Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease remarkably characterized by synovitis of joints, whose pathogenesis is complicated and not yet fully elucidated. A variety of cells, cytokines and intercellular signaling pathways are involved in the occurrence and development of RA. The mitogen activation protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is closely related to the pathogenesis of RA, and plays an important role in the formation of pannus, synovitis, and bone destruction. This paper reviews the research progress of MAPK signaling pathway in RA from the aspects of the interaction of MAPK signaling pathway with a variety of key cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, in order to provide a direction and theoretical basis for anti-RA drug therapy research.
ObjectiveTo understand the research status of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway in the thyroid cancer (TC), as well as its role in the occurrence, cell differentiation, invasion, and metastasis of the TC, so as to find potential targets for treatment of TC. MethodThe literature about the research of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the TC was searched and summarized. ResultsThe PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was abnormally activated directly or indirectly in the TC, resulting in inhibition of cell apoptosis, malignant proliferation, accelerated cycle progression, invasion, and metastasis, etc., which promoted the occurrence and development of the TC. There were also some tumor suppressor genes, microRNAs, long chain non-coding RNAs, etc., which indirectly inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, or directly acted on it inhibiting its activity to inhibit the occurrence and development of the TC. ConclusionsFor the TC, some proteins, genes, microRNAs, and long chain non-coding RNAs directly or indirectly activate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway through different targets to promote the occurrence and development of TC. At the same time, many targets inhibit the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which inhibits the malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of TC. At present, there have been studies trying to use PI3K/AKT signaling pathway as a breakthrough for the treatment of TC. In-depth exploration of the role of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in different TC is of great significance to find new targets for the treatment of TC.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of telmisartan on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer A549 and the mechanism of regulating Wnt signaling pathway.MethodsNon-small cell lung cancer cell line A549 was cultured in vitro. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of telmisartan at different concentrations on the proliferative activity of A549 cells. The survival fraction of A549 treated with different concentrations of telmisartan was determined by colony-formation assay. The effect of telmisartan at different concentrations on the migration ability of A549 cells was examined in the wounding healing assay. Hoechst staining was used to detect the effects of telmisartan at different concentrations on the apoptosis of A549. Western bloting was used to detect the expressions of β-actin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt-3a, Beta-catenin (β-catenin), serine protein kinase 3β (p-GSK-3β), glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and c-myc.ResultsDifferent concentrations of telmisartan treatment inhibited the proliferation activity, colony-formation rate and migration of A549 cells, and reduced the expression of PCNA in a concentration-dependent manner. Telmisartan treatment promoted the apoptosis of A549 cells, significantly increased the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. The expression levels of Wnt-3a, β-catenin, p-GSK-3β, and c-myc in A549 cells increased after treatment with telmisartan, while the expression levels of GSK-3β decreased.ConclusionTelmisartan may play a role in the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells, and inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway may be one of the mechanisms.
ObjectiveTo investigate the in vitro effect of pseudolaric acid B (PAB) on apoptosis of protoscolece cells and its regulatory effects on angiogenesis and cell apoptosis in the the lesion-host microenvironment tissue in vivo, as well as its possible mechanisms, in order to provide a basis for the clinical development of new alternative drugs for Echinococcus multilocularis. MethodsIn vitro experiments: the protoscoleces, vesicles, germinal cells, human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and normal human liver cells were treated with different concentrations of PAB (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160 and 320 μmol/L) for 7, 5, 5, 5 and 5 days, then evaluated the survival rate of the protoscoleces, the release level of phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) from the vesicles, the viability of the germinal cells, as well as the viability of HFFs and normal human liver cells. The protoscoleces and vesicles were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and used for scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observation. Animal experiments: the protoscoleces were isolated from the abdominal lesions of the protected gerbils, and then infected 18 C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection to establish models, dividing into 3 groups with 6 mice in each group. The model group was given 0.3 mL of PBS by gavage daily, the albendazole (ABZ) group was given 0.3 mL ABZ (100 mg/kg) daily by gavage, the PAB group was given 0.3 mL of PAB (40 mg/kg) by gavage daily. After continuous gavage for 6 weeks, the lesion host microenvironment tissue was taken and ELISA was used to detect the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase3 (caspase3), the expression levels of nitric oxide (NO) was detected using a biochemical detection kit, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl2), caspase3, cleaved-caspase3, VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and phosphorylated AKI (p-AKT) protein. ResultsIn vitro experiments: the protoscoleces of Echinococcus multilocularis were cultured with different concentrations of PAB for 7 days in vitro, the protoscoleces of 40, 80, 160 and 320 μmol/L group all died after 6, 4, 2 and 1 day, respectively; PAB exhibited a certain time and concentration dependence on the protoscoleces of Echinococcus multilocularis. After PAB treatment, the release of PGI in culture supernatant of Echinococcus multilocularis gradually increased with the increase of PAB concentration [concentration for 50% of maximal effect value was (24.40±1.42) μmol/L], the vitality of germinal cells was significantly inhibited [half maximal inhibitory concentration value was (15.94±2.55) μmol/L]. PAB had no significant toxicity to mammalian cells. When 20 μmol/L PAB intervention in the protoscoleces for 3 days, the expression levels of Bax and caspase3 proteins were upregulated, while the expression level of Bcl2 protein was downregulated. Animal experiments: compared with the model group, the wet weight of lesions in the PAB and ABZ groups decreased (P<0.01), and the inhibition rates of lesion growth in the PAB and ABZ groups were 91.03% and 74.44%, respectively. The expression of proliferation and angiogenesis indicators (Ki67, CD34, VEGF, VEGFR2, eNOS, NO) were downregulated in the lesion host microenvironment tissues of mice in the ABZ and PAB groups (P<0.05), while the expression of apoptosis related proteins (caspase3, cleaved-caspase3 and Bax) were upregulated and the expression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway related proteins (p-PI3K and p-AKT) were downregulated (P<0.05). ConclusionPAB has a strong in vitro and in vivo effect against Echinococcus multilocularis, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to increased apoptosis and decreased angiogenesis.
