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Objective:Glaucoma is a multifactorial optic neuropathy with a high rate of irreversible visual loss,and its pathogenesis is complex and still unclear.Elevated intraocular pressure(IOP)is well recognized as the sole modifiable risk factor for the development of glaucoma in the majority of cases.This study aims to compare 2 different methods of inducing chronic ocular hypertension by circumlimbal suture or by laser burns in degree and lasting time of the IOP,different status of the retina and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs),and changes of the microstructure of neurons. Methods:The chronic ocular hypertension models were induced by 2 different ways.One kind of the models was built by unilateral circumlimbal suture(10/0)implantation(suture group),another kind of model was built by laser burns at trabecular meshwork and episcleral veins(laser group).The untreated contralateral eye served as the control group.Changes in IOP were observed and regularly monitored in the 2 groups of rats.HE staining was applied to observe the retinal and optic nerve pathology.Transmission electron microscope(TEM)was used to observe the mitochondrial morphology.RGCs were specifically labeled with Brn3b antibody and counted.The expression of caspase-3 was detected by Western blotting to clarify the apoptosis of RGCs. Results:Compared with the control group,IOP were significantly increased in the suture group and the laser group(both P<0.05).The suture group induced a 1.5-fold elevation of IOP,and sustained for 8 weeks.The laser group induced a 2-fold elevation of IOP for 12 weeks.Both methods could cause RGCs loss(both P<0.05),which were verified by pathology and immune staining of Brn3b.The expressions of caspase-3 were also increased(both P<0.05).The mitochondrial morphology became more fragment,which changed from long shape to round and small one under TEM in 2 models.For comparison,the pathology changes of retinal structure in suture group were not obviously than those in the laser group. Conclusion:Circumlimbal suture can build an effective model of chronic elevated IOP and induce glaucomatous pathologic changes similar to those in the laser photocoagulation,but the pathologic changes are milder than those in laser photocoagulation.Compare with translimbal laser photocoagulation,equipment and skill demand for circumlimbal suture is less.
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Objective To investigate the effects of honokiol on proliferation and apoptosis of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(hADSCs),and to investigate the effect of the drug on the tumor microenvironment.Methods hADSCs were incubated with different concentrations of honokiol,the proliferation of hADSCs was detec-ted by MTS and Trypan blue staining,and cell apoptosis was assessed by annexin V/PI double staining.In the meantime,expression of mRNA and protein related to cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by qPCR and Western blot,respectively.The expression of total MEK,phosphorylated MEK,total ERK and phosphorylated ERK proteins in the MEK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway were detected by Western blot.Results The effect of honokiol on inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis of hADSCs was significantly enhanced with the increase of concen-tration.The expressions of proliferation-related genes CCND1,MKI67 and PCNA were down-regulated.The expres-sions of pro-apoptotic genes BAX and TP53 was up-regulated,and the expressions of anti-apoptotic gene BCL2 was down-regulated.Honokiol inhibited MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in a concentration-dependent manner.Conclusions Honokiol inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of hADSCs,and the specific mechanism is po-tentially related to the inhibition of MEK-ERK1/2 pathway.
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Objective:To investigate the effects of gambogenic acid(GNA)on the proliferation and apoptosis of CAL27 cell xenograft tumor in nude mice.Methods:18 SPF nude mice were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6).All nude mice were inoculated with CAL27 cells at logarithmic growth stage to establish subcutaneous transplanted tumor models.The mice in low and high dose GNA groups were treated with GNA of 8.0 mg/kg iv.and 16.0 mg/kg iv.every other day,respectively,and those in the control group was given the same amount of normal saline.The tumor growth curve was plotted during drug administration.2 weeks later,the nude mice were sacrificed,the tumor tissue was removed and the tumor inhibition rate was evaluated by the tumor size measurements.TUNEL as-say was used to detect the apoptosis of transplanted tumor cells in the groups.The expression levels of AKT,Bcl-2 and PI3K proteins in tumor tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry(IHC).The toxicity and side effects of GNA on normal tissues were detected by HE staining.Results:The transplanted tumors in low and high dose GNA groups grew slowly,and the tumor weight and volume were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05),the tumor inhibition ratio of low and high dose groups was 57.58%and 83.68%respectively.TUNEL results showed that the apoptosis index of GNA low and high dose groups was higher that of control group(P<0.05).IHC results showed that the expression of AKT,Bcl-2 and PI3K in the tumor tissues of nude mice in low and high dose GNA groups was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).HE results showed that GNA had not effect on normal tissues and or-gans(P<0.05);Conclusion:GNA may induce CAL27 cell apoptosis by regulating the expression of AKT,Bcl-2 and PI3K,and in-hibites the development of human tongue squamous cell carcinoma with little effect on normal tissues and organs.
