Acteoside promotes autophagy and apoptosis of hepatoma cells by regulating JNK signaling pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the molecular mechanism of acteoside against hepatoma 22(H22) tumor in mice through c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling pathway. H22 cells were subcutaneously inoculated in 50 male BALB/c mice, and then the model mice were classified into model group, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose acteoside groups, and cisplatin group. The administration lasted 2 weeks for each group(5 consecutive days/week). The general conditions of mice in each group, such as mental status, diet intake, water intake, activity, and fur were observed. The body weight, tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor-inhibiting rate were compared before and after administration. Morphological changes of liver cancer tissues were observed based on hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining, and the expression of phosphorylated(p)-JNK, JNK, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Beclin-1, and light chain 3(LC3) in each tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. qRT-PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression of JNK, Bcl-2, Beclin-1, and LC3. The general conditions of mice in model and low-dose acteoside groups were poor, while the general conditions of mice in the remaining three groups were improved. The body weight of mice in medium-dose acteoside group, high-dose acteoside group, and cisplatin group was smaller than that in model group(P<0.01). The tumor volume in model group was insignificantly different from that in low-dose acteoside group, and the volume in cisplatin group showed no significant difference from that in high-dose acteoside group. Tumor volume and weight in medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group were lower than those in the model group(P<0.001). The tumor-inhibiting rates were 10.72%, 40.32%, 53.79%, and 56.44% in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group, respectively. HE staining showed gradual decrease in the count of hepatoma cells and increasing sign of cell necrosis in the acteoside and cisplatin groups, and the necrosis was particularly obvious in the high-dose acteoside group and cisplatin group. Immunohistochemical results suggested that the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, p-JNK, and JNK was up-regulated in acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.05). The results of immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and qRT-PCR indicated that the expression of Bcl-2 was down-regulated in the medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group(P<0.01). Western blot showed that the expression of Beclin-1, LC3, and p-JNK was up-regulated in acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.01), and there was no difference in the expression of JNK among groups. qRT-PCR results showed that the levels of Beclin-1 and LC3 mRNA were up-regulated in the acteoside and cisplatin groups(P<0.05), and the level of JNK mRNA was up-regulated in medium-dose and high-dose acteoside groups and cisplatin group(P<0.001). Acteoside promotes apoptosis and autophagy of H22 cells in mice hepatoma cells by up-regulating the JNK signaling pathway, thus inhibiting tumor growth.

Alleviation of isoproterenol-induced myocardial fibrosis in mice by autophagy regulated by Astragaloside Ⅳ through activating ROCK/JNK pathway / 药学实践杂志

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of astragaloside Ⅳ(AS-Ⅳ) activating ROCK/JNK to regulate autophagy in improving isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial fibrosis (MF) in mice. Methods The mice were randomly divided into control operation group (Control group), ISO induced myocardial fibrosis group (MF group), AS-Ⅳ treatment group (AS-Ⅳ group) and combination group of astragaloside IV and Y-33075 (ROCK inhibitor) (astragaloside IV+Y-33075 group). After repeated administration for 30 days. The serum levels of LDH, BNP, CTGF in each group were detected. The cardiac function was detected by ultrasound. Myocardial structure and tissue fibrosis degree in each group were detected by Sirius Red and Masson staining. Oxidative stress (ROS) levels in myocardial tissue of each group were detected by DHE staining and the expression of ROCK, JNK, Atg5, Beclin 1, and LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with AS-Ⅳ group, the EF value of AS-Ⅳ+Y-33075 group decreased and the degree of myocardial fibrosis increased (P<0.05). The serum level of LDH, BNP, CTGF increased and the level of ROS in myocardial tissue increased while the expression of ROCK, JNK, Atg5, Beclin 1, LC3 Ⅰ/Ⅱ decreased (P<0.05). Y-33075 could block the protective effect of AS-Ⅳ on myocardial injury induced by MF and inhibit the regulation of AS-Ⅳ on ROCK and JNK. Conclusion AS-Ⅳ could attenuate myocardial fibrosis in mice by activating ROCK/JNK signal and promoting autophagy.

