Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Atherosclerosis and Its Regulation by Traditional Chinese Medicine： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Atherosclerosis （AS） is a chronic inflammatory pathological process in which lipid and/or fibrous substances are deposited in the intima of arteries， and it is one of the pathological bases of many cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Endoplasmic reticulum stress （ERS） is a protective mechanism of cell adaptation. Moderate ERS can reduce abnormal protein aggregation and increase the degradation of misfolded proteins to repair and stabilize the internal environment， while excessive ERS can cause unfolded protein reaction， activate inflammation， oxidative stress， apoptosis， autophagy， and other downstream pathways， and lead to cell damage， or even apoptosis. A large number of studies have shown that ERS mediates a variety of pathological processes related to AS， affects endothelial cells， smooth muscle cells， macrophages， endothelial progenitor cells， and other cell components closely related to its occurrence and development， influences the progress of AS by regulating cell function， and promotes the formation of AS plaque， the transformation of stable plaque to unstable plaque， and the rupture of unstable plaque. Regulation of ERS may be a key target for the prevention and treatment of AS， and it is a research hotspot at present. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） believes that the origin of AS is the imbalance of Yin and Yang， the disharmony of Zangfu organs， and the abnormal operation of Qi， blood， and body fluid， which leads to the accumulation of phlegm， blood stasis， and other pathological products in the pulse channels， making the blood flow blocked or misfunction and causing the disease， which belongs to the syndrome of deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality. As the pathogenesis of AS is complex， and the symptoms are diverse， TCM has significant advantages in treating AS because of its multiple targets， multiple pathways， stable efficacy， strong individualization， and high safety. This paper systematically elaborated on the role of ERS in the occurrence and development of AS and summarized the mechanism research on the regulation and control of ERS by Chinese herbal monomer， Chinese herbal extract， Chinese herbal compound， and proprietary medicine， so as to provide a theoretical basis for clinical research and drug development in the prevention and treatment of AS.

Effect of low concentration of sodium fluoride on osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the effect of low concentrations of sodium fluoride on the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) in vitro.@*Methods@#This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee. hDPCs were cultured using a modified tissue explant technique in vitro. The effects of different concentrations of sodium fluoride on the proliferation of hDPCs were measured by methylthiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Appropriate concentrations were added to the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation induction medium, and the cells were induced in vitro. Alizarin red S staining was used to detect the osteoblastic/odontogenic differentiation ability of the cells, and the mRNA expression of the key differentiation factors was detected by RT-qPCR. Moreover, the expression of key molecules of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The data were analyzed with the SPSS 18.0 software package.@*Results@#Low concentration of NaF (0.1 mmol/L) could stimulate cell proliferation in vitro, while a high concentration (5-10 mmol/L) could inhibit cell proliferation (P<0.05). According to the literature and the experimental data, 0.1 mmol/L NaF was selected as the following experimental concentration. The levels of alizarin red S staining were increased after NaF induction of mixed osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation in vitro. The mRNA expression levels of key molecules for osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteocalcin (OCN), were increased (P<0.05). The mRNA levels of ERS markers (splicing x-box binding protein-1 (sXBP1), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and activating transcription Factor 4 (ATF4) were increased in NaF-treated cells. The protein expression levels of key ER stress molecules (phosphorylated RNA-activated protein kinase-like ER-resident kinase (p-PERK), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (p-eIF2α) and ATF4) were higher in NaF-treated cells.@*Conclusion@#A low concentration of NaF promotes the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs and increases the level of ER stress.

Mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Prescription in Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Improving Apoptosis of Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells Based on PERK/ATF4/CHOP / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yishen Tongluo prescription （YSTLP） on apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells and explore the mechanism based on endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase （PERK）/activating transcription factor 4 （ATF4）/transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）. MethodThe db/db mice were randomly divided into model group， valsartan group （10 mg·kg-1）， and low， middle， high-dose YSTLP groups （1， 2.5， 5 g·kg-1）. Samples were collected after eight weeks of drug intervention. In addition， db/m mice in the same litter served as the control group. Human renal tubular epithelial cells （HK-2） were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group， advanced glycated end-product （AGE） group， and AGE + low， middle， and high-dose YSTLP groups （100， 200， 400 mg·L-1）. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling （TUNEL） staining was used to detect the apoptosis rate of HK-2 cells. Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide （MTT） assay was conducted to detect the viability of HK-2 cells. Calcium fluorescence probe staining and luciferase reporter gene method were adopted to detect the luciferase activity of folded protein response element （UPRE） and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Immunohistochemical （IHC） analysis was carried out to measure the protein expressions of phosphorylated PKR （p-PERK）， CHOP， and ATF4. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and X-box binding protein 1 （XBP1） in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of p-PERK， PERK， CHOP， ATF4， B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， and cleaved Caspase-3 in mouse kidney and HK-2 cells. ResultIn the cellular assay， HK-2 cell viability was significantly reduced， and the apoptosis rate was elevated in the AGE group compared with the control group （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptosis-related factor Bcl-2 were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and those of Bax were significantly increased （P<0.01）. The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the AGE group， YSTLP administration treatment resulted in elevated cell viability and reduced apoptosis rate （P<0.01）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Bcl-2 were significantly elevated in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）， and those of Bax were significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The protein expression level of cleaved Caspase-3 was significantly reduced in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）. The intracellular Ca2+ imbalance and UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity were increased in the AGE group compared with the control group （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 were significantly increased （P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the AGE group， YSTLP effectively improved intracellular Ca2+ imbalance in HK-2 cells and decreased UPRE luciferase fluorescence intensity in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.01）. It reduced the mRNA levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors CHOP and XBP1 （P<0.01） and the protein expression levels of intracellular p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 in a dose- and time-dependent manner （P<0.01）. In animal experiments， the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced（P<0.01）， and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was significantly increased in the model group compared with the control group （P<0.05）. The protein expression level of Bcl-2 was dose-dependently elevated， and that of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax was dose-dependently decreased in the YSTLP groups compared with the model group （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group， the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 were significantly elevated in the model group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 were significantly increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， YSTLP significantly decreased the mRNA expression levels of CHOP and XBP1 （P<0.01） and the protein expression levels of p-PERK， CHOP， and ATF4 （P<0.01）. ConclusionYSTLP can effectively inhibit endoplasmic reticulum stress and improve apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells， and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PERK/AFT4/CHOP pathway.

High-intensity interval training (treadmill) effects in myokines and endoplasmic reticulum stress of calf muscles in obese mice / Efectos del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad (trotadora) en miocinas y estrés del retículo endoplasmático de los músculos surales en ratones obesos

SUMMARY: Obesity is commonly associated with chronic tissue inflammation and skeletal muscle dysfunction. The study aimed to investigate the effects of High-Intensity Interval training (HIIT) on myokines and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress of diet- induced obese (DIO) mice. Three-month-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed a control (C) diet (n=20) or a high-fat (HF) diet (n=20) for 16 weeks. Then, half of the groups underwent HIIT (treadmill running) for an additional four weeks. HIIT increased calf muscles' contribution to BW (+24 %) and reduced weight gain in HF/HIIT than in HF (-120 %). Intramuscular fat accumulation was observed in HF and HF/ HIIT. Peak velocity was higher in HF/HIIT compared to HF (+26 %). Plasma insulin did not change, but glycemia was lower in HF/HIIT than in HF (-30 %). Fndc5 (+418 %) and Irisin (+72 %) were higher in HF/HIIT than in HF. Muscle Fgf21 was higher in HF/HIIT compared to HF (+30 %). In addition, NfKb (-53 %) and Tnfa (-63 %) were lower in HF/HIIT than in HF. However, Il1b (-86 %), Il6 (- 48 %), Il7 (-76 %), and Il15 (-21 %) were lower in HF/HIIT than in HF. Finally, HIIT reduced ER stress in HF/HIIT compared to HF: Atf4, -61 %; Chop, -61 %; Gadd45, -95 %. In conclusion, HIIT leads to weight loss and avoids muscle depletion. HIIT improves blood glucose, Irisin-Fndc5, and peak velocity. In addition, HIIT mitigates muscle inflammation and ER stress.

La obesidad es asociada comúnmente con inflamación tisular crónica y disfunción del músculo esquelético. El estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos del entrenamiento de intervalos de alta intensidad (HIIT) en las mioquinas y el estrés del retículo endoplásmico (ER) de ratones obesos inducidos por dieta (DIO). Se alimentó a ratones macho C57BL/6 de tres meses de edad con una dieta control (C) (n=20) o una dieta rica en grasas (HF) (n=20) durante 16 semanas. Luego, la mitad de los grupos se sometieron a HIIT (carrera en una trotadora) durante cuatro semanas más. HIIT aumentó la contribución de los músculos de la pantorrilla al BW (+24 %) y redujo el aumento de peso en HF/HIIT en HF (-120 %). Se observó acumulación de grasa intramuscular en HF y HF/HIIT. La velocidad máxima fue mayor en HF/HIIT en comparación con HF (+26 %). La insulina plasmática no cambió, pero la glucemia fue menor en HF/HIIT que en HF (-30 %). Fndc5 (+418 %) e Irisin (+72 %) fueron mayores en HF/HIIT que en HF. El Fgf21 muscular fue mayor en HF/ HIIT en comparación con HF (+30 %). Además, NfKb (-53 %) y Tnfa (-63 %) fueron menores en HF/HIIT que en HF. Sin embar- go, Il1b (-86 %), Il6 (-48 %), Il7 (-76 %) e Il15 (-21 %) fueron más bajos en HF/HIIT que en HF. Finalmente, HIIT redujo el estrés de RE en HF/HIIT en comparación con HF: Atf4, -61 %; Picar, - 61 %; Gadd45, -95 %. En conclusión, HIIT conduce a la pérdida de peso y evita el agotamiento muscular. HIIT mejora la glucosa en sangre, Irisin-Fndc5 y la velocidad máxima. Además, HIIT mitiga la inflamación muscular y el estrés ER.