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BACKGROUND:In recent years,it has been found that some traditional Chinese medicine monomers can alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis of the skin flap,promote vascular regeneration of the skin flap and prevent skin flap necrosis by activating autophagy. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine monomer regulating autophagy in preventing flap necrosis. METHODS:The Chinese and English key words were"traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),autophagy,skin flaps".The first author searched the relevant articles published in CNKI and PubMed databases from January 2010 to October 2022.A total of 196 articles were retrieved in the preliminary screening and then screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The quality assessment was conducted by reading the literature titles and abstracts.Finally,55 articles were summarized. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The regulation of autophagy is mediated by AMPK/mTOR,PI3K/AKT and other signaling pathways.Activation of autophagy can alleviate the oxidative stress and apoptosis of the flap,promote the regeneration of blood vessels in the flap,and prevent flap necrosis.(2)Terpenoids(Betulinic acid,Andrographolide,Notoginseng Triterpenes,Catalpa),phenolic compounds(Resveratrol,Curcumin,Gastrodin),phenolic acids(Salvianolic acid B)and steroid compounds(Pseudoginsenoside F11)in traditional Chinese medicine monomers can alleviate oxidative stress and apoptosis of skin flap by regulating related signaling pathways to activate autophagy,promote skin flap angiogenesis and promote skin flap survival.(3)Studying the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine monomer to prevent flap necrosis by regulating autophagy can provide a reference and theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine to prevent flap necrosis and promote flap healing in the clinic.
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BACKGROUND:Animal models of diabetic encephalopathy that have been studied mainly include streptozotocin-induced model,high-sugar and high-fat diet-induced model and spontaneous animal model.Establishing a simple,easy,short-cycle,safe and effective model of diabetic encephalopathy can help to explore the subsequent pathogenesis and screen therapeutic drugs. OBJECTIVE:To further explore and evaluate the method of building diabetic encephalopathy rat models. METHODS:Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control(n=10)and model(n=10)groups.Rats in the model group were given a single injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin in the left lower abdominal cavity,and those in the control group were given the same amount of citrate buffer.During the experiment,the body mass,feed intake,water intake and blood glucose were measured.After 8 weeks,the glucose tolerance and oxidative stress levels were measured,and the pathological changes of brain tissue and the expression of apoptotic proteins were compared between groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the food intake,water intake,encephalization quotient,blood glucose and area under the blood glucose curve were significantly increased in the model group,while the body mass decreased significantly(P<0.01).Histopathological examination of the brain showed that compared with the control group,the number of surviving nerve cells was significantly reduced in the model group(P<0.01),with more significant pathological damage of nerve cells.Compared with the control group,the activities of serum superoxide dismutase,catalase and glutathione in the model group were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the content of oxidative malondialdehyde was significantly increased(P<0.05).The expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bax and Caspase-3 in brain tissue increased in the model group compared with the control group,while the expression of Bcl-2 decreased(P<0.01).In conclusion,an 8-week injection of 45 mg/kg streptozotocin can cause obvious pathological damage to the brain tissue of diabetic rats,to successfully establish the rat model of diabetic encephalopathy.