Mechanism of Stemona tuberosa Alkaloids in Inhibiting Proliferation and Inducing Apoptosis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer NCI-H460 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo study the effect and underlying mechanism of Stemona tuberosa alkaloids on the proliferation and apoptosis of human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells. MethodNon-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells were divided into a blank group and S. tuberosa alkaloids groups （50， 100， 150， 200， and 250 mg·L-1）. The effect of S. tuberosa alkaloids on the proliferation of human NCI-H460 cells was observed by thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis was observed by Hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. Real-time fluorescence-based polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the effect of S. tuberosa alkaloids on the mRNA expression of cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 （Caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， and epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）. The protein expression levels of Caspase-3， Bax， Bcl-2， protein kinase B （Akt）， phosphorylated （p-）Akt， EGFR， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， p-JNK， p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， and p-p38 MAPK were measured by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the S. tuberosa alkaloids groups showed increased inhibition rate on cell proliferation （P<0.01）， reduced number of cell clones formed and the rate of cell clonal formation （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and increased karyopyknosis， cytoplasmic aggregation， and cell apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. The S. tuberosa alkaloids groups at 100， 150， 200， and 250 mg·L-1 showed increased Caspase-3 mRNA expression （P<0.05）， decreased EGFR mRNA expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated protein expression of Caspase-3 and p-JNK （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein expression of EGFR and p-Akt （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Additionally， compared with the blank group， the S. tuberosa alkaloids groups showed increased expression of Bax mRNA （P<0.01）， decreased expression of Bcl-2 mRNA （P<0.01）， up-regulated protein expression of Bax and p-p38 MAPK （P<0.01）， and down-regulated protein expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.01）. ConclusionsS. tuberosa alkaloids can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of human non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H460 cells， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of EGFR protein expression and phosphorylation of Akt protein， as well as the activation of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Effect of Xiaoyaosan on JNK Pathway in LPS-induced Depressive-like Behavior in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Xiaoyaosan in alleviating lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced depressive-like behavior in mice based on the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） pathway. MethodAfter adaptive feeding， C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into normal group， model group， minocycline group （intrabitoneal injection， 50 mg·kg-1）， fluoxetine group （intragastric administration， 2.6 mg·kg-1）， and low-， medium-， and high-dose Xiaoyaosan groups （intragastric administration，6.012 5， 12.025， and 24.050 g·kg-1）. After 14 days of administration， the model group and each administration group were intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg·kg-1 LPS， and the normal group was intraperitoneally injected with equal volume of normal saline. Depressive-like behavior in mice was assessed using the open field test and the elevated zero maze test. High-performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） was used to measure the levels of norepinephrine （NE） and epinephrine （E） in the mouse hippocampus. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was performed to determine serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β） levels. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 （Iba-1）， c-Fos， and c-Jun. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to measure mRNA expression levels of IL-1β， c-Jun， c-Fos， and JNK3 in the mouse hippocampus. Protein expression levels of JNK and phosphorylated （p）-JNK in the mouse hippocampus were measured using capillary protein automated protein expression analysis system （Western）. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly reduced central area residence time， crossing times， and travel distance in the open field （P<0.01）， significantly increased serum IL-1β levels （P<0.01）， significantly decreased NE and E levels （P<0.05）， upregulated mRNA expression of IL-1β， JNK3， and c-Fos， and increased protein expression of Iba-1， c-Fos， and c-Jun （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the Xiaoyaosan groups showed increased central area residence time and open arm residence time （P<0.05）， increased NE and E levels （P<0.01）， decreased mRNA expression of IL-1β， JNK3， c-Jun， and c-Fos， and decreased protein expression of Iba-1， c-Fos， JNK， and p-JNK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The minocycline group and the fluoxetine group showed decreased mRNA expression of JNK3， c-Jun， and c-Fos （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The minocycline group showed decreased serum IL-1β and p-JNK protein expression （P<0.01）. The fluoxetine group exhibited increased NE and E levels and decreased c-Fos protein expression （P<0.01）. ConclusionXiaoyaosan can improve depressive-like behavior induced by LPS in mice， and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of neuroinflammatory responses and the JNK pathway.

Effect of acupuncture at "Zhibian" (BL 54) through "Shuidao" (ST 28) on the expression of apoptosis-related factors in rats with premature ovarian insufficiency based on oxidative stress / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the possible mechanism of acupuncture at "Zhibian" (BL 54) through "Shuidao" (ST 28) on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) from the perspective of oxidative stress.@*METHODS@#Sixty female SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, a model group, a sham acupuncture group, a medication group, and an acupuncture group, 12 rats in each group. Except the blank group, the rats in the remaining groups were intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide to establish the POI model. After the model was successfully established, the rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Zhibian" (BL 54) through "Shuidao" (ST 28), with a depth of about 12 mm, and the needle was retained for 30 min; the acupuncture was given once a day, for a total of 4 weeks. The rats in the sham acupuncture group were treated with blunt-head needle to tap the skin surface of "Zhibian" (BL 54), without penetrating the skin, once a day for 4 weeks. The rats in the medication group were treated with estradiol valerate by gastric gavage for 4 weeks. After the intervention, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ovarian tissue was detected by fluorescence probe; the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), forkhead box O1 (FoxO1), tumor suppressor gene protein 53 (p53) and p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) mRNA and protein in ovarian tissue were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the blank group, the level of ROS and the expression of JNK mRNA, p-JNK protein, FoxO1, p53, Puma mRNA and protein in the ovarian tissue in the model group were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the level of ROS and the expression of p-JNK protein, FoxO1, p53, Puma mRNA and protein in the ovarian tissue in the sham acupuncture group were slightly reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The level of ROS and the expression of JNK mRNA, p-JNK protein, FoxO1, p53, Puma mRNA and protein in the ovarian tissue in the acupuncture group and the medication group were reduced (P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at "Zhibian" (BL 54) through "Shuidao" (ST 28) could improve the level of oxidative stress, down-regulate the expression of apoptosis-related factors JNK, FoxO1, p53 and Puma induced by oxidative stress, and inhibit the premature failure of ovarian reserve function caused by apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in POI rats.