Regulación del calcio por SERC-A antes de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y durante la misma / Calcium regulation by SERC-A before and during Alzheimer disease

Hay muchos factores implicados en la incidencia de la enfermedad de Alzheimer que, en combinación, terminan por impedir o dificultar las funciones neuronales normales. Actualmente, poco se conoce sobre la regulación del calcio, antes de la enfermedad y durante la misma. La inestabilidad interna de los niveles de calcio se asocia a un mayor riesgo vascular, condición prevalente en un gran número de individuos ya comprometidos por la enfermedad de Alzheimer. Esta revisión proporciona una reevaluación de los mecanismos moleculares de la ATPasa dependiente de Ca2+ del retículo sarcoendoplásmico (SERC-A) en la enfermedad y analiza los aspectos más destacados de la función de los canales de calcio dependientes de voltaje; de esta manera, se podrán abrir nuevas alternativas de tratamiento. Estos mecanismos de regulación son clínicamente relevantes, ya que se ha implicado la función irregular de SERC-A en diversas alteraciones de la función cerebral.

There are many factors involved in the incidence of Alzheimer's disease that, in combination, impede or hinder normal neuronal functions. Little is currently known about calcium regulation before and during the disease. Internal instability of calcium levels is associated with increased vascular risk, a prevalent condition in a high number of individuals already compromised by Alzheimer's disease. This review provides a reevaluation of the molecular mechanism of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERC-A) in the disease and discusses salient aspects of voltage-gated calcium channel function; in these way new alternatives could be open for its treatment. These regulation mechanisms are clinically relevant since the irregular functions of SERC+A has been implicated in pathologies of brain function.

Inhibitory effects of N-acetylcysteine and salubrinal on apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells induced by all-trans-retinoic acid / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selective endoplasmic reticulum stress response inhibitor salubrinal on the apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial cells induced by all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA).Methods:Human ARPE-19 cell line was used as the experimental cell line, and was divided into normal control group cultured with complete medium, model control group cultured with complete medium containing 10 μmol/L ATRA, NAC treatment group cultured with complete medium containing 10 μmol/L ATRA+ 5 mmol/L NAC, salubrinal group cultured with complete medium containing 10 μmol/L ATRA+ 40 μmol/L salubrinal, NAC+ salubrinal group cultured with complete medium containing 10 μmol/L ATRA+ 5 mmol/L NAC+ 40 μmol/L salubrinal.After 24-hour culture, apoptosis rate, multicaspase level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of ARPE-19 cells were detected by flow cytometry.The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), cleaved-caspase 3 in cells were detected by Western blot.Results:There were significant differences in the apoptosis rate, multicaspase and ROS levels among the five groups ( F=113.23, 602.41, 160.39; all at P<0.001). The apoptosis rate, multicaspase and ROS levels of normal control group, NAC treatment group, salubrinal group and NAC+ salubrinal group were significantly lower than those of model control group (all at P<0.05). There were significant differences in the expression levels of VEGF-A, CHOP and cleaved-caspase 3 among the five groups ( F=24.62, 36.35, 60.25; all at P<0.001). The protein expression levels of VEGF-A, CHOP and cleaved-caspase 3 of normal control group, NAC treatment group, salubrinal group and NAC+ salubrinal group were significantly lower than those of model control group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:ATRA can induce RPE cells to produce oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress injury, which leads to apoptosis.NAC and salubrinal can effectively reduce the RPE cell apoptosis by inhibiting stress response.

