Current Molecular Pharmacology - Current Issue

Cinaciguat is a soluble Guanylyl Cyclase (sGC) activator that plays a crucial role in cardiovascular diseases. Previous research has shown that cinaciguat is involved in the progression of cardiomyopathy, which encompasses cardiac enlargement, heart dysfunction, and doxorubicin-induced heart damage. However, its therapeutic potential in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy remains unknown.

This study examined the impact of cinaciguat on Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

The mice model was established through intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg), and an in vitro model was generated by stimulating H9c2 cells with LPS (10 μg/ml) for 12 h. Subsequently, the sGC activator cinaciguat was used to assess its effects on LPS-induced cardiac injury. Additionally, echocardiography was conducted 12 hours after modeling to analyze cardiac function in mice. We used various methods to evaluate inflammation, and apoptosis, including Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine Triphosphate Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining, western blotting and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Additionally, the protein kinase cGMP-dependent 1 (PRKG1)/cAMP-Response Element Binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway and Mitochondrial Ferritin (FtMt) in LPS-induced cardiac injury was assessed via western blot analysis.

LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and increased levels of cardiac injury markers Cardiac Troponin T (cTnT) in vivo. This change was accompanied by an increase in inflammatory cytokines through Interleu-1β (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), and Interleu-6 (IL-6). The expression of apoptosis, such as cleaved caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2, was also upregulated. However, these effects were reversed via treatment with cinaciguat. Additionally, cinaciguat alleviated LPS-induced cardiac inflammation and apoptosis by activating the PRKG1/CREB signaling pathway, and promoting FtMt expression. The same results were also obtained in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.

We demonstrated that cinaciguat alleviated LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and apoptosis through the PRKG1/CREB/FtMt pathway, thereby protecting against LPS-induced cardiac injury. This study identified a new strategy for treating cardiac injury caused by sepsis.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) imposes a huge burden on both patients and the society. Standard treatments are often ineffective and can lead to adverse effects. Biological Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) inhibitors, though effective, have issues with immunogenicity and high costs. Our study investigates the potential of Brefeldin A (BFA) and (R)-STU104 in treating IBD by targeting the Transforming Growth Factor-β-Activated Kinase 1 (TAK1) - Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 3 (MKK3)-p38 pathway.

RAW264.7 cells (Murine Leukemia macrophage cell line) were treated with (R)-STU104 and BFA to evaluate their impact on the TAK1-MKK3-p38 pathway using Western blotting and RT-qPCR. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were given Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS) to induce IBD, and the effects of BFA and (R)-STU104 were assessed by monitoring Disease Activity Index (DAI), colon length, and cytokine levels.

Both compounds inhibited the MKK3-p38 pathway and reduced TNF-α mRNA expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. Combination therapy showed an enhanced inhibitory effect, reducing mRNA levels of TNF-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In the DSS-induced IBD model, this combination alleviated symptoms, improved DAI scores, increased colon length, and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration.

This study delved into the synergistic effect of BFA combined with (R)-STU104 on IBD treatment, and revealed that this combination can more effectively inhibit inflammatory responses, as well as enhance disease condition improvement. (R)-STU104selectively suppresses TNF-α production by targeting the p38 signaling pathway, and this suppressive effect is further strengthened when used in tandem with BFA. While,the combination therapy shows potential as an effective IBD treatment strategy,additional research is necessary to confirm its clinical applicability.

BFA and (R)-STU104 exert synergistic anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the TAK1-MKK3-p38 pathway, suggesting a new therapeutic approach for IBD. Further studies are required to determine the clinical potential of this combination therapy.

This study investigates the effects and mechanisms of Scutellaria baicalensis flavonoids (SSF) on passive avoidance learning and memory deficits induced by composite amyloid-β proteins (Aβ) via the MEK-ERK-CREB signaling pathway in rats based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics.

Network pharmacology and bioinformatics identified target pathways. An Alzheimer's disease model was induced in male wistar rats using Aβ25-35, AlCl3, and RHTGF-β1(referred to as compound Aβ). Memory impairment was confirmed with the Morris water maze. Modeled rats were assigned to a control group and three SSF-treated groups for 33 days. Passive avoidance learning abilities were assessed with a step-down test, and p-creb-ser133 expression in the hippocampus was detected via immunohistochemistry. Real-time qPCR and western blotting measured mRNA and protein levels of c-Raf, MEKs, Rsk, and zif268 in the hippocampus and cortex.

Pathways such as the calcium signaling pathway, Apelin signaling pathway and cAMP signaling pathway were highlighted by KEGG analysis. The model had an 83.30% success rate. Model rats showed dry coats and unresponsiveness, while SSF treatment improved appearance and behavior. In passive avoidance tests, model rats made more errors and had shorter latencies (P < 0.01). They also showed decreased p-CREB-Ser133 and increased c-Raf, Rsk, and P-MEKs levels (P < 0.01), with reduced Zif268 (P < 0.01). SSF reversed these effects, enhancing p-CREB-Ser133 and Zif268 while regulating c-Raf, Rsk, and P-MEKs (P < 0.01).

SSF ameliorates learning and memory impairments induced by composite Aβ, acting through the MEK-ERK-CREB pathway in rats.

Amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers, formed by Aβ aggregation, are the causative agent of Alzheimer’s disease and induce the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein (Tau) and neurotoxicity. The antioxidant ergothioneine (ERGO) is transferred to the brain after oral ingestion and protects against Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive dysfunction. However, the impact of ERGO on Aβ oligomer-induced Tau phosphorylation remains unclear.

To investigate the effects of ERGO on Aβ-induced Tau phosphorylation and their mechanism in neurons.

SH-SY5Y cells differentiated into cholinergic neuron-like cells or primary cultured neurons derived from the murine hippocampus were pretreated with ERGO and exposed to Aβ25–35 oligomers. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by assessing the chemiluminescence of dead cell-derived proteases. The expression of phosphorylated (p-) Tau at serine 396, p-glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) at serine 9, amyloid precursor protein (APP), beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1; β-secretase), and nicastrin, which is a component protein of the γ-secretase complex, was assessed by western blotting.

Differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exhibited increased neurite outgrowth and mRNA expression of choline acetyltransferase, and showed cholinergic neuron-like characteristics compared with those of undifferentiated cells. ERGO significantly suppressed the Aβ25–35 oligomer-induced increased cytotoxicity and p-Tau expression in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and cultured hippocampal neurons. ERGO recovered the decreased expression of p-GSK-3β at serine 9, indicating its inactivation, and the increased expression of APP, BACE1, and nicastrin induced by Aβ25–35 oligomer exposure in cultured hippocampal neurons. These ERGO effects on Aβ25–35 oligomers were inhibited by treatment with LY294002, which activated GSK-3β.

ERGO may suppress the increased expression of p-Tau and proteins involved in Aβ production induced by Aβ oligomers by inactivating GSK-3β, thereby mitigating neurotoxicity.

Chronic inflammation may result in mucosal damage, presenting as pain, edema, convulsions, and fever symptoms. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory characteristics of isorhamnetin (ISO) and its potential as a medicinal agent.

In this study, in vitro tests were performed in which macrophages were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to evaluate the effect of ISO on inflammation. We concentrated on quantifying the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), as well as mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.

The findings indicated that ISO significantly decreased levels of NO and PGE2 while maintaining cellular integrity. ISO reduced the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ISO treatment decreased mRNA levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which were enhanced following LPS exposure. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the anti-inflammatory properties of ISO were facilitated by the inhibition of phosphorylation in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family and the downregulation of nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor (IκB-α) within both the MAPK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways.

These findings establish ISO as a viable alternative for treating inflammatory diseases by specifically inhibiting essential inflammatory pathways.

Due to its critical role in inflammation and necroptotic cell death, RIPK1 has been considered a prominent therapeutic drug target for managing a wide variety of diseases, including sepsis. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the RIPK1-driven necroptotic pathway contributes to the nitrosative stress-mediated cardiorenal inflammatory necroptotic injury and mortality using RIPK1 inhibitor, Nec-1s, in the murine sepsis model induced by LPS.

Experiments were performed using mice injected intraperitoneally with DMSO or Nec-1s with saline and/or LPS. Following euthanasia and 6 hours after the injection of these agents, arteriovenous blood samples, hearts, and kidneys of the animals were collected. Serum MPO, iNOS, CK-MB, creatinine, and HMGB1 levels were measured by ELISA. Associated proteins were measured by immunoblotting. HE staining was used to evaluate histopathological changes in the tissues. In the mortality studies, the mice were monitored every 6 hours for mortality up to 96 hours after saline, LPS, DMSO, and/or Nec-1s injection.

In the LPS-injected mice, a rise in serum MPO, iNOS, CK-MB, creatinine, and HMGB1 levels was associated with the enhanced expression/activity of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL necrosome, HMGB1, iNOS, nitrotyrosine, gp91^phox, and p47^phox, in addition to scores related to histopathological changes in their tissues. Nec-1s attenuated the LPS-induced changes. Mortality rates of 10%, 50%, and 60% were observed at the 24^th, 36^th, and 48^th hours, respectively, in the LPS-treated mice. When endotoxemic mice were treated with Nec-1s, mortality rates were 60%, 90%, and 100% at 18, 30, and 42 hours, respectively.

These findings suggest that RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL necrosome contributes to not only LPS-induced nitrosative stress-mediated cardiorenal inflammatory necroptotic injury, but also mortality.

Airway mucus hypersecretion is a prominent pathophysiological characteristic observed in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, and asthma. It is a significant risk factor for lung dysfunction and impaired quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate changes in the major genes expressed in the lungs during airway mucus hypersecretion. Such investigations can help to identify genetic targets for the development of effective treatments to manage airway mucus hypersecretion and improve clinical outcomes for those affected by these respiratory disorders.

Our study aims to identify changes in the expression of key genes in the lungs during airway mucus hypersecretion in mice.

Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated into two groups. The Pyocyanin (PCN) group was intranasally infected with 25 μl of pyocyanin solution (1 μg/μl), while the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) group received 25 μl of PBS intranasally once daily. The lung tissue of mice was extracted after 21 days for the purpose of identifying causal genes through a combination of transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Finally, we validated the differentially expressed proteins using qRT-PCR and western blot.

Our findings revealed significant alterations in 35,268 genes and 7,004 proteins within the lung tissue of mice treated with PCN. Pathway enrichment analysis, utilizing the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, showed that the differentially expressed proteins were mainly associated with apoptosis, galactose metabolism, and asthma, among the overlapping genes and proteins. To validate the results of the transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we used qRT-PCR to examine the expression levels of fourteen differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), namely Fpr1, Ear1, Lama3, Col19a1, Spag16, Ropn1l, Dnali1, Cfap70, Ear2, Drc1, Ifit3, Lrrc23, Slpi, and Fam166b. Subsequently, we confirmed the expression of Spag16, Dnali1, and Ropn1l by western blotting.

Our study identified three DEPs, namely Spag16, Dnali1, and Ropn1l, which are closely associated with the movement and organization of cilia. This study provides novel insights for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting airway mucus hypersecretion.

Increasing evidence has highlighted the involvement of the imbalance of long non-coding RNAs in the development of gastric cancer (GC), which is one of the most common malignancies in the world. This study aimed to determine the role of lncRNA WT1-AS in the progression of GC and explore its underlying mechanism.

The expression of lncRNA WT1-AS in gastric cancer tissues was detected using RT-qPCR. We knocked down the expression of WT1-AS in GC cells or treated them with rapamycin or both. Then, transwell assay and scratch assay were carried out to determine the migration of GC cells, and flow cytometry was carried out to determine the cell cycle. The immunofluorescence technique was used to determine the autophagy, and a tumor formation experiment was carried out to determine tumor growth in vivo. The expression of factors related to the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway was also measured by Western Blotting.

In GC tissues and cells, lncRNA WT1-AS was underexpressed. Moreover, overexpression of lncRNA WT1-AS blocked the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Upregulation of lncRNA WT1-AS or inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway suppressed cancer cell migration in vitro, leading to cell cycle arrest, and promoted autophagy while inhibiting tumor growth in vivo. It also reduced the expression levels of Ki-67, MMP2, MMP9, and VEGF. The WT1-AS+rapamycin group was the most prominent in all experiments.

