scholarly journals Osteoking Decelerates Cartilage Degeneration in DMM-Induced Osteoarthritic Mice Model Through TGF-β/smad-dependent Manner

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Houfu Ling ◽  
Qinghe Zeng ◽  
Qinwen Ge ◽  
Jiali Chen ◽  
Wenhua Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Common Disease ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Bone Sclerosis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease characterized by cartilage degeneration. In recent years much attention has been paid to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) since its treatments have shown efficacy for ameliorating cartilage degradation with mild side effects. Osteoking is a TCM prescription that has long been used in OA treatment. However, the exact mechanism of Osteoking are not fully elucidated. In the current study, destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced OA mice was introduced as a wild type animal model. After 8 weeks of administration of Osteoking, histomorphometry, OARSI scoring, gait analysis, micro-CT, and immunohistochemical staining for Col2, MMP-13, TGFβRII and pSmad-2 were conducted to evaluate the chondroprotective effects of Osteoking in vivo. Further in vitro experiments were then performed to detect the effect of Osteoking on chondrocytes. TGFβRIICol2ER transgenic mice were constructed and introduced in the current study to validate whether Osteoking exerts its anti-OA effects via the TGF-β signaling pathway. Results demonstrated that in wild type DMM mice, Osteoking ameliorated OA-phenotype including cartilage degradation, subchondral bone sclerosis, and gait abnormality. Col2, TGFβRII, and pSmad-2 expressions were also found to be up-regulated after Osteoking treatment, while MMP-13 was down-regulated. In vitro, the mRNA expression of MMP-13 and ADAMTS5 decreased and the mRNA expression of Aggrecan, COL2, and TGFβRII were up-regulated after the treatment of Osteoking in IL-1β treated chondrocytes. The additional treatment of SB505124 counteracted the positive impact of Osteoking on primary chondrocytes. In TGFβRIICol2ER mice, spontaneous OA-liked phenotype was observed and treatment of Osteoking failed to reverse the OA spontaneous progression. In conclusion, Osteoking ameliorates OA progression by decelerating cartilage degradation and alleviating subchondral bone sclerosis partly via the TGF-β signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Kartogenin prevents cartilage degradation and alleviates osteoarthritis progression in mice via the miR-146a/NRF2 axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingzhuang Hou ◽  
Yijian Zhang ◽  
Xinfeng Zhou ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Huilin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Cartilage Matrix ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Matrix Degradation ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Bone Sclerosis

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a common articular degenerative disease characterized by loss of cartilage matrix and subchondral bone sclerosis. Kartogenin (KGN) has been reported to improve chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, the therapeutic effect of KGN on OA-induced cartilage degeneration was still unclear. This study aimed to explore the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of KGN on articular cartilage degradation using mice with post-traumatic OA. To mimic the in vivo arthritic environment, in vitro cultured chondrocytes were exposed to interleukin-1β (IL-1β). We found that KGN barely affected the cell proliferation of chondrocytes; however, KGN significantly enhanced the synthesis of cartilage matrix components such as type II collagen and aggrecan in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, KGN markedly suppressed the expression of matrix degradation enzymes such as MMP13 and ADAMTS5. In vivo experiments showed that intra-articular administration of KGN ameliorated cartilage degeneration and inhibited subchondral bone sclerosis in an experimental OA mouse model. Molecular biology experiments revealed that KGN modulated intracellular reactive oxygen species in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes by up-regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), while barely affecting its mRNA expression. Microarray analysis further revealed that IL-1β significantly up-regulated miR-146a that played a critical role in regulating the protein levels of NRF2. KGN treatment showed a strong inhibitory effect on the expression of miR-146a in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes. Over-expression of miR-146a abolished the anti-arthritic effects of KGN not only by down-regulating the protein levels of NRF2 but also by up-regulating the expression of matrix degradation enzymes. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that KGN exerts anti-arthritic effects via activation of the miR-146a-NRF2 axis and KGN is a promising heterocyclic molecule to prevent OA-induced cartilage degeneration.

scholarly journals Activation of the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway during the Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultured on Substrates Modified with Various Chemical Groups

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Bai ◽  
Jin He ◽  
Yan-Shu Li ◽  
Xiu-Mei Wang ◽  
Hong-Jun Ai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Osteogenic Differentiation ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Functional Groups ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Specific Chemical ◽  
Dependent Cell ◽  
Chemical Groups

