Edaravone alleviates cell apoptosis and mitochondrial injury in ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury via the JAK/STAT pathway

BACKGROUND: Kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury is a common pathophysiological phenomenon in the clinic. A large number of studies have found that the tyrosine protein kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway is involved in the development of a variety of kidney diseases and renal protection associated with multiple drugs. Edaravone (EDA) is an effective free radical scavenger that has been used clinically for the treatment of postischemic neuronal injury. This study aimed to identify whether EDA improved kidney function in rats with ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating the JAK/STAT pathway and clarify the underlying mechanism. METHODS: Histomorphological analysis was used to assess pathological kidney injury, and mitochondrial damage was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick endlabeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect tubular epithelial cell apoptosis. The expression of JAK2, P-JAK2, STAT3, P-STAT3, STAT1, P-STAT1, BAX and Bcl-2 was assessed by western blotting. Mitochondrial function in the kidney was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔψM) measurement. RESULTS: The results showed that EDA inhibited the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and p-STAT1, accompanied by downregulation of the expression of Bax and caspase-3, and significantly ameliorated kidney damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). Furthermore, the JC-1 dye assay showed that edaravone attenuated ischemia-reperfusion-induced loss of kidney (ΔψM). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that EDA protects against kidney damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion through JAK/STAT signaling, inhibiting apoptosis and improving mitochondrial injury.

Perfil de expressão dos fatores de transcrição STAT-1, STAT-4 e T-bet no carcinoma escamoso de pênis / Expression profile of STAT-1, STAT-4 and T-bet transcription factors in squamous carcinoma of the penile

Introdução: O câncer de pênis (CaPe) é uma doença rara em países desenvolvidos, porém representa um problema de saúde pública em países em desenvolvimento. O Brasil tem a maior incidência de CaPe do mundo, chegando a atingir até 6,8 casos por 100.000 homens, principalmente na região norte/nordeste, onde o índice de desenvolvimento humano é o pior do país. Seu diagnóstico ocorre geralmente de forma tardia, retardando o tratamento e piorando o prognóstico. As células Th1 atuam na imunidade celular e expressam fatores de transcrição como transdutor de sinal e ativador de transcrição 1 (STAT1) e 4 (STAT4). Os fatores STAT1 e STAT4 estão relacionados a diversas funções do sistema imune e na oncogênese, além de promover o início do processo de diferenciação das células T "naive" em T efetoras do tipo Th1. A desregulação da via JAK/STAT está associada com a formação de tumores primários, assim como com a supressão da resposta imune, o que leva ao aumento da sobrevivência tumoral e da angiogênese. Objetivo: O objetivo geral deste estudo foi avaliar a expressão de STAT1, STAT4 e T-bet nos linfócitos T circulantes pacientes com carcinoma escamoso de pênis. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal, com 30 pacientes com CaPe atendidos no ambulatório de Urologia do Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco e 15 controles saudáveis do sexo masculino. As análises laboratoriais foram realizadas no Laboratório de Pesquisa Translacional do IMIP. A análise da expressão de STAT1, STAT4 e T-bet foi realizada por citometria de fluxo. Para análise estatística das variáveis numéricas foi aplicado o teste de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk. Foi utilizado teste não paramétricos de Mann-Whitney e o de correlação de Spearman. Foi adotado o nível de significância estatística de p<0.05. Para análise de correlação foi realizado o teste de Spearman. Toda a análise estatística foi realizada através do GraphPadPrism v6.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). Resultados: Foi observado redução dos níveis percentuais de linfócitos B no sangue periférico de pacientes com CaPe quando comparados aos controles (p=0.0002). Os níveis percentuais de linfócitos T com expressão de STAT1 e STAT4 foram elevados (p=0,004 e p=0,008, respectivamente) em comparação ao grupo controle. Os níveis de linfócitos T com expressão de T-bet nos pacientes foram inferiores quando comparados aos dos controles (p=0,02). Observou-se que pacientes com tamanho tumoral <3,5cm apresentaram níveis percentuais elevados de células T CD8+ quando comparados aos com tamanho ≥3,5 cm (p= 0,04). Verificou-se que os pacientes com IPN negativa obtiveram níveis percentuais elevados de linfócitos T CD8+ (p=0,04) e de linfócitos T com expressão de STAT1, STAT4 e T-bet quando comparados aos pacientes IPN positiva (p=0,0004, p=0,02 e p=0,0001, respectivamente). Foi observada também a correlação entre T-bet e STAT4 nos pacientes com CaPe (r=0,58; p=0.002). Conclusão: Os fatores de transcrição STAT1, STAT4 e T-bet estão associados a doença avançada, e podem estar diretamente relacionados as alterações dos níveis de linfócitos B e TCD8+ nos pacientes com câncer de pênis

