A molecular approach to triple-negative breast cancer: targeting the Notch signaling pathway

ABSTRACT Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 expression. This phenotype renders triple-negative breast cancer cells refractory to conventional therapies, resulting in poor clinical outcomes and an urgent need for novel therapeutic approaches. Recent studies have implicated dysregulation of the Notch receptor signaling pathway in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Objective This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive literature review to identify potential therapeutic targets of the Notch pathway. Our analysis focused on the upstream and downstream components of this pathway to identify potential therapeutic targets. Results Modulating the Notch signaling pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to treat triple-negative breast cancer. Several potential therapeutic targets within this pathway are in the early stages of development, including upstream (such as Notch ligands) and downstream (including specific molecules involved in triple-negative breast cancer growth). These targets represent potential avenues for therapeutic intervention in triple-negative breast cancer. Comments Additional research specifically addressing issues related to toxicity and improving drug delivery methods is critical for the successful translation of these potential therapeutic targets into effective treatments for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

Effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on Th17/Treg Immune Imbalance and Notch1 Signaling Pathway in AIT Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Buzhong Yiqitang on the immune imbalance of helper T cell 17 （Th17）/regulatory T cell （Treg） and Notch1 signaling pathway in mice with autoimmune thyroiditis （AIT）. MethodA total of 60 8-week-old NOD.H-2h4 mice were randomly divided into the normal group， model group， western medicine group （selenium yeast tablet， 32.5 mg·kg-1）， and low-dose （4.78 g·kg-1·d-1）， middle-dose （9.56 g·kg-1·d-1）， and high-dose （19 g·kg-1·d-1） Buzhong Yiqitang groups， with 10 mice in each group. The normal group was fed with distilled water， and the other groups were fed with water containing 0.05% sodium iodide for eight weeks. After the animal model of AIT was formed spontaneously， the mice were killed under anesthesia after intragastric administration for eight weeks. Serum anti-thyroglobulin antibodies （TGAb）， thyroid-stimulating hormone （TSH）， free triiodothyronine （FT3）， and free thyroid hormone （FT4） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and thyroid tissue changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of retinoid-related orphan receptor-γt （RORγt）， interleukin （IL）-17， forkhead box P3 （FoxP3）， IL-10， Notch1， and hair division-related enhancer 1 （Hes1） in thyroid tissue were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot， respectively. ResultCompared with the normal group， the thyroid structure of the model group was severely damaged， and lymphocytes were infiltrated obviously. The levels of serum TGAb， FT3， and FT4 contents were significantly increased， and TSH content was significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of RORγt， IL-17， Notch1， and Hes1 were significantly increased， while those of FoxP3 and IL10 were significantly decreased in the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， thyroid structural damage and lymphocyte infiltration were improved in the treatment groups， and serum TGAb， FT3， and FT4 contents were significantly decreased. TSH content was increased， and mRNA and protein expression levels of RORγt， IL-17， Notch1， and Hes1 were decreased. mRNA and protein expression levels of FoxP3 and IL-10 were increased to different degrees （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the middle-dose Buzhong Yiqitang group had the most significant intervention effect. ConclusionBuzhong Yiqitang can alleviate the thyroid structural damage in AIT mice， and its mechanism may be related to improving the abnormal differentiation of Th17/Treg immune cells and inhibiting the activation of the Notch1 signaling pathway.

Lower expression of NOTCH components in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) not only remains the main cause of late mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant, but also has the capacity of causing severe organ impairment in those who survive. The Notch, a highly conserved ligand-receptor pathway, is involved in many immunological processes, including inflammatory and regulatory responses. Recently, mouse models have shown that the blockage of canonical Notch signaling prevents GvHD. Objective and Method: Due to the lack of data on the Notch pathway in human chronic GvHD, we sought to study the expression of NOTCH components in primary samples of patients who received allo-HCT and presented active cGvHD or a long-term clinical tolerance to cGvHD. Results: Our results showed a significantly lower expression of NOTCH components in both groups that received allo-HCT, independently of their cGvHD status, when compared to healthy controls. Conclusion: Moreover, there were no differences in gene expression levels between the active cGvHD and clinically tolerant groups. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies performed in human primary samples and our data indicate that much remains to be learned regarding NOTCH signaling as a new regulator of GvHD.