The current study examined the influence of culture substrates modified with the functional groups –OH, –COOH, –NH2, and –CH3using SAMs technology, in conjunction with TAAB control, on the osteogenic differentiation of rabbit BMSCs. The CCK-8 assay revealed that BMSCs exhibited substrate-dependent cell viability. The cells plated on –NH2- and –OH-modified substrates were well spread and homogeneous, but those on the –COOH- and –CH3-modified substrates showed more rounded phenotype. The mRNA expression of BMSCs revealed that –NH2-modified substrate promoted the mRNA expression and osteogenic differentiation of the BMSCs. The contribution of ERK1/2 signaling pathway to the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs cultured on the –NH2-modified substrate was investigatedin vitro. The –NH2-modified substrate promoted the expression of integrins; the activation of FAK and ERK1/2. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the ERK signaling pathway, blocked ERK1/2 activation in a dose-dependent manner, as revealed for expression of Cbfα-1 and ALP. Blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in BMSCs by PD98059 suppressed osteogenic differentiation on chemical surfaces. These findings indicate a potential role for ERK in the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs on surfaces modified by specific chemical functional groups, indicating that the microenvironment affects the differentiation of BMSCs. This observation has important implications for bone tissue engineering.

scholarly journals Transcriptional perturbation of protein arginine methyltransferase-5 exhibits MTAP-selective oncosuppression

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Busacca ◽  
Qi Zhang ◽  
Annabel Sharkey ◽  
Alan G. Dawson ◽  
David A. Moore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Molecule ◽  
Selective Vulnerability ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Histone H4 ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase ◽  
Arginine Methyltransferase ◽  
Methylthioadenosine Phosphorylase ◽  
Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 5

AbstractWe hypothesized that small molecule transcriptional perturbation could be harnessed to target a cellular dependency involving protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) in the context of methylthioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP) deletion, seen frequently in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Here we show, that MTAP deletion is negatively prognostic in MPM. In vitro, the off-patent antibiotic Quinacrine efficiently suppressed PRMT5 transcription, causing chromatin remodelling with reduced global histone H4 symmetrical demethylation. Quinacrine phenocopied PRMT5 RNA interference and small molecule PRMT5 inhibition, reducing clonogenicity in an MTAP-dependent manner. This activity required a functional PRMT5 methyltransferase as MTAP negative cells were rescued by exogenous wild type PRMT5, but not a PRMT5E444Q methyltransferase-dead mutant. We identified c-jun as an essential PRMT5 transcription factor and a probable target for Quinacrine. Our results therefore suggest that small molecule-based transcriptional perturbation of PRMT5 can leverage a mutation-selective vulnerability, that is therapeutically tractable, and has relevance to 9p21 deleted cancers including MPM.

scholarly journals SOST Deficiency Aggravates Osteoarthritis in Mice by Promoting Sclerosis of Subchondral Bone

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jingyu Li ◽  
Junjie Xue ◽  
Yan Jing ◽  
Manyi Wang ◽  
Rui Shu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Cell Number ◽  
Blue Staining ◽  
Sham Operation ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Sost Gene ◽  
Bone Sclerosis ◽  
The Difference

As the initial part in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), subchondral bone sclerosis has been considered to be initiated by excess mechanical loading and proven to be correlated to other pathological changes. Sclerostin, which is an essential mechanical stress response protein, is encoded by the SOST gene. It is expressed in osteocytes and mature chondrocytes and has been proven to be closely correlated to OA. However, the relationship and mechanism between the SOST gene and the development of OA remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the SOST gene in OA pathogenesis in the subchondral bone. A knee anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse osteoarthritis (OA) model on SOST-knockout (SOST KO) and wild-type (WT) mice was established. The pathogenic and phenotypic changes in the subchondral bone were investigated by histology, micro-CT, immunohistochemistry, TRAP staining, Masson staining, and Toluidine blue staining. It was found that sclerostin expression decreased in both the calcified cartilage and mineralized subchondral structures during the development of OA. Joint instability induced a severe cartilage degradation phenotype, with higher OARSI scores in SOST KO mice, when compared to WT mice. SOST KO mice with OA exhibited a higher BMD and BV/TV ratio, as well as a higher rate of bone remodeling and TRAP-positive cell number, when compared to the WT counterparts, but the difference was not significant between the sham-operation groups. It was concluded that loss of sclerostin aggravates knee OA in mice by promoting subchondral bone sclerosis and increasing catabolic activity of cartilage.

scholarly journals Early patellofemoral articular cartilage degeneration in a rat model of patellar instability is associated with activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Lin ◽  
Huijun Kang ◽  
Yike Dai ◽  
Yingzhen Niu ◽  
Guangmin Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Patellofemoral Joint ◽  
Patellar Instability ◽  
Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
Control Group ◽  
And Control ◽  
Articular Cartilage Degeneration ◽  
And Cartilage

