Progress in targeted research of forkhead box protein O3a in degenerative disease / 实用医学杂志

Neurodegenerative diseases are irreversible neurological disorders caused by the loss or progres-sion lesion of specific neuronal cell populations in the brain or spinal cord.Neuroinflammation,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction,excitotoxicity,and protein may aggregation contribute to neurodegenerative processes.FoxO3a,an important member of the FoxO subfamily of Forkhead transcription factors,plays a crucial role in cell proliferation,apoptosis,autophagy and ROS detoxification through phosphorylation,ubiquitination mediated degra-dation,microsignal transduction and related protein pathways,which is closely related to the occurrence and devel-opment of neurodegenerative diseases.This article focuses on the mechanism of FoxO3a in neurodegenerative diseases and the targeting of related pathways in recent years were described,indicating that FoxO3a plays a key role in the occurrence and development of the disease,aiming to provide new research ideas for the prevention and treatment of this disease.

Solute carrier family 2 member 12 intervenes in uric acid-induced renal tubular cell injury / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In recent years,the incidence of hyperuricemia caused by purine metabolism disorders has been increasing,which can induce inflammatory responses and lead to renal injury. OBJECTIVE:To explore the role and mechanism of solute carrier family 2 member 12(SLC2A12)in hyperuricemia-related renal injury. METHODS:Renal tubular cells(HK2 cells)were divided into five groups:HK2 group,HK2+uric acid group,HK2+uric acid+NC group,HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group,and HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12+MK-2206 group.HK2 cells were treated with uric acid and transfected with siRNA SLC2A12,followed by MK-2206 treatment to inhibit AKT expression.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay.qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect fibrogenic factors as well as activation of the AKT/FOXO3a pathway.The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Uric acid treatment inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis in the HK2+uric acid group compared with the HK2 group.The proliferative ability of cells in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group was further decreased and apoptotic cells were further increased compared with the HK2 group.Compared with the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group,the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12+MK-2206 group showed an increase in cell proliferation and a decrease in apoptotic cells.(2)Compared with the HK2 group,the connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)and transforming growth factor beta(TGF-β)expressions increased in the HK2+uric acid group;CTGF,α-SMA and TGF-β expression further increased in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group.Compared with the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group,the CTGF,α-SMA and TGF-β expressions decreased.(3)Compared with the HK2 group,the expression of p-AKT,FOXO3a,and p-FOXO3a elevated in the HK2+uric acid group;the expression of p-AKT further increased,while the expression of FOXO3a and p-FOXO3a decreased in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group.Compared with the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group,p-AKT expression decreased;FOXO3a and p-FOXO3a expression increased in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12+MK-2206 group.(4)Compared with the HK2 group,interleukin-6,interleukin-1 β,and tumor necrosis factor α levels increased in the HK2+uric acid group;interleukin-6,interleukin-1 β,and tumor necrosis factor α levels further increased in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group.Compared with the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12 group,interleukin-6,interleukin-1 β,and tumor necrosis factor α levels diminished in the HK2+uric acid+siSLC2A12+MK-2206 group.(5)These findings indicate that SLC2A12 may protect against hyperuricemia-induced renal injury by counteracting uric acid-induced tubular fibrosis and inflammation through activation of the FOXO3a pathway.

FOXO3a deregulation in uterine smooth muscle tumors

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to investigate FOXO3a deregulation in Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors (USMT) and its potential association with cancer development and prognosis. Methods The authors analyzed gene and protein expression profiles of FOXO3a in 56 uterine Leiomyosarcomas (LMS), 119 leiomyomas (comprising conventional and unusual leiomyomas), and 20 Myometrium (MM) samples. The authors used techniques such as Immunohistochemistry (IHC), FISH/CISH, and qRT-PCR for the present analyses. Additionally, the authors conducted an in-silico analysis to understand the interaction network involving FOXO3a and its correlated genes. Results This investigation revealed distinct expression patterns of the FOXO3a gene and protein, including both normal and phosphorylated forms. Expression levels were notably elevated in LMS, and Unusual Leiomyomas (ULM) compared to conventional Leiomyomas (LM) and Myometrium (MM) samples. This upregulation was significantly associated with metastasis and Overall Survival (OS) in LMS patients. Intriguingly, FOXO3a deregulation did not seem to be influenced by EGF/HER-2 signaling, as there were minimal levels of EGF and VEGF expression detected, and HER-2 and EGFR were negative in the analyzed samples. In the examination of miRNAs, the authors observed upregulation of miR-96-5p and miR-155-5p, which are known negative regulators of FOXO3a, in LMS samples. Conversely, the tumor suppressor miR-let7c-5p was downregulated. Conclusions In summary, the outcomes of the present study suggest that the imbalance in FOXO3a within Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors might arise from both protein phosphorylation and miRNA activity. FOXO3a could emerge as a promising therapeutic target for individuals with Unusual Leiomyomas and Leiomyosarcomas (ULM and LMS), offering novel directions for treatment strategies.

Mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang in Improving Ectopic Lipid Accumulation in Liver of db/db Mice with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Regulating AMPK-FoxO3a Autophagy Axis / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Gegen Qinliantang （GQT） in improving ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver of db/db mice with type 2 diabetes mellitus （T2DM） by regulating the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）-forkhead box O3a （FoxO3a） autophagy axis， to provide a scientific basis for clarifying the hypoglycemic mechanism of GQT and its clinical application. MethodSeventy-five spontaneous T2DM db/db mice and 15 normal db/m mice were selected and maintained on a regular diet for one week， followed by the measurement of blood glucose. They were then randomly divided into six groups， with 15 mice in each group， including normal group （0.2 g·kg-1 saline）， metformin group （0.2 g·kg-1）， high-， medium， and low-dose GQT group （31.9， 19.1， 6.9 g·kg-1）， and model group （0.2 g·kg-1 saline）. The mice were orally administered the corresponding drugs once daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood glucose （FBG） and glycated hemoglobin （HbA1c） were detected. Fasting insulin （FINS） and free fatty acid （FFA） levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated （p）-AMPK， p-FoxO3a， and autophagy-related proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 Ⅱ （LC3Ⅱ） and p62 were detected using Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α） in liver tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was performed to detect the mRNA expression of AMPK， FoxO3a， and LC3 in liver tissues. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed pathological changes in liver tissues， increased FBG， HbA1c， FINS， and FFA levels （P<0.01）， increased protein expression levels of p-AMPK， p62， and HIF-1α， decreased protein expression levels of p-FoxO3a and LC3Ⅱ in liver tissues （P<0.01）， decreased mRNA expression of AMPK， and increased expression of FoxO3a （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the treatment groups showed relieved liver tissue lesions and decreased FBG， HbA1c， FINS， and FFA levels （P<0.01）. The expression of p-AMPK， p62， and HIF-1α increased， while the expression of p-FoxO3a showed a dose-dependent decrease in the high-dose GQT group. The expression of LC3Ⅱ increased in the metformin group and the high-dose GQT group （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression of AMPK showed a dose-dependent increase， and the expression of FoxO3a showed a dose-dependent decrease in the treatment groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionGQT can improve ectopic lipid accumulation in the liver of T2DM db/db mice， which may be related to the regulation of the AMPK-FoxO3a autophagy axis.

Sirt1 regulates cell scorch pathway to protect renal function in diabetic mice under acute inflamma-tory state / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To investigate the role and molecular mechanism of Sirt1 in renal injury in diabetic mice under acute inflammatory state.Methods Forty SPF grade C57BL/6J male mice,8 weeks old,weighing 20-25 g were selected.The mice were divided into five groups by random number table meth-od:control group(group C),diabetic group(group D),lipopolysaccharide(LPS)+diabetic group(group L),LPS+diabetic+Sirt1 blocker EX527 group(group E),and LPS+diabetic+Sirt1 agonist ginkgoflavone sapogenins group(group G),8 mice in each group.After successful preparation of the diabet-ic mouse model,group L was injected intraperitoneally with LPS 10 mg/kg.Group E was injected intraper-itoneally with EX527 5 mg/kg(dissolved in DMSO 0.2 ml)1 hour before giving LPS treatment to diabetic mice.Group G was injected intraperitoneally with 200 mg/kg of ginkgoflavone sapogenins(dissolved in DMSO 0.2 ml)1 hour before LPS treatment was given to diabetic mice,groups C and D underwent an in-traperitoneal injection of 2％DMSO 0.15 ml at the same time point.24-hours urine volume was collected and 24-hours urinary protein concentration was determined,and blood was taken from the posterior eyes to detect serum Scr and BUN concentrations.After kidney tissues were removed,IL-1βand IL-18 concentra-tions were measured by ELISA,nitrate reductase assay for nitric oxide(NO)content in kidney,iron ion an-tioxidant capacity assay for total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),qPCR and Western blot assay for Sirtl,caspase-1,NLRP3,and ASC mRNA expression and protein content.The acetylated FoxO3a protein content was detected by immunoprecipitation,the reactive oxygen species(ROS)content was calculated by di-hydroethidium staining,the pyroptosis rate was calculated by immunofluorescence double staining,HE stai-ning was performed,and the pathological results were observed under light microscope.Results Compared with group C,24-hours urine volume,urine protein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,con-centrations of renal tissue IL-1β,IL-18,and NO,NLRP3,caspase-1,and ASC mRNA expressions and protein contents,ROS content and pyroptosis rate were significantly increased,T-AOC activity was signifi-cantly decreased in groups D,L,E,and G(P＜0.05).Compared with group D,24-hours urine volume,urine protein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,concentrations of renal tissue IL-1 β,IL-18,and NO,NLRP3,caspase-1,and ASC mRNA expressions and protein contents,ROS content and pyroptosis rate were significantly increased,T-AOC activity was significantly decreased in groups L,E,and G(P＜0.05).Compared with group L,24-hours urine volume,urine protein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,concentrations of renal tissue IL-1β,IL-18,and NO,NLRP3,caspase-1,and ASC mRNA expressions and protein contents,acetylated FoxO3a protein content,ROS content,and pyroptosis rate were significantly increased,T-AOC activity,Sirt1 mRNA expression and protein content,and FoxO3a mRNA expression were significantly decreased in group E(P＜0.05),24-hours urine volume,urine pro-tein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,concentrations of renal tissue IL-1β,IL-18,and NO,NLRP3,caspase-1,and ASC mRNA expressions and protein contents,acetylated FoxO3a protein con-tent,ROS content and pyroptosis rate were significantly decreased,T-AOC activity,Sirt1 mRNA expression and protein content were significantly increased in group G(P＜0.05).Compared with group E,24-hours urine volume,urinary protein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,concentrations of renal tissue IL-1β,IL-18,and NO,NLRP3,caspase-1,and ASC mRNA expressions and protein contents,acetylated FoxO3a protein content,ROS content,and pyroptosis rate were significantly decreased,T-AOC activity,Sirt1 mRNA expression and protein content were significantly increased in group G(P＜0.05).Conclusion In diabetic mice under acute inflammatory state,elevated Sirt1 reduces kidney injury by de-creasing acetylated FoxO3a protein content,reduced urine volume,urine protein concentration,serum Scr and BUN concentration,inflammatory factor concentrations and apoptosis levels in renal tissue,and attenua-ted oxidative stress and inflammation levels.

Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4 attenuates aquapo-rin 4 expression and astrocyte swelling following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of PDE4 inhibition in astrocyte swelling caused by cerebral ischemic/reperfusion(I/R)injury and the molecular mech-anisms.METHODS SD rats were subjected to 2 h of focal cerebral ischemia induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R).Roflumilast(Roflu)was intraperitoneally injected 2 h after MCAO.At 24 h after reperfusion,a high-resolution MRI was performed and using the wet-dry weighting method to measure the water content.The oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation(OGD/R)model was established in primary astrocytes for 2 h.After 24 h of reoxygenation,CellMask? plasma membrane stain was used to label the plasma membrane to calculate cell volume.The protein expressions insides astrocytes and penumbra were detected by Western blot-ting.To investigate the role of Akt/FoxO3a in mediating the effect of Roflu on the expression of AQP4.The astro-cytes were treated with an Akt inhibitor MK2206 before treatment with Roflu and the activation of Akt,the expres-sion of AQP4 and cell volume were determined as described above.In addition,an IL-1β-stimulated cell model was established in astrocytes,the expression of AQP4 and the activation of Akt/FoxO3a were detected by Western blotting.The change of AQP4 expression inside astrocytes and penumbra were visualized by immunofluo-rescence staining.RESULTS Roflu reduced MCAO/R-induced water contents,the expression of AQP4 and the phsophorylation of Akt and FoxO3a in the brains of MCAO/R rats.Inhibition of PDE4 decreased the cell volume and the expression of AQP4 in primary astro-cytes subjected to OGD/R.PDE4 inhibition activated Akt/FoxO3a,and inhibition of Akt by MK2206 blocked the protective effect of Roflu against OGD/R induced astro-cyte swelling.PDE4B knocking down reduced the expres-sion of AQP4,while PDE4B overexpression reversed the effect of PDE4B siRNA in astrocytes.Roflu exert-ed similar protective effect in IL-1β-cultured astrocytes,and importantly overexpression of FoxO3a remarkably increased the expression of AQP4 in IL-1β-stimulated astrocytes.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that PDE4 inhibition limits I/R-induced brain edema and astro-cyte swelling via the Akt/FoxO3a/AQP4 pathway.PDE4 inhibition is a promising strategy for the treatment of brain edema after I/R injury.

Could be FOXO3a, miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p useful for Brazilian women with luminal A and triple negative breast cancers prognosis and target therapy?