Clinical and epidemiological profiles from a case series of 26 Brazilian CADASIL patients / Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de uma série de casos de 26 pacientes com diagnóstico de CADASIL

Abstract Background Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a genetic cause of ischemic stroke and the most common form of non-atherosclerotic stroke. Despite being the most prevalent vascular hereditary disease, clinical data regarding the Brazilian population are scarce. Considering that the Brazilian population has one of the most heterogeneous genetic constitutions in the world, knowledge about genetic and epidemiological profiles is mandatory. The present study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological and clinical features of CADASIL in Brazil. Methods We performed a case series study comprising 6 rehabilitation hospitals in Brazil and reported the clinical and epidemiological data from the medical records of patients admitted from 2002 to 2019 with genetic confirmation. Results We enrolled 26 (16 female) patients in whom mutations in exons 4 and 19 were the most common. The mean age at the onset of the disease was of 45 years. Ischemic stroke was the first cardinal symptom in 19 patients. Cognitive impairment, dementia, and psychiatric manifestations were detected in 17, 6, and 16 patients respectively. In total, 8 patients had recurrent migraines, with aura in 6 (75%) of them. White matter hyperintensities in the temporal lobe and the external capsule were found in 20 (91%) and 15 patients (68%) respectively. The median Fazekas score was of 2. Lacunar infarcts, microbleeds, and larger hemorrhages were observed in 18 (82%), 9, and 2 patients respectively. Conclusion The present is the most extensive series of Brazilian CADASIL patients published to date, and we have reported the first case of microbleeds in the spinal cord of a CADASIL patient. Most of our clinical and epidemiological data are in accordance with European cohorts, except for microbleeds and hemorrhagic strokes, for which rates fall in between those of European and Asian cohorts.

Resumo Antecedentes Arteriopatia cerebral autossômica dominante com enfartes subcorticais e leucoencefalopatia (Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy, CADASIL, em inglês) é uma causa genética de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico e a forma mais comum de acidente vascular cerebral não aterosclerótico. Apesar de ser a doença vascular hereditária mais prevalente que há, os dados clínicos para a população brasileira são escassos. Considerando que o Brasil tem uma das constituições genéticas mais heterogêneas do mundo, o conhecimento sobre perfis genéticos e epidemiológicos é obrigatório. Este estudo teve como objetivo elucidar as características clínicas e epidemiológicas de pacientes com CADASIL no Brasil. Métodos Apresentamos uma série de casos envolvendo 6 hospitais de reabilitação no Brasil, e relatamos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos de prontuários de pacientes admitidos entre 2002 e 2019 com confirmação genética. Resultados incluímos 26 pacientes (16 mulheres) em que as mutações nos éxons 4 e 19 eram as mais comuns. A idade média de início da doença foi de 45 anos. O AVC isquêmico foi o primeiro sintoma cardinal em 19 pacientes. Comprometimento cognitivo, demência e manifestações psiquiátricas foram detectados em 17, seis e 16 pacientes, respectivamente. Ao todo, 8 pacientes apresentavam enxaqueca, sendo com aura em 6 (75%) pacientes. Hiperintensidades de substância branca no polo temporal e na cápsula externa foram encontradas em 20 (91%) e 15 pacientes (68%), respectivamente. A pontuação mediana na escala de Fazekas foi de 2. Infartos lacunares, microssangramentos e macro-hemorragias foram observadas em 18 (82%), 9 (41%) e 2 (9%) pacientes, respectivamente. Conclusão O presente estudo representa a mais extensa série de pacientes brasileiros com CADASIL publicada até o momento, e relatamos o primeiro caso de micro-hemorragia na medula espinhal de um paciente com CADASIL. A maior parte dos nossos dados clínicos e epidemiológicos está de acordo com as coortes europeias, exceto para micro-hemorragias e macro-hemorragias, para as quais as taxas se enquadram entre as das coortes europeias e asiáticas.