The upregulation of lncRNA WT1-AS could suppress the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, which inhibits cell migration and cell cycle arrest while promoting autophagy in gastric cancer cells.

Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is an inflammatory condition characterized by nasal mucosa remodeling, driven by Immunoglobulin E (IgE). Platycodin D (PLD) exhibits a wide range of bioactive properties.

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential protective effects of PLD on AR, as well as the underlying mechanisms.

The anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory potential of PLD was investigated in an ovalbumin-sensitized AR mouse model and human nasal mucosa cells (HNEpC) challenged with interleukin-13 combined with PLD. Our assessment included an examination of nasal symptoms, tissue pathology, and goblet cell hyperplasia. The levels of IgE, Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 in the serum were detected using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Furthermore, quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and ELISA were employed to determine the expressions of IL-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 in in vivo and in vitro settings. Western blot analysis was conducted to investigate the changes in DPP4/JAK2/STAT3 in vivo and in vitro.

Our results demonstrated that oral administration of PLD significantly ameliorated nasal symptoms in AR mice, improved histopathological changes in the nasal mucosa, raised the level of IFN-γ, and reduced IgE as well as IL-4 levels in the serum. PLD inhibited the expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and DPP4 in in vivo and in vitro settings. Notably, PLD modulated the changes in DPP4, p-JAK2, and p-STAT3 induced by IL-13 in HNEpC cells and AR mice.

The findings suggested the potential of PLD as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of AR.

Chronic high-fat diets (HFDs) lead to an imbalance of calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes, which contributes to the development of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, dilated cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular diseases. Aloe-emodin (AE) is an anthraquinone component isolated from aloe, rhubarb, and cassia seed, having cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and other pharmacological effects.

This study aimed to explore the specific role of AE in obesity/hyperlipidemia-induced myocardial intracellular calcium homeostasis imbalance.

Wistar rats (male, 220 ± 20 g) were fed HFD for four weeks and AE (100 mg/kg) was administrated for six weeks after confirmation of the HFD model. Serum lipids, reactive oxygen species levels, malondialdehyde levels, and superoxide dismutase levels were measured by commercial biochemical kits. Electrocardiograms of rats were recorded with the BL-420F biological function experimental system. Calcium transients and resting intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations were determined by the Langendorff-perfused heart model. Protein levels of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), and cardiac Ca²⁺ handling proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis.

HFD-induced hearts exhibited a reduced amplitude of Ca²⁺ transients and increased resting levels of [Ca²⁺] in the heart; AE treatment significantly improved these parameters. Furthermore, the HFD-induced heart showed downregulation of PRMT1, upregulation of CaMKII, and abnormalities in the levels of Ca²⁺ handling proteins. All these deleterious changes were significantly suppressed by the AE treatment. Moreover, AE treatment prevented palmitic acid (PA)-induced calcium overload in H9C2 cells; this effect was reduced by the application of an inhibitor of PRMT1.

Taken together, this study demonstrates that AE could alleviate HFD/PA-induced myocardial intracellular calcium homeostasis imbalance via the PRMT1/CaMKII signaling pathway.

Finasteride and doxazosin are used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway play an important role in BPH, little is known about the growth inhibition and anti-fibrosis effects of doxazosin on the regulation of EMT and morphology in the prostate.

The present study examined the effects of doxazosin on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced prostate growth in vivo and in vitro and its impact on the EMT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.

Mice were treated with TP. Doxazosin (5 or 10 mg/kg) and finasteride (10 mg/kg) were administered orally for 28 days in TP-induced mice. The prostate index (prostate/body weight ratio), morphological characteristics and the protein expression of the prostate were examined. We further examined the effects of doxazosin and finasteride on the EMT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in mice and in human prostate stroma cell (WPMY-1). The protein expressions of TGF-β1, TGFBR2, p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin and α-SMA, E-cadherin and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were determined after treatment by western blot.

The prostate wet weight, prostate index decreased after treatment. Doxazosin (5 or 10 mg/kg), finasteride (10 mg/kg) or a combination treatment (doxazosin 10 mg/kg + finasteride 10 mg/kg) were shown to reverse the pathological and morphological characteristics of the prostate. Doxazosin and finasteride inhibited TP-induced prostate growth, EMT, and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway by downregulating the expression of TGF-β1, TGFBR2, p-Smad2/3, N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin and α-SMA, whereas expression of E-cadherin was increased after treatment with either doxazosin or finasteride. Doxazosin (1-50 μM) inhibited normal human prostate stroma cell growth (WPMY-1) after 48 h with or without testosterone treatment. Doxazosin also regulated the EMT and proteins related to the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway in WPMY-1 cells after 24 h. Additionally, doxazosin decreased protein expression of the PSA both in vivo and in vitro.

This study demonstrated that doxazosin inhibits prostate growth by regulating the EMT and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways in the prostate. This finding suggests that doxazosin has potential as a new signaling pathway for the treatment of BPH.

Hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk of developing cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Elevation of sodium/proton exchanger-1 (NHE-1) expression and activity in cardiomyocytes leads to greater sensitivity to neurohormonal stimulation and cardiomyopathy, whereas inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) clinically benefits DM population in reducing heart failure risk.

This study characterized the expression profiles of NHE-1 and SGLT2 in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts under high glucose (HG) exposure and examined the effects of empagliflozin (EMPA), an SGLT2 inhibitor, on the HG-induced cardiomyoblasts deterioration, in comparison with NHE-1 specific inhibitor cariporide and Rho/ROCK inhibitor hydroxy fasudil.

Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining were used to monitor protein expression and subcellular location, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by flow cytometry. Kinetic mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and respiratory function were monitored by a real-time cell metabolic analyzer.

HG treatment upregulated SGLT2 and NHE-1 expression and RhoA/ROCK activity in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. The HG-upregulated NHE-1 is localized in actin-rich cortical cytoplasm, implicating its involvement in cell shape and adhesion alterations. Treatment with NHE-1 and ROCK inhibitors, but not EMPA, significantly attenuated the HG-induced ROS overproduction and mitochondrial membrane potential elevation. However, EMPA treatment restored the HG-suppressed mitochondrial maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and non-mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate.

In comparison, Rho/ROCK and NHE-1 inhibitions effectively prevent ROS overproduction, while SGLT2 inhibition rescues the deteriorated mitochondrial respiratory function under diabetogenic conditions. Blockade of SGLT2, NHE-1, or Rho/ROCK activity is useful for the prevention of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. These factors can lead to the overactivation of c-JNK and p38MAPK.

In rats, stereotactic intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of propionic acid (PPA) results in autistic-like characteristics such as poor social interaction, repetitive behaviours, and restricted communication. Research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of phytochemicals derived from plants in treating neurological disorders. Tanshinone-IIA (Tan-IIA) is a chemical found in the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza. It has neuroprotective potential by inhibiting c-JNK and p38MAPK against behavioral and neurochemical alterations in PPA-induced autistic rats. We observe behavioral changes, alterations in apoptotic markers, myelin basic protein (MBP), neurofilament-Light (NEFL), inflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotransmitter imbalances using different brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum), as well as biological samples, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood plasma.

Persistent administration of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg Tan-IIA via intraperitoneal injection reduced these alterations dose-dependently. Anisomycin (3 mg/kg.,i.p.) as a SAPK (c-JNK and p38MAPK) agonist was administered to assess the neuroprotective effect of Tan-IIA in autistic rats. Tan-IIA's molecular interactions with c-JNK and p38MAPK were confirmed using silico analysis. We also observed gross morphological, histopathological, and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) myelin straining changes in whole and coronal brain sections.

Thus, Tan-IIA has a neuroprotective potential by inhibiting the c-JNK and p38MAPK signalling pathways, which reduces the behavioral and neurochemical abnormalities induced by PPA in adult Wistar rats, indicating that current results should be studied further for the diagnosis and treatment of autism.

Cardiac fibrosis causes most pathological alterations of cardiomyopathy in diabetes and heart failure patients. The activation and transformation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are the main pathological mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. It has been established that Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disorders. This study aimed to ascertain the Sirt1 effect on the phenotypic transformation of CFs in diabetes and its possible mechanisms.

Type 1 diabetes was induced in 6-week-old male mice by subcutaneously injecting 50 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ, i.p.). Western blotting, collagen staining, and echocardiography were performed to detect protein expression and assess cardiac fibrosis and function in vivo. We used high glucose (HG) to culture CFs prior to protein expression measurement in vitro.

Upregulation of Sirt1 expression effectively alleviated the degree of cardiac fibrosis by improving cardiac function in diabetic mice. In vitro experiments revealed that HG decreased the protein expression levels of Sirt1, but increased those of type I collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. Further studies confirmed that downregulation of Sirt1 expression in the HG environment reduced the protein kinase-B (Akt) phosphorylation, thereby promoting the transdifferentiation of CFs into myofibroblasts coupled with the deterioration of cardiac function.

Diabetes mellitus leads to downregulation of Sirt1 protein expression in CFs and decreased Akt phosphorylation, which promotes the transdifferentiation of CFs into myofibroblasts, the pathological process of cardiac fibrosis, and mediates the incidence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are prevalent and complex neurological disorders that affect individuals globally. Clinical and epidemiological studies indicate a significant comorbidity between TLE and MDD; however, the shared molecular mechanisms underlying this relationship remain unclear. This study aims to explore the common key genes associated with TLE and MDD through a systematic analysis of gene expression profiles, elucidate their underlying molecular pathological mechanisms, and evaluate the potential applications of these genes in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts.

Brain tissue gene expression data for TLE and MDD were obtained from the GEO database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), functional enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction were performed to identify shared gene modules. LASSO and random forest (RF) machine learning models were used to select diagnostic candidate genes, validated through ROC curve analysis. Immune infiltration analysis explored the immune involvement of key genes, while single-cell sequencing confirmed gene expression across cell types. Potential therapeutic drugs were identified using a drug database.

A total of 372 DEGs were identified as either up- or down-regulated between TLE and MDD, with WGCNA revealing nine shared gene modules. Seven hub genes, including HTR7 and CDHR2, demonstrated strong ROC performance. Immune infiltration analysis revealed changes in immune cell populations linked to key genes, confirmed by single-cell sequencing. Upadacitinib was identified as a potential therapeutic drug targeting these genes.

This study identified shared gene expression profiles between TLE and MDD, emphasizing immune pathway-related molecular mechanisms. Immune infiltration analysis and single-cell sequencing underscored the significance of immune regulation in their comorbidity, while drug prediction highlights candidates for precision medicine, establishing a foundation for future research and therapeutic strategies.

This aims to assess the efficacy of 2', 3, 3, 5'-Tetramethyl-4'-nitro-2'H-1, 3'-bipyrazole (TMNB), a novel compound, in colitis treatment.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with limited effective treatments available. The exploration of new therapeutic agents is critical for advancing treatment options.

To assess the effect of TMNB in alleviating symptoms of experimental colitis in mice and to compare its effectiveness with that of sulfasalazine, a standard treatment.

Experimental colitis was induced in mice, which were subsequently treated with TMNB at dosages of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg. The outcomes were evaluated based on colitis symptoms, Colon damage, Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, and inflammation markers, including nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional assessments included spleen cell proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and inflammatory genes expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX2, and iNOS).

TMNB treatment significantly alleviated colitis symptoms (100 and 150 mg/kg). These higher doses notably reduced colonic damage, inflammation, hyperemia, edema, and ulceration (p<0.01). The treatment also effectively decreased Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, demonstrating a marked improvement in clinical signs of colitis (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). Additionally, TMNB substantially lowered myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, indicating reduced neutrophil activity and inflammation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01), and nitric oxide (NO) levels, suggesting diminished oxidative stress (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). The treatment also led to a significant reduction in spleen cell proliferation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 all showing decreases comparable to those observed with sulfasalazine (p<0.01). Moreover, TMNB effectively downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX2, and iNOS (p<0.01), affirming its broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

TMNB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting that TMNB could be a new therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory bowel disease. This study supports the need for further clinical trials to explore TMNB's efficacy and safety in human subjects.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic cardiovascular disease which is regarded as one of the most common causes of death in the elderly. Recent evidence has shown that atherosclerotic patients can benefit by targeting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Aloperine (ALO) is an alkaloid which is mainly isolated from Sophora alopecuroides L. and has been recognized as an anti-inflammatory disease. Herein, the effect of ALO on atherosclerosis was investigated.

