Mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in Regulation of RhoA/ROCK2/MYPT1 Pathway to Improve Gastric Motility in Rats with Functional Dyspepsia / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the intervention mechanism of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang in rats with functional dyspepsia （FD） based on the Ras homolog gene family member A （RhoA）/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 （ROCK2）/Myosin phosphatase target Subunit 1 （MYPT1） pathway. MethodSixty male SD suckling rats in SPF grades were randomly divided into blank group （n=10） and model group （n=50）. The comprehensive modeling method （gavage administration of iodoacetamide+exhaustion of swimming+disturbance of hunger and satiety） was used to replicate the rat model of FD. After successful replication of the model， the rats in the model group were randomly divided into model group， mosapride group， and high， middle， and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the blank group and model group were given 10 mL kg-1·d-1 normal saline， those in the mosapride group were given 1.35 mg·kg-1·d-1 mosapride， and those in the high， middle， and low-dose Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang groups were given 12， 6， and 3 g·kg-1·d-1 Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang， respectively. The intervention lasted 14 days. The general living conditions of rats were observed before and after modeling and administration， and the 3-hour food intake and body mass of rats were measured. After intervention， the intestinal propulsion rate of rats was measured， and the pathological changes in the gastric tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The content of choline acetyl transferase （ChAT） and vasoactive intestinal peptide （VIP） in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue homogenate was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， the distribution of adenosine triphosphate （ATP） enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle was observed by frozen section staining， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and phosphorylated-myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 （p-MYPT1） in the gastric tissue were detected by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group had withered hair， lazy movement， slow action， poor general living condition， lower 3-hour food intake， body mass， and lower intestinal propulsion rate （P<0.05）， whereas no obvious abnormality in gastric histopathology. In the model group， the content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue decreased， the content of VIP in gastric tissue increased， the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle decreased significantly， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue decreased significantly （P<0.05）. As compared with the model group， the general living condition of rats in each intervention group was significantly improved， and the 3-hour food intake， body mass， and intestinal propulsion rate were significantly increased （P<0.05）. There was no significant difference in gastric pathology in the intervention groups. The content of ChAT in the medulla oblongata and gastric tissue increased significantly， the content of VIP in the gastric tissue decreased， the distribution of ATP enzyme in gastric antrum smooth muscle increased significantly， and the protein expression levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and p-MYPT1 in the gastric tissue increased significantly （P<0.05）. The intervention effect of Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang group on the above indexes was dose-dependent. ConclusionXiangsha Liujunzi Tang can effectively improve the general living condition and gastric motility of rats with FD， and its specific mechanism may be related to the activation of the RhoA/ROCK2/MYPT1 pathway in the gastric tissue to regulate smooth muscle relaxation and contraction and promote gastric motility.

