scholarly journals Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of the Gexia Zhuyu Decoction in the Treatment of NAFLD and the Molecular Mechanism Underlying the TRPM4 Pathway Regulation

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Yao-Wei Zhao ◽  
Jing Yang ◽  
Jie Niu ◽  
Tong Wang ◽  
Xin-Dan Liang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liver Tissue ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Fibrous Tissue ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Disease Stage ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Drug Intervention ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Pathway Regulation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological syndrome of abnormal lipid deposition in the liver mediated by nonalcohol intake. The Gexia Zhuyu decoction, a classic traditional Chinese medicine compound, is widely used in the clinical treatment of NAFLD. However, its specific efficacy and underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of the Gexia Zhuyu decoction using pharmacodynamics and to explore its molecular mechanisms in conjunction with proteomics. High-fat diets and methionine choline-deficient diets were used to induce various NAFLD progression stages in mouse models. The effects of oral Gexia Zhuyu decoction administration on NAFLD were evaluated by measuring the serum and liver indicators of the treated mice before and after drug intervention and by comparing the changes in liver tissue. Liver TRPM4 mRNA and protein levels were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Experimental data showed that serum ALT, AST, and liver triglyceride (TG) levels in each disease stage group of drug intervention mice decreased, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels increased. Liver TG levels decreased after drug intervention in the liver fibrosis mice, but serum TG levels increased. Furthermore, cellular fatty changes, inflammatory changes, and fibrous tissue proliferation were all relieved. The TRPM4 protein and mRNA levels in the liver tissue were decreased, and the microRNA (miRNA)-24 expression was increased. The Gexia Zhuyu decoction has a clear therapeutic effect at each stage of NAFLD. It likely acts by altering miRNA-24 expression and regulating the target TRPM4 protein pathway to achieve NAFLD treatment.

Glutathione peroxidase activity and expression levels are significantly increased in acute coronary syndromes

2017 ◽  
Vol 65 (5) ◽  
pp. 919-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Holley ◽  
Janet Pitman ◽  
John Miller ◽  
Scott Harding ◽  
Peter Larsen
Keyword(s):  
Glutathione Peroxidase ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Stable Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Coronary Syndromes ◽  
Stable Cad ◽  
Gpx Activity

High levels of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), have been associated with improved outcomes following acute coronary syndromes (ACS), suggesting a protective role. How GPx levels are altered with coronary disease is not clearly established. This study examined GPx activity, protein, and mRNA levels in healthy controls, patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), and patients with ACS. We studied 20 individuals from each of the healthy control, stable CAD, and ACS groups. GPx activity and protein levels, along with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were assayed in plasma. GPx mRNA levels from whole blood were quantified using real-time PCR. Levels of GPx activity in the plasma were higher in ACS (109±7.7 U/mL) compared with patients with stable CAD (95.2±16.4 U/mL, p<0.01) and healthy controls (87.6±8.3 U/mL, p<0.001). Plasma GPx protein levels were also elevated in ACS (21.6±9.5 µg/mL) compared with patients with stable CAD (16.5±2.8 µg/mL, p<0.05) and healthy controls (16.3±5.3 µg/mL, p<0.05). Levels ofGPX1,GPX3, andGPX4mRNA were significantly higher in the patients with ACS. Levels of oxLDL were also significantly higher in patients with ACS (61.9±22.2 U/L) than in patients with stable CAD (47.8±10.4 U/L, p<0.05) and healthy controls (48.9±11.9 U/L, p<0.05). Levels of oxLDL, GPx activity, protein, and mRNA are all significantly higher in patients with ACS compared with patients with stable CAD and healthy controls. These findings suggest that GPx may be upregulated in response to a change in oxidative stress during an ACS.

scholarly journals HIV-1 Tat Regulates Occludin and AβTransfer Receptor Expression in Brain Endothelial Cells via Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanlan Chen ◽  
Wen Huang ◽  
Wenlin Jiang ◽  
Xianghong Wu ◽  
Biao Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Immunofluorescent Staining ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Density Lipoprotein Receptor ◽  
Hiv 1

