Small Molecules Accelerate Skin Wound Healing: Shikonin Efficacy and Mechanism of Action in Mice / Las Moléculas Pequeñas Aceleran la Curación de Heridas en la Piel: Eficacia de Shikonin y Mecanismo de Acción en Ratones

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic wound healing potential and molecular mechanisms of shikonin as small molecules in vitro. A mouse burn model was used to explore the potential therapeutic effect of shikonin; we traced proliferating cells in vivo to locate the active area of skin cell proliferation. Through the results of conventional pathological staining, we found that shikonin has a good effect on the treatment of burned skin and promoted the normal distribution of skin keratin at the damaged site. At the same time, shikonin also promoted the proliferation of skin cells at the damaged site; importantly, we found a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts at the damaged site treated with shikonin. Most importantly, shikonin promotes fibroblasts to repair skin wounds by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study shows that shikonin can effectively promote the proliferation of skin cell, and local injection of fibroblasts in burned skin can play a certain therapeutic role.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue investigar el potencial terapéutico de cicatrización de heridas y los mecanismos moleculares de la shikonina como moléculas pequeñas in vitro. Se utilizó un modelo de quemaduras en ratones para explorar el posible efecto terapéutico de la shikonina; Rastreamos las células en proliferación in vivo para localizar el área activa de proliferación de células de la piel. A través de los resultados de la tinción para patología convencional, encontramos que la shikonina tiene un buen efecto en el tratamiento de la piel quemada y promueve la distribución normal de la queratina de la piel en el sitio dañado. Al mismo tiempo, la shikonina también promovió la proliferación de células de la piel en el sitio dañado. Es importante destacar que encontramos un aumento significativo en la cantidad de fibroblastos en el sitio dañado tratado con shikonina. Lo más importante es que la shikonina promueve la función reparadora de fibroblastos en las heridas de la piel regulando la vía de señalización PI3K/ AKT. Este estudio muestra que la shikonina puede promover eficazmente la proliferación de células de la piel y que la inyección local de fibroblastos en la piel quemada puede desempeñar un cierto papel terapéutico.

Coenzyme Q10 prevents RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by promoting autophagy via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a potent antioxidant that is implicated in the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, but the underlying mechanism has not been determined. We explored the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process. RAW264.7 cells received receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) and CoQ10, after which the differentiation and viability of osteoclasts were assessed. After the cells were treated with CoQ10 and/or H2O2 and RANKL, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proteins involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways and autophagy were tested. Moreover, after the cells were pretreated with or without inhibitors of the two pathways or with the mitophagy agonist, the levels of autophagy-related proteins and osteoclast markers were measured. CoQ10 significantly decreased the number of TRAP-positive cells and the level of ROS but had no significant impact on cell viability. The relative phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT, mTOR, ERK, and p38 were significantly reduced, but the levels of FOXO3/LC3/Beclin1 were significantly augmented. Moreover, the levels of FOXO3/LC3/Beclin1 were significantly increased by the inhibitors and mitophagy agonist, while the levels of osteoclast markers showed the opposite results. Our data showed that CoQ10 prevented RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by promoting autophagy via inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK pathways in RAW264.7 cells.

Earthworm Protein Protects Vascular Endothelial Function in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats via PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of earthworm protein on the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （PI3K/Akt/Nrf2） pathway in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats （SHR） and explore mechanism of earthworm protein in treating hypertensive vascular endothelial dysfunction （VED）. MethodTen 10-week-old Wistar Kyoto （WKY） rats and fifty SHR rats were selected for a week of adaptive feeding. WKY rats were selected as the normal group， and fifty SHR rats were randomized according to body weight into model， valsartan （8×10-3 g·kg-1·d-1）， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （0.2， 0.1， 0.05 g·kg-1·d-1， respectively） earthworm protein groups. The normal and model groups were administrated with equal volume of double distilled water by gavage. During the drug intervention period， the general situations of rats in each group were observed and their blood pressure was monitored at specific time points every other week before and after administration. After 8 weeks of drug intervention， enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to measure the levels of angiotensin-Ⅱ （Ang-Ⅱ） and endothelin-1 （ET-1） in the serum of rats in each group. The corresponding kits were used to determine the levels of nitric oxide （NO）， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione peroxidase （GPX）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and ferrous ion （Fe2+）. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to observe the changes in the intima of the aorta. Fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to measure the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， Nrf2， heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）， and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） in the aortic tissue. Western blotting was used to determine the protein levels of p-PI3K （Tyr467/199）， PI3K， p-Akt （Ser473）， Akt， Nrf2， HO-1， and GPX4 in the thoracic aorta. ResultCompared with the normal group， the model group had decreased body mass， increased irritability， severe endothelial damage， elevated blood pressure and serum levels of Ang-Ⅱ， ET1， MDA， and Fe2+ （P<0.01）， lowered NO level （P<0.01）， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K （Tyr467/199）， PI3K， p-Akt （Ser473）， Akt， Nrf2， HO-1， and GPX4 in the aortic tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， drug intervention caused no significant change in the body mass， calmed the rats， alleviated the endothelial damage， lowered blood pressure and serum levels of Ang-Ⅱ， ET1， MDA， and Fe2+ （P<0.01）， elevated the NO level （P<0.05）， and up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of p-PI3K （Tyr467/199）， PI3K， p-Akt （Ser473）， Akt， Nrf2， HO-1， and GPX4 （P<0.05）. ConclusionThe earthworm protein can exert antihypertensive effects by ameliorating VED in SHR. Specifically， it may regulate the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway to inhibit oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