Effects of alum ice nanoemulsion on hypertrophic scar based on Notch signaling pathway / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To investigate the effects of alum ice nanoemulsion on VEGF and TGF-β1 in hypertrophic scar based on Notch signaling pathway.Methods:Totally 144 SD rats were divided into blank control group, model group, triamcinolone acetonide group and alum ice nanoemulsion low-, medium- and high-dose groups according to random number table method, with 24 rats in each group. Except for the blank control group, the rats in other groups were prepared with deep Ⅱ ° burn models. 24 hours after the successful modeling, the model group was given the same amount of normal saline, the rats in alum ice nanoemulsion low-, medium- and high-dose groups were given 8.15, 6.30 and 32.60 mg/ml alum ice nanoemulsion respectively, and the triamcinolone acetonide group was given triamcinolone acetonide twice a day, 0.2 ml each time, for 35 consecutive days. At 14, 21, 28 and 35 d, the collagen fiber surface density was calculated by VG staining. The protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Notch1 and Jagged1 were detected by Western Blot. The expressions of Notch1 mRNA and Jagged1 mRNA were detected by RT-PCR.Results:Compared with model group, triamcinolone acetonide and different doses of alum ice nanoemulsion groups could decrease collagen fiber surface density, protein expressions of VEGF, TGF-β1, Notch1, Jagged1 and mRNA expressions of Notch1, Jagged1 in different degrees ( P<0.05). Compared with the triamcinolone acetonide group, the collagen fiber surface density, protein expressions of VEGF, TGF-β1, Notch1 and Jagged1 and mRNA expressions of Notch1, Jagged1 in the alum ice nanoemulsion medium-dosage group decreased ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Alum ice nanoemulsion can inhibit hypertrophic scar formation, and its mechanism is related to down-regulating Notch signal pathway related molecules Notch1, Jagged1 protein and mRNA levels, and then down-regulating VEGF and TGF-β1 protein expressions.

Notch signaling pathway inhibitor DAPT improves alcohol-induced neuronal differentiation impairment in zebrafish / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the role of the Notch signaling pathway in regulating neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.@*METHODS@#Zebrafish embryos treated with DMSO or 50 μmol/L DAPT (a Notch signaling pathway inhibitor) were examined for mortality rate, hatching rate, malformation rate, and body length at 15 days post fertilization (dpf). The mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1 and huc in the treated zebrafish embryos were detected using in situ hybridization and qRT-PCR, and their behavioral responses to strong light and vibration stimulation were observed. The zebrafish embryos were then exposed to DMSO, 1.5% ethanol, DAPT, or both ethanol and DAPT, and the changes in mRNA expression levels of sox2, neurogenin1, huc, and the Notch signaling pathway genes as well as behavioral responses were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Exposure to 50 μmol/L DAPT significantly increased the mortality rate of 1 dpf zebrafish embryos (P < 0.01), decreased the hatching rate of 2 dpf embryos (P < 0.01), increased the malformation rate of 3 dpf embryos (P < 0.001), and reduced the body length of 15 dpf embryos (P < 0.05). DAPT treatment significantly downregulated sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01) and increased neurogenin1 (P < 0.05) and huc (P < 0.01) mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish with DAPT treatment exhibited significantly shortened movement distance (P < 0.001) and lowered movement speed (P < 0.05) in response to all the stimulation conditions. Compared with treatment with 1.5% ethanol alone, which obviously upregulated notch1a, her8a and NICD mRNA expressions in zebrafish embryos (P < 0.05), the combined treatment with ethanol and DAPT significantly increased neurogenin1 and huc mRNA expression, decreased sox2 mRNA expression (P < 0.01), and increased the moving distance and moving speed of zebrafish embryos in response to strong light stimulation (P < 0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Ethanol exposure causes upregulation of the Notch signaling pathway and impairs neuronal differentiation and sensorimotor ability of zebrafish embryos, and these detrimental effects can be lessened by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism of Modified Erchentang on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Through Jagged1/Notch1/Hes1 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Erchentang on the expression of key molecules in the Jagged1/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway in lung tissues of rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） and explore its anti-inflammatory effect and molecular mechanism on COPD through the Jagged1/Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway. MethodSixty SD rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose modified Erchentang groups （5， 10， 20 g·kg-1）， and γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT group （0.02 g·kg-1）， with 10 rats in each group. The COPD model was induced in rats by cigarette smoking combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. Rats were treated with corresponding drugs by gavage， while those in the normal group and the model group were treated with the same amount of normal saline by gavage. The serum levels of Notch1， soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （sICAM-1）， activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule （ALCAM）， and soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 （sVCAM-1） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA expression of Jagged1， Notch1， and Hes1 was detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of Jagged1， Notch1， Notch1 intracellular domain （NICD1）， and Hes1 in lung tissues of rats was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed increased serum content of Notch1， sICAM-1， ALCAM， and sVCAM-1 （P<0.01）， increased mRNA expression of Jagged1， Notch1， and Hes1 in lung tissues （P<0.01）， and increased protein expression of Jagged1， Notch1， NICD1， and Hes1 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the medium- and high-dose modified Erchentang groups and the DAPT group showed decreased serum content of Notch1， sICAM-1， ALCAM， and sVCAM-1 （P<0.05， P<0.05）， down-regulated mRNA expression of Jagged1， Notch1， and Hes1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and reduced protein expression of Jagged1， Notch1， NICD1， and Hes1（P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Erchentang may inhibit the inflammatory response in the lung of COPD rats， and its mechanism may be related to the resistance of inflammatory injury in the lung by decreasing the mRNA expression of Jagged1， Notch1， and Hes1 and inhibiting the release of Notch1， sICAM-1， ALCAM， and sVCAM-1.

