scholarly journals IcarisideII facilitates the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs via let-7i/STAT3 axis to preserve erectile function

2019 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pingyu Ge ◽  
Yinxue Guo ◽  
Jun Shen
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Erectile Function ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Regulatory Relationship ◽  
Rat Models ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Dose Dependent

Abstract Background IcarisideII (ICAII) could promote the differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to Schwann cells (SCs), leading to improvement of erectile function (EF) and providing a realistic therapeutic option for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of ADSCs and ICAII in this process remain largely unclear. Methods ADSCs were treated with different concentrations of ICAII. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. qRT-PCR and western blot were performed to detect expressions of SCs markers, signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), and microRNA-let-7i (let-7i). Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to verify the regulatory relationship between let-7i and STAT3. The detection of intracavernosal pressure (ICP) and the ratio of ICP/mean arterial pressure (MAP) were used to evaluate the EF in bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI) rat models. Results ICAII promoted cell proliferation of ADSCs in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein levels of SCs markers were increased by ICAII treatment in a dose-dependent manner in ADSCs. Moreover, let-7i was significantly decreased in ICAII-treated ADSCs and upregulation of let-7i attenuated ICAII-induced promotion of SCs markers. In addition, STAT3 was a direct target of let-7i and upregulated in ICAII-treated ADSCs. Interestingly, overexpression of STAT3 abated the let-7i-mediated inhibition effect on differentiation of ADSCs to SCs and rescued the ICAII-mediated promotion effect on it. Besides, combination treatment of ADSCs and ICAII preserved the EF of BCNI rat models, which was undermined by let-7i overexpression. Conclusion ICAII was effective for preserving EF by promoting the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs via modulating let-7i/STAT3 pathway.

Norepinephrine induces calcium spikes and proinflammatory actions in human hepatic stellate cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (5) ◽  
pp. G877-G884 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pau Sancho-Bru ◽  
Ramón Bataller ◽  
Jordi Colmenero ◽  
Xavier Gasull ◽  
Montserrat Moreno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Portal Hypertension ◽  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Hepatic Stellate Cells ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Stellate Cells ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cell Contraction

Catecholamines participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis through α1-adrenoceptors. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of norepinephrine (NE) on human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which exert vasoactive, inflammatory, and fibrogenic actions in the injured liver. Adrenoceptor expression was assessed in human HSC by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was studied in fura-2-loaded cells. Cell contraction was studied by assessing wrinkle formation and myosin light chain II (MLC II) phosphorylation. Cell proliferation and collagen-α1(I) expression were assessed by [3H]thymidine incorporation and quantitative PCR, respectively. NF-κB activation was assessed by luciferase reporter gene and p65 nuclear translocation. Chemokine secretion was assessed by ELISA. Normal human livers expressed α1A-adrenoceptors, which were markedly upregulated in livers with advanced fibrosis. Activated human HSC expressed α1A-adrenoceptors. NE induced multiple rapid [Ca2+]i oscillations (Ca2+ spikes). Prazosin (α1-blocker) completely prevented NE-induced Ca2+ spikes, whereas propranolol (nonspecific β-blocker) partially attenuated this effect. NE caused phosphorylation of MLC II and cell contraction. In contrast, NE did not affect cell proliferation or collagen-α1(I) expression. Importantly, NE stimulated the secretion of inflammatory chemokines (RANTES and interleukin-8) in a dose-dependent manner. Prazosin blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. NE stimulated NF-κB activation. BAY 11-7082, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, blocked NE-induced chemokine secretion. We conclude that NE stimulates NF-κB and induces cell contraction and proinflammatory effects in human HSC. Catecholamines may participate in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and liver fibrosis by targeting HSC.

scholarly journals miR-135b Plays a Neuroprotective Role by Targeting GSK3β in MPP+-Intoxicated SH-SY5Y Cells

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianlei Zhang ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Yabo Wang ◽  
Shengnan Zhao ◽  
Na Chang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokine Production ◽  
Protein Levels

miR-135a-5p was reported to play a crucial role in the protective effects of hydrogen sulfide against Parkinson’s disease (PD) by targeting rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2). However, the role of another member of miR-135 family (miR-135b) and the underlying mechanism in PD are still unclear. qRT-PCR and western blot showed that miR-135 was downregulated and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) was upregulated at mRNA and protein levels in MPP+-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. MTT, TUNEL, and ELISA assays revealed that miR-135b overexpression significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis and production of TNF-α and IL-1β in SH-SY5Y cells in the presence of MPP+. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that GSK3β was a direct target of miR-135b. Moreover, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a GSK3β activator, dramatically reversed the effects of miR-135b upregulation on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory cytokine production in MPP+-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells. Taken together, miR-135b exerts a protective role via promotion of proliferation and suppression of apoptosis and neuroinflammation by targeting GSK3β in MPP+-intoxicated SH-SY5Y cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of PD.

