1.Impacts of curcumin on proliferation, migration and cisplatin resistance of bladder cancer cells by regulating LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway.
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(1):9-16
Objective To study the impacts of curcumin on the proliferation, migration and cisplatin (DDP) resistance of bladder cancer cells by regulating the liver kinase B1-AMP activated protein kinase-microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LKB1-AMPK-LC3) signaling pathway. Methods Human bladder cancer cell line T24 was cultured in vitro, and its DDP resistant T24/DDP cells were induced by cisplatin (DDP). After treating T24 and T24/DDP cells with different concentrations of curcumin, the optimal concentration of curcumin was screened by MTT assay. T24 cells were randomly grouped into control group, curcumin group, metformin group, and combination group of curcumin and metformin. After treatment with curcumin and LKB1-AMPK activator metformin, the proliferation, autophagy, migration, and apoptosis of T24 cells in each group were detected by MTT assay, monodansylcadavrine (MDC) fluorescence staining, cell scratch assay, and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins related to LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway in T24 cells of each group. T24/DDP cells were randomly assigned into control group, curcumin group, metformin group, and combination group of curcumin and metformin. Cells were treated with curcumin and metformin according to grouping and treated with different concentrations of DDP simultaneously. Then, the effect of curcumin on the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells was detected by MTT assay. T24/DDP cells were randomly grouped into control group, DDP group, combination groups of DDP and curcumin, DDP and metformin, DDP, curcumin and metformi. After treatment with DDP, curcumin, and metformin, the proliferation, autophagy, migration, apoptosis, drug resistance, and the expression of proteins related to LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway in T24/DDP cells of each group were detected with the same methods. Results Compared with the control group, the activity of T24 cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, Phosphorylated-LKB1 (p-LKB1)/LKB1, Phosphorylated-AMPK (p-AMPK)/AMPK, LC3II/LC3I, and the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells in the curcumin group were lower, and the apoptosis rate of T24 cells was higher; the changes in various indicators in the metformin group were opposite to those in the curcumin group. Compared with the curcumin group, the activity of T24 cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, LC3II/LC3I, and the DDP resistance coefficient of T24/DDP cells in the combination group of curcumin and metformin were higher, and the apoptosis rate of T24 cells was lower. Compared with the control group, there were no obvious changes in various indicators of T24/DDP cells in the DDP group. Compared with the control group and DDP group, the viability of T24/DDP cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) protein expression, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, and LC3II/LC3I in the combination group of DDP and curcumin were lower, and the apoptosis rate of T24/DDP cells was higher; the changes in the above indicators in the combination group of DDP and metformin were opposite to those in the combination group of DDP and curcumin. Compared with the combination group of DDP and curcumin, the viability of T24/DDP cells, relative number of autophagosomes, migration rate, P-gp protein expression, p-LKB1/LKB1, p-AMPK/AMPK, and LC3II/LC3I in the combination group of DDP, curcumin and metformin were higher, and the apoptosis rate of T24/DDP cells was lower. Conclusion Curcumin can reduce the activity of LKB1-AMPK-LC3 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting autophagy, proliferation and migration of bladder cancer cells, promoting their apoptosis, and weakening their resistance to DDP.
Humans
;
Cisplatin/pharmacology*
;
Curcumin/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases
;
Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology*
;
Metformin/pharmacology*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
2.A novel fully human LAG-3 monoclonal antibody LBL-007 combined with PD-1 antibody inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of tumor cells via blocking NF-κB pathway.