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BACKGROUND:Tauroursodeoxycholic acid is a hydrophilic bile acid derivative that has neuroprotective effects in a variety of neurological disease models.However,there are few reports on the effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on apoptosis of spinal cord neurons under hypoglycemic and hypoxic conditions,as well as the effect on recovery of motor function in mice after spinal cord injury. METHODS:(1)In vitro experiment:Primary spinal cord neurons were isolated from C57 BL/6 mouse embryos at 13.5 days of gestation.After 72 hours of culture,the cells were divided into three groups.In the normal group,cells were cultured in Neurobasal complete medium that was incubated in a CO2 incubator(5%CO2 + 95%air)for 24 hours.In the oxyglucose-deprived group,sugar-free Neurobasal medium was added and incubated in a triple-gas incubator(94%N2+5%CO2+1%O2)for 12 hours,and then the medium was replaced with Neurobasal complete medium and incubated in a CO2 incubator for 12 hours.In the experimental group,the treatment procedure was approximately the same as that in the oxyglucose-deprived group,except that taurodeoxycholic acid was added along with the sugar-free Neurobasal medium.TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis,cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to detect cell activity,and immunofluorescence staining was performed to detect cellular β-microtubule protein expression.(2)Animal experiment:Sixty C57 BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham-operated group,spinal cord injury group and experimental group,with 20 mice in each group.Animal models of T9-T10 spinal cord injury were established using Allen's percussion method in the spinal cord injury group and the experimental group.Starting from the 1st day after modeling,taurodeoxycholic acid solution was given by gavage in the experimental group and normal saline was given by gavage in the sham-operated and spinal cord injury groups once a day for 14 consecutive days.Spinal cord tissue repair was assessed using behavioral and histological methods. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In vitro experiment:TUNEL staining,cell counting kit-8 and immunofluorescence staining showed that compared with the normal group,the number of apoptotic cells was higher(P<0.01),while cell activity and β-microtubule protein expression were lower in the oxyglucose-deprived group(P<0.01);compared with the oxyglucose-deprived group,the number of apoptotic cells was lower(P<0.01),while cell activity and β-microtubule protein expression were higher in the experimental group(P<0.01).Animal experiment:The Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scores in the open field test and hind limb footprint experiments showed that the mice in the experimental group had better recovery of walking and motor functions than those in the spinal cord injury group.Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that significant deformities and cavities were observed at the site of spinal cord injury and the number of nerve cells was significantly reduced in the spinal cord injury group.Compared with the spinal cord injury group,the experimental group showed a significant reduction in the area of spinal cord injury,less spinal cord deformity,fewer cavities,and an increase in the number of nerve cells.Immunofluorescence staining showed that the number of neuronal nucleus-labeled neuronal cells in the spinal cord injury group was less than that in the sham-operated group(P<0.01),and the number of neuronal nucleus-labeled neuronal cells in the experimental group was higher than that in the spinal cord injury group(P<0.01).To conclude,tauroursodeoxycholic acid could effectively reduce glucose/oxygen deprivation-induced apoptosis of spinal cord neurons and axonal loss,and promote the recovery of motor function in mice with spinal cord injury.
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BACKGROUND:Wnt signaling pathway is overexpressed in degenerative intervertebral discs,and inhibition of its expression can delay the process of intervertebral disc degeneration.Therefore,Wnt signaling pathway is closely related to intervertebral disc degeneration. OBJECTIVE:To summarize the relationship between Wnt signaling pathway and intervertebral disc,especially the specific role and influence of Wnt signaling pathway in intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:The first author took"intervertebral disc,Wnt,cell proliferation,cell senescence,cell apoptosis,extracellular matrix"as the English search terms.PubMed,Web of science and OVID LWWSpringerlink were searched for articles published from 2000 to January 2023,and articles related to Wnt signaling pathway and disc degeneration were consulted.Totally 54 articles were reviewed by reading,collating and preserving. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During intervertebral disc formation in embryos,Wnt signaling pathway is overexpressed,which is involved in intervertebral disc formation and promotes posterior extension of notochord.(2)During intervertebral disc degeneration,Wnt signaling pathway can inhibit cell proliferation by stagnating cell cycle,increase the expression of age-related proteins and promote cell aging by participating in oxidative stress,and participate in cell apoptosis by regulation of long non-coding RNA.(3)Wnt signaling pathway can also decrease extracellular matrix related protein synthesis,promote extracellular matrix degradation and accelerate intervertebral disc degeneration.(4)Wnt signaling pathway can promote cell regeneration by activating as early intervertebral disc formation signal and participate in inducing stem cells to differentiate into intervertebral disc cells to repair damaged intervertebral disc.For example,Wnt signaling pathway can induce stem cells from cartilage endplate cells to migrate and transform to intervertebral disc.