ApoE^-/- mice fed with western diet received ALO once daily. Plaques in the aortas were evaluated using oil red O and hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining. Inflammation, lipids and kinases phosphorylation levels were evaluated using ELISA assay and western blot. Pyroptosis was examined by THP-1 cells treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL).

Plaque development in aortic sinus and en face aortas were reduced after ALO treatment in ApoE^-/- miceTreatment with ALO ameliorated inflammation and profile of blood lipid. Western blot assay showed that ALO treatment substantially inhibited phosphorylation of p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in aorta of ApoE^-/- mice. Meanwhile, ALO significantly inhibited levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum and cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β expression in aorta of ApoE^-/- mice. Interestingly, ALO mildly increased pro-caspase-1 expression in ApoE^-/- aorta in comparison with saline group. In a dose dependent fashion, ALO treatment markedly inhibited ox-LDL-induced IL-1β and IL-18 levels in THP-1 cells and reduced cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β expression and caspase-1 activity, while ALO had little effect on nod-like receptor protein containing pyrin-3 (NLRP3), apoptosis associated speck-like protein containing a caspase-1 recruitment domain (ASC).

It is of great practical significance to find the natural product to regulate macrophage pyroptosis, which are key drivers to accelerate the progression of atherosclerosis. ALO could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages during atherogenesis, which may serve as a potential candidate for the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by Airway Remodeling (AR) and persistent inflammation, with Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) playing a crucial role in fibrosis and smooth muscle proliferation. The Transforming Growth Factor-Beta1 (TGFβ1)/Smad pathway is a key driver of EMT in asthma. Current treatments do not effectively prevent AR progression. Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly the Xuanfei Pingchuan (XFPC) prescription, has shown potential in managing asthma, but its role in EMT regulation remains unclear.

This study explored the role of “phlegm and stasis” in airway remodeling (AR) in asthma from the perspective of EMT and investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of XFPC prescription on EMT in AR. In vitro, human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells were induced into EMT with TGFβ1 and treated with XFPC drug-containing serum, with EMT marker expression analyzed via RT-qPCR and Western blot. In vivo, an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma model in Sprague Dawley rats was used to evaluate the effects of different XFPC doses through histopathology, immunofluorescence, and molecular analyses. Additionally, Smurf2 cDNA transfection was conducted to assess the role of Smurf2 in EMT regulation.

The results confirmed that XFPC prescription suppressed the pathway of transforming-growth factor-beta1 (TGFβ1)-Smad by reducing Smad ubiquitination regulator 2 (Smurf2), Smad2, Smad3, TGFβ1 receptor (TβRI), N-cadherin, α-SMA, and Vimentin in terms of expressions at messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels. However, XFPC prescription up-regulated expressions of SnoN and E-cadherin at protein and mRNA levels to inhibit EMT. The result also confirmed that XFPC prescription decreased the ubiquitination of Smad7.

XFPC prescription could suppress AR in TGFβ1 induced 16HBE cells and OVA-sensitized animal models through TGFβ1/Smad pathway.

The escalating global concerns regarding reproductive health underscore the urgency of investigating the impact of environmental pollutants on fertility. This study aims to focus on Chlorpyrifos (CPF), a widely-used organophosphate insecticide, and explores its adverse influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in Wistar male rats. This study explores the potential protective effects of chrysin nanocrystal (CHN), a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, against CPF-induced impairments in male Wistar rats.

Chrysin nanocrystals were prepared using a solvent precipitation method. Six sets of male Wistar rats were subjected to 30 days of treatment, comprising a control group, a group treated solely with CPF, groups treated with CHN at doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, and groups co-treated with CPF and CHN. Serum levels of reproductive hormones, enzyme biomarkers of testicular function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers were assessed. Additionally, histological examinations were conducted on the hypothalamus, testes, and epididymis.

CHN exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively counteracting CPF-induced reductions in Luteinizing Hormone (LH), serum testosterone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and testicular enzyme biomarkers. Moreover, CHN enhanced antioxidant defenses, as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased glutathione (GSH) levels in the hypothalamus, and testes, epididymis. Inflammatory markers, including nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), were significantly reduced in CHN co-treated groups compared to the CPF-only group. Histopathological analyses confirmed the protective effects of CHN on tissue integrity.

Chrysin nanocrystal demonstrated promising potential in mitigating CPF-induced reproductive deficits in male rats through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study provides valuable insights into therapeutic interventions against environmental toxin-induced reproductive toxicity, emphasizing the potential of chrysin nanocrystals as a protective agent in the context of CPF exposure.

Neuroinflammatory responses are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of progressive neurodegenerative conditions and mood disorders. Modulating microglial activation is a potential strategy for developing protective treatments for central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases. Fibrates, widely used in clinical practice as cholesterol-lowering medications, exhibit numerous biological activities, such as anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects on the CNS remain unclear.

This study investigated the mechanisms through which fibrates influence inflammatory and anti-inflammatory homeostasis in microglial cells.

Cell viability assay, nitric oxide measurement, Western blot analysis,, real-time PCR, and cell transfection were used in this study.

Fenofibrate, a well-known fibrate, reduced the production of nitric oxide and interleukin-6 and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in microglial cells. It also inhibited the expression of various proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including tumor necrosis factor-ɑ and interleukin-1β, and chemokine (C-C) motif ligand 2 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10. Notably, treatment of fenofibrate dramatically activated the sonic hedgehog (SHH) and sirtuin-1 (SIRT1). Furthermore, the inhibition of SHH or SIRT1 mitigated the anti-inflammatory effects of fenofibrate in IMG microglial cells.

Our findings suggest that fenofibrate may inhibit inflammatory responses by activating SIRT1 and SHH in IMG microglial cells. Our study suggests that fenofibrate or targeting SHH molecule is a promising therapeutic strategy for neuroinflammation-associated conditions. Further research with additional cell lines and in vivo models is needed to understand its therapeutic potential.

Recent research has validated the efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in reducing glucose levels and exerting a nephroprotective role.

This study aimed to examine the impact of dapagliflozin in preventing sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) and related consequences. The study used both normal and diabetic rat models to investigate whether the effectiveness of dapagliflozin is influenced by glycemia levels.

Normal and diabetic Wistar albino rats were treated with dapagliflozin for two weeks and then received a single dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After sepsis induction, skin and deep body temperatures were recorded every two hours. Blood and kidneys were collected for analysis using histological examination and biochemical assays.

Dapagliflozin attenuated the consequences of sepsis through mitigation of LPS-induced hypothermia and AKI in the normal and diabetic septic groups. Dapagliflozin regulated the serum levels of AKI markers, including creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, as well as ion levels. Dapagliflozin attenuated LPS-induced AKI through modulation of renal inflammation and oxidative stress, which showed well-abundant glomeruli. These results indicated the protective effect of dapagliflozin against LPS-induced hypothermia and AKI, which was likely unrelated to its glucose-lowering properties, as evidenced in the non-diabetic septic group.

The outcomes suggest that dapagliflozin has a potential impact in preventing sepsis-induced hypothermia and AKI via modulation of inflammation and oxidative stress, irrespective of glycemic levels.

This study aimed to explore the repair effect of siRNA-mediated double silencing of the mechanically sensitive ion channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 proteins on a rat model of osteoarthritis.

Piezo1 and TRPV4 interference plasmids were constructed using siRNA technology. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: the model group, siRNA-Piezo1, siRNA-TRPV4, and double gene silencing groups. Improved Mankin and OARSI scores were calculated based on H&E staining and Safranin O-fast green staining. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine expression levels of aggrecan and Collagen II proteins. Piezo1, TRPV4, Aggrecan, and Collagen II mRNA expression in knee joint cartilage tissue were assessed using qRT-PCR.

Lentivirus-mediated siRNA plasmids (siRNA-Piezo1, siRNA-TRPV4, and double-gene siRNA silencing plasmids) achieved > 90% transfection efficiency in chondrocytes. RT-PCR results indicated that double-gene siRNA silencing plasmids silenced Piezo1 and TRPV4 mRNA expression (P < 0.05). Modified Mankin and OARSI scores revealed that the repair effect in the double gene silencing group was significantly better than that of the siRNA-Piezo1 and siRNA-TRPV4 groups (P < 0.05). Relative expression of aggrecan and collagen II mRNA in the double gene-silenced group was significantly higher than in the siRNA-Piezo1 and siRNA-TRPV4 groups (P < 0.05).

Double silencing Piezo1 and TRPV4 plays a key role in cartilage repair in an osteoarthritic rat model by promoting the expression of Aggrecan and Collagen II.

Momordica cochinchinensis is a dried and mature seed of Cucurbitaceae plants, which has the effect of dispersing nodules, detumescence, attacking poison, and treating sores, and is used in the treatment of tumors in the clinic. P-hydroxylcinnamaldehyde (CMSP) is an ethanol extract of cochinchina momordica seed (CMS). Our previous studies have found that CMSP is an effective anti-tumor component with good anti-tumor effects on melanoma and esophageal tumors. However, the inhibitory effect of CMSP on gastric cancer (GC) and its potential mechanism remain to be further elucidated.

First, we utilized network pharmacology to predict potential targets and mechanisms of action for the treatment of GC. Subsequently, a series of biological function experiments were conducted to assess the effects of CMSP on the proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells in vitro. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of CMSP, bioinformatics and high-efficiency liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) were employed for analysis. Additionally, a resistant cell line of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel for GC was established, and the impact of 10μg/mL CMSP on the sensitivity of GC-resistant cells was examined.

The network pharmacology results demonstrated that the active components of CMS exert an anti-GC effect through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. The main pathways involved included the PI3K/Akt pathway, p53 signaling pathway, multi-species apoptosis pathway, as well as ADRB2 and CAV1 genes. Cell experiments revealed that CMSP can effectively inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of GC cells in vitro. However, it did not show any sensitizing effect on paclitaxel-resistant cells. Importantly, CMSP exhibited no toxic or side effects on normal gastric epithelial cells. Furthermore, differential protein expression patterns following CMSP treatment were elucidated using HPLC-MS/MS and western blot analysis, highlighting its role in regulating apoptosis signaling pathways.

Our study presents novel evidence regarding pertinent potential target genes and signaling pathways through which CMSP mediates its anti-GC effects, with a particular emphasis on its role in modulating apoptotic signaling pathways. Collectively, these findings underscore the promising candidacy of CMSP as a therapeutic agent for GC that merits further investigation in clinical contexts.

Reduced bedaquiline (BDQ) sensitivity to antimycobacterial drugs has been linked to mutations in the Rv0678, pepQ, and Rv1979c genes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Resistance-causing mutations in MTB strains under treatment may have an impact on novel BDQ-based medication regimens intended to reduce treatment time. Due to this, we investigated the genetic basis of BDQ resistance in Turkish TB patients with MTB clinical isolates. Furthermore, mutations in the genes linked to efflux pumps were examined as a backup resistance mechanism.

We scrutinized 100 MTB clinical isolates from TB patients using convenience sampling. Eighty MDR and twenty pan-drug susceptible MTB strains were among these isolates. Sequencing was performed on all strains, and genomic analyses were performed to find mutations in BDQ resistance-associated genes, including Rv0678 and pepQ(Rv2535c), which correspond to a putative Xaa-Pro aminopeptidase, and Rv1979c. Of the 74 isolates with PepQ (Rv2535c) mutations, four isolates (2.96%) exhibited MGIT-BDQ susceptibility.

Twenty-one (19.11%) of the ninety-one isolates carrying mutations, including Rv1979c, were MGIT-BDQ-sensitive. Nonetheless, out of the 39 isolates with Rv0678 mutations, four (2.96%) were sensitive to MGIT-BDQ. It was found that resistance-associated variants (RAVs) in Rv0678, pepQ, and Rv1979c are often linked to BDQ resistance.

In order to include variations in efflux pump genes in genome-based diagnostics for drug-resistant MTB, further evidence about their involvement in resistance is needed.

