scholarly journals Study on the effect of mongolian medicine qiwei qinggan powder on hepatic fibrosis through JAK2/STAT3 pathway

Author(s):  
Jie Liang ◽  
Hongwei Yuan ◽  
Liping Xu ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
Xiaomei Bao ◽  
...  

Abstract This research aimed to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect and explore the mechanism of Qiwei Qinggan Powder (QGS-7) in vivo and in vitro. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were used. QGS-7 treatment significantly improved the liver function of rats as indicated by decreased serum enzymatic activities of Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP). Meanwhile, the hydroxyproline (HYP) of liver was significantly decreased. Histopathological results indicated that QGS-7 alleviated liver damage and reduced the formation of fibrosis septa. Moreover, QGS-7 significantly attenuated expressions of Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), phosphorylation-JAK2 (p-JAK2), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3), phosphorylation-STAT3 (p-STAT3) in the rat hepatic fibrosis model. QGS-7 inhibited HSCs proliferation and promote it apoptosis. QGS-7 may affect hepatic fibrosis through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, so as to play an anti-hepatic fibrosis role.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Liang ◽  
Menggensilimu Menggensilimu ◽  
Feng Wang ◽  
Hongwei Yuan ◽  
Yuxin Yan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: To study the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect and explore the mechanism of Qiwei Qinggan Powder (QGS-7) in vivo and in vitro. Methods: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 )-treated rats and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were used. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were detected in serum of rats in each group, hydroxyproline (HYP) was detected in liver tissue. Formalin-fixed liver specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) reagent, Masson trichrome, and then analyzed. The expression of Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression level of Collagen I, α-SMA, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3) mRNA were determined by real Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of α-SMA, Collagen I, JAK2, phosphorylation-JAK2 (p-JAK2), STAT3 and phosphorylation-STAT3 (p-STAT3) were determined by Western Blot. The proliferation of HSC was detected by MTT and the apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results: QGS-7 treatment significantly improved the liver function of rats as indicated by decreased serum enzymatic activities of ALT, AST and ALP. Meanwhile, the HYP of liver was significantly decreased. Histopathological results indicated that QGS-7 alleviated liver damage and reduced the formation of fibrosis septa. Moreover, QGS-7 significantly attenuated expressions of α-SMA, Collagen I, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3 relative mRNA and protein level in the rat hepatic fibrosis model and HSCs. And QGS-7 can inhibit HSCs proliferation and promote it apoptosis. Conclusion: Mongolian medicine QGS-7 has the effect of treating hepatic fibrosis and can inhibit the activation, proliferation and promote apoptosis of HSCs. Meanwhile, in the process of anti-hepatic fibrosis, QGS-7 can reduce the expression of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 in JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, we speculate that QGS-7 may affect HSCs through JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, so as to play an anti-hepatic fibrosis role.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (Suppl 2) ◽  
pp. A16.1-A16
Author(s):  
O Sapega ◽  
R Mikyskova ◽  
K Musilek ◽  
J Bieblova ◽  
Z Hodny ◽  
...  