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BACKGROUND:The development of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head is a complex process involving multiple mechanisms.There is still no standard therapeutic drug for early intervention of this disease.Current studies have shown that baicalein has various pharmacological activities such as regulating lipid metabolism,bone metabolism,apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress,which provides an idea for the prevention and treatment of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. OBJECTIVE:To observe the preventive effect of baicalein against steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS:Thirty-six 10-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups(n=12 per group):blank control group,model group,and baicalein intervention group.In the model group and baicalein intervention group,intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide and intramuscular injection of methylprednisolone sodium succinate were performed for modeling,while normal saline was used as a substitute for the modeling drug in the blank control group.Baicalein 300 mg/kg was administered by gavage(once a day for 6 weeks)at the time of initial intramuscular glucocorticoid injection in the baicalein intervention group,and baicalein was replaced by normal saline in the other two groups.The serum level of malondialdehyde in rats was detected at 2 weeks of the experiment.Blood lipid indicators and bone formation metabolic markers were detected at 6 weeks of the experiment,the histomorphometric changes of the femoral head were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,anti-tartaric acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL staining,and the femoral head was subjected to Micro-CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction of the bone in order to analyze the alterations of bone tissue structure and parameters. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The serum levels of malondialdehyde,triglyceride,β-collagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide were increased and the serum levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and pre-collagen type Ⅰ amino-terminal peptide were decreased in the model group compared with the blank control group(P<0.05).The serum level of malondialdehyde decreased in the baicalein intervention group compared with the model group(P<0.05),but there was no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and blank control group(P>0.05).The serum level of triglyceride was higher in the baicalein intervention group than the blank control group(P<0.05),but had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and model group(P>0.05).There were also no significant differences in the levels of bone specific alkaline phosphatase and β-collagen type Ⅰ carboxy-terminal peptide between the baicalein intervention group and the other two groups(P>0.05).The serum level of the baicalein intervention group was lower in the baicalein intervention group than the blank control group(P<0.05)but had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and model group(P>0.05).Histomorphological analysis of the femoral head showed that the rate of bone empty lacuna,osteoclast counting and cell apoptosis rate in the femoral head of model group rats were significantly higher than those of the other two groups(P<0.05).There was a significant increase in the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow cavity of the femoral head,bone trabeculae were thinned and sparsely arranged with more disruptions in the continuity.The incidence of osteonecrosis was higher in the model group(75%)than in the baicalein intervention group(25%;bilateral and unilateral exact significance results were both 0.05).There was also an increase in the number of adipocytes in the bone marrow cavity of the femoral head in the baicalein intervention group,and the trabecular changes were roughly similar to those in the model group.Micro-CT results showed that bone volume fraction,trabecular thickness,trabecular number,and bone mineral density decreased and trabecular separation increased in the model group compared with the blank control group(P<0.05).Overall significant bone mass loss was observed in the model group.Bone tissue parameters in the baicalein intervention group were significantly improved than those in the model group,which were reflected in bone volume fraction,trabecular thickness and trabecular separation(P<0.05),and trabecular number and bone mineral density had no significant difference between the baicalein intervention group and blank control group(P>0.05).Although baicalein failed to significantly ameliorate dyslipidemia and promote bone formation in rats with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,it could reduce the incidence of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head by reducing oxidative stress damage,decreasing cell apoptosis,inhibiting osteoclasts,suggesting its effectiveness in the early prevention of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head.
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BACKGROUND:Ischemic stroke is a highly prevalent disease associated with apoptosis.Neuronal death occurs after cerebral ischemia,including necrosis and apoptosis.The ischemic core region is dominated by necrosis,while delayed neuronal death in the penumbra is dominated by apoptosis.The penumbra has become a target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.This bibliometric analysis was used to identify the characteristics,hotspots,and frontiers of global scientific output related to apoptosis in ischemic stroke over the past 5 years. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the role of apoptosis and its mechanisms in the pathological process of ischemic stroke through a bibliometric approach. METHODS:A total of 927 relevant literature records from 2018 to 2022 were retrieved from Science Citation Index Expanded(SCI-Expanded)and Social Science Citation Index Expanded(SSCI-Expanded)of the Web of Science Core Collection.Research trends and hotspots of apoptosis in ischemic stroke were visualized using Citespace,VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:From 2018 to 2020,the number of papers on the role of apoptosis in ischemic stroke showed an upward trend,but in 2020,the number of papers began to reduce.China had the largest number of publications,and the United States ranked the second.Capital Medical University and BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN were the institutions and journals with the most articles,respectively.In recent years,the two keywords"expression"and"oxidative stress"have appeared more frequently.The bibliometric study showed that in the past 5 years,most of the studies focused on basic research,in which research on the role of apoptosis in ischemic stroke has gradually decreased in the last 3 years,showing a downward trend.On the contrary,nerve regeneration has gradually become a research hotspot,especially the regulation of neurotrophic factors under the influence of different mechanisms,and the research on angiogenesis and glial cell repair is on the rise.At the same time,apoptosis in nerve regeneration is a potential point of discovery.