Protective effect and mechanism of zonisamide on oxygen-glucose deprivation cell model of traumatic brain injury / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the protective effect of zonisamide (ZNS) on oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and its underlying mechanism.Methods:Human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) were cultured in vitro and divided into the control group, OGD group, and drug administration group (OGD+ZNS group) according to the random number table method. The OGD method was used to establish a TBI cell model. After modeling, the cell activity, the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and β-galactosidase staining were detected to evaluate cell function and senescence. Additionally, mitochondrial morphology and potential membrane changes were observed using Mito Tracker Red and JC-1 mitochondrial membrane potential staining. ATP concentration was measured, and protein was extracted from SH-SY5Y cells and then subjected to Western blot analysis to detect endoplasmic reticulum stress-related markers, including glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), and β-actin.Results:The OGD group had a significantly lower cell survival rate compared to the control group ( P<0.01), while the OGD+ZNS group had a significant higher cell survival rate than the OGD group ( P<0.01). The LDH release rate was significantly higher in the OGD group than in the control group ( P<0.01), while the OGD+ZNS group had a significant lower LDH release rate compared to the OGD group ( P<0.01). Moreover, the cell staining results indicated that compared to the control and OGD+ZNS groups, the cells in the OGD group exhibited significant damage and senescence with darker staining while the mitochondrial staining results demonstrated a significant reduction in mitochondrial linear junctions and decreased mitochondrial activity in the OGD group compared to the control and OGD+ZNS groups. Compared to the control and OGD+ZNS groups, the OGD group exhibited a significant reduction in mitochondrial staining red fluorescence, a significant increase in green fluorescence, and a significant decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. The OGD group demonstrated a significant decrease in ATP concentration compared to the control group ( P<0.01), whereas the OGD+ZNS group exhibited a significant higher ATP concentration compared to the OGD group ( P<0.01). Western blot analysis revealed significant upregulation of GRP78, CHOP, and PDI in the OGD group compared to the control group (all P<0.05), while in the OGD+ZNS group, the expression levels of these proteins were significantly downregulated compared to the OGD group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Zonisamide can protect OGD TBI cell model by preserving mitochondrial activity and inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Role and mechanism of tubastatin A in alleviating brain injury after cardiopulmonary resuscitation by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell apoptosis in swine / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the role and mechanism of tubastatin A (TubA) in alleviating brain injury after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA-CPR) by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated cell apoptosis in swine.Methods:Twenty-three conventional male white swine, weighing 33-40 kg, aged 4 to 6 months, were divided into 3 groups by random number table method: sham group ( n=6), CA-CPR group ( n=9), and TubA group ( n=8). The CA-CPR swine model was established by 9 min of electrically induced CA through pacing catheter in the right ventricle and then 6 min of CPR in the CA-CPR group. The CA-CPR swine model was established by the same method, and then a dose of 4.5 mg/kg of TubA at 5 min after resuscitation was intravenously infused in the TubA group. The serum concentrations of neuron specific enolase (NSE) and S100β protein (S100β) were measured using ELISA before modeling and at 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after resuscitation. Neurological deficit score (NDS) was evaluated at 24 h after resuscitation. Thereafter, the animals were euthanized, and brain cortex tissues were harvested, and the expression levels of caspase-12 and caspase-3 were measured using immunohistochemistry. Cell apoptosis index was detected by TUNEL assay. The variables among the three groups were compared with one-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni hoc test using SPSS software. Results:Twenty-four h after resuscitation, the serum concentrations of NSE and S100β were significantly increased, and NDS was markedly elevated in the CA-CPR and TubA groups compared with the sham group (all P<0.05). Compared with the CA-CPR group, serum concentration of NSE starting 2 h after resuscitation and serum concentration of S100β starting 1 h after resuscitation were significantly decreased in the TubA group [NSE (ng/mL): (23.1±2.0) vs. (20.2±2.0) at 2 h, (28.4±2.3) vs. (23.7±1.9) at 4 h, (32.1±2.7) vs. (26.6±2.0) at 24 h; S100β (pg/mL): (2239±193) vs. (1923±101) at 1 h, (2817±157) vs. (2360±141) at 2 h, (3384±250) vs. (2691±210) at 4 h, (3965±303) vs. (3119±260) at 24 h, all P<0.05], and NDS was markedly reduced (240±30 vs. 63±44, P<0.05). At 24 h after resuscitation, brain cortex tissue detection showed that the expression levels of caspase-12 and caspase-3 were significantly increased, and cell apoptosis index was markedly elevated in the CA-CPR and TubA groups compared with the sham group (all P<0.05). However, the expression levels of caspase-12 and caspase-3 were significantly decreased [caspase-12:(7.1±0.7) vs. (4.2±0.4); caspase-3: (13.3±1.6) vs. (7.7±0.8), all P<0.05], and cell apoptosis index was markedly reduced in the TubA group compared to the CA-CPR group [(31.1±8.6) vs. (17.3±2.2), P<0.05]. Conclusions:TubA alleviates brain injury and neurological dysfunction after CA-CPR in swine, which may be related to the inhibition of cell apoptosis mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Role of SIRT1 in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage / 国际生物医学工程杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) on subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its possible mechanism.Methods:A mouse model of SAH was constructed by internal carotid artery puncture. The protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT1 at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h were detected by Western Blot and qRT-PCR. A Western Blot assay was used to examine SIRT1 and the expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related markers GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, and CHOP after administration of a SIRT1 inhibitor or SIRT1 si-RNA. At 24 h after SAH, subarachnoid hemorrhage volume, neurological function score, brain water content, and blood-brain barrier integrity were measured.Results:The highest expression of SIRT1 protein and mRNA was observed at 24 h compared with other time points, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.001). Inhibition of SIRT1 expression leads to increased expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins GRP78, p-PERK/PERK, p-eIF2α/eIF2α, and CHOP, exacerbating hemorrhage and brain water content, disrupting blood-brain barrier integrity, and significantly reducing neurological function scores. Conclusions:Inhibition of SIRT1 expression significantly increased the endoplasmic reticulum response to excitation and exacerbated early brain injury after SAH.

