1.Olfactory Receptors Expressed in The Intestine and Their Functions
Pei-Wen YANG ; Meng-Meng YUAN ; Ying ZHOU ; Peng LI ; Gui-Hong QI ; Ying YANG ; Zhong-Yi MAO ; Meng-Sha ZHOU ; Xiao-Shuang MAO ; Jian-Ping XIE ; Yi-Nan YANG ; Shi-Hao SUN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(3):534-549
Olfactory receptors (ORs) form the largest superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Traditionally recognized for their role in the nasal olfactory epithelium, where they mediate the sense of smell, accumulating evidence has firmly established their ectopic expression in non-olfactory tissues, including the intestine, lungs, and kidneys. The intestine, as the primary site for nutrient digestion and absorption, harbors a highly complex chemical environment. To adapt to this environment, the gut employs a sophisticated network of “chemosensors” to monitor luminal contents and maintain homeostasis. Among these sensors, intestinal ORs have emerged as crucial functional components, serving as a molecular bridge that connects environmental chemical signals—such as food-derived odorants—to specific physiological responses. This discovery has significantly deepened our understanding of how dietary flavors and compounds influence intestinal physiology at the molecular level. This review systematically summarizes the expression profiles, ligand classification, and biological functions of ORs within the gastrointestinal tract. Studies indicate that intestinal ORs exhibit distinct spatial distribution patterns across different gut segments and display cell-type specificity, particularly within enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells. These receptors function as versatile sensors capable of recognizing a wide variety of ligands, including exogenous dietary components, gut microbiota metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, and endogenous small molecules like azelaic acid. Upon activation by specific ligands, intestinal ORs trigger intracellular signaling cascades, primarily involving the AC-cAMP-PKA pathway or calcium influx channels. A major focus of this review is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which these receptors regulate the secretion of gut hormones. Activation of specific ORs in enteroendocrine cells has been shown to stimulate the release of hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), peptide YY (PYY), and serotonin (5-HT), thereby modulating systemic energy metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and gastrointestinal motility. Furthermore, the review addresses the critical roles of ORs in immune regulation and pathology. Evidence suggests that specific ORs contribute to the maintenance of intestinal immune homeostasis and may offer protection against inflammation. Beyond their involvement in inflammatory responses, ORs such as Olfr78 have been shown to regulate the differentiation and function of intestinal endocrine cells. Similarly, Olfr544 has been demonstrated to alleviate intestinal inflammation by remodeling the gut microbiome and metabolome. These findings collectively suggest that specific ORs hold promise as therapeutic targets for mitigating intestinal inflammation and maintaining gut homeostasis. Additionally, the review explores the emerging role of ORs in cancer. Although OR expression is often downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal mucosa, activation of specific ORs by certain ligands can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration and induce apoptosis via pathways such as MEK/ERK and p38 MAPK. Conversely, other receptors, such as OR7C1, may serve as biomarkers for cancer-initiating cells. In conclusion, intestinal ORs represent a vital component of the gut’s sensory network. The review also discusses the translational potential of these findings. By elucidating the precise pairing relationships between dietary components and specific ORs, novel therapeutic strategies could be developed. Intestinal ORs may thus emerge as promising targets for nutritional and pharmacological interventions in metabolic diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and malignancies.
2.Research Advancements in the Role of the Brain Dopaminergic System in General Anesthesia.
Wei LUO ; Cheng-Dong YUAN ; Meng-Nan HAO ; Jie ZHANG ; Yi ZHANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(3):441-446
General anesthesia is widely used in clinical practice,whereas the exact mechanism behind the general anesthetic-induced reversible loss of consciousness remains unclear.Recent studies have revealed a close relationship between the dopaminergic system and general anesthetic-induced loss of consciousness.This system,encompassing dopamine neurons,dopamine receptors,and related neural pathways,regulates functions such as movement,memory,arousal,and cognition.The dopaminergic neurons in the ventral periaqueductal gray and ventral tegmental area,along with D1 receptors,have been shown to facilitate emergence from anesthesia.However,the role of D2 receptors remains controversial.This review summarizes recent advancements in the role of the dopaminergic system in general anesthesia and the underlying mechanism,with the aim of clarifying the mechanism of general anesthesia and providing a theoretical basis for preventing delayed emergence from anesthesia.