HIV-1 transactivator protein (Tat) has been shown to play an important role in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between occludin and amyloid-beta (Aβ) transfer receptors in human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) in the context of HIV-1-related pathology. The protein expressions of occludin, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) in hCMEC/D3 cells were examined using western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. The mRNA levels of occludin, RAGE, and LRP1 were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. HIV-1 Tat at 1 µg/mL and the Rho inhibitor hydroxyfasudil (HF) at 30 µmol/L, with 24 h exposure, had no significant effect on hCMEC/D3 cell viability. Treatment with HIV-1 Tat protein decreased mRNA and protein levels of occludin and LRP1 and upregulated the expression of RAGE; however, these effects were attenuated by HF. These data suggest that the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway is involved in HIV-1 Tat-mediated changes in occludin, RAGE, and LRP1 in hCMEC/D3 cells. HF may have a beneficial influence by protecting the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and the expression of Aβtransfer receptors.

scholarly journals Escin Increases the Survival Rate of LPS-Induced Septic Mice Through Inhibition of HMGB1 Release from Macrophages

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 1577-1586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yajun Cheng ◽  
Hongrui Wang ◽  
Min Mao ◽  
Chao Liang ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Treatment Methods ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Qrt Pcr ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Background: Previous studies have described the effects of Escin on improving the survival rate of endotoxemic animals. The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms of this potentially beneficial treatment. Methods: First, the survival rate of endotoxemic mice was monitored for up to 2 weeks after Escin pretreatment, Escin post-treatment, or Escin post-treatment + rHMGB1. The effects of Escin on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6 and HMGB1 in the serum of endotoxemic mice and LPS-induced macrophages were evaluated by ELISA. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of HMGB1 in LPS-induced macrophages were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Additionally, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6 was evaluated by ELISA in rHMGB1-induced macrophages. Finally, the protein levels and the activity of NF-κB in macrophages were checked by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. Results: Both pretreatment and post-treatment with Escin could improve the survival rate of endotoxemic mice, while exogenous rHMGB1 reversed this effect. In addition, Escin decreased the level of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6 and HMGB1 in endotoxemic mice and in LPS-induced macrophages. Escin could also inhibit the mRNA levels and activity of HMGB1. The release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-6 could be suppressed in rHMGB1-induced macrophages by Escin. Finally, Escin could suppress the activation of NF-κB in LPS-induced macrophages. Conclusion: Escin could improve the survival of mice with LPS-induced endotoxemia. This effect maybe meditated by reducing the release of HMGB1, resulting in the suppression of the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

scholarly journals BMP6 Mediates BMP2-Increased Human Trophoblast Invasion

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A747-A747
Author(s):  
Jianye Deng ◽  
Yan Li
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 ◽  
Extravillous Trophoblast ◽  
Trophoblast Invasion ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Ongoing Research ◽  
Human Trophoblast ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Regulatory Effects

