bim expression and thus exerts its anti-gastric ulcer effect.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Expression of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a in Granulosa Cells from Women with Shen (Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen (Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table, 33 cases in each group. Before undergoing IVF, patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture, respectively, for 3 menstrual cycles. Shen deficiency syndrome scores were assessed. Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization, high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates. Follicular fluid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), serine-threonine kinase (Akt) and forkhead box O3 (Foxo3a) mRNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Syndrome scores for pre- versus post-treatments decreased significantly (16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group (P<0.05), but showed no significant change in the control group (17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58). A significant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups (P<0.05). High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15% (195/282) vs. 60.27% (176/292) and 66.67% (22/33) vs. 42.42% (14/33), respectively, P<0.05]. The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups. No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups. Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3K and Akt mRNA were significantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group, while the expression of Foxo3a was reduced (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF, EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate. The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis, possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate (Registration No. ChiCTR 1800016217).

Inhibition of FOXO3a/BIM signaling pathway contributes to the protective effect of salvianolic acid A against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is an effective compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Bunge. The Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in the modulation of ischemia-induced cell apoptosis. However, no information about the regulatory effect of SalA on FoxO3a is available. To explore the anti-cerebral ischemia effect and clarify the therapeutic mechanism of SalA, SH-SY5Y cells and Sprague-Dawley rats were applied, which were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injuries, respectively. The involved pathway was identified using the specific inhibitor LY294002. Results showed that SalA concentration-dependently inhibited OGD/R injury triggered cell viability loss. SalA reduced cerebral infarction, lowered brain edema, improved neurological function, and inhibited neuron apoptosis in MCAO/R rats, which were attenuated by the treatment of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor LY294002. SalA time- and concentration-dependently upregulated the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and its downstream protein FOXO3a. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of FOXO3a was inhibited by SalA both and , which was also reversed by LY294002. The above results indicated that SalA fought against ischemia/reperfusion damage at least partially the AKT/FOXO3a/BIM pathway.

Effect of forsythin in inhibiting renal cell carcinoma via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of forsythin in inhibiting the growth, migration and invasion of human renal cancer cells (786-0). Methods Human renal cancer cells (786-0) were cultured in vitro, and different concentrations of forsythin were added. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was detected by AO/EB assay, cell migration and invasion abilities were respectively investigated by wound healing and transwell migration assays. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, FOXO3a, p-FOXO3a, p21, p27, Fasl, Bim, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected by Western bloting. Results:In 786-0 cells, forsythin effectively inhibited the growth of renal cancer cells, promoted apoptosis, interfered with cell cycle, and upregulated expression levels of p21, p27, Fasl, and Bim, when compared with control group (P < 0.05, 0.01); Compared with the control group, different concentrations of forsythin can significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of renal cancer cells, and reduce the synthesis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P < 0.05, 0.01). Meanwhile, forsythin can significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and FOXO3a in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion: Forsythin can regulate apoptosis and cell cycle, and inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. At the same time, forsythin can effectively inhibit the ability of renal cell migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Relationship between PI3K/Akt signal and its downstream pathway and cardiovascular disease / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

A growing number of studies show that drug and non-drug means can be activated phosphatidyl inositol-3-kinase serine/threonine kinase(PI3K/Akt signaling pathway)in the beginning of reperfusion, and make its downstream fork protein transcription factor O3a (FoxO3a) phosphorylation, and then promote cell survival and reduce the apoptosis so as to alleviate the symptoms of myocardial ischemia.In this paper,the role of PI3K/Akt and FoxO3a effector in myocardial ischemia was reviewed, and illustrated the role of PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway in myocardial ischemia.

Role of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma U-2OS cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective:To investigate the role of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced cisplatin (DDP) resistance in osteosarcoma cells. Methods: The FOXO3a expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting in osteosarcoma U-2OS cell line under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. The effects of HIF-1α-siRNAand FOXO3a-siRNAon the expressions of HIF-1αand FOXO3a were detected by Western blotting. CCK-8 and Annexin V/PI assays were used to detect the function of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced DDP resistance of U20S cells. Results: Hypoxia could significantly increase the mRNAand protein levels of FOXO3a in U-2OS cells (All P<0.05). The expression of FOXO3a was regulated by HIF-1α; compared with control group and HIF-1α-NC group, the FOX03a protein expression was significantly down-regulated in HIF-1α-siRNA group [(0.38±0.03) vs (0.89±0.08)， (0.91±0.07), all P<0.01]. Under hypoxia condition, FOXO3a-siRNA could decrease the tolerance of U-2OS cells to DDP [(38.50±2.83)% vs (61.75±5.73)%, P<0.01], and increase DDP-induced apoptosis of U-2OS cells [(73.41±6.13)% vs (32.38±2.23)%, (55.89±4.46)%,All P<0.05]. Conclusions: Hypoxia significantly enhanced DDP-resistance of U-2OS cells by increasing FOXO3a expression in a HIF-1-dependent manner.