ObjectiveTo explore the changes of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the fibrotic atrium of patients with valvular atrial fibrillation and explore its downstream signaling pathways.MethodsA total of 45 patients with mitral valve disease were included in this study and were divided into a valvular atrial fibrillation group (VAF, ≥6 months, 25 patients) and a sinus rhythm group (SR, 20 patients) based on having atrial fibrillation or not. The atrial appendage tissue was obtained during the operation , histopathological examination and Western blotting were performed. The degree of atrial fibrosis and changes in FAK and its downstream pathways in fibrotic myocardium were observed.ResultsThis study revealed a higher degree of atrial fibrosis in valvular atrial fibrillation and disordered cell arrangement. Expression of fibroblast differentiation marker alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was significantly increased in atrial fibrillation, and the expression of FAK and downstream AKT/S6K pathway proteins was up-regulated, while the other signal was observed, there was no significant change in ERK1/2 signaling pathway.ConclusionAtrial fibrosis in valvular atrial fibrillation is an important feature of atrial structural remodeling. We found overproduction of collagen fibers disrupted the continuity of atrial myocytes, leading to abnormal conduction and providing a matrix environment for the development of atrial fibrillation. The expression of focal adhesion kinase and downstream AKT/S6K signaling pathway in fibrotic myocardium may be involved in the process of atrial fibrosis, providing a basis for the study of its mechanism.
Objective To explore the difference between the hemorheology levels and the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α/2α (HIF-1α/2α) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the Tibetan and Han patients with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Methods This research recruited 30 high-risk Tibetan and Han patients with OSAHS, and 30 Tibetan and Han healthy volunteers at the same period. The whole blood viscometer was used to detect the high shear rate of whole blood viscosity, low shear rate of whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity ratio, red blood cell aggregation index, and hematocrit in each group. RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were used to detect the mRNA and protein levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), serine/threonine kinase (AKT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65, HIF-1α and HIF-2α in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results The hemorheology level of Tibetan OSAHS patients was significantly higher than that of healthy Tibetans and Han OSAHS patients (P<0.05), and the hemorheology level of Han OSAHS patients was significantly higher than that of Han healthy people (P<0.05) . The mRNA and protein levels of PI3K, AKT, NF-κB p65 and HIF-1α in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of Tibetan OSAHS patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy Tibetans or Han people, and these indexes of the Han OSAHS patients were significantly higher than those of the Han healthy people (all P<0.05), while HIF-2α mRNA and protein levels were significantly lower than those of healthy Han people (all P<0.05). Conclusion The upregulation of HIF-1α level and downregulation of HIF-2α expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of OSAHS patients depend on the activation of the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway, and the hemorheological level of Tibetan OSAHS patients is higher than that of Han OSAHS patients.