Progress of unfolded protein response in acute respiratory distress syndrome / 国际儿科学杂志

Acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)is a severe respiratory disease in children and the pathogenesis is not fully defined.It is mainly related to various mechanisms of lung injury such as inflammation and autophagy.In recent years, studies have found that, endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)can aggravate lung injury in ARDS, in which protein homeostasis imbalance can induce activation of the unfolded protein response(UPR).The UPR reconstructs homeostasis by mediating transmembrane protein-related signaling pathways, while continuous excessive ERS will promote apoptosis and autophagy.This review summarizes the progress of the signaling pathway of UPR related to lung injury and its inflammatory effect in ARDS.

Intervention effect of physical exercise on silicotic mice / 环境与职业医学

Background Pneumoconiosis is the most serious occupational disease in China, and silicosis accounts for about half of it. Any intervention effect of physical exercise as the key and core of lung rehabilitation training on silicosis is still unclear. Objective To explore potential intervention effect of physical exercise on silicotic mice. Methods Forty SPF C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into four groups, 10 in each group, including a control group, a physical exercise group, a silicosis model group, and a silicosis model + physical exercise intervention group. Silicotic mouse model was established by using 50 μL SiO2 suspension (200 mg·mL−1). A treadmill was used to prepare mice receiving physical exercise at 0° inclination, 12.3 m·min−1, 60 min·d−1, 5 d·week−1 for 4 weeks. Pathological morphology of lung tissues was evaluated after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining; deposition of collagen in lung tissues was evaluated after Van Gieson (VG) staining; expression of p-protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) was detected by immunofluorescence staining; expressions of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (p21) and p-p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p38) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress signal factors [p-inositol-requiring enzyme-1α (p-IRE-1α), p-PERK, and p-eukaryotic initiation factor-2α (p-eIF-2α)], senescence signal factors (p-p53, p21, and p16), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal factors [p-p38, p-extracellular regulated protein kinases (p-ERK), and p-stress-activated protein kinase (p-JNK)] were detected by Western blotting. Results After designed acute SiO2 exposure, the images of micro computed tomography (CT) showed high density shadows in lung tissues of the silicotic mice and less shadows in lung tissues of the physical exercise intervention mice. After HE staining, the proportions of silicotic nodule area in lung tissues was (18.67±3.89) % in the silicosis model group, and significantly decreased to (8.78±1.05) % in the silicosis model + physical exercise intervention group (P<0.05). After VG staining, the proportion of collagen fiber area of lung tissues was (10.37±2.18) % in the silicosis model group, and significantly decreased to (4.35±0.89) % in the silicosis model + physical exercise intervention group (P<0.05). The results of immunofluorescence staining showed that in the silicosis model group, the expression of p-PERK increased at the location of silicotic nodules, while in the silicotic model + physical exercise intervention group, the expression of p-PERK decreased. The immunohistochemical staining results showed that the expression of p21 and p-p38 increased in the lung tissues of the silicosis model group; the expression of p21 and p-p38 decreased in the lung tissues of the silicosis model + physical exercise intervention group. The results of Western blotting showed that compared with the control group, the expression levels of p-IRE-1α (0.11±0.03), p-PERK (0.95±0.40), p-eIF-2α (3.53±0.91), p-p53 (1.78±0.07), p21 (1.98±0.10), p16 (1.26±0.17), p-p38 (0.41±0.09), p-ERK (0.42±0.05), and p-JNK (3.20±1.23) of the silicosis model group were all upregulated (P<0.05). Compared with the silicosis model group, the expression levels of p-IRE-1α (0.03±0.01), p-PERK (0.31±0.12), p-eIF-2α (0.30±0.06), p-p53 (0.76±0.08), p21 (0.18±0.11), p16 (0.70±0.24), p-p38 (0.03±0.00), p-ERK (0.19±0.03), and p-JNK (0.46±0.21) of the silicosis model + physical exercise intervention group were downregulated (P<0.05). Conclusion Physical exercise may alleviate pulmonary fibrosis in silicotic mice, and inhibit abnormal expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress signal, MAPK signal, and senescent signal.