Huinan ZHOU ; Jianfei LIU ; Chenglin WU ; Kewei QIN ; Lijun ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Cellular and Molecular Immunology 2025;41(5):398-405
Objective To investigate the effects of LBL-007, a novel fully human lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) monoclonal antibody, in combination with programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody, on the invasion, migration and proliferation of tumor cells, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods Human lymphocyte cells Jurkat were co-cultured with A549 and MGC803 tumor cell lines and treated with the isotype control antibody human IgG, LBL-007, anti-PD-1 antibody BE0188, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist). Tumor cell proliferation was assessed using a colony formation assay; invasion was measured by TranswellTM assay; migration was evaluated using a wound healing assay. Western blotting was employed to determine the expression levels of NF-κB pathway-related proteins: IκB inhibitor kinase alpha (Ikkα), phosphorylated Ikkα (p-IKKα), NF-κB subunit p65, phosphorylated p65 (p-p65), NF-κB Inhibitor Alpha (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and MMP2. Results Compared with the control and IgG isotype groups, LBL-007 and BE0188 significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. They also decreased the phosphorylation of p-IKKα, p-p65 and p-IκBα, and the expression of MMP9 and MMP2 of tumor cells in the co-culture system. The combined treatment of LBL-007 and BE0188 enhanced inhibitory effects. Treatment with the NF-κB signaling pathway agonist TNF-α reversed the suppressive effects of LBL-007 and BE0188 on tumor cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and NF-κB signaling. Conclusion LBL-007 and anti-PD-1 antibody synergistically inhibit the invasion, migration, and proliferation of A549 and MGC803 tumor cells by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Humans
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
NF-kappa B/metabolism*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology*
;
Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Antigens, CD/immunology*
;
Lymphocyte Activation Gene 3 Protein
;
A549 Cells
;
I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism*
;
Jurkat Cells
;
Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism*
3.TSZAF monomer combination downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibits neutrophil recruitment to prevent lung cancer metastasis.
Pan YU ; Jialiang YAO ; Long ZHANG ; Yanhong WANG ; Xinyi LU ; Jiajun LIU ; Zujun QUE ; Yao LIU ; Qian BA ; Jiwei LIU ; Yan WU ; Jianhui TIAN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(9):1069-1079
Metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent critical targets for metastasis prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine may prevent lung cancer metastasis through long-term intervention in CTC activity. Tiao-Shen-Zhi-Ai Formular (TSZAF) represents a Chinese medicine compound prescription utilized clinically for lung cancer treatment. This study combined three principal active ingredients from TSZAF into a novel TSZAF monomer combination (TSZAF mc) to investigate its anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms. TSZAF mc demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells, while inducing cellular apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, TSZAF mc substantially inhibited LLC cell growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TAZSF mc significantly suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and CXCL5 expression in lung cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, TAZSF mc notably reduced neutrophil infiltration in metastatic lesions. These findings indicate that TSZAF mc inhibits lung cancer growth and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and reducing CXCL5 secretion, thereby decreasing neutrophil recruitment and infiltration. TSZAF mc demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic agent for lung cancer metastasis.
Lung Neoplasms/genetics*
;
Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology*
;
Mice
;
Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neutrophil Infiltration/drug effects*
;
Down-Regulation/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
beta Catenin/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Male
;
Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects*
4.Effect of the Small Molecule Inhibitor of Kallikrein-Related Peptidase 7 Against Ovarian CancerA.
Hong-Juan SHI ; Wei LIU ; Li-Ling HU ; Xiao TAN
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(3):366-374
Objective To investigate the effect of the small molecule inhibitor C42 of kallikrein-related peptidase 7(KLK7)on ovarian cancer with elevated expression of KLK7 and evaluate the feasibility of C42 as a new therapeutic strategy for ovarian cancer.Methods The CCK-8 assay,flow cytometry,cell scratch assay,Transwell assay,and Western blotting were employed to assess the effects of C42 on the proliferation,migration,and invasion of the ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3,which was characterized by high KLK7 expression.Additionally,a subcutaneous xenograft model of ovarian cancer was established with SKOV3 cells in nude mice to evaluate the effects of C42 on the tumor growth and metastasis.The expression levels of proteins associated with tumor metastasis and invasion in the tumor tissue were examined by immunohistochemical techniques.Results The cellular experiment showed that C42 suppressed the proliferation,migration,and invasion(all P<0.001)of SKOV3 cells,compared with the control group.The animal experiment showed that compared with the control group,the 10.2 mg/kg C42 group exhibited a decreased tumor weight(P=0.009) and attenuated liver metastases.Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the 10.2 mg/kg C42 group demonstrated down-regulated expression of the tumor proliferation marker Ki-67(P=0.002)and the tumor metastasis and invasion-associated proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase-9(P=0.027)and Vimentin(P=0.039).Conclusion The small molecule inhibitor C42 of KLK7 effectively suppresses the proliferation,migration,and invasion of ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells.
Female
;
Humans
;
Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Kallikreins/antagonists & inhibitors*
;
Animals
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Mice, Nude
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Mice
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
5.Exogenous administration of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor improves erectile function in mice with bilateral cavernous nerve injury.
