scholarly journals Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of NOXs and P-Smad3C in TGF-Β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell Line LX-2

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Narges Mohammadtaghvaei ◽  
Reza Afarin ◽  
Fatemeh Mavalizadeh ◽  
Elham Shakerian ◽  
Samaneh Salehipour Bavarsad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Primary Role ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Smad3 Phosphorylation ◽  
Liver Fibrogenesis

Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a primary role in liver fibrogenesis. NOXs are the main origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver. Among them, NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 are expressed more in HSCs and are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. Quercetin, an abundant citrus flavonoid, is known to have beneficial effects on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. Objectives: In this study, the effect of quercetin on NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β in the human hepatic LX2 cell line was investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of quercetin on the cells were determined by MTT assay. The cells were activated with 2 ng/mL of TGF-β for 24 h and then treated with different concentrations of Quercetin. The mRNA expression rates of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and phosphorylated Smad 3C (p-Smad3C) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays. Results: TGF-β increased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 and the protein level of p-Smad3C in the LX2 cell line. Quercetin significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 in the LX-2 cells. Moreover, quercetin significantly diminished the p-Smad3C level in the LX-2 cell line activated with TGF-β. Conclusions: Quercetin may be effective in improving hepatic fibrosis via the reduction of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression in activated HSCs. The main mechanism through which quercetin reduces the expression of these target genes may be related to the reduction of the p-Smad3C level.

scholarly journals Intermittent hypoxia training in prediabetes patients: Beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis, hypoxia tolerance and gene expression

2017 ◽  
Vol 242 (15) ◽  
pp. 1542-1552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tetiana V Serebrovska ◽  
Alla G Portnychenko ◽  
Tetiana I Drevytska ◽  
Vladimir I Portnichenko ◽  
Lei Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Glucose Homeostasis ◽  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Acute Hypoxia ◽  
Hypoxia Tolerance ◽  
Oral Glucose ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects

The present study aimed at examining beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) under prediabetic conditions. We investigate the effects of three-week IHT on blood glucose level, tolerance to acute hypoxia, and leukocyte mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and its target genes, i.e. insulin receptor, facilitated glucose transporter–solute carrier family-2, and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily J. Seven healthy and 11 prediabetic men and women (44–70 years of age) were examined before, next day and one month after three-week IHT (3 sessions per week, each session consisting 4 cycles of 5-min 12% O2 and 5-min room air breathing). We found that IHT afforded beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes reducing fasting glucose and during standard oral glucose tolerance test. The most pronounced positive effects were observed at one month after IHT termination. IHT also significantly increased the tolerance to acute hypoxia (i.e. SaO2 level at 20th min of breathing with 12% O2) and improved functional parameters of respiratory and cardiovascular systems. IHT stimulated HIF-1α mRNA expression in blood leukocytes in healthy and prediabetic subjects, but in prediabetes patients the maximum increase was lagged. The greatest changes in mRNA expression of HIF-1α target genes occurred a month after IHT and coincided with the largest decrease in blood glucose levels. The higher expression of HIF-1α was positively associated with higher tolerance to hypoxia and better glucose homeostasis. In conclusion, our results suggest that IHT may be useful for preventing the development of type 2 diabetes. Impact statement The present study investigated the beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia training (IHT) in humans under prediabetic conditions. We found that three-week moderate IHT induced higher HIF-1α mRNA expressions as well as its target genes, which were positively correlated with higher tolerance to acute hypoxia and better glucose homeostasis in both middle-aged healthy and prediabetic subjects. This small clinical trial has provided new data suggesting a potential utility of IHT for management of prediabetes patients.

scholarly journals Effect of mir-129 on the Sensitivity Enhancement of Methotrexate and Migration Inhibition in Osteosarcoma Cancer Cells

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cells ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Expression Levels ◽  
Cell Death Assay ◽  
Underlying Mechanisms ◽  
Mrna Expression Levels

Background: MicroRNAs have been recently declared to be contributed to the various aspects of osteosarcoma cells, including growth and survival, apoptosis, invasion, and chemoresistance. Objectives: The present study aimed to investigate the potentiating effects of miR-129 on the chemosensitivity of Saose-2 osteosarcoma cells to methotrexate (MTX) and underlying mechanisms. Methods: Saose-2 cells were transfected with miR-129 mimics using Lipofectamine. The cytotoxic effects of miR-129 and MTX on Saose-2 cells were measured using MTT assay. Scratch wound healing assay was used to evaluate cell migration. The apoptosis rate of cancer cells was also measured using ELISA Cell Death Assay and flow cytometry. The mRNA expression levels of target genes were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Results: miR-129 mimic transfection significantly increased the expression levels of this miRNA in Saose-2 cells (P<0.05). The combination of MTX with miR-129 transfection led to enhanced cytotoxic effects of MTX in lower concentrations. In addition, miR-129 significantly increased MTX-induced apoptosis levels and decreased invasion behavior in Saose-2 cells. The mRNA expression levels of c-Myc, K-Ras, CXCR4, MMP9, and ADAMTS, as main genes involved in chemoresistance and invasion, were downregulated in miR-129 transfected cells. Conclusion: The obtained results revealed the importance of miR-129 in the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to MTX and its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, miR-129 might be an appropriate candidate for reversing MTX resistance in osteosarcoma cells.