Effect of Qiwei Baizhusan on Cognitive Dysfunction in Rats with Diabetic Encephalopathy Based on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of Qiwei Baizhusan（QWBZS） on diabetic encephalopathy（DE） rat model， and to explore the possible mechanism of QWBZS in the treatment of DE based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt）/glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β） signaling pathway. MethodForty-eight SPF male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group（8 rats） and high-fat diet group（40 rats）. After 12 weeks of feeding， rats in the high-fat diet group were intraperitoneally injected with 35 mg·kg-1 of 1% streptozotocin（STZ） for 2 consecutive days to construct a DE model， and rats in the blank group were injected with the same amount of sodium citrate buffer. After successful modeling， according to blood glucose and body weight， model rats were randomly divided into model group， low， medium and high dose groups of QWBZS（3.15， 6.3， 12.6 g·kg-1）， combined western medicine group（metformin+rosiglitazone， 0.21 g·kg-1）， with 6 rats in each group. The administration group was given the corresponding dose of drug by gavage， and the blank group and the model group were given an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution by gavage， 1 time/day for 6 weeks. Morris water maze was used to detect the spatial memory ability of DE rats. Fasting insulin （FINS） level was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） and insulin resistance index（HOMA-IR） was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin（HE） staining was used to observe the morphological changes of hippocampus in rats， ELISA was used to detect the indexes of oxidative stress in hippocampal tissues， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was used to detect mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， nuclear transcription factor-κB（NF-κB）， tumor necrosis factor-α（TNF-α） and interleukin-1β（IL-1β） in hippocampus， and Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of PI3K， Akt， phosphorylated（p）-Akt， GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β in hippocampus of rats. ResultCompared with the blank group， FINS and HOMA-IR values of the model group were significantly increased（P<0.01）， the path of finding the original position of the platform was significantly increased， and the escape latency was significantly prolonged（P<0.01）， the morphology of neuronal cells in hippocampal tissues was disrupted， the levels of reactive oxygen species（ROS） and malondialdehyde（MDA） in hippocampus of rats were increased， and the activity of superoxide dismutase（SOD） was decreased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were decreased（P<0.01）， mRNA expression levels of NF-κB， TNF-α and IL-1β were increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）， the protein expression levels of PI3K， p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly decreased， and the protein expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the FINS and HOMA-IR values of the medium dose group of QWBZS and the combined western medicine group were significantly decreased（P<0.01）， the path of finding the original position of the platform and the escape latency were significantly shortened（P<0.01）， the hippocampal tissue structure of rats was gradually recovered， and the morphological damage of nerve cells was significantly improved， the contents of ROS and MDA in hippocampus of rats decreased and the level of SOD increased（P<0.01）， the mRNA expression levels of PI3K and Akt were increased（P<0.01）， and the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB， TNF-α and IL-1β were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， the protein expression levels of PI3K， p-Akt and p-GSK-3β were significantly increased（P<0.01）， and the expression of GSK-3β was significantly decreased（P<0.01）. ConclusionQWBZS can alleviate insulin resistance in DE rats， it may repair hippocampal neuronal damage and improve learning and cognitive ability of DE rats by activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Analysis of Antidepressant Quality Markers of Bupleuri Radix Before and After Vinegar-processing Based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and Network Pharmacology / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo analyze the antidepressant quality markers（Q-Marker） of Bupleuri Radix（BP） before and after vinegar-processing by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS）， multivariate statistical analysis and network pharmacology. MethodUPLC-Q-TOF-MS was used to analyze the chemical basis of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP， and principal component analysis（PCA） orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） were used to identify the differential components in BP that changed significantly before and after vinegar-processing， which were regarded as candidate quality markers（Q-Marker）. Then the disease-drug-component-target network related to antidepressant effect of BP was constructed by network pharmacology， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined. Rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， fluoxetine group（2.67 mg·kg-1） and total saponin group（0.72 mg·kg-1）， except the blank group， rats in the other groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress（CUMS）. Three weeks after the start of modeling， rats in each administration group were given the corresponding dose of drugs once a day for 4 weeks， and rats in the blank and model groups were given normal saline with dose of 10 mL·kg-1. At 1 day before modeling， 21 days and 28 days after administration， body mass weighing， sucrose preference test and open field test were performed on each group . After 28 days of administration， real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction（Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase（PI3K）， protein kinase B（Akt）， mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）， glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）， forkhead box transcription factor O3a（FoxO3a） and β-catenin in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group， while protein expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and FoxO3a in hippocampal tissues of rats in each group were detected by Western blot. ResultThere were 19 components in BP showed significant changes before and after vinegar-processing， and 9 components such as saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2， saikosaponin C and saikosaponin D were identified as potential Q-Marker through S-plot differential marker screening. Combined with the disease-drug-component-target network， saikosaponin A， saikosaponin B1， saikosaponin B2 and saikosaponin D were identified as antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP. According to the results of pharmacodynamic tests， after 28 d of administration， compared with the blank group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score of rats in model group， fluoxetine group and total saponin group decreased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the body mass， sucrose preference index and open field total score in total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the model group decreased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， mRNA expression levels of PI3K， Akt， mTOR and β-catenin in hippocampus of rats in the total saponin group were increased significantly（P<0.05）， while mRNA expression levels of GSK-3β and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.05）. Compared with the blank group， the protein expression levels of Akt and mTOR in hippocampus of the model group decreased significantly（P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a increased significantly（P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the expression level of Akt in hippocampus of the total saponin group increased significantly（P<0.01）， the mTOR expression level was increased but not statistically significant， while the protein expression levels of PI3K and FoxO3a decreased significantly（P<0.01）. ConclusionThe chemical constituents of BP changed greatly after vinegar-processing， and the antidepressant Q-Marker of raw and vinegar-processed products of BP was determined by chemical basis， pharmacodynamics， network pharmacology and signaling pathway， which provided a reference for further research on quality control， pharmacodynamic substance basis and processing mechanism of BP.