Proteasome Inhibitor MG132 Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis in Acute T Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cell Via FOXO3a/Puma Pathway / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

[Objective]To explore the effect and the possible mechanism of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 on acute T lympho?blastic leukemia cells.[Methods]The influence of different concentrations of MG132 in the viability and proliferation of CCRF-CEM was measured by MTS. Apoptosis rates of CCRF-CEM treated by MG132 were determined by flow cytometry. After being exposed to MG132,the protein levels of FOXO3a in cytoplasm and nucleus were analyzed by Western blotting. qRT-PCR was applied to detect the mRNA of FOXO3a and Puma in cells treated by MG132. Then CCRF-CEM was stably transfected with antisense FOXO3a using Lentivirus infection. We further investigated the effects of MG132 in FOXO3a-shRNA cells and elucidated the mechanisms of FOXO3a and Puma.[Results]MG132 inhibits the proliferation of CCRF-CEM,but has no cytotoxicity in peripheral blood mononu?clear cells(PBMC). Cellular apoptosis was induced in cells treated with MG132. At mRNA level,MG132 had no influence on FOXO3a,but increased the expression of Puma. However,MG132 promoted the expression of both FOXO3a and Puma at protein level. Interestingly,the expression of FOXO3a increased very little in cytoplasm. In FOXO3a-shRNA cells the expression of FOXO3a and Puma decreased at protein level. FOXO3a's knockdown attenuated the proliferation inhibition mediated by MG132.[Conclusion]MG132 inhibits the proliferation and promotes to apoptosis of CCRF-CEM. One of the mechanism is that MG132 inhib? its the degradation of FOXO3a,and then activates FOXO3a/Puma pathway.

Targeting miR155 restores chemotherapy sensitivity in drug-resistant myeloma cell-line RPMI8226/DOX cells / 中华血液学杂志

Objective@#To explore the mechanism of abnormal expression of microRNA155 (miR155) in myeloma drug-resistance to probe the possibility of inhibiting miR155 expression to restore chemotherapy sensitivity and its molecular mechanism in drug-resistant myeloma cells.@*Methods@#Drug-resistant myeloma cell-line RPMI8226/DOX was established by culturing RPMI8226 cells with continuous low concentration and intermittent gradually increasing concentration of doxorubicin in vitro; The levels of miR155 mRNA were measured by qRT-PCR, and both proteins FOXO3a and BCL-2 expressions were detected by Western blot in cell-lines RPMI8226/S and RPMI8226/Dox. RPMI8226/DOX cells were transfected by miR155 inhibitor and mimic using gene transfer method, and then CCK-8 was used to measure proliferation and inhibition ratio, the changes of miR155 expression were detected by RT-PCR. Proteins FOXO3a and BCL-2 were detected by Western blot.@*Results@#Comparing with RPMI8226 cells, the level of miR155 mRNA was obviously up-regulated with the relative expression of 26.860±2.340, together with increased expression of Bcl-2 protein but decreased expression of FOXO3a in RPMI8226/DOX cells. After 72 h treatment with miR155 inhibitor, the inhibition rate of transfection was 64.57%, miR155 expression decreased sharply, the level of FOXO3a expression was upregulated while BCL-2 expression decreased, chemotherapy sensitivity was restored on cell-line RPMI8226/DOX with reversed drug-resistance ratio of 2.518.@*Conclusions@#The abnormal expression of miR155 was closely associated with myeloma drug-resistance, targeting inhibition of miR155 expression could restore chemotherapy sensitivity by increasing FOXO3a expression in drug-resistant myeloma cells.