Introduction: Penile cancer (CaPe) is a rare disease in developed countries, but it represents a public health problem in developing countries. Brazil has the highest incidence of CaPe in the world, reaching up to 6.8 cases per 100,000 men, mainly in the north / northeast region, where the human development index is the worst in the country. Its diagnosis usually occurs late, delaying treatment and worsening the prognosis. Th1 cells act on cellular immunity and express transcription factors such as signal transducer and transcription activator 1 (STAT1) and 4 (STAT4). The factors STAT1 and STAT4 are related to several functions of the immune system and oncogenesis, in addition to promoting the differentiation of "naive" T cells into effector T-type Th1 cells. Deregulation of the JAK / STAT pathway is associated with the formation of primary tumors, as well as with the suppression of the immune response, which leads to increased tumor survival and angiogenesis. Objective: The general objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of STAT1, STAT4 and T-bet in circulating T lymphocytes in patients with squamous carcinoma of the penis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 30 CaPe patients seen at the Urology outpatient clinic of the Hospital de Câncer de Pernambuco and 15 healthy male controls. Laboratory analyzes were performed at the Translational Research Laboratory at IMIP. The analysis of the expression of STAT1, STAT4 and T-bet was performed by flow cytometry. For statistical analysis of numerical variables, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied. Mann-Whitney non-parametric tests and Spearman's correlation tests were used. The level of statistical significance was set at p <0.05. For correlation analysis, the Spearman test was performed. All statistical analysis was performed using GraphPadPrism v6.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA). Results: A reduction in the percentage levels of B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with CaPe was observed when compared to controls (p = 0.0002). The percentage levels of T lymphocytes with STAT1 and STAT4 expression were high (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008, respectively) compared to the control group. The levels of T lymphocytes with T-bet expression in patients were lower when compared to controls (p = 0.02). It was observed that patients with tumor size <3.5 cm had high percentage levels of CD8 + T cells when compared to those with size ≥3.5 cm (p = 0.04). It was found that patients with negative IPN obtained high percentage levels of CD8 + T lymphocytes (p = 0.04) and T lymphocytes with expression of STAT1, STAT4 and T-bet when compared to patients with positive IPN (p=0.0004, p = 0.02 and p = 0.0001, respectively). The correlation between T-bet and STAT4 was also observed in patients with CaPe (r = 0.58; p = 0.002). Conclusion: The transcription factors STAT1, STAT4 and T-bet are associated with advanced disease and may be directly related to changes in the levels of B lymphocytes and TCD8 + in patients with penile cancer

Research Advances of JAK/STAT Signaling Pathway in Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway is one of the downstream pathways of cytokine signaling transduction. It regulates cell development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis and so on. The pathway is not only involved in the regulation of normal physiological processes, but also significant in the development of tumors, especially in hematologic malignancies. In recent years, with the further research of JAK/STAT signaling pathway, it has been found that the pathway also plays a key role in the development of solid tumors. Here we reviewed the research advances of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in lung cancer, especially the mechanisms of development, metastasis and drug resistance, and the application of inhibitors which targeting JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the treatment of lung cancer.
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Research progress on anti-inflammatory mechanism of natural sesquiterpenoids / 中国中药杂志

Sesquiterpenoid is a kind of compound widely distributed in nature, which has a wide range of biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and immunomodulatory activities. This paper would review the anti-inflammatory mechanism of sesquiterpenoid. The mechanism is mainly by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways and down-regulating the inflammatory gene expression including tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1(IL-1), IL-6, IL-8 and other inflammatory factors. Thereby, the production and release of inflammatory cytokines are reduced to exert anti-inflammatory effect. This review is intended to provide reference for related research.