Effect of South African Herb Hoodia gordonii on Liver Glucolipid Metabolism and PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 Signalling Pathway in db/db Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the South African herb Hoodia gordonii （HG） on glucolipid metabolism in diabetic db/db mice and explore the possible mechanisms of HG on the liver of db/db mice based on the phosphoinositide-3 kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt）/factor forkhead protein O1 （FoxO1） signaling pathway. MethodA total of 30 db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups according to fasting blood glucose： model group， metformin group （0.195 g·kg-1）， and low dose （0.39 g·kg-1）， medium dose （0.78 g·kg-1）， and high dose （1.56 g·kg-1） HG groups， with six m/m mice in each group， and another six m/m mice were set as normal group. The mice in the normal and model groups were given saline of 9 mL·kg-1 by gavage. Body weight， water intake， and fasting blood glucose of the mice in each group were measured weekly. After six weeks of continuous administration， serum insulin （FINS）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL）， total cholesterol （TC）， triglyceride （TG）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， urea， and creatinine （CREA） were measured， and liver sections were embedded and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）， periodic acid-Schiff （PAS）， and oil red O. Protein expression of PI3K p85， p-Akt， and p-FoxO1 in liver was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of PI3K， Akt， and FoxO1 in liver tissue was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultAfter six weeks of administration intervention， it was found that fasting blood glucose was significantly downregulated in mice in the three HG groups （P<0.05）. The level of islet resistance index was significantly reduced in both the low and medium dose HG groups （P<0.05）. The expression levels of TC， TG， and LDL were reduced in all HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Pathologically， HG could alleviate hepatocyte steatosis， reduce the volume and content of lipid droplets in liver， and increase the distribution of glycogen granules in liver to some extent in mice. Immunohistochemical assays revealed that PI3K p85 protein expression was significantly increased in the low， medium， and high dose HG groups compared with the model group （P<0.01）. p-Akt protein expression was significantly increased in the medium and high dose HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. p-FoxO1 protein expression was significantly increased in the low， medium， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， PI3K mRNA was increased in low dose， medium dose， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05）， and Akt mRNA was increased in high dose HG group （P<0.05）. FoxO1 mRNA was decreased in low dose， medium dose， and high dose HG groups （P<0.05）. ConclusionHG can ameliorate the disorder of glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice， which may be related to its activation of the hepatic PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 signaling pathway.

Extracts of Sambucus adnata Wall.inhibit abnormal angiogenesis in a rat model of osteoarthritis / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Previous studies showed that extracts of Sambucus adnata Wall.have the ability to promote the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts,fracture healing,anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects,which can effectively alleviate the development of osteoarthritis.Vascular endothelial growth factor,on the other hand,is a biomarker for the evaluation of osteoarthritis severity. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect and mechanism of two extracts of Sambucus adnata Wall.(methanol extract SAW-ME and dichloromethane extract SAW-DCE)on angiogenesis in osteoarthritis. METHODS:(1)Rat models of osteoarthritis were established using anterior cruciate ligament transection and given SAW-ME and SAW-DCE.A sham group was set as a control.Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the changes of articular vascular endothelial growth factor A in joint tissue and vascular endothelial growth factor and"H"type blood vessels in serum of osteoarthritis rats.(2)Vascular endothelial cells EA.hy926 were used as the research object and intervened with SAW-ME and SAW-DCE.Cell proliferation was then detected by MTT assay.Vascular endothelial growth factor was used to induce EA.hy926 cells,and the model of angiogenesis was replicated.Cell scratch assay and tube formation assay were performed to study the role and mechanism.(3)EA.hy926 cells were used for transcriptome sequencing to analyze the characteristic changes of cell differential genes and related functions after SAW-DCE intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)SAW-ME and SAW-DCE downregulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A in the rat knee cartilage and reduced the formation of"H"type vessels in osteoarthritis rats.SAW-ME could significantly decrease the level of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum of osteoarthritis rats(P<0.05).SAW-DCE could also decrease the level of vascular endothelial growth factor in serum of osteoarthritis rats,but there was no significant change.(2)Both SAW-ME and SAW-DCE significantly inhibited vascular endothelial cell migration and tube formation,and downregulated the expression of Ang1 and Tie2 proteins.(3)Transcriptome sequencing analysis found that abnormal angiogenesis in osteoarthritis was related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.(4)To conclude,SAW-ME and SAW-DCE can inhibit angiogenesis in the rat model of osteoarthritis,and the mechanism may be related to the Ang1/Tie2 and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Effect of Wedelolactone on Oxidative Injury in HUVECs Via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway / 医药导报