BackgroundCellular senescence is the process of cell proliferation arrest. Premature cellular senescence can be induced by chemotherapy, irradiation and, under certain circumstances, by cytokines. Senescent cells produce a number of secreted proteins and growth factors that may either stimulate or inhibit cell proliferation. One of the major cytokines that play role in regulation of cellular senescence is IL-6. IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway represent decisive regulatory factors in cellular senescence. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of the STAT3 inhibitors on senescent and proliferative tumour cells. Further, the therapeutic potential of the STAT3 inhibitors was evaluated using murine tumour models.Materials and MethodsIn vitro, as well as in vivo experiments were performed using TC-1 (model for HPV16-associated tumours) TRAMP-C2 (prostate cancer) cell lines. C57Bl/6NCrl mice, 7–8 weeks old, were obtained from Velaz (Prague, Czech Republic). Experimental protocols were approved by the Institutional Animal Care Committee of the Institute of Molecular Genetics (Prague, Czech Republic). STAT3 inhibitors, namely STATTIC, BP-102 (synthesised at the University of Hradec Kralove) and their derivatives were tested for their effects on tumour cells, such as cytotoxicity, ability to inhibit STAT3 phosphorylation, cell proliferation and tumour growth in syngeneic mice.ResultsWe have previously demonstrated that docetaxel-induced senescence in the TC-1 and TRAMP-C2 murine tumour cell lines, which was proved by in vitro (detection of increased p21 expression, positive beta-galactosidase staining, and the typical SASP capable to induce ‘bystander’ senescence), and in vivo experiments, using C57BL/6 mice [1]. Both TC-1 and TRAMP-C2 cells displayed elevated IL-6 secretion and activated STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, we tested efficacy of the STAT3 inhibitors on these cell lines. Cytotoxic and STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitory effects of the inhibitors were observed in both proliferating and senescent cells. Antitumor effects of selected inhibitors were evaluated.ConclusionsCollectively, STAT3 is an attractive target for therapeutic approaches in cancer treatment and we can assume that inhibition of the STAT3 pathway can be used for elimination of the pernicious effects of the senescent cells.ReferenceSimova J, Sapega O, Imrichova T, Stepanek I, Kyjacova L, Mikyskova R, Indrova M, Bieblova J, Bubenik J, Bartek J, et al: Tumor growth accelerated by chemotherapy-induced senescent cells is suppressed by treatment with IL-12 producing cellular vaccines. Oncotarget7: 54952–54964, 2016. This work was supported by the research grant No. NV18-05-00562 provided by the Grant Agency of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic.Disclosure InformationO. Sapega: None. R. Mikyskova: None. K. Musilek: None. J. Bieblova: None. Z. Hodny: None. M. Reinis: None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zengliang Li ◽  
Hao Fan ◽  
Wangwang Chen ◽  
Jian Xiao ◽  
Xiang Ma ◽  
...  

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as significant regulators of the tumorigenesis of gastric cancer (GC), and may be effective biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting for GC. In this study, miR-653-5p was found to be significantly upregulated in GC tissues, serum, and cell lines and was strongly associated with poor prognosis in patients with GC. Furthermore, miR-653-5p promoted GC cell proliferation and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 6 (SOCS6) was directly targeted by miR-653-5p, and SOCS6 attenuated miR-653-5p-mediated GC cell growth, migration, and invasion. In addition, SOCS6-mediated inactivation of the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway was also reversed by the administration of miR-653-5p. The findings from this study support a novel regulatory axis between miR-653-5p, SOCS6, and JAK2/STAT3 that may be a target for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for GC.


Author(s):  
Joon M. Jung ◽  
Hae K. Yoon ◽  
Chang J. Jung ◽  
Soo Y. Jo ◽  
Sang G. Hwang ◽  
...  

Cold plasma can be beneficial for promoting skin wound healing and has a high potential of being effectively used in treating various wounds. Our aim was to verify the effect of cold plasma in accelerating wound healing and investigate its underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo. For the in vivo experiments, 2 full-thickness dermal wounds were created in each mouse (n = 30). While one wound was exposed to 2 daily plasma treatments for 3 min, the other wound served as a control. The wounds were evaluated by imaging and histological analyses at 4, 7, and 11 days post the wound infliction process. Immunohistochemical studies were also performed at the same time points. In vitro proliferation and scratch assay using HaCaT keratinocytes and fibroblasts were performed. The expression levels of wound healing–related genes were analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. On day 7, the wound healing rates were 53.94% and 63.58% for the control group and the plasma-treated group, respectively. On day 11, these rates were 76.05% and 93.44% for the control and plasma-treated groups, respectively, and the difference between them was significant ( P = .039). Histological analysis demonstrated that plasma treatment promotes the formation of epidermal keratin and granular layers. Immunohistochemical studies also revealed that collagen 1, collagen 3, and alpha-smooth muscle actin appeared more abundantly in the plasma-treated group than in the control group. In vitro, the proliferation of keratinocytes was promoted by plasma exposure. Scratch assay showed that fibroblast exposure to plasma increased their migration. The expression levels of collagen 1, collagen 3, and alpha-smooth muscle actin were elevated upon plasma treatment. In conclusion, cold plasma can accelerate skin wound healing and is well tolerated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nozomi Igarashi ◽  
Megumi Honjo ◽  
Makoto Aihara