Status Epilepticus (SE) leads to the development of epilepsy with the contribution of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Uridine, a pyrimidine nucleoside, has been shown to have neuroprotective and antiepileptogenic effects in animal models. This study aimed to determine whether uridine ameliorates ER stress and apoptosis following epileptogenic insult. Secondly, this study aimed to establish the effect of uridine on inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters that contribute to ER stress.

Status epilepticus was induced using lithium-pilocarpine in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Following SE termination, rats were treated with uridine, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), or saline twice daily for 48 h. Expressions of hippocampal glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), Inositol-Requiring Protein 1 (IRE1α), Protein kinase RNA-like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK), and C/EBP Homologous Protein (CHOP) were determined by western blotting 48 h after SE. Uridine's effects on apoptosis, inflammation or oxidation were evaluated by analyses of cleaved caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) protein expressions or pro-inflammatory cytokine levels or levels of oxidative stress markers, respectively.

Expressions of all ER stress-related proteins significantly increased 48 h after SE. Uridine treatment markedly decreased GRP78, IRE1α, and CHOP levels. A decrease in the PERK level was observed following the administration of 4-PBA; however, uridine had no effect. Cleaved caspase-3 and PARP1 levels were increased in the SHAM group, while uridine and 4-PBA treatment effectively decreased their expressions. Treatment with uridine significantly reduced Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while tending to increase Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) levels. Uridine treatment also significantly attenuated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, which increased 48 h post-SE.

Our data indicate that uridine alleviates ER stress after SE. This effect may be attributed to the regulation of inflammation and oxidative stress. Uridine shows promise as a potential preventive agent for epilepsy.

This study investigates whether phloretin, a brain-edema inhibitor, can enhance the therapeutic effects of human-derived platelet-rich plasma (hPRP) in reducing brain hemorrhagic volume (BHV) and preserving neurological function in rodents following acute traumatic brain damage (TBD).

Forty rats were divided into five groups: sham-control, TBD, TBD + phloretin (80 mg/kg/dose intraperitoneally at 30 minutes and on days 2/3 post-TBD), TBD + hPRP (80μL by left intra-carotid-artery injection at 3 hours post-TBD), and TBD + phloretin + hPRP. Cerebral tissues were harvested on day 28 post-TBD for analysis.

Brain MRI on day 28 showed the lowest BHV in the sham-control group and the highest in the TBD group. BHV was significantly lower in the phloretin + hPRP group compared to the phloretin or hPRP alone groups, which had similar BHV. Neurological function followed an inverse pattern to BHV. By day 28, protein levels of upstream (HGMB1, TLR-2, TLR-4, MyD88, Mal, TRAM, TRIF, TRAF6, IKK-α, IKK-ß, p-NF-κB) and downstream (IL-1ß, TNF-α, iNOS) inflammation signalings, apoptosis (caspase3, PARP), and fibrosis (Smad3, TGF-ß) biomarkers, as well as flow cytometric assessment of inflammatory cells (CD11b/c+, Ly6G+, PMO+) and early (AN-V+/PI-) and late (AN-V+/PI+) mononuclear-cell apoptosis, displayed patterns similar to BHV. The number of inflammatory (CD68+, MMP9+) and brain-swelling/myelin-damaged (AQP4+, GFAP+) mediators also followed this pattern, while neuronal-myelin (Doublecortin+, NeuN, nestin) mediators showed an inverse relationship with BHV (all p<0.0001).

Combined phloretin and hPRP therapy is superior to either treatment alone in protecting the brain against TBD, primarily by suppressing inflammatory signaling and brain-swelling biomarkers.

Increasing ratio of bone fragility, and susceptibility to fractures constitutes a major health problem worldwide. Therefore, we aimed to identify new compounds with a potential to increase proliferation and differentiation of bone forming osteoblasts.

Cellular and molecular assays, such as ALP activity, alizarin staining, and flow cytometry were employed to study effect of 7,3′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone (TMF) on osteogenesis. Moreover, gene expression analysis of certain important genes and transcriptional factors was also performed.

Our findings report for the first time that natural product TMF is capable of enhancing proliferation, and differentiation in osteoblast cells. Results from flow cytometry analysis also indicated that TMF increases the number of cells in S-phase. Furthermore, treatment with TMF altered the expression of osteogenic genes, OCN and Axin-2, indicating possible activation of Wnt signaling pathway.

Taken together, this study identified that 7,3′,4′-Trimethoxyflavone has the potential to enhance osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, possibly through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, TMF promotes osteogenesis and thus can contribute in the prevention of bone fragility, and related disorders.

RBM3 is a key RNA-binding protein that has been implicated in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation and cell cycle regulation. However, its role in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) remains poorly understood.

We aimed to investigate the expression levels of RNA-binding motif protein 3 (RBM3) in patients with cSCC and evaluate its effect on cell ability in cSCC and its underlying regulatory mechanisms.

The expression of RBM3 in cSCC tissues and A431 cells was determined via immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Plenti-CMV-RBM3-Puro was used to overexpress RBM3. The effect of RBM3 on the proliferation ability of cSCC cells was evaluated using MTT and colony formation assay. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were determined using flow cytometry, while the protein expressions of BAX, NF-κB, BCL2, CASPASE 3, CYCLIN B, CYCLIN E, CDK1, phosphorylated (P)-CDK1, CDK2, P-CDK2, ERK, P-ERK, P-AMPK, AKT, P-AKT, MDM2, and P53 were assessed using western blotting.

RBM3 expression was significantly downregulated in cSCC tissues and A431 cells. RBM3 overexpression significantly inhibited the cell proliferation and colony formation ability of A431. Notably, RNA-seq results showed that the differentially expressed genes associated with RBM3 were primarily involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and P53 signaling pathway, as well as the modulation of the MAPK, AMPK, Hippo, mTOR, PI3K/AKT, Wnt, FoxO, and NF-κB signaling pathways. Additionally, our findings demonstrated that overexpression of RBM3 inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest of cSCC through modulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

This study provides novel insights into the suppressive roles of RBM3 in cell proliferation and the cell cycle in cSCC and highlights its therapeutic potential for cSCC.

While chemotherapy treatment demonstrates its initial effectiveness in eliminating the majority of the tumor cell population, nevertheless, most patients relapse and eventually succumb to the disease upon its recurrence. One promising approach is to explore novel, effective chemotherapeutic adjuvants to enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. In the present study, we explored the effect of quercetin on the sensitivity of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and the molecular mechanisms.

MTT assay, colony formation assay and Hoechst staining were performed to investigate the growth inhibition effect of quercetin alone or combined with 5-FU. The expression levels of apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were assessed by western blotting. Intracellular ROS was detected using DCFH-DA. The change in the mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by a JC-1 probe. The effect of quercetin on mitochondrial morphology was examined using a mitochondrial-specific fluorescence probe, Mito-Tracker red.

The results demonstrated quercetin induced apoptosis and autophagy, as well as imbalanced ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, and Drp-1-mediated mitochondrial fission in CRC cells. Autophagy blockage with autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) enhanced quercetin-induced cytotoxicity, indicating that quercetin induced cytoprotective autophagy. Meanwhile, quercetin enhanced the sensitivity of CRC cells to 5-FU via the induction of mitochondrial fragmentation, which could be further enhanced when the quercetin-induced protective autophagy was blocked by CQ.

The findings of the study suggested that quercetin could enhance the sensitivity of CRC cells to conventional agent 5-FU by regulating autophagy and Drp-1-mediated mitochondrial fragmentation. Therefore, quercetin may act as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant. Moreover, the regulation of autophagic flux may be a potential therapeutic strategy for colorectal cancer.

The aim of this study was to develop a possible treatment for pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterised by a pulmonary arterial pressure greater than 20 mmHg. One of the factors that contribute to PAH is an increase in the production of endothelin-1, a polypeptide that increases vascular resistance in the pulmonary arteries, leading to increased pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular hypertrophy.

The objective of this study was to design, synthesize, and evaluate two siRNAs directed against endothelin-1 in a rat model of PAH induced with monocrotaline.

Wistar rats were administered monocrotaline (60 mg/kg) to induce a PAH model. Following two weeks of PAH evolution, the siRNAs were administered, and after two weeks, right ventricular hypertrophy was evaluated using the RV/LV+S ratio, blood pressure, weight, and relative expression of ECE-1 (Endothelin-converting enzyme-1) mRNA (messenger RNA) by RT-PCR (real-time PCR).

The monocrotaline group showed an increase in the hypertrophy index and in ECE-1 mRNA, as well as a significant decrease in weight compared to the control group, while in the monocrotaline + siRNA group, a significant decrease was observed in the relative expression of ECE-1 mRNA, as well as in right ventricular hypertrophy.

Based on the above information, we conclude that the administration of siRNAs directed to ECE-1 decreases the damage associated with PAH.

Amplification of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase II, EC 1,1,1,205 (IMPDH2) has been reported in various cancers, which results in transformation and tumorigenicity. In our current work, we have explored the oncogenic properties and the underlying pathophysiology of IMPDH2 in hepatoblastoma (HB).

To investigate IMPDH2 expression in HB tissues and prognostic significance in HB patients, gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) has been adopted. Immunohistochemistry has also helped to validate the protein expression of IMPDH2 in HB tissues. The effect of IMPDH2 overexpression or depletion on the proliferation of Hepatoblastoma cells in vitro has been evaluated by CCK8 assays and colony formation assays. Xenograft tumor growth of mice has been detected. Luciferase reporter assays have been conducted to determine the interaction of IMPDH2 and JunB, which was further asserted by pharmacological inhibition of JunB.

IMPDH2 was highly expressed in HB tissues. Experimentally, the proliferation and colony formation of HuH6 cells were increased by IMPDH2 overexpression. Conversely, genetic inactivation of IMPDH2 impaired the proliferative efficiency and colony-forming rate of HepG2 cells. Besides, the luciferase reporter assay validated IMPDH2 overexpression to be associated with enhanced JunB transcriptional activity, while its activity was diminished in the case of IMPDH2 depletion. JunB inhibitor neutralized the IMPDH2-mediated increased phosphorylation of JunB.

Our findings, thus, suggest that IMPDH2 exhibits its oncogenic role in HB partially via JunB-dependent proliferation.

Lung cancer (LC) incidence is rising globally and is reflected as a leading cause of cancer-associated deaths. Lung cancer leads to multistage carcinogenesis with gradually increasing genetic and epigenetic changes.

Sanguinarine (sang) mediated the anticancer effect in LCC lines by involving the stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impeding Bcl2, and enhancing Bax and other apoptosis-associated protein Caspase-3, -9, and -PARP, subsequently inhibiting the LC invasion and migration.

This study was conducted to investigate the apoptotic rate and mechanism of Sang in human LC cells (LCC) H522 and H1299.

MTT assay to determine the IC50, cell morphology, and colony formation assay were carried out to show the sanguinarine effect on the LC cell line. Moreover, scratch assay and transwell assay were performed to check the migration. Western blotting and qPCR were done to show its effects on targeted proteins and genes. ELISA was performed to show the VEGF effect after Sanguinarine treatment. Immunofluorescence was done to check the interlocution of the targeted protein.

Sang significantly inhibited the growth of LCC lines in both time- and dose-dependent fashions. Flow cytometry examination and Annexin-V labeling determined that Sang increased the apoptotic cell percentage. H522 and H1299 LCC lines treated with Sang showed distinctive characteristics of apoptosis, including morphological changes and DNA fragmentation.

Sang exhibited anticancer potential in LCC lines and could induce apoptosis and impede the invasion and migration of LCC, emerging as a promising anticancer natural agent in lung cancer management.

Endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies. Endometrial cancer cells express the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and its receptor (GnRH-R). Among the various therapeutic approaches for the treatment of endometrial cancer is the use of GnRH conjugates, such as the AN-152, created by linking the (D-Lys⁶) GnRH with the cytotoxic doxorubicin through an ester bond. An undesirable property of these conjugates is their vulnerability to plasma carboxylesterases, which cleave the ester bond to release doxorubicin before reaching the cancer cells.

To overcome this problem, we recently developed the Con-3 and Con-7, which are GnRH analogs conjugated through a disulfide bond with the cytotoxic mitoxantrone. In this study, we determined the cytotoxic properties of the Con-3 and Con-7 on the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cells, assuming that their interaction with the GnRH-R of cells exposes the conjugated mitoxantrone to the cellular thioredoxin. The cellular thioredoxin reduces the disulfide bond of Con-3 & Con-7 to release mitoxantrone, which accumulates in the cancer cells and exerts its cytotoxic actions.