Objective To study the protective effect of Wedelolactone(WEL)against inflammatory injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)and its molecular mechanism by inducing PI3K/Akt/mTOR.Methods The model of atherosclerosis(AS)oxidative stress injury in HUVECs was induced with 200 μmol·L-1 of hydrogen peroxide for 24 h.The experimental groups were as follows:normal control group,DMSO(dimethyl sulfoxide)group,H2O2 group,and WEL group.MTT was used to measure the cell survival rate of each group;flow cytometry was used to assess intracellular ROS levels;fluorescence microscopy was used to detect the expression of p62 protein;immunoblotting assay was used to determine the protein expression levels for apoptosis-related proteins associated with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy-related proteins.Results Compared with the H2 O2 group,the HUVEC cell survival rate was significantly inhibited in the WEL group(P＜0.05).ROS production was significantly lower,and the protein expressions of SOD1 and p62 were significantly increased in the WEL group as compared to the hydrogen peroxide group.The protein expression of p-mTOR,p-Akt,and p-PI3K was significantly decreased in hydrogen peroxide(P＜0.01);In the WEL experiment,p-mTOR,p-Akt,and p-PI3K were increased significantly in the post-injury HUVECs(P＜0.01).Conclusion Wedelolactone inhibits HUVECs'autophagy by suppressing H2O2-induced inflammatory damage in HUVECs,which may be related to the fact that WEL promotes the phosphorylation of PI3K,Akt,and mTOR proteins,inhibits autophagy and thus resists oxidative stress damage in HUVECs cells.

Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan inhibit migration and in-vasion of fibroblast-like synoviocytes by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To observe how total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan(PHSTF)affects the migra-tion and invasion of human rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocyte line MH7A.METHODS:The MH7A cells were divided into control group(without any treatment),low-,medium-and high-dose(6.25,12.5 and 25 mg/L,respectively)PHSTF groups,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)group,and 740Y-P(10 μmol/L)+high-dose(25 mg/L)PHSTF group.The viability of the MH7A cells was determined by CCK-8 assay,while the migration and inva-sion were assessed by scratch and Transwell assays.The protein levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2(MMP-2),MMP-9,PI3K,p-PI3K,AKT and p-AKT were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Compared with control group,the cell via-bility in PHSTF treatment groups was reduced(P<0.05),the cell wound healing area was significantly decreased(P<0.01),migratory and invasive cells in the lower chamber were significantly reduced(P<0.01),and the protein expres-sion of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT were decreased(P<0.01).Compared with high-dose PHSTF group,the addition of PI3K/AKT pathway agonist 740Y-P significantly increased the migration and invasion ability of MH7A cells(P<0.01)and elevated the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and pAKT/AKT(P<0.01)under the treatment with PHSTF.CONCLUSION:Total flavonoids of Pterocarya hupehensis Skan could inhibit the migration and invasion of MH7A cells by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Role and mechanism of DCLK1 in gastric cancer stem cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1)on the biological properties of gastric cancer stem cells,and to explore its possible mechanism.METHODS:Serum-free suspension culture of gastric cancer stem cells and targeted inhibition of DCLK1 activity in gastric cancer stem cells with DCLK1 inhibitor DCLK1-IN-1 were performed.The expression levels of DCLK1,stemness-related proteins(SOX2 and OCT4),proliferation-related pro-teins(cyclin D1 and c-MYC),drug resistance-related proteins(ABCG2 and TOP2A),epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related proteins(E-cadherin,vimentin and Snail),and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins in gastric cancer stem cells were examined by Western blot.The effects of DCLK1 on viability and drug resistance of gastric cancer stem cells were determined by CCK-8 assay,and the effects of DCLK1 on self-renewal of gastric cancer stem cells were de-termined by methylcellulose spheroid-forming assay.Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to assess the ef-fect of DCLK1 on the migration and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells.RESULTS:The expression levels of DCLK1 and stemness-related proteins SOX2 and OCT4 in gastric cancer stem cells were significantly higher than those in parental cells(P＜0.01).The proliferation,drug resistance,migration and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells in DCLK1 inhibi-tion group were significantly lower than those in Sphere cell group(P＜0.01).The expression levels of proliferation-related proteins(c-MYC and cyclin D1)and drug resistance-related proteins(TOP2A and ABCG2)were down-regulated,the ex-pression of epithelial marker E-cadherin was up-regulated,the expression of mesenchymal markers vimentin and Snail was down-regulated,and the expression levels of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway-related proteins and their phosphoryla-tion levels were reduced in DCLK1 inhibition group(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION:DCLK1 is highly expressed in gastric cancer stem cells,which may be involved in the proliferation,drug resistance and invasion of gastric cancer stem cells by regulating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.It suggests that DCLK1 can be used as a potential target for gastric cancer stem cells.

