Background and purpose:Colorectal cancer(CRC)is one of the major malignant tumors threatening human health worldwide,with long-term high incidence and mortality rate.Potassium channel modulatory factor 1(KCMF1)is a member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase family.It binds to target proteins through the RING domain and participates in the regulation of a variety of biological processes in vivo.However,the function of KCMF1 in CRC remains unclear.This study aimed to investigate the expression level of E3 ubiquitin ligase KCMF1 in colorectal tumor,and to explore the effects of KCMF1 on the proliferation of CRC cells and its underlying molecular mechanism.Methods:The The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx)databases were used to analyze the expression level of KCMF1 in CRC tissues and adjacent tissues and the association between the KCMF1 expression and the prognosis of CRC patients.Furthermore,immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the protein level of KCMF1 in 90 paired human CRC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues.Lentiviral shRNA delivery system was employed to specifically target the KCMF1 gene(shKCMF1)in HCT116 and HCT15 CRC cell lines.The effects of KCMF1 knockdown on cell proliferation,apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were assessed by methyl thiazoyl terazolium(MTT)assay,colony formation assay,Western blot and flow cytometry.Changes in the transcriptional profile in HCT116 cells upon KCMF1 knockdown were identified by RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq),and the affected signaling pathways were evaluated by bioinformatics analysis.Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RTFQ-PCR),Western blot,luciferase reporter assay and cell immunofluorescence assay were utilized to validate the alteration of the affected signaling pathway.Results:The TCGA and GTEx databases and IHC results showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of KCMF1 in CRC tissues were significantly upregulated compared with adjacent tissues(P＜0.01).KCMF1 expression level was negatively correlated with the survival time of patients with CRC(P＜0.01),and was positively associated with CRC clinical stage(P＜0.05).Compared with control cells,KCMF1 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation of HCT116 and HCT15 cells(P＜0.001),induced cell apoptosis(P＜0.001),and led to cell cycle arrest in G1 phase(P＜0.01).RNA-Seq analysis showed that KCMF1 was involved in the regulation of several signaling pathways,including nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway.KCMF1 knockdown reduced the transcription levels of the target genes of NF-κB signaling pathway,including BCL-XL,XIAP and CIAP(P＜0.05),and suppressed the expression of phosphorylated p65 and nuclear translocation of p65(P＜0.01).Meanwhile,the activity of NF-κB reporter was reduced in tumor cells upon KCMF1 knockdown(P＜0.01).Conclusion:The expression of KCMF1 is significantly upregulated in human CRC tissues and positively associated with advanced clinical stage and poor prognosis.KCMF1 may promote the proliferation of CRC cells by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway.KCMF1 may be a potential new therapeutic target for CRC.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Objective This study explored the effects of Epimedium koreanum Nakai(EK)on liver function in normal,kidney yang deficiency(KYANGDS),and kidney yin deficiency(KYINDS)rats based on the theory of"You Gu Wu Yun."The study also investigated the connection between EK-induced liver injury and symptoms.Methods Seventy-two male SD rats were divided into normal,KYANGDS,and KYINDS groups using the random number table method.The KYANGDS model was established through intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg of hydrocortisone,whereas the KYINDS model was established through daily gavage of 160 mg/kg of thyroid tablet suspension for 14 consecutive days.After successful modeling,the rats were divided into the normal,EK low-dose,EK high-dose,KYANGDS,KYANGDS+EK low-dose,KYANGDS+EK high-dose,KYINDS,KYINDS+EK low-dose,and KYINDS+EK high-dose groups using the random number table method.Animals in the drug groups were administered low(0.26 g/kg)and high(0.77 g/kg)EK extract doses through continuous gavage.The other groups received drinking water once a day for 28 consecutive days.Changes in body mass were monitored during the administration period,and serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP),alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate transaminase(AST),direct bilirubin,indirect bilirubin(IBil),and total bilirubin(TBil)were measured at the end of administration using biochemical analyzers.The liver weight,visceral body ratio,and visceral brain ratio were measured.Hematoxylin and eosin staining were performed to observe the pathological changes in the liver.Results Compared with the normal group,the EK high-dose group showed a decrease in body weight on the 21st day during the drug administration period and an increase in IBil(P<0.05);the KYANGDS group had lower body weight at each measurement time point from the third to the 28th day,higher ALP,and lower liver weight(P<0.05).Compared with the KYANGDS group,the KYANGDS+EK high-dose group had decreased ALP levels(P<0.05).The pathological damage of liver tissue in each KYANGDS administration group improved,the presence of fat vacuoles were reduced,and pathological scores show a decreasing trend.Compared with the KYINDS group,KYINDS+EK high-dose group exhibited a higher IBil level and a lower visceral brain ratio(P<0.05).Conclusion EK has a small effect on the liver function of rats with KYANGDS within the dose range;however,it has a specific hepatogenic impact on normal and KYINDS rats,and EK-induced liver injury and the symptoms may be associated with each other.

Methcathinone (MCAT) belongs to the designer drugs called synthetic cathinones, which are abused worldwide for recreational purposes. It has strong stimulant effects, including enhanced euphoria, sensation, alertness, and empathy. However, little is known about how MCAT modulates neuronal activity in vivo. Here, we evaluated the effect of MCAT on neuronal activity with a series of functional approaches. C-Fos immunostaining showed that MCAT increased the number of activated neurons by 6-fold, especially in sensory and motor cortices, striatum, and midbrain motor nuclei. In vivo single-unit recording and two-photon Ca²⁺ imaging revealed that a large proportion of neurons increased spiking activity upon MCAT administration. Notably, MCAT induced a strong de-correlation of population activity and increased trial-to-trial reliability, specifically during a natural movie stimulus. It improved the information-processing efficiency by enhancing the single-neuron coding capacity, suggesting a cortical network mechanism of the enhanced perception produced by psychoactive stimulants.
Mice ; Animals ; Reproducibility of Results ; Neurons ; Sensation ; Perception