Abstract FOXO3a dysregulation is frequently implicated in tumorigenesis, and its inhibition can occur by several molecular mechanisms. Among these, post-transcriptional suppression by miRNAs has been associated with various cancers initiation. Here, we assessed the expression profiles of the most relevant miRNAs for breast tumorigenesis, using Luminal A (LA) and Triple-Negative (TN) breast cancer from Brazilian patients, by the quantitative real time-PCR method. Their potential prognostic role for the patients was also evaluated. We identified the miRNAs miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p, de-scribed as negative regulators of FOXO3A, with differential expression both in LA and TN tumors when compared to normal tissue. The miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p miRNAs were upregulated in LA (7.82 times, p < 0.005; 6.12 times, p < 0.005, respectively) and TN breast cancer samples (9.42 times, p < 0.0001; 8.51 times, p < 0.0001) compared to normal tissues. The samples with higher miR-96-5p and miR-182-5p expression (FR ≥ 4) were submitted for FOXO3a immunostaining. Reduced protein detection was observed in all of the tumors compared to normal tissues. The most prominent miRNA expression and FOXO3a protein suppression were observed in TN samples (p < 0.001), indicating the relevant role of these molecules in this tumor biology and clinical behavior. Our results corroborate the literature regarding to the relevance of FOXO3a in the breast cancer, and they open new perspectives for alternative target therapy options for Brazilian patients expressing both FOXO3a and its regulatory miRNAs.

Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Cognitive Ability of SAMP8 Mice by Regulating Autophagy Through PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on memory function of senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 （SAMP8） mice by regulating autophagy through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/forkhead box O3a （FoxO3a） pathway. MethodSix male senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 （SAMR1） mice of SPF grade aging 6 months were assigned to a normal group， and 24 male SAMP8 mice of SPF grade aging 6 months were randomly divided into a model group， a donepezil group （0.747 mg·kg-1）， and high- and low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （2.700 and 1.350 g·kg-1）， with 6 mice in each group. The mice were treated with drugs by gavage for 2 months. Morris water maze was used to detect the learning and memory abilities of mice in each group. Nissl staining was used to observe the neurons in the cortex and hippocampus. The positive expression of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B （LC3B） in the cortex and hippocampus was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of the mammalian ortholog of yeast ATG6 （Beclin-1）， B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， autophagy-related gene 5 （ATG5）， cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 （Caspase-3）， Caspase-9， Akt， p-Akt， FoxO3a， and p-FoxO3a. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group showed prolonged escape latency （P<0.05，P<0.01）， reduced number of platform crossings and the residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， decreased neurons with reduced volume and dispersed distribution in the cortex and hippocampus， increased positive expression of LC3B （P<0.01）， elevated expression of Beclin-1 and ATG5 in the cortex （P<0.01）， declined Bcl-2 expression （P<0.01）， up-regulated Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 expression （P<0.01）， and decreased expression levels of p-Akt/Akt and p-FoxO3a/FoxO3a （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the donepezil group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups showed shortened 3 d escape latency （P<0.05，P<0.01）， increased number of platform crossings （P<0.01）， and prolonged residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）. In the donepezil group， the number of neurons in the cortex and hippocampus was increased. In the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups， the number of neurons and Nissl bodies increased with denser distribution and lower degree of cell damage. The positive expression of LC3B in the cortex and hippocampus was decreased in the donepezil group and Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. The expression of Beclin-1 was decreased in the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. The expression of ATG5 was decreased in the donepezil group and the low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group （P<0.01）. The donepezil group and the Liuwei Dihuangwan groups showed the increased expression level of Bcl-2 in the cortex （P<0.01）， decreased expression level of Caspase-3 （P<0.01）， reduced expression level of Caspase-9 （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and elevated expression levels of p-Akt/Akt and p-FoxO3a/FoxO3a （P<0.01）. ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan can effectively improve the learning and memory abilities of the SAMP8 mice and protect neurons. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathway， down-regulation of the expression of ATG5， Beclin-1， and LC3B， and the inhibition of apoptosis.

Milk derived hexapeptide reduces alcohol －induced oxidative stress and alleviates liver injury through FoxO3a －MnSOD signaling pathway / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To investing ate the milk-derived hexapeptide PGPIPN and its truncated pentapeptide PGPIP to alleviate chronic alcoholic liver injury in mice and its associated molecular mechanisms．@*Methods @#Sixty Kun- ming mice were randomly divided into control group，model group，GSH group，PGPIPN group，and truncated pen- tapeptide PGPIP group．The model of chronic alcoholic liver injury in mice was established by gavage with gradient alcohol． Drug intervention was given at the same time for 12 weeks． Liver HE staining was used to analyze the pathological effects of each treatment group on alcoholic liver injury in mice．Primary mouse hepatocytes and human normal hepatocyte line L-02 were isolated and cultured in vitro．The appropriate PGPIPN induction concentrations of both cells were determined by WST-1 method． L-02 cells were induced at different times． The expression of FoxO3a and phosphorylated FoxO3a protein were detected by Western blot to determine the appropriate induction time．The subcellular localization of FoxO3a in L-02 cells was detected by cellular immunofluorescence．The mR- NA changes of FoxO3a and MnSOD genes in primary hepatocytes and L-02 cells of mice in different treatment groups were detected by qRT-PCR.@*Results @#The pathological examination of PGPIPN group and PGPIP group was similar to that of GSH group，and the liver injury of mice was significantly reduced．Medium and high concentra- tions of PGPIPN were respectively selected to induce mouse primary hepatocytes and L-02 cells．At 16 hours，the expression of FoxO3a protein in L-02 cells increased significantly．FoxO3a protein was mainly expressed in the nu- cleus．In addition，mRNA levels in both types of cells increased significantly after induction with the corresponding dose of PGPIPN．@*Conclusion @#PGPIPN and truncated pentapeptide PGPIP can reduce chronic alcoholic liver injury in mice．The mechanism may be to reduce alcohol-induced oxidative stress through FoxO3a-MnSOD signaling path- way.

PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway inducing protective autophagy promotes acquired lung adenocarcinoma resistance remodeling to DDP / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the mechanism of acquired resistance remodeling to DDP (named cisplatin) by comparing the level of autophagy between the parental and DDP-resistant cells. METHODS: Human lung adenocarcinoma A549 (parental cells) and A549/DDP cells (DDP-resistant cells) were treated with different concentrations of DDP, the drug resistance index (RI) was determined by CCK-8 assay and the autophagy associated proteins, like Beclin 1, LC3Ⅱ and p62 were measured by Western blot. A549 and A549/DDP cells were treated with 10 μmol/L DDP (about IC50 of A549 cells), the cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay, the autophagy and apoptosis associated proteins (including Beclin 1, LC3Ⅱ, p62, Bcl-2, Bax and cleaved-caspase 3) were measured by Western blot, and the activity of transcription factor FOXO3a and its subcellular localization were detected by Western blot and laser confocal scanning microscopy. Finally, the autophagy inhibitor Baflomycin A1 (Baf A1) and the protein kinase inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were co-treated with DDP respectively to test the mechanism of drug resistance. RESULTS: Compared with the parental A549 cells, the acquired resistant A549/DDP cells showed DDP-resistance and higher level of basal autophagy. More survival count of A549/DDP cells than that of A549 cells in the same environment stress of 10 μmol/L DDP. 10 μmol/L DDP induced A549 cells apoptosis by down-regulated Bcl-2, and increased Bax and cleaved-caspase 3, which followed the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and up-regulated the expression level of transcription factor FOXO3a. While the same concentration of DDP activated A549/DDP cells autophagy by up-regulated Beclin 1 and LC3Ⅱ, down-regulated p62, which followed the inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of FOXO3a. CONCLUSION: DDP induces apoptosis by up-regulating the transcription factor FOXO3a via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway in A549 cells, while activating autophagy by inducing the phosphorylation of FOXO3a via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a signaling pathway in A549/DDP cells.

Mechanism of Wenshen Yangxue Prescription Improving Endometrial Receptivity of Aged Female Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To explore the effective components， targets， and possible mechanisms of Wenshen Yangxue prescription in improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice based on network pharmacology and experimental verification. Method:Based on Bioinformatics Analysis Tool for Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM） and Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of Traditional Chinese Medicine， the components and targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription were retrieved， and the targets of ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were collected from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM） and GeneCards with "anovulatory sterility" and "anovulatory infertility" as keywords. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） network was constructed based on STRING and the core targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription against ovulatory dysfunctional infertility were screened by Cytoscape， followed by Gene Ontology （GO） term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment of the core targets in DAVID database. Then， the "medicinal-component-target-pathway" network was established and the core targets were verified by animal experiment. Result:A total of 253 components and 326 targets of Wenshen Yangxue prescription， 819 disease targets， and 74 common targets were screened out. The common targets were mainly involved in the biological processes such as positive regulation of nitric oxide biosynthetic process， positive regulation of cell proliferation， response to estradiol， aging， response to oxidative stress， and angiogenesis. The GO term of response to oxidative stress and five of the top 20 KEGG pathways were analyzed. According to the "medicinal-component-target-biological process/pathway" network， 41 chemical components in 20 medicinals participated in hypoxia inducible factor-1 （HIF-1） signaling pathway， tumor necrosis factor （TNF） signaling pathway， forkhead box O （FOXO） signaling pathway， Toll-like receptor （TLR） signal pathway， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B （PI3K/Akt） signaling pathway by affecting 35 targets. The results of animal experiment showed that the prescription could increase the expression of PI3K， phosphorylated PI3K （p-PI3K）， Akt， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， forkhead box O3A （FoxO3A）， and phosphorylated FoxO3A （p-FoxO3A） in uterus of aged female ICR mice. Conclusion:Wenshen Yangxue prescription interferes with oxidative stress and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3A signaling pathway by influencing Akt1， dual oxidase 2 （DUOX2）， epidermal growth factor receptor （EGFR）， heme oxygenase-1 （HMOX1）， myeloperoxidase （MPO）， and other targets， thereby improving endometrial receptivity of aged female mice.