Momordica charantia Inhibits Inflammatory Responses in Murine Macrophages via Suppression of TAK1

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (02) ◽  
pp. 435-452 ◽  
Author(s):  
Woo Seok Yang ◽  
Eunju Yang ◽  
Min-Jeong Kim ◽  
Deok Jeong ◽  
Deok Hyo Yoon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Momordica Charantia ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
No Production ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Raw264.7 Macrophages ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Dose Dependent

Momordica charantia known as bitter melon is a representative medicinal plant reported to exhibit numerous pharmacological activities such as antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, antitumor, and hypoglycemic actions. Although this plant has high ethnopharmacological value for treating inflammatory diseases, the molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits the inflammatory response are not fully understood. In this study, we aim to identify the anti-inflammatory mechanism of this plant. To this end, we studied the effects of its methanol extract (Mc-ME) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Specifically, we evaluated nitric oxide (NO) production, mRNA expression of inflammatory genes, luciferase reporter gene activity, and putative molecular targets. Mc-ME blocked NO production in a dose-dependent manner in RAW264.7 cells; importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 were decreased by Mc-ME treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Luciferase assays and nuclear lysate immunoblotting analyses strongly indicated that Mc-ME decreases the levels of p65 [a nuclear factor (NF)-[Formula: see text]B subunit] and c-Fos [an activator protein (AP)-1 subunit]. Whole lysate immunoblotting assays, luciferase assays, and overexpression experiments suggested that transforming growth factor [Formula: see text]-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is targeted by Mc-ME, thereby suppressing NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1 activity via downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) and AKT. These results strongly suggest that Mc-ME exerts its anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the action of TAK1, which also affects the activation of NF-[Formula: see text]B and AP-1.

scholarly journals Effects of Thapsigargin on the Proliferation and Survival of Human Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Cells

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Wang ◽  
Xiu-zhi Jia ◽  
Chun-jie Sui ◽  
Yan-ping Zhao ◽  
Yi-fang Mei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Cyclin D1 ◽  
Human Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Synovial Cells ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Hoechst Staining ◽  
Dose Dependent

A series of experiments have been carried out to investigate the effects of different concentrations of thapsigargin (0, 0.001, 0.1, and 1 μM) on the proliferation and survival of human rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells (MH7A). The results showed that thapsigargin can block the cell proliferation in human rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Results of Hoechst staining suggested that thapsigargin may induce cell apoptosis in MH7A cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and the percentages of cell death reached 44.6% at thapsigargin concentration of 1 μM treated for 4 days compared to the control. The protein and mRNA levels of cyclin D1 decreased gradually with the increasing of thapsigargin concentration and treatment times. Moreover, the protein levels of mTORC1 downstream indicators pS6K and p4EBP-1 were reduced by thapsigargin treatment at different concentrations and times, which should be responsible for the reduced cyclin D1 expressions. Our results revealed that thapsigargin may effectively impair the cell proliferation and survival of MH7A cells. The present findings will help to understand the molecular mechanism of fibroblast-like synoviocytes proliferations and suggest that thapsigargin is of potential for the clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

scholarly journals N6-Methyladenosine Methyltransferase METTL3 Promotes Angiogenesis and Atherosclerosis by Upregulating the JAK2/STAT3 Pathway via m6A Reader IGF2BP1

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo Dong ◽  
Jiangbo Yu ◽  
Gaojun Shan ◽  
Lide Su ◽  
Nannan Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Chorioallantoic Membrane ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Stat3 Pathway ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a life-threatening vascular disease. RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification level is dysregulated in multiple pathophysiologic processes including AS. In this text, the roles and molecular mechanisms of m6A writer METTL3 in AS progression were explored in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, cell proliferative, migratory, and tube formation capacities were assessed through CCK-8, Transwell migration, and tube formation assays, respectively. RNA m6A level was examined through a commercial kit. RNA and protein levels of genes were measured through RT-qPCR and western blot assays, respectively. VEGF secretion level was tested through ELISA assay. JAK2 mRNA stability was detected through actinomycin D assay. The relationship of METTL3, IGF2BP1, and JAK2 was investigated through bioinformatics analysis, MeRIP, RIP, RNA pull-down, and luciferase reporter assays. An AS mouse model was established to examine the effect of METTL3 knockdown on AS development in vivo. The angiogenetic activity was examined through chick chorioallantoic membrane assay in vivo. The results showed that METTL3 was highly expressed in ox-LDL-induced dysregulated HUVECs. METTL3 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, tube formation, and VEGF expression/secretion in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, hampered AS process in vivo, and prevented in vivo angiogenesis of developing embryos. METTL3 positively regulated JAK2 expression and JAK2/STAT3 pathway in an m6A dependent manner in HUVECs. IGF2BP1 positively regulated JAK2 expression through directly binding to an m6A site within JAK2 mRNA in HUVECs. METTL3 knockdown weakened the interaction of JAK2 and IGF2BP1. METTL3 exerted its functions through JAK2/STAT3 pathway. In conclusion, METTL3 knockdown prevented AS progression by inhibiting JAK2/STAT3 pathway via IGF2BP1.