Study on improvement mechanism of caudatin on liver injury in rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement mechanism of caudatin on liver injury of rats. METHODS SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， caudatin low-dose and high-dose groups （25， 50 mg/kg）， with 6 rats in each group. Diethylnitrosamine （DEN） was injected intraperitoneally three times per week for eight weeks to establish liver injury model of rats. At 5th week of modeling， the rats received relevant medicine or 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose intragastrically for 4 weeks. The levels of liver function indexes [alanine transaminase （ALT）， aspartate transaminase （AST）， total protein （TP） and total bilirubin （TBI）] and inflammatory factors [interleukin （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α）， IL-1β] in serum were detected； the histopathological morphological changes of rat liver were observed； the positive protein expressions of nuclear factor κB （NF-κB） and 78 kDa glucose regulatory protein （Grp78） in liver tissue were also determined； the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related protein Grp78， C/EBP homologous protein （CHOP）， activating transcription factor 6 （ATF6） and inositol requiring enzyme 1α （IRE1α） and the level of protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase robertluoyi@126.com （PERK） in liver tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with blank group， serum levels of ALT， AST， TBI， IL-6， TNF-α and IL-1β and positive expressions of NF-κB and Grp78 in liver tissue as well as protein expressions of Grp78， CHOP， ATF6 and IRE1α， PERK protein phosphorylation level were all increased significantly in model group （P＜0.05）， while the serum level of TP was decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. The disordered structure of liver lobule， swollen liver cells， unclear intercellular boundary were observed and accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with model group， most of the above indexes were significantly reversed in caudatin groups （P＜0.05）； the structure of hepatic lobule was relatively complete and clear， the cells were arranged orderly， and the infiltration of inflammatory cells was also reduced. CONCLUSIONS Caudatin has a significant improvement effect against DEN-induced liver injury in rats， the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammatory reaction.

Effects and mechanisms of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot in attenuating diabetic tubulopathy by targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced cell apoptosis / 中国中药杂志

Renal tubular injury in patients with diabetic kidney disease(DKD) may be accompanied by glomerular and microvascular diseases. It plays a critical role in the progression of renal damage in DKD, and is now known as diabetic tubulopathy(DT). To explore the multi-targeted therapeutic effects and pharmacological mechanisms in vivo of total flavones of Abelmoschus manihot(TFA), an extract from traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney disease, in attenuating DT, the authors randomly divided all rats into four groups: a normal control group(normal group), a DT model group(model group), a DT model+TFA-treated group(TFA group) and a DT model+rosiglitazone(ROS)-treated group(ROS group). The DT rat model was established based on the DKD rat model by means of integrated measures. After successful modeling, the rats in the four groups were continuously given double-distilled water, TFA suspension, and ROS suspension, respectively by gavage every day. After 6 weeks of treatment, all rats were sacrificed, and the samples of their urine, blood, and kidneys were collected. The effects of TFA and ROS on various indicators related to urine and blood biochemistry, renal tubular injury, renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS), as well as the activation of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)-eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)-activating transcription factor 4(ATF4)-C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP) signaling pathway in the kidney of the DT model rats were investigated. The results indicated that hypertrophy of renal tubular epithelial cells, renal tubular hyperplasia and occlusion, as well as interstitial extracellular matrix and collagen deposition occurred in the DT model rats. Moreover, significant changes were found in the expression degree and the protein expression level of renal tubular injury markers. In addition, there was an abnormal increase in tubular urine proteins. After TFA or ROS treatment, urine protein, the characteristics of renal tubular injury, renal tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and ERS, as well as the activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in the kidney of the DT model rats were improved to varying degrees. Therein, TFA was superior to ROS in affecting the pathological changes in renal tubule/interstitium. In short, with the DT model rats, this study demonstrated that TFA could attenuate DT by multiple targets through inhibiting renal tubular ERS-induced cell apoptosis in vivo, and its effect and mechanism were related to suppressing the activation of the PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP signaling pathway in the kidney. These findings provided preliminary pharmacological evidence for the application of TFA in the clinical treatment of DT.