Abstract Background Patellar instability (PI) often increases the possibility of lateral patellar dislocation and early osteoarthritis. The molecular mechanism of early articular cartilage degeneration during patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PFOA) still requires further investigation. However, it is known that the NF-κB signaling pathway plays an important role in articular cartilage degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the NF-κB signaling pathway and patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration. Methods We established a rat model of PI-induced PFOA. Female 4-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 120) were randomly divided into two groups: the PI (n = 60) and control group (n = 60). The distal femurs of the PI and control group were isolated and compared 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. The morphological structure of the trochlear cartilage and subchondral bone were evaluated by micro-computed tomography and histology. The expression of NF-κB, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, collagen X, and TNF-ɑ were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results In the PI group, subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration were found 4 weeks after surgery. Compared with the control group, the protein and mRNA expression of NF-κB and TNF-ɑ were significantly increased 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery in the PI group. In addition, the markers of cartilage degeneration MMP-13 and collagen X were more highly expressed in the PI group compared with the control group at different time points after surgery. Conclusions This study has demonstrated that early patellofemoral joint cartilage degeneration can be caused by PI in growing rats, accompanied by significant subchondral bone loss and cartilage degeneration. In addition, the degeneration of articular cartilage may be associated with the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and can deteriorate with time as a result of PI.

scholarly journals Estrogen Up-Regulates Hepatic Expression of Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling-2 and -3 in Vivo and in Vitro

Endocrinology ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 145 (12) ◽  
pp. 5525-5531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary M. Leong ◽  
Sofia Moverare ◽  
Jesena Brce ◽  
Nathan Doyle ◽  
Klara Sjögren ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Promoter Activity ◽  
Hepatoma Cells ◽  
Cytokine Signaling ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Hepatic Expression ◽  
Suppressors Of Cytokine Signaling

Abstract Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) are important negative regulators of cytokine action. We recently reported that estrogen stimulates SOCS-2 expression and inhibits GH signaling in kidney cells. The effects of estrogen on SOCS expression in other tissues are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo and in vitro whether estrogen affected SOCS expression in the liver, a major target organ of GH. The in vivo hepatic effects of estrogen on ovariectomized mice lacking estrogen receptor (ER)-α, ERβ, or both and their wild-type littermates were examined by DNA microarray analysis. In vitro, the effects of estrogen on SOCS expression in human hepatoma cells were examined by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Long-term (3 wk) estrogen treatment induced a 2- to 3-fold increase in hepatic expression of SOCS-2 and -3 in wild-type and ERβ knockout mice but not in those lacking ERα or both ER subtypes. Short-term treatment (at 24 h) increased the mRNA level of SOCS-3 but not SOCS-2. In cultured hepatoma cells, estrogen increased SOCS-2 and -3 mRNA levels by 2-fold in a time- and dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Estrogen induced murine SOCS-3 promoter activity by 2-fold (P < 0.05) in constructs containing a region between nucleotides −1862 and −855. Moreover, estrogen and GH had additive effects on the SOCS-3 promoter activity. In summary, estrogen, via ERα, up-regulated hepatic expression of SOCS-2 and -3, probably through transcriptional activation. This indicates a novel mechanism of estrogen regulation of cytokine action.

scholarly journals Galanin inhibits leptin expression and secretion in rat adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

2004 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
RY Li ◽  
HD Song ◽  
WJ Shi ◽  
SM Hu ◽  
YS Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Orexigenic Peptide ◽  
Fat Depot ◽  
Rat Adipose Tissue ◽  
Leptin Expression

In addition to serving as a fat depot, adipose tissue is also considered as an important endocrine organ that synthesizes and secretes a number of factors. Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that plays a vital role in energy balance. Expression of leptin is regulated by dietary status and hormones. In the present study, we report that galanin, an orexigenic peptide, inhibits leptin expression and secretion in rat adipose tissue and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Treatment with galanin (25 micro g/animal) induced approximately 46% down-regulation of leptin secretion at 15 min, followed by 40, 37 and 47% decreases in leptin secretion at 1, 2 and 4 h respectively. Although Northern blot analysis of adipose tissue from the same animals showed that leptin mRNA expression in adipose tissue was unaffected by galanin treatment for 2 h, galanin treatment for 4 h led to decline of leptin mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Meanwhile, treating the rats with galanin had no effect on leptin mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. The inhibitory action of the galanin on leptin mRNA and protein levels was also observed in vitro. When incubated with 10 nM galanin for 48 h, leptin mRNA expression and protein secretion also decreased in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. On the other hand, galanin was found not only to express in rat adipose tissue, but also to increase about 8-fold after fasting. Based on these data, we speculate that increased galanin expression in rat adipose tissue after fasting may be involved in reducing leptin expression and secretion in fasting rats.