Minh Nhat VO ; Mi-Hye KWON ; Fang-Yuan LIU ; Fitri Rahma FRIDAYANA ; Yan HUANG ; Soon-Sun HONG ; Ju-Hee KANG ; Guo Nan YIN ; Ji-Kan RYU
Asian Journal of Andrology 2025;27(6):697-706
Prostate cancer is the second most common malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide. Radical prostatectomy (RP) is the standard treatment for localized prostate cancer, but the procedure often results in postoperative erectile dysfunction (ED). The poor efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors after surgery highlights the need to develop new therapies to enhance cavernous nerve regeneration and improve the erectile function of these patients. In the present study, we aimed to examine the potential of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) in preserving erectile function in cavernous nerve injury (CNI) mice. We found that HB-EGF expression was reduced significantly on the 1 st day after CNI in penile tissue. Ex vivo and in vitro studies showed that HB-EGF promotes major pelvic ganglion neurite sprouting and neuro-2a (N2a) cell migration. In vivo studies showed that exogenous HB-EGF treatment significantly restored the erectile function of CNI mice to 86.9% of sham levels. Immunofluorescence staining showed that mural and neuronal cells were preserved by inducing cell proliferation and reducing apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production. Western blot analysis showed that HB-EGF upregulated protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and neurotrophic factor expression. Overall, HB-EGF is a major promising therapeutic agent for treating ED in postoperative RP.
Animals
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Male
;
Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor/therapeutic use*
;
Erectile Dysfunction/etiology*
;
Mice
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Penis/drug effects*
;
Nerve Regeneration/drug effects*
;
Penile Erection/drug effects*
;
Peripheral Nerve Injuries/drug therapy*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Prostatectomy/adverse effects*
;
Mice, Inbred C57BL
;
Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism*
6.Investigation on the Role of Medical Recombinant Human-Derived Collagen Functional Dressings in Wound Healing.
Xiaoxiao GAI ; Xiaoxia SUN ; Wenqian MA ; Zhenhua LIN ; Xinyuan LI ; Chenghu LIU
Chinese Journal of Medical Instrumentation 2025;49(4):415-422
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the biological effect of medical recombinant human-derived collagen functional dressings in wound healing.
METHODS:
MTT assay and RTCA assay were used to detect cell toxicity and proliferation. Scratch assay and Transwell cell migration assay were used to detect cell motility and migration ability. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the contents of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (CD31) in the supernatant of four types of cells. After animal surgery, the surgical wound was taken at 1 week, 4 weeks and 13 weeks, respectively, for hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry to observe the inflammatory response and CD31 expression of the wound.
RESULTS:
Medical recombinant human-derived collagen functional dressing promotes cell proliferation and migration, enhances wound angiogenesis by upregulating the expression of VEGF, FGF, and CD31 in human dermal vascular endothelial cells (HDVEC) and human vascular endothelial cells (HVEC), thereby improving local blood supply to the wound, regulating the inflammatory response of the wound, and accelerating wound healing.
CONCLUSION
Recombinant type Ⅲ humanized collagen plays an important role in wound healing.
Humans
;
Wound Healing/drug effects*
;
Recombinant Proteins/pharmacology*
;
Animals
;
Cell Proliferation
;
Cell Movement
;
Collagen/pharmacology*
;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism*
;
Bandages
;
Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1/metabolism*
;
Endothelial Cells
;
Fibroblast Growth Factors/metabolism*
7.Cinobufacini Inhibits Survival and Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via c-Met Signaling Pathway.
Ya-Nan MA ; Xue-Mei JIANG ; Xi-Qi HU ; Ling WANG ; Jian-Jun GAO ; Hui LIU ; Fang-Hua QI ; Pei-Pei SONG ; Wei TANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(4):311-325
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the anti-tumor effects of cinobufacini (CINO) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by des-gamma-carboxy-prothrombin (DCP) and to uncover the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
The inhibitory effect of CINO on HCC cell proliferation was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 method, and the apoptosis rate was quantified using flow cytometry. Immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses were used to investigate the differential expression of proteins associated with cell growth, apoptosis, migration, and invasion pathways after CINO treatment. The therapeutic potential of CINO for HCC was confirmed, and the possibility of combining cinobufacini with c-Met inhibitor for the treatment of primary HCC was further validated by in vivo experiments.
RESULTS:
Under the induction of DCP, CINO inhibited the activity of HCC cells, induced apoptosis, and inhibited migration and invasion. Upon the induction of DCP, CINO regulated c-Met activation and the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways. In a mouse model of HCC, CINO exhibited significant antitumor effects by inhibiting the phosphorylation of c-Met and the downstream PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathways in tumor tissues.