Effect and Mechanism of Cuscutae Semen Total Flavonoids Combined with Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside Tablets on Ovarian Germline Stem Cells of Physiological Mice by Notch Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids combined with Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets （TWPT） on ovarian germline stem cells of female physiological mice through neurogenic locus notch homolog （Notch） signaling pathway. MethodSixty female Kunming mice （5 weeks old） were randomly divided into normal group， Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets low-， high-dose groups （13.65 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 27.3 mg·kg-1·d-1， 1 and 2 times clinical equivalent dose）， Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids low- and high-dose groups （150 mg·kg-1·d-1 and 300 mg·kg-1·d-1）， and combination group （13.65 mg·kg-1·d-1 TWPT and 150 mg·kg-1·d-1 Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids）， with 10 in each group. After 3 weeks of continuous administration， the uterus/brain and ovarian/brain indexes were calculated， and the pathological changes of ovarian tissue were observed under light microscope. The content of estradiol in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the expressions of germline stem cell markers in ovarian epithelium， including mouse vasa homologue （Mvh）， octamer-binding transcription factor 4 （Oct4）， tyrosine-protein kinase receptor （c-kit）， Nanog， Notch signaling pathway molecules， neurogenic locus notch homolog protein 1 （Notch1）， hes family BHLH transcription factor 1（Hes1）， and jagged canonical Notch ligand 1 （JAG1）. ResultCompared with the normal group， low and high doses of TWPT had no significant effect on the uterus/brain and ovary/brain indexes and the uterus and ovary morphologies of mice， while only the number of atretic follicles was increased （P<0.01）. The expressions of ovarian germline stem cell markers and Notch signaling pathway molecules had a decreasing trend in TWPT low-dose group， while the expressions of Mvh， c-kit， and Nanog were down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 were also reduced （P<0.01） in TWPT high-dose group. However， the above indexes were increased in Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids low-dose group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the low does of TWPT group， the combination group had a decrease in the increased number of atretic follicles （P<0.01）， an improvement in the down-regulated expressions of Mvh and Nanog （P<0.01）， and an increase in the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionOvarian germline stem cells are the source target of the reproductive toxicity of TWPT. Cuscutae Semen total flavonoids participate in the regulation of the germline stem cell pathways to alleviate the reproductive toxicity caused by TWPT， and its mechanism of action may be related to the Notch signaling pathway.

Expressions and Clinical Significance of Notch1 and Hes1 in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and their correlations with clinical features.@*METHODS@#Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on DLBCL samples (54 cases) and lymphadenitis tissues (20 cases) to evaluate the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1, and analyze their correlations with clinical characteristics of patients. Based on Oncomine database, the expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA and DNA were also explored.@*RESULTS@#IHC result showed that the positive expression rates of Notch1 and Hes1 in DLBCL patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). In DLBCL patients, the expression of Notch1 was closely associated with B symptoms, Ann Arbor stage, lymphocyte count and the level of lactate dehydrogenase (P <0.05), while the expression level of Hes1 was significantly higher in patients with B symptoms (P <0.05). Notch+/Hes1+ expression was found in 21 DLBCL tissues (38.9%), and there was a correlation between Notch1 and Hes1 expression (r =0.296, P <0.05). Bioinformatics analysis (Oncomine database) showed that the mRNA expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in the Brune dataset were significantly higher than those in the control tissues (P <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The expressions of Notch1 and Hes1 in DLBCL are significantly higher than those in lymphadenitis, and correlated with B symptoms and Ann Arbor stage, suggesting that Notch1 and Hes1 play important roles in the occurrence and development of DLBCL.