Abstract TGF-β superfamily proteins play divergent roles in regulating human extravillous trophoblast (EVT) invasion and their coordinated effects are essential for adequate placentation during pregnancy 1. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), which belongs to the BMP subfamily of TGF-β superfamily, has been shown to promote human EVT invasion and the acquisition of endothelial-like phenotype 2,3. It has been reported that BMP2 promotes EVT invasion by up-regulating Activin A, a growth factor which also belongs to TGF-β superfamily. However, whether BMP6 mediates the pro-invasive effect of BMP2 has yet to be determined. Herein, we firstly treated immortalized trophoblast cells (HTR8/SVneo) with recombinant BMP2 protein for 6 and 24 hrs, and our bulk-RNA sequencing results demonstrated significantly increased BMP6 mRNA levels after BMP2 treatment. Furthermore, we confirmed the up-regulatory effects of BMP2 on BMP6 mRNA and protein levels in both HTR8/SVneo and primary EVTs isolated from first-trimester villi. Notably, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of BMP6 significantly attenuated both basal and BMP2-induced cell invasion in HTR8/SVneo cells as measured by Matrigel-coated transwell invasion assay. In summary, our results firstly demonstrated the up-regulatory effect of BMP2 on BMP6 expression in human trophoblasts and identified the mediation role of BMP6 in BMP2-promoted EVT invasion, suggesting the interplay between BMP subfamily members during EVT invasion regulation. Our ongoing research focusing the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways could further benefit the advancement of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for EVT invasion dysregulation-related pregnancy disorders, e.g., pre-eclampsia. Reference: (1) Li Yan et al., Trends Endocrinol Metab 2021 18: S1043-2760(20)30266-6. (2) Hong-Jin Zhao et al., FASEB J 2020;34(2):3151-3164. (3) Hong-Jin Zhao et al., Cell Death Dis 2018;9(2):174.

scholarly journals Changes in Serum Iron and Leukocyte mRNA Levels of Genes Involved in Iron Metabolism in Amateur Marathon Runners—Effect of the Running Pace

Genes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Grzybkowska ◽  
Katarzyna Anczykowska ◽  
Wojciech Ratkowski ◽  
Piotr Aschenbrenner ◽  
Jędrzej Antosiewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Iron Metabolism ◽  
Serum Iron ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Marathon Runners ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Reactive Protein ◽  
Blood Morphology

Iron is essential for physical activity due to its role in energy production pathways and oxygen transportation via hemoglobin and myoglobin. Changes in iron-related biochemical parameters after physical exercise in athletes are of substantial research interest, but molecular mechanisms such as gene expression are still rarely tested in sports. In this paper, we evaluated the mRNA levels of genes related to iron metabolism (PCBP1, PCBP2, FTL, FTH, and TFRC) in leukocytes of 24 amateur runners at four time points: before, immediately after, 3 h after, and 24 h after a marathon. We measured blood morphology as well as serum concentrations of iron, ferritin, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Our results showed significant changes in gene expression (except for TFRC), serum iron, CRP, and morphology after the marathon. However, the alterations in mRNA and protein levels occurred at different time points (immediately and 3 h post-run, respectively). The levels of circulating ferritin remained stable, whereas the number of transcripts in leukocytes differed significantly. We also showed that running pace might influence mRNA expression. Our results indicated that changes in the mRNA of genes involved in iron metabolism occurred independently of serum iron and ferritin concentrations.

Abstract 1729: PPARγ Regulates ABCG1 Expression in Macrophages via LXR-Driven Dual Promoters

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Makoto Ayaori ◽  
Masatsune Ogura ◽  
Kazuhiro Nakaya ◽  
Tetsuya Hisada ◽  
Shun-ichi Takiguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Exon 1 ◽  
Dual Promoters ◽  
Sirna Knockdown

ATP binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1), which is expressed in macrophages, has been implicated in the efflux of cholesterol to high density lipoprotein. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been reported to be involved in cholesterol efflux from macrophages, and increased expression of ABCG1 via liver receptor X (LXR)-dependent and independent pathways. However, the mechanisms by which ABCG1 expression is increased by PPARγ have not been fully characterized. We observed that pioglitazone, a PPARγ ligand, increases cholesterol efflux from THP-1 macrophages, as well as ABCG1 mRNA and protein levels. Treatment with actinomycin D abolished the inducible effect of pioglitazone on ABCG1, indicating that pioglitazone transcriptionally activated ABCG1 expression. To clarify how pioglitazone regulates ABCG1 expression, we investigated promoter activity using reporter constructs containing human ABCG1 promoter A and B (located upstream of exon 1 and 5, respectively), with or without mutated LXR-binding sites. The results indicated that pioglitazone activated both promoters in an LXR-dependent manner. We also observed that pioglitazone increased two major transcripts driven by promoter A and B using specific primers for each transcript. To determine whether PPARγ and LXRα were involved in these effects of pioglitazone, we performed siRNA-knockdown of PPARγ and LXRα in macrophages, which resulted in 75% and 91% decreases in PPARγ and LXRα mRNA levels, respectively. PPARγ and LXRα-knockdown, respectively, completely or partially abolished pioglitazone-induced ABCG1 expression. In conclusion, these results suggest that pioglitazone transcriptionally increased ABCG1 expression in macrophages by activating dual promoters in an LXR-dependent manner. Further studies are needed to assess LXR-independent mechanisms for the stimulatory effect of pioglitazone on ABCG1.