Therapeutic potential of alkaloid extract from Codonopsis Radix in alleviating hepatic lipid accumulation: insights into mitochondrial energy metabolism and endoplasmic reticulum stress regulation in NAFLD mice / 中国天然药物

Alkaloids are a class of naturally occurring bioactive compounds that are widely distributed in various food sources and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of alkaloid extract from Codonopsis Radix (ACR) in ameliorating hepatic lipid accumulation in a mouse model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). The results revealed that ACR treatment effectively mitigated the abnormal weight gain and hepatic injury associated with HFD. Furthermore, ACR ameliorated the dysregulated lipid metabolism in NAFLD mice, as evidenced by reductions in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein levels, accompanied by a concomitant increase in the high-density lipoprotein level. ACR treatment also demonstrated a profound anti-oxidative effect, effectively alleviating HFD-induced oxidative stress and promoting ATP production. These effects were achieved through the up-regulation of the activities of mitochondrial electron transfer chain complexes I, II, IV, and V, in addition to the activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway, suggesting that ACR exhibits therapeutic potential in alleviating the HFD-induced dysregulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Moreover, ACR administration mitigated HFD-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and suppressed the overexpression of ubiquitin-specific protease 14 (USP14) in NAFLD mice. In summary, the present study provides compelling evidence supporting the hepatoprotective role of ACR in alleviating lipid deposition in NAFLD by improving energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress and ER stress. These findings warrant further investigation and merit the development of ACR as a potential therapeutic agent for NAFLD.

A novel defined risk signature of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes for predicting the prognosis and immune infiltration status of ovarian cancer / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as an emerging hallmark feature of cancer, has a considerable impact on cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality across the world due to the late stage of disease at diagnosis. Studies have explored the influence of ER stress on OvCa in recent years, while the predictive role of ER stress-related genes in OvCa prognosis remains unexplored. Here, we enrolled 552 cases of ER stress-related genes involved in OvCa from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts for the screening of prognosis-related genes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was applied to establish an ER stress-related risk signature based on the TCGA cohort. A seven-gene signature revealed a favorable predictive efficacy for the TCGA, International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and another GEO cohort (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.04, respectively). Moreover, functional annotation indicated that this signature was enriched in cellular response and senescence, cytokines interaction, as well as multiple immune-associated terms. The immune infiltration profiles further delineated an immunologic unresponsive status in the high-risk group. In conclusion, ER stress-related genes are vital factors predicting the prognosis of OvCa, and possess great application potential in the clinic.

Research progress of NOD2-mediated signaling pathways and relationship with autoinflammatory diseases and its inhibitors / 药学学报

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing protein 2 (NOD2) is a member of intracellular pattern recognition receptor. After being activated, it will induce the release of inflammatory factors through a series of signal cascade transduction, thus playing an important role in the innate immune response. The abnormal NOD2 signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the NOD2 gene have been identified to be closely associated with autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs). Therefore, inhibitors targeting NOD2 pathway have great potential in the treatment of inflammatory immune diseases. This review presents the recent progress of NOD2 receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways and its regulation mechanisms, the relationship between NOD2 and AIDs, and the inhibitors of NOD2 pathway.

Antitumor effect and mechanism of total alkaloids of Gelsemium elegans and sempervirine in vitro / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To explore the antitumor effect and mechanism of total alkaloids of Gelsemium elegans （TA） and sempervirine （SPV） in vitro. METHODS The effects of low， medium and high concentrations of TA （50， 100， 200 μg/mL） and SPV （10， 30， 50 μmol/L） on the morphology of human hepatoma cells （HepG2， Bel-7402）， human lung cancer cells （A549） and human colon cancer cells （HCT-8） were observed， and the toxicity of TA and SPV to four tumor cells was monitored. The effects of TA and SPV on the contents of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the supernatant of HCT-8 cells， the protein expressions of phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt） （Thr308， Ser473）， B-cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-related X protein （Bax）， survivin， C/EBP-homologous protein （CHOP）， immunoglobulin binding protein （Bip） and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3Ⅱ （LC3Ⅱ） in HCT-8 cells were detected. RESULTS After the intervention of TA and SPV， the volume reduction and nuclear shrinkage were founded in four tumor cells； the cell activity decreased to varying degrees， among which TA and SPV had the best inhibitory effect on HCT-8 cells. After the intervention of TA and SPV， the contents of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the supernatant of HCT-8 cells， the protein expressions of Bax， CHOP， Bip and LC3Ⅱ all increased to different degrees， while the protein expressions of p-Akt （Thr308， Ser473）， Bcl-2 and survivin in HCT-8 cells all decreased to different degrees. CONCLUSIONS TA and SPV have inhibitory effects on the above four tumor cells， and the inhibitory effect on HCT-8 cells is the best. The mechanism of their action on HCT-8 cells may be related to promoting apoptosis， activating endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy.