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BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is a condition caused by the combined effects of various factors,such as cellular apoptosis,oxidative stress,and inflammatory responses.Currently,it is believed that the core of this condition lies in the degeneration and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells(NPCs).However,the specific pathological mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:By investigating the expression of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha(HIF-1α)signaling pathway and the apoptosis of NPCs under different oxygen concentrations,to clarify the biological characteristics of NPCs under varying oxygen levels,and to explore the mechanisms of intervertebral disc degeneration. METHODS:Normal and degenerated NPCs were collected.The second-generation cells were used for imaging identification.The third-generation cells were cultured in the following conditions:37℃,air,100%humidity.Leibovitz's medium containing 100 μmol/L CoCl2 and 10%fetal bovine serum medium containing 100 μmol/L H2O2 were used to create distinct oxygen concentration environments for the third-generation cells,allowing for the investigation of cellular responses and behaviors under normal,low oxygen,and oxidative stress conditions.The third-generation cells were divided into six groups:normal NPCs+hypoxia,normal NPCs+normoxia,normal NPCs+oxidative stress,degenerated NPCs+hypoxia,degenerated NPCs+normoxia,and degenerated NPCs+oxidative stress groups.Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 method.Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry.RT-PCR and western blot assay were utilized to examine the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and HIF-1α. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:At different oxygen concentrations,the cell proliferation rate of both normal and degenerated NPCs decreased as the oxygen concentration increased.Conversely,the apoptosis rate increased as the oxygen concentration rose(P<0.05).With the normal NPCs+hypoxia group as the control group,the effect of degenerated NPCs on the apoptosis rate was highly significant(P<0.001).Oxygen concentration had a highly significant impact on both NPC proliferation rate and apoptosis rate(P<0.001).The interaction between cell degeneration and oxygen concentration significantly affected both NPC proliferation and apoptosis rates(P<0.05).At different oxygen concentrations,the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and HIF-1α in normal NPCs were highest under low oxygen concentration,followed by oxidative stress environment,and lowest under normoxia.In degenerated NPCs,the protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT,and HIF-1α decreasd as the oxygen concentration increased.The protein and mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt in normal NPCs were significantly higher than those in degenerated NPCs(P<0.05).With the normal NPCs+hypoxia group as the control group,the effects of normal or degenerated NPCs,as well as oxygen concentration,on the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K,AKT,and HIF-1α were highly significant.The interaction between cell degeneration and oxygen concentration also had an extremely significant effect on the protein and mRNA expression of PI3K,AKT,and HIF-1α(P<0.001).To conclude,there is a close correlation between the proliferation and apoptosis of NPCs and both oxygen concentration and the cellular functional state.The PI3K/Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway exhibits antagonistic regulatory effects under various cellular functional states and different oxygen concentration environments.The mechanism may be associated with the activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which consequently transcribes HIF-1α,thus maintaining the balance of reactive oxygen species metabolism.This pathway plays a significant role in inhibiting oxidative stress,antagonizing NPCs apoptosis,and consequently delaying intervertebral disc degeneration.