IFN-γ induces overexpression of PD-L1 and epithelialmesenchymal transformation of breast cancer cells through activating ERK/Jak2-STAT signaling pathways / 生物工程学报

To investigate the effect of INF-γ on the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the potential mechanism in breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, the cells were treated with different concentrations of INF-γ. The expressions of proteins, including PD-L1, cell-migration-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin), ERK, p-ERK, Jak2, and p-Jak2 were detected by Western blotting analysis and immunofluorescent staining assay. Cell migration was studied through cell wound healing assay and transwell assay. IFN-γ could up-regulate the expressions of PD-L1 in MDA-MB-231 cells. The cell migration rate was significantly increased after adding IFN-γ. The expression levels of vimentin and N-cadherin were increased whereas the expression of E-cadherin was decreased after adding IFN-γ. The expression levels of ERK, p-ERK, Jak2 and p-Jak2 were significantly increased and this phenomenon was inhibited when adding ERK inhibitor U0126 or Jak2 inhibitor AG490. These results demonstrate that IFN-γ could up-regulate the expression of PD-L1, promote cell migration and transmission, and facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of breast cancer cells and this process may be related with ERK and Jak2-STAT signaling pathways.

Effect of EPO on PRDM16, FGF21 expression and STAT phosphorylation of brown adipose tissue in HFD mice / 中国应用生理学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) on blood glucoseand plasma insulin level, index of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), introperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), the mRNA and protein level of PR domain-containing 16 (PRDM16), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) in order to provide clues for the mechanism of obesity and complication.@*METHODS@#Twenty C57BL/6J male mice fed with HFD were randomly divided into control group (HFD-Con) and EPO group (HFD-EPO), mice in the two groups were injected intraperitoneally normal saline and EPO (200 IU/kg) res pectively, 3 times per week for consecutive 4 weeks.Then the body weight, blood glucose, plasma insulin level, HOMA-IR and IPGTT were detected.The mRNA and protein level of PRDM16, FGF21, p-STAT3/STAT3 in brown adipose tissue were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot respectively.@*RESULTS@#After intraperitoneal injection of EPO for 4 weeks, the body weight of the mice in HFD-EPO and HFD-Con groups was (26.65±0.85) g and (31.50±1.6 0) g respectively.The blood glucose of the mice in HFD-EPO group[(62.79±8.09) mg/dl]was significantly decreased compared with that in HFD-Con group[(91.06±9.86) mg/dl].The plasmainsulin level in HFD-EPO group[(10.56±1.06)μU/ml]was significantly decreased compared with that in HFD-Con group[(13.2±1.1)μU/ml, < 0.01].The level of IPGTT in HFD-EPO group was significantly ameliorated and th e HOMA-IR decreased compared with those in HFD-Con group.The mRNA and protein expressions of PRDM16, FGF21 and the level of STAT3 of brown adipose tissue in HFD-E PO group were increased obviously.And there was no difference of FGF21 mRNA content in liver and FGF21 content in plasmabetween the two groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#EPO could promote differentiation of brown adipose tissue by increase in the express ion of PRDM16, and decrease the blood glucose level, ameliorate glucose metabolism in obses mice.

Liuwei Dihuang Pill () Treats Postmenopausal Osteoporosis with Shen (Kidney) Yin Deficiency via Janus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription Signal Pathway by Up-regulating Cardiotrophin-Like Cytokine Factor 1 Expression / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the mechanism of Liuwei Dihuang Pill (, LDP) in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) with Shen (Kidney) yin deficiency.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this study, 205 cases of PMOP were divided into the PMOP Shen-yin deficiency group (Group A), PMOP Shen-yang deficiency group (Group B), PMOP without Shen deficiency group (Group C), and control group (Group N). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot techniques were used to observe the effects of LDP treatment on the cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1), ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing 1 (ASB1), and prokineticin 2 (PROK2) genes and the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA (P<0.05) and protein (P<0.01) expression levels of the CLCF1 gene in Group A were significantly lower than the corresponding levels in Group N. After LDP treatment for 3 months, the mRNA expression levels of the CLCF1 gene were obviously up-regulated (P<0.01). After 6-month treatment, the expression levels of CLCF1 mRNA and protein were significantly up-regulated (both P<0.01), and the average bone density of the top femur had significantly increased (P<0.05). In vitro, CLCF1 overexpression resulted in a significant increase in the total protein and phosphorylated protein levels of JAK2 and STAT3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The CLCF1 gene is an important gene associated with PMOP Shen-yin deficiency and the therapeutic effects of LDP may be mediated by up-regulation of CLCF1 gene expression and activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.</p>