Humans
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Anesthesia, General
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Brain/metabolism*
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Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology*
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Dopamine/physiology*
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Animals
3.Associations between statins and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among peritoneal dialysis patients: A multi-center large-scale cohort study.
Shuang GAO ; Lei NAN ; Xinqiu LI ; Shaomei LI ; Huaying PEI ; Jinghong ZHAO ; Ying ZHANG ; Zibo XIONG ; Yumei LIAO ; Ying LI ; Qiongzhen LIN ; Wenbo HU ; Yulin LI ; Liping DUAN ; Zhaoxia ZHENG ; Gang FU ; Shanshan GUO ; Beiru ZHANG ; Rui YU ; Fuyun SUN ; Xiaoying MA ; Li HAO ; Guiling LIU ; Zhanzheng ZHAO ; Jing XIAO ; Yulan SHEN ; Yong ZHANG ; Xuanyi DU ; Tianrong JI ; Yingli YUE ; Shanshan CHEN ; Zhigang MA ; Yingping LI ; Li ZUO ; Huiping ZHAO ; Xianchao ZHANG ; Xuejian WANG ; Yirong LIU ; Xinying GAO ; Xiaoli CHEN ; Hongyi LI ; Shutong DU ; Cui ZHAO ; Zhonggao XU ; Li ZHANG ; Hongyu CHEN ; Li LI ; Lihua WANG ; Yan YAN ; Yingchun MA ; Yuanyuan WEI ; Jingwei ZHOU ; Yan LI ; Caili WANG ; Jie DONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(21):2856-2858
4.Optimization of extraction process for Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Granules based on AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method, grey correlation analysis, and BP-ANN.
Zi-An LI ; De-Wen LIU ; Xin-Jian LI ; Bing-Yu WU ; Qun LAN ; Meng-Jia GUO ; Jia-Hui SUN ; Nan-Yang LIU ; Hui PEI ; Hao LI ; Hong YI ; Jin-Yu WANG ; Liang-Mian CHEN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(10):2674-2683
By employing the analytic hierarchy process(AHP), the CRITIC method(a weight determination method based on indicator correlations), and the AHP-CRITIC hybrid weighting method, the weight coefficients of evaluation indicators were determined, followed by a comprehensive score comparison. The grey correlation analysis was then performed to analyze the results calculated using the hybrid weighting method. Subsequently, a backpropagation-artificial neural network(BP-ANN) model was constructed to predict the extraction process parameters and optimize the extraction process for Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Granules(SHJG). In the extraction process, an L_9(3~4) orthogonal experiment was designed to optimize three factors at three levels, including extraction frequency, water addition amount, and extraction time. The evaluation indicators included geniposide, berberine, ginsenoside Rg_1 + Re, ginsenoside Rb_1, ferulic acid, and extract yield. Finally, the optimal extraction results obtained by the orthogonal experiment, grey correlation analysis, and BP-ANN method were compared, and validation experiments were conducted. The results showed that the optimal extraction process involved two rounds of aqueous extraction, each lasting one hour; the first extraction used ten times the amount of added water, while the second extraction used eight times the amount. In the validation experiments, the average content of each indicator component was higher than the average content obtained in the orthogonal experiment, with a higher comprehensive score. The optimized extraction process parameters were reliable and stable, making them suitable for subsequent preparation process research.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/analysis*
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Neural Networks, Computer
5.Effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in improving neurological function in ischemic stroke rats based on IRE1α/ASK1/JNK pathway.