Nuclear receptors in disease: the oestrogen receptors

2004 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 157-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Nilsson ◽  
Karin Dahlman-Wright ◽  
Jan-Åke Gustafsson
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptors ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Receptor Subtype ◽  
Target Tissue ◽  
Oestrogen Receptors ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Cell Type ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Family

For several decades, it has been known that oestrogens are essential for human health. The discovery that there are two oestrogen receptors (ERs), ERalpha and ERbeta, has facilitated our understanding of how the hormone exerts its physiological effects. The ERs belong to the family of ligand-activated nuclear receptors, which act by modulating the expression of target genes. Studies of ER-knockout (ERKO) mice have been instrumental in defining the relevance of a given receptor subtype in a certain tissue. Phenotypes displayed by ERKO mice suggest diseases in which dysfunctional ERs might be involved in aetiology and pathology. Association between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ER genes and disease have been demonstrated in several cases. Selective ER modulators (SERMs), which are selective with regard to their effects in a certain cell type, already exist. Since oestrogen has effects in many tissues, the goal with a SERM is to provide beneficial effects in one target tissue while avoiding side effects in others. Refined SERMs will, in the future, provide improved therapeutic strategies for existing and novel indications.

Healing gone wrong: convergence of hemostatic pathways and liver fibrosis?

2020 ◽  
Vol 134 (16) ◽  
pp. 2189-2201
Author(s):  
Jessica P.E. Davis ◽  
Stephen H. Caldwell
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Liver Disease ◽  
Hepatic Fibrosis ◽  
Cell Activation ◽  
Stellate Cell ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Clinical Trial Data ◽  
Chronic Liver ◽  
Healing Response ◽  
Wound Healing Response

Abstract Fibrosis results from a disordered wound healing response within the liver with activated hepatic stellate cells laying down dense, collagen-rich extracellular matrix that eventually restricts liver hepatic synthetic function and causes increased sinusoidal resistance. The end result of progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality as well as tremendous economic burden. Fibrosis can be conceptualized as an aberrant wound healing response analogous to a chronic ankle sprain that is driven by chronic liver injury commonly over decades. Two unique aspects of hepatic fibrosis – the chronic nature of insult required and the liver’s unique ability to regenerate – give an opportunity for pharmacologic intervention to stop or slow the pace of fibrosis in patients early in the course of their liver disease. Two potential biologic mechanisms link together hemostasis and fibrosis: focal parenchymal extinction and direct stellate cell activation by thrombin and Factor Xa. Available translational research further supports the role of thrombosis in fibrosis. In this review, we will summarize what is known about the convergence of hemostatic changes and hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver disease and present current preclinical and clinical data exploring the relationship between the two. We will also present clinical trial data that underscores the potential use of anticoagulant therapy as an antifibrotic factor in liver disease.

ATF4, DLX3, FRA1, MSX2, C/EBP-ζ, and C/EBP-α Shape the Molecular Basis of Therapeutic Effects of Zoledronic Acid in Bone Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (18) ◽  
pp. 2274-2284
Author(s):  
Faroogh Marofi ◽  
Jalal Choupani ◽  
Saeed Solali ◽  
Ghasem Vahedi ◽  
Ali Hassanzadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Zoledronic Acid ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Promoter Methylation ◽  
Methylation Level ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Osteoblastic Differentiation ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Scheduled Time