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BACKGROUND:It has been found that vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic proteins interact with each other during hypoxia-reoxygenation and are involved in the repair process of osteoblast injury by regulating the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. OBJECTIVE:To further investigate the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor 165/bone morphogenetic protein and hypoxic-reoxygenated osteoblast injury. METHODS:Osteoblasts were selected and the hypoxic-reoxygenated injury model was established.Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein expressions at mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time PCR and western blot before and after modeling.After modeling,osteoblasts were given different concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein 2(10,20,40 ng/mL).Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 method and apoptosis was detected by DAPI at 12,24,36,48,and 72 hours after treatment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with before modeling,the mRNA and protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein 2 in osteoblasts after modeling were significantly decreased(P<0.05).The proliferation rate of osteoblasts was significantly increased with the increase of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 concentration(P<0.05),while the apoptosis rate of osteoblasts decreased significantly with the increase of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 concentration(P<0.05).The proliferation rate of osteoblast was significantly increased with the increase of bone morphogenetic protein 2 concentration(P<0.05),while the apoptosis rate of osteoblast decreased significantly with the increase of bone morphogenetic protein 2 concentration(P<0.05).To conclude,vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein are lowly expressed in hypoxic-reoxygenated osteoblast injury,and treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein can reduce the injury of hypoxic-reoxygenated osteoblast in a concentration-dependent manner,suggesting that vascular endothelial growth factor 165 and bone morphogenetic protein have a significant protective effect against the injury of hypoxic-reoxygenated osteoblasts.
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Breast cancer (BC) ranks first in the incidence rate of female malignant tumor, the notable features of which include high invasive behavior, high malignant degree and poor prognosis. Resveratrol, a plant antioxidant, has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent for the occurrence and progress of BC. This article explores the mechanism of resveratrol intervention in BC by evaluating several in vitro and in vivo studies. It was found that resveratrol can weaken the proliferation and survival ability of BC cells, suppress their growth, metastasis, and invasion, and reverse their resistance to adriamycin by promoting cell apoptosis, regulating autophagy, inhibiting glycolysis and regulating the tumor microenvironment, expressions of matrix metalloproteinases, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and drug-resistant proteins, etc. The limited number of clinical trial studies on resveratrol, mainly focusing on prevention effect of it on breast cancer, may be one of the reasons that affect the comprehensive evaluation of the anti-cancer efficacy of resveratrol.
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Breast cancer (BC) ranks first in the incidence rate of female malignant tumor, the notable features of which include high invasive behavior, high malignant degree and poor prognosis. Resveratrol, a plant antioxidant, has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent for the occurrence and progress of BC. This article explores the mechanism of resveratrol intervention in BC by evaluating several in vitro and in vivo studies. It was found that resveratrol can weaken the proliferation and survival ability of BC cells, suppress their growth, metastasis, and invasion, and reverse their resistance to adriamycin by promoting cell apoptosis, regulating autophagy, inhibiting glycolysis and regulating the tumor microenvironment, expressions of matrix metalloproteinases, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and drug-resistant proteins, etc. The limited number of clinical trial studies on resveratrol, mainly focusing on prevention effect of it on breast cancer, may be one of the reasons that affect the comprehensive evaluation of the anti-cancer efficacy of resveratrol.
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Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the world, with hidden symptoms, complex pathogenesis, high morbidity, high mortality, and poor prognosis. As one of the classical apoptosis pathways, mitochondrial apoptosis has been widely described in the apoptosis escape by GC cells. Mitochondrial apoptosis can regulate the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells via oxidative stress, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial translocation and other mechanisms, and it is one of the potential targets of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention to restore the mitochondrial function in GC. The theory of spleen-mitochondria in correlation explains that spleen deficiency and cancer toxin are the root causes of mitochondrial apoptosis. Accordingly, the TCM treatment should follow the basic principle of invigorating spleen to restore healthy Qi and removing cancer toxin to eliminate the root cause. Mitochondrial apoptosis can be promoted by inhibiting oxidative stress, promoting cell cycle arrest, and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. This therapy can improve the energy metabolism, restore the mitochondrial structure and function, and prevent the occurrence and development of GC, with mild side effects and low drug resistance. However, the mechanism of mitochondrial apoptosis in GC and the target of TCM intervention in GC have not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this paper systematically summarized the effects of mitochondrial apoptosis on the occurrence and development of GC and the role of TCM in the treatment of GC by intervening in mitochondrial apoptosis, aiming to provide a theoretical reference for the treatment and further research of GC.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving symmetrical small joints, with clinical manifestations such as small joint swelling, morning stiffness, progressive pain, and even joint deformity and loss of function. Due to the complex immune mechanism, the pathogenesis of RA remains unclear. However, studies have shown that the pathogenesis of RA is related to abnormal immune mechanism, increased synovial inflammatory response, abnormal biological behavior of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs), and abnormal degradation of extracellular matrix. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays a key role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. It is involved in the abnormal release and activation of inflammatory mediators in RA, the abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA-FLSs, synovial angiogenesis, bone erosion, and cartilage destruction. The thousands of years of practical experience show that Chinese medicine can effectively mitigate the clinical symptoms such as joint swelling, morning stiffness, and pain and delay the occurrence of joint deformity in RA patients. Moreover, the Chinese medicine treatment has the advantages of overall regulation, personalized treatment, multiple pathways and targets, high safety, few adverse reactions, and stable quality. Modern studies have confirmed that Chinese medicine can play a role in the prevention and treatment of RA by interfering in the MAPK signaling pathway, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting the abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion of RA-FLSs, regulating the apoptosis of RA-FLSs, and protecting extracellular matrix. This article elaborates on the key role of MAPK signaling pathway in the development of RA and reviews the latest research results of Chinese medicine intervention in MAPK signaling pathway for the prevention and treatment RA, aiming to provide a basis for the development of new drugs and the clinical application of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of RA.