scholarly journals Alcohol Metabolism in the Progression of Human Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

2018 ◽  
Vol 164 (2) ◽  
pp. 428-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Li ◽  
Erica Toth ◽  
Nathan J Cherrington
Keyword(s):  
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Alcohol Metabolism ◽  
Aldh Activity ◽  
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Protein Adduct ◽  
And Function ◽  
Adh Activity

Abstract Alcohol metabolism is a well-characterized biological process that is dominated by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) families. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the advanced inflammatory stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is known to alter the metabolism and disposition of numerous drugs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the alterations in alcohol metabolism processes in response to human NASH progression. Expression and function of ADHs, ALDHs, and catalase were examined in normal, steatosis, NASH (fatty) and NASH (not fatty) human liver samples. ALDH4A1 mRNA was significantly decreased in both NASH groups, while no significant changes were observed in the mRNA levels of other alcohol-related enzymes. The protein levels of ADH1A, ADH1B, and ADH4 were each decreased in the NASH groups, which was consistent with a decreased overall ADH activity. The protein level of ALDH2 was significantly increased in both NASH groups, while ALDH1A1 and ALDH1B1 were only decreased in NASH (fatty) samples. ALDH activity represented by oxidation of acetaldehyde was decreased in the NASH (fatty) group. The protein level of catalase was decreased in both NASH groups, though activity was unchanged. Furthermore, the significant accumulation of 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct in NASH indicated significant oxidative stress and a potential reduction in ALDH activity. Collectively, ADH and ALDH expression and function are profoundly altered in the progression of NASH, which may have a notable impact on ADH- and ALDH-associated cellular metabolism processes and lead to significant alterations in drug metabolism mediated by these enzymes.

scholarly journals Activation of alternative NF-κB signaling during recovery of disuse-induced loss of muscle oxidative phenotype

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (6) ◽  
pp. E615-E626 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. V. Remels ◽  
N. A. Pansters ◽  
H. R. Gosker ◽  
A. M. W. J. Schols ◽  
R. C. J. Langen
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Myosin Heavy Chain Isoforms ◽  
Sirtuin 1 ◽  
Hindlimb Suspension ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Oxidative Phenotype

Physical inactivity-induced loss of skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype (OXPHEN), often observed in chronic disease, adversely affects physical functioning and quality of life. Potential therapeutic targets remain to be identified, since the molecular mechanisms involved in reloading-induced recovery of muscle OXPHEN remain incompletely understood. We hypothesized a role for alternative NF-κB, as a recently identified positive regulator of muscle OXPHEN, in reloading-induced alterations in muscle OXPHEN. Markers and regulators (including alternative NF-κB signaling) of muscle OXPHEN were investigated in gastrocnemius muscle of mice subjected to a hindlimb suspension/reloading (HLS/RL) protocol. Expression levels of oxidative phosphorylation subunits and slow myosin heavy chain isoforms I and IIA increased rapidly upon RL. After an initial decrease upon HLS, mRNA levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator (PGC) molecules PGC-1α and PGC-1β and mRNA levels of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) and estrogen-related receptor α increased upon RL. PPAR-δ, nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF-1), NRF-2α, and sirtuin 1 mRNA levels increased during RL although expression levels were unaltered upon HLS. In addition, both Tfam and NRF-1 protein levels increased significantly during the RL period. Moreover, upon RL, IKK-α mRNA and protein levels increased, and phosphorylation of P100 and subsequent processing to P52 were elevated, reflecting alternative NF-κB activation. We conclude that RL-induced recovery of muscle OXPHEN is associated with activation of alternative NF-κB signaling.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction Alters the Postnatal Development of the Rat Cerebellum