Icariin Regulates Glucocorticoid-induced Autophagy of Bone Microvascular Endothelial Cells Through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the impact of icariin （ICA） on autophagy in glucocorticoid-induced bone microvascular endothelial cells （BMECs） mediated by the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin （PI3K/Akt/mTOR） signaling pathway. MethodBMECs were isolated and cultured from femoral heads obtained during total hip arthroplasty and identified using immunofluorescence staining. The experimental cells were divided into four groups： A control group， a glucocorticoid group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone）， an ICA group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone+6.7×10-3 mg·L-1 ICA）， and a Rapamycin group （100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone+6.7×10-3 mg·L-1 ICA+1 mg·L-1 rapamycin）. Autophagy in BMECs was induced using 100 mg·L-1 hydrocortisone. LC3 fluorescence staining was used to observe the peak of autophagy at different time points. Western blot analysis was employed to analyze the expression of autophagy-related proteins and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway proteins in each group. Electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes and autolysosomes in the cells. ResultHydrocortisone at 100 mg·L-1 induced autophagy in BMECs， reaching a peak at around 5 hours， which then declined with further intervention. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group showed cell membrane damage， disordered organelle arrangement， and a large number of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group had more intact cell membranes， sparser organelle arrangement， and fewer autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group showed cell membrane damage， disordered organelle arrangement， and more autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group had significantly increased expression of light chain 3B （LC3B）， Atg4B， and p62 （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group showed significantly decreased expression of LC3B， Atg4B， p62， and Beclin-1 （P<0.01）. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group had significantly increased expression of Atg4B and p62 （P<0.01）. Compared to the control group， the glucocorticoid group had significantly decreased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， the ICA group showed significantly increased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Compared to the ICA group， the Rapamycin group had significantly decreased expression of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR （P<0.01）. Ubiquitination levels were significantly decreased in the glucocorticoid group compared to the control group （P<0.01）. Compared to the glucocorticoid group， ubiquitination levels were significantly increased in the ICA group （P<0.01）， and significantly decreased in the Rapamycin group compared to the ICA group （P<0.01）. ConclusionThe glucocorticoid-induced autophagy in BMECs is time-dependent. ICA inhibits glucocorticoid-induced autophagy in BMECs， and this effect may be related to the regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Mechanism of cinobufagin regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to reverse cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer A2780/DDP cells / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective @#To investigate the reversal effect and mechanism of cinobufagin (CBG) on cisplatin resist- ance in human ovarian cancer cells . @*Methods @#A2780 cell line and its cisplatin-resistant cell line A2780/DDP are common ovarian cancer cells in clinic , so these two cell lines were selected as the research objects . The cell viabil- ity was detected by cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay , and the cell proliferation ability was detected by plate clo- ning and 5-ethynyl-2 ′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay. Hoechst staining was used to observe cell apoptosis . Cell scratch test and Transwell test were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion ability. Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of phosphatidylinosi- tol 3-kinase/protein kinase ( PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ( EMT) . @*Results@#Compared with A2780 cells , the drug resistance indexes of A2780/DDP cells were 5 . 636 , 5 . 864 , 5 . 695 , respectively. After treatment of A2780/DDP cells with CBG (2 , 4 , 6 mg/ml) , the reversal resistance indexes were 1 . 617 , 2. 570 , 3 . 461 , respectively. CBG treatment significantly increased the level of apoptosis and inhibi- ted the proliferation , migration and invasion of the cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0. 05) . Western blot results showed that compared with A2780 cells , the relative ratio of P-PI3K/PI3K and P-AKT/AKT protein levels , as well as the protein expression of N-cadherin , Vimentin , and Snail were higher in the control group (A2780/DDP) cells , while the protein expression of E-cadherin was lower ( t P-PI3K/PI3K = 8 . 115 , t P-AKT/AKT = 17. 62 , t N-cadherin = 6. 126 , t Vimentin = 4. 001 , t Snail = 17. 333 , t E-cadherin = 4. 620 , P < 0. 01) ; As the dose of CBG increased , the protein expression levels of P-PI3K , P-AKT , N-cadherin , Vimentin , and Snail in drug-resistant cells de- creased , while the protein expression level of E-cadherin increased ( FP-PI3K = 268. 5 , FP-AKT = 190. 5 , FN-cadherin = 24. 02 , F Vimentin = 57 . 65 , FSnail = 87 . 24 , FE-cadherin = 135 . 8 , P < 0. 05) . qRT-PCR results showed that with the in- crease of CBG concentration , the mRNA expression levels of PI3K , AKT , N-cadherin , Vimentin and Snail de- creased , while the mRNA expression level of E-cadherin gradually increased ( FPI3K = 101 . 1 , FAKT = 558. 3 , FN-cadherin = 86. 97 , F Vimentin = 105 . 9 , FSnail = 85 . 71 , FE-cadherin = 80. 96 , P < 0. 01) .@*Conclusion @#CBG can reverse cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer A2780/DDP cell line , and its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inhibition of EMT by CBG.