Naringenin prevented nonalcoholic steatohepatitis fibrosis via regulating MAPK/FoxO3a pathway and promoting apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE The pathological characteristics of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) include liver steato?sis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Fibrosis is the most severe and significant pathological feature in NASH. Effective drug treatment could reverse early liver fibrosis and is of significance to prevent NASH from progressing into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Identification of drug targets for NASH treatment has been an active research area and is essential for the development of anti-NASH medications. Naringenin (NGN) is a flavonoid compound rich in citrus fruits. Our preliminary data demonstrated that NGN reduced diet-induced lipid accumulation and inflammation in the mouse liver, but whether NGN can attenuate liver fibrosis of NASH is not known. METHODS To study the effect of NGN on NASH fibrosis. WT mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) and injected intraperitoneally 20％ carbon tetrachloride at the same time for 8 weeks to induce NASH, and NGN was administrated by gavage in the meantime. In vitro, LO2 cells and LX2 cells were stimulated by oleic acid (OA) combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), respectively. RESULTS Treating the WT mice with NGN 100 mg · kg-1 · d-1 significantly attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation, hepatic fibrosis, plasma ALT and AST levels, inhibited protein expression of p-ERK, p-FoxO3a in the mouse livers. In vitro, on OA and LPS stimulated LO2 or LX2 cells, NGN significantly promoted apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells while inhibited apoptosis of hepatocytes. Mechanism study indicated that NGN inhibited MAPK pathway and promoted activation of FoxO3a, conse?quently promoted apoptosis of the activated LX2 cells and inhibited liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION NGN preventes NASH fibrosis via regulating MAPK/FoxO3a pathway, thus promoting apoptosis of the activated hepatic stellate cells.

Effects of Sirt1 on proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of endothelial progenitor cells in peripheral blood of SD rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To explore the effect of Sirt1 on the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: A rat COPD model was established via smoking and endotoxin administration for three months. The peripheral circulating EPCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation, and their functions, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, and Sirt1 expression were examined. The function changes of EPCs in the presence or absence of Sirt1 agonist and inhibitor were estimated; meanwhile, the expressions of Sirt1, FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 were also evaluated. Results: The proliferation, adhesion, and migration of EPCs decreased while the apoptosis rate was increased in the COPD rats. The expression of Sirt1 protein in EPCs of the COPD group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). The overexpression of the Sirt1 gene using a gene transfection technique or Sirt1 agonists (SRT1720) improved the proliferation, migration, and adhesion, and decreased the apoptosis of EPC. However, Sirt1 inhibitor (EX527) decreased EPC functions in the COPD group. The effect of Sirt1 expression on EPC function may be related to reduction of FOXO3a and increase of NF-κB and p53 activity. Conclusions: Increased expression of Sirt1 can improve the proliferation and migration of EPCs and reduce their apoptosis in COPD rats. This change may be related to FOXO3a, NF-κB, and p53 signaling pathways.

Fufangqizao decoction regulates Foxo3a/Bim inhibiting apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells in rats with experimental gastric ulcer / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To explore the possible mechanism of Fufangqizao Decoction in the treatment of gastric ulcer. Methods:Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal control group, ulcer control group, Fufangqizao decoction low-, medium- and high-dose groups (3 g/kg, 6 g/kg, and 12 g/kg); omeprazole group, with 10 in each group. Rat gastric ulcer model was prepared by acetic acid ablation method. The protein expressions of Foxo3a and Bim in gastric ulcer were detected by Western blot. Apoptosis of gastric mucosal epithelial cells was detected by TUNEL staining. Results: Compared with those in ulcer control group, the expression levels of Foxo3a and Bim in Fufangqizao decoction groups and omeprazole group were significantly lower, and the effect of high-dose Fufangqizao decoction on the expressions of Foxo3a and Bim was more significant than that of omeprazole (P<0.05). The apoptosis index in each group was (26.79±2.54)%, (22.41±3.67)%, and (14.38±3.40)%, which were significantly lower than that in ulcer model group (30.75±2.93)% (P<0.05). Conclusion: Fufangqizao decoction may inhibit gastric mucosal epithelial cell apoptosis by down-regulating Foxo3a/Bim expression and thus exerts its anti-gastric ulcer effect.

Effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules containing serum on oxidative stress and protein expression of AMPK and FoxO3a in rheumatoid arthritis patients / 中国中药杂志

To study the effect of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules containing serum on the protein expressions of AMPK and FoxO3 a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with rheumatoid arthritis(RA), in order to explore the mechanism of anti-oxidation. Peripheral anticoagulant was collected from patients and normal people. Monocytes(PBMC) were isolated through density gradient centrifugation, and the logarithmic phase cells were cultured. Drug containing serum was prepared through intragastric admini-stration to SD rats. The rats were divided into five groups, namely normal group, model group, AMPK blocker group(compound C 10 μmol·L~(-1)), medium-dose HQC+AMPK blocker group, and middle-dose HQC group. The cell inhibition rate was calculated by MTT method. The levels of IL-1β, IL-4, LPO, MDA, SOD and TAOC were detected by ELISA. The expressions of AMPK, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and FoxO3 a were detected by Western blot. The HQC containing serum had an inhibitory effect on human monocytes in peripheral blood. The best concentration was observed in middle-dose HQC, and the best time was 24 hours. Middle-dose HQC group was better than model group, AMPK blocker group and middle-dose HQC + AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of SOD, p-AMPK, p-FoxO3 a and decrease of LPO. It was better than model group and AMPK blocker group in terms of increase of IL-4, TAOC, AMPK, FoxO3 a and decrease of IL-1β, MDA. The differences were statistically significant(P<0.05 or P<0.01). The HQC containing serum may increase the levels of TAOC and SOD, decrease the level of MDA and LPO, activate AMPK, directly phosphorylate FOXO3 a, enhance its transcriptional activity, and improve the state of oxidative stress in RA patients.

Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules in improving oxidative stress of patients with ankylosing spondylitis via activating PPARγ mediated AMPK/FOXO3a pathway / 中国中药杂志

To investigate the efficacy of Huangqin Qingre Chubi Capsules(HQC) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis(AS) and its effect on oxidative stress, and to explore its possible mechanism. Fifty-eight cases of AS patients were randomly divided into HQC group and salazosulfapyridine(SASP) group. Another 30 healthy people were employed as a control group. Superoxide dismutase(SOD), total antioxidant capacity(TAOC), malondialdehyde(MDA), lipid peroxidatio(LPO), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), IL-10, IL-4, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) were detected by ELISA. The mRNA expression levels of AMP-activated protein kinase(AMPK-α), forkhead box O3a(FOXO3a), manganese superoxide dismutase(MnSOD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARγ) were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR). The protein expression levels of AMPK-α, FOXO3a, p-FOXO3a, MnSOD, and PPARγ were detected by Western blot. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the disease activity score and observe the clinical efficacy of HQC in AS patients. The levels of MDA, LPO, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly increased in the peripheral blood of AS patients, and SOD, TAOC, IL-4, IL-10 levels were significantly decreased. After HQC treatment, scores of disease active indexes were all decreased, and its clinical efficacy was significantly higher than that in SASP group. After HQC treatment, TAOC, SOD, IL-4, IL-10 were increased and MDA, LPO, TNF-α, IL-1β were decreased; mRNA levels of AMPK-α, FOXO3a, MnSOD, PPARγ and protein levels of AMPK-α, FOXO3a, p-FOXO3a, MnSOD, PPARγ were increased(P<0.01 or P<0.05). HQC can effectively improve the clinical symptoms and oxidative stress of AS patients, and its mechanism may be related to activating PPARγ and up-regulating AMPK/FOXO3a signal pathway.