Indeed, treatment of Ishikawa cells with Con-3, Con-7, or the free unconjugated mitoxantrone increased their apoptosis and decreased their proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner, displaying half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 0.64 - 1.15 µM. In specific, the IC50 values on days 2, 3, and 4 were 1.45, 0.64, and 0.83 μΜ, respectively, for Con-3, 0.91, 0.82 μΜ, and 1.00 μΜ, respectively for Con-7 and 1.15, 0.98, 0.78 μM, respectively for mitoxantrone. In contrast, the free, mitoxantrone-unconjugated peptides did not affect the proliferation of Ishikawa cells.

The Con-3 and Con-7 could put the basis for the development of a new class of anticancer drugs for endometrial cancer, which will act as “prodrugs” that deliver the cytotoxic mitoxantrone in a GnRH-R-specific manner.

This work aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and myorelaxant effect of thymol (TM) and carvacrol (CAR) in the pregnant rat uterus. Both compounds exhibit considerable antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects and due to these properties, they were studied in this in vitro model of premature birth induced by infection.

All uterine tissues were studied in uterine contraction tests to determine the inhibitory effect of TM, CAR (10, 56, 100, 150, and 230 µM), and nifedipine (a calcium channel antagonist) on phasic and tonic contraction induced by electro- and pharmacomechanical stimuli. The quantitative determination of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) induced by TM and CAR in the uterine lysate was carried out by ELISA. For the determination of the anti-inflammatory effect of TM, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)-1β, in uterine samples stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was measured. Forskolin (FSK) was used as a positive control to evaluate the cAMP and cytokine levels. TM, CAR, and nifedipine inhibited the uterine contractions at the highest concentration level, however, nifedipine was the most equipotent (p<0.05). In addition, TM and CAR did not increase the intracellular cAMP production in comparison with FSK (p<0.05). However, both compounds were able to decrease the LPS-induced production in a concentration-dependent manner that was considered statistically significant (p>0.05).

Finally, both the anti-inflammatory and uterine relaxing effects induced by TM and CAR were neither associated with the increase in cAMP levels nor with the production of IL-1β in pregnant rat uterine samples. Therefore, TM and CAR can be considered as alternative adjuvants for the treatment of infection-induced preterm labor. Before the in vitro experiments, an in-silico analysis was conducted using the Expaisy online server to evaluate the biological effects of thymol on uterine contraction.

It is crucial to know the interaction and identification of genes encoding the Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C proteins, because of the functional relationship it may have in the inhibition of the uterine contraction. These properties place TM as a potentially safe and effective adjuvant agent in cases of preterm birth, an area of pharmacological treatment that requires urgent improvement.

The most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in childhood is neuroblastoma (NB), which arises from undifferentiated neural crest cells. However, the prognosis of this condition remains unfavorable, and the underlying mechanisms of its origin are still elusive. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the specific mechanism underlying NEAT1-1 in NB.

In this study, the expressions of NEAT1-1, miR-873-5p, and GalNAcT-I were analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot (WB). Then, CCK-8 assays were conducted to evaluate the proliferation of NB cells. The Transwell assay was then performed to evaluate the invasion and migration of NB cells. Further, flow cytometry was utilized for the detection of cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the luciferase reporter gene assay was carried out to investigate the relationship between NEAT1-1 and miR-873-5p, as well as between miR-873-5p and GalNAcT-I. In contrast, an RNA-pull-down assay was conducted to confirm the regulatory relationship between NEAT1-1 and miR-873-5p. The effect of NEAT1-1 on tumor growth in vivo was detected in the BALB/c nude mice model.

The qRT-PCR analysis revealed a significantly upregulated expression of NEAT1-1 in NB tumors compared to adjacent non-tumor tissue specimens. Suppression of NEAT1-1 resulted in the inhibition of tumor characteristics and induction of apoptosis in NB cells through the targeted regulation of miR-873-5p. Moreover, NEAT1-1 exerted its regulatory effect on GalNAcT-I protein levels by acting as a sponge for miR-873-5p in NB cells. Importantly, the downregulation of NEAT1-1 effectively suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Collectively, our findings suggest that the down-regulation of NEAT1-1 exerts a suppressive effect on NB progression by modulating the miR-873-5p/GalNAcT-I pathway, thereby providing novel insights into elucidating the underlying mechanisms of NB.

Nicosulfuron, a widely used herbicide in crops, has raised concerns due to its escalating presence as an environmental pollutant, particularly in soil and water. The potential adverse effects of nicosulfuron on animals, including reproductive toxicity, have garnered attention.

The study aimed to evaluate the reproductive toxicity of nicosulfuron in male mice.

Male mice were orally administrated with three different concentration gradients (350, 700, and 1400 mg/kg) of nicosulfuron for 35 days. The investigation delved into sperm quality, testicular structures, and expression of cleaved caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 of the testes.

The finding unveiled a correlation between nicosulfuron exposure and detrimental effects on sperm quality and alteration of testicular structure. Notably, parameters, such as sperm survival rate (SUR) and sperm motility (MOT), exhibited a decline in relation to increasing nicosulfuron dosages. Moreover, in the mice subjected to higher doses of nicosulfuron, elevated expression of cleaved caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 was observed in the testes. Interestingly, we also observed an increase of NF-κB p65 expression in the mice exposed to the nicosulfuron.

Our research revealed that exposure to nicosulfuron resulted in compromised sperm quality and alterations in testicular structure. The correlation between nicosulfuron and apoptosis, especially via the NF-κB pathway, provided significant insights into the mechanisms underpinning these detrimental effects. These findings significantly enhance our comprehension of the potential hazards associated with nicosulfuron exposure and its impacts on the reproductive health of animals.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) constitutes a distinct subtype of osteoarthritis (OA). Despite extensive research, no effective pharmacological intervention has been established to prevent or halt the progression of PTOA. Current therapeutic approaches are primarily limited to symptomatic management and pain relief. SkQ1, a novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent due to its dual capacity to scavenge excessive intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate inflammatory responses.

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of SkQ1 in the early stages of PTOA and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms.

Chondrocytes were cultured under varying concentrations of SkQ1 to evaluate its cytotoxicity. Additionally, an in vitro oxidative stress model was established to assess the antioxidant effects of SkQ1 across different concentration levels, from which the optimal concentration for PTOA treatment was determined. The rat PTOA model was established through medial meniscal tear (MMT) surgery, followed by intra-articular administration of SkQ1 postoperatively. The gait characteristics of rats in each group were assessed biweekly following surgery. Outcome measures were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, including pathological evaluation of knee cartilage, ROS levels, markers of oxidative damage, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial DNA copy number, and apoptosis-related cytokines.

In vitro, lower concentrations of SkQ1 (500 nM) exhibited superior antioxidant efficacy while minimizing cytotoxicity. The results indicated that SkQ1 administration significantly enhanced knee joint functionality and mitigated articular cartilage degeneration in both the acute and subacute phases of PTOA by inhibiting oxidative stress pathways. In a rat model of PTOA, SkQ1 not only alleviated gait abnormalities, but also substantially reduced levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including ROS, MDA, and 8-OHdG. Furthermore, SkQ1 effectively preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial DNA copy number. Mechanistically, SkQ1 inhibited the release of cytochrome C (Cyt-C) and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) and downregulated key components of the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway, such as Bax, Bak, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9.

The findings suggested that SkQ1 exerts its therapeutic effects via multiple mechanisms, including the reduction of ROS accumulation, mitigation of oxidative damage, preservation of mitochondrial function, and inhibition of apoptotic pathways. These diverse actions position SkQ1 as a promising disease-modifying agent for PTOA treatment, potentially offering benefits that extend beyond those provided by current symptom-focused therapies.

Diabetes mellitus type-1 is an immunological disease associated with low insulin release and hyperglycemia due to beta cell loss. No clear studies show the relationship between the coagulation cascade activation and diabetes mellitus type-1 development.

The present work aimed to clarify the function of the active coagulation system in the progression of diabetes mellitus type-1 (T1DM). Furthermore, the possible protective action of direct thrombin inhibitors (dabigatran) against T1DM caused by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM in mice model was examined.

Forty Balb/c male albino mice were distributed into four different groups, with 10 mice in each group: normal, dabigatran (DAB)-treated, STZ-treated, and STZ+DAB. Blood glucose, blood platelets, serum insulin, nuclear consistency, and pancreas histopathological changes were evaluated. Moreover, the expressions of PI3K, p-Akt, insulin, and fibrinogen were investigated in the pancreatic tissues via immunofluorescent technique.

The findings displayed enhanced islet expression of fibrinogen, p-Akt, and PI3K proteins along with thrombocytopenia in STZ-injected mice when equated to control. Furthermore, treatment with STZ reduced pancreatic insulin expression. DAB and STZ-cotreatment significantly diminished pancreatic tissue expression of fibrinogen, PI3K, and p-AKT, as well as increased platelet counts and pancreatic insulin expression.

The evidence supported the activation of coagulation cascade in T1DM through the PI3K/AKT pathway. Using direct antithrombin therapy may open new avenues for T1DM prevention in high-risk diabetes individuals.

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common and severe complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Dihydromyricetin (DHM) is a flavonoid compound with potential cardioprotective effects, but the mechanism of DHM in diabetes-induced myocardial damage and autophagy is not fully understood.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of DHM on cardiac function and pathological features of DCM, with a particular focus on its impact on the SNHG17/miR-34a/SIDT2 pathway.

In vivo experiments: After constructing the DM mice model, it was treated with different doses of DHM. Masson's staining and collagen deposition/fibrosis markers were used to evaluate the effect of DHM on cardiac fibrosis in DM mice. In vitro experiments: 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and flow cytometry were used to determine the influence of DHM on cell viability and apoptosis, respectively, in high glucose-induced HL-1 cells. Enzyme-labeled Immunosorbent Assay was used to detect levels of cardiac enzyme and inflammation-related factors, while Western blot analyzed the levels of AMPK/mTOR and autophagy-related proteins.

DHM significantly improved cardiac function in DM and reduced Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system markers, alongside decreasing markers of cardiomyocyte damage. DHM mitigated myocardial fibrosis, inflammatory marker levels, and autophagy dysregulation while upregulating lncRNA SNHG17 expression. Mechanistically, DHM acted through the SNHG17/miR-34a/SID1 transmembrane family member 2 (SIDT2) axis, reducing miR-34a expression and restoring SIDT2-mediated autophagy balance, ultimately alleviating apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in diabetic cardiac tissue and high-glucose-induced HL-1 cells.

DHM improves cardiac function and mitigates DCM progression by targeting the SNHG17/miR-34a/SIDT2 regulatory axis, thereby reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and autophagy dysregulation. These findings provide mechanistic insights into DHM’s cardioprotective effects, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for DCM.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease recognized by elevated activity of autoimmune cells, loss of tolerance, and decreased regulatory T cells producing inhibitory cytokines. Despite many efforts, the definitive treatment for lupus has not been fully understood. Curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) have significant immunomodulatory roles and anti-inflammatory properties that have been demonstrated in various studies. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of CUR and BBR on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs) with an special focus on the maturation and activation of DCs.

Human monocytes were isolated from the heparinized blood of SLE patients and healthy individuals, which were then exposed to cytokines (IL-4 and GM-CSF) for five days to produce immature DCs. Then, the obtained DCs were characterized by FITC-uptake assay and then cultured in the presence of CUR, BBR, or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h. Finally, the maturation of DCs was analyzed by the level of maturation using flow cytometry or real-time PCR methods.

The results showed promising anti-inflammatory effects of CUR and BBR in comparison with LPS, supported by a significant reduction of not only co-stimulatory and antigen-presenting factors such as CD80, CD86, CD83, CD1a, CD14, and HLA-DR but also inflammatory cytokines such as IL-12.

CUR and BBR could arrest DC maturation and develop a tolerogenic DC phenotype that subsequently promoted the expression of inhibitory cytokines and reduced the secretion of proinflammatory markers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic targets. Although accumulating studies have identified Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), a key regulator of cuproptosis, as a candidate tumor suppressor and potential therapeutic target, its role and mechanism remain elusive in HCC.