Inhibitors of JAK2/STAT Signaling Pathway and Hematologic Malignancies-Review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Jauns kinase (JAK)/transducer and activator of transcription（STAT） pathway is a classical approach to study the rapid changes of the gene expression in specific target cells by a variety of extracellular signals. The JAK and STAT transfer cytokine receptor signaling plays a unique role in multiple cellular and molecular biological changes.The abnormal signal of JAK/STAT pathway will lead to the hematopoietic abnormalities.Studies had shown that the abnormal activation of JAK2/STAT signaling pathway are in many kinds of malignant hematological diseases, such as in acute lymphoblastic/myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloprofilerative neoplasm, especially in the patients of myeloproliferative neoplasm(MPN) with JAK gene mutation(JAK2V617F), this mutation has an important value for MPN diagnosis. At present, the effect of the specific inhibitors of JAK2 has showed good perspective, which had been applied to clinic treatment and achieved remarkable curative effect. In this review, the JAK2/STAT signaling transduction, the JAK2 signal and hematologic malignancies, the kagulation of signaling pathway and the inhibitors of JAK2/STAT signaling pathway are summarized.

Effect and its molecular mechanisms of curcumin on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rat model with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / 浙江大学学报·医学版

To investigate the effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms of curcumin on pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells in rat model with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).A total of 75 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group (group CN), model group (group M), low-dose curcumin group (group CL), medium-dose curcumin group (group CM) and high-dose curcumin group (group CH). HE staining was used to observe the morphology of pulmonary artery. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by immunohistochemical staining. TUNEL kit was used to analyze the effects of curcumin on apoptosis of smooth muscle cells, and the protein expressions of SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT pathway in lung tissues were determined by western blot.Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVMI) in group M were significantly higher than those in group CN, group CH and group CM (all<0.05). HE staining and TUNEL kit test showed that the number of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells had a significant increase in group M, while the pulmonary artery tube became thin, and the smooth muscle cells shrinked in group CM and group CH. Immunohistochemistry showed that PCNA and Bcl-2 in group M were significantly higher than those in group CN (all<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly lower than that in group CN (<0.05). PCNA in group CM and group CH were significantly lower than that in group M (all<0.05), while Bax expression was significantly higher than that in group M (<0.05). Western blot showed that SOCS-3 protein was significantly decreased in group M, while the p-JAK2, p-STAT1, p-STAT3 were significantly increased (all<0.05). Compared with group M, SOCS-3 protein in group CM and group CH were significantly increased (all<0.05), while the p-JAK2, p-STAT3 were significantly reduced (all<0.05).Curcumin could promote the apoptosis of smooth muscle cells in rats with COPD, and improve the mean pulmonary artery pressure and RVMI through stimulating SOCS-3/JAK2/STAT signaling pathway.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms and the JAK/STAT signaling pathway: an overview

ABSTRACTMyeloproliferative neoplasms are caused by a clonal proliferation of a hematopoietic progenitor. First described in 1951 as 'Myeloproliferative Diseases' and reevaluated by the World Health Organization classification system in 2011, myeloproliferative neoplasms include polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis in a subgroup called breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion oncogene-negative neoplasms. According to World Health Organization regarding diagnosis criteria for myeloproliferative neoplasms, the presence of the JAK2 V617F mutation is considered the most important criterion in the diagnosis of breakpoint cluster region-Abelson fusion oncogene-negative neoplasms and is thus used as a clonal marker. The V617F mutation in the Janus kinase 2(JAK2) gene produces an altered protein that constitutively activates the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathway and other pathways downstream as a result of signal transducers and activators of transcription which are subsequently phosphorylated. This affects the expression of genes involved in the regulation of apoptosis and regulatory proteins and modifies the proliferation rate of hematopoietic stem cells.