AbstractWe examined the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the fibrotic response induced by transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-β2) in cultured human trabecular meshwork (hTM) cells. TGF-β2-induced expression of fibronectin, collagen type I, alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in hTM cells was examined in the presence or absence of mTOR inhibitors using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The migration rates of hTM cells were examined in the presence of TGF-β2 with or without mTOR inhibitors. An in vitro study showed that the expression of fibronectin, COL1A1, and αSMA was upregulated by TGF-β2 treatment of hTM cells; such upregulation was significantly suppressed by mTOR inhibitors. The inhibitors significantly reduced the migration rate of TGF-β2-stimulated hTM cells. mTOR inhibitors may usefully reduce the fibrotic response of hTM cells and we may have to explore if it is also effective in in vivo model.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (10) ◽  
pp. 2168-2191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronson A. Haynes ◽  
Li Fang Yang ◽  
Ryan W. Huyck ◽  
Eric J. Lehrer ◽  
Joshua M. Turner ◽  
...  

Objective: Endothelial cells (EC) in obese adipose tissue (AT) are exposed to a chronic proinflammatory environment that may induce a mesenchymal-like phenotype and altered function. The objective of this study was to establish whether endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) is present in human AT in obesity and to investigate the effect of such transition on endothelial function and the endothelial particulate secretome represented by extracellular vesicles (EV). Approach and Results: We identified EndoMT in obese human AT depots by immunohistochemical co-localization of CD31 or vWF and α-SMA (alpha-smooth muscle actin). We showed that AT EC exposed in vitro to TGF-β (tumor growth factor-β), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α), and IFN-γ (interferon-γ) undergo EndoMT with progressive loss of endothelial markers. The phenotypic change results in failure to maintain a tight barrier in culture, increased migration, and reduced angiogenesis. EndoMT also reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glycolytic capacity of EC. EVs produced by EC that underwent EndoMT dramatically reduced angiogenic capacity of the recipient naïve ECs without affecting their migration or proliferation. Proteomic analysis of EV produced by EC in the proinflammatory conditions showed presence of several pro-inflammatory and immune proteins along with an enrichment in angiogenic receptors. Conclusions: We demonstrated the presence of EndoMT in human AT in obesity. EndoMT in vitro resulted in production of EV that transferred some of the functional and metabolic features to recipient naïve EC. This result suggests that functional and molecular features of EC that underwent EndoMT in vivo can be disseminated in a paracrine or endocrine fashion and may induce endothelial dysfunction in distant vascular beds.


2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 2111-2122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Bing Hu ◽  
Xiao-Ting Ye ◽  
Qing-Qing Zhou ◽  
Rong-Quan Fu

Background/Aims: Sestrin 2 is associated with the pathophysiology of several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of Sestrin 2 in rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrogenesis. Methods: In this study, Sestrin 2 protein expression was detected in rat HSC-T6 cells challenged with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known model of hepatic fibrosis. Next, HSC-T6 cells and fibrotic mice were transfected with lentivirus. The mRNA expression levels of markers of liver fibrosis [alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1)] were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell death and proliferation were evaluated by the MTT assay, and biochemical markers of liver damage in serum [alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST)] were also measured using a biochemical analyzer. Histopathological examination was used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis, and protein expression [phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), AMPK, phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and mTOR] was determined by western blotting. Results: We found that Sestrin 2 was elevated in both the HSC-T6 cell and hepatic fibrosis models. In vitro, overexpression of Sestrin 2 attenuated the mRNA levels of α-SMA and Col1A1, suppressed α-SMA protein expression, and modulated HSC-T6 cell proliferation. In vivo, overexpression of Sestrin 2 reduced the ALT and AST levels as well as the α-SMA and Col1A1 protein expression in the CCl4 model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, the degree of liver fibrosis was ameliorated. Interestingly, overexpression of Sestrin 2 increased p-AMPK but decreased p-mTOR protein expression. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that Sestrin 2 may attenuate the activation of HSCs and ameliorate liver fibrosis, most likely via upregulation of AMPK phosphorylation and suppression of the mTOR signaling pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maaria Palmroth ◽  
Krista Kuuliala ◽  
Ritva Peltomaa ◽  
Anniina Virtanen ◽  
Antti Kuuliala ◽  
...  