Hyperglycemia Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Initiation and Progression by Activating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huiming Chen ◽  
Junfeng Zhao ◽  
Ningning Jiang ◽  
Zheng Wang ◽  
Chang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Pancreatic Cancer ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Precancerous Lesions ◽  
Clinical Specimen ◽  
Ductal Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Pancreatic Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Initiation

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal diseases, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10% because of the limited knowledge of tumor-promoting factors and their underlying mechanism. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia are risk factors for many cancers, including PDAC, that modulate multiple downstream signaling pathways, such as the wingless/integrated (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, whether hyperglycemia promotes PDAC initiation and progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we used bioinformatics analysis and clinical specimen analysis to evaluate the activation states of the Wnt/βcatenin signaling pathway. In addition, colony formation assays, Transwell assays and wound-healing assays were used to evaluate the malignant biological behaviors of pancreatic cancer cells (PCs) under hyperglycemic conditions. To describe the effects of hyperglycemia and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway on the initiation of PDAC, we used pancreatitis-driven pancreatic cancer initiation models in vivo and pancreatic acinar cell 3-dimensional culture in vitro. Results: Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related molecules were overexpressed in PDAC tissues/cells and correlated with poor prognosis in PDAC patients. In addition, hyperglycemia exacerbated the abnormal activation of β-catenin in PDAC and enhanced the malignant biological behaviors of PCs in a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-dependent manner. Indeed, hyperglycemia accelerated the formation of pancreatic precancerous lesions by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion: Hyperglycemia promotes pancreatic cancer initiation and progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Artemisinin Ameliorates Osteoarthritis by Inhibiting the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 2575-2590 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gang Zhong ◽  
Ruiming Liang ◽  
Jun Yao ◽  
Jia Li ◽  
Tongmeng Jiang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Cartilage Degradation ◽  
Chondrocyte Apoptosis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cell Viability Assay ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Background/Aims: Current drug therapies for osteoarthritis (OA) are not practical because of the cytotoxicity and severe side-effects associated with most of them. Artemisinin (ART), an antimalarial agent, is well known for its safety and selectivity to kill injured cells. Based on its anti-inflammatory activity and role in the inhibition of OA-associated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is crucial in the pathogenesis of OA, we hypothesized that ART might have an effect on OA. Methods: The chondro-protective and antiarthritic effects of ART on interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β)-induced and OA patient-derived chondrocytes were investigated in vitro using cell viability assay, glycosaminoglycan secretion, immunofluorescence, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. We also used OA model rats constructed by anterior cruciate ligament transection and medial meniscus resection (ACLT+MMx) in the joints to investigate the effects of ART on OA by gross observation, morphological staining, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: ART exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and matrix metallopeptidase-13. It also showed favorable chondro-protective effect as evidenced by enhanced cell proliferation and viability, increased glycosaminoglycan deposition, prevention of chondrocyte apoptosis, and degeneration of cartilage. Further, ART inhibited OA progression and cartilage degradation via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting that it might serve as a Wnt/β-catenin antagonist to reduce inflammation and prevent cartilage degradation. Conclusion: In conclusion, ART alleviates IL-1β-mediated inflammatory response and OA progression by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thereby, it might be developed as a potential therapeutic agent for OA.

scholarly journals Murine monoclonal antibodies against RBD of SARS-CoV-2 neutralize authentic wild type SARS-CoV-2 as well as B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 viruses and protect in vivo in a mouse model in a neutralization dependent manner

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatima Amanat ◽  
Shirin Strohmeier ◽  
Wen-Hsin Lee ◽  
Sandhya Bangaru ◽  
Andrew B Ward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Mouse Model ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Murine Monoclonal Antibodies

After first emerging in December 2019 in China, severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has since caused a pandemic leading to millions of infections and deaths worldwide. Vaccines have been developed and authorized but supply of these vaccines is currently limited. With new variants of the virus now emerging and spreading globally, it is essential to develop therapeutics that are broadly protective and bind conserved epitopes in the receptor binding domain (RBD) or the whole spike of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we have generated mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against different epitopes on the RBD and assessed binding and neutralization against authentic SARS-CoV-2. We have demonstrated that antibodies with neutralizing activity, but not non-neutralizing antibodies, lower viral titers in the lungs when administered in a prophylactic setting in vivo in a mouse challenge model. In addition, most of the mAbs cross-neutralize the B.1.351 as well as the B.1.1.7 variants in vitro.

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