Estudo da mutação da STAT5B em Criciúma-Santa Catarina: frequência e caracterização fenotípica de indivíduos heterozigotos / Study of STAT5B mutation in Criciúma - Santa Catarina: frequency and phenotypic characterization of heterozygous individuals

Mutações inativadoras em homozigose no gene do transdutor de sinal e ativador de transcrição 5B (STAT5B) causam insensibilidade ao hormônio de crescimento associada a disfunção imunológica grave que se manifesta na forma de infecções exacerbadas e de repetição, pneumonia intersticial linfocítica e outros eventos autoimunes. A caracterização do fenótipo destas mutações em heterozigose não foi realizada previamente. Dois pacientes descritos com mutação em homozigose na STAT5B (c.424_427del / p.L142RfsX19) são irmãos brasileiros naturais de Criciúma - Santa Catarina, sem consanguinidade conhecida na família. Houve também o relato de dois outros casos semelhantes na cidade, já falecidos, sugerindo que mutações na STAT5B pudessem ser relativamente frequentes nesta região. Os objetivos deste estudo foram investigar a frequência da mutação c.424_427del da STAT5B na população de Criciúma, avaliar a existência de efeito fundador e caracterizar o efeito da mutação c.424_427del da STAT5B em heterozigose sobre o fenótipo antropométrico e hormonal. Para investigar a frequência desta mutação em Criciúma, 1192 indivíduos da população foram genotipados. Foram identificados sete indivíduos heterozigotos, caracterizando uma frequência alélica mínima de 0,29% (intervalo de confiança 95%: 0,08 a 0,5%), significativamente mais alta que a frequência de outras variantes patogênicas da STAT5B descritas em bases de dados públicas. Utilizando-se o equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg, foi possível estimar a incidência de casos de homozigotos para o alelo mutado em um a cada 40 anos. No entanto, utilizando-se a maior frequência possível de acordo com o intervalo de confiança, esta incidência poderia atingir um a cada 13 anos. Além disso, foram estudados os pais dos dois casos relatados como semelhantes aos pacientes homozigotos para mutações na STAT5B e estes pais eram portadores da mutação c.424_427del da STAT5B em heterozigose. Para avaliar o efeito fundador, foram analisados dois...

Homozygous inactivating mutations in signal transducer and activator of transcription 5B gene (STAT5B) cause growth hormone insensitivity associated with signs of severe immune dysfunction, such as recurrent infections, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia and other autoimmune events. The phenotypic characterization of these mutations in heterozygous state has not been accomplished previously. Two patients with a homozygous STAT5B mutation (c.424_427del / p.L142RfsX19) are Brazilian brothers born in the city of Criciúma, Santa Catarina, and there is not known consanguinity in their family. Moreover, there was a report about two similar cases in this city, already deceased, suggesting that STAT5B mutations could be relatively frequent in this region. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the frequency of STAT5B c.424_427del mutation in Criciúma, to assess the existence of the founder effect and to characterize the effect of heterozygous STAT5B c.424_427del mutation on anthropometric and hormonal phenotypes. To evaluate the frequency of this mutation in Criciúma, 1192 individuals from the population were genotyped. Seven heterozygous individuals were identified, which characterized a minimum allele frequency of 0.29% (95% confidence interval: 0.08 to 0.5%), significantly higher than the frequency of other pathogenic variants described in public databases. By using the Hardy-Weinberg law, it was possible to estimate the incidence of cases of individuals homozygous for this mutation at one every 40 years. However, by using the highest possible frequency according to the confidence interval, this incidence could reach one every 13 years. Additionally, the parents of the two reported cases who were similar to patients with homozygous STAT5B mutations were genotyped and these parents were heterozygous for STAT5B c.424_427del mutation. To assess the founder effect, two markers near the mutation were analyzed in the two boys homozygous...

Research advances in the role of JAK2 mutations in acute leukemia / 中国当代儿科杂志

The Janus kinase -signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway plays pivotal roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis, which is closely related with the development of hematopoietic cells and some hematological diseases. As an important signaling axis in JAK-STAT pathway, abnormally activated JAK2-STAT signaling is involved in the development of the hematological malignancies. JAK2V617F mutation is the important molecular pathogenesis of myeloproliferative disorders. Recent studies have demonstrated that JAK2 mutations are present in different acute leukemia subtypes and the frequency of mutations is different and that JAK2 mutations might be closely correlated with acute leukemia formation, treatment and prognosis. The pathogenic mechanism of JAK2 mutations has not been completely elucidated. JAK2 mutations might lead to JAK-STAT overactivation, resulting in the excessive proliferation, apoptosis resistance and differentiation blocking of blood cells. JAK2 inhibitors have been rapidly developed as targeted therapies for hematological disorders with JAK2 mutations. This article mainly focuses on recent studies about the role of JAK2 mutations in the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and targeted therapies of acute leukemia.

Anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from Astragalus sinicus L. in cytokine-induced keratinocytes and skin

Inflammation is a part of the complex biological responses of a tissue to injury that protect the organ by removing injurious stimuli and initiating the healing process, and is considered as a mechanism of innate immunity. To identify biologically active compounds against pathogenic inflammatory and immune responses, we fractionated water, aqueous methanol and n-hexane layers from nine kinds of leguminosae and examined anti-inflammatory activity of the fractions in human keratinocytes and mouse skin. Among the fractions, rf3 and rf4, isolated from the aqueous methanol layer of Astragalus sinicus L., exhibited the strongest reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities as measured by inhibition of the intracellular ROS production, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling in cytokine-stimulated human keratinocytes, as well as by effects on T-cell differentiation in mouse CD4+ T cells. In addition, topical application of rf3 and rf4 suppressed the progression of psoriasis-like dermatitis and expression of pro-inflammatory mediators in interleukin (IL)-23-injected mouse ears. Our results suggest that Astragalus sinicus L. may ameliorate chronic inflammatory skin diseases due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities via regulation of the intracellular ROS production, NF-kappaB, JAK/STAT and PI3/Akt signaling cascades as well as immune responses, and these results are the first report that Astragalus sinicus L. exhibits pharmacological activity.

Impact and long-term effect of three prescriptions regulating and tonifying lung and kidney on JAK/STAT signaling in rats / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the impact and long-term effect of three prescriptions regulating and tonifying lung and kidney (prescription tonifying lung and spleen, prescription tonifying lung and kidney, and prescription tonifying Qi and kidney) on JAK/STAT signaling of COPD rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Rats were randomly divided into the control group, the model group, the Bufeijianpi group, the Bufeiyishen group, the Yiqizishen group and the aminophyline group. The COPD rat model was established by smoke inhalations and bacterial infections. In the 9th week, the control group and the model group were administered with normal saline, while the remaining groups are orally given corresponding medicines. In the 20th and 32nd week, the rats were sacrificed in batches to observe the pathology in their lung tissues, protein expressions of JAK2, STAT1, STAT3, STAT5, and expressions of JAK2 and SOCS3 mRNA.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>In the 20th and 32nd week, protein expressions of JAK2 mRNA and phosphorylation-JAK2, STAT1, STAT3 and STAT5 in the model group were higher than the control group (P < 0.01), whereas the three traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) (Bufeijianpi, Bufeiyishen and Yiqizishen) groups and the aminophyline group were significantly lower (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The expression of SOCS3 mRNA in the model group was higher than the control group (P < 0.01), whereas the level was notably higher in the three TCM groups and the aminophylline group (P < 0.01). The three TCM groups were remarkably higher than the aminophylline group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with the figures in the 20th week, JAK2 mRNA and phosphorylation-JAK2, STAT3 and STAT5 were significantly lower in the Bufeijianpi group in the 32nd week (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and so did phosphorylation-STAT3 in Bufeiyishen group (P < 0.01) and phosphorylation-STAT3 and STAT5 in the Yiqizishen group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). However, the aminophylline group showed no significant difference in above indicators.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The three medicines regulating and tonifying lung and kidney can effectively relieve injury of lung tissues, and have long-term effect, which may be related to the regulation of JAK/ STAT signaling. Specifically, prescription tonifying lung and spleen shows good effect in reducing JAK2, STAT3 and STAT5, prescription tonifying lung and kidney shows good effect in reducing p-STAT3, and prescription tonifying Qi and kidney shows good effect in reducing p-STAT3 and p-STAT5.</p>

Role of LNK gene mutation in pathogenesis of myeloproliferative neoplasms-review / 中国实验血液学杂志

Myeloproliferative neoplasms ( MPN ) is a class of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disease. Studies found that the JAK-STAT signaling pathway is closely related to the pathogenesis of MPN. The lymphocyte-specific adaptor protein (LNK) gene negatively regulates Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MPN. Especially in JAK2 mutation-negative MPN, LNK gene specific mutations may be the key to cause MPN subtypes. Certain single nucleotide polymorphism of LNK gene regulation of hematopoietic cells in different directions may also be important influence factors of MPN performance for different subtypes. LNK gene functional changes lead to abnormal activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and may be a new mechanism of MPN. In this review, the role of LNK gene in MPN pathogenesis is briefly summarized.