CONCLUSIONS
CINO inhibited HCC cell growth, promoted apoptosis, and suppressed HCC cell invasion and migration by targeting c-Met and PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways under DCP induction.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met/metabolism*
;
Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Humans
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Amphibian Venoms/therapeutic use*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Neoplasm Metastasis
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism*
;
Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C
;
Mice, Nude
;
Mice
;
Male
;
Bufanolides/therapeutic use*
;
Protein Precursors
;
Prothrombin
;
Biomarkers
8.Chrysophanol Induces Cell Death and Inhibits Invasiveness through Alteration of Calcium Levels in HepG2 Human Liver Cancer Cells.
Shu-Chao CHEN ; Qiao-Wen CHEN ; Chih-Yuan KO
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(5):434-440
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effect of chrysophanol, a phytochemical derived from Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on HepG2 liver cancer cells.
METHODS:
HepG2 cell line was treated with different concentrations chrysophanol (0-100 μmol/L) for 24 h. The cell counting kit 8 assay was employed to assess cell viability. Intracellular calcium levels were examined using Fluo-4 AM and Mag-fluo-4 AM staining, followed by flow cytometry analysis. Mitochondrial membrane potential was measured with JC-1 assay kit. Additionally, the expressions of key proteins such as p-JNK, Bax, cytochrome c (Cyt C), cleaved caspase-3 (cCaspase-3), and caspase-8 were analyzed by Western blot. The inhibitory effects of chrysophanol on the invasion of cells were determined using a Transwell assay. Analysis of invasiveness was conducted by wound healing assay.
RESULTS:
Chrysophanol significantly reduced the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells by affecting intracellular calcium distribution, diminishing mitochondrial membrane potential, and enhancing the expressions of p-JNK, Bax, Cyt C, cCaspase-3, and caspase-8 in the groups treated with 75 or 100 μmol/L chrysophanol compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, 75 and 100 μmol/L chrysophanol exhibited inhibitory effects on cell migration and wound healing.
CONCLUSION
Chrysophanol demonstrates potential against HepG2 liver cancer cells, suggesting its potential use as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.
Humans
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Calcium/metabolism*
;
Hep G2 Cells
;
Liver Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects*
;
Anthraquinones/pharmacology*
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Death/drug effects*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
9.Dahuang Zhechong Pill Improves Pulmonary Fibrosis through miR-29b-2-5p/HK2 Mediated Glycolysis Pathway.
Xiao-Yan HE ; Jing-Tao LIANG ; Jing-Yi XIAO ; Xin LI ; Xiao-Bo ZHANG ; Da-Yi CHEN ; Li-Juan WU
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):600-612
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the preventive and therapeutic effects of Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP) on pulmonary fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms.
METHODS:
The first key rate-limiting enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2) of glycolysis was silenced and over-expressed through small interfering RNA and lentivirus using lung fibroblast MRC-5 cell line, respectively. The cell viability, migration, invasion and proliferation were detected by cell counting kit-8, wound healing assay, transwell assay, and flow cytometry. The mRNA and protein expression levels of HK2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. The contents of glucose, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and lactate in MRC-5 cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA). Then, the relationship between miR-29b-2-5p and HK2 was explored by luciferase reporter gene assay. Pulmonary fibrosis cell model was induced by transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β 1) in MRC-5 cells, and the medicated serum of DZP (DMS) was prepared in rats. MRC-5 cells were divided into control, TGF-β 1, TGF-β 1+10% DMS, TGF-β 1+10% DMS+miR-29b-2-5p inhibitor, TGF-β 1+10% DMS+inhibitor negative control, TGF-β 1+10% DMS+miR-29b-2-5p mimic and TGF-β 1+10% DMS+mimic negative control groups. After miR-29b-2-5p mimics and inhibitors were transfected into MRC-5 cells, all groups except control and model group were treated with DMS. The effect of DMS on MRC-5 cells were detected using aforementioned methods and immunofluorescence. Similarly, the contents of glucose, ATP and lactate in each group were measured by ELISA.