The FDX1 expression was investigated in human HCC tissues and cell lines. Potential microRNAs targeting FDX1 were predicted by bioinformatic analysis and validated using qPCR screening, a dual luciferase reporter assay, MiR-3130-5p and miR-1910-3p mimics and inhibitors, overexpression plasmids, and xenograft nude mouse model. The correlation between miR-3130-5p/FDX1 axis and HCC patient prognosis was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

We demonstrated that the expression of FDX1 was downregulated in human HCC tissues and cell lines compared to non-cancerous counterparts, and the downregulation of FDX1 was associated with poor overall survival in HCC patients. Subsequent bioinformatic analysis and experimental validations showed that FDX1 expression was reduced by microRNA (miR)-3130-5p mimic while induced by miR-3130-5p inhibitor. Further, miR-3130-5p was upregulated in HCC tissues and cells, correlating with a poor prognosis of HCC patients. Besides, lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-3130-5p significantly enhanced HCC growth in xenograft nude mouse models. Mechanistically, it was demonstrated that miR-3130-5p inhibited FDX1 expression via binding to its 3' untranslated region (3' UTR), while overexpression of FDX1 counteracted the promoting effect of miR-3130-5p on HCC cell proliferation.

These findings suggest the miR-3130-5p/FDX1 axis as a prognostic biomarker as well as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.

Androgen receptor mutations, particularly T877A and W741L, promote prostate cancer (PCa). The main therapies against PCa use androgen receptor (AR) antagonists, including Bicalutamide; but these drugs lose their effectiveness over time. Chrysin is a flavonoid with several biological activities, including antitumoral properties; however, its potential as an antiandrogen must be explored.

The present study aimed to characterize and compare the molecular interactions of chrysin with wild-type and mutated ARs and their cytotoxic effect in an in vitro model of PCa.

The affinities and molecular interactions of Bicalutamide and chrysin for the wild-type and mutated forms of AR were assessed by molecular docking. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of these ligands on the DU-145 (T877A) and PC3 (W741L) PCa cell lines and on non-tumoral RWPE-1 cells.

The molecular dockings predicted a higher affinity of chrysin for the mutated ARs than the wild-type AR (WT-AR); meanwhile, Bicalutamide presented a higher affinity for WT-AR. The amino acid residues involved in molecular interactions within the binding site of these receptors changed according to the ligands and AR variants, affecting their affinity scores. Chrysin exerted a specific cytotoxic effect against the PCa tumoral cells but none against the non-tumoral cells. In contrast, Bicalutamide showed potent cytotoxicity against all cell lines. Thus, the cytotoxic effect of chrysin against the DU-145 and PC3 cell line may be related to its strong and specific molecular interaction with the mutated ARs.

This study evidences the potential antiandrogen effect of chrysin on mutated ARs and specific cytotoxicity against PCa cells, suggesting that this flavonoid for therapy of advanced PCa.

Pancreatic fibrosis is a hallmark feature of chronic pancreatitis (CP), resulting in persistent damage to the pancreas. The sustained activation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) plays a pivotal role in the progression of pancreatic fibrosis and is a major source of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition during pancreatic injury.

Calpain is a calcium-independent lysosomal neutral cysteine endopeptidase and was found to be correlated to various fibrotic diseases. Studies have revealed that calpeptin, a calpain inhibitor, can improve the fibrosis process of multiple organs. This study investigated the effect of the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin, on fibrosis in experimental CP and activation of cultured PSCs in mice. CP was induced in mice by repeated injections of cerulein for four weeks in vivo, and the activation process of mouse PSCs was isolated and cultured in vitro. Then, the inhibitory effect of calpeptin on pancreatic fibrosis was confirmed based on the histological damage of CP, the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen-Iα1(Col1α1), and the decrease in mRNA levels of calpain-1 and calpain-2.

In addition, it was revealed that calpeptin can inhibit the activation process of PSCs and induce significant PSCs apoptosis by downregulating the expression of calpain-1, calpain-2 and TGF-β1, and the expression and phosphorylation of smad3 in vitro.

These results suggest that the calpain inhibitor, calpeptin, plays a key role in the regulation of PSC activation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/smad3 signaling pathway, which supports the potential of calpeptin as an inhibitor of pancreatic fibrosis in mice by interfering with calpain.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of Notch1 on c-Fos and the effect of c-Fos on the proliferation of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-infected neuronal cells.

Real-time PCR and western blotting were used to determine c-Fos expression levels in KSHV-infected (SK-RG) and uninfected SH-SY5Y cells. C-Fos levels were measured again in SK-RG cells with or without Notch1 knockdown. Next, we measured c-Fos and p-c-Fos concentrations after treatment with the Notch1 γ-secretase inhibitor LY-411575 and the Notch1 activator Jagged-1. MTT and Ki-67 staining were used to evaluate the proliferation ability of cells after c-Fos levels downregulation. CyclinD1, CDK6, and CDK4 expression levels and cell cycle were analyzed by western blotting and flow cytometry, respectively. After the c-Fos intervention, the KSHV copy number and gene expression of RTA, LANA and K8.1 were analyzed by real-time TaqMan PCR.

C-Fos was up-regulated in KSHV-infected SK-RG cells. However, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of Notch1 resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of c-Fos and p-c-Fos (P <0.01, P <0.001). Additionally, a decrease in Cyclin D1, CDK6, and CDK4 was also detected. The Notch1 inhibitor LY-411575 showed the potential to down-regulate the levels of c-Fos and p-c-Fos, which was consistent with Notch1 knockdown group (P <0.01), whereas the expression and phosphorylation of c-Fos were remarkably up-regulated by treatment of Notch1 activator Jagged-1 (P <0.05). In addition, our data obtained by MTT and Ki-67 staining revealed that the c-Fos down-regulation led to a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation of the SK-RG cells (P <0.001). Moreover, FACS analysis showed that the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 stage, and the expressions of Cyclin D1, CDK6, and CDK4 were down-regulated in the c-Fos-knockdown SK-RG cells (P <0.05). Reduction in total KSHV copy number and expressions of viral genes (RTA, LANA and K8.1) were also detected in c-Fos down-regulated SK-RG cells (P <0.05).

Our findings strongly indicate that c-Fos plays a crucial role in the promotion of cell proliferation through Notch1 signaling in KSHV-infected cells. Furthermore, our results suggest that the inhibition of expression of key viral pathogenic proteins is likely involved in this process.

Arsenic is present in above permissible safe limits in groundwater, soil, and food, in various areas of the world. This is increasing exposure to humankind and affecting health in various ways. Alternation in cognition is one among them. Epidemiological research has reflected the impact of arsenic exposure on children in the form of diminished cognition.

Considering this fact, the present study reviewed the impact of arsenic on amyloid precursor protein, which is known to cause one of the commonest cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

The present study reviews the arsenic role in the generation of amyloid-beta from its precursor that leads to Alzheimer’s disease through the published article from Pubmed and Scopus.

According to the findings, regular, long-term exposure to arsenic beginning in infancy changes numerous arsenic level-regulating regions in the rat brain, which are related to cognitive impairments. Arsenic also affects the BBB clearance route by increasing RAGE expression. Arsenic triggers the proamyloidogenic pathway by increasing APP expression and subsequently, its processing by β-secretase and presenilin. Arsenic also affects mitochondrial dynamics, DNA repair pathway and epigenetic changes. The mechanism behind all these changes is explained in the present review article.

A raised level of arsenic exposure affects the amyloid precursor protein, a factor for the early precipitation of Alzheimer’s disease.

Activation of microglia and astrocytes has been observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is reported to be activated in AD and involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation. Moreover, amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation is detected as a characteristic pathology in the AD brain, and is known to be a substrate of TG2. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can modify cell proliferation and differentiation, and is reported to have therapeutic effects on AD pathology.

We aimed to assess the effects of ATRA in microglia and astrocytes on TG2 expression and glial functions.

After treatment with ATRA, TG2 expression and TG activity were assayed in both murine microglia BV-2 cells and cultured rat brain astrocytes. Endocytosis activity in BV-2 cells and Aβ aggregation by astrocytes conditioned medium were also assessed.

In both BV-2 cells and cultured astrocytes, ATRA increased TG2 expression and TG activity. The increase was blocked by AGN194310, an RA receptor antagonist. ATRA enhanced the endocytosis activity in BV-2 cells, and the addition of AGN194310 reversed it. The addition of cystamine, a competitive TG inhibitor, also reduced ATRA-enhanced endocytosis activity. On the other hand, Aβ aggregation was potentiated by ATRA-treated astrocytes conditioned medium compared to control astrocytes conditioned medium.

These results suggest that ATRA increased TG2 expression and TG activity via RA receptor in microglia and astrocytes. ATRA-enhanced TGs might be involved in phagocytosis and Aβ aggregation. Adequate control of TGs expression and function in microglia and astrocytes can be an important factor in AD pathology.

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) that induces inflammation and oxidative stress. The main goal of the current study was to assess the impact of fingolimod on kidney IRI in rats.

For this purpose, 18 male Wistar rats (220–250g) were divided into three groups including (i) Sham, (ii) I/R, and (iii) fingolimod+I/R. The last group was pretreated with a single dose of fingolimod (1mg/kg) (intraperitoneal injection) before induction of the I/R injury. Kidney function, oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde), and antioxidant markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity) were determined in the kidney tissue of the rats. Moreover, kidney samples were taken for histological analysis.

Fingolimod pre-treatment could significantly improve the glutathione peroxidase (p<0.01) and glutathione (p<0.001) activities along with the total antioxidant capacity levels (p<0.001) when compared to the I/R group. Moreover, significant recovery of kidney function and histology was seen in the fingolimod+ I/R group compared to the I/R group (p<0.01).

Fingolimod pretreatment could improve renal function, antioxidant capacity, and histological alterations after I/R injury. Hence, it might protect the kidney against IRI-related kidney damage including AKI and transplantation.

Cholangiopathies comprise a spectrum of diseases without curative treatments. Pharmacological treatments based on bile acid (BA) metabolism regulation represent promising therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cholangiopathies. Gentiopicroside (GPS), derived from the Chinese medicinal herb Gentianae Radix, exerts pharmacological effects on bile acid metabolism regulation and oxidative stress.

The present study aims to investigate the effect of GPS on 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced cholangiopathy.

Two independent animal experiments were designed to evaluate the comprehensive effect of GPS on chronic DDC diet-induced cholangiopathy, including bile duct obliteration, ductular reaction, BA metabolism reprogramming, liver fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

In the first pharmacological experiment, three doses of GPS (5, 25 and 125 mg/kg) were injected intraperitoneally into mice fed a DDC diet for 14 days. DDC induced a typical ductular reaction, increased periductal fibrosis and mixed inflammatory cell infiltration in the portal areas. GPS treatment showed dose-dependent improvements in the ductular reaction, BA metabolism, fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In the second experiment, a high dose of GPS was injected intraperitoneally into control mice for 28 days, resulting in no obvious histologic changes and significant serologic abnormalities in liver function. However, GPS inhibited DDC-induced oxidative stress, serum and hepatic BA accumulation, proinflammatory cytokine production, and immunocyte infiltration. Specifically, the GPS-treated groups showed decreased infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages and CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, as well as preserved Kupffer cells.

GPS alleviated chronic DDC diet-induced cholangiopathy disorder by improving the ductular reaction, periductal fibrosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Its dosage-dependent pharmacological effects indicated that GPS warrants its further evaluation in clinical trials for cholangiopathy.

With the increasing risk of infections and other serious complications, the underlying molecular mechanism of wound healing impairment in diabetes deserves attention. Cold shock proteins (CSPs), including CIRP and RBM3 are highly expressed in the skin; however, it is unknown whether CSPs are involved in the wound-healing impairment of diabetic skin.

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of RBM3 on skin wound healing in diabetes.

In vitro experiments, western blot assay was used to test the levels of proteins in HaCaT cells treated with different concentrations of glucose. RBM3 was over-expressed in HaCaT cells using lentivirus particles. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell-Counting Kit-8 assay and colony formation assay. The migration of HaCaT cells at different concentrations of glucose was evaluated by wound healing assay. In vivo experiments, the mouse model of diabetes was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Four weeks later, the mice were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital sodium for skin tissue collection or wound healing experiments. RBM3 knockout mice were established by removing exons 2–6 using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technique and then used in skin wound healing experiments with or without diabetic stress.