Mechanism of Dahuang Mudantang in Improving Pancreatic Injury in Rats with Acute Pancreatitis of Dampness-heat in Large Intestine Syndrome Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo reveal the intervention effect of Dahuang Mudantang on pancreatic injury in rats with acute pancreatitis （AP） of dampness-heat in large intestine syndrome and explore its possible mechanism based on network pharmacology. MethodNinety-six SPF-grade Wistar rats were randomly divided into the following six groups： a blank group， a model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose Dahuang Mudantang groups （3.5， 7， and 14 g·kg-1）， and a Qingyi Lidan granules group （3 g·kg-1）， with 16 rats in each group. The AP model of dampness-heat in large intestine syndrome was induced in rats except for those in the blank group by "high-temperature and high-humidity environment + high-sugar and high-fat diet + retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct". The blank and model groups received equal volumes of distilled water by gavage， while the treatment groups were administered Dahuang Mudantang or Qingyi Lidan granules 1 hour before modeling， and 12 and 24 hours after modeling. Samples were collected 1 hour after the last administration. The general conditions of the rats were observed. The AP model of dampness-heat in large intestine syndrome was evaluated. Serum amylase （AMS） and C-reactive protein （CRP） levels were determined using biochemical methods. Pancreatic tissue morphology was observed using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Network pharmacology was employed to predict potential targets of Dahuang Mudantang in the intervention in AP， and molecular biology technique was used to verify relevant targets. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group exhibited lethargy， unkempt fur， loose and foul-smelling stools， elevated anal temperature with arching and twisting reactions， significantly increased serum levels of AMS and CRP （P<0.05）， abnormal pancreatic ductules， disordered interlobular spaces， and inflammatory cell infiltration in histopathological examination， as well as pathological changes including pancreatic acinar cell swelling， congestion， and necrosis. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in general survival conditions， reduced twisting reactions， visibly improved stool characteristics， reduced pancreatic tissue edema and necrosis， decreased serum AMS and CRP levels （P<0.05）， with the high-dose Dahuang Mudantang group showing the most pronounced effects （P<0.05）. Network pharmacology prediction indicated that hederagenin， β-sitosterol， and quercetin were the most widely connected active compounds with disease targets. Protein-protein interaction （PPI） network analysis revealed that protein kinase B （Akt）， tumor protein P53 （TP53）， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， transcription factor （JUN）， vascular endothelial growth factor α （VEGFα）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 （VCAM1） were key targets in the "drug-disease" interaction. KEGG enrichment analysis suggested that the response of the mitogen activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway might be a core mechanism for DHMDT in the intervention in AP. Molecular biology analysis showed that compared with the blank group， the model group had significantly increased levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and VCAM-1 in pancreatic tissue （P<0.05）， as well as significantly elevated expression levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p38 MAPK）， mitogen-activated protein kinase-activated protein kinase 2 （MK2）， and human antigen R （HUR） genes and proteins （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups exhibited decreased levels of TNF-α， IL-6， and VCAM-1 in pancreatic tissue （P<0.05）， reduced expression levels of p38 MAPK， MK2， and HUR genes and proteins， with the high-dose Dahuang Mudantang group showing the most pronounced effects （P<0.05）. ConclusionDahuang Mudantang activates and regulates the p38 MAPK/MK2/HUR signaling pathway to suppress the release of inflammatory factors， thereby improving pancreatic injury.

Effect of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba on Neuroinflammation and RhoA/ROCK2 Signaling Pathway in Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect and mechanism of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease mouse model with the syndrome of ascendant hyperactivity of liver Yang. MethodThe C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned into normal group， a model group， low-， medium， and high-dose （3.25， 6.5， 13 g·kg-1） Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba groups， and a selegiline group （0.01 g·kg-1）. The mouse model of Parkinson's disease with the syndrome of ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang was established by intragastric administration of Fuzitang combined with intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1，2，3，6-tetrahydropyridine （MPTP）. The behavioral changes were evaluated by rotarod test and pole test. The protein levels of Ras homolog gene family member A （RhoA）， Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 （ROCK2）， myosin light chain 1 （MLC1）， and α-synuclein in the substantia nigra were determined by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR （Real-time PCR） was employed to determine the mRNA levels of RhoA， ROCK2， and MLC1 in the substantia nigra. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. The ultrastructural changes of mouse neurons were observed under a transmission electron microscope. ResultCompared with the normal group， the modeling shortened the latency to fall， increased the average total time in the pole test （P<0.01）， and up-regulated the levels of RhoA， ROCK2， MLC1， TNF-α， α-synuclein， and IL-1β in the substantia nigra （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， different doses of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba and selegiline prolonged the latency to fall， shortened the average total time in the pole test （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and down-regulated the levels of ROCK2， MLC1， α-synuclein， TNF-α， and IL-1β in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05）. Further， the modeling decreased the number of cytoplasmic organelles and caused mitochondrial swelling and abnormal shape of endoplasmic reticulum compared with the normal group. The neurons in high-dose Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix-Paeoniae Radix Alba and selegiline groups showed intact nuclei， clear cell boundary， and normal endoplasmic reticulum shape. ConclusionThe combination of Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba may improve the motor coordination ability of Parkinson's disease mouse model with the syndrome of ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang by inhibiting the neuroinflammation mediated by the RhoA/ROCK2 signaling pathway in the brain.