Xin-Rong ZHANG ; Tian-Lang WANG ; Jia-Hao ZHANG ; Lu JIN ; Jian-Bo WANG ; Ya-Nan XUE ; Yi QU
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):3857-3867
This study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress via the inositol-requiring enzyme 1α(IRE1α)/apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1(ASK1)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) pathway to improve neurological function in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury(CIRI). SPF-grade male sprague-dawley(SD) rats were randomly divided into Sham group, model group, Buyang Huanwu Decoction group, and edaravone group. Except for the Sham group, the other groups were subjected to the modified suture method to establish a middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model. After treatment, neurological function was assessed using the Zea Longa scoring system. Gait analysis was used to detect the motor function. Detection of relative infarct area in brain tissue using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining. Nissl staining was used to observe the structure of neuronal cells. Western blot and real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR) were used to detect IRE1α, ASK1, JNK, B cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), Bcl-2 related X protein(Bax), and Caspase-3 in the brain tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the positive expression of IRE1α, ASK1, and JNK. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. The results showed that compared with the Sham group, the model group exhibited increased neurological scores(P<0.01), increased ratio of ground contact area and strength in both forelimbs(P<0.01), enlarged relative infarct area of brain tissue(P<0.05), and a reduced number of Nissl staining-positive cells(P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expression levels of IRE1α, ASK1, JNK, Bax, and Caspase-3 in brain tissue were significantly elevated, while those of Bcl-2 were decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, both the Buyang Huanwu Decoction group and edaravone group showed reduced neurological scores(P<0.05), decreased ratio of ground contact area and strength in both forelimbs(P<0.05), smaller relative infarct area(P<0.05), alleviated neuronal damage, and increased number of Nissl staining-positive cells(P<0.05). The expression levels of IRE1α, ASK1, JNK, Bax, and Caspase-3 protein and mRNA in brain tissue were significantly reduced, while those of Bcl-2 were significantly increased(P<0.05). The results indicated that Buyang Huanwu Decoction can effectively improve brain injury in CIRI rats, and its mechanism of action may be related to regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress IRE1α/ASK1/JNK signaling pathway.
Animals
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Male
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats
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MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 5/genetics*
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Ischemic Stroke/physiopathology*
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Humans
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MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
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Apoptosis/drug effects*
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Endoribonucleases/genetics*
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JNK Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics*
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Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress/drug effects*
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Multienzyme Complexes
6.Periodontal health status and associated factors in community-managed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nanjing
Hao XU ; Nan ZHOU ; Chenchen WANG ; Yijia CHEN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(9):997-1007
Objective:To investigate the prevalence, severity, and influencing factors of chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nanjing.Methods:From June to August 2022, by using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of 1 477 community-dwelling T2DM patients aged 35 years and older were selected and included from the National Essential Public Health Services Program for T2DM health management. Physical examinations, laboratory tests, and questionnaire surveys were conducted. Study participants were divided into chronic periodontitis group and non-chronic periodontitis group. The chronic periodontitis group was defined as having interproximal clinical attachment loss (CAL) detected at least at two non-adjacent sites, or having buccal/lingual CAL≥3 mm at least at two sites with probing depth (PD)≥3 mm, while excluding CAL caused by non-periodontal reasons. The remaining participants were classified as the non-chronic periodontitis group. In the chronic periodontitis group, patients who had PD≥6 mm at least at two sites with CAL≥5 mm were defined as severe periodontitis, with remaining cases classified as mild-to-moderate periodontitis.Results:The prevalence of chronic periodontitis among T2DM patients was 70.1% (962/1 373), with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 62.4% (857/1 373) and 7.6% (105/1 373), respectively. After complex weighted processing, the prevalence of chronic periodontitis in T2DM patients was 67.9%, with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 61.2% and 6.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting all covariates, compared with mental workers, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in retired people ( OR=1.78, 95 %CI: 1.75-1.81, P<0.001), unemployed/others ( OR=2.18, 95 %CI: 2.14-2.22, P<0.001), and physical workers ( OR=3.80, 95 %CI: 3.73-3.87, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control status, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.28, 95 %CI: 1.27-1.30, P<0.001) and the group that met neither target ( OR=3.29, 95 %CI: 3.25-3.34) ( P<0.001). The results of ordered Logistic regression showed that after adjusting for all covariates, compared with male patients, female patients had a significantly lower risk of progression to severe periodontitis ( OR=0.77, 95 %CI: 0.76-0.78, P<0.001). In terms of the score of healthy lifestyle, compared with those with a score of 0-2, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly lower in those with a score of 3 ( OR=0.85, 95 %CI: 0.84-0.86, P<0.001) and 4 ( OR=0.51, 95 %CI: 0.50-0.52, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.27, 95 %CI: 1.26-1.29, P<0.001) and the group that meet neither target ( OR=3.24, 95 %CI: 3.21-3.28, P<0.001). Furthermore, poor blood glucose control was significantly positively associated with increased periodontitis severity, demonstrating that worse glycemic control status corresponded to a higher risk of worsening periodontitis severity ( P<0.001). Conclusions:There is an association between the glycemic control status of T2DM patients and chronic periodontitis.