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Objective @#To investigate the expression and mechanism of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) and microRNA 181 a ( miR 181 a ) in a myocardial cell oxidative stress model. @*Methods @#The expression of MALAT1 and miR 181 a in peripheral blood of 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction ( AMI group) and 30 healthy controls ( Normal group) was detected by qRT PCR. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to determine the correlation between MALAT1 and miR 181 a in AMI . The binding sites between MALAT1 and miR-181a were predicted using the lncBase online prediction database and validated by dual luciferase reporter assay. An oxidative stress model of myocardial cells was established by hydro gen peroxide (H2O2 ) treatment in AC16 human myocardial cell line . siRNA targeting MALAT1 ( si-MALAT) and negative control siRNA ( si-NC) were transfected into AC16 cells , and the cells were divided into H2O2 treatment (H2O2 ) group , H2 O2 + si NC group , and H2O2 + si-MALAT group . Cell proliferation activity was detected by CCK-8 assay , cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL assay , and the expression levels of cleaved caspase-3 , Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax ) , and B cell lymphoma-2 ( Bcl-2) were determined by Western blot. @*Results @#Compared to the Normal group , the expression of MALAT1 was upregulated and the expression of miR-181a was down regulated in the AMI group (P < 0.05) , and there was a negative correlation between MALAT1 and miR-181a expression. The lncBase online prediction database and dual-luciferase reporter assay results had proven that MAL AT1 could target and regulate the expression of miR 181 a. Compared to the H2O2 group, the H2O2 + si MALAT group showed increased cell viability (P < 0.05) , decreased TUNEL positive rate (P < 0.05) , decreased expres sion levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax (P < 0.05) , and increased expression level of Bcl-2 (P < 0.05) , while the H2O2 + si NC group showed no significant changes (P > 0.05) .@*Conclusion @# LncRNA MALAT1 expression is elevated in AMI patients , which could promote oxidative stress induced myocardial cell damage through targeted inhibition of miR-181a.
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OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of formononetin (FMN) on the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) rats and its possible mechanism. METHODS IBD rat model was constructed by using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induction. Forty-eight rats with successful modeling were divided into model group (normal saline), low-dose and high-dose FMN groups (20 and 40 mg/kg FMN), and high-dose FMN+YAP inhibitor Verteporfin (VTPF) group (40 mg/kg FMN+10 mg/kg VTPF), with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 rats were set as the normal group (normal saline). They were given drug/normal saline, once a day, for 7 consecutive days. After the last administration, the disease activity index (DAI) of rats was calculated, and the colon length of rats in each group was measured. The pathological changes in the colon tissue of rats were observed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 in serum were detected, and the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells was detected. The expressions of Yes associated protein (YAP), cleaved cysteine-containing aspartate proteolytic enzyme 3 (cleaved-caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) were detected in colon tissue of rats. RESULTS Compared with the normal group, DAI score, the levels of TNF-α and IL- 6, the apoptotic rate of intestinal epithelial cells, and the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax protein in the model group were increased greatly (P<0.05); the length of the colon was greatly decreased (P<0.05), and the serum level of IL-10 and the protein expressions of YAP and Bcl-2 were greatly reduced (P<0.05). The cell morphology of colon tissue was abnormal, with disordered arrangement and inflammatory cell infiltration. Compared with IBD group, the above indexes of rats were improved significantly in low-dose and high-dose FMN groups (P<0.05), in dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). VTPF significantly alleviated the effects of FMN on the above indexes of IBD rats (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS FMN may promote the expression of YAP by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in IBD rats.