scholarly journals MicroRNA-16 Promotes Ovarian Granulosa Cell Proliferation and Suppresses Apoptosis Through Targeting PDCD4 in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 670-682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiafei  Fu ◽  
Yuanli He ◽  
Xuefeng Wang ◽  
Dongxian Peng ◽  
Xiaoying Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Cell Cycle Distribution ◽  
Regulatory Relationship ◽  
Ovarian Cortex ◽  
Pdcd4 Expression ◽  
Ovarian Syndrome

Background/Aims: Several miRNAs have been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). However, the biological roles of miR-16 and its molecular mechanisms in PCOS development remain to be elucidated. Methods: qRT-PCR was performed to detect the expression levels of miR-16 and programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4). GCs proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were examined by MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. Luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were applied to confirm the regulatory relationship between miR-16 and PDCD4. Western blot was applied to measure the protein levels of PDCD4, PCNA and caspase-3. ELISA kits were used to determine the serum levels of steroids. Results: miR-16 expression was down-regulated in ovarian cortex tissues and serums of PCOS patients. PDCD4 expression was up-regulated in ovarian cortex tissues of PCOS patients. miR-16 overexpression facilitated cell proliferation, induced cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis in GCs. Moreover, PDCD4 was a direct target of miR-16. Also, enforced expression of PDCD4 abated the effects of miR-16 on GCs growth and apoptosis. Additionally, testosterone resulted in a decrease of miR-16 expression and an increase of PDCD4 expression, thus blocking cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in GCs. Furthermore, miR-16 overexpression alleviated PCOS in vivo by regulating PDCD4. Conclusions: miR-16 promoted ovarian GCs proliferation and inhibited apoptosis through directly targeting PDCD4 in PCOS, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of GCs dysregulation and providing a promising target in PCOS.

scholarly journals MiR-132-3p suppresses cell proliferation and migration in gastric cancer by targeting KIF21B/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingtian Liu ◽  
Ling Qiang ◽  
Bingxin Guan ◽  
Zhipeng Ji
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Functional Role ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Microarray Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Normal Tissues ◽  
And Migration

Abstract Background: Recently, kinesin family member 21B (KIF21B) has been reported to be an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the functional role and related molecular mechanisms underlying gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis remain largely uncovered. Methods: The expression of KIF21B was investigated by analysis of Oncomine microarray gene expression datasets and clinical specimens. The association between KIF21B and miR-132-3p was assessed by luciferase reporter assay. CCK-8 assay and transwell assay were performed to analyze the functional role of miR-132-3p/KIF21B in GC cells. Related protein expression levels were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis.Results: We first found that the expression of KIF21B was upregulated in GC tissues compared with adjunct normal tissues. Knockdown of KIF21B significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion in GC cell lines (AGS and SNU-5). KIF21B was confirmed as the target of miR-132-3p in GC cells. Moreover, miR-132-3p was down-regulated and inversely correlated with KIF21B expression in GC tissues. Further functional experiments demonstrated that overexpression of KIF21B remarkedly reversed the suppressive effects of miR-132-3p overexpression on GC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, miR-132-3p overexpression downregulated the protein levels of Wnt1, c-Myc, β-catenin, PCNA and N-cadherin, and upregulated E-cadherin expression in GC cells, which were all alleviated after KIF21B overexpression. Conclusions: In summary, our findings provide the first evidence that down-regulation of KIF21B by miR-132-3p suppresses cellular functions in GC via regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

The Anti-Atherogenic Properties of Sesamin are Mediated via Improved Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux Through PPARγ1-LXRα and MAPK Signaling