Mechanism of the Notch1 signaling pathway regulating osteogenic factor influences lumbar disc calcification / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the mechanism of the Notch1 signaling pathway in regulating osteogenic factors and influencing lumbar disc calcification.@*METHODS@#Primary annulus fibroblasts from SD rats were isolated and subcultured in vitro. The calcification-inducing factors bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF) were added to separate groups to induce calcification, which were referred to as the BMP-2 group and the b-FGF group, respectively. A control group was also set up, which was cultured in normal medium. Subsequently, cell morphology and fluorescence identification, alizarin red staining, ELISA, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) were performed to determine the effect of calcification induction. Cell grouping was performed again, including the control group, the calcification group (adding the inducer BMP-2), the calcification + LPS group(adding the inducer BMP-2 and the Notch1 pathway activator LPS), and the calcification + DAPT group (adding the inducer BMP-2 and the Notch1 pathway inhibitor DAPT). Alizarin red staining and flow cytometry were used to detect cell apoptosis, ELISA was used to detect the content of osteogenic factors, and Western blot was used to detect the expression of BMP-2, b-FGF, and Notch1 proteins.@*RESULTS@#The induction factor screening results showed that the number of mineralized nodules in fibroannulus cells in BMP-2 group and b-FGF group was significantly increased, and the increase was greater in the BMP-2 group Meanwhile, ELISA and Western blot results showed that BMP-2, b-FGF and mRNA expression levels of BMP-2, b-FGF and Notch1 in the induced group were significantly increased (P<0.01). The results of the mechanism of Notch1 signaling pathway affecting lumbar disc calcification showed that compared to calcified group, the number of fibroannulus cell mineralization nodules, apoptosis rate, BMP-2, b-FGF content, the expression levels of BMP-2, b-FGF, and Notch1 proteins were further increased significantly However, the number of mineralization nodules, apoptosis rate, BMP-2 and b-FGF levels, BMP-2, b-FGF and Notch1 protein expression levels were decreased in the calcified +DAPT group (P<0.05 or P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Notch1 signaling pathway promotes lumbar disc calcification through positive regulation of osteogenic factors.

Long-term outcomes of lateral femoral notch after early anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the outcome of lateral femoral notch (LFN) after early anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction and evaluate the recovery of knee joint function after the operation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 32 patients who underwent early ACL reconstruction from December 2015 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. The study included 18 males and 14 females, aged 16 to 54 years old, with an average age of (25.39±2.82) years. The body mass index (BMI) of the patients ranged from 20 to 30 kg/cm2, with an average of (26.15±3.09) kg/cm2. Among them, 6 cases were caused by traffic accidents, 19 by exercise, and 7 by the crush of heavy objects. MRI of all patients showed LFN depth was more than 1.5 mm after injury, and no intervention for LFN was performed during surgery. Preoperative and postoperative depth, area, and volume of LFN defects were observed by MRI data. International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score, Lysholm score, Tegner activity levels, and knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) were analyzed before and after the operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up from 2 to 6 years with an average of (3.28±1.12) years. There was no significant difference in the defect depth of LFN from (2.31±0.67) mm before the operation to (2.53±0.50) mm at follow-up (P=0.136). The defect area of LFN was decreased from (207.55±81.01)mm2 to (171.36±52.69)mm2 (P=0.038), and the defect volume of LFN was decreased from (426.32±176.54) mm3 to (340.86±151.54)mm3 (P=0.042). The ICRS score increased from (1.51±0.34) to (2.92±0.33) (P<0.001), the Lysholm score increased from (35.37±10.54) to (94.46±8.45) (P<0.001), and the Tegner motor score increased from (3.45±0.94) to (7.56±1.28), which was significantly higher than that of the preoperative data (P<0.001). The KOOS score of the final follow-up was 90.42±16.35.@*CONCLUSION@#With the increase of recovery time after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, the defect area and volume of LFN decreased gradually, but the defect depth remained unchanged. The knee joint function of the patients significantly improved. The cartilage of the LFN defect improved, but the repair effect was not good.