The role of SnRK2 in the response to stress, the growth and development of plants / 生物工程学报

Sucrose non-fermenting-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2) is a specific Ser/Thr protein kinase in plants. SnRK2 can regulate the expression of downstream genes or transcription factors through phosphorylation of substrates to achieve stress resistance regulation in different tissue parts, and make plants adapt to adverse environment. SnRK2 has a small number of members and a molecular weight of about 40 kDa, and contains a conserved N-terminal kinase domain and a divergent C-terminal regulatory domain, which plays an important role in the expression of enzyme. This review summarized the recent research progresses on the discovery, structure, and classification of SnRK2, and its function in response to various stresses and in regulating growth and development, followed by prospecting the future research direction of SnRK2. This review may provide a reference for genetic improvement of crop stress resistance.

Effect of Anchang Decoction on Inflammation and Immunity in Rats with Ulcerative Colitis Based on miRNA-146a/JAK/STAT/SOCS-3 Signal Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To study the anti-inflammatory effects of low， middle， and high doses of Anchang decoction on ulcerative colitis in SD rats， and also explore the possible mechanism of Anchang decoction in the prevention and treatment of ulcerative colitis through the effect of different doses on miRNA-146a/non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase（JAK）/signal transduction and activator of transcription 3（STAT3）/cytokine signaling protein-3（SOCS-3） signal pathway and its downstream proteins. Method:The experimental rats were divided into control group ， model group ， mesalazine group（1 g·kg^-1） and Anchang decoction low（6 g·kg^-1）， middle（12 g·kg^-1）and high dose groups（24 g·kg^-1）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， 2，4，6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid （TNBS）/ethanol enema was used in all the other groups to establish a rat model of ulcerative colitis for 14 days respectively. The general changes of the mental state， stool traits， hair and other general conditions of the rats were observed， and score was graded with reference to the disease activity index （DAI） table. The pathological changes of colon tissue of rats in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-<italic>α</italic>（TNF-<italic>α</italic>）， interleukin-10（IL-10）， interleukin-17（IL-17）， interleukin-1<italic>β</italic>（IL-1<italic>β</italic>）and interleukin-6（IL-6）were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expression levels of JAK2， phosphorylation STAT3 （p-STAT3）， STAT3 and inhibitor of SOCS-3 in colon tissue were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the expression of JAK2， p-STAT3， STAT3， SOCS-3 mRNA in rat colon and miRNA-146a in rat plasma. Result:Compared with the normal group， the expression of JAK2， p-STAT3， STAT3 protein and the expression of JAK2， p-STAT3 and STAT3 mRNA in the model group increased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the relative expression of miRNA-146a， SOCS-3 mRNA and SOCS-3 protein decreased in the model group （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Compared with the model group， the mental state， food intake， coat color， etc. of rats in the administration groups were significantly improved， the DAI score was significantly reduced （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， the colonic ulcer tissues of rats in the administration groups were improved significantly， the expression levels of JAK2， p-STAT3， STAT3 protein and the expression of JAK2， p-STAT3 and STAT3 mRNA in the colon tissue of the administration groups were decreased （<italic>P</italic><0.05）， and the relative expression levels of miRNA-146a， SOCS-3 mRNA and SOCS-3 protein were increased in the administration groups （<italic>P</italic><0.05）. Conclusion:Anchang decoction can alleviate ulcerative colitis and reduce the activation of inflammatory factors by affecting the expression of genes and proteins related to miRNA-146a/JAK/STAT/SOCS-3 signal transduction pathway.