Objective: Zoledronic Acid (ZA) is one of the common treatment choices used in various boneassociated conditions. Also, many studies have investigated the effect of ZA on Osteoblastic-Differentiation (OSD) of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), but its clear molecular mechanism(s) has remained to be understood. It seems that the methylation of the promoter region of key genes might be an important factor involved in the regulation of genes responsible for OSD. The present study aimed to evaluate the changes in the mRNA expression and promoter methylation of central Transcription Factors (TFs) during OSD of MSCs under treatment with ZA. Materials and Methods: MSCs were induced to be differentiated into the osteoblastic cell lineage using routine protocols. MSCs received ZA during OSD and then the methylation and mRNA expression levels of target genes were measured by Methylation Specific-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (MS-qPCR) and real.time PCR, respectively. The osteoblastic differentiation was confirmed by Alizarin Red Staining and the related markers to this stage. Results: Gene expression and promoter methylation level for DLX3, FRA1, ATF4, MSX2, C/EBPζ, and C/EBPa were up or down-regulated in both ZA-treated and untreated cells during the osteodifferentiation process on days 0 to 21. ATF4, DLX3, and FRA1 genes were significantly up-regulated during the OSD processes, while the result for MSX2, C/EBPζ, and C/EBPa was reverse. On the other hand, ATF4 and DLX3 methylation levels gradually reduced in both ZA-treated and untreated cells during the osteodifferentiation process on days 0 to 21, while the pattern was increasing for MSX2 and C/EBPa. The methylation pattern of C/EBPζ was upward in untreated groups while it had a downward pattern in ZA-treated groups at the same scheduled time. The result for FRA1 was not significant in both groups at the same scheduled time (days 0-21). Conclusion: The results indicated that promoter-hypomethylation of ATF4, DLX3, and FRA1 genes might be one of the mechanism(s) controlling their gene expression. Moreover, we found that promoter-hypermethylation led to the down-regulation of MSX2, C/EBP-ζ and C/EBP-α. The results implicate that ATF4, DLX3 and FRA1 may act as inducers of OSD while MSX2, C/EBP-ζ and C/EBP-α could act as the inhibitor ones. We also determined that promoter-methylation is an important process in the regulation of OSD. However, yet there was no significant difference in the promoter-methylation level of selected TFs in ZA-treated and control cells, a methylation- independent pathway might be involved in the regulation of target genes during OSD of MSCs.

A New Series of Antileukemic Agents: Design, Synthesis, In Vitro and In Silico Evaluation of Thiazole-Based ABL1 Kinase Inhibitors

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebru Zeytün ◽  
Mehlika D. Altıntop ◽  
Belgin Sever ◽  
Ahmet Özdemir ◽  
Doha E. Ellakwa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Docking ◽  
Anticancer Activity ◽  
Cell Line ◽  
Antiproliferative Activity ◽  
In Silico ◽  
K562 Cell ◽  
Kinase Inhibitors ◽  
K562 Cell Line ◽  
Cytotoxic Effects ◽  
Atp Binding Site

Background: After the milestone approval of imatinib, more than 25 antitumor agents targeting kinases have been approved, and several promising candidates are in various stages of clinical evaluation. Objectives : Due to the importance of thiazole scaffold in targeted anticancer drug discovery, the goal of this work is the design of new thiazolyl hydrazones as potent ABL1 kinase inhibitors for the management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Methods: New thiazolyl hydrazones (2a-p) were synthesized and investigated for their cytotoxic effects on K562 CML cell line. Compounds 2h, 2j and 2l showed potent anticancer activity against K562 cell line. The cytotoxic effects of these compounds on other leukemia (HL-60, MT-2 and Jurkat) and HeLa human cervical carcinoma cell lines were also investigated. Furthermore, their cytotoxic effects on mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MA-PBMCs) were evaluated to determine their selectivity. Due to its selective and potent anticancer activity, compound 2j was benchmarked for its apoptosis-inducing potential on K562 cell line and inhibitory effects on eight different tyrosine kinases (TKs) including ABL1 kinase. In order to investigate the binding mode of compound 2j into the ATP binding site of ABL1 kinase (PDB: 1IEP), molecular docking study was conducted using MOE 2018.01 program. The QikProp module of Schrödinger’s Molecular modelling package was used to predict the pharmacokinetic properties of compounds 2a-p. Results: 4-(4-(Methylsulfonyl)phenyl)-2-[2-((1,3-benzodioxol-4-yl)methylene)hydrazinyl]thiazole (2j) showed antiproliferative activity against K562 cell line with an IC50 value of 8.87±1.93 µM similar to imatinib (IC50= 6.84±1.11 µM). Compound 2j was found to be more effective than imatinib on HL-60, Jurkat and MT-2 cells. Compound 2j also showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell line similar to imatinib. The higher selectivity index value of compound 2j than imatinib indicated that its antiproliferative activity was selective. Compound 2j also induced apoptosis in K562 cell line more than imatinib. Among eight TKs, compound 2j showed the strongest inhibitory activity against ABL1 kinase enzyme (IC50= 5.37±1.17 µM). According to molecular docking studies, compound 2j exhibited high affinity to the ATP binding site of ABL1 kinase forming significant intermolecular interactions. On the basis of in silico studies, this compound did not violate Lipinski's rule of five and Jorgensen's rule of three. Conclusion: Compound 2j stands out as a potential orally bioavailable ABL1 kinase inhibitor for the treatment of CML.

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