MiR -18a -5p aggravates homocysteine -induced myocardial injury via autophagy / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVES@#Hyperhomocysteinaemia (Hcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. MicroRNA (miR)-18a-5p is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of miR-18a-5p on homocysteine (Hcy)-induced myocardial cells injury.@*METHODS@#H9c2 cells were transfected with miR-18a-5p mimic/miR-18a-5p mimic negative control (NC) or combined with Hcy for intervention, and untreated cells were set as a control group. The transfection efficiency was verified by real-time RT-PCR, and cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein levels of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, Beclin1, p62, Bax, Bcl-2, and Notch2. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the interaction of miR-18a-5p with Notch2.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control, treatment with Hcy or transfection with miR-18a-5p mimic alone, or combined treatment with Hcy and miR-18a-5p mimic/miR-18a-5p mimic NC significantly reduced the H9c2 cell viability, promoted apoptosis and ROS production, up-regulated the expressions of Bax and Beclin, down-regulated the expressions of Bcl-2, p62, and Notch2, and increased the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I (all P<0.05). Compared with the combined intervention of miR-18a-5p mimic NC and Hcy group, the above indexes were more significantly changed in the combined intervention of miR-18a-5p mimic and Hcy group, and the difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (all P<0.05). There is a targeted binding between Notch2 and miR-18a-5p.@*CONCLUSIONS@#MiR-18a-5p could induce autophagy and apoptosis via increasing ROS production in cardiomyocytes, and aggravate Hcy-induced myocardial injury. Notch2 is a target of miR-18a-5p.

Trastuzumab-induced human cardiomyocyte damage through the Notch2/JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Abstract Objective Trastuzumab is the preferred drug for the treatment of breast cancer. However, research on the cellular mechanisms of trastuzumab's potential cardiotoxicity is insufficient. The purpose of this study was to explore the toxic effects and potential mechanism of action of trastuzumab on cardiomyocytes. Method Human Cardiomyocyte (HCM) viability was assessed using the MTT method. HCM apoptosis was detected using the Hoechst33342/PI Fluorescent staining. The LDH and CK activities of the cell were measured using commercially available LDH and CK assay kits. The expression levels of Notch2, JAK2, STAT3, cleaved caspase 3, bax, and bcl 2 in HCMs were detected using western blotting. Results The results showed that 250 mg/L trastuzumab induced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis, inhibited viability, activated the Notch2 receptor, and inhibited JAK2/STAT3 expression in HCM. Inhibition of Notch2 expression in HCM by targeted siNotch2 transfection reversed the trastuzumab-induced injury and apoptosis, and the expression of JAK2/STAT3 returned to normal levels. Conclusions Trastuzumab induces Notch2 expression by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 pathway of HCMs, promotes cell apoptosis, and causes cardiomyocyteinjury. Notch2 may be a potential target of trastuzumab-inducedmyocardial injury. This experiment reveals the mechanism of trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity, providing a theoretical basis for the application of trastuzumab.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Notch signal in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells after acute lung injury

Abstract This study focused on the effect and mechanism of Notch signal on pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) following acute lung injury. PMVECs were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into eight groups. Grouping was based on whether cells were co-cultured with T cells (splenic CD4+T cells were isolated using MACS microbeads) and the level of Notch expression: Normal group and Normal+T cells group, Model group and Model+T cells group, Notch low-expression group and Notch low-expression+T cells group, and Notch overexpression group and Notch overexpression+T cells group. Except for the Normal group and Normal+T cells group, all other groups were treated with 500 μL lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/mL). The expression of VE-cadherin and Zo-1 protein in the Model group (with or without T cells) was lower than that in the normal group (with or without T cells), their expression in the Notch low-expression group (with or without T cells) was significantly increased, and their expression in the Notch overexpression group (with or without T cells) was significantly decreased. Compared with the normal+T cells group, the number of Treg cells in the Notch low-expression+T cells group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The number of Th17 cells in the Notch overexpression+T cells group was higher than that in the Model+T cells group (P<0.01), while the number of Treg cells decreased (P<0.01). Our results demonstrated that activated Notch signal can down-regulate the expression of the tight junction proteins VE-Cadherin and Zo-1 in PMVECs and affect Th17/Treg immune imbalance. Autophagy was discovered to be involved in this process.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Renal Fibrosis in Diabetic Nephropathy by Targeting Notch Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic nephropathy （DN） is one of the common chronic kidney diseases （CKD） worldwide and a major cause of end-stage renal disease （ESRD）， seriously threatening and affecting the life and health of the global population. Currently， the pathogenesis of DN is considered to be closely related to factors such as glucose metabolism disorders， abnormal lipid metabolism， oxidative stress， activation of inflammatory factors， autophagy， and cell apoptosis in the continuous high-glucose environment of the body. Renal fibrosis is an important pathological feature and ultimate pathological outcome of DN. Timely intervention in renal fibrosis is of significant clinical and practical importance for the prevention and treatment of DN. Due to the limitations of western medicine in treating DN， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） intervention in the process of renal fibrosis in DN has been widely used as a routine and potential treatment method due to its multi-component， multi-effect， and multi-target effects， effectively delaying the progression of the disease. It has been found that the Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in the development and maintenance of homeostasis in the body， and abnormal activation of the Notch signaling pathway is associated with DN. Activation of this signaling pathway plays a key role in the process of renal fibrosis. This article reviewed the regulatory mechanism of the Notch signaling pathway in renal fibrosis in DN， focusing on the relationship between targeting Notch signaling pathway by Chinese medicinal monomers and prescriptions and renal fibrosis in DN in order to provide a theoretical basis for the development of new drugs， basic research， and clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of DN.