7.Periodontal health status and associated factors in community-managed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Nanjing
Hao XU ; Nan ZHOU ; Chenchen WANG ; Yijia CHEN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xin HONG
Chinese Journal of Stomatology 2025;60(9):997-1007
Objective:To investigate the prevalence, severity, and influencing factors of chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Nanjing.Methods:From June to August 2022, by using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, a total of 1 477 community-dwelling T2DM patients aged 35 years and older were selected and included from the National Essential Public Health Services Program for T2DM health management. Physical examinations, laboratory tests, and questionnaire surveys were conducted. Study participants were divided into chronic periodontitis group and non-chronic periodontitis group. The chronic periodontitis group was defined as having interproximal clinical attachment loss (CAL) detected at least at two non-adjacent sites, or having buccal/lingual CAL≥3 mm at least at two sites with probing depth (PD)≥3 mm, while excluding CAL caused by non-periodontal reasons. The remaining participants were classified as the non-chronic periodontitis group. In the chronic periodontitis group, patients who had PD≥6 mm at least at two sites with CAL≥5 mm were defined as severe periodontitis, with remaining cases classified as mild-to-moderate periodontitis.Results:The prevalence of chronic periodontitis among T2DM patients was 70.1% (962/1 373), with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 62.4% (857/1 373) and 7.6% (105/1 373), respectively. After complex weighted processing, the prevalence of chronic periodontitis in T2DM patients was 67.9%, with mild to moderate and severe periodontitis prevalence rates of 61.2% and 6.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting all covariates, compared with mental workers, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in retired people ( OR=1.78, 95 %CI: 1.75-1.81, P<0.001), unemployed/others ( OR=2.18, 95 %CI: 2.14-2.22, P<0.001), and physical workers ( OR=3.80, 95 %CI: 3.73-3.87, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control status, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of chronic periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.28, 95 %CI: 1.27-1.30, P<0.001) and the group that met neither target ( OR=3.29, 95 %CI: 3.25-3.34) ( P<0.001). The results of ordered Logistic regression showed that after adjusting for all covariates, compared with male patients, female patients had a significantly lower risk of progression to severe periodontitis ( OR=0.77, 95 %CI: 0.76-0.78, P<0.001). In terms of the score of healthy lifestyle, compared with those with a score of 0-2, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly lower in those with a score of 3 ( OR=0.85, 95 %CI: 0.84-0.86, P<0.001) and 4 ( OR=0.51, 95 %CI: 0.50-0.52, P<0.001). In terms of blood glucose control, compared with the group that met both control targets, the risk of progression to severe periodontitis was significantly higher in the group that met only one target ( OR=1.27, 95 %CI: 1.26-1.29, P<0.001) and the group that meet neither target ( OR=3.24, 95 %CI: 3.21-3.28, P<0.001). Furthermore, poor blood glucose control was significantly positively associated with increased periodontitis severity, demonstrating that worse glycemic control status corresponded to a higher risk of worsening periodontitis severity ( P<0.001). Conclusions:There is an association between the glycemic control status of T2DM patients and chronic periodontitis.
8.Establishment of single-chain antibody library targeting canine NT-proCNP,and screening and immune activity detection of a selected single-chain antibody
Shaojia JIANG ; Sha NAN ; Huikang WANG ; Ling MAO ; Ruiling YIN ; Qianghui LEI ; Haolong WANG ; Hao LI ; Jinyu XIAO ; Mingxing DING ; Yi DING
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):535-541
The amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proCNP)is a diagnostic inflam-matory marker clinically used for diagnosing bacterial infections.This study aims to establish a phage display library of single-chain variable fragment(scFv)antibodies against canine NT-proC-NP and to screen for scFvs with high binding affinity to NT-proCNP.Initially,NT-proCNP was prepared using prokaryotic expression system and was used to immunize New Zealand White rab-bits.Upon achieving the desired serum titer,total RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rab-bits and reverse transcribed into cDNA.Using this cDNA as a template,degenerate primers were employed to amplify the genes of the rabbit antibody light chain variable region(VL)and heavy chain variable region(VH).The VL and VH regions were spliced together to form a complete scFv fragment via overlap extension PCR.The scFv was then ligated into the phagemid pComb3XSS and electroporated into competent E.coli TG1 cells to construct a rabbit-derived anti-NT-proCNP scFv immunological library.This library underwent four rounds of enrichment and screening to isolate specific single-chain antibodies.The selected antibody was subsequently ex-pressed in a soluble form within a prokaryotic system,and its immunological activity was evalua-ted.Using phage display technology,this study successfully identified a single-chain antibody scFv-1-CNP with strong antigen-binding activity and genetic sequence characteristics of scFvs,providing a research direction for further exploration of scFv applications in the detection of NT-proCNP.