Effect of forsythin in inhibiting renal cell carcinoma via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of forsythin in inhibiting the growth, migration and invasion of human renal cancer cells (786-0). Methods Human renal cancer cells (786-0) were cultured in vitro, and different concentrations of forsythin were added. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay, cell apoptosis was detected by AO/EB assay, cell migration and invasion abilities were respectively investigated by wound healing and transwell migration assays. The expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, FOXO3a, p-FOXO3a, p21, p27, Fasl, Bim, MMP-2, and MMP-9 were detected by Western bloting. Results:In 786-0 cells, forsythin effectively inhibited the growth of renal cancer cells, promoted apoptosis, interfered with cell cycle, and upregulated expression levels of p21, p27, Fasl, and Bim, when compared with control group (P < 0.05, 0.01); Compared with the control group, different concentrations of forsythin can significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of renal cancer cells, and reduce the synthesis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 (P < 0.05, 0.01). Meanwhile, forsythin can significantly inhibit the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and FOXO3a in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion: Forsythin can regulate apoptosis and cell cycle, and inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells by down-regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. At the same time, forsythin can effectively inhibit the ability of renal cell migration and invasion through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Inhibition of FOXO3a/BIM signaling pathway contributes to the protective effect of salvianolic acid A against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is an effective compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Bunge. The Forkhead box O3a (FOXO3a) signaling pathway plays crucial roles in the modulation of ischemia-induced cell apoptosis. However, no information about the regulatory effect of SalA on FoxO3a is available. To explore the anti-cerebral ischemia effect and clarify the therapeutic mechanism of SalA, SH-SY5Y cells and Sprague-Dawley rats were applied, which were exposed to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) and middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injuries, respectively. The involved pathway was identified using the specific inhibitor LY294002. Results showed that SalA concentration-dependently inhibited OGD/R injury triggered cell viability loss. SalA reduced cerebral infarction, lowered brain edema, improved neurological function, and inhibited neuron apoptosis in MCAO/R rats, which were attenuated by the treatment of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor LY294002. SalA time- and concentration-dependently upregulated the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and its downstream protein FOXO3a. Moreover, the nuclear translocation of FOXO3a was inhibited by SalA both and , which was also reversed by LY294002. The above results indicated that SalA fought against ischemia/reperfusion damage at least partially the AKT/FOXO3a/BIM pathway.

Effects of Electroacupuncture on Expression of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a in Granulosa Cells from Women with Shen (Kidney) Deficiency Syndrome Undergoing in vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on reproductive outcomes in women with Shen (Kidndy) deficiency syndrome after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.@*METHODS@#Sixty-six infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF-ET were divided into EA or control groups according to a random table, 33 cases in each group. Before undergoing IVF, patients in the EA and control groups received EA therapy and placebo needle puncture, respectively, for 3 menstrual cycles. Shen deficiency syndrome scores were assessed. Other outcome measures included the number of retrieved oocytes and fertilization, high-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates. Follicular fluid was collected on the day of oocyte retrieval, and granulosa cell expression of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases (PI3K), serine-threonine kinase (Akt) and forkhead box O3 (Foxo3a) mRNA were measured by reverse transcribed and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.@*RESULTS@#Syndrome scores for pre- versus post-treatments decreased significantly (16.53±1.75 to 8.67±1.61) in the EA group (P<0.05), but showed no significant change in the control group (17.18±1.58 to 14.74±1.58). A significant difference in score change was found between the EA and control groups (P<0.05). High-quality embryo and clinical pregnancy rates were both increased in the EA group compared with the control group [69.15% (195/282) vs. 60.27% (176/292) and 66.67% (22/33) vs. 42.42% (14/33), respectively, P<0.05]. The fertilization rate was equivalent in EA and control groups. No difference was found in the number of retrieved oocytes between the two groups. Granulosa cell expression levels of PI3K and Akt mRNA were significantly increased in the EA group compared with the control group, while the expression of Foxo3a was reduced (all P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#For infertile patients with Shen deficiency syndrome undergoing IVF, EA for tonifying Shen as an adjunct treatment may alleviate clinical symptoms and improve the high-quality embryo rate. The EA-induced mechanism may involve regulation of PI3K/Akt/Foxo3a expression in granulosa cells to improve the developmental microenvironment of oocytes and inhibit granulosa cell apoptosis, possibly contributing to the improved clinical pregnancy rate (Registration No. ChiCTR 1800016217).

Role of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma U-2OS cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@# Objective:To investigate the role of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced cisplatin (DDP) resistance in osteosarcoma cells. Methods: The FOXO3a expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting in osteosarcoma U-2OS cell line under normoxia and hypoxia conditions. The effects of HIF-1α-siRNAand FOXO3a-siRNAon the expressions of HIF-1αand FOXO3a were detected by Western blotting. CCK-8 and Annexin V/PI assays were used to detect the function of FOXO3a in hypoxia-induced DDP resistance of U20S cells. Results: Hypoxia could significantly increase the mRNAand protein levels of FOXO3a in U-2OS cells (All P<0.05). The expression of FOXO3a was regulated by HIF-1α; compared with control group and HIF-1α-NC group, the FOX03a protein expression was significantly down-regulated in HIF-1α-siRNA group [(0.38±0.03) vs (0.89±0.08)， (0.91±0.07), all P<0.01]. Under hypoxia condition, FOXO3a-siRNA could decrease the tolerance of U-2OS cells to DDP [(38.50±2.83)% vs (61.75±5.73)%, P<0.01], and increase DDP-induced apoptosis of U-2OS cells [(73.41±6.13)% vs (32.38±2.23)%, (55.89±4.46)%,All P<0.05]. Conclusions: Hypoxia significantly enhanced DDP-resistance of U-2OS cells by increasing FOXO3a expression in a HIF-1-dependent manner.