Mechanism of Modified Tianwang Buxindan on Skin of Sleep-deprived Mice Through PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of modified Tianwang Buxindan （MTBD） on the skin of sleep-deprived （SD） mice and investigate its mechanism. MethodSixty 2-month-old female Kunming mice were randomly divided into a blank group， a model group， a vitamin C （VC， 0.08 g·kg-1）， and MTBD low-， medium-， and high-dose groups （6.5， 12.5， 25 g·kg-1）. Except for the blank group， the other groups were subjected to SD mouse model induction （using multiple platform water environment method for 18 hours of sleep deprivation daily from 15：00 to next day 9：00）， continuously for 14 days， and caffeine （CAF， 7.5 mg·kg-1） was injected intraperitoneally from the 2nd week onwards， continuously for 7 days. While modeling， the blank group and the model group were administered with normal saline （0.01 mL·g-1）， and the other groups received corresponding drugs for treatment. On the day of the experiment， general observations were recorded （such as body weight， spirit， fur， and skin）. After sampling， skin tissue pathological changes were observed under an optical microscope using hematoxylin-eosin （HE） and Masson staining methods. Skin thickness and skin moisture content were measured. Biochemical assay kits were used to detect skin hydroxyproline （HYP） content， skin and serum superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity， and malondialdehyde （MDA） content. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect serum interleukin （IL）-6， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and IL-1β levels in mice. Western blot was used to detect skin tissue type Ⅰ collagen （ColⅠ）， type Ⅲ collagen （ColⅢ）， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， phosphorylated （p）-PI3K， protein kinase B （Akt）， p-Akt， nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， heme oxygenase （HO）-1， and nuclear factor （NF）-κB protein expression. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed varying degrees of changes. In general， signs of aging such as reduced body weight （P<0.01）， listlessness， dull fur color， and formation of wrinkles on the skin appeared. Tissue specimen testing revealed skin thinning， flattening of the dermoepidermal junction （DEJ）， and reduced collagen fibers under the optical microscope. Skin thickness and moisture content decreased， skin tissue HYP content significantly decreased （P<0.01）， skin and serum SOD activity significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and MDA content significantly increased （P<0.01）. Serum IL-6， TNF-α， and IL-1β levels significantly increased （P<0.01）. Skin ColⅠ， ColⅢ， p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， Nrf2， and HO-1 protein expression significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and NF-κB expression increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the VC group and the MTBD low-dose group showed increased skin moisture content， HYP content， SOD activity， and ColⅠ， ColⅢ， p-PI3K/PI3K protein expression （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and decreased serum MDA content （P<0.05）. In addition， a decrease in serum IL-6 and IL-1β levels was detected in the MTBD low-dose group （P<0.05）， while the above indicators in the MTBD medium- and high-dose groups improved （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionSleep deprivation accelerates the aging process of the skin in SD model mice. MTBD can improve this phenomenon， exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects， and its mechanism of action may be related to the activation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets Improves Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer in Rats via Regulating PI3K-Akt-eNOS Pathway / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets on rats with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer(PLGC).Methods Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into the normal group,the model group,the folic acid group and the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group,with 10 rats in each group.In addition to the normal group,the other three groups of rats were prepared by gavage with Ranitidine Aqueous Solution combined with N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine(MNNG)solution drinking method for the preparation of PLGC model.After successful modeling,drugs were administered accordingly for 7 weeks.The changes in body mass of rats during modeling and drug administration were recorded,the gross view of the stomach was observed and scored pathologically,the coefficients of spleen and liver were determined,the pathological changes in gastric tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure serum gastrin(GAS),motilin(MTL)and glucagon(GC),Alisin Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff's(AB-PAS)staining was used to observe the thickness of the mucosal layer of gastric tissues,the expressions of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(Akt),phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt),and endothelial-type nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)proteins in gastric tissues were detected by protein immunoblotting(Western Blot),and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA)protein in gastric tissues was detected by immunofluorescence staining.Results Compared with the normal group,the body mass of rats in the model group grew slowly during the experimental period,gastric macroscopic pathological scores were significantly increased(P＜0.01),splenic coefficient and hepatic coefficient were significantly decreased(P＜0.01),the gastric tissues showed cuprocyte hyperplasia and intestinal chemotaxis,gastric tissues'inflammation scores were significantly increased(P＜0.01),the serum GAS content was significantly increased(P＜0.01),and the MTL,GC contents were significantly reduced(P＜0.05),and the thickness of the mucous membrane layer of gastric tissue was significantly reduced(P＜0.05),the protein expression levels of PI3K,p-PI3K,Akt,p-Akt and eNOS were reduced(P＜0.01),and the protein expression level of VEGFA was reduced(P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the above indexes of the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group and the folic acid group were all significantly improved(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),among which,the Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets group had a better improvement effect in the proliferation of cup cells and intestinal chemotaxis in gastric tissues,the content of serum GAS,and the thickness of the mucous layer in gastric tissues.Conclusion The mechanism of the improvement of PLGC in rats by Jianwei Xiaozhang Tablets may be related to the activation of the PI3K-Akt-eNOS pathway,which in turn promotes the angiogenesis and repair of gastric damaged tissues.