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 215-227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie R.A. McDougall ◽  
Vanny Wiradjaja ◽  
Aminath Azhan ◽  
Anqi Li ◽  
Nadia Hale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intrauterine Growth Restriction ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Growth Restriction ◽  
Cerebellar Development ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Fiber Density ◽  
Pregnant Rats ◽  
Intrauterine Growth ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Proliferative Zone

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major cause of antenatal brain injury. We aimed to characterize cerebellar deficits following IUGR and to investigate the potential underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. At embryonic day 18, pregnant rats underwent either sham surgery (controls; n = 23) or bilateral uterine vessel ligation to restrict blood flow to fetuses (IUGR; n = 20). Offspring were collected at postnatal day 2 (P2), P7, and P35. Body weights were reduced at P2, P7, and P35 in IUGR offspring (p < 0.05) compared with controls. At P7, the width of the external granule layer (EGL) was 30% greater in IUGR than control rats (p < 0.05); there was no difference in the width of the proliferative zone or in the density of Ki67-positive cells in the EGL. Bergmann glia were disorganized at P7 and P35 in IUGR pups, and by P35, there was a 10% decrease in Bergmann glial fiber density (p < 0.05) compared with controls. At P7, trophoblast antigen-2 (Trop2) mRNA and protein levels in the cerebellum were decreased by 88 and 40%, respectively, and astrotactin 1 mRNA levels were increased by 20% in the IUGR rats (p < 0.05) compared with controls; there was no difference in ASTN1 protein. The expressions of other factors known to regulate cerebellar development (astrotactin 2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4, neuregulin 1, sonic hedgehog and somatostatin) were not different between IUGR and control rats at P7 or P35. These data suggest that damage to the migratory scaffold (Bergmann glial fibers) and alterations in the genes that influence migration (Trop2 and Astn1) may underlie the deficits in postnatal cerebellar development following IUGR.

scholarly journals Coffee Polyphenols Change the Expression of STAT5B and ATF-2 Modifying Cyclin D1 Levels in Cancer Cells

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlota Oleaga ◽  
Carlos J. Ciudad ◽  
Véronique Noé ◽  
Maria Izquierdo-Pulido
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cyclin D1 ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Colon Cancer Cells ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Risk Of Cancer

Background. Epidemiological studies suggest that coffee consumption reduces the risk of cancer, but the molecular mechanisms of its chemopreventive effects remain unknown.Objective. To identify differentially expressed genes upon incubation of HT29 colon cancer cells with instant caffeinated coffee (ICC) or caffeic acid (CA) using whole-genome microarrays.Results. ICC incubation of HT29 cells caused the overexpression of 57 genes and the underexpression of 161, while CA incubation induced the overexpression of 12 genes and the underexpression of 32. Using Venn-Diagrams, we built a list of five overexpressed genes and twelve underexpressed genes in common between the two experimental conditions. This list was used to generate a biological association network in which STAT5B and ATF-2 appeared as highly interconnected nodes. STAT5B overexpression was confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. For ATF-2, the changes in mRNA levels were confirmed for both ICC and CA, whereas the decrease in protein levels was only observed in CA-treated cells. The levels of cyclin D1, a target gene for both STAT5B and ATF-2, were downregulated by CA in colon cancer cells and by ICC and CA in breast cancer cells.Conclusions. Coffee polyphenols are able to affect cyclin D1 expression in cancer cells through the modulation of STAT5B and ATF-2.

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