ObjectiveCurrent knowledge on the actions of tofacitinib on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is based on in vitro studies. Our study is the first to examine the effects of tofacitinib treatment on Janus kinase (JAK) - signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways in vivo in patients with RA.MethodsSixteen patients with active RA, despite treatment with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), received tofacitinib 5 mg twice daily for three months. Levels of constitutive and cytokine-induced phosphorylated STATs in peripheral blood monocytes, T cells and B cells were measured by flow cytometry at baseline and three-month visits. mRNA expression of JAKs, STATs and suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) were measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by quantitative PCR. Association of baseline signaling profile with treatment response was also investigated.ResultsTofacitinib, in csDMARDs background, decreased median disease activity score (DAS28) from 4.4 to 2.6 (p < 0.001). Tofacitinib treatment significantly decreased cytokine-induced phosphorylation of all JAK-STAT pathways studied. However, the magnitude of the inhibitory effect depended on the cytokine and cell type studied, varying from 10% to 73% inhibition following 3-month treatment with tofacitinib. In general, strongest inhibition by tofacitinib was observed with STAT phosphorylations induced by cytokines signaling through the common-γ-chain cytokine receptor in T cells, while lowest inhibition was demonstrated for IL-10 -induced STAT3 phosphorylation in monocytes. Constitutive STAT1, STAT3, STAT4 and STAT5 phosphorylation in monocytes and/or T cells was also downregulated by tofacitinib. Tofacitinib treatment downregulated the expression of several JAK-STAT pathway components in PBMCs, SOCSs showing the strongest downregulation. Baseline STAT phosphorylation levels in T cells and monocytes and SOCS3 expression in PBMCs correlated with treatment response.ConclusionsTofacitinib suppresses multiple JAK-STAT pathways in cytokine and cell population specific manner in RA patients in vivo. Besides directly inhibiting JAK activation, tofacitinib downregulates the expression of JAK-STAT pathway components. This may modulate the effects of tofacitinib on JAK-STAT pathway activation in vivo and explain some of the differential findings between the current study and previous in vitro studies. Finally, baseline immunological markers associate with the treatment response to tofacitinib.


2021 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 307-314
Author(s):  
Xiaomin Ding ◽  
Danqing Lu ◽  
Jianbo Fan

ABSTRACT Osteosarcoma represents one of the most devastating cancers due to its high metastatic potency and fatality. Osteosarcoma is insensitive to traditional chemotherapy. Identification of a small molecule that blocks osteosarcoma progression has been a challenge in drug development. Phillygenin, a plant-derived tetrahydrofurofuran lignin, has shown to suppress cancer cell growth and inflammatory response. However, how phillygenin plays functional roles in osteosarcoma has remained unveiled. In this study, we showed that phillygenin inhibited osteosarcoma cell growth and motility in vitro. Further mechanistic studies indicated that phillygenin blocked STAT3 signaling pathway. Phillygenin led to significant downregulation of Janus kinase 2 and upregulation of Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 1. Gene products of STAT3 regulating cell survival and invasion were also inhibited by phillygenin. Therefore, our studies provided the first evidence that phillygenin repressed osteosarcoma progression by interfering STAT3 signaling pathway. Phillygenin is a potential candidate in osteosarcoma therapy.


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