Clinical Significance of High Expression of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-related Proteins Glucose-regulating Protein 78 and X-box Binding Protein 1 induced by Fusobacterium Nucleatum in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo analyze the induction effect of Fusobacterium nucleatum （Fn） on endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins Glucose-regulating protein 78（GRP78） and X-box binding protein 1（XBP1） in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC）， and to explore its potential mechanism and clinical significance. MethodsESCC cells KYSE150 and KYSE140 were infected with Fn for 12 h， 24 h and 48 h. The oxidative stress indexes （ROS， MDA and SOD） and the expression of GRP78 and XBP1 in each group were detected by oxidative stress index kit and Western blot. The experiment was divided into Fn groups， Fn+siNC1 groups， Fn+siGRP78 groups， Fn+siNC2 groups and Fn+siXBP1 groups； the oxidative stress indexes， paclitaxel （PTX） response efficacy， abilities of proliferation， invasion and metastasis in each group were compared. The infection of Fn and the expression of GRP78 and XBP1 in 234 ESCC and paracancerous tissues were detected by RNA scope and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between each factor and clinicopathological characteristics of patients was analyzed by Chi-square test. The influence of each factor on the survival of patients was compared by Kaplan-meier survival estimate. ResultsCompared with Fn uninfected KYSE150 and KYSE140 cells， the content of ROS and MDA was gradually increased， the activity of SOD was gradually decreased， and the expression of GRP78 and XBP1 was gradually increased in Fn infected groups （12 h， 24 h and 48 h） （P < 0.05）. Compared with Fn groups， Fn+siNC1 groups， and Fn+siNC2 groups， ROS and MDA contents were decreased， SOD activity was increased， PTX response efficacy was enhanced， and abilities of proliferation， invasion and metastasis were decreased in Fn+siGRP78 and Fn+siXBP1 groups （P < 0.05）. The rates of Fn， GRP78 and XBP1 in ESCC tissues were 43.16%， 69.66% and 60.68%， respectively. And the three indexes were significantly consistent （P < 0.05）. The patients with positive Fn infection and high expression of GRP78 and XBP1 were mostly males with a history of smoking and drinking， and the tumor differentiation degree was low， the invasion degree was deep， the lymph node metastasis rate was high， and the clinical stage was mostly stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ. The 5-year survival time of patients with above positive indexes was shortened （P < 0.05）. ConclusionsFn could induce endoplasmic reticulum stress by inducing the high expression of GRP78 and XBP1， and promote the malignant evolution of ESCC.

Research progress on cold ischemia injury of steatotic donor livers / 器官移植

Liver transplantation is a vital treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, the shortage of donor livers has limited the development of liver transplantation. How to expand the source of donor livers has become a challenge in the academic community. In recent years, the proportion of donors with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increased. Rational use of steatotic donor livers is a feasible approach to expand the donor pool. Cold ischemia injury during donor liver preservation before liver transplantation increases the risk of postoperative organ dysfunction. Therefore, it is of significance to unravel the mechanism and intervention measures of cold ischemia injury of steatotic donor livers. Cold ischemia injury of steatotic donor livers is characterized as the damage of mitochondria, lysosomes and endoplasmic reticulum at the organelle level, and up-regulated expression of adenosine monphosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK), aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 at the protein level. In this article, the research progresses on cold ischemia injury of steatotic donor livers and relevant intervention measures were reviewed.

PRE-084 ameliorated learning and memory impairment in T1DM via regulating neuronal MAM / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 Diabetic mice could show learning and memory dysfunction, and we aimed to investigate the effect of Sigma-1 receptor agonist, PRE-084, on neurons and cognitive impairment in mice with type 1 diabetes (T1DM). 【Methods】 Twenty mice with T1DM induced by streptozocin, aged 8-10 weeks, and 20 control mice (CON) were randomly divided into four groups (CON+Vehicle, CON+PRE-084, T1DM+Vehicle and T1DM+PRE-084). Mouse primary neurons were cultured in high glucose medium with PRE-084 and control solvent, respectively. The body weight, food and water intake, and fasting blood glucose level of mice in each group were detected and recorded. The learning and memory abilities of mice were detected by new object recognition experiment. The mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) structure of neurons in hippocampal CA1 area of mice was detected by transmission electron microscope. And the expression levels of ATP and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hippocampus of mice were detected by biochemical kit. Cell viability and ROS level of primary neurons were detected by CCK8 and cellular ROS kit. 【Results】 PRE-084 reduced the increase of body weight, food and water intake, and blood glucose caused by diabetes. PRE-084 significantly ameliorated the learning and memory impairment of the mice with T1DM, improved the changes of MAM structure in neurons of hippocampal CA1 area of diabetic mice, increased the level of ATP in hippocampus of diabetic mice, and decreased the increase of ROS expression in diabetic hippocampus and neurons under high glucose conditions. 【Conclusion】 Sigma-1 receptor agonist, PRE-084, could improve learning and memory impairment in the mice with T1DM, which might be related to the structural changes of MAM, the increase of ATP production, and the decrease of ROS production in hippocampal neurons.