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ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Guipitang on rats with myocardial ischemia. MethodFifty SD rats were divided into five groups: a control group, a model group, low and high-dose Guipitang (7.52, 15.04 g·kg-1) groups, and a trimetazidine group (0.002 g·kg-1). By intragastric administration of vitamin D3 and feeding rats with high-fat forage and injecting isoproterenol, the rat model of myocardial ischemia was established. After drug treatment of 15 d, an electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed to analyze the degree of myocardial injury. A fully automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the changes in the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were used to observe myocardial histopathological changes. TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Western blot was adopted to detect the protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phospho-p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax), Bcl-2, and cleaved cysteine aspartate proteolytic enzyme (cleaved Caspase-3). ResultCompared with the control group, the ECG S-T segment decreased in the model group. The serum levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were increased significantly (P<0.05). The arrangement of myocardial tissue was disordered, and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis increased. The protein levels of cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and p-p38 MAPK in the heart were increased, and the Bcl-2 expression was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the S-T segment downward shift was restored in the low and high-dose Guipitang groups and trimetazidine group, and the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were decreased. The protein expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax in the heart dropped, and p-p38 MAPK and p-ERK1/2 protein expressions increased significantly (P<0.05). The degree of myocardial injury was alleviated, and the proportion of cardiomyocyte apoptosis decreased. Bcl-2 protein expression was increased significantly in the low-dose Guipitang group (P<0.05). ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK proteins had no significant difference among different groups. ConclusionGuipitang could alleviate myocardial injury and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in rats by activating the expression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK.
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OBJECTIVE To study the mechanism of oxymatrine inducing apoptosis of osteosarcoma MG63 cell line based on mitophagy mediated by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/PTEN-induced putative kinase-1 (PINK1)/Parkinson disease protein-2 (Parkin) signaling pathway. METHODS MG63 cells were treated with 2.0, 4.0, 8.0 mg/mL oxymatrine and 6 μmol/L 5-fluorouracil, then the apoptotic rate, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins [B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein (Bax)], the proportion of decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, the level of mitophagy as well as the protein expressions of PINK1, Parkin, and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain-3Ⅱ (LC3-Ⅱ) were detected. PINK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was adopted to intervene in the expression of PINK1, the cells were divided into control group, PINK1 siRNA group, oxymatrine group, and PINK1 siRNA+oxymatrine group; the protein expressions of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3-Ⅱ, the proportion of decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as apoptotic rate were detected. The lentivirus infection technique was used to overexpress COX-2, the cells were divided into control group, oxymatrine group, COX-2 group, and COX-2+oxymatrine group. The protein expressions of COX-2, PINK1, and Parkin, as well as the proportion of decrease in MMP were detected. RESULTS After being treated with oxymatrine, the apoptotic rate, the protein expressions of Bax, PINK1, Parkin, and LC3-Ⅱ, the level of mitophagy as well as the proportion of decrease in MMP were significantly increased (P<0.05), while the protein expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the oxymatrine group, the protein expressions of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3-Ⅱ, apoptotic rate and the proportion of decrease in MMP were significantly decreased in PINK1 siRNA+oxymatrine group (P<0.05). Compared with the oxymatrine group, the protein expression of COX-2 in the COX-2+oxymatrine group was increased significantly (P<0.05), while the protein expressions of PINK1 and Parkin as well as the proportion of 526087266@qq.com decrease in MMP were decreased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Oxymatrine can mediate the overactivity of mitophagy based on the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway by inhibiting COX-2 expression, thus promoting the apoptosis of the MG63 osteosarcoma cell line.
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Aim To investigate the effect of benzyl iso-thiocyanate (BITC) on the proliferation of mouse U14 cervical cancer cells and to explore the mechanism of cytotoxicity based on transcriptomic data analysis. Methods The effect of BITC on U14 cell activity was detected by MTT, nuclear morphological changes were observed by Hochest 33258 and fluorescent inverted microscope, cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry, and the transcriptome database of U14 cells before and after BITC (20 μmol · L