RESULTS:
The mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 in MRC-5 cells were successfully silenced and overexpressed through si-HK2-3 and lentiviral transfection, respectively. After silencing HK2, the mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the concentrations of glucose, ATP and lactate were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were significantly declined (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apoptosis of MRC-5 cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). After overexpressing HK2, the mRNA and protein expressions of HK2 were significantly increased (P<0.05), and the concentrations of glucose, ATP and lactate were also significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the apoptosis of MRC-5 cells was significantly decreased (P<0.05). The relative luciferase activity of 3'UTR-WT+hsa-miR-29b-2-5p transfected with HK2 was significantly decreased (P<0.01). After miR-29b-2-5p mimic and inhibitor were transfected into the MRC-5 cells, DMS intervention could significantly reduce the concentration of glucose, ATP and lactate, and the mRNA and proteins expressions of HK2, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The proliferation, migration and invasion of MRC-5 cells were alleviated (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and the deposition of fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen I were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01).
CONCLUSIONS
Glycolysis is closely related to pulmonary fibrosis. DZP reduced glycolysis and inhibited fibroblasts' excessive differentiation and abnormal collagen deposition through the miR-29b-2-5p/HK2 pathway, which played a role in delaying the process of pulmonary fibrosis.
MicroRNAs/genetics*
;
Glycolysis/genetics*
;
Animals
;
Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
;
Hexokinase/genetics*
;
Cell Line
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Rats
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
Male
;
Cell Survival/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
10.Tanshinone II A Facilitates Chemosensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells to Cisplatin via Activation of p38 MAPK Pathway.
Da-Ming XIE ; Zhi-Yun LI ; Bing-Kai REN ; Rui GONG ; Dong YANG ; Sheng HUANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(4):326-335
OBJECTIVE:
To examine the mechanism of action of tanshinone II A (Tan II A) in promoting chemosensitization of osteosarcoma cells to cisplatin (DDP).
METHODS:
The effects of different concentrations of Tan II A (0-80 µ mol/L) and DDP (0-2 µ mol/L) on the proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines (U2R, U2OS, 143B, and HOS) at different times were examined using the cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Migration and invasion of U2R and U2OS cells were detected after 24 h treatment with 30 µ mol/L Tan II A, 0.5 µ mol/L DDP alone, and a combination of 10 µ mol/L Tan II A and 0.25 µ mol/L DDP using the transwell assay. After 48 h of treatment of U2R and U2OS cells with predetermined concentrations of each group of drugs, the cell cycle was analyzed using a cell cycle detection kit and flow cytometry. After 48 h treatment, apoptosis of U2R and U2OS cells was detected using annexin V-FITC apoptosis detection kit and flow cytometry. U2R cells were inoculated into the unilateral axilla of nude mice and then the mice were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 nude mice each. The 4 groups were treated with equal volume of Tan II A (15 mg/kg), DDP (3 mg/kg), Tan II A (7.5 mg/kg) + DDP (1.5 mg/kg), and normal saline, respectively. The body weight of the nude mice was weighed, and the tumor volume and weight were measured. Cell-related gene and signaling pathway expression were detected by RNA sequencing and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis. p38 MAPK signaling pathway proteins and apoptotic protein expressions were detected by Western blot.
RESULTS:
In vitro studies have shown that Tan II A, DDP and the combination of Tan II A and DDP inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced in the Tan II A and DDP combined treatment group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Osteosarcoma cells underwent significantly cell-cycle arrest and cell apoptosis by Tan II A-DDP combination treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In vivo studies demonstrated that the Tan II A-DD combination treatment group significantly inhibited tumor growth compared to the Tan II A and DDP single drug group (P<0.01). Additionally, we found that the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment enhanced the p38 MAPK signaling pathway. Western blot assays showed higher p-p38, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax and lower caspase-3, and Bcl-2 expressions with the combination of Tan II A and DDP treatment compared to the single drug treatment (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
Tan II A synergizes with DDP by activating the p38/MAPK pathway to upregulate cleaved caspase-3 and Bax pro-apoptotic gene expressions, and downregulate caspase-3 and Bcl-2 inhibitory apoptotic gene expressions, thereby enhancing the chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to DDP.
Abietanes/therapeutic use*
;
Osteosarcoma/enzymology*
;
Cisplatin/therapeutic use*
;
Humans
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Animals
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mice, Nude
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Cell Movement/drug effects*
;
p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*
;
MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects*
;
Bone Neoplasms/enzymology*
;
Cell Cycle/drug effects*
;
Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
;
Mice
;
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects*
;
Neoplasm Invasiveness
;
Mice, Inbred BALB C

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