Role of JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway in paraquat-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia / 环境与职业医学

Background Paraquat (PQ) is one of the environmental factors that can cause sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD). Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD. Our previous studies have found that low doses of PQ can activate BV-2 microglia to the M1 phenotype and exert pro-inflammatory effects, but the associated mechanism is not clear yet. Objective To explore the role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway in PQ-induced activation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protoin 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in microglia. Methods An in vitro microglia model was established. The cells were treated with 0, 0.03, 0.06,and 0.12 μmol·L−1 PQ for 24 h, the whole cell protein was extracted. The relative expression levels of JNK, AP-1 constituent proteins (c-Jun, c-Fos), NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspasse-1 precursor (pro caspase-1), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were evaluated by Western blotting, to observe the effects of PQ exposure on JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome. After the treatment of 20 μmol·L−1 JNK inhibitor SP600125, the above proteins were detected again, to explore the driving effect of JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Results After PQ exposure, the relative expression levels of key proteins of JNK, c-Jun, and c-Fos, NLRP3, ASC, and pro caspase-1 in the 0.06 μmol·L−1 PQ group and the 0.12 μmol·L−1 PQ group were higher than those in the 0 μmol·L−1 PQ group (P＜0.05), and the relative expression levels of IL-18 and IL-1β increased with higher exposure (P＜0.05). After the treatment of JNK inhibitor SP600125, the relative expression levels of key proteins of JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway (JNK, c-Jun, and c-Fos), NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and Pro caspase-1), and inflammatory factors (IL-18 and IL-1β) in the control group, the 20 μmol·L−1 SP600125 group, and the 20 μmol·L−1 SP600125+0.06 μmol·L−1 PQ group were lower than those in the 0.06 μmol·L−1 PQ group (P＜0.05). Conclusion PQ exposure can activate the JNK/AP-1 signaling pathway and subsequently drive the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in BV-2 microglia to mediate neuroinflammatory responses..

Effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic KK-Ay mice / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of Angelica sinensis polysaccharide on the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in diabetic KK-Ay mice. METHODS KK-Ay mice were randomly divided into model group， metformin group （200 mg/kg） and A. sinensis polysaccharide high-dose， medium-dose and low-dose groups （400， 200 and 100 mg/kg）； C57BL/6J mice were included in blank group， with 8 mice in each group. Each group was given relevant medicine intragastrically or normal saline， once a day， for consecutive 4 weeks. After the final administration， the levels of fasting glucose， total cholesterol （TC）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） and insulin （INS） were detected； the protein expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， cleaved- caspase-3， apoptosis signal-regulated kinase 1 （ASK1）， phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase （p-JNK）， phosphorylated inositol- requiring enzyme 1α （p-IRE1α） in myocardium， and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes were also detected. RESULTS Compared with model group， the fasting glucose， TC and LDL-C content， apoptotic rate of cardiomyocyte， protein expressions of p-JNK and p- IRE1α， ASK1， cleaved-caspase-3 were significantly lower in the metformin group and A. sinensis polysaccharide medium-dose， high-dose groups； INS level and relative expression of Bcl-2 protein were significantly increased （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS A. sinensis polysaccharide can improve the levels of blood glucose and blood lipid and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in diabetic KK-Ay mice， and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of IRE1/ASK1/JNK signaling pathway.

Chinese Medicines Regulate p38 MAPK， ERK1/2， and JNK in Treatment of Osteoporosis： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

With the aging of population， osteoporosis has become one of the main diseases endangering the health of the elderly in China. Therefore， the research on osteoporosis has become a hot spot. Since Chinese medicines demonstrate significant therapeutic effects on osteoporosis， this issue is attracting increasing attention from researchers， especially in the deciphering of the molecular mechanism. This paper introduces the mechanism of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis by Chinese medicines via the mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， aiming to provide a theoretical basis for deciphering the mechanism of Chinese medicines in the treatment of osteoporosis and promoting their clinical application. MAPK signaling pathway mainly involves p38 MAPK， extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2）， c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 （ERK5）. Studies have shown that these proteins play a role in the progression of osteoporosis by regulating cell proliferation， differentiation， and apoptosis. Chinese medicines as a unique therapy with Chinese characteristics has definite efficacy， high safety， and mild side effects. Researchers have proved by experiments that the extracts or compounds of Chinese medicines can significantly mitigate osteoporosis by regulating the proteins involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore， this article reviews the relevant studies with focus on these proteins.