Effects of FOXO3a on regulating mitophagy in hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the effect of transcription factor FOXO3a on mitophagy in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice. Methods A total of 30 male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into Sham operation group (Sham) and ischemia reperfusion (IR) 2 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h groups, 6 mice in each group. The mouse model of liver ischemia -reperfusion injury was established. Blood biochemical methods were used to detect changes of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). HE staining and TUNEL were used to observe the damages of liver tissue and apoptosis. Western blot assay and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expressions of transcription factor FOXO3a, mitochondrial autophagy-related protein Nix protein and its mRNA expression in each group. Mouse liver AML12 cells were treated with FOXO3a and Nix interfering RNA, and the model was established for 6 h after hypoxia for 1.5 h.These cells were divided into siRNA-NC group, FOXO3a siRNA group and Nix siRNA group. MTT assay was used to detect the viability of cells in each group. The number and distribution of autophagy in each group were observed by confocal microscopy. The expressions of FOXO3a, Nix, microtubule-associated protein LC3, apoptotic protein P62 and Caspase-3 were detected by Western blot assay. Results The levels of ALT and AST in all groups of IR were reduced, and reached the peak value at 6 h (P<0.05). HE and TUNEL results showed that liver injury and apoptosis were the most serious at 6 h after reperfusion. The expression of FOXO3a and Nix was higher in IR group than that in the Sham group, and the expression level of FOXO3a mRNA was the highest at 12 h after reperfusion, the expression of Nix mRNA was the highest at 6 h after reperfusion (P<0.05). Western blot assay showed the highest expression of FOXO3a in the reperfusion of 12 h, and the highest expression levels of Nix, Caspase-3 and LC3Ⅱin reperfusion 6 h. After interfering with the expression of FOXO3a, MTT showed a marked reduction in cell survival (P<0.05), Western blot assay showed that the expression level of FOXO3a was significantly higher in siRNA-NC group than that in FOXO3a siRNA group, and the expression levels of Nix, Caspase-3 and LC3Ⅱwere significantly lower than those of FOXO3a siRNA group. Confocal microscopy showed that the number and distribution of autophagosomes were significantly lower in siRNA-NC group than those in FOXO3a siRNA group. After interfering with the expression of Nix, MTT showed a marked increase in cell survival (P<0.05), Western blot assay showed that the expression levels of Nix, P62 and LC3Ⅱ were significantly higher in siRNA-NC group than those in Nix siRNA group. Conclusion FOXO3a can reduce the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice, which may be related to the FOXO3a inhibition for liver cell mitophagy and apoptosis.

Quercetin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in triple-negative breast cancer cells through modulation of Foxo3a activity

Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid found in fruits, vegetables and tea, has been known to possess bioactive properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. In this study, anti-cancer effect of quercetin and its underlying mechanisms in triple-negative breast cancer cells was investigated. MTT assay showed that quercetin reduced breast cancer cell viability in a time and dose dependent manner. For this, quercetin not only increased cell apoptosis but also inhibited cell cycle progression. Moreover, quercetin increased FasL mRNA expression and p51, p21 and GADD45 signaling activities. We also observed that quercetin induced protein level, transcriptional activity and nuclear translocation of Foxo3a. Knockdown of Foxo3a caused significant reduction in the effect of quercetin on cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In addition, treatment of JNK inhibitor (SP 600125) abolished quercetin-stimulated Foxo3a activity, suggesting JNK as a possible upstream signaling in regulation of Foxo3a activity. Knockdown of Foxo3a and inhibition of JNK activity reduced the signaling activities of p53, p21 and GADD45, triggered by quercetin. Taken together, our study suggests that quercetin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest via modification of Foxo3a signaling in triple-negative breast cancer cells.

Reserpine treatment activates AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK)

Reserpine is a well-known medicine for the treatment of hypertension, however the role of reserpine in cell signaling is not fully understood. Here, we report that reserpine treatment induces the phosphorylation of AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) at threonine 172 (T172) in PC12 cells. Phosphorylation of AMPK T172 is regulated by upstream signaling molecules, and the increase of phospho-T172 indicates that AMPK is activated. When we examined the FOXO3a dependent transcription by using the FHRE-Luc reporter assay, reserpine treatment repressed the FHRE-Luc reporter activity in a dose dependent manner. Finally, we showed that reserpine treatment induced the phosphorylation of AMPK as well as cell death in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that AMPK is a potential cellular target of reserpine.

Role of FoxO3a transcription factor in oxidative stress / 医学研究生学报

Oxidative stress is an important factor that can cause aging body, tissue damage and diseases.FoxO3a transcription factor is critical for the regulation of oxidative stress.Recently, there are some reports on the quite complex role of FoxO3a in regulating oxidative stress.Not only can it promote the survival of cells, but also induce cell apoptosis at some oxidative stress conditions.In this paper, the role of FoxO3a in oxidative stress, the possible signal pathway and the potential effect of target FoxO3a for oxidative stress diseases treatment are reviewed.