Modified Erchentang Alleviates Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease via Midkine/Notch2/Hey1 Signaling Pathway in Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of Erchentang in the lung tissue of the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） via the heparin-binding factor （Midkine）/transmembrane receptor protein （Notch2）/Hey1 signaling pathway. MethodSixty SD rats were randomized into normal group， model group， modified Erchentang （5， 10， 20 g·kg-1·d-1） groups， and Notch1 pathway inhibitor （γ-secretase inhibitor， DAPT， 0.02 g·kg-1） group， with 10 rats in each group. The rat model of COPD was established by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide （LPS）. After the modeling， the rats were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage， and those in the normal and model groups were administrated with normal saline by gavage for 21 days. The levels of Midkine， cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 （CINC-1）， macrophage-derived chemokine （MDC）， chemokine ligand 5 （CXCL5）， neutrophil elastase （NE）， and nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB） p65 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and immunohistochemistry were respectively employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 in the lung tissue. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling increased the levels of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， CXCL5， NE， and NF-κB p65 in BALF （P<0.01） and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 in the lung tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium- and high-dose modified Erchentang and DAPT lowered the levels of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， CXCL5， and NF-κB p65 in BALF （P<0.01） and down-regulated the mRNA levels of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 （P<0.01）. ConclusionModified Erchentang may inhibit the inflammation in COPD rats by down-regulating the expression of Midkine， Notch2， and Hey1 and reducing the content of Midkine， CINC-1， MDC， and CXCL5.

Astragaloside IV improves podocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high glucose and inhibits Notch pathway activation / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To investigate the protection of astragaloside IV from high glucose induced podocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction and its molecular mechanisms. 【Methods】 The model of podocyte injury induced by high glucose (30 mmol/L glucose) was established, and the model cells were treated with low, medium and high doses of astragaloside IV respectively; cell activity was detected by CCK-8. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 fluorescence probe. ATP content was detected by the kit. The expression levels of apoptosis and podocyte injury related proteins and Notch pathway related proteins were detected by Western blotting. 【Results】 Compared with the control group, cell activity was decreased, apoptosis level was increased (P<0.05), anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl2) expression was decreased, and apoptosis protein (Bax, cleaved-caspase 9, cleaved-caspase 3) expressions were increased (all P<0.05) in HG group. Compared with HG group, HG+AS-IV improved cell activity and apoptosis level induced by high glucose (P<0.05), increased expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl2), and decreased expressions of apoptotic protein (Bax, cleaved-caspase 9, and cleaved-caspase 3) (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, mitochondrial dysfunction occurred in HG group, JC-1 monomer content increased, and ATP content decreased (all P<0.05). Compared with HG group, HG+AS-IV improved mitochondrial dysfunction, increased JC-1 polymer content and ATP content (P<0.05). In addition, compared with the control group, the expression of Notch pathway-related protein was decreased in HG group (P<0.05). Compared with HG group, Notch pathway-related protein expression was increased in HG+AS-IV group (all P<0.05). Molecular docking results showed that AS-IV could bind Notch1. 【Conclusion】 Astragaloside IV can improve podocyte injury and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high glucose, possibly by inhibiting Notch pathway activation.