Protective Effect of Jianpi Huogu Prescription on Functional Injury of Vascular Endothelial Cells Caused by Alcohol Based on Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Jianpi Huogu prescription （JPHGP） on the functional injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by alcohol and explore its mechanism based on protein kinase B/c-Jun amino-terminal kinase/p38 MAPK （Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK） signaling pathway. MethodThrough chick embryo allantoic membrane， thoracic aortic ring， and migration， invasion， adhesion， and lumen formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells （HUVEC）， the effect of JPHGP with different concentrations （8， 16 and 32 μg·L-1） on angiogenesis was observed in the presence or absence of alcohol. The expression levels of phosphorylation of Akt， JNK， and p38 MAPK were determined by Western blot. ResultAs compared with the normal group， the number and length of capillaries around the arterial ring in the model group were decreased， and the migration， invasion， and lumen formation capacity of HUVEC were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment with 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP， the length of neovascularization in chick embryo allantoic membrane was significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the 8， 16， and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups increased the number of capillaries around the thoracic aortic ring in a concentration-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP group increased the length of capillaries around the thoracic aortic ring （P<0.05）. The 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups enhanced the migration， invasion， and lumen formation capacity of HUVEC. The results of Western blot showed that， as compared with the normal group， the protein expression levels of p-JNK/JNK， p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK， and p-Akt/Akt were significantly decreased in the model group （P<0.01）， and as compared with the model group， the protein expression levels of p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK and p-Akt/Akt were significantly increased in the 8， 16， and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups （P<0.01） and the protein expression level of p-JNK/JNK was increased significantly in the 16 and 32 μg·L-1 JPHGP groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionJPHGP has a protective effect on the functional injury of vascular endothelial cells caused by alcohol， and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Akt/JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Relevant research results will provide certain scientific basis for clarifying the effect of JPHGP on 'invigorating spleen and promoting blood circulation'.

Effect of Stemona tuberosa Alkaloids on Apoptosis and PI3K/Akt and JNK/MAPK Signaling Pathways of Human Lung Cancer A549 Cells / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Stemona tuberosa alkaloids （STA） on apoptosis and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） and c-Jun N-terminal kinase/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （JNK/p38 MAPK） signaling pathways in human lung cancer A549 cells. MethodA549 cells were classified into blank group and STA groups （100， 150， 200， 250， 300 mg⋅L-1）. Thiazole blue （MTT） assay and colony formation assay were used to evaluate the proliferation of A549 cells. Apoptosis was observed based on Hoechst 33258 staining， flow cytometry， and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of apoptosis-related proteins cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 （Caspase-3）， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）-associated X protein （Bax）， and Bcl-2， and the expression of PI3K， phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， Akt， p-Akt， JNK， p-JNK， p38 MAPK， and p-p38 MAPK. ResultCompared with the blank group， STA groups （150， 200， 250， 300 mg⋅L-1） demonstrated the increase in inhibition rate of cell proliferation （P<0.01） and cell clone inhibition rate， and decrease in cell clone formation rate （P<0.01）. In comparison with the blank group， STA groups showed typical characteristics of apoptosis， such as chromatin condensation and enhanced fluorescence reaction. The apoptosis rate of STA groups was significantly higher than that of the blank group （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， STA （150， 200， 250， 300 mg⋅L-1） significantly up-regulated the protein expression of Caspase-3 and Bax （P<0.05， P<0.01） and down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 protein （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， STA had no significant influence on the total protein expression of PI3K， Akt， JNK， and p38 MAPK. However， STA （150， 200， 250， 300 mg⋅L-1） significantly decreased the levels of p-PI3K and p-Akt （P<0.05， P<0.01） and increased the level of p-p38 MAPK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， STA （200， 250， 300 mg⋅L-1） significantly raised the level of p-JNK （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSTA can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of A549 cells by inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and activating JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Mechanism of phlegm-stasis co-treatment for myocardial protection in rats with diabetes mellitus by regulating JNK signaling pathway / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To observe the intervention mechanism of phlegm-stasis co-treatment for the JNK signaling pathway in the myocardium of diabetes rats.Methods:Totally 50 male SD rats of SPF grade were selected. Diabetes model was established by single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) solution. After continued feeding for 3 weeks, the rats were divided into normal group, model group, alachloramine group, blood stasis removing group, phlegm removing group and phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group according to random number table method, with 6 rats in each group. Xiaoxianxiong Decoction (4.05 g/kg), Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (7.02 g/kg), Didang Xianxiong Decoction (8.10 g/kg) were administered to the stomach respectively in the phlegm removing group, the blood stasis removing group and the phlegm-blood stasis co-treatment group. Alachloramine (3 mg/kg) was administered to the stomach by gavage in the alachloramine group. After 8 weeks, HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of myocardial tissue in diabetic rats. Masson staining was used to observe the deposition of collagen fibers in the myocardial interstitium in rats. The expression of JNK1 protein was determined by immunohistochemistry. JNK1 mRNA, IRS1 mRNA and NLRP3 expression levels were detected by Real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of IRS-1, p-Akt and NLRP3.Results:The myocardial cells in the model group were disorganized, with hypertrophy, blurred texture, inflammatory infiltration of interstitium, increased collagen fibers, and focal necrosis. All treatment groups could improve fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration and reduce myocardial collagen deposition in different degrees. Compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3 bodies decreased ( P<0.01), the IRS-1 mRNA and protein increased ( P<0.01), and p-Akt protein expression increased ( P<0.01). Conclusions:The phlegm and stasis co-treatment can effectively improve the cardiomyopathy of diabetes rats, and the effect is better than the phlegm-resolving method or the stasis resolving method alone. The mechanism may be related to the inhibition of JNK signaling pathway activation, reduce the expressions of JNK1 and NLRP3, and increase the IRS-1 and Akt.

Effect of sodium fluoride on myocardial damage by regulating apoptosis through JNK signaling pathway / 环境与职业医学

Background It has been found that fluoride may cause cardiomyocyte damage. c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) signaling pathway plays an important role in apoptosis, but its role in fluorosis-induced cardiomyocyte damage is still unknown yet. Objective To explore the toxic effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) on H9c2 cardiomyocytes of rats and whether NaF affects cardiomyocyte apoptosis through the JNK signaling pathway. Methods According to the concentrations of sodium fluoride and whether sp600125 (JNK inhibitor) was added, cardiomyocytes of rats were divided into six groups, including control group, SP600125 group (SP group), 0.24, 0.48, and 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF groups, and 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF+SP600125 group (NaF+SP group). Cardiomyocytes exposed to NaF for 24 h were observed using a fluorescence inverted microscope. The changes of cell viability at 24, 48, and 72 h after the treatment were detected by CCK-8 method. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at 24 h after the treatment in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were determined by fluorescent probe method. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and JNK mRNA at 24 h after the treatment were detected by real-time PCR. The protein expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, and p-JNK at 24 h after the treatment were detected by Western blotting. Results Compared with the control group, after being exposed to 0.48 and 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF for 24 h, the cell growth density decreased. With the increase of NaF concentration, rounded cells and some suspended dead cells appeared. At 24h after exposure to NaF, the cell viability of the 0.48 and 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF groups decreased compared with the control group (P<0.05). At 48h and 72h after exposure to NaF, the cell viability levels of the NaF treated groups were significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After NaF exposure for 24 h, compared with the control group, the intracellular ROS levels were increased (P<0.05); the mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2 were decreased to varying degrees, especially in the 0.48 and 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF groups (P<0.05); the mRNA expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and JNK were increased (P<0.05); the protein expression levels of Bcl-2 were reduced (P<0.05); the protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and p-JNK were elevated (P<0.05). Compared with the 0.96 mmol·L−1 NaF group, the cell viability of the NaF+SP group was increased, the intracellular ROS level was decreased, the mRNA expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and JNK were decreased, the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was increased, and the protein expression levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and p-JNK were decreased (P<0.05); the expression level of Bcl-2 mRNA had a rising trend but showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusion Cardiomyocyte damage after excessive fluoride exposure may result from fluoride inducing excessive ROS production in cardiomyocytes, which may activate the JNK signaling pathway and induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Protective Effect of Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo Prescription on Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury via Regulating Autophagy Based on JNK Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription in alleviating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating nerve cell autophagy based on c-Jun N-terminal kinase（JNK）signaling pathway . MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups： sham group， middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion （MCAO/R） group （model group）， Huazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription group ［traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） group（25.0 g·kg-1）］， JNK inhibitor SP600125 （SP） group（5 mg·kg-1）， TCM+SP group and JNK agonist Anisomycin （Ani） group（15 mg·kg-1）. After 24 h of modeling， TCM group and TCM+SP group were given TCM decoction （ig） for 3 consecutive days， and the other groups were given equal volume of normal saline （ig）. Neurological deficit was evaluated by neurological function score and cerebral infarct volume was determined by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazole chloride （TTC） staining. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the structural changes of brain tissue and the damage of neurons， respectively. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay （TUNEL） was performed to detect cell apoptosis. The ultrastructure of autophagosomes was observed by transmission electron microscope. Western blot was employed to detect the protein expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A/B （LC3A/B）， autophagy related 5 （Atg5）， the ortholog of yeast Atg6 （Beclin1）， p62， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， JNK， phosphorylated （p）-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue. The mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， p62， Atg5， Bcl-2， JNK and c-Jun were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the sham group， the model group had elevated neurological deficit score （P<0.05）， enlarged cerebral infarct volume （P<0.05）and typical infarction manifestations formed in hippocampal region and its surrounding brain tissue. In addition， there were a large number of neuronal cell degeneration， necrosis， liquefaction， nucleus pyknosis and deep staining， and inflammatory cell infiltration in the cortex in the model group， and severe swelling of mitochondria， lysosomes， autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes were clearly seen under electron microscope. TUNEL positive cells were increased （P<0.05）， and cell apoptosis was severe. The nuclear membrane and nucleolus of neurons in brain tissue were blurred with discontinuous processes， and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm were stained light with reduced number. Western blot revealed that the model group had up-regulated protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun in brain tissue （P<0.05）， while down-regulated protein expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 （P<0.05）as compared with the sham group. Real-time PCR indicated that the mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK and c-Jun in the model group were higher （P<0.05） while the mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2 were lower （P<0.05） than those in the sham group. Compared with the conditions in model group， the neurological deficit scores of TCM， SP and TCM+SP groups were lowered （P<0.05）， and the cerebral infarct volume was reduced （P<0.05）， with improved pathological status of brain tissue， especially in the TCM group. Furthermore， there were abundant and basically normal mitochondrial cristae， slightly dilated endoplasmic reticulum， slightly swollen golgi apparatus， slightly fused nuclear membrane， and few visible lysosomes， autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were decreased （P<0.05）， displaying reduced apoptosis， especially in the TCM group. The nucleolus and nuclear membrane of neurons in brain tissue were discernible， and Nissl bodies in cytoplasm was reduced to a certain degree as compared with those in the model group. Western blot showed a decrease in the protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun in the TCM group ，the SP group，and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05），while an increase in the protein expressions of p62 in the TCM group and SP group（P<0.05），and an increase in the protein expressions of Bcl-2 in the TCM group and TCM+SP group. By Real-time PCR， the mRNA expressions of LC3A， LC3B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK and c-Jun had a down-regulation（P<0.05） while the mRNA expression of p62 a up-regulation in the TCM group ，the SP group，and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05），and the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 a up-regulation in the TCM group and the TCM+SP group（P<0.05）.Scores of the Ani group were raised （P<0.05）， and infarct volume was increased significantly， with aggravated neuronal cell necrosis and obvious inflammatory infiltration. Moreover， there were neuronal nuclear membrane fusion with abnormal protrusion， increased heterochromatin aggregation in edge， severe mitochondrial swelling， endoplasmic reticulum expansion， increased lysosomes， increased intracytoplasmic vesicles， and visible autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes. TUNEL positive cells were increased （P<0.05）， representing severe apoptosis. The number of Nissl bodies dropped with light staining， and the nucleolus and nuclear membrane were blurred. Real-time PCR found that the mNRA expressions of Atg5， c-Jun， JNK were up-regulated （P<0.05），while Beclin1， p62， Bcl-2 were were down-regulated in the Ani group （P<0.05）. Compared with the TCM group and SP group，the protein expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK， c-Jun were decreased，and p62， Bcl-2 were increased in the Ani group（P<0.05）. Compared with the TCM group，the mRNA expressions of JNK mRNA had a down-regulation in the SP group and TCM+SP group，while LC3A， LC3B， Atg5， c-Jun， JNK had an up-regulation（P<0.05） and Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group（P<0.05）. Compared with the SP group，the mRNA expressions of Atg5， c-Jun， JNK had an up-regulation（P<0.05）， and Beclin1， p62， Bcl-2 had a down-regulation in the Ani group（P<0.05）. ConclusionHuazhuo Jiedu Huoxue Tongluo prescription significantly up-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of LC3A/B， Beclin1， Atg5， JNK， p-JNK and c-Jun， and down-regulates the protein and mRNA expressions of p62 and Bcl-2， suggesting that the prescription can inhibit autophagy through JNK signaling pathway to reduce ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Potential of using JNK and p53 as novel drug targets for the treatment of alcoholic encephalopathy

Objectives: Investigating novel therapies for alcoholic encephalopathy (AE) would be part of the implementation of the concept of targeted pharmacological control of intracellular signalisation in regeneration-competent cells. This study aimed to explore the involvement of JNK and p53 in the implementation of the functions of different types of regeneration-competent cells of nervous tissue in alcoholic neurodegeneration (AN). Materials and Methods: The studies were conducted on C57B1/6 mice. AN was modelled in vitro and in vivo. The effects of the JNK and p53 inhibitors on the realisation of neural stem cell (NSC) and neuronal-committed progenitor (NCP) functions (their colony-forming ability, proliferative activity and intensity of specialisation), as well as on the secretion of neurotrophins by astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglial cells were studied. Individual cell fractions were prepared using an immunomagnetic separation method. Results: We showed that JNK and p53 stimulate the proliferation and specialisation of intact NSCs. An inversion of the role of these signalling molecules in the regulation of NSC proliferation in the conditions of modelling AN was revealed. It has been found that JNK and p53 are not involved in regulating the functions of NCP. The ambiguous role of JNK and p53 in the production of neurotrophic growth factors by different types of neuroglia cells was also found. Increased secretion of neurotrophins by oligodendrocytes and microglia during the blockade of JNK and p53 under conditions of exposure to ethanol cells was revealed. Conclusion: The results suggest the prospect of exploring the possibility of using JNK and/or p53 inhibitors as novel drugs to treat AE.

Low-dose paclitaxel modulates the cross talk between the JNK and Smad signaling in primary biliary fibroblasts

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the occurrence of benign bile duct stricture and the target of low-dose paclitaxel in the prevention of benign bile duct stricture. METHODS: Under the stimulation of transforming growth factor beta 1, the expression of collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor were detected on isolated primary fibroblasts. The phosphorylation levels of JNK and Smad2L were detected using Western blot. The effect of low-dose paclitaxel on the transforming growth factor beta 1-induced inhibition of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor expression and JNK and Smad2L phosphorylation was also observed. RESULTS: Transforming growth factor beta 1 induced the secretion of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor as well as JNK phosphorylation in biliary fibroblasts. The JNK inhibitor or siRNA-Smad2 inhibited the transforming growth factor beta 1-induced secretion of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor. Low-dose paclitaxel inhibited the expression of type I collagen induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 and may inhibit the secretion of collagen in biliary fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: The activation of JNK/Smad2L induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 is involved in the occurrence of benign bile duct stricture that is mediated by the overexpression of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor, and low-dose paclitaxel may inhibit the phosphorylation of JNK/Smad2L.

Study on the protective mechanism of Qishen recipe on corneal epithelial cells induced by hypertonic based on JNK1/ AQP5 pathway / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To observe the protective effect of Qishen recipe on corneal epithelial cells induced by hypertonic fluid, and elucidated its mechanism of action in the treatment of dry eye base on JNK1 / AQP5 pathway.<p>METHODS: Human corneal epithelial cells(HCECs)model was created by osmotic pressure at a concentration of 500mOsm/L for 24h. Serum of rats containing drugs in the blank group, model group, Western medicine group, and Qishen recipe low-dose, medium-dose and high-dose groups were treated on the modeled DE HCECs, and the effects of different drug stimulation on the survival rate of HCECs were tested by CCK-8 method. The expressions of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 in extracellular fluid were explored by ELISA. The expression of apoptosis factors caspase 1 and AQP5 were detected by immunocytochemistry(ICC). The expressions of AQP5, JNK1, p-JNK1 of HCECs after intervention with different drug concentrations were found by Western blotting.<p>RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the survival rate of HCECs in each group was significantly reduced(<i>P</i><0.01). The extracellular fluid inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and caspase-1, p-JNK1, AQP5 protein expression levels increased significantly in each group(all <i>P</i><0.01); In comparison to the model group, the survival rate of HCECs in each medication group increased significantly(all <i>P</i><0.01). The expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 in the extracellular fluid of each drug group, AQP 5 and p-JNK1 protein expression in HCECs, and the expression of caspase-1 and AQP5 protein in the western medicine group and the Qishen recipe high and medium dose group were all reduced(all <i>P</i><0.05). Compared with the western medicine group, the survival rate of HCECs in the Qishen prescription high-dose group was significantly increased(<i>P</i><0.01). The expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in each dose group of Qishen recipe were reduced(all <i>P</i><0.05), while the expression levels of caspase-1 in the high-dose Qishen recipe group and the AQP5 protein expression levels of the high and medium-dose Qishen recipe group saw a decrease(all <i>P</i><0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the JNK1 protein expression of HCECs of all the groups detected by Western blotting method(<i>P</i>>0.05). <p>CONCLUSION: Qishen recipe can not only reduce the JNK1 phosphorylation and AQP5 protein expression of HCECs induced by hypertonicity, but also reduce the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and the apoptotic factor caspase-1 of HCECs in the extracellular fluid, thus effectively Inhibit inflammation and apoptosis.

Mechanism of the influence of CPT1 on the proliferation of rat intestinal epithelial cells IEC-6 after 60Co γ-ray irradiation / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the changes of CPT1A and CPT1B protein expression in rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) after 60Co γ-ray irradiation, and the mechanism of the influence of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) on the proliferation of irradiated IEC-6 cells. Methods:IEC-6 cells were cultured in serum-normal medium or in serum-starved medium overnight, and pretreated with 20 μmol/L palmitic acid (PA) before irradiation with 0, 5, 10, and 15 Gy. At 24 h after irradiation, the cellular protein was collected for the measurement of CPT1A and CPT1B proteins by Western blot. The influences of ETO, an inhibitor of CPT1, on the survival and proliferation of irradiated IEC-6 cells were analyzed by colony formation assay and CCK-8 assay. The protein expressions and phosphorylation levels of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in 5 Gy irradiated IEC-6 cells pre-treated with ETO were analyzed by Western blot at 48 h after radiation.Results:When IEC-6 cells were cultured in serum-normal medium together with PA, the protein level of CPT1A was significantly increased after 15 Gy irradiation ( t=-2.82, P<0.05). When IEC-6 cells were cultured in serum-starved medium, the protein level of CPT1A was significantly increased at 5, 10, and 15 Gy ( t=-3.28, -8.72, -8.67, P<0.05). When IEC-6 cells were cultured in serum-starved medium together with PA, the protein levels of CPT1A were significantly increased at 5, 10 and 15 Gy ( t=-10.69, -7.02, -8.23, P<0.05), the protein levels of CPT1B were significantly increased at 10 and 15 Gy ( t=-3.73, -5.05, P<0.05). After irradiation, the survival and proliferation of IEC-6 cells in ETO group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=5.46, 13.22, P<0.05), and the protein level of ERK1/2 and p-JNK in ETO group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=4.01, 3.29, 10.68, 14.44, P<0.05). Conclusions:CPT1 promoted radiation-induced IEC-6 injury cells survival and proliferation by enhancing the expression level of ERK1/2 protein and the activity of JNK.

Dieckol isolated from Eisenia bicyclis extract suppresses RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in murine RAW 264.7 cells

Objective: To demonstrate the effect of dieckol from Eisenia bicyclis on osteoclastogenesis using RAW 264.7 cells. Methods: Murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells were subjected to dieckol treatment, followed by treatment with receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) to induce osteoclastogenesis. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity was examined using a TRAP activity kit. Western blotting analysis was conducted to examine the level of osteoclast- related factors, including TRAP and calcitonin receptor (CTR), transcriptional factors, including c-Fos, c-Jun, and nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to examine the expression of c-Fos, c-Jun, and NFATc1. Results: Among the four phlorotannin compounds present in Eisenia bicyclis, dieckol significantly hindered osteoclast differentiation and expression of RANKL-induced TRAP and CTR. In addition, dieckol downregulated the expression levels of c-Fos, c-Jun, NFATc1, ERK, and JNK, and suppressed NF-κB signaling. Conclusions: Dieckol can suppress RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Therefore, it has therapeutic potential in treating osteoclastogenesis- associated diseases.

Inhibitory effect of hederagenin on the proliferation of bladder cancer cells in vitro and in nude mice through the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of hederagenin (HE) on the proliferation of bladder cancer cell T24 in vitro and in nude mice.Methods:Human bladder cancer cells T24 were divided into control group and experimental group. The experimental group was cultured with DMEM medium containing 25μg/mL hederogenin, and CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation ability. Nude mice were divided into a control group and an experimental group and injected with T24 cells. The cells of the experimental group were injected with ivy sapogenin at 30 mg/kg every other day. The protein of T24 cells and tumor mass was extracted to detect the expression of p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38.Results:After the bladder cancer cells T24 were treated with hederagenin, the CCK8 results showed that the cell proliferation ability of the experimental group was significantly decreased ( P<0.05) . The expression levels of p-JNK in experimental group and control group were 0.21±0.06 and 0.89±0.15, respectively, and the expression levels of p-p38 were 0.38±0.09 and 1.44±0.26, respectively. The expressions of p-JNK and p-p38 were up-regulated (all P<0.05) . In vivo, it was found that after treatment with ivisaponin, the volume of tumor mass were 1192.07±250.92μm 3 in the subcutaneous tumor experimental group and 2280.50±600.1μm 3 in the control group, and the mass were 0.65±0.29g and 1.62±0.38g, respectively. The mass and volume of the experimental group were decreased (all P<0.05) . We extracted mass proteins, and western blotting results showed that the expression levels of p-JNK in the experimental group and control group were 0.38±0.08 and 1.03±0.19, respectively, and the expression levels of p-p38 were 0.71±0.12 and 1.36±0.25, respectively. The expressions of p-JNK and p-p38 were up-regulated (all P<0.05) . Conclusion:Hederagenin inhibits the proliferation of bladder cancer in vitro and in nude mice through the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Effect of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang on Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in MKR Mice via Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang （HQGZWWT） in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） in MKR mice via regulating endoplasmic reticulum （ER） stress. MethodThirty-two 8-week-old MKR mice （half were male and half were female） were fed with a high-fat diet for four weeks， and then 1% streptozotocin （STZ） was injected intraperitoneally for five days. After the blood glucose was stabilized， the mice were housed in the cage covered with ice bags for another one hour stimulation per day for four weeks. Mice with fasting blood glucose （FBG） value ≥11.1 mmol·L-1 were randomly divided into model group ， Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in original dosage group （30 g·kg-1·d-1）， Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang in formula dosage group （6.25 g·kg-1·d-1）， and positive drug group （mecobalamin tablets， 0.17 mg·kg-1·d-1）. Another eight MKR mice of the same age were set as blank group and eight FVB mice were normal group. After four weeks of intragastric administration in each group， the change in FBG was tested， and hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining and transmission electron microscope were used for observing the morphology of sciatic nerve tissue. In addition， the expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK）， phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase （p-JNK） and inositol requiring enzyme 1α （IRE1α） proteins was determined by immunohistochemical test and Western blot （WB）. ResultCompared with the conditions in the normal group and blank group， the time of paw withdrawal， paw licking and tail flick in the model group was shortened （P<0.01）， and the conduction velocity of sciatic nerve was decreased （P<0.01）. Compared with the conditions in the model group， the behavioral and functional indicators were improved by HQGZWWT （P<0.05，P<0.01）. The immunohistochemical test revealed the JNK expression was elevated in the model group compared with the conditions in the normal group and blank group （P<0.05）， while that was lowered by HQGZWWT compared with the condition in the model group （P<0.05）. However， there was no difference among the treatment groups. According to the WB， the expression of IRE1α and p-JNK in the model group was enhanced compared with the conditions in the normal group and blank group （P<0.05，P<0.01）， while that was decreased by HQGZWWT compared with the condition in the model group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. No difference was observed between the HQGZWWTO and HQGZWWTF groups. ConclusionHQGZWWT can improve the neurophysiological function and pathological damage of sciatic nerve， which may be related to its delaying the ER stress response of sciatic nerve.