Therapeutic effect of pachymic acid on Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in rats by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway / 基础医学与临床

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of pachymic acid(PA)on Helicobacter py-lori(Hp)-associated gastritis in rats.Methods A rat model of Hp-associated gastritis was established;all rats were separated into control group(CT group),model group(group M),PA low-dose group(PA L group),PA high-dose group(PA H group),and PA H+phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)activator(740 Y-P)group;the gastric mucosal injury index(UI)of rats in each group was evaluated,transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the morphology of gastric mucosal cells.HE staining was applied to evaluate the pathological characteristics of gastric mucosa.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),IL-10,induc-ible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)in gastric tissue.Western blot method was applied to detect the expression of PI3K,phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K),protein kinase B(AKT),p-AKT,nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65,and p-NF-κB p65 proteins.Results Compared with the CT group,the gastric mucosa erosion,epithelial ede-ma,congestion,and severe ulcers were observed in the group M,with epithelial cell pyknosis and inflammatory cell in-filtration,the UI,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS,and the expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 proteins increased,the levels of IL-10 and SOD decreased(P<0.05);compared with group M,the gastric mucosal damage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the PA L and PA H groups were improved,the UI,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS by the host animal and the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 proteins all decreased,the level of IL-10 and SOD was increased(P<0.05);compared with the PA H group,the pathological damage of the gastric mucosa in the PA H+740 Y-P group was aggravated,with epithelial cell pyknosis.The UI,IL-6,TNF-α,iNOS,and the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-AKT/AKT,p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 proteins increased,the levels of IL-10 and SOD decreased(P<0.05).Conclusions PA might facilitate the treatment of Hp-associated gastritis in rats by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Cadmium promotes senescence of annulus fibrosus cells via activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Cadmium is a common environmental pollutant,which can damage multiple organs and tissues,such as the kidney and bone,but its effect on annulus fibrosus cells in the intervertebral disc has been less reported. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cadmium chloride on the senescence of annulus fibrosus cells and the role of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. METHODS:Annulus fibrosus cells from Sprague-Dawley rat intervertebral discs were harvested and passage 3 cells were intervened with different concentrations of cadmium chloride(0,1,5,10,20 μmol/L).Cell viability and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8 assay.Transcriptome sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis were performed on annulus fibrosus cells with or without cadmium chloride addition.Passage 3 annulus fibrosus cells were divided into control group,cadmium chloride group and LY294002 group.Cell proliferation rate was detected by EdU method,positive cell rate was detected by senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining,and expressions of senescence-associated proteins(p16,p21 and p53)and p-Akt at protein and mRNA levels were measured by western blot,RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:5 μmol/L cadmium chloride could inhibit the proliferation of annulus fibrosus cells.Results from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analysis showed that the main signal transduction pathways included PI3K/Akt,cell cycle and p53 signaling pathways,which were related to cell senescence and proliferation.PI3K/Akt signaling pathways with significant differential expression were selected for validation.Compared with the control group,the EdU-positive rate was significantly decreased in the cadmium chloride group(P<0.05),while the β-galactosidase-positive rate,the expression of senescence-associated proteins(p16,p21 and p53)and p-Akt significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the cadmium chloride group,the EdU-positive rate and p-Akt expression were significantly decreased in the LY294002 group(P<0.05),while the β-galactosidase-positive rate and the expression of senescence-associated proteins(p16,p21 and p53)significantly increased(P<0.05).To conclude,cadmium chloride can regulate the senescence of annulus fibrosus cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,thereby inducing the occurrence and progression of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Mechanism by which static exercise improves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetes / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Skeletal muscle insulin resistance is the key pathological link of type 2 diabetes.Static exercise can effectively improve skeletal muscle insulin resistance,but the mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the mechanism of static exercise on insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic mice based on the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(AKT)/glucose transporter(GLUT4)signaling pathway. METHODS:After 1 week of adaptive feeding,7 out of 40 C57BL/6 mice were randomly selected as blank group and fed common diet,while the other mice were fed high-fat diet and taken to prepare type 2 diabetes models through the low-dose streptozotocin intraperitoneal injection.Twenty-four mice were successfully modeled and they were randomly divided into model group(n=8),metformin group(n=8)and static exercise group(n=8),which continued to be fed high-fat diet.The metformin group was given 200 mg/kg metformin dissolved in normal saline(2 ml/kg)by gavage,once a day,for 6 weeks.The static exercise group was given normal saline daily by gavage and carried out static exercise,30 minutes a day,6 days per week.The model group was given the same dose of normal saline daily by gavage without exercise intervention.After the intervention,the fasting blood glucose of each group was detected,the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was performed,and the area under the glycemic curve was calculated.Glycosylated hemoglobin,serum insulin,insulin resistance index were detected by ELISA.Total cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein,low-density lipoprotein were detected using biochemical methods.The mRNA expression levels of PI3K,AKT and GLUT4 in the gastrocnemius of mice were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.Morphological changes of the gastrocnemius were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers was calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the blank group,fasting blood glucose,glycosylated hemoglobin,area under the glycemic curve,insulin resistance index,total cholesterol,triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in the model group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Whereas,these indicators were significantly lower in the static exercise and metformin group than the model group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the blank group,serum insulin and high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly declined in the model group(P<0.01)and the mRNA expression of PI3K,AKT and GLUT4 in the gastrocnemius of mice were also significantly reduced(P<0.01).These indicators were significantly elevated in the metformin group and static exercise group compared with the blank group(P<0.01).Compared with the blank group,the muscle fibers in the model group were disordered,and the muscle cells atrophied and the muscle fiber gap widened.The cross-sectional area of muscle fibers was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the blank group(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,atrophy of the gastrocnemius fibers and muscle fiber space were improved in the static exercise group and the metformin group,and the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber was significantly increased in both groups(P<0.01).These findings indicate that static resistance training may promote glucose uptake and utilization by up-regulating the expression of PI3K,AKT and GLUT4 mRNA in skeletal muscle tissue,thereby improving the morphology and function of skeletal muscle tissue,alleviating insulin resistance and regulating glucose homeostasis.