Neuroprotective effect of AG490 in experimental traumatic brain injury of rats / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in children and young adults worldwide. Therefore, we investigated the role of AG490 in regulating brain oedema, expression of CD40 and neurological function after TBI.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sprague Dawley rats (n = 240) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, TBI+saline group and TBI+AG490 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) group. Members of each group were euthanized at 6, 12, 24 or 72 hours after injury. Neurological severity score (NSS) was used to evaluate the severity of neurological damage. Brain water was quantitated by wet/dry weight method. The expression of CD40 was assessed by flow cytometry.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In both the TBI+saline group and the TBI+AG490 group, the brain water content was elevated after TBI, reached a peak at 24-hour and remained high for the rest of the period investigated; the expression of CD40 reached a peak 24 hours after TBI; the NSS was elevated after TBI and then decreased after 6 hours. Elevations in the level of CD40, degree of brain edema and NSS after TBI were significantly reduced in TBI+AG490 group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inhibition of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway reduces brain oedema, decreases the expression of CD40 and exerts neuroprotective effects after TBI.</p>

Hedgehog in the Drosophila testis niche: what does it do there?

Stem cell niche is a specialized microenvironment crucial to self-renewal. The testis in Drosophila contains two different types of stem cells, the germline stem cells and the somatic cyst stem cells that are sustained by their respective niche signals, thus is a good system for studying the interaction between the stem cells and their hosting niche. The JAK-STAT and BMP pathways are known to play critical roles in the self-renewal of different kinds of stem cells, but the roles of several other pathways have emerged recently in a complex signaling network in the testis niche. Reports of independent observations from three research groups have uncovered an important role of Hedgehog (Hh) in the Drosophila testis niche. In this review, we summarize these recent findings and discuss the interplay between the Hh signaling mechanisms and those of the JAK-STAT and BMP pathways. We also discuss directions for further investigation.

Modulation of host cell signaling pathways as a therapeutic approach in periodontal disease

Recently, new treatment approaches have been developed to target the host component of periodontal disease. This review aims at providing updated information on host-modulating therapies, focusing on treatment strategies for inhibiting signal transduction pathways involved in inflammation. Pharmacological inhibitors of MAPK, NFκB and JAK/STAT pathways are being developed to manage rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease and other inflammatory diseases. Through these agents, inflammatory mediators can be inhibited at cell signaling level, interfering on transcription factors activation and inflammatory gene expression. Although these drugs offer great potential to modulate host response, their main limitations are lack of specificity and developments of side effects. After overcoming these limitations, adjunctive host modulating drugs will provide new therapeutic strategies for periodontal treatment.

Benzoxathiol derivative BOT-4-one suppresses L540 lymphoma cell survival and proliferation via inhibition of JAK3/STAT3 signaling

Persistently activated JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in various human cancers including major carcinomas and hematologic tumors, and is implicated in cancer cell survival and proliferation. Therefore, inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling may be a clinical application in cancer therapy. Here, we report that 2-cyclohexylimino-6-methyl-6,7-dihydro-5H-benzo [1,3]oxathiol-4-one (BOT-4-one), a small molecule inhibitor of JAK/STAT3 signaling, induces apoptosis through inhibition of STAT3 activation. BOT-4-one suppressed cytokine (upd)-induced tyrosine phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of STAT92E, the sole Drosophila STAT homolog. Consequently, BOT-4-one significantly inhibited STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation and expression of STAT3 downstream target gene SOCS3 in various human cancer cell lines, and its effect was more potent in JAK3-activated Hodgkin's lymphoma cell line than in JAK2-activated breast cancer and prostate cancer cell lines. In addition, BOT-4-one-treated Hodgkin's lymphoma cells showed decreased cell survival and proliferation by inducing apoptosis through down-regulation of STAT3 downstream target anti-apoptotic gene expression. These results suggest that BOT-4-one is a novel small molecule inhibitor of JAK3/STAT3 signaling and may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of human cancers harboring aberrant JAK3/STAT3 signaling, specifically Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Estudo da participação de reguladores negativos endógenos da atividade de STAT1 e STAT3 (SOCS1 e SOCS3) na doença periodontal experimental / Role of endogenous negative regulators of STATI and STAT3 (SOCS1 and SOCS3 during experimental periodontal disease