Targeting PAK2 Reverses Gefitinib Resistance in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Cells / 中国生物化学与分子生物学报

EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI)-targeted therapy has been playing an important role in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, unavoidable therapeutic resistance significantly limits the clinical efficacy of TKI. As an important member of the PAK family of serine/threonine kinases, p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) plays a critical role in tumorigenesis and tumor development. The aim of this work is to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of inhibition of PAK2 on the reversal of gefitinib resistance in NSCLC. Firstly, Western blotting was used to detect the expression and phosphorylation level of PAK2 in gefitinib-resistant HCC827/GR cells. The results showed that the phosphorylation level of PAK2 was significantly increased in HCC827/GR cells compared with HCC827 cells (P < 0. 01), while the total protein level of PAK2 did not change. Then, HCC827/GR cells were treated with PAK2 inhibitors FRAX597 or G5555. The MTS assay and clone formation assay results showed that FRAX597 or G5555 significantly increased the sensitivity of HCC827/GR cells to gefitinib (P < 0. 01). Flow cytometry analysis showed that treatment of FRAX597 could induce cell cycle arrest in G

Roudoukou-8 San reduces the hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of cardiac myocytes through JAK2/STAT3 pathway / 中国药科大学学报

@#To study the protective effects of Roudoukou-8 San extract on hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of cardiac myocytes and its relationship with tyrosine protein kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator 3(STAT3)signaling pathway, hypoxia/reoxygenation injury model of H9c2 cells was built by sodium dithionite(Na2S2O4). The vitality of the cells was tested by CCK-8; the contents of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine phosphate kinase(CK)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in cell culture medium were tested by fully automatic biochemical analyzer; the contents of catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)in cells were tested by kits; cell apoptosis degree was tested by hoechst staining. And the protein expressions of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, Bcl-2 and Bax in myocardial cells of each group were tested by Western blot. Hypoxia for 1 hour and reoxygenation for 3 hours of 2 mmol/L Na2S2O4 caused damage of about 50% H9c2 cells. Compared with the model group, the extracts of Roudoukou-8 San with different concentrations could increase the viability of cells. Besides, contents of CK, LDH and AST in cell culture medium were decreased significantly, while contents of CAT, SOD and GSH-Px were increased significantly. At the same time, the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased and that of Bax was significantly decreased. The effects of Roudoukou-8 San extract could bereduced by AG490 blocker. Therefore, Roudoukou-8 San extract possesses protective effects on Na2S2O4 induced-hypoxia/reoxygenation injury of cardiac myocytes through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Effect of acupuncture combined with hypothermia on MAPK/ERK pathway and apoptosis related factors in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To observe effect of acupuncture combined with hypothermia therapy on MAPK/ERK pathway and apoptosis related factorsin rats suffered cerebral ischemia reperfusion and to explore underlying mechanisms.Methods:Middle cerebral artery ischemia model were established.Ninety SD rats were randomly assigned into a blank group,a control group,a model group,an acupuncture group,a mild hypothermia group,and an acupuncture with hypothermia group.After 72 h treatment,nervefunction defect scores were observed,and infarction area percent was detected by 2,3,5-triphenyl-2H-tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining;expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax were examined by immunohistochemistry;apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assay;and expression levels of phospho-mitogen-activated protein kinase(p-MEK2) and phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the rats' hippocampus ischemic side were determined by Western blot.Results:In the rats of the model group,the neural function defect scores,the infarction area percent,the expression level of Bax,and apoptotic cells increased,while the level of Bcl-2 decreased significantly.The level of p-MEK2 and p-ERK1/2 increased obviously compared with the blank and control groups (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).After treatment with acupuncture and hypothermia,the neural function defect scores,infarction area percent,and the level ofBax,apoptotic cells and the levels of p-MEK2 and p-ERK1/2 were significantly decreased,while the level of Bcl-2 in the treatment group was significantly elevated (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01) compared with the model group.Compared with the acupuncture group or the hypothermia group,the neural function defect scores and the levels of p-MEK2 and p-ERK1/2 in the acupuncture combined with hypothermia group were significantly reduced (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Conclusion:Acupuncture and hypothermia therapy can improve cerebral function,and reduce the cerebral injury through down-regulation of Bax level,and up-regulation of Bcl-2 level,which is related to reducing the levels of p-MEK2 and p-ERK1/2.The therapeutic effects on cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury for combination of acupuncture with hypothermia are better than those with single application of acupuncture or hypothermia.