Melatonin inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced injury of human nucleus pulposus cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Intervertebral disc degeneration is one of the most common underlying factors causing low back pain.Recent studies have shown that melatonin has a positive effect on alleviating intervertebral disc degeneration.However,the underlying mechanism of melatonin remains to be elucidated. OBJECTIVE:To explore the biological effect and potential mechanism of melatonin in inhibiting hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced injury of human nucleus pulposus cells. METHODS:Human nucleus pulposus cells insolated from degenerative intervertebral disc were cultured in vitro.Cell proliferation and the optimal intervention concentration of melatonin and H2O2 were detected by cell counting kit-8.The Human nucleus pulposus cells treated with H2O2 were used as a model group;the cells treated with H2O2 and intervened with melatonin were used as a melatonin group;the cells cultured in simple medium were used as a control group.The reactive oxygen species levels were detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate(DCFH-DA),the expression levels of BAX and Caspase3 were detected by immunofluorescence,and the mRNA expression levels of BAX,BCL-2,Casepase3,PI3K and AKT were detected using the real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The results of cell counting kit-8 experiment showed that the optimal intervention concentration of H2O2 was 400 μmol/L and the optimal intervention concentration of melatonin was 5 μmol/L.The reactive oxygen species level in the melatonin group was significantly lower than that in the model group.The average fluorescence intensity of BAX and Caspase3 in the melatonin group was significantly lower than that in the model group.The mRNA expressions of BAX and Caspase3 in the melatonin group were lower than those in the model group,while the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 was increased.In addition,the mRNA expressions of PI3K and AKT were also higher in the melatonin group compared with the model group.To conclude,melatonin may protect human nucleus pulposus cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Magnolol and 5-fluorouracil synergy inhibition of metastasis of cervical cancer cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and EMT pathways / 中草药·英文版

OBJECTIVE@#This study is designed to investigate the mode of action of the synergistic effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and magnolol against cervical cancer.@*METHODS@#Network pharmacological approach was applied to predict the molecular mechanism of 5-FU combined with magnolol against cervical cancer. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, immunofluorescence staining, adhesion assay, wound healing mobility assay, cell migration and invasion assay and Western blot analysis were conducted to validate the results of in silico study.@*RESULTS@#Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was identified as the key pathway in silico study. The experimental results showed that 5-FU combined with magnolol strongly inhibited cervical cancer cell proliferation, induced the morphological change of HeLa cells by down-regulating the expression of α-actinin, tensin-2 and vinculin. Moreover, magnolol enhanced inhibitory effect of 5-FU on the cell adhesion, migration and invasion. The phosphorylation of AKT and PI3K and the expression of mTOR were strongly inhibited by the combination of 5-FU and magnolol. Moreover, the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin was upregulated and the expression of Snail, Slug and vimentin was down-regulated by the 5-FU together with magnolol.@*CONCLUSION@#Taken together, this study suggests that 5-FU combined with magnolol exerts a synergistic anti-cervical cancer effect by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathways.

Ferulic acid inhibits the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway / 局解手术学杂志

Objective To explore whether ferulic acid can inhibit the progression of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vivo and in vitro by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.Methods The T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells were divided into the control group,the ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group for in vitro experiment.The cells in the control group were given normal culture;cells in the ferulic acid treatment group were given different concentrations(1.25,2.5,5,10,20,40,80,160 μmol/L)of ferulic acid,respectively,and the cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 method,to screen the experimental concentration;cells in the LY294002 treatment group were given 50 μmol/L PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002.The cells proliferation,apoptosis and invasion were detected by clone formation assay,flow cytometry and Transwell assay.The relative expression levels of nuclear protein Ki67,proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),cleaved caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT proteins were detected by Western blot.The nude mice models of transplanted tumors were constructed by 30 male BALB/c nude mice,and they were averagely divided into the normal group and the ferulic acid treatment group for in vivo experiment.The normal group was given normal saline by gavage,while the ferulic acid treatment group was given 75 mg/kg ferulic acid by gavage after inoculating Jurkat cells.The weight and volume changes of transplanted tumors were compared,and the levels of Ki67,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin,N-cadherin,PTEN,p-PI3K,PI3K,p-AKT and AKT in tumor tissues were detected.Results In vitro experiment,compared with the control group,the clone formation rate of cells,number of invasion cells,Ki67,PCNA,N-cadherin,Vimentin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in the 5,10,20 μmol/L ferulic acid treatment group and the LY294002 treatment group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the apoptosis rate,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,cleaved caspase-9/caspase-9,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased(P<0.05).In vivo experiment,compared with the normal group,the weight and volume of tumors were reduced in the ferulic acid treatment group,Ki67,N-cadherin,p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT in tumor tissues were significantly decreased,cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3,E-cadherin and PTEN were significantly increased,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Ferulic acid can inhibit the proliferation and invasion of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia Jurkat cells in vivo and in vitro,and induce apoptosis,its mechanism may be related to the regulation of PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.