Fasudil exerts a protective effect on down-regulation of IL-6 expression by inhibiting the NOTCH signaling pathway in EAM mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore the effect and mechanism of Fasudil in the treatment of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) in mice so as to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical use of Fasudil in treating myocarditis. 【Methods】 Balb/c male mice were used as the research objects, and the EAM mice model was constructed using MyHC-α614-629 polypeptide. Mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured to detect the number of mononuclear cells in mouse spleen. Inflammation infiltration, fibrosis and IL-6 expression in mouse myocardial tissue were detected by HE staining, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The protein expressions of Notch1 and IL-6 were detected by Western blotting. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors (IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6) as well as key genes of TLRs and NOTCH signaling pathway. 【Results】 EAM mice showed increased HW, decreased BW, increased HW/e-BW, and increased inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis in myocardial tissue. The above-mentioned symptoms or pathological features were improved in EAM mice treated with Fasudil. The analysis showed that the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1α, IL-1β and IL-6 in the myocardial tissue of EAM mice were significantly increased, but only the expression of IL-6 was statistically different after Fasudil treatment compared with the control group. In addition, TLRs signaling pathway might also play an important role in the EAM mice treated with Fasudil. The expressions of IL-6 and Notch1 were consistent, and the expressions of the key genes of NOTCH signaling pathway (Notch1, Hes1 and Jag2) were down-regulated after Fasudil treatment. 【Conclusion】 Fasudil exerts a protective effect on down-regulation of IL-6 expression by inhibiting the NOTCH signaling pathway in EAM mice.

A preliminary study of apoptosis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells induced by hyperthermia via downregulation of Notch1/Jagged1/Hes1 / 中华放射肿瘤学杂志

Objective:To observe the optimal time interval of multiple short-term hyperthermia in tongue squamous carcinoma Cal-27 cells, and investigate the role of Notch signaling pathway in hyperthermia-induced apoptosis of Cal-27 cells.Methods:Cal-27 cells were placed into a 42℃ incubator for 45 min, and the second hyperthermia was performed at 6 h,12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h later, respectively. Cell proliferation capacity was detected by CCK-8 assay at 0 h, 12 h and 24 h after the end of hyperthermia. After determining the optimal time interval of hyperthermia, multiple cycles of hyperthermia were performed, and the effects of hyperthermia on the proliferation and apoptosis of Cal-27 cells were detected by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The changes in the expression of Notch1, Jagged1 and hairy and enhancer of split homolog-1 (Hes1) mRNA and proteins were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. All data were expressed as mean±SD. Two-group comparison was performed by one-way ANOVA.Results:Hyperthermia at 42℃ for 45 min every 12 h consistently inhibited the proliferation of Cal-27 cells ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, hyperthermia in the experiment group significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of Cal-27 cells after 7 cycles of hyperthermia ( P<0.05), and the expression levels of Notch1, Jagged1 and Hes1 mRNA and proteins in the hyperthermia group were significantly down-regulated (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The optimal time interval of hyperthermia to inhibit the proliferation of tongue squamous cells carcinoma Cal-27 cells is 12 h. Hyperthermia might induce the apoptosis of Cal-27 cells by inhibiting the Notch signaling pathway.

Elevated Expression of Notch 2 & Notch 3 is associated with Disease Progression in Colorectal Cancer

Background: The potential involvement of Notch signaling pathway in cell fate decision, tumor heterogeneity and angiogenesis in solid tumors can be explored in colorectal cancer (CRC). This might further help to improve outcomes in CRC. Here, the promoter methylation of Notch receptor gene (Notch2 and Notch3) and their co-expression with its downstream transcription factor Hes1 has been analyzed. Methods: Seventy-two CRC patients were enrolled to study the role of Notch2, Notch3 and Hes1 genes in colorectal cancer. Promoter methylation and mRNA expression in tumor and adjoining normal tissue were assessed by Methylation Specific PCR and quantitative Real time PCR respectively. Statistical correlation was done by using SPSS. Results: We found that Notch2 and Notch3 were hypomethylated in 52/72 (72.22%) and 54/72 (75%) cases respectively. Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed significant association with advanced stage (p=0.001) and (p=0.003) and nodal metastasis (p=0.036) and (p=0.012) respectively. Both Notch 2 and Notch 3 showed increased mRNA expression in 49 (68.05%) and 51(70.84%) patients with a fold change of 3.37 and 5.43 respectively. Positive correlation between hypomethylation and expression was observed for both genes. High expression of Hes1 was found in 53(73.61%) of cases which was highly relatable with over expression of notch receptor genes. Upregulation of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with high grade tumors, advance stage and presence of LN metastasis, additionally Notch 3 and Hes1 showed significant association with distant metastasis. Conclusion: Hypomethylation of Notch 2 and 3 receptors is playing crucial role in regulating the expression of these genes in CRC. Overexpression of Notch 2, Notch 3 and Hes1 are associated with disease progression in CRC.