Expressions of MK2, HuR, and ICAM-1 in the pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells of the mouse with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 医学研究生学报

Objective Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) plays an important role in mediating pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils .The aim of the study was to observe the expression of ICAM-1 and its potential regulators MK 2/HuR in pulmonary micro-vascular endothelial cells ( PMVEC ) in mice with acute respiratory distress syndrome ( ARDS) induced by lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) . Methods Ten 6-8 weeks old healthy C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into an LPS and a control group of equal number , the former injected intraperitoneally with LPS diluted in 100 μL PBS while the latter with PBS only , both at 5 mg per kg of the body weight .At 24 hours after injection , all the mice were sacrificed .Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expressions of HuR and ICAM-1 in the PMVECs, Western bolt employed to detect the protein expressions of MK2, HuR and ICAM-1, and flow cytometry adopted to measure the ICAM-1 expression on the surface of the PMVECs and pulmonary infiltration of neutrophils . Results The W/D ratio in the lung tissue of the mice was significantly lower in the LPS than in the control group (3.61 ±0.28 vs 6.16 ±0.40, P<0.05), while the rate of neutrophil infiltration markedly higher in the former than in the latter ([13.92 ±3.23]%vs [3.24 ±1.24]%, P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expressions of ICAM-1 in the PMVECs were significantly elevated in the LPS group as compared with that in the control (P<0.05), and so was the mRNA expression of HuR (P<0.05).No remarkable changes were observed in the expressions of total MK 2 and HuR proteins, but phosphorylated MK2 (p-MK2) and cytoplasmic HuR were increased in the LPS-stimulated mice. Conclusion Specific blockage or reduction of the HuR expression in PMVECs may lower the expression of ICAM-1, reduce neutrophil infiltration , and lessen pathophysiological changes in mice with ARDS .

Suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis by Rho-kinase inhibitor Fasudil through inhibition of BTBD7-ROCK2 signaling pathway / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To explore the eff ect of Fasudil on the invasion and metastatic abilities of human high metastatic liver cancer cells (HCCLM3) and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: HCCLM3 cells were incubated with 100 μmol/L Fasudil. Fluorescence staining forF-actin and Transwell assay were performed to observe the invasion ability of HCCLM3 cells. HCCLM3 cells were divided into 3 groups: a negative control group, a Fasudil group and a BTB/POZ domain containing 7 (BTBD7)-siRNA group. Western blot assay was performed to detect the expression levels of BTBD7, ras homolog family member C (RhoC) and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMP2) and MMP9. Zymogram analysis method was performed to detect the expression activities of MMP2 and MMP9. hTe BTBD7-siRNA group was served as a positive control. Results: In HCCLM3 cells treated with Fasudil, the invasion ability was significant decreased compared with the control group, concomitant with the down-regulated expression levels of BTBD7, RhoC and ROCK2 protein as well as the decreased activities of MMP2 and MMP9. Conclusion: Fasudil plays an important role in interfering BTBD7-ROCK2 signaling pathway and suppressing the invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effects of p21-activated protein kinase 2 down-regulation on proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To study the effect of p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) knockdown by RNA interfer-ence on the proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells .METHODS:The short hairpin RNA ( shRNA) targe-ting PAK2 gene was designed and used for packing lentivirus in 293T cells.Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were infected by the virus particles and PAK2 knockdown stable cell line was established by puromycin selection .The knockdown effi-ciency was assessed by Western blotting .The proliferation ability of MCF-7 cells was evaluated by CellTiter 96 AQueous and anchorage-independent growth assays .The cell apoptosis induced by staurosporine was detected by flow cytometry . RESULTS:The protein level of PAK2 was significantly suppressed after silencing of PAK2 gene in MCF-7 cells ( P<0.01).Furthermore, knockdown of PAK2 caused remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation and colony formation (P<0.01).Staurosporine induced more apoptosis in the PAK2 knockdown cells compared with the control cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION:Knockdown of PAK2 inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and increases the sensitivity of chemothera-peutic drug-induced cell apoptosis , suggesting that PAK2 might be a new therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment .