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.

Marsdenia tenacissima injection induces the apoptosis of prostate cancer by regulating the AKT/GSK3β/STAT3 signaling axis / 中国天然药物

Marsdenia tenacissima injection, a standard Marsdenia tenacissima extract (MTE), has been approved as an adjuvant therapeutic agent for various cancers. Our previous study showed that MTE inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and active ingredients of MTE against PCa were not completely understood. This study revealed that MTE induced significant decreases in cell viability and clonal growth in PCa cells. In addition, MTE induced the apoptosis of DU145 cells by reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing the expression of Cleaved Caspase 3/7, Cyt c, and Bax. In vivo, DU145 xenografted NOD-SCID mice treated with MTE showed significantly decreased tumor size. TUNEL staining and Western blot confirmed the pro-apoptotic effects of MTE. Network pharmacology analysis collected 196 ingredients of MTE linked to 655 potential targets, and 709 PCa-associated targets were retrieved, from which 149 overlapped targets were screened out. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the HIF-1, PI3K-AKT, and ErbB signaling pathways were closely related to tumor apoptosis. Western blot results confirmed that MTE increased the expression of p-AKTSer473 and p-GSK3βSer9, and decreased the expression of p-STAT3Tyr705in vitro and in vivo. A total of 13 compounds in MTE were identified by HPLC-CAD-QTOF-MS/MS and UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. Molecular docking analysis indicated that six compounds may interact with AKT, GSK3β, and STAT3. In conclusion, MTE induces the endogenous mitochondrial apoptosis of PCa by regulating the AKT/GSK3β/STAT3 signaling axis, resulting in inhibition of PCa growth in vitro and in vivo.

Physical exercise suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by alleviating hypoxia and attenuating cancer stemness through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#Physical exercise, a common non-drug intervention, is an important strategy in cancer treatment, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism remains largely unknown. Due to the importance of hypoxia and cancer stemness in the development of HCC, the present study investigated whether the anti-HCC effect of physical exercise is related to its suppression on hypoxia and cancer stemness.@*METHODS@#A physical exercise intervention of swimming (30 min/d, 5 d/week, for 4 weeks) was administered to BALB/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous human HCC tumor. The anti-HCC effect of swimming was assessed in vivo by tumor weight monitoring, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67. The expression of stemness transcription factors, including Nanog homeobox (NANOG), octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT-4), v-Myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene homolog (C-MYC) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), was detected using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. A hypoxia probe was used to explore the intratumoral hypoxia status. Western blot was used to detect the expression of HIF-1α and proteins related to protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin signaling pathway. The IHC analysis of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (CD31), and the immunofluorescence co-location of CD31 and desmin were used to analyze tumor blood perfusion. SMMC-7721 cells were treated with nude mice serum. The inhibition effect on cancer stemness in vitro was detected using suspension sphere experiments and the expression of stemness transcription factors. The hypoxia status was inferred by measuring the protein and mRNA levels of HIF-1α. Further, the expression of proteins related to Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway was detected.@*RESULTS@#Swimming significantly reduced the body weight and tumor weight in nude mice bearing HCC tumor. HE staining and IHC results showed a lower necrotic area ratio as well as fewer PCNA or Ki67 positive cells in mice receiving the swimming intervention. Swimming potently alleviated the intratumoral hypoxia, attenuated the cancer stemness, and inhibited the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. Additionally, the desmin+/CD31+ ratio, rather than the number of CD31+ vessels, was significantly increased in swimming-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that treating cells with the serum from the swimming intervention mice significantly reduced the formation of SMMC-7721 cell suspension sphere, as well as the mRNA expression level of stemness transcription factors. Consistent with the in vivo results, HIF-1α and Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway were also inhibited in cells treated with serum from swimming group.@*CONCLUSION@#Swimming alleviated hypoxia and attenuated cancer stemness in HCC, through suppression of the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. The alleviation of intratumoral hypoxia was related to the increase in blood perfusion in the tumor. Please cite this article as: Xiao CL, Zhong ZP, Lü C, Guo BJ, Chen JJ, Zhao T, Yin ZF, Li B. Physical exercise suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by alleviating hypoxia and attenuating cancer stemness through the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(2): 184-193.

Effects of polyphyllin Ⅵ on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells and potential mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of polyphyllin Ⅵ（PPⅥ） on the proliferation and apoptosis of glioma cells and potential mechanism. METHODS Using human glioma LN229 cells as objects， MTT assay was used to detect the survival rate after treated with different concentrations of PPⅥ [0 （control group）， 1， 2， 4， 8， 16， 32， 64 μmol/L] for different time （24， 48， 72 h）. The clone formation experiments were adopted to detect the number of cell clones and clone formation rate after being treated with different concentrations of PPⅥ [0 （control group）， 2， 4， 8 μmol/L] for 14 days. The flow cytometry and Western blot assay were used to detect the apoptotic rate of cells， the expressions of apoptosis-related protein [B cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2 associated X protein （Bax）， cleaved caspase-3]， and the expressions of related proteins of Fas/Fas ligand （FasL） death receptor pathway and protein kinase B （Akt）/glycogen synthesis kinase-3β （GSK-3β） pathway after being treated with different concentrations of PPⅥ [0（control group）， 4， 8 μmol/L] for 24 h. RESULTS Compared with the control group， the survival rate of cells， the number of clones and clone formation rate， the protein expression of Bcl-2， and the phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β protein were decreased significantly in different concentration groups of PPⅥ （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The apoptotic rate， the protein expressions of Bax， cleaved caspase-3， Fas， FasL and cleaved caspase-8 were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜ 0.01）. CONCLUSIONS PPⅥ can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of human glioma LN229 cells， which may be related to the activation of the Fas/FasL death receptor pathway and the inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β pathway.

Role of Akt/GSK3β signal pathway in baicalin improving the cognitive function of mice with brain injury induced by mechanical ventilation / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of baicalin on cognitive function of mice with brain injury induced by mechanical ventilation and its mechanism.Methods:Seventy two C57BL6 mice, weighing 20-25 g, aged 8-12 weeks, were randomly divided into control group (group C), mechanical ventilation group (group V), baicalin group (group B), baicalin+ Akt inhibitor MK-2206 group (group BM) according to random number table method, with 18 in each group.Mice in group C did not have mechanical ventilation and breathed air independently for 6 hours.Mice in group V received mechanical ventilation for 6 hours.Mice in group B and group BM were intraperitoneally injected with baicalin 100 mg/kg 30 minutes before mechanical ventilation, and mice in group BM were injected intraventricular with Akt inhibitor MK-2206 300 μg/kg 60 minutes before mechanical ventilation.Six mice in each group were randomly selected to test their learning and memory abilities by Morris water maze test 1st day before mechanical ventilation and 3rd day and 7th day after mechanical ventilation.One day after mechanical ventilation, six mice in each group were killed, and the brain tissue was taken.TUNEL method was used to detect the neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal CA1 area, and the apoptosis index was calculated.One day after mechanical ventilation, six mice in each group were killed, and the hippocampus was taken, Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of caspase-3, caspase-9, Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3β and p-GSK-3β.SPSS 22.0 software was used for statistical analysis of data, repeated measure ANOVA and one-way ANOVA were used for comparison between multiple groups.LSD- t test was used for further pairwise comparison. Results:The results of water maze test showed that the time and group interaction of the four groups were not significant ( F=1.14, P>0.05), the main effect of time and group were both significant ( F=47.36, 59.65, both P<0.05). At 3rd day and 7th day after mechanical ventilation, the escape latencies of mice in group V were higher than those in group C (both P<0.05), and the numbers of platform crossing were lower than those in group C (both P<0.05). And 3 days and 7 days after mechanical ventilation, the escape latencies of mice in group B were lower than those in group V (both P<0.05) and the numbers of platform crossing were higher than those in group V (both P<0.05). The escape latenies of mice in BM group on the 3rd and 7th day were higher than those in group B (both P<0.05), and the numbers of platform crossing were lower than those in group B on the 3rd day and 7th day after mechanical ventilation(both P<0.05). TUNEL and Western blot results showed that apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons and expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins caspase-3 and caspase-9 were significant different in the four groups ( F=51.42, 41.21, 40.19, all P<0.05). The apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons ((40.6±3.9)%), the expression levels of caspase-3 (4.93±0.92) and caspase-9 (4.81±0.88) in the hippocampus of mice in group V were higher than those in group C ((13.7±1.4)%, (1.87±0.27), (1.71±0.25), all P<0.05), the apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons ((15.6±1.6)%), the expression levels of caspase-3 (1.95±0.30) and caspase-9 (1.76±0.28) in group B were lower than those in group V ((40.6±3.9)%, (4.93±0.92), (4.81±0.88), all P<0.05), the apoptosis index of hippocampal neurons ((27.8±2.7)%), the expression levels of caspase-3 (3.58±0.61) and caspase-9 (3.49±0.57) in BM group were higher than those in group B ((15.6±1.6)%, (1.95±0.30), (1.76±0.28), all P<0.05). Expression level of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β in hippocampal tissues of the four group of mice were significantly different ( F=37.54, 43.23, both P<0.05). The expression level of p-Akt (0.51±0.06) and p-GSK-3β (0.47±0.05) of hippocampal tissues of mice in group V were lower than those of group C ((1.07±0.10), (1.11±0.12), both P<0.05), the expression level of p-Akt (0.99±0.10) and p-GSK-3β (1.08±0.09) of hippocampal tissues of mice in group B were higher than those of group V (both P<0.05), the expression level of p-Akt (0.83±0.08) and p-GSK-3β (0.81±0.07) of hippocampal tissues of mice in group BM were lower than those in group B (both P<0.05). Conclusion:Baicalin can improve the cognitive function of mice with brain injury induced by mechanical ventilation, which is related with activation of Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway and inhibition of hippocampal neuron apoptosis.

Neuroprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba dropping pills in Parkinson's disease / 药物分析学报

Parkinson's disease(PD)is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world;however,it lacks effective and safe treatments.Ginkgo biloba dropping pill(GBDP),a unique Chinese G.biloba leaf extract preparation,exhibits antioxidant and neuroprotective effects and has a potential as an alternative therapy for PD.Thus,the aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of GBDP in in vitro and in vivo PD models and to compare the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of GBDP and the G.biloba extract EGb 761.Using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry,46 GBDP constitu-ents were identified.Principal component analysis identified differences in the chemical profiles of GBDP and EGb 761.A quantitative analysis of 12 constituents showed that GBDP had higher levels of several flavonoids and terpene trilactones than EGb 761,whereas EGb 761 had higher levels of organic acids.Moreover,we found that GBDP prevented 6-hydroxydopamine-induced dopaminergic neuron loss in zebrafish and improved cognitive impairment and neuronal damage in methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced PD mice.Although similar effects were observed after EGb 761 treatment,the neuroprotective effects were greater after GBDP treatment on several endpoints.In addition,in vitro results suggested that the Akt/GSK3β pathway may be involved in the neuroprotective effects of GBDP.These findings demonstrated that GBDP have potential neuroprotective effects in the treatment of PD.

PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway participates in the protective effect of adenosine A1R-mediated propofol on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway involved in the protective effect and mechanism of propofol on the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats. METHODS: There were 72 healthy male SD rats. All rats established a model of focal cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury according to the Zea Longa method and were randomly divided into six groups (n=12), A-sham operation group, B-model group (MCAO), C-Propofol group, D-Propofol+adenosine A1R antagonist group (DPCPX), E-Propofol group+PI3K specific inhibitor (LY294002), F-Propofol+GSK3β inhibitor group (SB216763). The neurological scores of rats 24 h after operation, LDF monitors changes in cerebral blood flow before and after embolization were observed. The TTC staining method was used to detect the cerebral infarction volume of rats in each group; HE staining method was used to observe the morphological changes of the rat brain tissue; Immunohistochemical method was used to detect Bcl-2 positive cells expression; TUNEL was used to detect cerebral cortex ischemia in each group. The percentage of neuronal apoptotic cells. RESULTS: Compared with group A, the behaviors, cerebral infarction volume, apoptosis rate, and Bcl-2 protein expression of rats in groups B, C, D, E, and F all increased (P<0.05); compared with group C, the behavioral scores, cerebral infarction volume and apoptosis rate of rats in groups B, D and E all increased significantly, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was decreased significantly (P<0.01), but the expression of Bcl-2 protein in group F was increased, cell apoptosis rate decreased (P<0.05), behavior score and infarcts decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The neuroprotective effect of propofol mediated by adenosine A1R on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats may be related to the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signal transduction pathway.

Study on Protective Mechanism of Dexmedetomidine on Cerebral Injury in Sepsis Model Rats Based on SIRT 1/ Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin Signaling Pathway / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To in vestigate the effects of dexmedetomidine （Dex）on SIRT 1/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in cerebral injury of sepsis model rats ，and explore the mechanism of its protecitve effect on cerebral injury. METHODS ： A total of 80 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group （Sham group ），sepsis group （CLP group ），CLP+Dex group（10 μg/kg Dex），CLP+Dex+Sirtinol group （10 μg/kg Dex+2 μL/100 g SIRT 1 inhibitor sirtinol ），with 20 mice in each group. Two hours before modeling ，CLP+Dex+Sirtinol group was injected with sirtinol via lateral ventricle. Sepsis model was induced by cecal ligation and perforation in each group （in sham group ，only operation was performed but no ligation was performed）. At 0，3，6 h after modeling ，CLP+Dex group and CLP+Dex+Sirtinol group were given Dex （10 μg/kg） intraperitoneally，Sham group and CLP group were given constant volume of normal saline intraperitoneally. Cerebral tissue water content，Evans blue （EB）content，apoptosis in cerebral cortex ，the levels of IL- 1β and TNF-α in cerebral tissue as well as the protein expression of SIRT 1，p-Akt，p-GSK3β and β-catenin in hippocampus were detected 24 h after last medication. RESULTS ： Compared with Sham group ，cerebral tissue water content ，EB content ，the number of apoptotic cells in cerebral cortex as well as the levels of IL- 1β and TNF-α in cerebral tissue were increased significantly（P＜0.05），while the protein expression of SIRT 1， p-Akt，p-GSK3β and β-catenin in hippocampus were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with CLP group ，cerebral tissue water content ，EB content ，the number of apoptotic cells in cerebral cortex as well as the levels of IL- 1β and TNF-α in cerebral tissue were decreased significantly in CLP+Dex group （P＜0.05），while the protein expression of SIRT 1，p-Akt，p-GSK3β and β-catenin in hippocampus were increased significantly （P＜0.05）. Sirtinol could significantly reverse the above-mentioned cerebral protection and factor regulation effects of Dex （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS ：Dex can protect the cerebral tissue of sepsis model rats，which may play an anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic role by activating SIRT 1/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway ，so as to reduce cerebral edema ，protect blood-brain barrier and reduce cerebral injury.

Salvianolic Acid A Protects Neonatal Cardiomyocytes Against Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Injury by Preserving Mitochondrial Function and Activating Akt/GSK-3β Signals / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effects of salvianolic acid A (SAA) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in response to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and to determine whether the Akt signaling pathway might play a role.@*METHODS@#An in vitro model of H/R injury was used to study outcomes on primary cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. The cardiomyocytes were treated with 12.5, 25, 50 μg/mL SAA at the beginning of hypoxia and reoxygenation, respectively. Adenosine triphospate (ATP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assayed. Cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry and the expression of cleaved-caspase 3, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Western blotting. The effects of SAA on mitochondrial dysfunction were examined by determining the mitochondrial membrane potential (△Ψm) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), followed by the phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) and GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β), which were measured by Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#SAA significantly preserved ATP levels and reduced ROS production. Importantly, SAA markedly reduced the number of apoptotic cells and decreased cleaved-caspase 3 expression levels, while also reducing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. Furthermore, SAA prevented the loss of △Ψm and inhibited the activation of mPTP. Western blotting experiments further revealed that SAA significantly increased the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3β, and the increase in p-GSK-3β expression was attenuated after inhibition of the Akt signaling pathway with LY294002.@*CONCLUSION@#SAA has a protective effect on cardiomyocyte H/R injury; the underlying mechanism may be related to the preservation of mitochondrial function and the activation of the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Ezetimibe Protects Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Stress through Akt/GSK-3β Pathway / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Ezetimibe was reported to pharmacologically defend against oxidative stress.This study was designed to investigate whether ezetimibe can protect against the oxidative stress induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in vitro and the underlying mechanism.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with ezetimibe and then exposed to oxLDL for 24 h.TUNEL assay and detection for the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3,Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 were employed to assess the oxLDL-induced endothelial apoptosis.Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated by measuring dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence.The activities of endothelial antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase] were tested via an enzymatic assay.The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored by flow cytometry using JC-1 staining.Phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β) and Akt (p-Akt),as well as total GSK-3β and Akt were determined by Western blotting.The results showed that ezetimibe treatment inhibited HUVECs apoptosis,intracellular ROS production,and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities elicited by oxLDL.HUVECs exposed to oxLDL alone had reduced mitochondrial function,while ezetimibe pre-intervention could significantly rescue the MMP.Furthermore,the protein levels of p-GSK-3β and p-Akt in ezetimibe-pretreated HUVECs were markedly increased as compared with those in oxLDL-induced HUVECs.However,no significant effect on total GSK-3β and Akt was found in ezetimibe-pretreated HUVECs.Taken together,it was concluded that ezetimibe protects against oxLDL-induced oxidative stress through restoring the MMP,which may be mediated by Akt-dependent GSK-3β phosphorylation.

Ezetimibe Protects Endothelial Cells against Oxidative Stress through Akt/GSK-3β Pathway / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

Ezetimibe was reported to pharmacologically defend against oxidative stress.This study was designed to investigate whether ezetimibe can protect against the oxidative stress induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in vitro and the underlying mechanism.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pretreated with ezetimibe and then exposed to oxLDL for 24 h.TUNEL assay and detection for the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3,Bcl-xl and Bcl-2 were employed to assess the oxLDL-induced endothelial apoptosis.Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was evaluated by measuring dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence.The activities of endothelial antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase] were tested via an enzymatic assay.The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was monitored by flow cytometry using JC-1 staining.Phosphorylation levels of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β) and Akt (p-Akt),as well as total GSK-3β and Akt were determined by Western blotting.The results showed that ezetimibe treatment inhibited HUVECs apoptosis,intracellular ROS production,and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities elicited by oxLDL.HUVECs exposed to oxLDL alone had reduced mitochondrial function,while ezetimibe pre-intervention could significantly rescue the MMP.Furthermore,the protein levels of p-GSK-3β and p-Akt in ezetimibe-pretreated HUVECs were markedly increased as compared with those in oxLDL-induced HUVECs.However,no significant effect on total GSK-3β and Akt was found in ezetimibe-pretreated HUVECs.Taken together,it was concluded that ezetimibe protects against oxLDL-induced oxidative stress through restoring the MMP,which may be mediated by Akt-dependent GSK-3β phosphorylation.

ABT-263 induced A431 cell apoptosis and its effect on AKT downstream signaling pathway / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of ABT-263,an anti-apoptotic protein inhibitor,on human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma A431 cells,and to explore its molecular mechanisms. METHODS: i) Total protein was extracted from human immortalized epidermal cells( Ha Ca T cells) and A431 cells in logarithmic growth phase. The protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2( BCL-2) and BCL2-like 1( BCL-XL) was detected by Western blotting. ii) The A431 cells were treated with ABT-263( inhibitor group) and dimethyl sulfoxide( control group) at a concentration of 50 μmol/L for 4 and 9 hours. The morphological changes of the cells were examined by transmission electron microscopy. iii) The A431 cells were treated with 0,10,25,40,and 50 μmol/L of ABT-263 for 24 hours,and the cell viability was determined by CCK-8 assay. iv) The A431 cells were treated with different doses of ABT-263,and the expression of cleaved Caspase-3, cleaved poly( ADP-ribose) polymerase-1( PARP-1), phosphorylated protein kinase B [p AKT(ser473)],phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3β(p GSK3β) and phosphorylated histone H2 AX(γH2 AX) was detected by Western blot. RESULTS: The relative expression of BCL-2 and BCL-XL in A431 cells were higher than those in Ha Ca T cells( P < 0. 01). Transmission electron microscopy results showed that A431 cells in inhibitor group gradually changed from normal morphology to apoptotic morphology,showing loss of microvilli,increased nuclear chromatin density and aggregation around the nuclear membrane,and nuclear fragmentation. The cell viability of A431 cells in 10,25,40 and 50 μmol/L groups were lower than those in control group( P < 0. 05). The relative expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1 in A431 cells in 10,30 and 50 μmol/L groups were higher than those in control group( P < 0. 05).The relative expression of p AKT( ser473) and p GSK3β in A431 cells in 10,25,40 and 50 μmol/L groups were lower than those of the control group( P < 0. 05) and γH2 AX protein expression was higher than that of the control group( P <0. 05). A431 cell viability and p GSK3β protein expression decreased with the increase of inhibitor dosage( P < 0. 01).The relative expression of cleaved Caspase-3 and γH2 AX protein increased with the increase of inhibitor dosage( P <0. 01),showing dose-effect relationship. CONCLUSION: ABT-263 can induce apoptosis of A431 cells through mitochondria pathway and induce the inactivation of AKT/GSK3β pathway,which can promote the apoptosis of A431 cells with a doseeffect relationship.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A reduces anoxia/reoxygenation-induced injury in rat cardiomyocytes / 基础医学与临床

Objective To observe the protective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA) on anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) injury of neonatal primary cardiomyocytes, and its relationship with phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein ki-nase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3β(PI3K/Akt/GSK3β) signaling pathway. Methods Primary cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats were isolated from the rats and incubated for 48 hours. The cells were adhered to each other and then divided into five groups:control group (Con group), anoxia/reoxygenation group (A/R group),HSYA treatment group(A/R+H group),PI3K inhibitor (LY294002)treatment group(A/R+L group)and HSYA+LY294002 treat-ment group (A/R+H+L group),then to collect the supernatant fluid of each group to measure LDH.The flow cy-tometry was used to measure the apoptotic cells. The protein levels of Bcl-2,Bax,Akt,p-Akt (Ser473),GSK3β, p-GSK3β (Ser9) were evalated by Western blot. Results A/R increased LDH release,the apoptosis rate (P<0.001),and the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax (P <0.001) with the decrease of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,p-Akt(Ser473), p-GSK3β(Ser9)(P<0.001) as compared with the control group. HSYA treatment de-creased LDH release,the apoptosis rate (P<0.001),and the expression of Bax (P<0.001) and increase the ex-pression of Bcl-2,p-Akt(Ser473),p-GSK3β(Ser9)(P<0.001). Compared with the A/R+H group,the expres-sion of Bax was increased (P<0.001),while the expression of Bcl-2, p-Akt(Ser473), p-GSK3β(Ser9)was de-creased (P<0.001) in the A/R+H+L group. Conclusions HSYA protects rats'cardiomyocytes from anoxia/reoxy-genation injury by regulating PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway.

Effect of Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway on EMT in A549/DDP cells mediated by TGF-β1 / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To observe the expression of Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway-related molecules in cis-platin-resistant cell line A549/DDP mediated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and to explore the association of Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS:The A549/DDP cells were divided into TGF-β1(+) group, TGF-β1(-) group and LY294002 group. The morphological changes of A549/DDP cells treated with TGF-β1 were observed under microscope. The protein expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin was determined by the methods of immumofluorescence and Western blot. The protein levels of Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3βSer9 and Snail were also detected by Western blot. RESULTS:The A549/DDP cells in TGF-β1(+) group were disper-sive, showed a spindle-like shape and developed pseudopodia. This transformation was conformed to classic EMT markers. Compared with TGF-β1(-) group, the protein expression of E-cadherin in TGF-β1(+) group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and N-cadherin was significantly increased (P<0.05). The protein levels of p-Akt, p-GSK-3βSer9 and Snail were also significantly increased ( P<0.05). Compared with TGF-β1(+) group, the protein levels of p-Akt, p-GSK-3βSer9 and Snail were significantly decreased in LY294002 group (P<0.05). No difference of Akt and GSK-3β expression between TGF-β1(-) group and TGF-β1(+) group was observed. CONCLUSION:The mechanism of EMT in A549/DDP cells might be related to Akt/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway activated by TGF-β1.

Ginsenoside Rh2 induced human colorectal cancer cell apoptosis through PI3K/AKT/GSK-3βpathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the effect of Ginsen-oside Rh2 on apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cell SW480,and to explore the possible mechanism of it. Methods The proliferation activity of SW480 treated with Ginsenoside Rh2 was measured CCK-8 assay.Ap-optosis rates were evaluated by FCM.Hoechst 33258 staining was used to observe cell nucleus morphologi-cal;change SW480 cells were treated with Ginsenoside Rh2,and the protein expressions of Bcl-2,Bax,p53, cleaved caspase-3 ,PI3 K,AKT,P-AKT,GSK-3β,P-GSK-3βwere detected by Western blot;SW480 cells were treated with LY294002,Rh2,LY294002+Rh2, the expressions of PI3 K,AKT,P-AKT,GSK-3β,P-GSK-3βwere detected by Western blot.Results The proliferation of SW480 cells was significantly inhibited by Ginsenoside Rh2 in dose-dependent and time-de-pendent manner.FCM showed the inducing apoptosis effect of Ginsenoside Rh2 was significantly different from that of control group.Hoechst 33258 staining in-dicated clearly cell apoptosis in Ginsenoside Rh2 treat-ment groups.Western blot showed Ginsenoside Rh2 decreased expression of Bcl-2,increased expression of Bax,p53 and cleaved caspase-3,PI3K/AKT/GSK-3βpathway proteins PI3 K,P-AKT,P-GSK-3βdecreased obviously,AKT and GSK-3βwere not changed signifi-cantly in SW480.SW480 cells were separately treated with LY294002,Rh2,LY294002 +Rh2,there were no significant difference in AKT and GSK-3βprotein a-mong all groups,and the expression of PI3 K,P-AKT, P-GSK-3βdecreased more obviously in LY294002 +Rh2 group compared with LY294002 and Rh2 alone. Conclusion Rh2 induces colorectal cancer cell apop-tosis through PI3 K/AKT/GSK-3βpathway,which ac-tivates p53 and cleaved caspase-3,and destroys the balance of Bcl-2/Bax.

Effects of VDUP1 on proliferation and migration of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effect of vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) gene over-expression/knockdown on the proliferation and migration of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and its related mechanisms.METHODS:Gene over-expression/interference techniques were used to up-regulate/down-regulate the expression of VDUP1 in the MCF-7 cells.The mRNA expression of VDUP1 was detected by qPCR.CCK-8, BrdU and Transwell assays were used to measure the cell viability, proliferation and migration, respectively.The protein levels of Akt, p-Akt, GSK3β and p-GSK3β were determined by Western blot.RESULTS:The mRNA expression of VDUP1 was up-regulated after transfection with VDUP1 over-expression plasmid (P<0.05), and down-regulated after transfection with VDUP1 siRNA (P<0.05).Over-expression of VDUP1 significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05), while knockdown of VDUP1 enhanced cell proliferation and migration (P<0.05).Furthermore, over-expression of VDUP1 up-regulated the protein levels of p-Akt and p-GSK3β (P<0.05).Inverse results were obtained after knockdown of VDUP1.CONCLUSION:The viability and migration ability of MCF-7 cells are inhibited by over-expression of VDUP1 but enhanced by VDUP1 knockdown, which may be related with Akt/GSK3β pathway.

The protective effect of PI3K/AKt/GSK3β signaling pathway on brain during resuscitation with neck cooling / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To study the changes of PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway during resuscitation with neck cooling in order to explore the relationship between the protective effect of neck cooling and the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and GSK3β.Methods Thirty rabbits were randomly(random number) divided into five groups, and models of cadiac arrest were induced by ventricular fibrillation(VF, the positive electrode in the right ventricle and negative pole on the apex of heart) for 4 min.In sham group,a electrode was placed into right ventricle without electric current conducted, and CA was not induced.The rabbits were sacrificed and specimens were taken at 24 hours after modeling.In normothermia treat group(NT group),resuscitation was carried out to restoration of spontaneous circulation(ROSC),and the rabbits were sacrificed and specimens were taken at 24 hours after modeling.In intra-arrest therapeutic hypothermia group (IATH group), rapid neck cooling was initiated at the same time with CPR,and the target brain temperature was set at 34 ℃ maintained for 4 hours after ROSC.Rabbits were sacrificed and specimens were taken at 24 hours after modeling.In recovery period cooling + LY294002 group(PATH+LY294002 group), LY294002 was injected intra-ventricularly at 20 minutes before resuscitation.Rapid neck cooling was started at the same time with CPR,and the target brain temperature was set at 34 ℃ maintained for 4 hours after ROSC.The rabbits were sacrificed and specimens were taken at 24 hours after modeling.In post-arrest therapeutic hypothermia group (PATH group), rapid neck cooling was begun after CPR for 1 hour,and the target brain temperature was set at 34 ℃ maintained for 4 hours after ROSC.The rabbits were sacrificed and specimens were taken at 24 hours after modeling.Animals were sacrificed by using overdose anesthetic drug.Western blot was used to detect the level of Akt p-Akt GSK-3β p-GSK-3β (ser9) protein, and TUNEL was used to observe apoptosis of tissues in each group.Multiple comparisons were performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results Compared with Sham group, Akt (Thr-308) phosphorylation (P-AKT) and P-GSK-3β levels in the brain neuron cytoplasm in 24 hours after CPR resuscitation in NT group was significantly reduced, and showed a gradual reduction trend (P<0.05);the P-AKT and P-GSK-3β levels in the brain neuron cytoplasm in 24 hours after CPR resuscitation in IATH group were significantly enhanced compared with NT group (P<0.05);the levels of these two kinds of protein at one hour after resuscitation in PATH group were significantly enhanced compared with NT group (P<0.05), but lower in IATH group.Intra-ventricularly injection of LY294002 made the effect of hypothermia lost, indicating that LY294002 inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt.Apoptosis cells were significantly reduced in IATH group and normothermia theatment group compared with PATH group and LY294002 group(P<0.05).Conclusions Neck cooling can reduce apoptosis in rabbit brain cells after recovery, and the protective effect on brain is best in intra-arrest therapeutic hypothermia group.LY294002 specifically block the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the protective effect of cooling on the brain can be abolished,indicating hypothermia protects the neurological function via activation of PI3K/Akt pathway.Neck cooling protects the neurological function by activating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β, promoting the Akt activation, and increasing the expression of P-GSK3β.Specific Akt inhibitor LY294002 inhibits Akt phosphorylation of brain tissue recovery and further inhibit the phosphorylation of GSK-3β, thus abolishing protective effect of cooling on neurological function.

Effect of Artesunate on Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin Signal Pathway in Human Hepatic Stellate Cells / 中国药师

Objective: To explore the effect of artesunate (Art) on Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signal pathway.Methods: Art at different concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 50 μg·ml-1) was used to treat human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), and CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell proliferation to determine the optimal concentration.Art inhibitor (MK-2206) at different concentrations (0~8 μmol·L-1) was given to LX-2 cells, and a Western Blot method was applied to determine the optimal inhibition concentration.Art, MK-2206 and MK-2206+Art were respectively given to LX-2 cells, and a Western Blot method was used to detect the levels of Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3β, p-GSK-3β and β-catenin proteins.Results: CCK-8 assay was used to detect the cell survival rate, and the survival rate was 80% after the 24-hour treatment with 25 μg·ml-1 Art.The results of Western Blot showed that MK-2206 at 6 μmol·L-1 could effectively inhibit the expression of p-Akt.Compared with those of the control group, the levels of Akt, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β and β-catenin protein were significantly different (P＜0.05) in Art (25 μg·ml-1) group, MK-2206 (6 μmol·L-1) group and MK-2206 (6 μmol·L-1) + Art (25 μg·ml-1) group.The expression of GSK-3β and Akt in MK-2206+Art group had no significant difference when compared with that in Art group and MK-2206 group (P＞0.05), while the levels of p-Akt, p-GSK-3β and β-catenin were significantly reduced (P＜0.01).Conclusion: Art exhibits the influence on the relative factors in Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway by Akt/β-catenin, subsequently inhibits the cell proliferation and alleviates the liver fibrosis process.

The synergetic effect of combined astaxanthin and lithium chloride treatment on cognitive dysfunc-tion of chronic omethoate poisoned mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the synergetic effect of combined astaxanthin ( AST) and lith-ium chloride ( LiCl) treatment on cognitive dysfunction of chronic omethoate poisoned mice. Methods 8 mice were selected randomly as control group from 55 healthy adult male Kunming mice,and the rest were used to establish chronic organophosphate poisoning cognitive impairment models by injecting omethoate 5 mg/kg subcutaneously every day for 4 weeks. Totally 40 successfully established models were randomly divid-ed into model group,AST group,edaravone group,LiCl group and AST+LiCl group with 8 in each. Morris wa-ter maze test was used to examine the learning and memory ability of mice. Contents of reactive oxygen spe-cies (ROS) in hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Activity of superoxide dismutase ( SOD) in hippocampus was measured by colorimetric assay. Morphology of hippocam-pus area was observed by HE staining. The distribution and expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-GSK3β and p-CREB were determined by immunohistochemical staining ( IHC staining) and Western blot. Results The average escape latency of 5 days in each group was statistically significant (F=1662.147, P<0.05) . The av-erage escape latency of 5 days in AST+LiCl group was significantly lower than that in model group ( all P<0.05) and was lower than other treatment groups. Compared with the control group (0.087±0.007,0.084± 0.009,0.097±0.002,0.076±0.012),the hippocampal neuronal injury in model group was serious,the expres-sions of p-PI3K (0.032±0.008),p-Akt (0.03±0.006),p-GSK3β (0.028±0.007) and p-CREB (0.020± 0.008) was significantly lower ( all P<0.05) . The injuries of hippocampal neurons in AST+LiCl group were slightly lighter than that in model group,and the expression of p-PI3K (0.067±0.008),p-Akt (0.065± 0.005),p-GSK3β (0.068±0.009) and p-CREB (0.062±0.008) in hippocampus was significantly higher than that in model group ( all P<0.05) . Conclusion Combined AST and LiCL treatment exerts neuroprotec-tive effect on cognitive dysfunction induced by chronic organophosphate poisoning via up-regulating the ex-pression of Akt/GSK3β/CREB.

Effect of salidroside on Akt/GSK-3βof myocardium with ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats / 医学研究生学报

Objective Ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning can provide certain protection for myocardium .The ar-ticle was designed to observe the protective effect of salidroside on myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury ( MIRI) and explore its mech-anisms. Methods SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 rats for each: sham operation group (S group), ischemia-reperfusion group(I/R group), salidroside preventive group(salidroside treatment followed by ischemia-reperfusion), salidroside treat-ment group (ischemia-reperfusion followed by salidroside treatment ), salidroside preventive+LY group(LY294002 preventive group) and salidroside treatment+LY group(LY294002 treatment group).Salidroside was administered once a day for three days before mod-elling in both salidroside preventive group and LY 294002 preventive group;while salidroside was given immediately after the reperfu-sion in both salidroside treatment group and LY 294002 treatment group .The same volume of NS was administered only to the rats in S group and I/R group.The PI3K inhibitor(LY294002) was given additionally 35 mins before LAD ligation in both LY294002 preventive group and LY294002 treatment group .All injections were given intraperitoneally .Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3βand p-GSK-3βin myocardium were examined with immunocytochemical method in all groups .The protein expression and phosphorrylation status of Akt /GSK-3βwere determined by western blot. Results The levels of Akt/GSK-3βin myocardium of S group(0.246 ±0.002), I/R group(0.457 ± 0.012), LY294002 preventive group(0.303 ±0.005), LY294002 treatment group(0.361 ±0.019) decreased significantly in com-parison to those of salidroside preventive group (0.857 ±0.014) and salidroside treatment group(0.683 ±0.009)(P0.05). Conclusion The result indicates that salidro-side protects myocardium against MIRI in rats .The cardioprotective effect might be associated with the increased protein expression and the phosphorylation rate of Akt/GSK-3β.