2014 ◽  
Vol 84 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 79-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amin F. Majdalawieh ◽  
Hyo-Sung Ro
Keyword(s):  
Cholesterol Efflux ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Foam Cell ◽  
Mapk Signaling ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Foam Cell Formation ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Concentration Dependent Manner ◽  
Macrophage Cholesterol Efflux

Background: Foam cell formation resulting from disrupted macrophage cholesterol efflux, which is triggered by PPARγ1 and LXRα, is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. Sesamin and sesame oil exert anti-atherogenic effects in vivo. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying such effects are not fully understood. Aim: This study examines the potential effects of sesamin (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 μM) on PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity as well as macrophage cholesterol efflux. Methods: PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity are assessed by luciferase reporter assays. Macrophage cholesterol efflux is evaluated by ApoAI-specific cholesterol efflux assays. Results: The 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin up-regulated the expression of PPARγ1 (p< 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and LXRα (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, 75 μM and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin led to 5.2-fold (p < 0.001) and 6.0-fold (p<0.001) increases in PPAR transcriptional activity and 3.9-fold (p< 0.001) and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001) increases in LXR transcriptional activity, respectively, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner via MAPK signaling. Consistently, 50 μM, 75 μM, and 100 μM concentrations of sesamin improved macrophage cholesterol efflux by 2.7-fold (p < 0.001), 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), and 4.2-fold (p < 0.001), respectively, via MAPK signaling. Conclusion: Our findings shed light on the molecular mechanism(s) underlying sesamin’s anti-atherogenic effects, which seem to be due, at least in part, to its ability to up-regulate PPARγ1 and LXRα expression and transcriptional activity, improving macrophage cholesterol efflux. We anticipate that sesamin may be used as a therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.

scholarly journals MiR-489-3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in glioblastoma

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 274-283
Author(s):  
Bo Zheng ◽  
Tao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Luciferase Reporter ◽  
Akt Pathway ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Bdnf Mrna ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Rna Immunoprecipitation ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Induced Apoptosis ◽  
Protein Cell

AbstractAmong astrocyte tumors, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant glioma, highly aggressive and invasive, with extremely poor prognosis. Previous research has reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the progression of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to explore the role and the underlying mechanisms of microRNA (miR)-489-3p in GBM progression. The expression of miR-489-3p and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was used to detect BDNF protein and the PI3K/AKT pathway-related protein. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were analyzed using CKK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The interaction between BDNF and miR-489-3p was explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. MiR-489-3p was down-regulated and BDNF was up-regulated in GBM tissues and cells. MiR-489-3p re-expression or BDNF knockdown inhibited GBM cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and promoted apoptosis. BDNF was a target of miR-489-3p, and BDNF up-regulation reversed the effects of miR-489-3p on GBM cells. The protein levels of p-AKT and p-PI3K were notably reduced in GBM cells by overexpression of miR-489-3p, but were rescued following BDNF up-regulation. Therefore, miR-489-3p inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced apoptosis, by targeting the BDNF-mediated PI3K/AKT pathway in GBM, providing new strategies for clinical treatment of GBM.

scholarly journals Sulforaphane induces colorectal cancer cell proliferation through Nrf2 activation in a p53-dependent manner

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunjeong Gwon ◽  
Jisun Oh ◽  
Jong-Sang Kim
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Cancer Cell Proliferation ◽  
Nrf2 Signaling Pathway ◽  
Dose Dependent

AbstractSulforaphane is a well-known phytochemical that stimulates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant cellular response. In this study, we found that sulforaphane promoted cell proliferation in HCT116 human colon cancer cells expressing a normal p53 gene in a dose-dependent but biphasic manner. Since p53 has been reported to contribute to cell survival by regulating various metabolic pathways to adapt to mild stress, we further examined cellular responses in both p53-wild-type (WT) and p53-knockout (KO) HCT116 cells exposed to sulforaphane in vitro and in vivo. Results demonstrated that sulforaphane treatment activated Nrf2-mediated antioxidant enzymes in both p53-WT and p53-KO cells, decreased apoptotic protein expression in WT cells but increased in KO cells in a dose-dependent manner, and increased the expression of a mitochondrial biogenesis marker PGC1α in WT cells but decreased in KO cells. Moreover, a low dose of sulforaphane promoted tumor growth, upregulated the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and decreased apoptotic cell death in p53-WT HCT116 xenografts compared to that in p53-KO HCT116 xenografts in BALB/c nude mice. These findings suggest that sulforaphane can influence colon cancer cell proliferation and mitochondrial function through a crosstalk between the Nrf2 signaling pathway and p53 axis.

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