9.Establishment of single-chain antibody library targeting canine NT-proCNP,and screening and immune activity detection of a selected single-chain antibody
Shaojia JIANG ; Sha NAN ; Huikang WANG ; Ling MAO ; Ruiling YIN ; Qianghui LEI ; Haolong WANG ; Hao LI ; Jinyu XIAO ; Mingxing DING ; Yi DING
Chinese Journal of Veterinary Science 2025;45(3):535-541
The amino-terminal pro-C-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proCNP)is a diagnostic inflam-matory marker clinically used for diagnosing bacterial infections.This study aims to establish a phage display library of single-chain variable fragment(scFv)antibodies against canine NT-proC-NP and to screen for scFvs with high binding affinity to NT-proCNP.Initially,NT-proCNP was prepared using prokaryotic expression system and was used to immunize New Zealand White rab-bits.Upon achieving the desired serum titer,total RNA was extracted from the splenocytes of rab-bits and reverse transcribed into cDNA.Using this cDNA as a template,degenerate primers were employed to amplify the genes of the rabbit antibody light chain variable region(VL)and heavy chain variable region(VH).The VL and VH regions were spliced together to form a complete scFv fragment via overlap extension PCR.The scFv was then ligated into the phagemid pComb3XSS and electroporated into competent E.coli TG1 cells to construct a rabbit-derived anti-NT-proCNP scFv immunological library.This library underwent four rounds of enrichment and screening to isolate specific single-chain antibodies.The selected antibody was subsequently ex-pressed in a soluble form within a prokaryotic system,and its immunological activity was evalua-ted.Using phage display technology,this study successfully identified a single-chain antibody scFv-1-CNP with strong antigen-binding activity and genetic sequence characteristics of scFvs,providing a research direction for further exploration of scFv applications in the detection of NT-proCNP.
10.Effects of cinbufagin on proliferation,migration and invasion of human colon cancer cells via JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Jia CHEN ; Qi XIA ; Yi-Nan LI ; Yu-Jie HE ; Ze-Ting YUAN ; Yue LI ; Pei-Hao YIN
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(12):1764-1768
Objective To investigate the effects of cinbufagin(CB)on the proliferation,migration and invasion ability as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)of human colon cells HCT116.Methods Logarithmically grown HCT116 cells were randomly divided into blank group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups;the blank group did not receive any treatment(0 nmol·L-1),and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were cultured in 1 640 medium containing 17.5,35 and 70 nmol·L-1 cinbufagin for 48 h.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)was used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the survival rate of HCT116 cells;cloning assay was used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the proliferation of HCT116 cells;cell scratch assay and Transwell assay were used to detect the effect of cinbufagin on the migration and invasive ability of HCT116 cells;Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of transcription 3(STAT3)pathway and EMT-related proteins of HCT116 cells.Results The number of clone formation in blank group and experimental-L,-M,-H groups were 122.67±24.42,73.67±15.82,44.33±4.51 and 21.67±1.53;the rates of migration of scratches were(44.64±9.15)%,(26.91±2.94)%,(19.28±1.52)%and(6.33±2.30)%;the number of invaded cells were 120.33±1.15,58.33±9.07,33.33±1.53 and 18.33±3.21;the relative protein expression of phosphorylated JAK-2(p-JAK-2)/JAK-2 were 1.02±0.06,0.94±0.05,0.75±0.22 and 0.49±0.22;relative protein expression of phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)/STAT3 were 0.89±0.10,0.72±0.04,0.65±0.06 and 0.52±0.18;relative protein expression of E-cadherin were 0.30±0.14,0.41±0.13,0.49±0.14 and 0.69±0.17;relative protein expression of N-cadherin were 0.96±0.11,0.78±0.04,0.69±0.12 and 0.40±0.15;Snail relative protein expression were 0.89±0.08,0.62±0.15,0.44±0.15 and 0.27±0.09;Vimentin relative protein expression were 0.92±0.09,0.76±0.13,0.63±0.01 and 0.43±0.09,respectively.The above indexes in experimental-H group showed statistically significant differences compared to blank group(all P<0.05).Conclusion HCT116 can inhibit the invasion and metastasis of human colorectal cancer cells HCT116 by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition through JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

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