ObjectiveTo understand the molecular mechanisms and targeted therapy research progress of gastric cancer associated with the RTK/RAS signaling pathway, in order to provide reference for treatment of gastric cancer. MethodThe related literatures about the molecular mechanism and targeted therapy of RTK/RAS signaling pathway related gastric cancer at home and abroad in recent years were reviewed. ResultsTargeted therapy had been widely applied in the treatment of gastric cancer associated with the RTK/RAS signaling pathway, showing good efficacy and significantly prolonging patients’ survival time, further deepening the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer. Targeted therapies for gastric cancer associated with the RTK/RAS signaling pathway focused on human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), epidermal growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, cellular-mesenchymalepithelial transition factor and Kirsten ratsarcoma viral oncogene homolog associated targets. Currently, there were many drugs targeting HER-2 target, while research on other targets mostly remains in the clinical trial stage, and showing promising prospects. ConclusionTargeted therapy can benefit most patients with gastric cancer, but the drug resistance and multi-drug combination therapy are still difficult problems that we need to overcome in the future.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on liver injury induced by severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). MethodsForty healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham operation group (SO group), SAP group, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 group (LY294002 group), and mTOR kinase inhibitor rapamycin group (rapamycin group). The rat model with SAP was made by injection with 5% sodium deoxycholate through retrogradely bilio pancreatic duct. Serum levels of amylase (AMY), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) were detected through the inferior vena at 6 h after modeling. Pathologic change of the liver was observed under the light microscope. TUNEL analysis was used to detect apoptotic index (AI) of the heptocyte. Expressions of Akt, phosphated-Akt (p-Akt), mTOR, phosphated-mTOR (p-mTOR) protein were evaluated by Western blot. Results①Compared with the SO group, the serum levels of AMY, ALT, AST, and the hepatocyte AI were significantly increased among the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the SAP group, the serum levels of AMY, ALT, AST, and the hepatocyte AI were significantly decreased in the LY294002 group and rapamycin group (P < 0.05).②Compared with the SO group, the damages of the liver tissues were aggravated among the other three groups. The pathologies of the liver tissues were ameliorated in the LY294002 group and rapamycin group as compared with the SAP group.③Compared with the SO group, the levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly increased among the other three groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the SAP group, the levels of p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly decreased in the LY294002 group (P < 0.05), but in the rapamycin group, only the p-mTOR/mTOR level was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). ConclusionThe activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway might be one of the reasons for the liver injury induced by SAP and blocking this signaling pathway might be a potential target of preventing progress of SAP and alleviating liver injury induced by SAP.
ObjectiveTo investigate regulation mechanism of glypican-3 (GPC3) on Hippo signaling pathway and its effects on biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells. MethodsShort hairpin RNAs (shRNA) targeting GPC3 and Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) genes were constructed. All of the shRNAs were transfected into Huh7 cells by liposome transfection in order to screen out the stable expression cell lines. The expressions of GPC3 and YAP1 in Huh7 cells were detected by PCR and Western blot in order to screen out the effective shRNAs. The proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of Huh7 cells were detected by Edu cell proliferation assay, transwell, and flow cytometry. GPC3 shRNA transfection experiments were divided into 6 groups:non-transfection group, empty vector group, GPC3-714-shRNA group, GPC3-647-shRNA group, GPC3-1718-shRNA group, and GPC3-2134-shRNA group. YAP1 shRNA transfection experiments were divided into 6 groups:non-transfection group, empty vector group, YAP1-906-shRNA group, YAP1-1363-shRNA group, YAP1-1666-shRNA group, and YAP1-2895-shRNA group. GPC3 regulation experiments were divided into 5 groups:non-transfection group, empty vector group, GPC3-1718-shRNA group, GPC3-1718-shRNA+ rhYAP1 group, and YAP1-1666-shRNA group. Results① GPC3-1718-shRNA and YAP1-1666-shRNA plasmids were successfully constructed to silence the expressions of GPC3 and YAP1. ② The expressions of GPC3 mRNA and protein in each transfection group were significantly lower than those in the non-transfection group (P<0.05) and the empty vector group (P<0.05), while which in the GPC3-1718-shRNA group was significantly lower than those in all the other transfection groups (P<0.05). The expressions of YAP1 mRNA and protein in each transfection group were significantly lower than those in the non-transfection group and empty vector group (P<0.05), while which in the YAP1-1666-shRNA group was significantly lower than those in all the other transfection groups (P<0.05). ③ The expressions of YAP1 mRNA and protein in the GPC3-1718-shRNA group and the YAP1-1666-shRNA group were significantly lower than those in the non-transfection group (P<0.05) and the empty vector group (P<0.05), while which in the GPC3-1718-shRNA+rhYAP1 group were significantly higher than those in the GPC3-1718-shRNA group (P<0.05) and the YAP1-1666-shRNA group (P<0.05). ④ Compared with the non-transfection group and the empty vector group, the abilities of cell proliferation and invasion in the GPC3-1718-shRNA group and the YAP1-1666-shRNA group were significantly decreased, and the cell apoptosis was significantly increased (P<0.05); The cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis in the GPC3-1718-shRNA+rhYAP1 group were significantly improved (P<0.05). ConclusionGPC3 is likely to affect biological behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells through regulation of YAP1 in Hippo signaling pathway.
ObjectiveTo investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsFrom August 2011 to August 2012, 16 patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. ResultsThere were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. ConclusionDifferent mitral valve lesions have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.