In this study, the expression of RBM3, rather than CIRP, was altered in the skin of diabetic specimens, and the RBM3’s overexpression accelerated the cell viability and proliferation of HaCaT cells under high glucose conditions. RBM3 deficiency caused delayed wound healing in RBM3 knockout in diabetic conditions. Moreover. RBM3 enhanced the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and its inhibitor FR180204 blocked the beneficial effect of RBM3 overexpression on skin wound healing in diabetes.

RBM3 activated the ERK1/2 signal to facilitate skin wound healing in diabetes, offering a novel therapeutic target for its treatment.

Mutations in the TP53 gene are the most common among genetic alterations in human cancers, resulting in the formation of mutant p53 protein (mutp53). Mutp53 promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in cancer cells. Not only does the initiation of oncogenesis ensue due to mutp53, but resistance towards chemotherapy and radiotherapy in cancer cells also occurs. This review aims to summarise and discuss the oncogenesis of mutant p53 in cancer cells and introduce the various mutant p53 inhibitors currently being evaluated at the pre-clinical and clinical stages. Compounds that induce the wild-type conformation on the targeted p53 missense mutation, restore or enhance the DNA binding of mutant p53, and inhibit cancer cells' growth are highlighted. In addition, the progression and development of the mutant p53 inhibitors in clinical trials are updated.

The progress of developing a cancer treatment that may successfully and efficiently target mutant p53 is on the verge of development. Mutant p53 proteins not only initiate oncogenesis but also cause resistance in cancer cells to certain chemo or radiotherapies, further endorse cancer cell survival and promote migration as well as metastasis of cancerous cells. With this regard, many mutant p53 inhibitors have been developed, some of which are currently being evaluated at the pre-clinical level and have been identified and discussed. To date, APR-246 is the most prominent one that has progressed to the Phase III clinical trial.

Research has revealed that the expression of PD-L1 is significantly upregulated in tumour cells and that the binding of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) to programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibits the response of T cells, thereby suppressing tumour immunity. Therefore, blocking PD-L1/PD-1 signalling has become an important target in clinical immunotherapy. Some old drugs, namely, non-anticancer drugs, have also been found to have antitumour effects, and maprotiline is one of them. Maprotiline is a tetracyclic antidepressant that has been widely used to treat depression. However, it has not yet been reported whether maprotiline can exert an antitumour effect on melanoma.

This study aimed to investigate the antitumour efficacy of maprotiline in mice with melanoma.

In this study, female C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a tumour-bearing animal model. After treatment with maprotiline, the survival rate of mice was recorded daily. The expression of relevant proteins was detected by Western blotting, the proportion of immune cells was detected by flow cytometry, and the infiltration of immune cells in tumour tissue was detected by immunofluorescence staining.

Maprotiline was found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of B16 cells while increasing cell apoptosis. Importantly, treatment with maprotiline decreased the expression of PD-L1 and increased the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, and NK cells in the spleen. It also increased the infiltration of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells in tumour tissue.

Our research findings suggest that maprotiline enhances the antitumour immune response in mouse melanoma by inhibiting PD-L1 expression. This study may discover a new PD-L1 inhibitor, providing a novel therapeutic option for the clinical treatment of tumours.

Colorectal cancer remains a life-threatening malignancy with increasing morbidity and mortality worldwide. Therefore, new and effective anti-colorectal cancer therapeutics are urgently needed.

In this study, we have studied the anti-tumor properties and potential mechanisms of PF-04449913. Colorectal cancer cell viability was reduced by PF-04449913 in a dose-dependent manner. The migration and invasion ability of malignant colon cells were attenuated by the drug, as demonstrated by the Transwell test. Moreover, PF-04449913 repressed the phosphorylation levels of ERK and other proteins, and the expression levels of MMP9. The anti-tumor effects of the drug in vivo were demonstrated in BALB/c-nude mice models, and PF-04449913 inhibited the malignant phenotype of colorectal cancer cells, including reduction of tumor size and promotion of apoptosis. At the molecular level, PF-04449913 induced a significant decrease in ERK and p65 protein phosphorylation levels and inhibited MMP9 protein expression.

Both in vivo and in vitro results showed PF-04449913 to demonstrate antitumor effects, which have been proposed to be mediated through blockade of the ERK/p65 signaling pathway, and subsequent repression of MMP9 expression.

Our study provides a new perspective on the potential clinical application of PF-04449913 in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

The potential mechanism underlying the protective effect of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) co-treatment with 1, 25-dihydroxy-vitamin D (Vit-D) on neuropathy in diabetic high-fat rats was investigated.

The rat diabetic hyperlipidemia (DH) model was established via streptozotocin and a high-fat diet (HFD). After co-treatment (of AS-IV and Vit-D at respective doses of 50 mg/kg via oral gavage and 30000 IU/kg via intramuscular injection), blood glucose levels, markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as apoptosis and histopathology were evaluated with appropriate techniques.

Co-treatment could effectively reduce blood glucose levels substantially (p< 0.01), improve weight loss, and decrease oral glucose tolerance. Reduced respective sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities in rats were substantially improved (p<0.01) after co-treatment. Also, we observed obvious improvement in DH-induced injured nerve fiber myelin structure and other organ pathologies in co-treated rats. Besides, we observed up-regulated expressions of peroxisomal-proliferator activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α) and Vit-D receptors (VDR) (p< 0.01) through the western blotting technique. Using the same technique, we also discovered reduced levels of interleukin (IL)1 beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, coupled with increased IL-10 and superoxide dismutase levels (p< 0.01). Importantly, co-treatment could effectively exert anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Also, co-treatment resulted in the up-regulation of PPAR-α and VDR expressions, inhibition of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and promotion of β-cell sensitivity to insulin.

The combined application of AS-IV and Vit-D exhibited health effects such as anti-oxidation, regulation of inflammatory factors, and promotion of cell repair, which may be considered as the mechanisms underlying treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and improvement in biochemical indicators.

Artemisinin (ART) is mainly derived from Artemisia annua, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, and has been found to affect cellular biochemical processes, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, in addition to its antimalarial properties. However, its effect on cardiac hypertrophy and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of ART on cardiac hypertrophy and explore its possible mechanisms.

A rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of isoproterenol (ISO) for 3 days, and the degree of myocardial hypertrophy was compared among 5 groups: a control (CON) group, an ISO group, and groups treated with different doses of ART (7 mg/kg/d, 35 mg/kg/d, and 75 mg/kg/d). Echocardiography was used to evaluate cardiac function and structure. The cross-sectional area of cardiomyocytes was measured by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The heart weight (HW), body weight (BW), and tail length were measured, and the HW/tail length ratio and the HW/BW ratio were calculated. H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes were cultured, and different amounts of ART were added 2 hours before ISO stimulation. Phalloidin staining was used to evaluate the degree of cell hypertrophy. The levels of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were quantified in rat plasma and cell supernatant using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the expression levels of p-ERK1/2, p-JNK, and p-p38 MAPK were assessed in the myocardium and H9c2 cells via western blot analysis.

Intragastric administration of ART at a dosage of 35 mg/kg/d or over mitigated the early-stage cardiac hypertrophy induced by ISO in rats led to a reduction in left ventricular posterior wall diastolic thickness, interventricular septal thickness at diastole, lowered ANP and BNP levels, as well as a decrease in HW/tail length and HW/BW ratio. In vitro studies demonstrated that ART at a concentration of 100 μM inhibited ISO-mediated hypertrophy of H9c2 cells. The ISO group showed a higher p-ERK/GAPDH ratio and p-p38 MAPK/GAPDH ratio than the control group both in vivo and in vitro. Although the p-JNK/GAPDH ratio was increased in the ISO group, there was no statistical difference. The p-ERK/GAPDH and p-p38/GAPDH ratios were significantly lower in the ART group than in the ISO group.

The mechanism of ART against cardiac hypertrophy was related to inhibition of the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.

This commentary explores the potential of Vorasidenib, also known as AG-881. This emerging small-molecule inhibitor has garnered substantial attention within the realm of oncology due to its unique mechanism of action and potential therapeutic applications.

Gliomas are common malignant brain tumors characterized by diffuse brain infiltration. World Health Organization grade II and grade III diffuse gliomas are considered lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) and have isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. LGGs are challenging due to their infiltrative nature, making them capable of progressing into higher-grade malignancies. Vorasidenib is a novel therapeutic agent targeting mutant IDH1/2, sparking interest in the field.

Vorasidenib inhibits mutant IDH1/2 through a unique mechanism, reducing the production of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG). This alteration affects key enzymes and DNA methylation, impacting tumor growth and invasion.

Preclinical studies show vorasidenib's efficacy in inhibiting mutant IDH1/2 and 2-HG production in glioma models. It suppresses tumor growth, making it a potential treatment option.

Early clinical trials demonstrate vorasidenib's clinical activity in non-enhancing gliomas. It reduces 2-hydroxyglutarate levels and tumor cell proliferation, with an objective response rate and prolonged progression-free survival. The drug's safety profile is favorable.

Challenges include identifying predictive biomarkers and optimizing sequencing or combinations with existing therapies. Further research is needed to establish long-term effectiveness, evaluate side effects, and explore combinations with immunotherapy.

Vorasidenib significantly advances LGG treatment, targeting a prevalent mutation and slowing tumor growth. Promising preclinical and clinical evidence and manageable side effects suggest its potential impact on LGG management. However, more research, including large trials, is needed to confirm its efficacy and role in treatment.

Disease relapse and therapy resistance remain serious impediments to treating cancer. Leukemia stem cells (LSC) are therapy resistant and the cause of relapse. A state of deep quiescence appears to enable cancer stem cells (CSC) to acquire new somatic mutations essential for disease progression and therapy resistance. Both normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and LSC share many common features, thereby complicating the safe elimination of LSC. A recent study demonstrated that long lived normal oocytes exist without mitochondrial complex I (MC-1), expressing it in a developmentally regulated fashion, thereby mitigating their vulnerability to ROS. Quiescent CSC rely on mitochondrial FAO, without complex I expression, thereby avoiding the generation of damaging ROS, similar to long lived normal human stem cells. A deeper understanding of the biology of therapy resistance is important for the development of optimal strategies to attain complete leukemia cures.

Here, using scRNA-sequencing and ATAC-seq on primary chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patient samples, combined with bioinformatics analyses, we further examine the heterogeneity of a previously characterized in vitro imatinib-selected CD34^-CD38^- CML LSC population. We utilized a series of functional analyses, including single-cell metabolomic and Seahorse analyses, to validate the existence of the deepest quiescent leukemia initiators (LI) subset.

Current study revealed heterogeneity of therapy resistant LSC in CML patients and their existence of two functionally distinct states. The most deeply quiescent LI suppress the expression of MC-1, yet are highly dependent on fatty acid oxidation (FAO) for their metabolic requirements and ATAC-seq demonstrated increased chromatin accessibility in this population, all consistent with an extremely primitive, quiescent stemness transcriptional signature. Importantly, the specific CREB binding protein (CBP)/β-catenin antagonist ICG-001 initiates the differentiation of LSC, including LI, decreases chromatin accessibility with differentiation and increasing expression of MC-1, CD34, CD38 and BCR-ABL1, thereby re-sensitizing them to imatinib.

We investigated the biological aspects related to LSC heterogeneity in CML patients and demonstrated the ability of specific small molecule CBP/β-catenin antagonists to safely eliminate deeply quiescent therapy resistant CSC. These observations may represent an attractive generalizable therapeutic strategy that could help develop better protocols to eradicate the quiescent LSC population.

Psoriasis is an acute to chronic multifunctional inflammatory skin disorder mediated through T-cell activation, dendritic cell intervention, local vascular variations, atypical keratinocyte proliferation, and neutrophil activation, leading to a skin disorder with no permanent cure.

This review aims to find a potent, secure, and dependable medication, with a more scientific examination of herbal resources and recent targeted immunobiological therapies.