A expressão de citocinas inflamatórias é um processo estritamente regulado por mecanismos variados, incluindo o controle da sinalização intracelular e da atividade transcricional por inibidores endógenos, os quais são pouco estudados e compreendidos. Três grupos de proteínas: SHP, PIAS e SOCS inibem de maneira distinta e específica a transdução de sinais pela via JAK/STAT, bem como a atividade dos fatores de transcrição, eventos que modulam a expressão de diversas citocinas. As doenças periodontais estão associadas à inflamação persistente, com elevados níveis de citocinas proinflamatórias, no entanto praticamente não existem informações sobre a participação destes mecanismos de regulação nas diferentes condições clínicas periodontais. Os objetivos deste projeto incluíram avaliar a cinética de expressão das proteínas SOCS1 e SOCS3 e suas proteínas-alvo, STAT1 e STAT3, respectivamente, durante a evolução da doença periodontal. Foram utilizados 36 ratos Wistar divididos em 2 grupos: DP - doença periodontal induzida por 2 métodos: ligaduras ao redor dos 1os molares inferiores e injeções de 60 µg de LPS de E. coli no tecido gengival palatino dos molares superiores, 3x/semana; Grupo controle negativo - recebeu apenas injeções de PBS (veículo). Os ratos foram sacrificados 7, 15 e 30 dias após a indução da doença periodontal para avaliação histológica e análise macroscópica da perda óssea alveolar. A expressão de SOCS1 e SOCS3 e a ativação de STAT1 e STAT3 foram avaliadas nas biópsias gengivais por PCR em tempo real e Western blot. Ambos os modelos apresentaram significante e progressiva perda óssea dos 7 aos 30 dias. A inflamação foi evidente já no período de 7 dias em ambos os modelos, porém enquanto manteve-se similar nos demais períodos no modelo de indução por LPS, apresentou uma diminuição na severidade da inflamação no modelo de ligadura aos 30 dias. Houve um significante (p<0.05) aumento na expressão gênica de SOCS1 e SOCS3 no grupo DP comparado com o grupo controle aos 15 dias (ambos os modelos) e aos 30 (modelo de indução por ligadura). A ativação de STAT1 e -3 foram aumentadas nos períodos iniciais no modelo por ligadura e nos períodos mais tardios no modelo de LPS. Estes resultados sugerem que SOCS1 e -3 participam na regulação do processo inflamatório responsável pela destruição periodontal

Inflammatory cytokine gene expression is a process strictly regulated by various mechanisms, including the negative regulation of signaling of cytokine receptors and of the activity of transcription factors such as STATs. These mechanisms involve endogenous proteins and are largely unknown, especially in periodontal diseases. Three groups of proteins, SHP, PIAS and SOCS modulate in a fairly specific manner JAK/STAT signaling and/or STAT activity. Periodontal diseases are infectious-inflammatory conditions of the supporting tissues of the teeth associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, but there are no information regarding the role of these endogenous mediators of JAK/STAT during its course. The aims of this study included the evaluation of the expression kinetics of inducible negative regulators and their target proteins during the course of experimentally induced periodontal disease. 36 Wistar rats were divided into two groups: PD - experimental periodontal disease induced by two methods: ligature placement around the first mandibular molars and E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections into the palatal gingival tissues of the maxillary molars, 3x/week, and Negative Control group. Rats were sacrificed 07, 15 and 30 days after disease induction for histological evaluation of periodontal inflammation and macroscopic analysis of alveolar bone loss. SOCS expression and the activation status of STAT1 and STAT3 were evaluated in gingival biopsies by real time PCR and Western Blot. Both disease models presented significant progressive bone loss from 7 to 30 days. Inflammation was evident and similar for all the periods in LPS injected sites; however, a decrease on severity at the end of the experimental period was observed in the ligature model. There was a significant (p<0.05) increase on SOCS1 and SOCS3 gene expression in PD compared to control group at 15 (both disease models) and 30 days (ligatureinduced model). The activation of STAT1 and STAT3 were increased in earlier periods in the ligature model and in later periods in the LPS model. This study suggests that SOCS 1 and 3 participate in the regulatory mechanism of the inflammatory process responsible for the periodontal disease destruction