Reports evaluating the effectiveness of biologics & herbal remedies for the topical therapy of psoriasis against control therapies were taken into consideration (placebo or active therapy). The work examined cellular circuits involved in inflammation with its immunogenetic mechanism behind various options available for treating psoriasis in addition to the role of agents inducing psoriasis.

The extent of psoriasis can range from small, localized spots to total body coverage, and it can happen at any stage of life. Several theories exist for clarification however, the exact cause of psoriasis is not entirely understood. Researchers have discovered genetic loci linkages, environmental changes, drug induction, lifestyle conditions, some infections, etc. resulting in this disorder. There are numerous known conventional medical treatments for psoriasis, ranging from topical and systemic medicines to phototherapy or combinations of both with recent immunobiological treatment. However, the majority of these treatments are ineffective and have a variety of side effects that limit their long-term usage, such as cutaneous atrophy, tissue toxicity, mutagenicity, and immunosuppression.

Herbal extracts or isolated compounds can be considered as a substitute for conventional psoriasis treatment. Unfortunately, many investigations often provide a small amount of facts about the safety and effectiveness of topically applied herbal remedies for the treatment of psoriasis. Thus, further factual evidences and validations are needed to promote herbal options, which must be supported by rigorous animal studies or clinical trials using standardised materials and compositions.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of low concentrations of mitochondrial uncouplers in endothelial cells on the CpG dinucleotide methylation of the ICAM1 gene promoter. The excessive inflammatory response in the endothelium is responsible for the development of many cardiovascular diseases. Mitochondria are important regulators of endothelial cell functions. Mild uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation and respiration in endothelial mitochondria exerts a long lasting anti-inflammatory effect. However, the detailed mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of mitochondrial uncouplers remains unclear.We hypothesized that mild mitochondrial uncoupling leads to epigenetic changes in genomic DNA contributing to the anti-inflammatory response.

We studied the long-term effects of mitochondria-targeted compounds with the uncoupler’s activities: the antioxidant plastoquinonyl-decyl-triphenylphosphonium (SkQ1), dodecyl-triphenylphosphonium (C12TPP), and 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP). The mRNA expression of the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1), a marker of inflammatory activation of endothelial cells, was measured by RT-qPCR. Cytosine methylation in the CpG sites of the ICAM1 gene promoter was estimated by bisulfite sequencing of individual clones.

It was found that downregulation of ICAM1 expression caused by DNP and C12TPP was accompanied by an increase in the methylation of CpG sites in the ICAM1 gene promoter. None of the compounds affected intracellular or intramitochondrial ATP levels.

Low concentrations of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation uncouplers are able to increase methylation of ICAM1 gene promoter, which corresponds to the observed decrease in the levels of mRNA of this gene. Thus, the change in methylation of the ICAM1 gene promoter may underlie the mechanism of decreased ICAM1 expression caused by mild mitochondrial depolarization. Mitochondrial uncouplers may be exploited as possible therapeutic candidates to treat excessive inflammation in endothelium, by changing the methylation status of genomic DNA.

Glucoregulatory protein 94 (Grp94) is necessary for the post-viral life cycle and plays a quality control role in viral proteins, but the role of Grp94 in regulating viral replication in host cells is not well known. Therefore, finding a compound that can regulate Grp94 will help us to study the mechanism of viral replication. Previously, we synthesized a coumarin pyrazoline derivative HCP1 that is an effective inhibitor of Grp94. We suppose that HCP1 may inhibit viral replication.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of HCP1 on the replication ability of Senecavirus A (SVA), so as to provide a target and a leading compound for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of the virus and developing antiviral drugs.

Rat cell lines BHK-21 and porcine cell lines PK-15 were infected with SVA, and the infected cells were treated with different concentrations of HCP1. The cell viability (CCK-8), virus titer (TCID50), autophagy level, and Grp94 expression were measured.

The results showed that a low concentration of HCP1 decreased viral titer and viral load in BHK-21 and PK-15 cells, and 5μM HCP1 significantly decreased the expression of SVA VP2 protein. In addition, SVA infection can lead to an increased level of autophagy, and HCP1 can inhibit host cell autophagy caused by SVA infection, thereby inhibiting viral replication and infection.

These findings reveal that Grp94 is a key factor in controlling SVA replication, and its inhibitor HCP1 suppresses SVA replication by inhibiting the increase of Grp94 protein level and autophagy induced by SVA. This study will contribute to the development of a new class of small-molecule antiviral drugs.

Our previous work has demonstrated significant effects on the oxidative stress response, mitochondrial function, and oxidative phosphorylation in the livers and intestines of p300 S89A knockin (S89AKI) mice. We now show that this mutation is also associated with brain metabolic defects and neuronal differentiation.

p300 S89A edited P19 cells, and S89AKI mice demonstrated metabolic and neuronal differentiation defects based on proteomic, cell biological and PET imaging studies.

The metabolic and differentiation defects associated with the p300 S89A knockin mutation could be corrected both in vitro and in vivo utilizing the small molecule CBP/beta-catenin antagonist ICG-001.

Rebalancing the equilibrium between CBP/β-catenin versus p300/β-catenin associated transcription, utilizing the small molecule CBP/beta-catenin antagonist ICG-001, enhances mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, metabolic function, and neuronal differentiation and may be able to ameliorate the cognitive decline seen in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

Physalin B (PB) is one of the main active compounds of Solanaceae plants, with a wide range of biological activities. PB reportedly has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

In this study, we investigated the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis using Tau-expressing HEK293 cells (HEK293/Tau) as a cellular model.

The optimum concentration of PB to treat HEK293/Tau cells was determined using the CCK-8 assay. Additionally, the expression of FoxO1, Tau-5, p-Tau (T231, S262, and S404), ERK, p-ERK, GSK-3β, and p-GSK-3β was detected using western blotting to determine the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation. The apoptosis rate was detected using flow cytometry, and the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 was detected using western blotting and verified using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Moreover, cells were transfected with FoxO1 siRNA to downregulate FoxO1 expression, and the expression of the above-mentioned proteins was detected to verify the effect of PB on Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis.

After 24 h of PB treatment, the phosphorylation levels of Tau at S404, S262, and T231 sites decreased significantly, and the activities of GSK-3β and ERK were inhibited. PB also reduced cell apoptosis by reducing the expression of Bax and increasing the expression of Bcl-2. In addition, PB decreased Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis by upregulating FoxO1.

The natural compound PB exhibited a protective effect in the AD cell model by increasing FoxO1 expression and reducing Tau phosphorylation and cell apoptosis.

Liver fibrosis is associated with the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Inhibition of HSCs activation is a strategy for alleviating hepatic fibrogenesis. CD73 is involved in liver disease development, while the mechanism remains unclear.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of CD73 targeting inhibition on liver fibrosis.

Intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 was used to induce liver fibrosis in mice models. Adenosine 5′-(α, β-methylene) diphosphate sodium salt (APCP) was used for CD73 blockade. The siRNA was used to induce CD73 knockdown in HSCs. LX2 and HSC-T6 were used to investigate the role of CD73 in HSCs activation in vitro.

The results showed that APCP treatment could alleviate hepatic fibrosis. In fibrotic liver tissues, CD73 exhibited a positive correlation with markers of HSCs activation. Furthermore, APCP treatment and CD73 knockdown could inhibit HSCs (LX2 and HSC-T6) activation and proliferation. By using RNA sequencing of liver tissues from control, CCl4-mice, and APCP-treated mice, 851 genes that were significantly changed in CCl4 mice (vs. control) were reversed by APCP treatment. These genes were mainly enriched in cell division-associated biological processes. Moreover, we found that CD73 might be associated with autophagy in HSCs. In fibrotic liver tissues and HSCs, ATG5 and Beclin1 expression could be downregulated by CD73 knockdown and APCP treatment.

This study demonstrated the effects and mechanism of CD73 in HSCs activation and proliferation, which presents the therapeutical potential of CD73 blockage for liver fibrosis.

Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is a common malignancy characterized by high morbidity and mortality. Our work managed to dissect the modulatory mechanism of E2F1/miR-29c-3p/COL11A1 in the malignant progression and sensitivity of ESCA cells to sorafenib.

Via bioinformatics approaches, we identified the target miRNA. Subsequently, CCK-8, cell cycle analysis, and flow cytometry were used to check the biological influences of miR-29c-3p on ESCA cells. TransmiR, mirDIP, miRPathDB, and miRDB databases were used as tools for the prediction of upstream transcription factors and downstream genes of miR-29c-3p. The targeting relationship of genes was detected via RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation, which was further validated by dual-luciferase assay. Finally, in vitro experiments revealed the way E2F1/miR-29c-3p/COL11A1 affected sorafenib’s sensitivity, and in vivo experiments were used to verify the way E2F1 and sorafenib impacted ESCA tumor growth.

miR-29c-3p, downregulated in ESCA, could suppress ESCA cell viability, arrest the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, and impel apoptosis. E2F1 was found to be upregulated in ESCA and it could abate the transcriptional activity of miR-29c-3p. COL11A1 was found to be a downstream target of miR-29c-3p to enhance cell viability, induce cell cycle arrest in S phase, and constrain apoptosis. Cellular and animal experiments together demonstrated that E2F1 abated the sorafenib’s sensitivity of ESCA cells via miR-29c-3p/COL11A1.

E2F1 affected the viability, cell cycle, and apoptosis of ESCA cells by modulating miR-29c-3p/COL11A1, and it attenuated the sensitivity of ESCA cells to sorafenib, shedding new light on the treatment of ESCA.

The mammalian role of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is the practical nutrient-sensitive regulation of animal growth and plays a central role in physiology, metabolism, and common diseases. The mTOR is activated in response to nutrients, growth factors, and cellular energy. The mTOR pathway activates in various cellular processes and human cancer diseases. Dysfunction of mTOR signal transduction is associated with metabolic disorders, cancer for instance.

In recent years, significant achievements envisaged in developing targeted drugs for cancer. The global impact of cancer continues to grow. However, the focus of disease-modifying therapies remains elusive. The mTOR is a significant target in cancer to be considered for mTOR inhibitors, even though the costs are high. Despite many mTOR inhibitors, potent, selective inhibitors for mTOR are still limited. Therefore, in this review, the mTOR structure and protein-ligand interactions of utmost importance to provide the basis for molecular modelling and structure-based drug design are discussed.

This review introduces the mTOR, its crystal structure, and the latest research on mTOR.Besides, the role of mTOR in cancer, its function, and its regulation are reviewed. In addition, the mechanistic role of mTOR signalling networks in cancer and interaction with drugs that inhibit the development of mTOR and crystal structures of mTOR and its complexes are explored. Finally, the current status and prospects of mTOR-targeted therapy are addressed.

The first clinically evaluated CBP/β-catenin antagonist, PRI-724, displayed an excellent safety profile administered intravenously via continuous infusion. Eisai recently disclosed a third-generation, orally available, reportedly CBP/β-catenin antagonist, E7386. However, several structural features and the reported cytotoxicity of E7386 were unexpected for a specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist. Therefore, we undertook a comparison of E7386 versus the highly specific bona fide CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001 and C82, the active agents derived from the prodrug PRI-724.

CBP/β-catenin antagonists rebalance the equilibrium between CBP/β-catenin and p300/β-catenin dependent transcription and may be able to treat or prevent many diseases of aging via maintenance of somatic stem cell pool and regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism involved in differentiation and immune cell function. The safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of the specific CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001, and the second-generation compound, C82, the active agent derived from the pro-drug PRI-724, have been studied extensively in a variety of preclinical disease models and in the clinic for oncology and hepatic fibrosis. However, the lack of oral bioavailability has hampered the further development of PRI-724. Thus, Eisai recently proposed a third-generation, orally available, reportedly CBP/β-catenin antagonist E7386. Here, we have performed a comparative analysis of E7386 with the highly specific bona fide CBP/β-catenin antagonists, ICG-001 and C82.

We utilized a series of previously validated biochemical and transcriptional assays to investigate the selective targeting of the CBP/β-catenin interaction in conjunction with global transcriptional profiling to compare the three small molecules, ICG-001, C82, and E7386.

Our data cast significant doubt that the mechanism of action of E7386 is via specific CBP/β-catenin antagonism.

It can thus be concluded that E7386 is not a specific CBP/β-catenin antagonist.